An Amish Reward

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  Her heart swelled with gratitude for her parents. “Denki, Dat. I appreciate your prayers. I, too, am seeking Der Herr’s will. Mamm said that when it is Gott’s will, I will have peace in my heart.”

  “Your mother is a wise woman.” He grinned, then gestured toward the door. “I do not want to keep you, dochder. Have a gut day. Macy is all hooked up and ready to go.”

  “Denki, Dat. I will.” Becky nodded, then stepped out the door.

  On her way to the Swartzentruber home, she’d pondered what she’d say to Mervyn. One of the things she hated most was letting other people down. But she saw no other way around this situation. She couldn’t agree to his proposal. Not without peace in her heart. She was just thankful that her folks had been on the same page. Perhaps asking them about their own courtship had softened them a little.

  Fortunately, Mervyn wasn’t head-over-heels in love with her or anything. Nee, he simply wanted a marriage-of-convenience. She wasn’t technically against those types of marriages. They seemed to work out when both parties were willing. But, without peace, marriage just wasn’t an option.

  Gott, please help me to let Mervyn down gently.

  ~

  Becky made quick work of preparing Mervyn’s breakfast and lunch. He now sat at the table sipping his coffee. He appeared to be deep in thought.

  He set his mug down. “Have you given any thought to our discussion yesterday? Have you spoken with your folks about it?” His voice sounded hopeful.

  Ach.

  “I have, actually.”

  “Gut. Because I was hoping to begin courting as soon as possible.”

  Ach, Gott?

  “I…uh…I don’t think a courtship between us is going to work out, Mervyn.”

  “Nee? Why not?”

  “My spirit wars within me whenever I consider the prospect.”

  “Perhaps those are just butterflies and you are simply nervous.”

  “Nee, I specifically prayed for peace in my heart regarding Gott’s will. The more I pray about this, the more my soul seems to fight it. I have no peace about this.”

  He looked disappointed and she felt bad. “Very well, then.” He stood from the table, leaving his mug. He then gathered his lunch container.

  “Mervyn…” She hesitated. “I do wish you the best. Perhaps Der Herr has someone specially planned for you and the kinner.”

  “Perhaps.” He nodded, placed his hat on his head, then walked out the door to the waiting vehicle.

  “Gott, please help Mervyn to find someone to meet his and the kinner’s needs,” she whispered the prayer as she watched the taillights of the vehicle disappear into the early morning darkness.

  EIGHT

  Isaac sat on the straight-back chair tapping his fingers on his trousers. Dat needed something… Nee, Dat must’ve been planning something by the strange way he’d been acting lately. And evidently, it had something to do with him.

  “Now sohn, before you say anything, I want you to hear me out.”

  Oh, boy. Isaac took a deep breath and stared up at the deer head above the mantle. What on earth was his father up to? He nodded patiently.

  “I’m not getting any younger, and since your mother passed away, I…” He swiped away a tear. “Your mother really would have liked to see you married and settled, but it is too late for that now. I don’t know how much longer I will be around.”

  Panic seized Isaac’s heart. No! “What are you saying, Dat? Are you…are you dying?”

  “I’m saying that I want to see you happy. With a fraa. I need to know that you’ll be taken care of when I’m gone. This is a heavy burden on my heart, sohn. I have a plan and I’d like you to agree to it.” He held up his hand before Isaac could speak again.

  His father hurried on. “Ezekiel is going to an auction in Pennsylvania. I have given him some instructions. I want him to bring you back a wife.”

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Dat. Wait a minute. You’re going to send Ezekiel to fetch me a…a…fraa?” His voice screeched in incredulity. “At the auction?”

  His father laughed out loud. “Nee, not at the auction, sohn. From the Plain community there.”

  Isaac shook his head. “Nee, I don’t think—”

  “Chust hear me out, alright? It will be on certain conditions. If they are not met, then he will return empty-handed.”

