Katie's Forever Promise

by Jerry S. Eicher

  Mamm didn’t say anything for a few minutes. “I’ve never heard one of our women speak to you like Katie spoke beside your bed, Ben. She shared words of faith and hope. Of course, she thought you might not live, but still her words and thoughts moved me very deeply. You ought to mend your relationship with her, Ben. You should at least try.”

  Ben’s laugh was hollow. “And how exactly am I supposed to do such a thing? I did a very bad thing. I’ve been arrested and spent time in jail. And now I’ve been shot and have detectives calling at my door. And who knows whether someone won’t come after me or those I love again? What Amish woman deserves something like that?”

  “I suppose it does seem impossible,” Mamm allowed. “But then you didn’t hear the young woman speak to you. Katie still loves you, Ben. I’m sure of it. You shouldn’t throw that away. Da Hah can do amazing things when we trust Him and ask Him for help.”

  “Mamm, come on now. I’m your son. You are a little biased, you know. And I know you don’t want me to leave. Stop saying things like that. If the ministers heard you say Katie was interested in me, they might place her in the bann.”

  Mamm smiled. “They’re not hearing me right now, are they? And you won’t tell them, I’m sure.”

  Ben smiled. “Nee, I wouldn’t do anything more to hurt you or Katie.”

  Mamm’s voice trembled. “I worry about you being in town, Ben. So near to the people and things that led you astray. You’ve always been attracted to the Englisha things. I pray that you don’t fall for them again. And watch the books you read in town. Look what reading those war stories brought you. I should never have allowed those books in my house.”

  “I’ve changed, Mamm,” Ben said quietly. “I’m going to be all right, and I’m going to keep our faith.”

  Silence fell between them until Mamm ventured a question. “Where did you get the name ‘Longstreet,’ Ben? I’ve always wondered.”

  “I think I’d best not tell you.”

  “That’s what I thought. Oh, Ben!”

  “I got it from a book on the Civil War. Katie loved that name when I told her about it. And she’s sound in the faith, Mamm.”

  Mamm sputtered a bit. “Katie doesn’t have any sense on that point. And she was in love with you. We’ll change your horse’s name when I get back home, that’s for sure. What if the ministers ever found out?”

  Ben shrugged and pulled the envelope out of his pocket. “You can do what you wish, but would you give this to Katie after things have died down a bit? I wouldn’t want either of you to get into trouble.”

  Mamm held the envelope. “What did you write, Ben?”

  “I thanked her for coming to the hospital that night. And I wished her well with the rest of her life.”

  “Do you think this is wise? To send a letter to her?”

  “Yah, Mamm. It needed to be done. Just give it to Katie sometime later. No one will care after I’m gone for a bit.”

  “Then you really are cutting all ties with us…with the community?”

  “I don’t plan to, Mamm. But we don’t know how this situation will end.”

  “Don’t become bitter, Ben,” Mamm begged. “The ministers are doing what they think is best.”

  Ben looked away. “I know.”

  Mamm slipped the envelope into her dress pocket.

  Ben turned toward her. “I love you and Daett. I’m sorry for everything—for the hurt I’ve caused. Thank you for taking such good care of me these last few weeks. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”

  Mamm pulled her handkerchief out. “You’re our son, Ben. Of course we’ll take care of you when you need it. Even when the way looks dark for us we’ll do it because we love you and Da Hah loves you.”

  Ben nodded. “Thank you. And tell Daett I’m sorry. He’s done more for me than I deserve. I can’t imagine the shame and pain I put the family through by breaking the law and being sentenced to jail. I know I didn’t say it very often, but I really am sorry. I’ll never do something like that again.”

  Mamm smiled through her tears. “You know the door at home is always open, Ben. So don’t be forgetting that. Visit us as much as possible.”

  “I’ll try. And don’t forget the letter to Katie. It’s important to me.”

