An Amish Reward

by J. E. B. Spredemann

“Who is our guest?” Mamm asked with curiosity in her voice. Perhaps she thought Becky had already known Ezekiel as well.

  “Ach, Mamm! You will not believe this.”

  Mamm was taken aback by the excitement in her voice. “What is it, dochder? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you this excited.”

  Becky pulled the box out of her apron pocket.

  Mamm stared down at it in her hand. “What is this?”

  “Look at it.” She held the box out for Mamm to take.

  Mamm opened the box. Her expression questioning. “A ring?”

  “Isn’t it beautiful? It is from a man who wants to marry me.”

  “Mervyn?”

  “Nee. Nee, not Mervyn Swartzentruber. His name is Isaac King.”

  “Isaac King?”

  “Jah, he is from Kentucky.”

  Mamm frowned. “That man seems too old for you, Becky.” She tilted her head toward the porch.

  “Nee, that’s Ezekiel. He works for Isaac’s father and is their next-door neighbor. Isaac is twenty-six, just a year older than me.”

  “Where is he?”

  “He is at home caring for his elderly father.”

  “I think I’m missing something.” Mamm frowned.

  “Ach, let me start from the beginning.” Becky finished putting the last item from the bags into their ice box.

  “Kumm, let’s sit down.” Mamm called her to sit at one of the dining chairs.

  Becky did as bidden. “You know how I have been praying a lot lately? I think Isaac is the answer to my prayers, Mamm.”

  Mamm nodded reluctantly, but allowed Becky to explain. “See, Abe King is an older man and his fraa recently passed away. Isaac is their only son. His father wants to see him get hitched before he passes on too. So, Abe sent his friend Ezekiel out to the auction. He gave him instructions to try to find a wife for Isaac.” She turned toward her mother. “Mamm, he prayed that Gott would show him where to stop and he drove in to our property. Then he prayed and asked Der Herr to confirm that I was the one and that I would offer water to his horse, which I did. He also prayed that Gott would further show him and that I would offer them refreshments, which I did. I did all of these things without knowing he’d prayed.”

  Mamm’s jaw dropped. “Well…” She shook her head. “It certainly seems that it could be Der Herr’s leading.”

  “Mamm, I didn’t know any of this. And then, he tells me about Isaac. Remember you said that I would have peace in my heart and that Der Herr would help me find the right man to marry?”

  Mamm nodded.

  “I have found him.”

  “But you’ve never even met him, Becky.”

  “I know, Mamm. But if this truly is Der Herr’s will I have nothing to fear, ain’t so?”

  “But Kentucky is so far away.”

  “You and Dat can come visit, jah?”

  “I don’t know how I feel about sending you off on your own. It is dangerous, Becky. We do not know these people. What if they are not telling the truth? What if they mean to do you harm?”

  She could never imagine Ezekiel doing anybody harm, but her mother did have a point. “What do you think I should do, then? I do not want to miss out on Der Herr’s will for my life.”

  “Ach, I wish your bruder was back from Montana, then he could escort you.”

  “Perhaps Dat will have a solution.”

  “Jah, we will speak with him about it, for sure and for certain.”

  Just then, her father came into the house. He glanced at Becky and smiled. Then he looked at her mother. “Kumm, Anna, I would like to speak with you.”

  Mamm followed Dat’s leading and they disappeared into their bedroom.

  Becky wished she could hear their discussion, but apparently it was something she did not need to know. What would her folks say? Would they agree to this? Surely, if they did not, then it would not be Der Herr’s will. Der Herr would not have her at odds with her parents, that much she knew.

  She glanced through the screen door to the porch. Ezekiel sat there, tapping his fingers on his pants. Becky felt sorry for him. She hoped he was being paid well for this unusual errand. By the way he’d described the Kings and their ranch, she could only guess that he was.

  Mamm and Dat finally emerged from their bedroom.

  “We have come up with a reasonable solution, I believe,” Dat spoke.

  “Jah?” Becky asked.

  “I will contact your aunt Lucy and see if she will accompany you to Kentucky. If she agrees, we are okay with you going. If that is what you wish to do.”