  “Dat, I appreciate what you’re trying to do. Really. But I don’t think that sending Ezekiel is the best idea. She’ll be my wife. Why don’t I go?”

  “Nee.”

  “Why not?”

  “You have too many responsibilities to be away that long. Besides, if anything ever happened to you…”

  He knew what his father was implying without even saying it. If he went to Pennsylvania himself, then he might want to stay there. His father had worked hard at building them a place here in Kentucky. If Isaac chose to move back, all his father’s years of hard work would be gone. Not to mention, his father genuinely believed that the Lord had moved him to this place. But he wouldn’t dream of abandoning his father. Ever.

  “I have prayed long and hard about this, Isaac. I feel this will be best.”

  “What conditions did you have in mind?” Isaac shook his head. Was he actually pondering this ludicrous idea? “Ach, any woman will surely think I’m desperate.”

  “If it is Der Herr’s will, you have nothing to be afraid of, ain’t so?”

  Isaac shrugged.

  “She must be Amish and believe as we do. She must be a maedel and never married, but not too young.”

  Isaac nodded. That sounded reasonable. It might be awkward to be paired up with a woman that had already been married. Nee, he didn’t wish to have a fraa more experienced than he was. Which wasn’t at all.

  “She must be fair to look upon,” his father continued his list.

  He definitely couldn’t argue with that. He just hoped that whoever this woman was would find him attractive as well.

  “She must be selfless and kind. She must be willing to come back and marry you. Even if her father agrees to it, it must be her own decision.”

  Isaac nodded. He really had no reason to say no, did he? And if his father’s plan actually did work out, well…ach…

  For the first time, the idea of finding a wife sounded exciting to him. Thrilling, even.

  “I agree, Dat.” He rubbed his stubbled chin and realized that, if he did find a wife, he wouldn’t be shaving his face much longer. “But do you really think there is a young woman out there who would agree to this?”

  “If it is Der Herr’s will, He will see to it.”

  “I want to go shopping first,” Isaac declared.

  His father laughed. “Shopping?”

  “Jah. If there is a maedel who will have me sight unseen, she must be very special. I want to pick out the most beautiful clock I can find.”

  And maybe some kind of jewelry? The Amish didn’t wear jewelry, but the last time he’d been to the store, the jewelry case had drawn him and he couldn’t get over how beautiful all the precious stones were, shining under the lights. It had reminded him of the book of Revelation where John was describing what Heaven was like. Jah, that was what he would do. He’d find a clock and something beautiful from the jewelry case. And he’d send it along with Ezekiel.

  “You are thoughtful, sohn. I’m sure your future fraa will appreciate that.”

  “I hope so.”

  Isaac smiled at the prospect. He’d been reticent at first, but now? Now? Ezekiel couldn’t return soon enough.

  ~

  It had only been a day since Ezekiel left, but it seemed like weeks as far as Isaac was concerned. Perhaps he shouldn’t get his hopes up. Perhaps he shouldn’t be entertaining thoughts of having a wife. But he couldn’t help it.

  Ever since the very real possibility of Ezekiel returning home with a wife for him, Isaac couldn’t help but dream of this mystery woman who would be beautiful and kind and everything else he could hope for in a fraa. And if she did ag
ree to come, that meant she knew what would be expected of her—that she would be his wife, not only in word, but in deed also. In every way.

  Isaac swallowed, his face growing hot. He didn’t know the first thing about having a wife. But he did know that he was already falling in love with her. For a woman to agree to come all this way just for him…he would indeed be a blessed man.

  Ach, who was he kidding? Chances were, Ezekiel would return empty-handed. Maybe he shouldn’t have gotten his hopes up.

  NINE

  Becky was about to hang up the water bucket, when she noticed a truck and horse trailer approaching their driveway. She looked up as the vehicle seemed to slow down, then pull into their long drive.

  She wondered who it could be. She’d fetch Dat or her bruder, but her brother was still up in Montana and Mamm and Dat had gone into town this afternoon. Normally, she didn’t like interacting with Englisch strangers, but it seemed she’d have no choice today.

