A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  Edward’s words practically took Beverly’s breath away. She hadn’t expected to ever be thanked. She hadn’t expected anything. Hadn’t even thought that far ahead. “What you just said, Ed . . .”

  “Yes?”

  “It . . . It means the world to me.”

  He turned his head and smiled. There was a sweet, new warmth in his eyes. “I am so glad we came to see you. So very glad,” he said at last.

  And truly, there was nothing else that needed to be said.

  AS TRICIA WALKED BETWEEN her mother and father up the long, winding, graveled driveway to Ben’s house, she suddenly realized that the nerves she’d been sure would be jangling in her stomach were nowhere to be found. Instead, all she felt was happiness and excitement. She was looking forward to introducing Ben to her parents and talking about their wedding.

  Much of the change had to do with the shift in her parents’ attitudes. She was so glad they’d finally listened to what she had to say. Maybe Mamm and Daed could finally see how happy and content she was.

  “You look as bright as a penny, Tricia,” her mother said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you so happy. Are you that excited about seeing Ben?”

  “I am,” she admitted. “But I am even happier that you and Daed don’t seem as cross with me. I hate it when I disappoint you.”

  “You have not disappointed me or your father,” her mother said quickly.

  “I know you were disappointed when I left Ohio.”

  “We were concerned,” her mother corrected. “We also weren’t happy that you left without letting us know first.”

  Thinking back to the first time she’d talked to them on the phone after arriving in Pinecraft, Tricia thought that was putting things mildly. “You were rather cross.”

  Her father looked down at her and frowned. “We were caught off guard.”

  “You still weren’t happy when you got off that bus.”

  “There is no reason to go over everything again. Though I haven’t made up my mind about this Ben of yours, I listened to what you had to say.”

  “I’m glad you are following your heart,” her mother said. “Though, at times, I’ve often wished you’d be less impulsive, I also think it’s a blessing that you know your mind.”

  Tricia hoped her mother was being honest. She knew there had been times in her life when her mother had been quite put out about her nature. More than once she’d advised Tricia to be more reserved.

  They were on the front steps now. “I hope you will like Ben.”

  “I hope we will like him, too,” her father murmured.

  Though it was too late to worry about such things, a momentary panic rushed through Tricia. Was there anything about Ben that she should have warned them about? Anything she could do in order to make this first meeting go more smoothly?

  Her mother gestured toward the door. “Knock on the door, child. No doubt they are wondering why we are simply standing here.”

  Her father raised a brow. “Unless you want to argue about that, too?”

  Practically rolling her eyes, Tricia stepped forward and knocked three times. Immediately the door was opened . . . by William.

  “Hiya, Tricia,” he said with a smile. “Daed, Ben, and Mark are still washing up so I said I would answer the door.” Looking on either side of her, he puffed up his chest. “Hi. I’m William Hilty. Ben is my big brother.”

  That seemed to be all that was needed to endear her parents to him forever. Her mother rushed inside and shook his hand, then brushed her hand across his blond hair. Her father shook his hand, too, and patted him on the back.

  “You want to see what we got today?” he asked, his blue eyes shining with hope.

  “Of course,” her mother said, immediately following the boy into the living room.

  Sharing an amused glance with her father, Tricia followed them. She was learning that William was an excitable boy but also surprisingly sensitive. She was glad he’d seen something in her parents that drew him to them.

  When they entered the living room, William pointed to a large cardboard box in the center. Inside was a thick fleece blanket and on top of that was a cat and two squirmy black-and-white kittens.

  “Oh, look at that,” Tricia gasped.

  William grinned. “Yep. We’ve got kittens!”

  Just as Tricia was about to caution William to lower his voice so he didn’t frighten the babies, her mother knelt by the box and peered inside.

  “My goodness! Aren’t they sweet?” She reached in the box and gently petted one. “Where did they come from?”

  “We were working in the store this morning and saw their mother carrying them by the scruff of their necks to a little nest she’d made,” Mark said, stepping down the stairs. “She was so sweet, Daed said there was no way we couldn’t adopt the three of them.”