  Ach, she’d always been fond of her widowed aunt. Aunt Lucy was around fifty, but she and her late husband never had children. She lived in their neighboring district. Since she had no attachments here, she’d be the perfect person to go with Rebekah.

  “Ach, do you really think she’d agree to come with me?” Truthfully, she’d feel more at ease with someone familiar at her side. This adventure was getting more exciting by the minute.

  “Something like this is right up my sister’s alley. But if Ezekiel does not agree to it, then there is no deal.” Her father nodded. “I will speak with him, then I will go contact your aunt. If this is indeed Der Herr’s will, He will work these things out.”

  ELEVEN

  An hour and a half later, Aunt Lucy arrived.

  Ezekiel gasped when he saw the vehicle full of luggage. “What is all this?”

  “This is what I am bringing with me. You can’t expect a woman to travel clear across the country and leave all her belongings at home.” Aunt Lucy pulled one of her large suitcases out of the vehicle while her Englisch driver waited patiently.

  Ezekiel and Dat rushed to help her unload so her driver could be on his way.

  Becky squelched a laugh. That was one thing she loved about Aunt Lucy. She always seemed to have the ability to make others smile.

  Ezekiel attempted to take the suitcase from her.

  “No, no. I’ve got this one.” Aunt Lucy insisted. “You get the birdcage.”

  “The birdcage?” Ezekiel’s voice screeched.

  “Well, you can’t expect a woman to leave her pets now, can you?”

  Ezekiel’s amused grin matched Becky’s. “Nee, I guess not.”

  “It’s in the back seat.” She directed.

  “You don’t have a pet elephant too, do you?” His brow rose in jest.

  Lucy gasped. “Now, who in their right mind would have a place to keep a pet elephant?”

  Ezekiel shook his head, taking the birdcage to the truck bed.

  “Nope, nope, nope. My babies will have to ride up front with us.” Lucy insisted.

  “Ach, but there is no room.” Ezekiel protested.

  “You will make room. We will let Milo and Felix ride in the back though.”

  Ezekiel’s eyes widened. “Milo and Felix?”

  “My cats, silly. They’re used to traveling with me. So long as you put a blanket over their cage, they’ll be fine.”

  “What other pets do you have?” Ezekiel cut a worried look in Becky’s direction. She smiled and lifted her shoulders.

  “I’m leaving Poncho with the neighbor girl. He always spends all his time over there with her anyhow.”

  “Poncho?” Ezekiel smiled.

  “He’s my dog, although you’d never know it. He never comes home. I think he likes the neighbors’ dog food better than what he gets from me, truthfully. And then, of course, he loves to go out exploring with their female dog.”

  Ezekiel nodded.

  “And I’m leaving Jake and Petey with my other neighbor. Mrs. Benson always had a thing for turtles.”

  “Turtles?”

  Becky found amusement watching the banter between Aunt Lucy and Ezekiel. No doubt, this would be an interesting trip.

  “Get my rocking chair.” She called to Ezekiel. “Can’t go anywhere without that.”

  “I’m sorry, but we are all out of room.” Ezekiel said, placing Aunt Lucy’s seventh suitcase i
nto the truck bed. He already had to maneuver around the trailer’s gooseneck.

  “Nonsense.” Aunt Lucy waved her hand. “See, there’s an empty spot right there.”

  “Becky’s suitcases have not yet been loaded.” Ezekiel protested. Of course, Becky only had two suitcases and one box of soapmaking supplies.

  Aunt Lucy sighed. “Very well, then.” She looked over her shoulder at Dat. “Ben, I hope you and Anna enjoy my rocking chair.”

  “We will get you a new one when we arrive,” Ezekiel assured her. He then turned to Becky. “Do you mind leaving this box of supplies? I’m sure that Isaac will let you purchase whatever you need to replace it. We simply do not have any more room.”

  Becky glanced at her box of soapmaking supplies. They were getting old. It might be nice to have new gadgets to work with. “You’re sure?”

  “Jah, I’m sure.” He winked.

  “Ach, I almost forgot.” Ezekiel called her father over. “Abraham insisted that you keep one of these horses. It is a gift from him and a thank-you for sending your dochder along.”

