Shirley noticed he hadn’t even opened the menu, so she wouldn’t either. Besides, she didn’t know one thing from another in these fancy places. “I’ll have the same,” she said. “I like what he likes.”
The waitress left.
Silence fell between Shirley and Jonas until he finally said, “Thinking mighty deep thoughts there?”
“Not deep, no,” Shirley said. “Deep thoughts would be Miriam, not me.”
His hand reached across the table and touched hers briefly. “I wasn’t trying to put you on the spot. I like to hear what you think, that’s all.”
“Probably not this time. I think I’m getting just a little bit sad.”
“You know I’ll miss you, Shirley,” he said, squeezing her hand. “I wish things could have turned out differently. But I understand…I guess.”
“I think we both understand that we couldn’t ever be…” Shirley took a deep breath and forced the words out. “I’d love it if we could be a couple forever, Jonas. If only we weren’t from such different worlds. If only it wasn’t so…so…” Shirley sighed. “I think this trip to Oklahoma is for the best, even if it wasn’t my idea.”
His eyes met hers as he teased, “You never know. I might go to Oklahoma on business sometime.”
A smile played on her face. “I will be back, you know. My plans for the future aren’t definite, but I won’t be gone forever.”
He squeezed her hand again. “Tomorrow isn’t definite. Nothing is but God. You have been a joy, Shirley. I’ll never forget you.”
She felt tears forming. “You know I feel the same way, Jonas.”
The waitress interrupted them by bringing their salads, but Jonas’s hand lingered for another moment on Shirley’s.
Shirley smiled at the certainty of a goodbye kiss when Jonas took her home. They would have to stop along the road before they arrived home because a long pause sitting in Jonas’s convertible in the driveway would more than likely bring Daett out to investigate. Stopping before they arrived at her house, she’d linger within his arms. The memory of their short time together would be all the more precious as they said farewell. It could neither be added to nor taken away from forever. One thing was for sure—she would never forget Jonas.
Chapter Twenty-One
Miriam took in the open stretch of grassland outside the bus window. The driver had called out the name of the small town moments before. “Antlers,” he’d said. A very western name, Miriam thought. And appropriate to the area. They had now left the last of the town’s houses behind. She glanced over at Shirley, who was shifting on the seat beside her trying to doze off again. She clearly wasn’t interested in the passing landscape.
It wouldn’t be long now until the driver announced their destination: Coalgate, Oklahoma. Aunt Fannie and Uncle William’s home was just outside the small town of Clarita, but the bus didn’t stop there. Miriam glanced through the window again and wondered if much would change for them. Shirley would be happy whatever the countryside looked like. She likely had other things on her mind—like Jonas Beachy and their last evening together.
Shirley had been beaming when Jonas dropped her off at home on that last evening. Up in their bedroom, Shirley and Miriam had talked. Shirley had let out a long sigh and looked rapturously at the ceiling. “What a wunderbah man—but one I can’t have. But his kisses, Miriam. Oh, it’s like heaven has come down to the earth!”
“All I can say to that is I think it’s a good thing we’re leaving tomorrow,” Miriam had muttered. “It’s high time we got you out of here.”
Shirley had laughed but then turned serious. “Jonas said you might have been given some money by Mr. Bland. He’s heard some rumors. His daett sits on the bank board.”
Miriam deflected the question. “The farm alone was plenty generous of Mr. Bland, don’t you think?”
Shirley had shrugged and said, “Yah, that’s what I thought.”
Miriam had breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t lied, nor had she been forced to admit the truth. Obviously Jonas was only repeating rumors and didn’t have anything to substantiate it. The very thought though had turned her face pale. How had Jonas’s daett come across even a rumor of the inheritance? The lawyer and Rose had assured her that any money in a bank account was a closely kept secret. If Jonas’s father had heard about the money and shared the knowledge with his family, how long before someone else would find out? What if Ivan heard about it? He worked at the Beachy’s business. Then his eagerness to pursue her hand in marriage would really skyrocket. It was gut of the Lord to provide a way of escape for her. She and Shirley might have to work hard for a while as they adjusted to the Clarita community, but they would succeed.
