by Molly Jebber
Later today, she’d be Mrs. Joel Wenger. She’d have a haus with Joel where she would invite her and Joel’s families to enjoy her meals and goodies. She was glad both families lived close.
She beamed. Naomi had insisted she make Ellie’s dress. Her steady handiwork showed in the perfect stitches. She had imagined this day since meeting Joel. Her friends and family would witness them promising to love each other until God took them to Heaven. She was thankful all the planning over the last months leading up to this day had gone smooth. Women had volunteered to make food and do whatever was needed.
She’d learned more about Joel in the counseling sessions with the bishop. He wanted her input on financial decisions, and they agreed on most everything. He hinted he didn’t want her to work, but he backed off when she said how much the bakery meant to her. He cared about her opinions and wanted her to be happy.
Peter came in and hugged her legs. “I’m going to miss you. Why can’t Joel live here with us? Then you wouldn’t have to move into your new haus.”
“I’ll be close. You can kumme over anytime.”
“It’s too far for me to walk.” Peter pouted and crossed his arms.
“Liza or Daed will bring you, or I’ll kumme and get you.”
“Promise?”
“Jah, I promise.” She sat on the bed, and he climbed up and scooted close to her. “Snuggles and Cinnamon will miss you. You’ll have to visit them, or they’ll be upset.”
“Of course I’ll visit them.”
Peter got down and clasped her hand. “Mamm told me to fetch you for a special breakfast. Kumme on, before I get in trouble.” He gave her a mischievous grin.
Liza and Jacob stood at the stove.
“How’s the bride this morning?” Jacob circled his arm around her shoulders.
“I can’t believe I’m getting married today. It doesn’t seem real.” Ellie leaned her head on Daed’s shoulder.
Liza flipped a pancake in the skillet. “I’m making your favorite for breakfast. Pancakes.” Her voice was weak and her eyes pooled with tears. She slid the pancakes on a plate and set it in front of Ellie’s chair. “I’m thrilled for you, but I will miss having you with us each day.”
Ellie slid into her seat and put maple syrup on her pancake. “I will miss living in this haus, but I’ll be close by. Just a short buggy ride away. Danki again for the land to build our home and enough acreage to grow our crops and room to construct whatever else we choose.”
Liza kissed Ellie’s forehead. “Giving you the land benefits us. We’re guaranteeing we’ll see you more often. And there’s more land here than we’ll ever need. Maybe Peter will get married when he’s ready and build near us.”
Peter blushed. “I’m going to marry Charity when we grow up. She’s pretty.”
Ellie covered her mouth to hide her grin. “She’s a good choice, Peter.”
Liza and Daed’s mouths were open and their eyes wide.
Knock. Knock.
Peter slid off his chair. “I’ll get the door.” He led Magdelena and Charity into the kitchen.
Ellie took her last bite of pancake, wiped her mouth, and stood. “Good morning.”
“Good morning to all of you.” Magdelena held a package. “We stopped by for just a few minutes. I wanted to give you your present.”
Charity didn’t take her eyes off Peter, and he stood next to her, grinning.
Ellie untied the twine and peeled back the paper. “I love this apron. I always need one, the way I go through them at the bakery. Danki.”
Liza sat at the table across from Jacob. “Magdelena, Ellie has told me what a good job you’re doing at the bakery.”
“I love working with Ellie and Hannah, and I have enjoyed learning how to bake from them. Danki for the opportunity.”
“We’re thankful you’re with us. I’ve liked getting better acquainted. Hannah has said the same.”
“We should get going. I’m sure you have a lot on your mind today. We’ll see you at the wedding. Kumme along, Charity.”
Peter waved. “Good-bye, Charity.”
Charity blushed and waved her pudgy little fingers at him.
Ellie walked them out. “Danki for kumming.” She watched them until they got in their buggy.
Jacob joined her. “I’ve moved out most of the furniture. Benches are in the front room. Tables are set up in the guest room for food. We’re ready for your big day.”
