Amish Joy (The Amish Bonnet Sisters Book 4)

by Samantha Price

  The meat was cooking in the oven and soon they’d have to peel the vegetables.

  Chapter 5

  As usual when Isaac was coming to dinner, Joy did most of the cooking. She wanted him to know what a good cook she was, so he knew that when they got married he would not go short of a good meal. He liked his food and because he was a little heavier than most men, he had thought that she wouldn’t be attracted to him. She had managed to let him know that, in her eyes, he was perfect, which truly was the case. She’d never met anybody that she’d gotten along with better than Isaac. He was the man she wanted to marry—when she was ready.

  When Joy let Isaac in the front door, the first thing he noticed were the flowers.

  “Roses?”

  Still at the doorway, Joy turned to glance at the flowers and then she looked back at him. “That’s right.” She leaned close and whispered, “It seems Florence has a secret admirer.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Florence?”

  She nodded.

  “Really?”

  “It’s true.”

  “Do you know who it is?”

  “I don’t, but he’s someone with good taste judging by the flowers he sent.” She watched him carefully while he stared at the flowers, hoping he’d realize that she’d liked to be surprised once in a while. It didn’t have to be with anything expensive. Joy would’ve been happy with flowers picked from someone’s garden. At least it would show he’d been thinking about her—caring about making her happy.

  Then he smiled at her and asked, “What’s for dinner?”

  She wasn’t satisfied that he’d appreciated the roses and gotten the hinted message she wanted him to receive. Linking her arm through his, she pulled him toward the flowers. “Smell them,” she ordered, in a nice way.

  He leaned forward and sniffed. “Very nice. But, not as nice as that dinner I can smell cooking. Is that a roast?”

  Joy sighed. “It is.”

  “What’s wrong with you? You don’t look too happy.”

  “I am, Isaac, I am. Dinner won’t be long.”

  “I know you’re bothered by something. Is it because I haven’t bought you flowers lately?”

  She shook her head. “Don’t be silly.” It was true, but she didn’t want to admit something that sounded so silly. “But they are beautiful, aren’t they?”

  “I bet you’d be pleased if they’d been from me. Is that why you look a little bothered? Are you jealous of Florence’s flowers? Would you like to have a secret admirer too?”

  She slapped his arm playfully as though that was the furthest thing from her mind. “No. Not now that I know you. And, I’m not jealous. It’s not good to be jealous or envious. I could tell you where it says—”

  He put his hand to his head. “Please don’t give me all the Scriptures about jealousy. I know they’re there. I don’t need chapter and verse.”

  She poked him in the ribs with her finger causing him to laugh. “I won’t. I’d never do that.”

  “You would too.” He grabbed her hands. They had a quiet moment together while everybody else was in the kitchen. “Now, you can stop poking me. I’ll have to hold your hands always.”

  “Okay. You can do that.”

  “Now, if I could only cover your mouth at the same time to stop you speaking, you’d be the perfect woman.”

  “Isaac! That’s a dreadful thing to say.”

  “It was a joke.” He chuckled. “Anyway, what did you do today?”

  “Not much of anything except chores and cooking. How was work?”

  “A bit slow. Florence was in the store this morning.”

  “Is that where she went?”

  “It seems so.”

  “Why was she there?”

  “She was talking with Mark in the back room about something.”

  “About what?” She led him over to the couch where they sat.

  He shook his head. “I did hear them talking about their mudder, but I don’t know if they meant Wilma, or their own mudder.”

  “Is that so? What were they saying?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I didn’t hear it. I wasn’t going to listen in because that would be wrong.”

  “You’re right.”

  He smirked.

  “Come into the kitchen and talk to me while I make the gravy.”

  “We’ve only just sat.”

  “The gravy won’t make itself. Everyone else makes the gravy lumpy. Do you like it like that?”

  “I don’t. Okay. I’ll come, but we won’t be alone anymore.”

  His words brought a smile to her lips and she forgave him for saying that thing about covering up her mouth. Even though she knew he was joking, it hadn't been a nice joke.

  Once Isaac walked into the kitchen, he was swamped by Joy’s two sisters, each of whom was talking to him at once. He ended up sitting down at the table while they hovered around him like buzzing bees.

  Joy didn’t mind. She was pleased he got along so well with her sisters. Even Florence seemed to approve of Isaac.

  Over dinner that night, Isaac Joy a compliment. “You’re the best cook.” Isaac smiled at her.

  Joy giggled. “What would your mudder say about that? I’m sure she wants you to think she’s the best cook.”

  “Just as well she’s not here, then, isn’t it?”

  The girls all laughed.

  Favor said, “If you like Joy’s cooking so much, marry her and she can cook for you every day.”

  Hope had a mouthful of water and she laughed so hard that it spurted out of her mouth.

  “Hope! What do you think you’re doing?” Mamm said in disgust.

  “I’m sorry.” Hope wiped her mouth. “She made me laugh. I couldn’t help it.”

  “One more outburst like that and you’ll have to leave the table.”