  The vehicle came to a halt in front of the barn. She surveyed the extended-cab truck and fancy horse trailer and smiled when one of the horses whinnied. She’d always been fond of horses.

  She released a relieved sigh when an Amish man, likely several years younger than her Dat, descended the vehicle on the passenger’s side. She felt much more comfortable dealing with someone of like faith and culture, rather than an Englischer.

  “Hello,” the man greeted. He didn’t look familiar, but she recognized kindness in his eyes.

  “May I help you?” Her smile was tentative.

  “Uh, jah, I hope so.”

  “Was my father expecting you?” She glanced at the trailer again. She didn’t think her father had purchased any horses recently. “If you’re here to see my father—”

  He held up his hand. “Ach, nee, nee.”

  The horses in the back trailer drew her attention again. She realized she still held the water bucket in her hands. “Have you been traveling long? I’d be happy to fetch some water for the horses if they are thirsty.”

  The man’s eyes were closed, as though he’d been praying. He smiled. “Ach, jah. That would be wunderbaar. We’ve been driving a couple of hours now.”

  “I’d be happy to fetch some lemonade for you and your driver too.”

  He nodded demurely. “You are a blessing. Denki.”

  Something about this man, about the way he carried himself, was different. She couldn’t really describe it, but she had this surreal feeling. Like she was maybe walking in a dream…or…she didn’t know.

  “Whose house have we come to?” His eyes seemed to appraise the farm.

  “My father is Benuel Lehman. My mother is Anna.”

  “And you are?”

  “Their oldest dochder, Rebekah.”

  “You are unmarried.”

  She was unsure if it was a question or a statement. “I am.”

  “Gut.”

  Her cheeks warmed at his assessment.

  He smiled and held up his hand. “Allow me to explain.”

  “Would you and your driver like to take a seat on the porch while I get some refreshments?”

  “That would be wunderbaar, denki.”

  Becky disappeared into the house, her heart beating rapidly. Ach, there was something about this man’s presence that rattled her soul. Almost like there was a current of electricity in the air. An excitement. Why did she feel this way?

  She didn’t know what it was. There was no logical explanation for these feelings.

  She quickly pulled the lemonade from the fridge and placed it on a tray with several cups. She also placed a few muffins on the tray in case they needed a snack. As she stepped out onto the porch, she noticed that only the Amish man sat there. The Englisch driver seemed to be looking out at her father’s fields near the fence.

  She poured a cup of lemonade and handed it to the Amish man.

  “I’m sorry. I did not introduce myself. My name is Ezekiel.”

  She took a seat on one of the empty rockers on the porch. “It’s nice to meet you, Ezekiel.”

  “I will state my business.” He blew out a breath. “Now, this may sound absurd to you, but please hear me out.”

  She nodded slowly.

  “My neighbor, Abe King, is an elderly gentleman. His fraa passed on recently and he’s thinking that he may not be around very long either. He owns a large horse ranch in Kentucky that his son oversees. He and his fraa only had one son, his name is Isaac.”

  She listened intently and waited for him to continue.

  “Isaac is twenty-six and single. There are no maed in his district near his age for him to marry. All are either too old or too young. Because of this, his father has sent me on a quest to find him a fraa.”

  Becky’s eyes widened.

  Ezekiel chuckled. “Jah, that was about Isaac’s reaction too when his father first concocted this idea. He eventually warmed to the prospect, though, which is why I’m here. Isaac is a gut Amish man. I think you will see that he will make a gut husband.”

  Becky swallowed. “For…me?”

  “Jah.” He nodded. “You see, before we even pulled in here, I had been praying. I prayed that Der Herr would show me the exact place he wanted us to turn into. I prayed that I would find an unmarried woman and that she would offer water to the horses. Furthermore, I prayed that you would also offer nourishment to me and my driver.”

  Becky’s mouth hung open. Could this really be happening?

