The Innkeeper's Bride

by Kathleen Fuller

  His heart hammered in his chest. “Might what?”

  Her lips lifted in a saucy smile. “I might have to kiss you.”

  Now his heart was beating at light speed. “What?”

  “You heard me.” She moved closer, until they were nearly nose to nose. “Levi, you didn’t make a mistake. Which annoys me a little since I make so many, but I think I can overlook that. I care about you. A lot.”

  “You do?”

  “Ya,” she said, sounding a bit breathless. Then she pulled back a little.

  “What?” he said softly.

  “I’m scared, Levi. Of what I feel for you. I’m not an easy person to deal with sometimes.”

  “That’s not a problem. Easygoing is mei middle name. Sometimes I can be too easygoing, so it’s good to have a schee, smart maedel to keep me on mei toes.”

  Her expression grew serious. “You really mean that?”

  “I do.” He leaned his head toward her. “I really, really do—”

  A click sounded, and the door swung open. He and Selah scrambled away from each other so fast that a plastic flowerpot fell off the shelf above him and knocked him on the head.

  “Are you okay?” Selah asked, and then she put her hand over her mouth. A giggle escaped, and she tried to keep a straight face. “You aren’t hurt again, are you?”

  “Nee. Gut thing that pot wasn’t heavier.”

  “Levi? Selah?”

  They both turned to see Nina walking into the shed, tentatively.

  Levi scrambled to his feet. “You,” he said, marching toward her. He wasn’t mad at her and Grossmutter anymore, but it wouldn’t hurt for them to believe he was for at least a little while. It served them right. What if he and Selah were still fighting? What if they hadn’t come close to kissing . . . Well, maybe it was a good thing Nina opened the door when she did.

  “You’re mad, aren’t you?” Nina said, backing away. When he followed her out of the shed, she said, “I told Grossmutter and Cevilla this was a terrible idea.”

  “Then why did you geh along with it?” Selah moved to stand by Levi. Close by him, he noted with satisfaction.

  “They said that was the only way to get you two to talk things out. Cevilla also said it worked for her and Richard.”

  “Someone locked them in together?”

  “Not exactly.” Nina looked from Levi to Selah. “You did talk things out, didn’t you?” she said in a small voice.

  “That’s none of yer business.” He took a step toward her, mustering a menacing look.

  Nina sprinted away toward the house.

  “Coward,” he said, and then he laughed.

  “You’re being a little cruel, don’t you think?”

  He turned to Selah. “She’s getting off lightly. Remind me to tell you about the time she put worms and frogs in mei bed. She was grounded for a week, while I got to eat all the rhubarb pie I wanted. Ah, good memories.”

  She smiled a little. “I don’t have too many of those to look back on,” she said. “You have a wonderful familye, you know that?”

  He nodded and glanced back at the house. “Ya,” he said. “I definitely do.”

  * * *

  Over the next three weeks, the inn had a sudden influx of bookings, and so in addition to planning the wedding, Selah kept busy cleaning, doing laundry, and helping Nina and Delilah with the guests. After their encounter in the shed, Levi admitted that he’d applied for another job. But he gave up on that as April arrived. He had plenty of maintenance work around the inn and on the grounds.

  Jackson had offered to leave the inn and find another place to stay, but Loren, who was now back to working full-time, and Delilah wouldn’t hear of it. “Not until you can find a place that’s decent,” Delilah said. By the week before the wedding, he had not only found a nice apartment but had started working for a company in Barton as their IT person. “It’s not my own business,” he said, “but I can work at that on the side.”

  Although they were busy, Selah and Levi did find time to spend together, and she treasured every minute.

  The Saturday before the wedding, Selah did some weeding and put some finishing touches on the landscaping. The weather was too cool and unpredictable to put out hanging flower baskets, but the daffodils and tulips were coming up, and the bushes needed some trimming. Levi had joined her, and while she pulled weeds, he added mulch on top of the dirt. He worked faster than she did, and eventually he was crouched next to her, helping her pull some particularly stubborn weeds. He leaned over to grab one, lost his balance, and knocked both of them over.