  Dat’s eyes widened. “You’re sure?”

  “Ach, jah. Pick whichever one you’d like. They are all champion racehorses.” He opened the back of the horse trailer.

  Becky noted the excitement in her father’s countenance.

  “Nee, this gift is way too expensive. These horses are worth many thousands of dollars.”

  “I cannot return home with your horse. Abe would fire me.” Ezekiel nodded. “Besides, your dochder is worth far more to my boss than all of these horses combined.”

  “Well.” Dat rubbed his beard in contemplation. “I’d hate to see you lose your job. And you’re right, of course. Our Rebekah is a gem.”

  Becky smiled at her father’s gracious comment.

  Benuel surveyed each of the horses, then turned to Ezekiel. “Which one would you choose? They all look wonderful.”

  “What would you use it for?”

  “Just for pulling the carriage mostly. A horse like this would need to be shown off.” Dat winked at Ezekiel.

  “Then I’d say the bay mare. You should have seen her run at auction. She’s got a lot of spunk, that one.”

  Dat nodded. “Perhaps she can help lure my son home.”

  “If she won’t do it, I don’t know what will.” Ezekiel handed the reins to Dat.

  “Ach, make sure to tell Abraham how much I appreciate this. It was quite unexpected.”

  ~

  After a quick meal and a farewell to her parents, with a promise to call and write, Becky and her motley crew were off at last. She longed to pull out her journal and write one last entry to her husband-to-be.

  Isaac. Ach, how wonderful it was to finally know his name!

  Perhaps she’d find opportunity to journal, if Aunt Lucy ever faded off to sleep. As it was, she’d chattered non-stop since they’d left. Becky watched Ezekiel and their driver share several amused glances as Aunt Lucy commented about one thing or another.

  She was certain this was just as much an adventure for her aunt as it was for her. Apparently, Dat knew his sister well. Who would have guessed that she would readily agree to pull up roots at the drop of a hat and join Becky on the escapade of a lifetime?

  Of course, her aunt could always move back if she chose, once Becky was settled into her new home. But she hoped her aunt would stay. It would be delightful having her around.

  TWELVE

  Becky stepped out of the vehicle. Ach, it was so gut to finally arrive at their destination after all the traveling they’d done. She was more than ready to rest, but not until she met this man Der Herr had picked out for her.

  At this moment, she was glad she’d had the presence of mind to ask their driver to stop a few miles back so she could freshen up. What would this stranger think of his new bride-to-be? Would he be pleased with what he saw?

  Her gut twisted. Had she really agreed to this arrangement? Jah, she had. And there was no turning back now.

  Her eyes searched the perimeter of the property in search of the one she’d come for. Ach, the ranch was indeed beautiful! Miles and miles of fences seemed to stretch before her. There must’ve been dozens of horses.

  Then she stopped dead in her tracks. Her attention was captivated by a man approaching her. Her heart beat rapidly. Nee, that couldn’t be him. Ach…

  He stopped just in front of her and his gaze swept over her. His jaw opened a notch, like he wanted to say something and no words would come out. Jah, that was how she felt too.

  “I’m Isaac. Are you…?”

  “I’m Becky. Rebekah Lehman.” Her cheeks heated. She extended her hand. “It’s gut to meet you.”

  “Becky.” He grinned and held her hand a little longer than she thought he would. But she didn’t mind. He was to be her husband, after all.

  “Oh, uh…” He finally let go. He shifted from one foot to the other. “Did you get my ring?”

  “Jah, I did. It’s lovely. Denki.” She nodded demurely. “And my father said to thank you and your father for the horse.”

  Isaac turned to Ezekiel and smiled. “You did very well, my friend. Very well. And by my father’s instruction, I can only guess that she is even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside. If that is even possible.” His eyes drank her in again. “Wow. Just…wow.”

  “Der Herr led me to her,” Ezekiel explained.

  “I have no doubt about that.” Isaac nodded.

  She blushed furiously at his unabashed appraisal. However, it did feel wonderful to be admired, she acknowledged. No one had ever looked at her like this handsome man—her future husband.

  Ach. Denki, Gott.