Miriam leaned back. Would Ivan follow her out to Oklahoma? She couldn’t imagine that he would. She’d given him no encouragement that she would welcome further attention from him. Shouldn’t her sudden departure be enough of an answer to his overtures? Surely the man would get the message! And she could look forward to a fresh start out here on these grassy plains without any hassles or temptations from Ivan. Miriam sighed. Why was her heart so weak when it came to that man? She should have been able to distance herself from his charms without the drastic measure of a long-distance trip to Oklahoma. Well, no matter. The Lord must understand. Hadn’t He helped out with these plans?
And this was for the best, Miriam told herself. For Shirley and for herself. Aunt Fannie had written about how much they enjoyed the community, so no doubt she would also enjoy Clarita. She already liked the change in landscape. The wind here could blow for miles across the grass with nothing to slow it down. Aunt Fannie had also written about how friendly the people were. There weren’t that many Amish who lived here compared to Possum Valley. That made for closeness, Aunt Fannie had written. “We have few secrets among the community people.”
Miriam stared out of the window. How then would her secret be safe here? She sat up straighter. The inheritance money had to remain a secret. She would need to keep her mouth shut that was for sure. Not one word to anyone. Not even to Aunt Fannie, especially because she hadn’t told Mamm and Daett back home. Another thought raced through Miriam’s mind. What if there was a man in the community who showed an interest in her? Would she be able to trust him? She was wary after Ivan’s deception. The communities at Clarita and Possum Valley were closely connected, so news usually traveled freely between the two. How would a man act if he found out about the two million dollars? It was bad enough when people just knew about the farm. Nee, she must say nothing about the money. Nor could she trust herself to a man until she knew for sure he would love her for herself and not for what came with her. There wouldn’t be another Ivan Mast in her life. Not again. But, of course, first there had to be a man who would show interest in her, and that might not even happen. Miriam glanced over at Shirley. If there were any available men in the Clarita community, they would certainly go for Shirley’s gut looks instead of Miriam’s plainness. Hadn’t Ivan proven that point? Laura Swartz was gut looking like Shirley, and Laura had been Ivan’s first choice, regardless of what he said.
The whine of the bus engine lowered as it slowed down. The driver’s voice came over the intercom, interrupting Miriam’s thoughts. “Our next stop is Atoka,” he announced. “There will be a thirty-minute lunch break.”
“Good! I’m starving!” Shirley said.
Miriam too was hungry. She thought some food might help calm her wandering mind too.
Moments later they were off the bus and had purchased sandwiches and orange juice from a small deli. A courtyard lay off to the side complete with picnic tables. Shirley led the way over, and they sat down.
Miriam unwrapped her sandwich. “Do you think we’ll be able to settle out here okay?”
Shirley thought for a moment. “I think so. Although I’ll miss Jonas. And you should miss Ivan.”
“Ha! I want to get away from Ivan, and you should want to get away from Jonas. Besides, there will probably be plenty o
f unmarried men here. You can take your pick.” Miriam took a bit of her sandwich. She didn’t add, “Unlike me.” Bitterness was never right. Besides, she’d been the one who wanted to come to Oklahoma as a means of escape.
A mournful look crossed Shirley’s face. “I’ve been thinking about Jonas. Seems like he’s close to my heart even as we travel further away.”
Miriam allowed sympathy for Shirley’s plight to flood her heart. “You do miss Jonas, I know. But a relationship with him could never be. You also know that.”
Shirley nodded. “I agree. It wasn’t for the best.”
Miriam held her sandwich with both hands. “You do surprise me, you know—how easy you were to persuade about coming. I thought you’d put up a fight.”
“Maybe I’m trying to be practical.” Shirley gazed down the street.
Miriam reached over to touch Shirley’s arm. “I’m sorry I haven’t been more sympathetic about Jonas. I suppose what shouldn’t be is still hard to get over.”
Shirley gave her a quick glance. “Thank you.”
