While Tulip backed the horse into the harness, she said, “So, we just wait and see how things unfold?”
“I guess that’s what we do.” When the horse was hitched to the buggy, Rose patted him on his neck. “I said I’d go back and see him tomorrow.”
“Do you want me to go too? That way, if he has visitors besides you, I can talk to them while you talk with Mark.”
“Denke. That’s a gut idea.”
* * *
When Rose and Tulip got to the small supermarket that sold the daily newspapers, they saw that the news about the farmers market had made the front page. Tulip grabbed the paper and scanned the article while Rose looked for Mark’s name over Tulip’s shoulder.
“It says here a local Amish man, Mark Schumacher, pulled people from the rubble and took charge until the paramedics arrived.”
“That’s pretty much how it happened,” Rose said.
Tulip took the paper to the counter to pay for it and then they headed back to the buggy. “Rose, if you want Mark, I think you have to move fast because women would want a man like Mark—a man who would put others before himself and risk his life to help others. There’s something very attractive about a man who would do that.”
Rose could barely speak and she hoped she hadn’t left things too long. She’d only just realized how she felt, and now she would have to compete with other women for his attention. A year ago, no one gave him a second look or a second thought, including her.
“Well, what do you think?” Tulip asked as they both climbed into the buggy.
“You’re right. I don’t know what to do. I’ve got to sort my feelings out first.”
“I think you know your feelings and you don’t want to admit them to yourself.”Tulip moved the horse forward.
“That doesn’t make much sense.”
“It does. It makes perfect sense. You’ve always been in love with Mark and you didn’t know it. You expected love to be something else.”
Tulip was right in a sense. Rose thought back to Jacob. He was tall and handsome and had a dazzling smile and he’d said all the right things, but it was deep inside a man that mattered. Jacob wasn’t half the man Mark was. She knew that if she married Mark he would always put her first and look after her.
“Why have you gone quiet, Rose?”
“I’m thinking about Jacob and how he made my heart pound. The first time I saw him I was sure we would be married.”
“It wasn’t real, though. He’s more handsome than Mark and probably more handsome than most men, but he’s too in love with himself to ever be in love with a woman. That’s what I reckon. You can easily do without Jacob, but can you do without Mark in your life?”
“I’ve really missed him over this past year. I always thought of him as a friend until he wasn’t there.”
“And that’s when you started to think of him as something else?”
Rose covered her face with her hands. “I’m so confused.”
“There’s nothing confusing about it. Either you love him, or you don’t. And if you don’t, you must release him from your heart and your mind, so some other woman can have him and make him happy.”
Rose was a little embarrassed to admit to her sister that she loved Mark because if she said it out loud she would feel bad about not realizing it earlier. “I wonder what Dat will say when he sees the thing about Mark in the paper?”
“He’ll be pleased, of course.”
When they got home, their mother told Rose that Mrs. Walker had stopped by to let Rose know that, along with other stallholders, they’d set up shop down the road from the markets. Rose was selfishly disappointed because it meant she wouldn’t be free to visit Mark.
“I can work on the stall instead of you for a few days if you like, Rose.”
“Would you?”
Tulip nodded. “I don’t mind at all.”
Rose looked back at her mother. “When are they going to start?”
“The day after tomorrow.”
“Perfect. I’ll walk over and talk to Mrs. Walker now and tell her that Tulip will do a couple of days for me.” Rose knew she wouldn’t mind. Tulip often filled in for her at the flower stall.
The next day, Tulip and Rose walked into Mark’s hospital room at the start of visiting hours, and to Rose’s delight, they were the only visitors.
Mark turned to look at them and smiled as they walked over. “I’ve got two visitors today. I can’t pull any chairs closer for you. They tell me I can’t walk just yet.”
“It looks like it’ll be some time before you can,” Tulip said while Rose pulled the two chairs by the wall close to his bed.
“It’s not a bad break. The doctor just wanted to keep me in here because of the concussion. I feel fine. What’s going on with you two?”
They sat down and Rose was the one who answered, “Tomorrow the Walkers are setting up a stall for their flowers not far from the markets with a few stallholders. Are your parents doing the same?”
“I’m not certain. Our generator was destroyed and now we’re borrowing one and setting up somewhere. My folks didn’t say where.”
“It’s a shame about the generator being destroyed. One that size would cost a lot of money.”
“It did.”
While Rose listened to Mark talk, she was pleased that there was no sign of Becky or Lucy. “Have you been getting many visitors?”
“Quite a few. The bishop and his wife came yesterday afternoon along with a couple of my brothers.”
“Tulip is looking after the stall for me, so I can come back and see you tomorrow.”
“That’s very nice of you, Tulip. Denke.”
“I know how worried Rose has been about you.”
Mark smiled at Rose. “I’m fine, Rosie, you don’t need to worry.”
“I know, but it’s hard to see you in the hospital like this, so helpless.”
His lips turn down at the corners. “I’m not that helpless. They showed me how to walk on the crutches this morning. A broken leg won’t hold me back too much. It could’ve been worse.”