  “Ach, and I have something for you.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

  She stared down at it as he offered it to her. “What is it?”

  He shrugged. “I’m not sure exactly. But Isaac insisted that I give it to you.”

  She took the small box from his hand and opened it. She gasped. A small beautiful ring sparkled as the gemstone caught the sun’s light. Becky’s breath hitched. Ach, it was beautiful. Someone had bought this for her? No man, save her father, had ever bought her anything.

  “I know that we do not wear jewelry, and Isaac is aware of this too. But he’d said that sparkling jewels reminded him of Heaven. Heaven is where the King of Kings lives. Kings typically have an abundance of jewels.” He shrugged. “Isaac’s last name is King. I guess he thought it was fitting. He figured every time you looked at this ring, it would be a reminder of Heaven.”

  Ach, how thoughtful!

  “He also bought you a clock—oops, I don’t think I was supposed to share that bit of information with you.” He grimaced, then chuckled. “Forget you heard it, please.”

  Forget about a clock? There was no way she could possibly forget about a clock. The words spilling out of Ezekiel’s mouth had been no accident. Gott?

  Wow, this was all so overwhelming. But somehow, she wasn’t overly anxious. As a matter of fact, she felt completely at ease. At peace, even. Excited, even.

  Her mother’s words came to her mind at that moment. Trust that Gott will show you what His will is. He will give you peace in your heart.

  Ach.

  “I have one question.” She smiled. She almost felt like she knew what the answer would be before she even asked it.

  “Say on.”

  “How does he feel about soap?”

  Ezekiel’s eyes widened. “Soap?”

  She nodded.

  He shrugged. “Well, I reckon he likes soap. Especially when he’s been out riding on the ranch all day and comes in all dusty.”

  “And he won’t mind if I make it at home?”

  “Nee, I assure you he has nothing against soap.” He grinned. “Why ever would he?”

  She shrugged and a smiled stretched across her face. “Gut.”

  “Is that it? Will you come meet Isaac then?”

  “Jah.” She nodded, anticipation filling her soul. “I will come meet Isaac if my father and mother approve.”

  “Wunderbaar! He will be thrilled.”

  TEN

  About an hour later, Becky’s folks finally returned from their excursion in
town. Becky and Ezekiel had talked casually on the front porch. He’d asked many questions about her and her family, and she, in turn, asked questions about Isaac and his life.

  Ach, was this truly happening? Did Der Herr hear her prayers and send someone for her? Just like that? What a wunderbaar Gott she served. She didn’t even know why He would even take an interest in her life. He certainly didn’t have to, yet He obviously did. And for that, she was thankful.

  Now, she couldn’t wait to tell Mamm and Dat about this turn of events. She couldn’t wait to pack her things and be on her way to her new life hundreds of miles away. It was almost like a dream. A fairytale. How was it that she was not the least bit apprehensive? She didn’t know, except that she knew this was the hand of Gott.

  Her father and mother left the horse and buggy at the hitching post. They carried several bags of groceries toward the house. Shopping was one adventure her parents enjoyed taking together. And since they didn’t go too often, when they did, they bought a lot of groceries. They also took the time while in town to visit an eatery of some sort and make any other necessary stops.

  Ezekiel stood the moment her folks approached the house, poised to greet them. Becky glanced his way, wondering if he might be nervous. Apparently, he was at ease.

  “Hello,” Dat greeted their guest.

  Ezekiel offered his hand to shake.

  Her father’s eyes met hers. “Rebekah, who is this?”

  She guessed that since they’d been talking so casually, Dat must’ve assumed she already knew Ezekiel. Becky glanced at their guest. “I think I will let him explain.”

  “Let me just put these groceries away,” Dat said.

  Becky reached for the bags. “I can help Mamm do it and you can speak with Ezekiel.”

  “Jah, okay.” He handed the bags to Becky and she went inside. No doubt, it was better to let Ezekiel explain. But she’d need to talk with Mamm.

  She brought the bags into the kitchen area and began taking the items out.