  “Sorry,” he said as she lay sprawled on the ground, half in the grass and half in the flower bed.

  “You did that on purpose!” she said, laughing.

  He put his hands on both of her shoulders, hovering over her, and grinned. “Did not.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Have I ever lied to you?”

  She stopped giggling, her expression growing serious, her eyes growing dark. “Nee. You haven’t.” She froze, unable to take her eyes off his. He was covered in dirt and mulch, and she imagined she didn’t look much better. But that didn’t matter. Nothing at that moment mattered but each other.

  “I love you,” he said.

  “What?”

  He frowned. “I . . . love you.”

  Selah froze again, unsure what to do but sure she was messing this up. Levi had just said he loved her, something she had dreamed about more than once lately, and all she could do was clam up.

  Hurt crossed his face as he scrambled away from her. “Sorry,” he mumbled. He turned and started yanking on the weeds, pulling out the stubborn things as though they were barely connected to the ground. “We should finish this up,” he said, his tone brusque, his back still turned.

  She couldn’t let him continue to feel like he’d made a mistake or had misread her feelings. He knew and understood more about her than anyone she’d ever met, and the last thing she wanted was to hurt him.

  Selah went to him and reached for his hand. She tugged on it, and they both got to their feet. Without a word she led him to the back of the yard, off to the side, which was going to be a private prayer garden for their guests—another one of her ideas. Right now it was a patch of tall grasses and weeds that would have to be mowed before the wedding.

  She stopped when they were out of sight of the inn and the house. Her mouth was as dry as a desert as she looked up at him. “I’m not an easy person to live with,” she said, her voice turning thick. “I’ve been cruel to others, Ruby and Christian in particular. But with God’s help, I’m trying to do better.” Tears ran down her face. “I wish I wasn’t like this, Levi. I wish I could be happy and optimistic all the time like you are. I wish I could say I won’t have periods when I’m down, when I’ll fight the depression. I wish—”

  “You don’t have to be afraid.” He kissed the top of her forehead.

  She frowned. “I didn’t say I was afraid.”

  “Then tell me you aren’t.”

  She couldn’t.

  He took a step back. “Selah, you know how I feel about you. What I don’t know for sure is how you feel about me. Nee excuses, nee sidetracking. Just honesty.”

  Selah touched the side of his face, running her thumb across the side of his jaw. “I think you already know.”

  “I want to hear the words.”

  Her fingers began to tremble. She had spent years stifling her feelings, banking the fortress around her heart. To tell Levi how she felt about him would bring the last of that stronghold down. There would be no turning back. She looked up into his eyes, the love she saw there washing over her like a soft ray of sunlight. How could she not tell him the truth?

  “I love you, Levi.” She moved close to him and put her arms around his neck. “I one hundred percent without a doubt love you.”

  He grinned, his hands touching the sides of her waist. “I knew it.” Then he took her in his arms. “I’ve said this befo
re,” he murmured near her ear, “but whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”

  “The eternal optimist,” she said, leaning her cheek against his shoulder.

  “Nee. A man who has faith.”

  Epilogue

  “She’s a schee bride, don’t you think?”

  Selah looked at Levi as he handed her a cup of cider. “The prettiest,” she said. She sipped the drink as Levi winked at her before wandering off, always playing the gracious host. The scent of flowers wafted through the air, and it was a perfect day for a wedding. The ceremony had been held in the inn’s lobby, cramped with guests, but no one minded. Richard’s granddaughter, Meghan, had arrived two days earlier and helped with the last-minute preparations. Now she was talking with Jackson, which made sense. They were the only English people there.

  Cevilla had told her Richard’s daughter declined to attend. Selah hoped that whatever strife was going on between father and daughter would be patched up soon. She had seen a lot of miracles lately, and she had faith that God would work out their relationship for good.