  “Plus, I knew that Tricia would be mighty upset with me if we didn’t rescue them,” Ben said as he entered the room.

  Waiting with bated breath, Tricia felt the tension in the room heighten as her parents turned to Ben.

  “Mamm, Daed, please meet William’s bruders. This is Mark and Ben.” She could practically feel her skin flush when she heard how her voice changed as she said Ben’s name. It was full of bright happiness.

  Mark stepped forward and shook their hands, as did Ben. After greeting Mark politely, her father focused completely on Ben. So much so, why there might as well have been no one else in the room. “So you are the man who has claimed my daughter’s heart?”

  Without missing a beat, Ben replied, “I hope so. She has certainly claimed mine.”

  “I’m Kathleen,” her mother said with bright pink cheeks.

  “Pleased to meet you, Kathleen.” Looking at both of her parents, he said, “I’m sorry I wasna downstairs when you arrived. Time got away from us, I’m afraid.”

  “I understand about work. But not so much about adopting three cats at once,” her father joked.

  Tricia exhaled. If her father was joking, everything was going to be all right.

  “My father said the same thing,” Ben replied. “But they are cute, and we’ll always need mousers.”

  “And a sweet cat for our future home,” Tricia said.

  Ben’s expression softened. “Indeed, we will need that, if it will make you happy,” he murmured and kissed her forehead. Right in front of everyone!

  “You wouldn’t mind?”

  “Tricia, if you think we need a kitten, then we will have one.”

  Tricia felt a lump rise in her throat as she realized her parents were watching her intently.

  Then, to her surprise, her father chuckled. “It seems we better meet your father and start planning a wedding. The sooner the better, too. I have a feeling you two are determined to marry with or without our blessing.”

  “I want your blessing, sir,” Ben said. “I love Tricia. I want to be everything she’s hoped for. That means I want you to feel the same way, too.” He straightened his shoulders. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn your respect and trust.”

  Tricia was blown away. She had known Ben was upstanding and she knew he cared deeply for her, but for some reason, she’d never imagined he would make such statements.

  Looking from one of them to the other, her father nodded. “Then you shall have it.”

  “Forgive me for making you wait,” Jay announced as he joined them. “I was the last to have the shower.”

  “That’s okay,” her mother said after all the introductions were complete. “We’ve been doing just fine getting to know your sons.”

  Moments later, her parents followed Jay into the kitchen. Tricia had offered to accompany them, but all three of the parents told her and Ben to relax with the boys and the kittens.

  She needed no further instruction. Sitting down next to the box, she peered in and saw that the mom cat was sprawled on its side and one of the kittens was fast asleep. But the other kitten, one with tawny-colored eyes, was staring right
at her. She carefully picked it up and set it in her lap.

  Ben sat down next to her. “You doing all right today? I’ve been worried about you. Actually, I’ve been praying for you all day.”

  “Your prayers were answered, because it’s true. I really am good. Better than I thought I would be, actually.” After glancing around the room and seeing that Ben’s brothers were busy eating some cheese and crackers that someone had set out on the coffee table, she said, “We had kind of a rocky start, but after I spoke from my heart, everyone settled down. Isn’t that something?”

  “It’s a blessing, that’s what it is.”

  She grinned. “Indeed. God truly works in mysterious ways.”

  “Have you thought of a date?”

  “Yes. Is October twenty-second too soon?”

  “As long as the preachers and bishop agree, I’m fine with any date.”

  “And you are still okay with having the wedding and reception at the Orange Blossom Inn?”

  “Perfect. I don’t want a huge wedding anyway.”

  “Me neither.” They shared a smile, and for a moment, Tricia was sure Ben was going to kiss her cheek, but the tension was broken by the kitten wiggling in her arms. When she set it on the braided rug, it darted right over to William. In the box, the other kitten began squirming and Mark took it out.

