Judith Miller - [Daughters of Amana 01]
Page 31
“Really? And what was that?”
“When I talked to Sister Muhlbach and Lydia before breakfast yesterday, Sister Muhlbach forgave me, though she said I couldn’t return to work in her kitchen. But later she called me outside and said that after she’d heard me speak in the meeting, she’d had a change of heart. She said she wanted to give me another chance.”
How could I possibly disagree with Berta’s assumption? It did, indeed, sound as though she’d received direction on where she should live. “And are you prepared to give Sister Muhlbach your best work, Berta?” If the girl wasn’t committed, Sister Muhlbach would soon regret her decision.
“Yes. I even told her she should remind me that I’d made a promise to her and to God that I would do my very best to obey the rules.”
I wasn’t certain a reminder would set Berta back on the right path should she veer to the right or the left, but I determined to pray that she would keep her word and that God would direct her future.
My father and Carl entered the parlor only minutes after I returned downstairs. The wide smile on both of their faces told me the elders had agreed. And though I’d had little concern that they’d permit the marriage, I was relieved the ordeal was over.
Carl stepped to my side. “Your Vater says we may go out back and talk privately for a few minutes.”
I knotted my fingers together and glanced at my father for affirmation.
“Ja. Go on. You two have much to discuss. Alone is better.”
Walking through the soft grassy yard, we circled the house. Carl led me to a far tree with leafy overhanging braches.
“The elders all confirmed that we may marry, and they agreed it would be best if I remained in Amana because of my work with your Vater.”
I looked up at him, my heart soaring at the love radiating in his eyes.
“We must wait until the first week in March for our wedding. Not what I’d hoped for, but at least it’s not a full year.”
“We can wait that long, Carl. It will give us time to learn more about each other.”
He raked his fingers through his sandy hair. “Just as long as you won’t change your mind when you discover all of my faults.”
“I doubt that will happen. I know you are a good man with a kind heart.”
Without another word he captured me in a warm embrace. “Do you think your parents would be angry if I kissed you?”
“I don’t think so.” I wasn’t sure if my voice or my hands quivered the most when I delivered my answer.
“And what about you, Johanna? Would you think me too forward if I kissed you?”
Heat flooded over me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. I held tight to his shoulders. “I think it would be acceptable if you kissed me—to seal our engagement.”
He leaned down and gently covered my lips with a tender kiss, and I knew without a doubt that I had found where I belonged.
SPECIAL THANKS TO . . .
. . . My editor, Sharon Asmus, for her generous spirit, excellent eye for detail, and amazing ability to keep her eyes upon Jesus through all of life’s adversities.
. . . My acquisitions editor, Charlene Patterson, for her enthusiastic support for this series.
. . . The entire staff of Bethany House Publishers, for their devotion to making each book they publish the best product possible. It is a privilege to work with all of you.
. . . Brandi Jones, Amana Heritage Society, for tirelessly answering my many questions, for private tours, and for reading my manuscript for technical accuracy.
. . . Lanny Haldy, Amana Heritage Society, for meeting with me and taking precious hours away from other tasks to provide information, answer questions, and make recommendations.
. . . Mary Greb-Hall for her ongoing encouragement, expertise, and sharp eye.
. . . Lori Seilstad, for her honest critiques.
. . . Mary Kay Woodford, my sister, my prayer warrior, my friend.
. . . Tracie Peterson, friend extraordinaire.
. . . Laurie Toth, for providing excellent Chicago materials.
. . . My husband, Jim, my constant encourager, supporter, and advocate, and the love of my life.
. . . Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for this miraculous opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.
MORE HISTORICAL DRAMA FROM
Judith Miller
When Olivia Mott is asked to act as a rail spy, she finds that life in Pullman, Illinois, is not as picturesque as it appears...and the young man who’s stolen her heart might be responsible.
POSTCARDS FROM PULLMAN
In the Company of Secrets, Whispers Along the Rails,
An Uncertain Dream
When Carrington Brouwer secures employment at a carousel-horse factory, her coveted job leads to false accusations. With her job—and her life—at risk, who can she trust to believe the truth?
The Carousel Painter
FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR TEAM
OF JUDITH MILLER AND TRACIE PETERSON
When three cousins receive an unexpected inheritance, they find themselves surrounded by opulence, wealth… and hidden motives. With more than just their hearts on the line, how can they know who to trust?
THE BROADMOOR LEGACY by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller
A Daughter’s Inheritance, An Unexpected Love, A Surrendered Heart
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Table of Contents
COVER PAGE
TITLE PAGE
COPYRIGHT PAGE
DEDICATION
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31