by Molly Jebber
Liza stood. What did Ellie mean by her statement? She’d had a mischievous grin on her face, as if she was hiding something. She couldn’t imagine what Ellie was talking about.
*
A week and a half later, on Saturday early evening, Jacob wondered if Ellie would ever have the conversation with him she’d mentioned after Mae’s funeral. He’d anticipated each day she might say something about it, but she didn’t. If she didn’t speak of it today, he’d finally ask her. Part of him didn’t want to ask. His neck stiffened. Was it bad news?
He waited for her to arrive home. She was picking up Peter from Esther’s. The child had loved being with Esther. She had him working with her in the garden and kitchen, and she found time to play games with him.
She was like the aunt he’d never had. The young boy had adjusted to his schedule and had kumme out of his slump. He mentioned his mamm, but he was chipper more often than he was sad.
Ellie and Peter strolled into the kitchen. “Daed, Peter and Esther made us supper.” She held up a dish.
“We made beef and noodles.” He patted his middle. “I’ll put the utensils on the table.”
“Where’s my hug, young man?” Jacob opened his arms.
Peter giggled and wrapped his thin arms around Jacob’s neck. “What did you do today?”
“Our ornery sow escaped when I went in to feed the rest of the sows and pigs. She tests my patience.”
Peter and Ellie laughed.
Ellie poured the dish of beef and noodles in a large iron pot. She lit the cook stove and sat to wait for the fire to heat the food. “Peter, you can play until supper. Stay close to the haus.”
“I’ll swing on the tree swing Jacob made me.”
“When you’re tired of swinging, kumme back inside.”
He leaned on Ellie. “I will.”
She watched him scamper off. “I’ve been waiting for the right time to talk to you about something important. I wanted to wait until after Mae was put to rest to give us all time to mourn and get over the shock. I’m sure we’ll need more time, but we’re doing better than I expected. I don’t need to put this off any longer.”
Jacob’s heart thumped in his chest. He pressed his back hard against the chair. His nerves jittered. Ellie had surprised and challenged him a lot in the last few years. At last, he’d grown accustomed to her positive attitude and stellar behavior. He’d enjoyed their closeness again. They’d included Peter into their routine and their future appeared bright. He didn’t want anything to ruin it.
Ellie tilted her head and grinned. “Daed, relax.”
He sighed. His expression must’ve given his anxiousness away.
She covered his hand with hers, drew in a deep breath, and looked him in the eye. “I love Liza and I want you to ask her to marry you and be a part of our family.”
Jacob’s eyes filled with tears. He rested his hand on top of hers. “Ellie, you’ve given me the best gift. I can’t wait to tell Liza. What changed your mind?”
“I’ve been selfish and immature. I put myself first and disregarded yours and Liza’s happiness. Liza has shown me over and over again how much she loves me. Her patience has never wavered, even when I put her in danger the day we went fishing. She hasn’t judged me, even when I left and gave her every reason to. I want her to live with us as part of our family.”
Peter skipped into the kitchen. “Who will be part of our family?”
“Liza.” Ellie grinned.
Peter bounced on his toes and clapped his hands. “Yippee! Let’s go get her now and bring her here.”
“She and I have to get married first.” Jacob laughed.
“Can you marry her tomorrow?” Peter wrinkled his nose.
“Today is June twenty-ninth. We’ll need a month to plan at least.” Ellie paused. She tapped her foot.
Jacob held out a palm. “Ellie, when you tap your foot, you’ve got something on your mind. What is it?”
“I’m concerned that this is everyone’s busiest season. Not the right time for a wedding.” She frowned. “Like you, Peter and I don’t want to wait for months.” She laughed. “You do have to ask Liza first. We’re assuming she wants to marry you and take on all of us.”
Peter shook his head and gave her an exasperated grin. “She’ll say jah. She gives him googly eyes all the time. Like Mamm did with Mr. Fisher until he wrote Mamm and said he wasn’t kumming back. He hurt my heart.” He pressed a hand to his chest.
“You don’t need to worry about him. You have us!” Jacob scooped him in his arms and twirled in a circle.
“Jah! Let’s go tell Liza to marry us right now!”
