“You’re correct.” He kissed Ruthie’s fingers. “You are precious, little one.”
Madeline smiled. “Your mamm has been so good to stitch my new wedding dress.”
“It’s very pretty.” Joshua grinned and met her beautiful dark blue eyes. Her radiant glow validated that she matched his happiness about their impending marriage.
Mamm removed a straight pin from her lips. “Have you been to the bishop’s yet?”
“The date is still June eighteenth, and the community should be aware of our wedding by the end of the day, maybe even noon.”
Madeline wrinkled her nose. “I don’t understand. What do you mean?”
“I ran into Mrs. Yost and Mrs. Weaver at Lapp’s Furniture. I invited them to our wedding.”
Madeline, Mamm, and Nathaniel burst into laughter.
Nathaniel bounced Ruthie on his lap. “Smart man. Did they mention if they’d be attending?”
Mamm gave them a sly grin. “Those two whine and complain, but they never miss a social gathering for the food or the gossip. They’ll be there.”
“I don’t want to wish my life away, but I’m anxious for the day to arrive.”
“I’m with you, my love.” Joshua winked.
Mamm stood and pinned the sleeves. “Did you tell the Lapps your news?”
Joshua frowned. “Mrs. Lapp surprised me. She isn’t in favor our union, but Mr. Lapp is very supportive and looks forward to our wedding.” Joshua glanced out the window. “Speaking of the Lapps, Eva, their dochder, is here.”
Nathaniel stood. “I’ll be right back.”
Mamm, Joshua, and Madeline raised their eyebrows.
“Let’s peek out the window.” Madeline hurried to watch them and stood next to Mamm. “They have big smiles, and Nathaniel is showing her Ruthie. He appears very interested in Eva Lapp.”
“She’s pretty.” Joshua grinned.
“You think so?” Madeline smiled and nudged him.
“Not as pretty as you, of course.” He chuckled.
She gave him a mischievous expression. “That’s better.” She smiled. “All kidding aside, Eva is attractive, with her petite frame and sweetheart-shaped face. She has a pleasant voice and quiet way about her.”
“Eva is a sweet young woman.” Joshua’s mamm glanced at him. “Madeline’s going to keep you on your toes, Joshua.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I doubt there will ever be a dull moment with her or Ruthie.”
Nathaniel entered, with Ruthie in his arms and Eva by his side. She carried two pies. “You all know Eva Lapp. She’s brought me a custard pie, and our family a sugar cream pie.”
Eva looked at Nathaniel with her big blue eyes, as if he were the only one in the room.
Joshua understood. He felt the same about Madeline. “Did Nathaniel invite you to our wedding?”
“Jah, I’m thrilled for you. Is there anything I can do?”
“You can bake more pies and bring them.” Mamm handed her a cloth ball with pins. “Right this minute, you can hold this for me. It will keep me from having to bend so much.”
Eva accepted the pin cushion. “I’ll bake an assortment of pies and bring them.” She beheld Madeline. “Your dress is lovely on you.”
“Danki. I can’t sew very well. I’m grateful to Mrs. Stutzman for her help. Her stitches are perfect.”
“Mamm and I get by, but it’s not one of our best talents.”
“I’ll be happy to teach you, Eva.” Mamm lifted a pin from the small ball.
Ruthie clapped her hands and cooed.
“We’re done, Madeline.”
Madeline left to change and returned. She reached for Ruthie. “Nathaniel, why don’t you and Eva play horseshoes or take a walk? It’s a beautiful day with the flowers blooming.”
He handed Ruthie to her. “Danki.”
Joshua watched his bruder and Madeline exchange a conspiratorial look and knew they had formed the bond he had yearned for all along. Eva Lapp would be a good choice for a fraa for Nathaniel. She had beauty and grace. Eva and Madeline had these traits in common. He stole a glance at his bruder before the couple left. “Nathaniel is happier than he’s been in a while.”
Madeline nodded. “First, Ruthie lit up his world, and now Eva has kumme along to make it even brighter. I hope they form a solid friendship, leading to something serious. She’s a kind and sweet woman.”
