“Me?”
“Jah, you.” Wilma’s tender smile held so much love.
Sovilla could hardly bear to watch. What if Eli said he didn’t want to meet his son?
“After all these years? It’s too much to take in. I don’t know . . .”
Wilma’s face crumpled. She pushed on the chair arms as if to stand.
“Wait, wait.” Eli motioned for her to stay seated. “I’m a crusty old bachelor.”
A sardonic laugh burst from Wilma’s lips. “Someone recently called me crusty.” She sent a pointed look in Mrs. Vandenberg’s direction.
“You? Neh, you must have misheard. You were always the sweetest, kindest, gentlest girl I ever knew.”
Sovilla stared at him. He must be viewing her aenti through dreams of what he wished she’d been. Or maybe not. Maybe Wilma had once been that way. Hadn’t Mamm said something similar?
“I’ve changed, Eli. I’m no longer any of those things.”
“I don’t believe that.” His piercing stare seemed to see straight into her heart. “You’re also brave. Coming here to tell me this after all these years? You’re an amazing woman.”
Wilma blinked as if she didn’t believe him. “And you’re as smooth-talking as you always were.” She made a sweeping motion with her hand, as if she were brushing away his compliments.
“But you do know one thing about me, Wilma. I always tell the truth.”
Wilma sat silently, her teeth digging into her lower lip. Then a wobbly smile tilted her lips. “Jah, that’s so.”
“When did our son want to meet me?”
“Um, now?”
Eli’s bushy eyebrows rose. “Now?” He looked around the room, and his gaze fell on Isaac.
“Neh, not Isaac.” Wilma waved toward the door. “He’s outside near the pasture. Maybe Isaac could go and get him—if you’re ready, that is.”
Sovilla had never heard Wilma be so deferential.
“Are you sure he wants to meet me? A father who never had anything to do with him growing up?”
“How could you?” Wilma defended Eli like a mother tiger protecting her young. “You didn’t know he existed.”
Sorrow descended over Eli’s face. “I wish I had.”
Grief swirled through Sovilla. So many lives destroyed. Lloyd had torn apart couples—Wilma and Eli, Sovilla and Henry—and now that Lloyd had dragged her here to Ohio, he might break apart her budding relationship with Isaac.
If Mrs. Vandenberg hadn’t arrived, Sovilla would have been stuck in Ohio permanently. Lloyd would have taken any money she earned at the bake shop, just like he did with Mamm’s paychecks. She’d never have seen Isaac again.
She turned toward him with all her longing never to be separated ever again, and Isaac’s eyes opened wide when they met hers. Had he read the message she sent?
* * *
Isaac’s chest constricted at the look in Sovilla’s eyes. Was he misreading the intensity as longing and love? Perhaps she was only reflecting Wilma and Eli’s romance. Or maybe not? Maybe she truly did intend it for him?
“Isaac,” Wilma said with a touch of impatience, “if you could tear your gaze from Sovilla’s, I’d like you to get David.”
“Aw, Wilma, don’t be so hard on the boy.” Eli chuckled. “I once stared at you that way.”
“You did?”
“You don’t remember?” He sounded hurt.
“I guess I was too busy admiring your gorgeous blue eyes.”
Eli’s smile was tender. “Some things never change.”
Wilma sucked in a breath. Then her tartness returned. “You think I’ve been admiring your eyes all this time.”
He sighed and shook his head. “You can’t blame a man for wishing.”
“Actually, I was.” Wilma ducked her head, then mumbled, “I’ve never seen anyone with that exact shade of blue.”
“Not as pretty as your green ones.”
Mrs. Vandenberg cleared her throat and tilted her head toward the door, indicating Isaac should get David. Isaac had been so caught up in the love story unfolding before his eyes and wondering about the meaning behind Sovilla’s gaze, he’d forgotten Wilma’s request.
He stood and, with one last glance at Sovilla, started for the door.
Mrs. Vandenberg also rose and tottered after him. “Maybe we should leave you two alone while you meet David.”
Sovilla jumped to her feet. Isaac held the door for both of them and the driver.
Once they all exited, he jogged toward the pasture. David saw him coming and met him halfway.