  The reception was outside on the lawn, which looked beautiful and perfect. Selah, Levi, and Nina, with some help from Meghan and Jackson, had worked overtime to get the grounds ready, and although the prayer garden still needed work, they had a good start on it. But the best news was that the inn was booked solid for the next three months—another miracle after so many challenges.

  Not wanting to spend so much time on the sidelines, she mingled with the guests, spending extra time visiting with Martha. The two of them, while still close, hadn’t spent much time together since Martha’s wedding. Selah planned to rectify that. A few months ago, she’d felt like an outsider in Birch Creek. Now she was part of the community.

  When the festivities were over, she helped with the cleanup. It was nearly dark, and she was tired but happy. Seeing Cevilla and Richard’s joy was contagious.

  “You look happy,” Levi said, coming up to her as she folded a tablecloth.

  “I am. Turns out I like putting on weddings.”

  “Oh, you do?” Levi grinned and put his arms around her waist.

  “Levi, what if someone sees?”

  “Everyone’s gone home, except for familye. And it’s not like they haven’t figured out what’s going on. Although to Grossmammi’s credit, she hasn’t said a word.”

  “I think she learned her lesson.”

  “Not to interfere? That’s a miracle in itself.”

  “One of many.”

  He grew serious. “Ya. One of many.” He gave her a quick hug and then let her go. “So you like planning weddings, ya?”

  “I do.” She picked up another tablecloth. “Maybe we can start hosting more, like we talked about.”

  “Richard, Jackson, and Meghan already said they would spread the word. We just have to make sure we don’t book one the second week of May.”

  “Why? Do we have an event I don’t know about?”

  “Ya.” He took her hand, his heart in his eyes. “Our wedding.”

  She dropped the tablecloth, not caring if it landed on the ground.

  “What do you say, Selah? Will you marry me?”

  She thought about her plan—living on her own, being single for the rest of her life. That had been all she’d wanted a few months ago. Now all she wanted was standing right in front of her, waiting for her answer.

  Selah kissed him. “Ya, Levi. I’ll marry you.”

  “I think we should add a condition to that,” he said.

  “What?”

  “Cevilla, Delilah, and Nina have to organize the wedding.” He winked.

  She nodded and hugged him. Serves them right. Although they both knew the three of them wouldn’t mind doing that one bit. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  Discussion Questions

  Selah tends to catastrophize things—she makes them bigger and more dramatic than they really are. What advice would you give her to curb this behavior?

  The Amish are known for their hospitality, even when they aren’t running an inn. What are some ways you show hospitality to others?

  Has anyone ever pressured you to do something against your values, the way Jackson’s father pressured him? How did you handle it?

  When Jackson stays at the inn, he talks to the Stolls about “unplugging.” What is your opinion about the technology that fills our lives? Are we too connected or not?

  In what ways do you think technology makes our lives harder rather than easier?

  Selah realized she had to turn her fears over to God. Discuss a time when you found yourself having to do the same thing.

  Both Cevilla and Delilah were impatient when it came to their loved ones. What do you do when you become impatient about something important to you?

  Do you agree with Levi when he tells Jackson that “We must always forgive”? Explain your answer.

  Acknowledgments

  I always thank my fabulous editors, Becky Monds and Jean Bloom, for their invaluable help when I write a book. But in the case of The Innkeeper’s Bride, they need a double portion. Thank you both for putting up with changing deadlines and heavy edits. I’ve also learned not to try to write a book so soon after shoulder surgery. ☺

  Thank you to my agent Natasha Kern for checking in with me during my recovery and giving me support. Thank you for always being in my corner.

  Another big thanks to Cheryl Connors for sharing with me all of her innkeeping expertise. Who knew I would have so much fun writing about an inn? (She probably did!)

