Never an Amish Bride

by Ophelia London

  “Would you recommend it?” David asked.

  Another rush of relief pushed through Lucas’s veins. “Absolutely.”

  David licked his top lip and nodded. “May I use your phone?”

  “Please,” Lucas said, ushering him into his office. He shouldn’t have been surprised when the man dialed a number by heart. The acceptable use of technology really had changed since he’d been away.

  “It’s fine at work,” David said, hanging up. “Will we have to spend the night?”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll be with you the whole time. I’ll tell you everything that’s going on.”

  “Danke.” The father looked at peace for the first time. “Thank you so much.”

  Lucas put a hand on David’s shoulder. “I can drive you home first, if you’d like to talk to your wife.”

  David shook his head. “One of the men I work with is going there now. He’ll explain it.”

  The next few hours were a blur, but Tanner was a trouper, enduring all the poking and prodding and awkward instructions with bravery.

  While Lucas waited in a private office with David, he couldn’t stop the memories from flooding back…

  Jacob facedown on the sterile table. The long Jamshidi needle sliding into his hip bone. It was unorthodox, but Lucas had been in the room the whole time, for the hospital in New York City had not allowed anesthesia. The brothers had looked into each other’s eyes, Jacob gripping Lucas’s hands. Jacob hadn’t cried, but had borne the pain like the strong man he would never grow up to be.

  “He’ll be in recovery for a while,” Lucas explained to David after speaking to Greg. “The extraction was a success, and they got a large sample. We’ll get results in a week or two.”

  “Two weeks?” David stared out the window.

  “I know that seems like a very long time to wait, but it will fly by.”

  “What should we do in the meantime? Tell me, what do you suspect?”

  Leukemia, Lucas wanted to say. But it was completely unethical for him to give any kind of diagnosis—not even the hint of one. That would come from the specialists. Besides, it was unfair to compare Tanner with Jacob. Their conditions were not identical.

  Even though Lucas had spent years studying pediatric blood diseases, he was not the right person to ask.

  “We’ll know more soon,” he said. “In the meantime, see if you can get Tanner to eat more, sleep, mild exercise. Let’s get him feeling as strong and healthy as possible.”

  David’s lips began to tremble. Lucas would do anything to take the fear and pain of uncertainty away from his new friend.

  “Does your son have a favorite food? What does he love to eat the most in this world?”

  David sniffed and ran a wrist across his nose. “His mother’s roast beef.”

  “Excellent. Protein will help. What else?”

  David lifted his chin. “Carrots and peas straight from the garden. My wife planted extra this summer and we still have a crop.”

  “Wonderful.” Finally, David met his eyes and Lucas gave him an encouraging smile.

  “Blackberry cobbler, too,” the father added. “My oldest daughter makes it especially for him.”

  “Well, that should definitely be on the menu tonight.”

  David blinked. “We can go home?”

  “I think that can be arranged.” Lucas smiled and patted David on the shoulder. “Tanner should be ready to leave soon. But remember, he does need rest, and let’s not forget to treat his symptoms, too. Okay?”

  David nodded. “Ibuprofen every four hours for fever and chills. Iron pills twice a day. Food, rest, exercise.”

  “Exactly. You’re a regular pharmacist.”

  David exhaled a little laugh while running his fingers up and down his suspenders.

  “I’ll also prescribe a mild painkiller with caffeine for the headaches,” Lucas continued. “It can be taken alternating with the Ibuprofen.”

  “Lucas,” David said, his gaze moving to the floor again. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “It’s my job.”

  The Amish man shook his head. “I might live a more sheltered life than you, but I do know that running two blood tests, setting up a biopsy, and personally driving us an hour each way to the hospital is not your job.” Finally, he looked up. Tears clung to the red rims of his eyes. “You helped us so much today. Why?”

  Lucas tried to swallow down the lump in his throat. “Because I could,” he said honestly. “Because…” The lump swelled. “Because I see how much you love your son. You’d do anything for him. Because everyone deserves a chance.”