  Their attention was turned to bustling around the vehicle as they unloaded the cargo.

  “My Aunt Lucy came along. I hope that is all right.” She glanced toward her aunt.

  “You could have brought your entire family and a zoo, for all I care. We have plenty of room.” He grinned.

  “Yoo hoo, Ezekiel! Come carry my birdcage to the house,” Aunt Lucy called.

  “Speaking of a zoo…” Ezekiel’s brows rose and he chuckled. They watched as he marched off to do Aunt Lucy’s bidding.

  Isaac surveyed Rebekah. “Seems like you all had quite an adventure.”

  “You should have heard Aunt Lucy and Ezekiel. They’re a hoot.” She smiled.

  “I can only imagine.”

  “Well, now.” Aunt Lucy came near and eyed Isaac as though she were examining a quilt at auction. “I’m guessing you’re the one.”

  Isaac shared a glance with Becky and smiled. “I’m the one.”

  “Good.” She turned to Becky. “It’s nice to have a husband that’s easy on the eyes, Rebekah. And those muscles…” She shook her head. “Ach, I loved your Uncle August’s muscles. That’s one of the things I miss most about him.”

  Becky’s cheeks flushed, but Isaac simply grinned.

  “Let me help you with all those suitcases.” Isaac offered, relieving her of the larger one she carried. “Becky, do you have some too?”

  “I think Ezekiel has already taken them inside.”

  Aunt Lucy exhaled. “Well, I don’t know about you, Becky, but I’m pooped. I think I’ll find a comfy spot to lie down and take a nap.”

  Isaac chuckled. “Let me show you to your room.” He led the way into the house.

  Again, Becky’s jaw dropped as she entered the home. This grand estate was to be her home? Ach…

  Her eyes roamed all the woodwork. All the interior walls and ceilings seemed to be covered in varnished wood. She would picture something like this nestled in the woods next to a large fishing pond. She took in the stately rock fireplace and the cozy couches that surrounded it. She could just imagine her and her beloved cuddling there on a cold winter evening. Ach…

  Isaac glanced back at her before showing Aunt Lucy to her room. “You coming?”

  Her cheeks burned. Could he read her mind? “Ach, jah.”

  “
I will show you our room in just a moment.” His eyes danced with delight.

  Becky didn’t know if it was because of her reaction to the home or if it was because he’d said our room. Perhaps it was both.

  “Lovely home. Simply lovely,” Aunt Lucy commented as she walked into her room. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds now.” She waved as she closed herself inside her bedroom.

  ~

  Isaac led the way up a wide staircase to an open loft. He went to a set of double doors and opened them. Wow. Becky could not get over her good fortune. This was all so overwhelming, she could hardly contain her exhilaration.

  She looked at the large bedroom, which was at least twice the size of her room at home.

  Isaac opened another door. “This is our private bathroom.”

  Then he pulled back a tall curtain to reveal a set of large glass doors. “The balcony.” He grinned, opening the doors so they could walk out onto it.

  “Ach, I can look out here and see you working with the horses during the day.” Becky grinned.

  “Yes, you can. Or we can walk out here at night and gaze up at the stars.” He took her hand. “After we are hitched. I will sleep downstairs until then,” he clarified.

  She turned to him. “Isaac…” Her breath hitched. “Ach, this is too much. I feel like I can hardly contain my emotions. This is just all so wonderful. I don’t deserve it.”

  He lifted her quivering chin. “Then give thanks to Der Herr. He is the one who gives the power to get wealth. He is the one who brought us together.”

  She nodded. “Jah, I will for sure and certain.”

  She turned and caught him staring at her.

  “Oh, man. I want to kiss you so badly.” He grimaced. “I just said that out loud, didn’t I?”

  She gave a slight nod. Ach, he was adorable.

  A million words could not describe the joy she felt at this moment. This was him. The one Der Herr had specifically chosen for her. The one she’d been waiting for all her life. The one she’d spend the rest of her days with. And she wasn’t the least bit disappointed.

  He shook his head. “Ever since my father explained what he was doing, I have been dreaming about you and could think of little else. And now that you’re here, my heart is bursting with joy at the thought of you becoming mei fraa.”