“He wants to meet me?” he asked, half-nervous and half-hopeful.
Isaac nodded, and then Sovilla distracted him.
“David, before you go in, there are a few things you should know.” Sovilla recounted the story of Wilma and Eli’s breakup.
Creases formed on David’s forehead. “Your onkel lied to break them up?” He sounded as if he couldn’t believe it. “Then he sent my mamm away?”
“Jah,” Sovilla confirmed. “I think they still love each other. Neither of them ever married anyone else.”
“I can’t believe anyone would separate a courting couple.” David stared at Sovilla. “Could they have misunderstood?”
“Neh,” Sovilla answered, her voice flat and sad.
David checked with Isaac for confirmation. After a brief glance at Sovilla, he backed up her story.
David accompanied them to the house. “I’m so sorry for both of them.”
“So are we.”
It thrilled Isaac that Sovilla had included him in that we.
“Mrs. Vandenberg suggested we leave the three of you alone,” Sovilla said when they reached the front door. “We’ll be praying.”
She’d done it again. Isaac conveyed his gratitude with a smile, and she returned it with one so brilliant it set his heart ablaze.
“Want to g-go for a w-walk?” He hoped she’d realize his true intent—time alone with her and his first hesitant overture toward a relationship.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Sitting in the air-conditioned van, Mrs. Vandenberg nodded her approval as Sovilla and Isaac headed for the pasture together. Now the meal at Mrs. Vandenberg’s house made more sense to Sovilla. Mrs. Vandenberg had also suggested Isaac drive Sovilla to work. And Mrs. Vandenberg had coached Wilma in the hospital so Sovilla could visit Isaac’s family.
Mrs. Vandenberg had been playing matchmaker all along. Did Isaac know? Or had it been his idea in the first place? Sovilla didn’t care who’d come up with the idea. She only knew that whoever had planned it, they’d made the perfect choice.
Perhaps this hadn’t been arranged by people, after all, but by God. Sovilla and Isaac shared a heart-to-heart connection. Everything about it seemed right and holy.
“I can’t even imagine how Eli and Wilma endured being separated when they were so in love.” Sovilla ached for all the pain her aenti had endured.
Isaac’s face filled with compassion. “And then t-to meet again.”
“After all those years apart. When they looked at each other, didn’t it look like they were seeing each other as teenagers?”
“Jah. When you l-love someone, you see their soul.”
Love? Is that what she’d been feeling for Isaac? She’d thought she loved Henry, but she’d never been this in tune with him. That infatuation paled when compared to her growing bond with Isaac.
“There’s David.” Isaac pointed to the open front porch, and they hurried over.
David stood on the porch, dazed. “I’m giving the two of them more time together. If I hadn’t asked to meet my daed, they’d never have gotten together.” His face reflected a deep sadness. “They’d have spent the rest of their lives apart and lonely.”
“God brought you into their lives,” Sovilla told him.
Just like God had brought Isaac into hers. And she needed to guard against anything separating her from Isaac. The person who’d try to do that had driven a wedge between Wilm
a and Eli. Sovilla vowed to stay alert and fight any more of Lloyd’s tricks. She had one advantage Wilma hadn’t. Sovilla had a way out of Ohio, thanks to Mrs. Vandenberg.
* * *
Sovilla appeared deep in thought, and Isaac didn’t want to interrupt her. Emotions flitted across her face. Fierceness replaced sorrow, followed by determination and relief. If only she’d share her mental journey. Isaac longed to be a part of her life—so close she’d never hesitate to confide all her hopes, fears, and dreams.
Wilma and Eli, their faces radiant, emerged from the house. The love shining in Wilma’s eyes had softened her and made her almost beautiful. Both of them appeared to be much younger.
Eli placed a hand on David’s shoulder. “I’d give anything to have raised you with your mamm by my side.”
David’s eyes welled. “I have wonderful adoptive parents”—his voice grew husky—“but I wish I’d known you both.”
Wilma shook her head. “God knew I was too young and selfish. I’m glad he gave you parents who could raise you properly. They did a wonderful gut job.”
Eli glanced down at her with tenderness. “And you say you aren’t kind and generous.”