Mamm grinned from ear to ear. “I’m going to have to buy more chairs for my table soon. My family is expanding!”
* * *
Weeks had passed, and Madeline was sure they’d invited all their friends. The food had been planned, and women had committed to bringing their favorite dishes. Addie’s stomach was getting bigger, and her friend glowed, waiting for the day her boppli would make his or her appearance. Everything was going well. She touched the cape of her wedding dress. Mrs. Stutzman was an excellent seamstress. She hugged herself. Joshua’s bride. She liked the sound of those words.
Knock. Knock.
She ran out to the front room.
Daed opened the door. “Mrs. Stutzman, what a pleasure.” He motioned her in.
Madeline wondered why she was here. The woman had cooked and baked for days to prepare for this day. She’d finished Madeline’s dress and managed to run her household all at the same time. Madeline wondered when she slept. She’d been a good source of advice for raising Ruthie, and she’d given her tips on how to clean, sew, cook, and bake. They’d become fast friends. Mrs. Stutzman held a package wrapped in white fabric tied with twine.
“I’m surprised you had time to stop by.” She hugged her.
Mrs. Stutzman passed her the present. “Here’s a surprise for you. I finished it last night.”
Madeline untied the twine and peeled back the fabric. Her eyes teared. She put the fabric on the chair and held up the small, dark blue dress. “Oh, Mrs. Stutzman, the dress is beautiful and just like mine. Ruthie will look adorable in it. Danki.” She had grown to love Joshua’s mamm, and it was a pleasant surprise to discover her soft side.
His mamm had been kind and thoughtful and went out of her way to show she truly cared to know her.
“You can call me Mamm, but I understand if you’d rather call me Isabelle.”
“Danki, Mamm. It’s perfect.”
Swiping a tear from her eye, Isabelle Stutzman hugged her. “I won’t keep you. Go get ready for your special day.” She kissed Madeline’s cheek. “I’m happy to call you my dochder.” She turned and went to her buggy.
Daed patted Madeline’s back. “Your life has taken a turn for the better. One blessing after another has kumme your way these past weeks. I’m so happy for you and Ruthie to gain a new family.”
“You’re gaining a new family too.”
“I don’t mind a bit.”
Madeline changed Ruthie into her new dress and then gazed at hers hanging on the door. The dress had perfect stitching and fit her better than any of her other dresses. Mrs. Stutzman and she had bonded when she made adjustments to the dress. She’d treasure the garment because it symbolized Mrs. Stutzman showing her acceptance, friendship, and kindness. She shrugged into it and carried Ruthie to the buggy.
Daed flicked the reins. “I love you, sweetheart. Enjoy this day and make your wedding a beautiful memory. I’ll never forget the day I married your mamm. The snow fell and the wind was bone-chilling cold, but we were warm on the inside and didn’t notice. She glowed, and I stood tall and proud to call her my fraa. I don’t regret a minute of our years together.”
“You set a good example of what to look for in a husband. Joshua reminds me of you.”
“Danki, dochder. I appreciate the compliment.”
Madeline scanned the buggies parked under the trees, the horses, and friends and neighbors outside. Mr. Stutzman had insisted they have the ceremony at their home. It was larger than the haus she and Daed resided in, and he had more ground to host the after-ceremony meal.
Benches in rows lined the front l
awn, and tables were off to the side. The air was a bit cool.
Addie waddled to greet the Lehmans, pressing her hands to her stomach. “Mr. Lehman, how are you?”
“I’m doing fine. You look radiant.”
Addie blushed. “Danki.” She turned to Madeline and kissed Ruthie’s hand. “Are you nervous? You look lovely.”
“I’m anxious and ready. Joshua and I have been through a lot to get to this day. I can’t wait to call him my husband.” She hugged her friend. “How are you feeling? Did you and Elijah agree on names for the boppli yet?”
“Really good, and jah, we finally did agree on Miriam for a girl, and Eli for a boy.”
“I like the names you chose.”
Daed reached for Ruthie. “The horse is secure. Let me carry Ruthie.”
Madeline handed her to him.