Hannah and Esther arrived, carrying baskets with dishes full of food.
Hannah hugged Ellie. “Let’s go to your room. I’ll brush out your hair and wind it in a bun for you.”
Esther kissed her cheek. “I’m ecstatic for you and Joel.” She went to the kitchen.
Hannah had a present tucked under her arm. “This is for you.”
Ellie sat on the bed and opened it. “Hannah! This must’ve taken you hours to make. I love this afghan. Danki.”
“I had fun making it. Something to keep you warm.” Hannah brushed Ellie’s blond tresses, then pinned her hair in a bun. “There you go. You look lovely.”
“Help me with my dress.”
Hannah put the dress over Ellie’s head and pinned it together. She put her kapp on her head. “You’re ready.” She cracked the door open. “The bishop and Joel have arrived. The chatter tells me townsfolk are kumming in. Are you nervous?”
“A little.”
“You’ll do fine. I’m glad you said your premarital counseling meetings with the bishop went well. You and Joel agree on all the important issues. Finances, kinner, and the rest.”
“I had been apprehensive about the meetings with the bishop, but it turned out Joel and I looked forward to them. The bishop is a wise and smart man. We’re blessed to have him.”
Ellie and Hannah joined the others.
The bishop gestured to her. “You and Joel kumme with me a moment.”
She and Joel smiled at each other and went with the bishop.
“Are you both ready to make this commitment?”
They nodded.
“We’ve had our meetings, and I’ve been pleased and comfortable with your responses. You both have convinced me you’re meant to marry. I’m fond of you both.” He said a prayer, and they walked out together.
Joel leaned close to her ear. “I love you, Ellie Graber.”
“I love you, Joel. Soon you’ll be saying Wenger instead of Graber.” She scanned the room and waved to her friends. “Hannah and Timothy are chatting. She’s laughing. What’s your opinion? Will their friendship grow into something more?”
“He does give Hannah the most attention. And he’s toned down his flirting with other eligible women. Maybe he’s ready to get serious with someone finally.”
Ellie sniffed the air and peeked in the guest room. “Look at all this food. It’s quite a feast. The women have outdone themselves.”
Joel’s eyes widened. “The women have been generous.” He faced her. “Ellie, I do promise to love you always. I’m not perfect, and I’m sure I’ll get on your nerves once in a while, but I’ll work at being a good husband.”
“I have no doubt you will. The same goes for me.” She grinned. “I may burn your food or chatter too much at times, but I’ll work at being a good fraa.”
The bishop raised his hand. “Everyone, please take your seats. It’s time for the service to begin.”
Ellie took her place between Hannah and Liza. She listened to the bishop’s message on being kind to your enemies. She glanced over her shoulder and nodded to Maryann, holding Betsy. Maryann was truthful when asked where she’d lived. The gossips would spread rumors about her. She should’ve warned Maryann not to speak about her past. She loved Maryann. They’d gotten close. It was nice to have a schweschder. She’d defend her anytime she got the chance.
The bishop lifted his Ausbund. “Turn to page five.”
Ellie sang the hymn by heart. This would be her last service as a single woman. Liza kept a tidy haus, cooked, cleaned, and kept things in orde
r. She was a good mamm and gave them her attention whenever they needed her. She hoped to do the same with Joel.
The bishop closed the book and prayed. He opened his eyes. “Ellie and Joel, please join me and face each other.”
Her heart pounded in her chest. She met Joel’s gaze. His smile calmed her. She loved him even more for it. He knew what to say and what to do when it came to putting her mind at ease.
They said their vows and turned to face the crowd.
“I now pronounce Ellie and Joel Wenger husband and fraa. Let us pray for the food we are about to eat.” The bishop said a prayer for the meal. “Let’s eat!”
The crowd headed for the food tables set up in the guest room. Ellie looked around. “It’s a good thing Daed and the men moved the furniture out of here. We needed every inch of space.”