  “Sorry everyone,” Hope said, as she mopped up the wet patch on the tablecloth with her napkin.

  “It’s okay,” Isaac said sympathetically.

  Joy noticed again how kind he was and knew he’d make a good father.

  “Isaac, do you think the two of you’ll get married?” Favor asked.

  Joy kicked her under the table.

  “Ouch.”

  “Stop it, Favor,” Florence said. “It’s not proper conversation for the dinner table.”

  Favor rolled her eyes. “You’re not my mudder,” she muttered under her breath loud enough for everybody to hear.

  “That’s it!” Mamm said. “Up to your room.” Favor’s jaw dropped open, which wasn’t a pretty sight considering she’d just shoveled in a forkful of food.

  “Are you serious, Mamm? I’m only asking a simple question. I just want to know if they’re getting married, and when.”

  “Up to your room now!” Florence told her, annoyed Favor hadn’t listened to Mamm. “You heard Mamm. And if you don’t go now, you’ll be in your room all day tomorrow, with no visitors and you’ll be eating your meals in your room.”

  “I’m going.” She pushed out her chair and stomped out of the room.

  Joy and Isaac exchanged a smile and kept eating.

  Hope said, “When will Cherish be back? Is it fair to punish her for that long? I think she’s learned her lesson by now. I miss her. It’s not the same now that there’s only three of us at home. And soon it might be… Well, it’s just not the same.”

  It didn’t escape Florence’s notice when she said it was three of them at home. Hope and the other half-sisters never considered Florence as one of them. Sometimes she just wanted to be the sister rather than a stand-in mother figure. She wanted to be included in their giggles, their stories and their jokes.

  With Mercy and Honor now married, she was closest with Joy, the oldest sister left at home. She was in no rush for the youngest to come home; she was too busy to watch Cherish every single moment. That was exactly what would end up happening.

  At Dagmar’s farm, in the middle of nowhere, it was less likely that Cherish could get into any trou
ble. At least she had her dog for companionship, along with all the farm animals and of course Dagmar’s budgerigar, Timmy.

  Hope said, “Since no one answered me about poor Cherish. Can someone answer this? Are we all going to the charity auction?”

  “Of course. When is it again?” Florence asked.

  “It’s the day after tomorrow.”

  “That came around again quickly,” Mamm said.

  “I can’t go. I’ll be working that day,” Isaac said.

  “That’s too bad,” replied Joy. “I’ll buy some candy for you.”

  “Would you?”

  Florence was slightly envious at the connection Joy and Isaac shared. They’d shared an instant connection from the first day they’d met. People who found love within the Amish community didn’t realize how blessed they were. It wasn’t easy having feelings for an outsider.

  “You girls can go in a buggy on your own on Saturday," said Mamm a little later. "Levi has asked me to go with him.”

  “Really?” Hope shrieked.

  “Jah. He’s coming here and Bliss can go with you girls.”

  “Is there something you want to tell us, Mamm?” Hope asked.

  “Careful that you don’t end up in your bedroom like Favor.” Mamm wagged her finger at her third youngest.

  This was the first Florence had heard Mamm was going to the charity auction with Levi Brunner. He’d been visiting more and more over the last weeks. Was something going on?

  It was no secret that Levi liked Mamm.

  Was she growing fond of him, too?

  As Florence ate the rest of her dinner, she wondered if Wilma would ever marry again, and if she did, would it be to Levi?

  She couldn’t imagine Wilma being with anyone else but her father. It was uncomfortable to even think about.

  Selfishly, Florence didn’t want it to happen. Only because it wouldn’t be a marriage out of true love, it would be a marriage of friendship and companionship. But, she had to ask herself, did that make it less important?

  As Florence was contemplating love and marriage, Joy served up the dessert. When the bowls were all in the center of the table, Florence couldn’t believe it. Mamm’s apple pie was nowhere in sight.

  Green jelly and whipped cream—that was all.

  Joy served it out for everyone and Florence decided to give it a miss. She’d sneak herself some apple pie while doing the after dinner clean up.

  The bright green wobbly jelly dessert looked far from appetizing, but the way Isaac was enjoying it she guessed Isaac had asked Joy to make it.

  The girls didn’t seem to mind the dessert, and Mamm never complained. Florence sat there while the girls ate their green jelly and talked about what they’d made for the auction.

  Chapter 6

  As they always did after they finished dinner with the family, Isaac and Joy headed out to the porch to speak alone. There they could hold hands and be close without the sisters giggling or Florence making 'behave yourselves' faces at them. Florence always watched over her and her sisters like a mother hen. It was stifling at times.

  Once Isaac pulled the porch chairs closer together, they sat down. Then he reached out his hand and she clasped onto it. “That was a wunderbaar dinner.” He gazed into her eyes.

  “Denke, I’m glad you liked it.”

  “Who wouldn’t?”

  She giggled.

  “I appreciate you making the green dessert. I know you only make it for me.”

  “I don’t think anyone else likes it too much—they’re not used to having sweeter desserts like that.”

  “It was amazing, just like you.”