  David wrapped his hand around Lucas’s forearm, rocking it like they were shaking hands. “Danke,” he whispered. “I’ll never forget all you did for us, and my family will pray for you.”

  His heart was so touched, so full that Lucas didn’t know what to say. Perhaps no words were needed, because David removed his hat and bowed his head, lips moving in silent prayer. Lucas knew he would never forget this moment, either.

  “Keep busy this week,” Lucas said after David whispered “amen.” “Plan activities for the whole family. We don’t know what the test results will bring, so my best advice is to be optimistic. Don’t dwell on the unknown or worst-case scenario. Be strong for your family.”

  David stood a little taller and replaced his hat. “I will.”

  “Greg will call me when he has news. I’ll come to your house the minute I have anything to share. If that’s okay.”

  “Of course!” David said, taking Lucas by the shoulders. “You’re welcome there anytime, my friend. No matter what happens, you’re family now.”

  That lump swelled almost painfully in Lucas’s throat. Unexpectedly, strong emotions were coming at him from all angles, stemming from his chance meeting with Jeremiah and being openly welcomed into their home. Getting to know Lizzy again and his three nephews. The invitation to return another time.

  And also, the growing, gnawing desire to see the rest of his family, to be welcomed again at his mother’s table. If his attitude toward his father didn’t change, could that ever be possible?

  Especially, though, he thought about Esther and how her kindness had reminded him of all the good he’d learned as a child. Even now, that same truth rang true again. Without even knowing it, she’d given him hope. She’d also given him her friendship, her laughs and secrets.

  Maybe she’s given me even more, he thought. When I saw her across the street, my first desire was to run to her, to tell her all the things I’m feeling. I even wanted to…

  The way that thought continued caused him to slam his eyes shut in guilt.

  “Can I see my son?”

  Lucas snapped back to the present to find David staring eagerly at him.

  “Is it time?”

  He pressed a hand to his heart and smiled. “I’ll take you to him right now.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  For three nights in a row, Esther stayed up late, rereading certain passages from Anne of Green Gables by light of the battery-operated lamp on her nightstand. Her favorites, of course, were the scenes with Anne and Gilbert. After reading the books several times, it was easy to see the blooming romance coming between the couple, even when Anne tried to convince herself she never intended to marry. Readers knew deep in their hearts that she truly cared for Gil, and when their solid friendship easily turned to love, Esther’s heart burst every time.

  The next morning, after a restless night of dreams, Esther returned the well-read paperback to its place on the family bookshelf downstairs. The sweet feelings while reading the novel unexpectedly caused Esther to have real-life sweet feelings of her own.

  She longed to fall in love again. But were even contemplations of moving past Jacob disloyal? She was really beginning to wonder.

  “Est
her?” Maam called. “Could you do me a favor and visit one of the neighbors?”

  After three days of keeping herself extra busy—early mornings making soap followed by full days of mechanical wedding preparations and dress fittings—Esther was more than willing to get out of the house.

  Maam was in her sewing room putting the final touches on a sweet little pillowcase. “Get one of the large baskets in the pantry, would you, please? Fill it with chicken broth, applesauce, and a big jar of pears. Sarah made raspberry tarts this morning. Throw in a few of those.”

  “Someone not feeling well?” she asked. “Sounds like a healing basket.”

  Maam snipped a thread with a pair of scissors. “Eliza Fisher’s been out to Jeremiah Brenneman’s farm, put Lizzy on bed rest. Her folks are down south for a few days where it’s warmer.”

  Hearing the familiar surname, Esther nearly tripped over her own feet. “You want me to go to the Brennemans’?”

  Maam nodded.

  Because she’d been accidentally dreaming about him, Esther was not ready to see Lucas, even though she knew he would not be at his brother’s farm—or anywhere near his family. “Why can’t you take it? Or Eve—she’s been playing with the goats all afternoon,” Esther said, even while realizing her voice sounded like a whiny child’s.