  And as always, thank you dear reader. I hope you enjoy Levi and Selah’s story, and that your heart is warmed that Cevilla found her happy ending.

  Glossary

  ab im kopp: crazy, crazy in the head

  bruder: brother

  bu: boy

  daed: father

  danki: thank you

  Dietsch: Amish language

  dochder: daughter

  familye: family

  frau: woman, Mrs.

  geh: go

  grossmammi/grossmutter: grandmother

  grosskinner: grandchildren

  grossvatter: grandfather

  gut: good

  gute nacht: good night

  haus: house

  kaffee: coffee

  kapp: white hat worn by Amish women

  kinner: children

  maedel: girl/young woman

  mamm: mom

  mann: Amish man

  mei: my

  mutter: mother

  nee: no

  nix: nothing

  schee: pretty/handsome

  seltsam: weird

  sohn: son

  vatter: father

  ya: yes

  yer/yers: your/yours

  yerself: yourself

  About the Author

  With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield.

  Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com

  Instagram: kf_booksandhooks

  Facebook: WriterKathleenFuller

  Twitter: @TheKatJam

  Acclaim for Kathleen Fuller

  “Fuller brings us compelling characters who stay in our hearts long after we’ve read the book. It’s always a treat to dive into one of her novels."

  —Beth Wiseman, bestselling author of Hearts in Harmony, on The Innkeeper’s Bride

  “A beautiful Amish romance with plenty of twists and turns and a completely satisfying happy ending. Kathleen Fuller is a gifted storyteller.”

  —Jennifer Beckstrand, author of Home on Huckleberry Hill, on The Innkeeper’s Bride

  “I always enjoy a Kathleen Fuller book, especially her Amish stories. The Innkeeper’s Bride did not disappoint! From the moment Selah and Levi meet each other to the last scene in the book, this was a
story that tugged at my emotions. The story deals with several heavy issues such as mental illness and family conflicts, while still maintaining humor and couples falling in love, both old and new. When Selah finds work at the inn Levi is starting up with his family, they clash on everything, but realize they have feelings for each other. My heart hurt for Selah as she held her secrets close and pushed everyone away. But in the end, God’s grace and love, along with some misguided Birch Creek matchmakers stirring up mischief, brings them together. Weddings at a beautiful country inn? What’s not to love? Readers of Amish fiction will enjoy this winter-time story of redemption and hope set against the backdrop of a beautiful inn that brings people together.”

  —Lenora Worth, author of Their Amish Reunion

  “A warm romance that will tug at the hearts of readers, this is a new favorite.”

  —The Parkersburg News & Sentinel on The Teacher's Bride

  “Fuller’s appealing Amish romance deals with some serious issues, including depression, yet it also offers funny and endearing moments.”

  —Booklist on The Teacher’s Bride

  “Kathleen Fuller’s The Teacher’s Bride is a heartwarming story of unexpected romance woven with fun and engaging characters who come to life on every page. Once you open the book, you won’t put it down until you’ve reached the end.”

  —Amy Clipston, bestselling author of A Seat by the Hearth

  “Kathy Fuller’s characters leap off the page with subtle power as she uses both wit and wisdom to entertain! Refreshingly honest and charming, Kathy’s writing reflects a master’s touch when it comes to intricate plotting and a satisfying and inspirational ending full of good cheer!”

  —Kelly Long, national bestselling author, on The Teacher’s Bride

  “Kathleen Fuller is a master storyteller, and fans will absolutely fall in love with Ruby and Christian in The Teacher’s Bride.”

  —Ruth Reid, bestselling author of A Miracle of Hope

  “The Teacher’s Bride features characters who know what it’s like to be different, to not fit in. What they don’t know is that’s what makes them so loveable. Kathleen Fuller has written a sweet, oftentimes humorous, romance that reminds readers that the perfect match might be right in front of their noses. She handles the difficult topic of depression with a deft touch. Readers of Amish fiction won’t want to miss this delightful story.”