  Next thing they knew, the four of them were laughing at the kittens’ antics, just as if it was the most natural thing in the world for them to be together. But when Tricia heard her father laugh at something Jay said in the other room, she relaxed completely. This moment was worth everything.

  Everything in the world.

  Just then they heard a knock at the door.

  Jay came out from the kitchen. “I’ll get it.”

  “Who’s here, Daed?” Ben asked.

  “Emma and the girls.” Looking a little self-conscious, Jay added, “I didn’t think you would mind, Ben.”

  “I don’t mind about Emma and her girls being here at all. I think it’s wonderful-gut. Don’t you agree, Tricia?”

  Tricia smiled. “I’m glad they are here.”

  William scrambled to his feet and trotted to the door. “I didn’t know Lena was coming over.”

  “I hope you don’t mind,” Jay said, looking over at Tricia’s parents who had followed him in from the kitchen. “Emma and her girls have become special friends of ours. I thought they might enjoy meeting you, too.”

  “And seeing the kittens,” William said with a beaming smile.

  “Yes, of course. And seeing the kittens.” Resting a palm on his youngest boy’s shoulder, he said, “Let’s go let them in, Will.”

  When they disappeared from view, Ben winked at Mark, who was grinning broadly.

  “What is going on here?” Tricia’s mother whispered in her ear.

  “Jay has recently started seeing a nice lady in Pinecraft. Her name is Emma. He likes her a lot.”

  “But—”

  “They’re both widows. They have a lot in common, and all the kids are kind of excited about what is happening.”

  Tricia didn’t have time to say another word because Annie rushed in to say hello, followed by Lena, Mandy, and William, and at last, Jay and Emma. Jay and Emma looked a little bit awkward about being on display, but also happy to be by each other’s side. Tricia’s mamm walked over and introduced herself. When Emma smiled and greeted Tricia’s daed, then formally introduced her girls, Ben nudged Tricia.

  “It’s going okay,” he whispered. “Look, your parents don’t even care about us now, they are so focused on my daed and Emma.”

  Tricia thought that might be true. Her mother seemed enchanted by the idea of two people who had lost so much finding love again. They also seemed to enjoy how Jay’s boys were already looking after Emma’s girls. Somehow, everyone was becoming one, big, happy group in spite of a somewhat rocky beginning.

  LATER THAT NIGHT, WHEN they were on the last shuttle back to the inn, Tricia’s mother said, “Tricia, I’m starting to think there must be something special about Pinecraft.”

  “There might be. All I know for sure is that I’m starting to think that maybe I’m special, too.” She smiled. “I know I’ve always been special to you and Daed and God. But now I’m starting to realize that I have value, too.”

  “You’ve always had value, dear.”

  “I know. But when those girls back in Walnut Creek were making me so miserable, I starting believing everything they said. I started thinking that I wasn’t ever going to be good enough. I started thinking that no man was ever going to fall in love with me. That I was always going to feel a little out of place. That I wasn’t capable of keeping friendships.”

  “They were wrong, Trish. If you had trusted me more and talked to me, I could have told you that.”

  “Mamm, I love you, but that wasn’t what I needed.” Her voice cracked as she continued. “For some reason, I needed to do something on my own. I needed to grow up and become a little more independent. And it’s done wonders for me. Now I am working at the inn and I’ve become friends with Emma and her girls and have even been able to help them from time to time.”

  “And you fell in love with Ben.”

  “Jah. Once I loved myself again, I fell in love with Ben.” As her mother smiled softly, Tricia added, “And he fell in love with me.”

  Chapter 22

  I don’t quite understand why you are making so many place mats, Emma,” her mother said a week later. As she slid her scissors through another layer of checkered fabric, she frowned. “Twelve seems excessive.”

  Glad she was facing her treadle sewing machine, Emma rolled her eyes. Her mother knew exactly why Emma wanted to have such a large set of place mats. She simply didn’t want to think of Emma, Jay, and all their kinner sharing a meal together.

  “Muder, we’ve discussed this already.”