  As the outskirts of Dover approached, they fell silent as they listened to the steady drum of Longstreet’s metal shoes hitting the pavement. They were pounding away like the minutes of a person’s life, Ben thought. The sound of life moving forward with a power of its own that no person could stop. The Amish surrendered to its flow, giving in willingly. He didn’t feel like giving in right now. He felt like fighting, like trying to get back what he’d lost.

  “How are you going to get around?” Mamm asked, interrupting his thoughts.

  “I’m going to get a bicycle.”

  Mamm smiled and looked relieved. She was probably glad he wasn’t thinking about getting a car. But now he’d have to buy a bike even though he’d meant the comment as a joke. He hadn’t really thought about the matter much, but maybe riding a bicycle was a good idea.

  “Yah,” Ben said, forcing a smile. “That’s what I’m going to do.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Katie drove Sparky toward the Mennonite church house on the other side of the community. The October leaves were beginning to change into their first touch of deep reds and gold. She was wearing her nicest dress, and the wedding present of a quilt she and Mamm had worked on for Margaret was wrapped and safely stashed behind the buggy seat. This was a mighty strange feeling, Katie thought. Going to a wedding in the afternoon and on a Saturday was very different from the Amish tradition. But that just went to show how many differences there were between her faith and that of the Mennonites. Most of those differences were found in practices like this. Neither of them exactly wrong theologically, but a bridge difficult to cross nonetheless. Thankfully Da Hah had settled Katie’s heart about joining the church she’d been brought up in. Even during the difficult days she’d not doubted that guidance.

  In spite of her commitment to her Amish community, Katie didn’t want to miss Margaret’s wedding or be late. Katie wouldn’t attend any more Mennonite youth gatherings, but going to her friend’s wedding was a different matter. Her friendship with Margaret and Sharon had been a wunderbah thing, healing her heart and offering her support and encouragement when she’d badly needed it. Now things were different. Her love for her people and faith was more settled. There would be no thoughts of joining the Mennonites this time.

  Mamm had had a worried look in her eyes when Katie had left the house twenty minutes ago. She was still worried Katie might stray into the Mennonite fold. Well, Mamm had nothing to worry about, as Katie had assured her many times. Mabel, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care either way. She’d made no sharp jabs like she had last time, going on and on about the scandal of Katie consorting with Mennonites.

  Instead, this morning Mabel had been all flustered about Norman’s visit tomorrow night. She’d rushed about the house until the living room and kitchen had been cleaned again from top to bottom. The floor had been scrubbed at least twice—by Mamm the first time and then again by Mabel when it didn’t meet her specifications. What those were, neither Mamm nor Katie could figure out. Mabel declared the floor totally unacceptable, produced a fresh pail of water, and did it all over again.

  As far as anyone could tell, things were going well for Mabel and Norman. It still seemed a little strange to hear their voices murmuring downstairs until late on Sunday nights, especially considering that not that long ago it had been Katie sitting beside the young man. But Katie was getting used to it. They hadn’t really dated that long, and she still felt well rid of Norman and his hidden dark side.

  Ben was living in town somewhere—at least according to the news that had spread across the community. A couple of the older schoolchildren had chattered endlessly about the matter during recess, oblivious to how much interest she had in the matter. They said he’d
left because of the ministers, although no one was quite sure in what way they’d been involved. Clearly they’d seen a danger in either Ben’s life or in its effect on the life of the community.

  There was even talk that Ben planned to testify against the man who had shot him, and that his testimony would send the man to jail for a very long time. Whatever the reason, not having to see Ben at church was a relief really, Katie thought. She’d been dreading it. How would she explain to Ben the night at the hospital if he were to speak to her about it? Lavina had tried to respect her wishes to keep her visit secret, but Katie knew news of the trip would eventually get out, if it hadn’t already.

  Katie pulled back on Sparky’s reins as she approached the Mennonite church house. Cars sat everywhere—and no buggy was in sight. A few vehicles were turning in the driveway ahead of her. Where was she supposed to park? Along the fence? But the ditch there was too deep.

  As Katie approached, a young boy waved his hands toward the back, hollering out, “There’s a light pole over there you can tie your horse to.”

