I got around the corner out of sight and paused. Saying a little prayer to myself, Lord please help me and my family get through this difficult time.
A few seconds later, I followed the signs to some vending machines tucked away into a little room. Where Ruthie, his fiancee was busy searching for some snacks. God, isn’t she beautiful? Dressed in some black pants and white frilly blouse with ruffles down the front. But before he could say anything to her, she began to shriek. Kicking at the vending machine that I would have guessed ate her dollar.
I was by her side in the blink of an eye and pulled her away from the machine. “Can you tell me what’s going on? Because you got that dollar from Naomi and it wasn’t even yours,” I laughed to lighten the mood.
She moved to lean against the wall just outside the vending machine door. Some lawyer types filing in. She looked at me wide-eyed, “I don’t want you to end up hating me if you have to shut down your hospital.”
I took her hand, her palms sweaty. “This incident with the dog started way before you even arrived on the scene.” I put my finger underneath her chin and lifted her gaze to meet mine. “You’re going to be my wife. That’s the biggest gift you could ever give me. Not some building of brick and mortar.”
I reached for her hand and played with the solitaire on her finger. Even without it, I knew this woman sitting next to me now was the one I was meant to spend my life with. “Don’t make me get down on one knee and propose to you again.”
When I looked up, she pushed herself off the wall and managed a small laugh. A stray tear traveling down her face. “I would take you up on your offer, but I don’t want your knees to give out old man.”
I looked at her in mock shock. “You’re going to owe me a kiss for that later, old woman.”
Chasing after her Mr. Bullock came out of nowhere and lurched into our path. “Nervous you might lose this thing.”
Ruthie didn’t waste any time on him, moving around him to go back to where our parents were waiting.
He put his hand on my shoulder and stopped me from doing the same. “I heard you were getting married tomorrow. I hope this doesn’t ruin anything for you.”
Without hesitation, I shrugged off his touch. “It doesn’t ruin not one single thing.”
The sound of the guard announcing our case again brought everyone back to the courtroom. Naomi and my mother forced to wait outside for us.
“All rise for Judge Hensley.”
The judge came out of his corridors and sat behind the bench. I looked at my lawyer trying to get a sense of the expression on the judge’s face was a good thing or a bad one. But it didn’t take long for me to find out on my own. The judge addressed us the plaintiff and the defendant.
“I find that there is no evidence that Bark Village Veterinary Hospital is doing anything illegal or not in compliance with state regulations. I do see that for the whole month of July, Ms. Mirisch was performing duties without a proper license and do fine Bark Village Hospital the maximum of $3000 to be awarded to the state. As for the injuries to Jacobi, we have two witnesses that stated that you were offered half off on medical treatments and subsequently turned it down, and didn’t take him to the hospital for another week after. So Bark Village Veterinary Hospital has been cleared off all wrongdoing in that regard as well. Even if you didn’t want treatment under Bark Village, you willfully allowed your dog to get worse before getting him any help. So there’s no way to determine how much was Bark Village’s fault and how much was Mr. Bullock’s fault because of neglect. Verdict for the defendant.”
The gavel slammed down and I rejoiced, turning to take Ruthie into my arms, and lifting her clear off the ground.
24
Ruthie
The day of my wedding, I nibbled on a sliced orange that Jenni had brought up from the reception area. Sliding on my sunglasses as I sat next to the window hoping to hide my fear from the others. A bookshelf of biblical nonfiction against the wall behind me.
“Sweetie, you mustn’t get down on yourself now of all days. I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation for all this.” Naomi cast alarmed looks at Jenni and took a sip of her hot tea.
Sitting in the changing room at my church on my wedding day was the last place I’d ever thought I’d be or even get to have. Yet here I was. Yesterday, Boaz and I came back from court with a renewed commitment, and he seemed excited about today. His lawyer’s last-minute power play to use me as a character witness went off without a hitch. Now I was left here to go over every word I said to him and vice versus that would cause him to do this too me now.