  “No, we haven’t. Not really. Daed and I told you that we thought you were jumping into a relationship far too quickly. You refused to listen.”

  Thinking again about how much her mother’s lack of faith in her had hurt, and how she hadn’t even tried to temper her words before Emma’s date with Jay, Emma knew that as far as her parents were concerned this would always be moving too fast. She hadn’t even bothered to tell them about the two other dates she’d been on with Jay in the last week. There had been no need, since Ben and Tricia had volunteered to babysit at the farm.

  “I listened, Mamm. I simply didn’t agree.”

  “So you’ve decided to make place mats to prove me wrong.”

  “Nee, Mamm. I decided to make a set of place mats because I want to make place mats. If I want to serve a meal on them to Jay and his boys, I’ll do that, too.”

  “Why are you making twelve?”

  Emma was just irritated enough to give her mother a little jab. “I had hoped that maybe you and Daed would one day want to join us. Maybe even Tricia. Maybe even all sorts of people.”

  “Perhaps you would like me to leave?”

  “I would love for you to stay if you are ready to apologize. If not, then jah, it might be best if you went on your way.”

  When Emma heard her mother’s chair scoot back, she bit her lip to try to stay tough. But inside, her heart was aching. She truly didn’t want to have to choose between her parents and Jay. Especially not when their grandchildren were involved.

  But instead of walking out the door, her mother walked to her side. “Emma, you know I don’t like arguing with you. However, I simply cannot help but think you are making a mistake.”

  Emma turned to face her. “Why?”

  “You are forgetting yourself. You already have been married. You were married to a gut man who loved you. You had a nice life with him.”

  “I know all of that. Don’t you think I knew how blessed I was to have Sanford?”

  “Then why would you even think of trying to replace your husband? God doesn’t give you two mates in life, dear. You are setting yourself up for he
artbreak.”

  “Mamm, I need you to try and see my point of view. I will always honor Sanford’s memory, but he is gone! Jay is a gut man, too. I need you to wish me well. Or, if you can’t do that, at least promise me that you’ll at least try.”

  As her mother stared at her, little by little, all the love that she’d always shown Emma glimmered in her eyes. “I will try,” she said at last. “Because I love you, I will start to try.”

  “Danke, Mamm. I love you, too.”

  After giving Emma a quick hug, her mother muttered something about the time, picked up her purse, and walked out the door. Emma went to the window and watched her mother walk slowly down Kaufmann Avenue, her head bent. She looked sad.

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Emma expected to feel justified and pleased that her mother had finally listened. Instead, she felt more confused than ever. Though she knew Jay was a wonderful man, a small part of her wondered if her mother had been right. Was it too much to ask for two successful relationships? Was she foolish to expect Jay to ever love her like he’d loved his first wife? Could she herself ever fall in love again?

  Turning away from the window, she looked at the remains of the project she’d started. Though her mother hadn’t liked the task, she’d dutifully cut out the rest of the fabric. It was now arranged neatly on one corner of the table. Two completed place mats were on the arm of her couch. Scraps of fabric and thread littered the table and the floor near her sewing machine.

  It all kind of looked like how her life felt: in disarray.

  Maybe it was time to slow things down. Just to make sure she wasn’t making a terrible mistake, that she hadn’t simply latched on to Jay and his sons because she’d been so lonely.

  Her eyes stung as she quietly folded the extra fabric, gathered the scraps and completed place mats, and stuffed them all in the sack from the fabric store. Then, before she could change her mind, she walked to her bedroom and shoved the sack under her bed.

  Out of sight.

  Only later did she realize that although she had indeed put it all out of sight, she had also opted to keep it close at hand.

  AS HE APPROACHED EMMA’S house, Jay felt a hum of anticipation that he now understood went hand in hand with his visits to her. He was anxious to see the Keim girls. He missed Annie’s hugs, Mandy’s tentative smiles, and Lena’s shy welcomes. He missed Emma’s pretty face and sweet nature. Most of all, he’d missed the way he now only felt whole when they were nearby—each had truly taken a piece of him.