Ruthie patted his face with her tiny hands.
Her daed gave her a half grin. “Madeline, I’m going to miss having you and Ruthie with me every day. The haus will be too quiet.”
Madeline smiled broadly. She did worry about leaving her daed alone. She’d visit and have him for meals often. Joshua would include him in projects and keep him company too.
“We’ll be close by. You are wilkom at our haus anytime, and we will visit you often.”
He kissed her cheek. “I’m counting on it.”
She spotted Joshua with Elijah. “Addie, let’s join the men.”
Joshua grinned. “You look radiant.”
“Danki.” Her face heated and she gave him a shy grin. “You look handsome, yourself.”
The bishop approached them. “Joshua and Madeline, may I speak to you for a moment?”
They walked away from their friends and joined him.
“Joshua and Madeline, is there any reason why you shouldn’t be married today?”
They shook their heads.
“There will be no divorce, so if you have any doubts, now is the time to profess them.”
They shook their heads again.
“We’re ready, Bishop Kauffman. Right, Madeline?”
“Without a doubt, Joshua.”
Bishop Kauffman extended his arm. “I’m happy to marry you today. Follow me, and we’ll begin.” He waved the crowd to the benches. “Everyone, please take a seat.” The women sat on one side, and the men on the other.
Madeline sang the hymns from the Ausbund with joy and thanksgiving. She listened to the bishop’s message on wrongful judgment and forgiveness. Attendees included men and women she hadn’t expected to show today. Maybe the Stutzmans’ change of heart had set a good example and the bishop’s previous messages had been effective. She was grateful for whatever the reason. Lancaster was her home, and she planned to live her life with her family until she left this earth.
She’d asked God to give her the grace to forgive Catherine, and He’d granted her request. She had no ill will toward her schweschder any longer. The bishop’s messages had worked a miracle in her heart, and she was blessed to have Ruthie in her life. She prayed for Catherine’s safety and return to Amish life each day, but she knew Catherine had to want these things for herself.
Bishop Kauffman closed his Bible. “Madeline and Joshua, please join me at the front. Addie and Elijah, you may stand with them.”
Addie clasped Madeline’s hand. “I’m thrilled for you, dear friend.”
Madeline squeezed her friend’s fingers. “I treasure you, Addie. You’ve been there for me through all the bad and good days.”
“That’s what good friends are for, and we’ll share a lifetime of them.”
Madeline met Joshua’s gaze as she stood facing him. The man who would protect her, love her, and guide her. She swelled with pride and love for him. Not many men would raise another man’s boppli, but he hadn’t hesitated. She loved him even more for it.
The bishop asked, “Madeline, do you take this man to be your loving husband?
Madeline spoke loud and clear. “Jah, I do.”
“Joshua, do you take this woman to be your loving fraa?”
“I most certainly do!”
Madeline grinned as she listened to the chuckles from the congregation.
The bishop performed the rest of the ceremony and then pronounced them married. He directed them in more hymns and then dismissed them for the after-wedding meal.
Joshua stole her away from the crowd and led her behind his daed’s workshop. “I promise to love and take the best care of you for the rest of my life, Mrs. Stutzman. How I treasure the sound of your new name.” He wrapped his arms around her and planted the biggest kiss on her soft lips. “I love you.”
Madeline’s heart melted. She wanted to start their life this minute and leave, but she would settle for sharing their wedding day with friends and family. “I love you too, husband.”
He held her hand, and they strolled toward the tables filled with dishes of food. Joshua pointed. “Nathaniel and Eva are sitting on a blanket talking. He appears smitten. His mood has improved since they’ve been socializing.”
Mrs. Weaver and Mrs. Yost approached them. Mrs. Yost held out a gift. “The Stutzmans and your daed have spoken with us about you. The bishop has also had a word with us. We owe you both an apology. I’m afraid we misjudged you, Madeline. Please forgive us.”
Madeline said, “I accept your apologies. I’m glad you came today. Danki.”
Joshua grinned. “Ladies, danki for your honesty.”
“We’re happy for you both.” They walked away to join the women at the food table.