“This haus has larger rooms than most. Perfect for accommodating our guests. Your daed did build a fire outside, but it’s still too cold to sit out there for very long.”
“You did a wonderful job on our haus.”
“I have a surprise for you there.”
“I can’t wait to find out what you have for me.”
“You’ll love it.”
She filled her plate. “After we’re finished, I have something for you.”
“Take the present with us, when we go to our home. We’ll give our gifts to each other in private.” Joel held her gaze. “Mrs. Ellie Wenger.”
Naomi hugged Ellie and gave her a white afghan. “I love you, Ellie. I couldn’t ask for a better dochder-in-law. These last few months getting to know you have been wonderful. I’m sorry for being difficult when we first met.”
“I’ve loved our talks, and I’m blessed to have you for a mudder-in-law.” She circled her arm around Maryann. “I’ve gained a schweschder, and what a blessing you’ve been in my life, Maryann. And little Betsy too.” She put her forefinger in Betsy’s dainty hand.
Maryann wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hand. “Your kindness and acceptance of me has been generous. I’m thankful for you, Ellie.”
Joel pointed to the chairs Liza dragged over in front of the crowd. “Your mamm wants us to sit and open our gifts.”
Ellie and Joel sat together. She unwrapped her parents’ presents and held them up. “These towels and the plates, bowls, and utensils are perfect. Danki.”
They finished opening the rest of their gifts.
Ellie said, “Everyone has made such special gifts. I’m going to treasure each one of them. Danki to you all.” She whispered to Joel, “Look at Peter and Charity.”
“He’s found a puzzle to share with her, and he’s teaching her where the pieces go. Before you know it, they’ll grow up and we’ll be attending their wedding.” He chuckled.
* * *
Hours later, Joel had taken one wagonload of presents to the haus and unloaded them. He returned to pick up Ellie and the rest of the gifts. “Ready, my love?”
“Ready.” She hugged each of her family and left with him.
He took her home and put the presents in the guest room. He opened the door to their room. “Here’s your surprise.”
“I love the bedroom furniture. Did you make it?” She loved the long maple dresser, headboard, and side tables.
“I did.”
“How did you have time?”
“Your daed and Timothy helped me.”
“I have something for you.” She handed him the present she’d carried in. “Open it.”
He tore through the wrapping and unfolded the quilt. “Is this the one you received in Massillon from Becca Carrington?”
“She suggested I save it and tuck a note in the pocket to you.”
He removed the note.
Dear Joel,
From the time we met to this day, we’ve weathered some storms and had a lot of turmoil mixed in with our happier days, proving we can get through our tough times together. I look forward to our future, and I promise to love, honor, and trust you all the days of my life.
Love, Ellie
He kissed her and held her close. “I’ll treasure your note.” He spread the quilt on their bed. “It fits and looks good.”
“I like it.”
He picked her up and twirled her around. “Ellie Wenger, you’ve made me the happiest man by becoming my fraa!”
Ellie laughed. “God worked a miracle in your mamm’s heart, and God brought Maryann home and gave me you. I couldn’t be more thrilled!”
OATMEAL COOKIES
1¼ cups of butter
1¼ cups of brown sugar
2 eggs
1¾ cups of flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
¾ cup of sugar
¾ teaspoon of vanilla
¼ teaspoon of salt
2¾ cups of regular oats
Cream butter and sugar. Add and mix in the rest of the ingredients. Roll into balls. Flatten balls a little. Sprinkle unbaked cookies with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 8–10 minutes.
Pennsylvania Dutch/German to English Glossary
boppli baby
bruder brother
daed dad, father
danki thank you
dochder daughter
Englischer non-Amish
fraa wife
grossdaadi grandfather
grossmudder grandmother
haus house
jah yes
kapp hair covering for Amish women
kinner children
kumme come
mamm mother
nah no
schweschder sister
wilkom welcome