Jacob set him on the floor.
“Let’s have supper first, and you and I aren’t going. Liza and Daed need their privacy.” Ellie stirred the mixture in the iron pot.
“Daed wants us to go. Don’t you?” Peter’s puppy-dog eyes met his.
Jacob’s eyes watered. Peter had called him Daed. His heart swelled with joy. He’d wondered if Peter would call him Daed one day, but he hadn’t expected it this soon. He beheld Ellie.
Tears stained her cheeks.
“Jah, you and Ellie should be with me. We’ll ask her together.”
Peter gave him a shy grin. “Is it all right for me to call you daed?”
Jacob reached for him. “I’m happy you called me daed. May I call you son?”
Peter nodded and wrapped his arms around Jacob’s neck. “Ellie, then you’re my schweschder and I’m your bruder.”
“Jah, I am.” She bit her quivering lip. “You’re smart for such a little boy.”
He beamed and held up his chin. “Danki.”
Jacob blinked back tears. Peter had inserted himself into their lives and claimed him and Ellie and soon Liza, if she agreed, as his family. He and Ellie had worked hard to prove to Peter their love and acceptance of him. He breathed in a sigh of relief. Their efforts had paid off.
Jacob prayed for the food. “Dear Heavenly Father, danki for this food You have provided for the nourishment of our bodies. You’ve blessed us with Peter and cleared the path for us to have a possible future with Liza. Prepare Liza’s heart to accept us as her family. I pour out my gratitude to You, Heavenly Father. We love You. Amen.”
Jacob listened to Ellie telling Peter what had to happen to prepare for the wedding. He rehearsed in his mind what he would say to Liza. He’d waited for this day and been sure it would arrive. Joy bubbled inside him. The excitement building from head to toe took away his appetite. He pushed his plate aside. “Are you two finished yet?”
“You’re about to leap out of this haus!” Ellie rose and pushed back her chair. “I’ll clear the dishes and leave them to soak. I’ll wash and dry them when we return.”
Peter waved them outside. “If we can go now, I’ll help dry when we kumme home. Let’s go!”
Jacob followed behind Ellie and Peter to the buggy, readied it, and they left. When they arrived, he herded his kinner to the door and knocked.
Peter rapped again on the door. “No one’s home.”
“We’ll go to her family’s haus. She may have had supper with them.” Jacob returned to his buggy and waited impatiently for Ellie and Peter to get in. He drove them to the Lapps’.
Esther answered the door with Abe and Hannah behind her. “What a wonderful surprise! I’m happy you’re all here. Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“We finished supper right before kumming to your haus. Nothing for me, danki.” Ellie grinned and nudged Jacob. She went to Hannah and winked.
Hannah raised her eyebrows. “What are you up to?”
“You’ll see!” Ellie grinned.
Liza entered the room, wide-eyed. “I’m happy to see all of you. What brings you here?”
Peter blurted out, “We want to marry you. Will you marry us, Liza?”
Liza’s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes watery with tears.
The Lapps, Jacob, and Ellie gasped.
Ellie smiled and s
hook her head. “Peter, Daed is supposed to ask her.”
“He was too slow.” Peter shrugged and stared at Liza with anticipation.
Ellie grinned. “Peter’s right. He was too slow. Will you marry our daed?”
Jacob knelt before her. “What do you say?”
“Jah! Jah! Jah! I love all of you!”
Jacob picked her up and twirled her around. “I couldn’t be happier.” He ran outside, still holding her. “We’re getting married!”
“Put me down, you silly, wonderful man!” Liza gasped for breath, she was laughing so hard.
Jacob went back inside the haus and put her on her feet.
Abe, Esther, Hannah, Ellie, and Peter bent over, laughing and clapping their hands.
Ellie placed her hands on Liza’s shoulders. “I’m sorry, Liza. I’ve tested you many times since we met. I’m ashamed of how I’ve stood in the way of your and Daed’s happiness.”
“You and I have had more fun these last few weeks. I enjoy our talks, your hugs, and considered you a dochder before this day, Ellie.” She pulled Peter to her. “I love you, Peter, like a son. You’re a sweetheart.” She glanced at Ellie, then Peter. “But I’m not attempting to take the place of either of your mamms.”