Joshua chuckled. “I consider their apology another miracle.” He kissed her hand. “Madeline Stutzman, this has been the perfect day. I don’t want to forget a minute of it.” He grinned. “I have some gifts for you at our new haus. I’ll show them to you later.”
” Joshua, tell me. I can’t wait!”
“You know I can’t keep a secret. I bought you a hope chest and the Lapps gave us a clothespress.”
She hugged his neck. “I can’t wait to fill them. Danki so much. They’re perfect gifts.”
Madeline had never been happier. God had performed several miracles to make her day extra special. He’d given her a wonderful husband and Ruthie had a loving daed. Their families had blessed their union, along with those who had once been against them. She whispered a prayer of thanks, and Joshua bowed his head. She raised her chin and opened her eyes. “Joshua Stutzman, please take your bride to the wedding table before the food is all gone!”
A Summer Wedding in Paradise
AMY LILLARD
To Lynne,
So wish you were here to see this!
Chapter 1
Reba Schmucker quickened her footsteps and wished for the umpteenth time that Amish were allowed to wear watches. It would surely help her keep track of the time, and right now she needed that more than ever.
So she had gotten a little bit of a late start this morning. That was normal for her, but from there things just kept happening to put her behind. Her brother Abner had decided to play a joke on her last night and hid the dress she had picked out for today. Which wouldn’t have been the end of the world if he hadn’t hidden it outside and if it hadn’t rained all night. And it surely would have been a sight better if she wasn’t behind on her laundry and had a suitable dress clean to wear to work today. But he did hide her dress outside. It had rained all night long, and she was behind on her laundry.
The scent of Spring Meadow wafted from her clothes. She gave a small sneeze. The best she was able to do was spot clean the dress she wore a couple of days ago, spray it down with the fabric deodorizer her mamm bought for the furniture, and pray no one noticed.
She looked up at the sun as if it would somehow tell her the time and just how late she was. Surely she had made up a couple of minutes with her brisk pace. She kept to the side of the road, ducked her head, and kept on walking. No time to lollygag.
Days like today, she wished she had kept her scooter. Or at the very least borrowed Abner�
��s for the trip to school. It wouldn’t do for the teacher to be late. It simply wouldn’t do.
From behind her she heard the sound of a carriage approaching, and it was coming up quick.
“Whoa,” the driver called. “Whoa!”
The clatter of horse hooves grew louder along with the whir of the wheels on the pavement.
Something was wrong. She turned to look at the approaching buggy. Something was very wrong. The hairs on her arms stood up as the driver barreled down on her. “Get out of the way!” the driver yelled.
She couldn’t see his face, just the foaming sweat and wild spittle from the raging horse. She didn’t have time to think, only to react, as the horse quickly drew closer. A car was coming in the opposite direction. The carriage was coming up behind her. She only had one choice.
Reba dove into the ditch, water surging up her nose as she went headfirst into a large rain puddle.
She sputtered, coughed, and pushed herself to her hands and knees as water dripped into her eyes. The mud sucked at her limbs as she managed to get to her feet. Cold rainwater soaked her dress and her apron. It rained in rivulets down her belly and between her shoulder blades.
She held her hands out and looked down at herself, hardly believing what she saw. She was soaked to the bone. The carriage was long gone. The car honked its horn, but didn’t slow. Unbelievable.
She was left to scramble to the top of the shallow ravine where she had fallen and back up to the side of the road.
Water dripped from the hem of her dress and wiggled its way into her shoes. The front of her apron was covered in mud and grass. A trickle of water ran down her scalp and under the collar of her dress. She shivered. She didn’t need to see the rest of herself to know that her prayer kapp was ruined, her hair caked with mud, and her face a mess as well.
She looked to the heavens. “Really?” she asked no one in particular. God. Then she shook her head in apology. God wasn’t at fault. It was the buggy driver. He was the one. If he hadn’t lost control of his horse, then none of this would have ever happened. And he didn’t even bother to stop. Didn’t bother to swing back and see if she was all right. Some people had no manners and that was all there was to it.
Amish Brides Page 19