  His eyes were big as Katie passed him. Apparently he hadn’t expected a buggy to arrive, but at least he knew where to send her. Several boys were busy directing cars. They glanced at her with amused expressions. When she stopped by the light pole, she noticed that one of the boys had followed her.

  He held out his hand. “I can secure your horse for you if you give me the tie rope.”

  “Do you know anything about horses?” Katie asked.

  He laughed. “Enough to tie them up.”

  Giving him the rope, Katie climbed down and found her way to the front door. Glancing back, she noticed Sparky was looking around, like he was trying to figure out why he was tied in the middle of all the Englisha automobiles. Well, he’d be okay in the strange surroundings, just like she would be. Even though they were different, the Mennonites were nice people. That much she knew.

  An usher inside the door greeted Katie with a smile. “Relative or friend of the bride or groom?”

  “Friend of the bride,” Katie replied. She wanted to say gut friend, but he probably wouldn’t have understood. How could anyone understand in just a few words what Margaret and Sharon had meant to her back in the days when she was considered strange by her own people and largely ignored? Not only had the two befriended her, they’d invited her along on a trip to Europe with their friend Nancy.

  “Over here then.” The usher put out his arm.

  Katie looped hers around his elbow and let him lead her down a side aisle to a seat about halfway back. When she’d settled in the pew, the woman next to her turned and whispered, “My name is Florence Miller. How do you know Margaret?”

  “I’m Katie Raber. I’m a gut friend of Margaret’s. I know her from the youth gatherings.”

  “Welcome then!” the lady said.

  The service began with what Katie guessed was traditional wedding music for the Mennonites. Katie watched closely, trying to take everything in. First, a little girl came down the aisle spreading flowers on the floor. Katie thought that was cute. The Amish would never do that. Even flowers on the table would be considered a vain thing. Celery and fruit was about as far as decorations were taken at Amish weddings. But here it seemed right, even wunderbah. Maybe her friendship with Margaret was coloring her opinion. Katie shrugged. It was gut that no one else from the community was here to see her pleased reaction. She was a member of the Amish church now and was expected to uphold the community’s standards. Well, this was Margaret’s wedding, and there was no harm in enjoying it. In a few hours Katie would be back in her community.

  Following the flower girl came the bridesmaids. They marched slowly down the aisle wearing the most wunderbah long and flowing, dark-blue dresses. Katie smiled to think that Mamm would pass out flat out on the floor if Katie ever wore something like that. No wonder the preachers warned all the time about the dangers of worldly weddings. She’d never known that worldly could look so tempting.

  Fresh music began, and Katie gasped when Margaret appeared in a light-blue dress even more flowing and ruffled than the bridesmaids. She almost looked like an angel as she leaned on her daett’s arm. Everyone stood up, and Katie followed their lead.

  Margaret made her way slowly and gracefully up the center aisle, coming to a halt in the front where she was met by a handsome young man in a shiny black suit—obviously Margaret’s groom, Lonnie. He was smiling from ear to ear, clearly very happy and satisfied with his choice of a frau.

  As he should be, Katie thought. Margaret was a very nice person.

  While the couple stood still, a beautiful solo was sung by a young woman Katie didn’t recognize. Then the preacher prayed, and Margaret and Lonnie stepped up to stand in front of him. Margaret was lined on her side by her bridesmaids, and groomsmen flanked Lonnie’s side. The preacher asked everyone in the audience to sit down, and then he gave a short sermon. Katie was surprised that all the people up front remained standing. When he’d led in another prayer, the preacher started the wedding vow questions right then and there, without any more sermons being preached, as would have happened at an Amish wedding.

  Katie listened to the vows, all of them asked in English. That was unexpected. They sounded so different. Yet Margaret was married at the end, just like her people were when they were married. When the vows were completed, candles were lit by Margaret and her husband. Then the two turned around to face everyone while the preacher announced, “And now it’s my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Brinkman.” Then the couple came sweeping down the aisle again. Smiling as she went by, Margaret caught Katie’s eye and waved. Katie waved back, turning her head to follow Margaret and her husband as they walked out the church house door. That’s it? Katie wondered. It was nice, but from an Amish point of view, way too short.