  She giggled again at how corny he was, but corny or not, she could listen to him utter nice things to her all day long.

  “How do you even make it?” he asked.

  He certainly was preoccupied with food. “It’s crushed and strained apples. I add sugar to sweeten the juice, then thicken it, and then it sets.”

  He chuckled. “I guessed that much, about the sugar, and how did you get the color?”

  “Food coloring.”

  “Ah, that’s the secret?”

  “That’s the secret to the color, but it doesn’t affect the taste at all.”

  “I love it. Will you always make it for me?”

  “Of course I will.”

  “I wonder why the others don’t like it as much as me. None of them went for seconds.”

  “I’ve got no idea. It could be the color that puts them off, or they might not have been hungry after that big dinner.”

  He squeezed her hand. “When you cook for me, it lets me know you care.”

  She was surprised by his comment. “I care. You know I do.”

  “I know you do from your words, but it’s nice to know as well from your actions.”

  “I learn more about you every day, Isaac.” His words gave her goosebumps. It didn’t matter what they talked about. Mostly, it was about nothing. “Everything new I find out about you makes me like you more.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “Will you be coming to the charity auction?” In the dim lighting, she stared into his beautiful face hoping they could have a whole day together. Charity auctions were always such a fun day out.

  “I can’t, unfortunately. I’m working that day—remember? I said so while we were eating.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, and don’t forget you said you'd get me some candy."

  "Sorry! I can't believe I forgot we already talked about it."

  "And, before you ask, I can’t get out of it—your bruder is relying on me.”

  “I suppose. Half-bruder,” she corrected him.

  “I know that, but I didn’t think I would have to say the half bit all the time.”

  “You don’t. I’m just used to hearing it that way. You don’t have to say that if you don’t want.”

  “It saves time. How is Earl anyway?”

  “I don’t know. We barely hear from him.”

  “Ah, you’re not close with him?”

  “Not really, and it’s not that I don’t want to be. I think he’s just too sad about Dat being gone. I don’t think he’s gotten over it yet.”

  “How about you?”

  “None of us have ever got over it, but I can’t run away like Earl did. I don’t have a choice; I have to stay here at the haus with all the memories.” She sighed.

  He put his arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything that would upset you.”

  “It’s fine. It’s just the way things are.”

  “Life can be sad sometimes—even brutal. That’s why we have to care for one another.”

  “What I’ve learned so far is that life is full of contrasts. It can be bad and it can be good. Happy, then sad, then it can get bad.”

  “That rhymes.”

  She smiled. “I didn’t mean to make a rhyme, it just came out that way.”

  “That’s right—what you say—it’s all a cycle isn’t it? Full of highs and lows. One minute life is boring and then when something bad happens you want to go back to the boring times.”

  “I think we should be happy with what we have.” She saw him draw back. “Don’t worry I’m not going to say a Scripture.”

  “You’re not?”

  She shook her head.

  Isaac said, “There are a whole bunch of Scriptures about being happy—giving thanks for our daily bread and such.”

  “I know, but you’ve taught me that it’s slightly irritating to constantly remind people of those things.”

  He chuckled. “I told you that?”

  “You did.”

  “I don’t remember saying anything to you.”

  She laughed. “You did. Just one or two things. I can take a hint pretty quickly.”

  “Well, I’m glad you weren’t offended.”

  “You could never offend anybody. You’re far too kind.”

  He gave a low chuckle.

  “I
know my sisters get irritated by me telling them about the Bible, so I’ve done my best to stop. Even though it jumps into my head and I really want to tell people.”

  “Well, you’re showing self-control, which is a good thing.”

  “Jah, self-control … Proverbs …”

  He shook his head at her. Then he looked up into the sky. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”

  “It’s not freezing, or snowing, but it’s close to freezing.” Just then, gray clouds crossed in front of the moon. “It’s so dark now.” The only light was coming from the window behind them.

  “It’s gonna be a dark night.” He yawned. “Sorry. I should go home soon.”

  “Okay. Denke for coming to dinner.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. You’re all I think about every day when I’m at work. I can’t wait to finish so I get to see you.”

  “Me too. That’s how I feel. You’re always on my mind. Do you think we’ll always feel like that?”

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see.”

  His answer worried her slightly. It wasn’t what she’d wanted to hear. She wanted him to say they’d spend the rest of their lives together and be just as excited to see one another at the close of every day.

  She didn’t want to push him away by being too demanding and wanting him to commit to their love. The best thing she could do, she figured, was to say nothing at all about his comment.

  He bounded to his feet and she stood up too. “Denke for a lovely night, Joy.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He brought her hand up to his mouth and slowly pressed his lips on the back of it causing her to giggle.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said softly.

  “I’ll walk you to your buggy.”

  “Nee don’t. You stay here and wave to me from here until I’m out of sight.”

  “I will.”

  They exchanged smiles and then he left her and headed to his buggy.

  She waved until the buggy lights were small in the distant blackness. Then with a bit of heaviness dampening her good mood, she walked back inside the house and closed the front door behind her.