“I understand, but our mamms are gone and you’re with us. We love you and want you to join our family. I promise to help you and to respect you.” Ellie exchanged an endearing gaze with Liza.
“I don’t worry about you, Ellie. You’ve proven your maturity. I sense we’ll enjoy a wonderful future together.”
“Let’s plan the wedding. I’m ready to get married.” Jacob danced a jig.
Hannah hugged Ellie. “You’ll never regret giving your blessing for them to marry. Liza’s the best!”
“I couldn’t agree with you more. She loved me when I wasn’t easy to love.”
Liza squeezed Ellie’s arm. “You’ve been patient with me and loved me too. I appreciate you, dear friend.”
Peter hugged both girls.
Hannah knelt and held his small shoulders. “When Liza marries Jacob, my mamm and daed and I will officially be part of your family.”
“I’ve never had a big family before. I like it!” Peter’s eyes sparkled and he danced on his toes. Peter grabbed Liza’s hands and dragged her to the kitchen.
Everyone followed.
Abe slapped Jacob’s back. “Your patience won out and God has answered our prayers. I couldn’t ask for a better bruder-in-law!”
Esther’s cheeks dimpled. “I’m so excited! I couldn’t be happier for you both.”
Jacob flattened his palm against his chest. God had answered his prayer and given him more than he’d ever hoped or dreamed possible. He’d given him Liza, Peter, Ellie, and now the Lapps. He agreed with Peter. It would be wonderful to have a big family! He couldn’t wait to set the date of the wedding with the bishop tomorrow. There was so much to plan!
Chapter Fourteen
Jacob inhaled the fresh scent of hyacinth and enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his face on the way to the bishop’s haus. He’d been anxious on Sunday to ask the bishop to schedule a wedding date, but he knew it wouldn’t be appropriate. The man had spoken a powerful message on God having a plan for those who loved Him. The bishop reminded the congregation to have patience, pray, and obey God’s scriptures. The words had hit home. God had surprised him with Liza and Peter.
He arrived, stepped to the bishop’s door, and knocked.
The jolly man’s cheeks dimpled. “You’re here early and you have a big grin on your face. I take it you have good news. Join me inside the haus.”
Jacob nodded and stepped into the sitting room. “I hope I’m not too early.”
“I get up at five. You’re fine. What’s on your mind?”
“I’ve asked Liza to marry me and I want to schedule a date for the wedding.”
The bishop grabbed his calendar. “I’d be happy to pencil a date on my schedule for such a lovely couple. How about November fifth?”
“Oh no! I don’t want to wait. Would you consider August twenty-ninth?”
The bishop chuckled. “You aren’t giving the women much time to make Liza a dress or gifts. Will Liza be comfortable with August twenty-ninth?”
He should’ve asked her for possible dates. Was it selfish of him to rush the wedding? He’d take his chances Liza would be happy with the date he’d chosen. “If she isn’t, I’ll ask you for another day.”
The bishop chuckled. “August twenty-ninth is on my calendar. Congratulations!” He slapped Jacob’s back. “I’m thrilled for you both.”
Jacob and the bishop chatted about Peter and his adjustment to his new life with him and Ellie. “I should let you get back to whatever you were doing. I’m anxious to tell Liza the news.”
His heart racing, he bid the bishop farewell and drove to the bakery.
Liza, Ellie, and Hannah were talking.
“Good morning!”
Liza tilted her head and smiled. “You’re chipper! What are you up to, Jacob?”
Ellie said, “Good morning. You should’ve been with us when I dropped Peter off at Esther’s today. He couldn’t wait! He kissed my cheek and jumped out of the buggy like it was on fire. She opened the door and he ran right into her arms. And here I was worried he wouldn’t want to leave me!” She laughed.
Hannah handed Jacob a mug of coffee. “Mamm dragged my old puzzles and games out. She baked sugar cookies and couldn’t wait for him to kumme to our haus. They’ll have fun.” Hannah crept up to him and chuckled. “When will you speak to the bishop?”