“Don’t talk about it,” Rose said. “It was very dangerous, you going back into the building like that.”
“If I remember correctly, I was out of the building when something fell on me.”
Tulip stood. “I’m going to get a soda. Can I bring you back anything, Mark? Tea or coffee?”
“I’d love a strong coffee.”
“Coming up. And you, Rose?”
“Nothing for me, denke.” Tulip walked out of the room and Rose was pleased to be alone with Mark—alone apart from the three other patients in the room. None of them were listening. One had his earphones in again, one was reading a book, and the other was asleep.
“I’ll be out of here tomorrow or the next day. Most likely tomorrow.”
“That’s good. They seem to be looking after you in here.”
“Yeah, they are, but I’d much rather be at home. Denke for coming to see me again. I was hoping you would.”
Heat rose to her cheeks. She’d never been embarrassed or shy in front of him before. Now things were different. Now that Tulip was out of the room and she was alone with him, she desperately wanted him to know that she liked him. He wasn’t joking about marrying her like he used to when they’d worked side-by-side at the markets. “What about your job? Will you still be able to make the buggies with a broken leg?”
“I’ll be able to do some parts of my job. I’ll work around things somehow.”
“That’s good.” When Rose heard loud voices in the corridor, she recognized them as belonging to the two girls who had visited him the other day. Her heart sank. “It sounds like you have some more visitors heading your way.”
“Jah, their voices are unmistakable, aren’t they?”
“I’ll leave you alone with them and find Tulip.”
“Will you come back?”
“Jah, we’ll have to come back to give you your coffee.”
“Th
at’s right. I’ll see you soon, then.” As she was about to leave, he lunged forward and grabbed her hand. Then he whispered, “Don’t leave me alone with them for too long.”
Rose giggled. “I won’t. We’ll be back soon.”
That confirmed to Rose that he didn’t like either of them. He still liked her, she was sure of it. He let go of her hand when the two girls walked through the door.
“Rose, you’re here again!” Lucy walked through the door, followed closely by Becky.
“I am. I’m just leaving.”
“Bye, Rose,” Becky said as Rose walked past them.
It didn’t sit well with Rose that they were visiting Mark again. She tried her best not to let it bother her. Just as she was walking into the café, Mark’s doctor was walking out carrying a take-out drink container.
“Ah, Mark’s fiancée again.”
Rose gave a small giggle. “Yes, it’s me again.”
“You’ll be happy to know he might be coming home to you tomorrow. I’ll be here around six in the morning doing my rounds, and if all’s good he can go home.”
“Thank you, Doctor. I’m so happy he’ll be home soon.”
He smiled and gave her a nod and kept walking. Rose found Tulip at the counter paying for the coffee and the soda.
Tulip saw Rose as she walked away from the counter. “What are you doing here?”
“We might as well sit down for a few minutes because Mark has visitors.”
Tulip raised his take out coffee. “The coffee will get cold.”
“It’ll stay hot for ages in that container.”
The two girls sat down at one of the tables. “Who’s visiting him?”
“Three guesses.”
“I’d reckon I would only need two. Becky and Lucy.”
“That’s right. We heard them coming and he asked me not to leave him alone with them for too long.”
Tulip raised her eyebrows. “That’s good. That means he doesn’t like them and he likes you.” Tulip sucked on her straw while still keeping her eyes fixed on Rose.
“Do you think so?”
“It’s pretty obvious if you ask me.”
Rose sighed. “I wish I knew for certain.”
“Ask him.”
Rose gasped. “I couldn’t.”
Tulip shrugged. “There are many instances in the bible where women did bold things regarding men. It worked for them. Anyway, so much for our plan of me talking with them. It might work if we head back now.”
“Nee, just stay here.”
While Tulip continued encouraging Rose to be more forthright with Mark, Rose considered that maybe her sister could be right. In the past, Mark had revealed how he’d felt, so maybe the time had come for her to do the same. Especially now that she had competition. If she didn’t do something now, it might be too late. She wasn’t an expert on love. All she knew was that her days were much better and happier with Mark in them.
“We should go now and take him his coffee,” Tulip said when she finished her soda.
“I hope they’ve gone by now.” Rose stood and pushed her chair under the table.
“If they haven’t, we will just give him his coffee and then leave. Or did you want to stay? It’s up to you.”
“I think we’ll just give him the coffee and then go. It’ll be too awkward to stay around there with them there.”
“I agree.”
When they got back to Mark’s hospital room, the two girls had made themselves comfortable. They looked like they’d be there until the visiting hours were over. After Tulip had handed Mark the coffee, Mark shot Rose a pleading look that said, ‘save me.’ Rose had to stifle a giggle. At that moment, she knew for certain that he liked her and no one else.
Chapter 23
The next day, Rose entered the hospital alone and hurried to room 209. Today was the day that the doctor had said Mark might be released.
Rose poked her head around the doorway of Mark’s room and saw him sitting up in bed, looking brighter.