  “May I have your attention?” The preacher was speaking above the conversations buzzing in the church house. “The bride and the groom have prepared a lovely meal in the fellowship hall right next door. Let me direct your attention there, and remind you to head over right away after the ushers dismiss you and find your seats. On behalf of Lonnie and Margaret, thank you all for coming.”

  As the ushers directed each row of people, the guests moved down the aisle.

  “Are you staying for the meal?” Florence asked.

  “Certainly! I want to see Margaret, and I haven’t spoken with my friend Sharon yet.”

  “Then you have other friends here?” Florence asked.

  “Just those two. But they’re wunderbah friends.”

  “Believe me, hang on tight to those you have. People have way too few friends!”

  “I will,” Katie said as Sharon caught her attention from across the room by waving. She was making a beeline to reach her. They embraced to the accompaniment of their happy squeals.

  “You must be great friends!” Florence commented.

  Sharon gave Florence a quick hug. “That we are. Katie and I go back a few years and quite a few miles traveled together. How are you today, Florence?”

  “Just fine and happy to be here. What about yourself? Is that Toby fellow still hanging around your place?”

  Sharon laughed. “He sure is—and seems to do so more all the time.”

  “Well, the best to the both of you.”

  Katie cringed on the inside. Any moment now the two were going to ask if she had a boyfriend. And then she’d have to admit to the sorry tale. Being dropped by your boyfriend for whatever the reason wouldn’t look gut even in a Mennonite community.

  Sharon pulled on Katie’s elbow. “Come on, let’s go see Margaret!”

  Katie followed Sharon through the crowd, stopping a few times to smile and nod as Sharon spoke with her friends. They eventually arrived at the fellowship hall, and Sharon headed straight for the receiving line where Margaret and Lonnie were greeting people.

  Margaret was even lovelier up close, her flowing wedding dress sparkling and her face glowing. Katie gawked the whole
time it took to reach her. Sharon didn’t give Margaret a hug when they arrived, Katie noticed. Probably because of the dress. Margaret grabbed both of Katie’s arms though. “Oh, Katie, I’m so very glad you could come! I know I’ve said that to a hundred other people already, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I’ll never forget our trip to the Old City of Zurich.”

  “Hello,” Lonnie interrupted, offering his hand. “So it’s you who went to Europe with Margaret and Sharon and Nancy? I’m glad to finally meet you.”

  “Yah,” Katie replied. “And you have gotten yourself a very good frau. Margaret’s a wunderbah person. She’s been a great friend to me.”

  “As she has been to me.” Lonnie linked his arm with Margaret’s, and the two gazed into each other’s eyes and smiled sweetly.

  “So how are you coming along?” Margaret asked. “Any wedding bells ringing yet?”

  “Nee.” Katie tried to keep a smile on her face. She really wanted to grab Margaret and cry on her shoulder, but that wasn’t the thing to do, especially on Margaret’s wedding day.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Margaret’s face fell. “Troubles? I’m sure you’ll find the perfect man someday. I’ll pray for you, okay?”

  “Yah,” Katie said as she nodded. “That would be gut.”

  “I will too!” Sharon took Katie’s elbow again. “Come, we have to keep moving.”

  Already Margaret was greeting other guests, Katie noticed as she glanced over her shoulder. Just like in life, relationships had to move on. But she would always thank Da Hah for the opportunity He’d given her to know Margaret and Sharon. She’d been blessed indeed.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The late Saturday afternoon sun shone across the open fields as Katie guided Sparky into the driveway. It was hard to imagine that Margaret’s wedding was already over, but she’d seen the couple leave on their honeymoon with her own eyes. They’d roared out of the church house parking lot in Lonnie’s car, streamers flying. All they needed to make the scene fancier was Esther’s dark-blue Corvette. Katie smiled as she remembered the times Esther drove her to the Mennonite youth gatherings.