“I already have. That’s the reason I’m here.”
Liza beamed. “What did he say?”
“On August twenty-ninth, you’ll be Mrs. Jacob Graber.”
Hannah and Ellie threw up their hands. “We have a lot to do in a short time!”
Ellie rested a hand on Liza’s. “May I make your dress and kapp?”
“Let’s do it together.” Hannah smiled.
“I’d love it!” Liza circled her arms around them.
“Mamm will coordinate the food with the women in the community. The women will spread the wedding date around like wildfire.” Ellie giggled and held a hand to her middle.
“Where will we live?” Liza tapped a finger on her lips.
“Do you want to live in your haus?”
“I do. Do you mind selling yours?”
“Absolutely not.” Jacob kissed her nose. “Home is where you are.”
Ellie bounced on her toes. “Liza’s haus is much larger than ours. We’ll have more room for all of us. Her rooms are more spacious and will allow us to have a sewing room and a playroom for Peter. He loves her haus. He’ll be thrilled.”
Hannah clapped her hands. “Yay! You’ll be closer to me!”
Ellie and Hannah scampered back to the kitchen. “We’ll be in the back if you need us.”
*
Liza and Jacob discussed selling his haus and wedding plans. She bid him farewell and wiped off the countertop. Her heart sang with joy. God had given her a husband and kinner. She would have the chatter, feet padding against the floor, food sizzling in the skillet for more than her, and her empty rooms would ring with laughter and life.
*
Liza couldn’t believe her wedding day had finally arrived. She stood dressed in the dark blue dress Hannah and Ellie had stitched for her, staring into Jacob’s deep brown eyes and vowed to love, honor, and submit herself to this wonderful man for the rest of her life. She was on bated breath for the bishop to announce her new name.
The bishop stepped back. “I now pronounce Liza and Jacob Graber married!”
Jacob clasped and held up her hand. They returned to their seats, and the bishop prayed for the meal they were about to receive. Her heart raced in her chest. She let happy tears stain her cheeks and drip onto her new dress.
Friends and family pulled them apart and poured out their good wishes. Liza thanked them and weaved through the crowd.
She found Jacob. “I love you, husband. Oh, it is wonderful to call you husband.”
“I have longed for this day. I’ve rehearsed it in my mind many times. You’re everything and more I would want in a fraa, Liza. I promise to love, protect, and honor you all the days of my life. There’s nothing you can’t discuss with me. Your happiness is important to me. Understand?”
“I do.” The day she married Paul, she hadn’t been in love with him. She’d been nervous and anxious with hope of falling in love with him, and the next day, she’d found her dreams shattered. She had no doubt she’d never fall in love with him.
The two wedding days were drastically different. Today, she was in love, confident, enthusiastic, and overjoyed to marry Jacob. To have a lifetime with him. To make him the happiest husband she possibly could.
Liza scanned the yard filled with tables and benches. An array of food filled dishes crowding the table and gifts were piled high on blankets. Her thick, lush green grass was peppered with friends clustered in groups. Laughter, conversations, and kinner playing buzzed around her. The weeks to prepare for this day with the help of her family and friends had been fun, and their thoughtfulness, kindness, and willingness to pitch in and do what was needed had warmed her heart. The vows they’d exchanged earlier seemed like a blur with all the people crowded around them at their wedding meal.
She loved being Mrs. Jacob Graber already. An hour later, she’d only had time to finish a portion of her selections. She and Jacob hadn’t said two words to each other as they thanked their guests. She didn’t mind. She had a lifetime to have all the conversations she wanted with him. He’d flashed her loving smiles all day.
Esther guided her and Jacob to two chairs. “Time to open your gifts.”
Friends gathered around and oohed and aahed as they opened each thoughtful handcrafted present. Liza thanked their friends and family for bath and kitchen towels, kitchen utensils, quilt racks, pot holders, work aprons, saws, hammers, and other gifts. Her heart warmed at Jacob’s genuine expressions of gratitude for their gifts.
Her friends’ thoughtfulness touched her heart. She handed the last present to Jacob to open. He unwrapped an iron pot from Ezra and Annabelle. “This is perfect. Danki!”