“There you are,” Mark said.
She walked to his bedside and then sat close to him on the bed. “Jah, here I am.”
“You don’t have to come here every day, Rosie.”
“Of course, I do. Tulip’s looking after the stall today and everything’s just fine. Are you getting out today?”
“Before I answer that, do you have any idea where my fiancée is?”
Rose frowned at him. “What do you mean?”
“My doctor keeps talking to me about my fiancée. Tell your fiancée this, tell her that, this is something your fiancée needs to know. I’m just wondering where she is, that’s all.” He dipped his head when Rose giggled. “Have you seen her?”
“I told him we were engaged the first day you were here. I’ve run into him two more times and he thinks I’m your fiancée.”
“Oh, it’s you?”
Rose nodded. She figured she’d made him wait long enough. He’d always been honest and held nothing back. She took hold of his hand. “Mark, do you still want to marry me like you used to?”
“I’ve always wanted to marry you, Rosie, always. That’s something that’ll never change as long as the sun keeps coming up every morning and sets every evening.”
Peace swept over Rose and she knew in her heart that this man would never fail her or let her down in any way. She didn’t want to go on without him in her life. It had taken her some time, and certainly more time than her parents were happy about, to find the perfect man for her. “Will you marry me, Mark?”
He smiled and stared at her for some time before he spoke. “Are you serious right now, Rosie? Don’t joke with me about something like this.”
“I’ve never been more serious.” She leaned forward and placed her lips softly on his, knowing she was kissing her husband—the one who had been made just for her. She pulled back.
“We’re getting married, then, it seems.”
Rose smiled at him and all was right with her world. “I’m glad.”
“As soon as we possibly can?” he asked.
“Jah, very soon.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Rosie. That’s all. I don’t know why it took you so long to see that I was the man for you.”
“It probably shouldn’t have taken me so long, but it did.”
“None of that matters now that we’re together. This is the happiest day of my life.”
When she saw him blinking back tears, she laughed and fought back tears of her own. “Don’t you cry, or I’ll cry and I won’t be able to stop.”
“Cry? I never cry. Well, maybe just a little every time someone accepts my marriage proposal.”
Rose laughed. “Exactly how many marriage proposals have you given out?”
“Only ever the one. And I was right. I knew if I waited for you long enough you’d marry me.” He squeezed her hand.
Rose held his hand tightly while she thought back to over a year ago. He’d always said there was never anybody else for him. It didn’t matter now that he wasn’t tall and handsome. He was Mark, and that was all she needed. Contentment and peace flooded her heart.
* * *
Three months later…
* * *
Mrs. Nancy Yoder leaned against the wall of her house. This was the first wedding that had taken place at her home. She looked over at Mark and Rose as they talked to one another at their wedding table in the yard. Her oldest daughter was finally married, and if it hadn’t been for her pushing Rose, it might never have happened.
Mark had been an excellent choice of a husband for her daughter. She wondered why she hadn’t seen sooner how Mark was the one.
Nancy sighed. She was tired. She had just, with the help of five other women, served over three hundred people for the wedding breakfast.
It had been an exhausting eighteen months trying to get Rose married off. Firstly encouraging her, goading her, giving her ultimatums, and then leaving her alone. Now, her oldest daughter was finally marr
ied and she’d found someone who didn’t mind that she was so tall and gangly.
Her sons, Peter and Trevor, were married, along with Rose, so that left only Tulip, and then the twins, Daisy and Lily. She was halfway there; three children were married and three were left. With Tulip about to turn twenty, there was no time to waste. She looked around amongst the food tables set up in the yard, searching for Tulip. She finally saw her at the far end of the yard talking with three young men who appeared very interested in what she had to say.
“Ah, that looks like a fine start. I’ll wander over there and find out who they are.” She was pretty certain one was from their community, and the other two were visiting. In her ideal world, her daughters wouldn’t go far from home when they married. If she managed things just so, she would see to it that what she wanted came to pass.
When she heard a squeal and raucous laughter, she looked and saw the twins playing with children. Nancy shook her head. A trip to the bishop might be required for those two. Out of her four daughters, Tulip was her smart one, Rose was the soft and gentle one, and the twins—the twins seemed to be a lost cause. As Nancy walked over to Tulip, to find out more about the young men she was speaking with, Nancy shook her head about the twins—they were a puzzle for later.
Thank you for reading Amish Rose. I do hope you enjoyed it.
Samantha Price
If you would like to continue reading the series, it is more economical to buy the boxed sets.
Amish Love Blooms series Boxed Set 1.
(Includes Amish Rose, Amish Tulip, and Amish Daisy)
Amish Love Blooms series Boxed Set 2.
Includes Amish Lily, Amish Violet and Amish Willow.
If you prefer to continue reading singly, the next book in the series is:
Book 2 Amish Tulip
Now Rose has married, Nancy Yoder turns her attention to Tulip. Will Nancy need to be so forceful with finding Tulip a husband? After all, Tulip is her smart daughter.
Amish Rose Page 15