Bewilderment in her eyes, Wilma tilted her head. When she met his adoring gaze, she sucked in a breath.
“Appreciating David’s adoptive family when your own heart is breaking.” Eli shook his head. “Only a mother who truly loved her child—our child—could be so selfless and giving.”
A lump rose in Isaac’s throat. What would it be like to be so much in love? Wilma and Eli’s relationship stirred a longing in Isaac to have a connection like theirs. He’d only started to realize that his feelings for Sovilla went far beyond attraction. If he truly loved, could he sacrifice the way Wilma had done with David? Or like God had when he gave up Jesus?
* * *
Sovilla marveled at the difference in her aenti. She’d been transformed by the power of love.
Wilma tilted her head and looked up at Eli with adoration. “Let’s go the van so we can share our news with Liesl. I wouldn’t be here in Ohio if it weren’t for Mrs. Vandenberg.” Her gaze moved to Sovilla. “And my niece started the whole thing by searching for David.”
Was that a look of tenderness in Wilma’s eyes? Before Sovilla could be sure, her aenti slid her walker along the porch, moving so rapidly, Sovilla had to step out of the way, and she bumped into Isaac who stood behind her.
He reached out to steady her, setting Sovilla’s pulse thrumming. If only she could sink back into his arms and ... She jerked herself upright. The last thing she needed was to make the same mistake as Wilma. No matter how difficult, Sovilla would follow the church’s rules of no physical contact—that is, if Isaac cared for her the way she cared for him.
“Are you h-heading to the v-van?” He sounded as breathless as she was.
Sovilla nodded but took a few moments to compose herself before following Wilma.
“Well, you certainly look cheerful,” Mrs. Vandenberg teased Wilma. Then she raised her eyebrows at Sovilla. “Seems we have an outbreak of happiness today.”
“Eli and I have an announcement to make.” Wilma glanced up at Eli. “You’re sure?” Her voice quavered.
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” he said. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”
Wilma giggled. Sovilla couldn’t believe it. Her aenti giggling like a schoolgirl?
“Eli and I will be getting married. After I join the church, of course. We’ll talk to the bishop tomorrow after the service.”
David broke into a smile. “I’m so glad for both of you.”
“Son.” Eli studied David with tenderness. “I’ll never forget how you brought us together.”
“Now for the hard part.” Wilma made a face. “Talking to Lloyd.”
Mrs. Vandenberg motioned for everyone to pile into the van. “It’s time for a reckoning.”
Eli helped Wilma in, set her walker in the back, and then sat beside her. David chose the seat behind them, and with a pleading glance, Isaac invited Sovilla to sit next to him and Snickers.
“Let’s stop at that firehouse we passed coming here,” Mrs. Vandenberg suggested. “We can get take-out containers of chicken barbecue for everyone. I guess you can’t call your onkel’s family to let them know we’re coming?”
Sovilla shook her head. “Lloyd doesn’t have a phone.”
“Well then, it’ll be a surprise.”
Not a happy one, Sovilla suspected.
* * *
As they pulled into Lloyd Mast’s driveway, Isaac’s jaw clenched. At the memory of Sovilla’s flight from that house earlier in the day, his insides churned. He didn’t want to meet the man who’d scared her.
But he readied himself for a confrontation. His mind echoed Eli’s words. I’m never letting you out of my sight again. Whatever Isaac had to do to ensure Sovilla went home with him, he’d do it.
Beside him, Sovilla stiffened as the van door opened. She appeared terrified. What kind of a hold did her onkel have over her?
Wilma had frightened people at the market, and Sovilla had labeled Lloyd as ten times worse. Isaac pictured a tyrant.
Reaching over, Isaac squeezed Sovilla’s hand. “We’ll b-be with you.”
Her eyes shone with tears. “Danke. I’ve been scared to death of my onkel since I was little.”
When Isaac whispered, “Let’s pray,” Sovilla’s tense features relaxed.
“I should have thought of that.” She bowed her head while Wilma struggled to get out of the van, with Eli’s help.
Isaac added his prayers to hers until their turn came to exit. Everyone stayed back to allow Wilma and Eli to reach the porch first.
