Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Author:Charlotte Hubbard [Hubbard, Charlotte]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zebra Books
Published: 2022-12-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

As Lester walked over for the bulk store’s grand opening on Saturday morning, he was delighted to see several cars in the parking lot and a number of customers entering the front door. It was satisfying to know that he’d played a vital part in getting Dale’s store ready for this big day. Several of his Promise Lodge friends would be present to help during this special event—and Lester had agreed to direct folks to the extra parking area over by Helmuth Nursery, if need be. First, though, he wanted to see how things were going inside.

“Preacher Marlin, you’ve quite a selection of your products here,” Lester remarked, gesturing at the various styles of rain barrels and oversized planters made of half barrels. When an English fellow approached from the parking lot, he smiled, gesturing toward his friend.

“We’re glad you’ve come today!” Lester said. “This fellow, Marlin Kurtz, makes these rain barrels and this lawn furniture in his factory right next door. It’s gut to shop locally, ain’t so?”

The man smiled—perhaps at Lester’s Amish turn of phrase. “My family’s happy to see a bulk store and mercantile-style shop opening here on the county highway,” he remarked. “I’ve already got my eye on one of these barrels with a potting table and water pump attached.”

Nodding, Lester left Marlin and his customer to do their business. Dale also had birdhouses and other garden décor arranged along the front of his building, beneath the overhang that would protect the items from the weather. As Lester entered the store, the noise level told him that several folks were browsing—and buying. The smile on Dale’s face as he ran the cash register indicated that the day was already a big success.

“How about a taste of peach pie?” Phoebe asked as customers came near the small table where she and Irene were standing. “We bake our Promise Lodge Pies right next door! Can’t get them any fresher than that.”

Lester waved at the ladies. Folks were tasting the bite-sized samples as fast as Irene could cut them—and several were taking fresh pies from the display. A little farther into the grocery section, by the refrigerated cases, Ruby and Beulah were also a popular pair as they offered toothpicks with chunks of their cheese. Rosetta, as well, stood beside a display of her handmade goat milk soaps, happy to talk with ladies who picked up her round and rectangular bars to inhale their fragrances.

When he spotted Marlene, Lester stepped out of the main flow of traffic to observe her before she caught him at it. As he’d foreseen, she moved with graceful efficiency along the crowded aisles to guide an English couple toward the item they’d asked about.

Lester realized that she was head and shoulders taller than the women around her, and as she walked farther down the aisle, he felt his pulse thrumming. Dale had mentioned that Marlene had spent all day Friday with him, learning the store’s inventory, and how he wanted her to help with restocking and customer questions.

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