Everyone I had ever known had managed to make it to my wedding including my parents. Although I was nervous to face Boaz, I was even more anxious for my parents to meet him. But we weren’t off to the best start right now.
“Maybe Jerry can talk some sense into Boaz.”
I frowned. Staring down at my grey yoga pants and white top that said fiancee in glitter. Shifting in an uncomfortable wooden chair. “I don’t know if I want anyone else to know that I’m being stood up on my wedding day.”
“Except that might not be what’s happening at all. At least I can ask Jerry if he knows anything.”
Naomi placed her mug back on the table. “Perhaps he just got lost.”
“Pfft . . . so he doesn’t answer his phone. Jenni’s right the least I could do is ask Jerry to contact him.” I looked down at the old wooden table the paint chips peeling. “Does anyone know if my parents have made it yet?”
Naomi laughed. “Your mother is absolutely delightful. I talked with her a bit in the lobby, but I can see that you get your temperament from your father.”
It would be there first time in German Village and my church. I don’t even think I recognize my church. Before I came up to the room, I caught a glimpse of the sanctuary and I knew that every available seat was almost taken. She had to hand it to her future mother-in-law, the woman did have style, and with Naomi’s help, the place had been beautifully decorated. It would be a shame if I never really got to enjoy it and everyone was sent home. My parents would have traveled all this way for nothing.
Naomi grabbed my hand in hers and pointed out the window. “I think that’s your makeup artist. I’ll go and bring her up. Would you like me to bring up your mother as well?” Naomi offered.
“Yes please.”
“I’m going to take this call to Jerry outside,” Jenni said, squeezing my shoulder before disappearing on the other side of the door.
A cool breeze came through the window, ruffling the papers on the table. Some were receipts, one was even a list of the vendors that still had to be paid today, but the one that fell in my lap was my wedding vows. I had been working on them to the very last second. Correcting and scratching out this phrase or that word. There never seemed to be the right words to explain what he meant to me. I placed the paper back on the table.
Balling it up without even bothering to look at it.
“Hows my bride?” my mother bellowed. The makeup artist and Naomi behind her. My spirits fell when I saw that Jenni was still on the phone. That couldn’t be a good thing.
“I’m feeling disgusting and unwanted.”
Her brows furrowed. “Why would you say that? What’s going on? You look beautiful.” Looking back at Naomi with nothing, but accusations in her eyes. “Your father wanted to come up, but I said to wait until he’s walking you down the aisle that way both hubby and father can be surprised. It will make for the best photo. Thank me later. But that frown is more than just about your dad being here, isn’t it?”
My nose began to itch, but I didn’t want to interrupt the makeup artist work as she began to put some sort of powder on my skin. “Boaz isn’t here and he isn’t answering his phone. I think—I think I might be getting stood up.”
I tried not to cry and ruin the hard work that the makeup artist had just started. But maybe it didn’t even matter. Looking up into the artist’s eyes, and wondering if she thought I was st
upid for still getting my makeup done as she applied some sort of soft pink lipstick to my lips. Maybe she just thought I was stupid in general.
My mom hesitated and turned to Naomi. “Is this the type of man that you swear that Ruthie should be married to. A coward that would stand his fiancee up at the wedding.”
With a determined look, Naomi’s gaze traveled past my mom to me, and her voice was soft. “We don’t know he is standing you up, and if he were don’t you think he would have a good reason.”
“Not being in love with me is a good reason. It’s just a reason that hurts me. The wedding starts in thirty minutes and he was supposed to be here already and we haven’t even heard from his best man. Is it so crazy to think that he doesn’t want to be here?”
“Ruthie,” Jenni entered breaking up everyone’s staring contest. I nodded for her to continue. “Jerry doesn’t know where Boaz is either, but he did get in touch with him. He said that he’s still coming. He just had to take care of something important first.”