When Lloyd answered their knock, he focused on Wilma, and his mouth dropped open. “Get off my property,” he commanded.
Eli stepped closer to her. “She’ll do no such thing. This is her childhood home. She has as much right to be here as you.”
Lloyd’s gaze flew to Eli’s face. “Eli? What are you doing here?”
“Exposing old lies. Time for the truth.”
Was that a flicker of fear in Lloyd’s eyes? It disappeared too quickly for Isaac to be sure. But when Sovilla’s onkel lifted his gaze to the man behind Eli, Lloyd’s face grew ashen.
“Yes, we brought our son.” Wilma’s self-satisfied smile threw her brother off balance.
A woman appeared at his side. “Lloyd, why are we keeping everyone waiting on the porch?”
She must be Lloyd’s wife and Sovilla’s aenti.
“Please come in,” she said, her tone welcoming.
Isaac motioned for Mrs. Vandenberg and the driver to precede him and Sovilla.
“Who are they?” Lloyd asked, and his wife frowned at him.
Mrs. Vandenberg hobbled over the threshold with her cane. “I’m their driver.”
After studying her clothes and unsteady gait, Lloyd looked at her askance.
She pointed her cane at her driver and Isaac, both loaded down with grocery bags filled with take-out boxes. “And they’re the delivery boys.” She laughed at Lloyd’s incredulous expression.
Despite her shuffle, Mrs. Vandenberg sailed past Lloyd, her head high. “Where would you like these?” she asked Lloyd’s wife. “We brought enough for everyone.”
While Lloyd glowered after Mrs. Vandenberg, Sovilla and Isaac slipped in without him noticing them or Snickers. Lloyd’s wife wavered a bit, her gaze fixed on David, Wilma, and Eli, who were heading into the living room.
Then she turned her attention to Mrs. Vandenberg. The smell of chicken barbecue filled the air, and she stared at all the take-out containers. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I can’t resist supporting charities.” Mrs. Vandenberg didn’t indicate if she meant the firehouse or the Masts.
“I see.” Lloyd’s wife beckoned them to follow her. “Right this way. I’m Annie, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Annie. I’m Liesl V
andenberg.”
“Are you really the driver?”
Mrs. Vandenberg chuckled. “No. This is our driver. I guess you could call me the supervisor, or as Wilma often refers to me, the boss.”
Annie blinked, as if unsure whether to believe her.
Isaac had another name for Mrs. Vandenberg. Matchmaker—or miracle worker. Sovilla trailed him to the counter holding Snickers’s leash.
Despite Lloyd’s less than enthusiastic welcome, Isaac’s heart filled to bursting. All these people surrounding Sovilla would keep her safe. Annie appeared kind, so she might be an ally. And Wilma and Mrs. Vandenberg could hold their own.
Annie leaned close to Sovilla and whispered, “Your onkel is furious about you leaving without permission.”
Sovilla’s whole body contracted, and anger coursed through Isaac. No one deserved to intimidate others that way.
“I’m here for you,” he said in a low voice after Annie headed to the counter to unpack boxes. “You d-don’t have t-to be afraid.” He had done well with his first sentence. He only wished he hadn’t let his worry affect his second one.
But his words worked. Sovilla’s tense shoulders relaxed, and she turned to him with a relieved smile. “You’re right. I have you and the others, and we’ve both asked for God’s protection.”
If Isaac had his way, he’d stand here all day, staring deep into her eyes, which held mysterious secrets that spoke to his soul.
* * *
Isaac’s protective stance and expression surrounded Sovilla with warmth and support. God had sent him into her life to remind her to rely on divine help rather than her own strength.
He reached for Snickers’s leash, and their hands brushed. Her whole body tingled. If Mrs. Vandenberg hadn’t nudged her, Sovilla might still be standing there, mesmerized.
Luckily, Sovilla and Isaac had just jumped apart when Lloyd entered the kitchen.
“What’s that animal doing in the kitchen?” he demanded.
“Snickers is a guide dog.” Sovilla’s voice shook, but she wouldn’t let her onkel bully Isaac. “Well, a puppy in training.”
“What does he need a guide dog for? He doesn’t look blind.”
An Unexpected Amish Courtship Page 25