  “You have plans in the next hour?” Maam looked up. “You’ve been going into town an awful lot lately and getting back after dark.” She held a steady gaze on Esther. “Or will you be going to Louisa’s again?”

  Esther tried to swallow. “No, um—no. I was just…”

  “Darling, Lizzy has three babies and one in a month or so. They have that farm that’s too big for just them to handle. With Lizzy on bed rest, who do you think is cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the bobbeils?”

  Hot guilt and spiky neglect spread through Esther’s body. Of course she needed to help. That’s what neighbors were for. Unlike the English who might pay for a maid or nanny, the Amish way was to take care of one another. If she hadn’t been so wrapped up in her own drama, she probably would’ve thought of it herself.

  Lizzy was only a few years older than she was. When they’d been teenagers, she’d watched with embarrassing envy at how close she was to the two Brenneman brothers her age. Now the family needed all the help they could get. It wasn’t their fault that Esther had a secret concerning Lucas.

  “Instead of just dropping off, shall I stay there to help?” Esther asked, vowing to atone for her thoughtlessness. “They might need someone to put the kinnahs to bed or even watch them all night. If they need that kind of help, Maam, could you spare me?”

  When her mother smiled, her blue eyes crinkled. “That’s very considerate of you. I know the Zook and Stolzfus girls have been over there, but they might need a break.” She stood and stretched her back, then tucked a stray hair into Esther’s kapp. “Do what you can, and let the Spirit guide you.”

  “I will.” Esther couldn’t help grinning at the new project. “I’ll bring a change of clothes with me just in case.”

  “Smart cookie.”

  After giving her mother a big hug and kiss on the cheek, Esther flew up the stairs, refreshed by the task to give service.

  After strapping her bag over a shoulder and taking a firm grip on the basket of goodies, she set off. She hadn’t been to the Brenneman farm in far too long. Members of their church took turns hosting the prayer meeting every other Sunday, but Jeremiah and Lizzy hadn’t hosted in quite a while. Maybe because of their small children or Lizzy’s ill parents.

  All this time…maybe the reason I felt like I didn’t fit in was because I haven’t even tried. Had she been so obsessed with her own issues that she’d let moments of kindness and service pass by? Maybe if she made the extra effort, she and Lizzy could become friends.

  An unexpected flutter beat against Esther’s heart as she suddenly ached to have any kind of connection with the Brennemans. One that had nothing to do with Jacob.

  Esther picked up the pace when she saw the red barn and whitewashed house of the Brennemans’ property. It truly was a lot of land for just one family, and she spotted only two men working in the field.

  One of the Zook girls was hanging laundry in the side yard. Esther waved a greeting before knocking on the front door. “Lizzy?” she called. “It’s Esther Miller. May I come in?”

  Lizzy was suddenly beside her on the front porch. “Esther, hi! Guten tag.” Despite the shadows under her eyes, the expectant mother looked radiant.

  “I heard you were on bed rest.”

  “I know, I know.” Lizzy rolled her eyes. “Please don’t say you’re here to lecture me, too. I’ve been lectured for the past week, and I’m done with it.”

  Esther chuckled. “No lectures from me, but I did bring some treats.”

  “I see that,” Lizzy said, eyeing the basket. “Come inside.” She swung the door open and entered the house. Esther followed behind to see a very clean living room and smell something yummy coming from the kitchen.

  “Hallo!” the sixteen-year-old Zook daughter called out. Esther had to think quickly to remember her name. The Zooks had fifteen children.

  “Ruth, hallo! It smells delicious in here. What are you making?”

  “Thimble cookies.”

  “The kinnahs want to help with the thumbprints later,” Lizzy added. “But we’re actually trying to keep them busy outside while the sun’s still shining. Rain’s in the forecast for tonight. The weather could turn any day now.”