“Close your eyes,” the makeup artist said. I did as I was told. “And this has nothing to do with makeup, but you might want to take a deep breath as well. I do lots of weddings. Today is a stressful day as is, without worrying about your future husband. He said he’s coming, believe him.” She then went about placing eyeliner on my eyes.
I could hear someone smacking her lips, and then my mother’s voice sounded. “I don’t know much about this Boaz, but he should be grateful to have someone like my daughter in his corner. And since he wasn’t stupid enough to let her slip through his fingers. I’m going to reluctantly choose to believe that he’s not going to start now.” She touched my hand. “I’m going to go give your father an update. Stay strong.”
“You can open them,” the makeup artist replied. Just in time for me to see the back of my mother’s dress as she disappeared on the other side of the door. “You’re done!”
She picked up a hand mirror from her bag and held it up in front of my face. “What do you think?”
“Beautiful enough to get married.”
“Don’t you dare cry and ruin my masterpiece,” she smiled putting her hand underneath my chin and lifting it high. She placed the mirror back in her bag and gathered her things. It was a silver case that looked like it held forensic tools, instead of makeup.
“Why don’t you stay for the wedding?” Naomi offered.
“Ummm, thanks for the offer and maybe I will,” she replied smiling back at me before disappearing down the stairs.
Jenni smoothed out the swooping bang over my forehead. “How about I help you into your dress?”
Within minutes we were standing in front of the oval full-length mirror as she zipped me up. A white A-line gown with lace bodice and sleeves, and a chiffon skirt. Attaching the veil above my low bun.
“Now don’t you feel like a bride now.”
“Of course not because she’s missing her something blue.” Holding up a pair of electric royal blue stilettos. That matched the color on my bridesmaid’s dresses. My bridesmaid’s all wearing white stilettos including my maid of honor Jenni.
“The finishing touch,” Jenni replied with a wink in my direction. “And I’ll be the dutiful maid of honor and fit my bride with her glass slipper.” Taking the shoe from Naomi and getting down on her knees to help me put it on my feet.
“I spent most of yesterday night. Practicing how to walk in these heels,” I laughed. “I’m no close to being a model, but at least I can make that trip down the aisle.”
Jenni looked down at her phone that began to vibrate. She picked it up and pressed a couple of buttons. “Ruthie, I just got a text from Jerry. Apparently, Boaz would like to talk to you.”
My stomach lurched.
“But isn’t it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.” Naomi echoed the thoughts in my head.
“Yes, and I said that same thing, but he said it was urgent news. And apparently your fathers furious and he’s following him, yelling.”
But she didn’t need to give me that last bit of information. I could hear it coming up the stairs. I blinked back tears. “Okay, but I won’t see him. If he’s going to break up with me I’m not going to give him the benefit to see me cry.” Instead, I stood behind the closet door and gestured for the girls to hide me from the side.
“Ruthie, we need to talk,” Boaz could be heard, entering the room the door hitting the wall.
“Then talk. She’s listening, but we won’t be leaving you two alone.” Jenni said her hands up blocking me. From my position, I could only see Naomi and Jenni’s back, but I could make out Boaz’s reflection in the mirror beyond.
It hurt more than anything that he didn’t look any less handsome in his black tuxedo. Tears pressing against my eyes as I tried to blink them back.
“You’ve got some nerve being late to a wedding that you wanted just like she did. To say what, you’re sorry. Not good enough.”
“Good because I’m not here to say I’m sorry,” he said coming closer to the girls and making it harder for me to see his face in the mirror. Then he announced in front of Naomi and everyone else, “Today you get to witness my unwavering commitment to Ruthie. But I wanted to do more to show her that I’m not only committed to her but her family. Today I’ve bought from Naomi the house in Chicago. I’ve also listed Ruthie Mirisch as an owner so that the property will forever stay in Kohen’s family.”
“I wouldn’t have believed it until I saw it,” My father uttered, snatching the paper from his hand. “He bought the property and put her name on it.”
“I think that you will go down in German Village as the best husband and provider ever,” Jenni laughed, putting her arm down. I saw Naomi reach out for an arm as if she needed to steady herself. Gasping in surprise as she turned to look at me her eyes wide with excitement.
“Through the offspring, the Lord gives you by Ruthie. May your family be more successful than any we have ever known.” My father stated.
He wet his lips and turned back to the closet door. “What do you say, fiancee. Will you still marry me today?”
“Yes.” My voice shook.
Everything was a flurry of motion as they rushed Boaz out of the room and into place. Refreshing the makeup around my eyes that had been crying. I came out of that room, and down the stairs to my waiting husband in the sanctuary, a new woman. Trying not to cry as my father laid eyes on me and I stepped onto the cream-colored walkway littered with blue petals to a sea of smiling faces. It was hard not to get nervous. But it all went away as I stood up in front of the pastor and stared into Boaz’s handsome face. It was knowing with unquestioning faith that I was meant to be here.
25
Epilogue
A Year Later
Pastor Berman looked out over the crowd and began to address everyone. “Family, we gather here today for the blessing of Oberon Traugott.”
I smoothed out the grey lapel on my suit and moved my arm behind my wife to rest on the pew behind her. The sun shining in through the stain glassed windows, casting rainbows across the floor and the choir. It was a perfect day for a Baptism.
“This ceremony is not simply “naming ceremony” or even just a blessing for a new baby. It is the beginning of life and the gateway to eternal life,” he said, his hand leaning on the pulpit. “It is God’s purpose that children should know love within the stability of their home, grow in faith, and come at last to the eternal city where his love reigns supreme. And it is certain that the more love this child receives the more he will benefit in his life. So we want to not only welcome him into their family, and wider extended family, but also the community of their friends in Christ Jesus. Let us pray.”
I caught a glimpse of Ruthie tearing up out of the corner of my eye. I closed my eyes and rubbed her back gently. Hoping she would feel my love and concern. I knew how much having Oberon meant to her. Maybe now she was finally realizing what it meant to trust in God. Not only did he plan for Jenni to cross her path when
they first arrived in town, but he also planned for her to fall in love with me to finally give her the family she’d always wanted.
The crowd collectively said, “Amen.”
“At this time we’re going to call up the parents and the child.”
I helped her up the three steps to the pulpit, holding her in the small of her back. A constant presence of reassurance and love. Our son asleep in her arms under a white baby blanket that Naomi had knitted herself. Dressed in some grey pants and matching suspenders with a white button down top and hat. I took out my handkerchief and dabbed gently at her wet cheeks.
“We’re also going to call the godparents up as well to be a witness.”
I nodded for Jenni and Jerry too approach.
“Ruthie, may you always have the strength of spirit to teach Oberon in the way he should go and nurture the life that was formed within you.” He said placing his hand on the top of her head as if saying a quick prayer. He stood in front of me and did the same. “Boaz, may your strength, wisdom and right direction be Oberon’s guiding light.” He moved to the Godparents and requested that they both put their hands on the bible. “May your love, affection, and concern for Oberon Traugott always be a part of you.”
He went back over to the fountain that had been erected and took the baby from Ruthie’s arms.
“Little one, you are Oberon Traugott. Which means noble and in Gods truth.” He dipped his hand in the blessed Holy Water and made a cross on the boy’s forehead. “Your name has been given to you in love. May it be a source of comfort and pride. We wish you long life and happiness. May you bring joy to your parents, your godparents, and extended family, and to each of us your family in Christ.”
He moved his head a bit, and opened his eyes, only to fall back to sleep peacefully.
“We rejoice today with Boaz and Ruthie Traugott as they celebrate the blessing of their son, Oberon Traugott and thank God for the gift of life. Oberon, it is our duty, as your friends and family, to present you in the coming years with a broad and balanced view of life. We ask that all life’s blessings be bestowed upon you and that the future will be bright, prosperous and joyous. Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you the son of Mr. and Mrs. Traugott, Oberon Traugott.
Miracle Walk (The Designed Love Series Book 2) Page 15