  Esther set the basket of food on the kitchen counter. “Well, I’m here if you need me—or even if you don’t!” she quickly tweaked. “I’d love to play with the kinnahs or clean, cook, give you a hand wherever I can.” She straightened her newly sewn black kapp. “Or I can run errands. Anything you need.” She moved toward Lizzy. “Honestly, though, aren’t you supposed to be off your feet?” With a grin, she linked an arm though Lizzy’s and led her to the sofa. “Sit.”

  “Goodness,” Lizzy said with a smile. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Elizabeth?” Ruth said. “After I finish the cookies, do you mind if I take Sadie home?” She looked out the window toward her younger sister at the laundry line. “Some of the youth got permission to meet tonight, and I’d really—”

  “Ack!” Lizzy cried. “Of course. You girls have been a wonderful help, but please, if you have other things to do, don’t feel the need to stay. Despite the gossip, I can manage myself.”

  “No, you canna,” Esther said, planting her hands on her hips. “Not on your own; that’s why I’m here now. Ruth, you and your sister can go whenever you’d like, and God bless you for being so helpful. I must tell your mother.”

  “Yes,” Lizzy said, not putting up a fight. “Thank you so much!”

  “In fact…” After making sure Lizzy wasn’t about to make a run for it, Esther headed toward the kitchen. “I can finish the cookies. Why don’t you head out now? I’m not so old that I don’t remember youth group. Do you have your eye on anyone special?”

  Ruth blushed and shook her head. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “Well then, you better scoot. Don’t want to make anyone wait too long.”

  Ruth looked at Lizzy. “Go!” she said, then made a shooing-off gesture with her hands. “Have fun! It was wonderful having you.”

  In less than a minute, the Zook sisters disappeared down the gravel path, leaving a trail of excited, giggling voices. Honestly, youth group had been very enjoyable. Why had Esther stopped attending just because she’d grown a little older? Just because she hadn’t gotten married, was that a reason to not at least be a chaperone like Louisa?

  Things are going to change in my life, Esther pondered. I’m never going to be mopey or withdrawn again. That’s not how I want the rest of my life to be. Even if I never marry, there will always be a place for me in Honey Brook if I choose to make the
effort.

  But she did want to marry. She wanted her own home and family and husband who she adored…she still wanted all the things in her childhood dreams.

  Except now, and despite her own heart, she was trying to block out the new feelings she had for the man of those dreams.

  “I never knew you were so bossy.”

  Esther snapped awake, a wooden spoon unmoving in her hand. “Well, what is the English phrase? Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

  Lizzy adjusted her position so she was facing the kitchen, her feet up on the sofa. “I wouldn’t say the situation’s desperate, but I do want to thank you for offering to help.”

  “It’s not an offer,” Esther corrected as she found a cookie sheet and readied to spoon out the dough. “I’m here for whatever you need and for as long as you need. I’m just ashamed it took me so long to get here.”

  “Danke. My husband says I can be too stubborn at times. But I thought that was why he liked me in the first place.” She smiled. “It’s hard for me to ask for help, so I really do appreciate your just taking over. It’s nice having someone else giving orders around here. I think you and I are going to get along fine.”

  Esther laughed. “It’s good to find a kindred spirit, as they say.”

  Lizzy draped a light blanket across her body.

  “Are you chilly?” Esther asked. “Would you like me to stoke the fire or make some tea? These cookies can wait.”

  Lizzy shook her head. “This blanket is perfect, but thank you. And sorry, but those cookies cannot wait. Not only did I promise the children, but there will be two very grumpy men outside if they don’t get the treats they were promised.”

  Esther chuckled and spooned out a measurement of dough. “Then, I’d better get started.”

  The ladies happily chatted about this and that, and Esther felt wonderfully comfortable both talking and joking with Lizzy and being in her home. She felt so at peace, with its warmth and coziness and simplicity. She and Jeremiah surely had a wonderful marriage.