Miriam hastened to add, “I’m not supporting your affection for Jonas, believe me. But I have my own heartache. Maybe that helps one to understand more.” I have secrets too, she almost added.
“I still think you should have given Ivan a chance,” Shirley chided.
Miriam winced. “You know the answer to that. He only wanted me because of the farm.”
Shirley appeared pensive. Just as she was ready to speak, the bus driver announced, “Time to go, folks. We’re loading up.”
Both young women stood. Shirley whispered, “I think you should plan to go home when Mamm’s time comes. You might reconsider Ivan then.”
They paused to throw away their food wrappers and napkins. Miriam gave a short laugh as they went up the bus steps. Shirley was grasping at straws. Naomi would take care of Mamm at home, and there would be no money for a return trip so soon. She certainly couldn’t use her own money without offering some kind of explanation.
Shirley whispered, “I’m afraid you’re going to meet someone out here and fall for him.” Shirley took her seat beside Miriam and added, “Just because he’s not Ivan.”
Miriam frowned. “Nee, Shirley, you’re the one who will find a new beau in Clarita.”
Shirley shrugged. “I don’t think so.”
Miriam raised her eyebrows. “You sure stick up for Ivan, considering how he acts—chasing me to get my farm.”
“Well, what’s wrong with that?” Shirley shifted on her seat. “I think Ivan’s nice, and you did like him a lot not that long ago. What’s wrong if the farm brings you together? You’d still be married to him, and he’d have to love you.”
“Not in the right way, he wouldn’t!” The words slipped bitterly, and Miriam turned away.
Shirley appeared dreamy eyed. “I was attracted to Jonas because of his family’s wealth. I freely admit it. So what’s wrong with that? And yet in the end it was true love, Miriam. I’ve kissed him, remember? And sweeter moments I’ve not had with a man before. And I know I’ll never love someone like that again.”
“Let’s change the subject.” Miriam looked through the bus window at the passing landscape. “Anything other than money and love.”
Shirley ignored her. “Money can lead to love, Miriam. Really, it can.”
“Nee,” Miriam insisted. “Money and love are a dangerous mix. Little gut can come out of the two together. Daett would say little gut comes out of money when it’s mixed with anything.”
“Only the heart proves anything,” Shirley muttered. “And mine’s still back in Holmes County with a man I can never marry.”
The bus was slowing down for the next town. The sign that flashed by the bus window read “Coalgate,” the place where Aunt Fannie and Uncle William would pick them up. Shirley’s glance had followed hers, and she sat up straight on the seat, her mournful thoughts about Jonas apparently forgotten. At least for the moment.
The bus ground to a stop at a small filling station. The driver spoke over the bus speaker: “Coalgate.”
Miriam gathered her bag from the overhead compartment and followed Shirley off the bus. She strained for a glimpse of Aunt Fannie and Uncle William, but she couldn’t see anyone she recognized. In their Amish attire, they should stick out, but by the time the driver retrieved their suitcases, there was still no sign of them.
“Is this the right place?” Shirley’s voice revealed her worry as the bus disappeared up the street.
“I’m certain,” Miriam’s kept her voice steady. “We’ll wait on the sidewalk. Aunt Fannie and Uncle William can’t be long in coming.” This was not the time to let fear take over.
“Maybe the bus was early?” Shirley’s voice trembled, but it changed a moment later. “There they are!” She waved vigorously.
Miriam waved too as a car with Uncle William in the front passenger seat pulled up to the curb. Aunt Fannie had the back door open before the vehicle even came to a full stop.
“Oh, you poor dears! You’ve been waiting for us.” Aunt Fannie rushed over to give both girls a big hug—well, the best she could in her condition. Aunt Fannie laughed. “I’d squeeze you tight for an hour, but you see how far my stomach protrudes.”
“And it’s a very gut condition to be in.” Uncle William chuckled. “May I at least shake hands with my nieces?”
“Oh, I’m so glad to see both of you!” Aunt Fannie gushed before she let them go. “And I’m so sorry we didn’t get here early.”
Miriam offered her hand to Uncle William with a shy smile. She hadn’t seen him in a while, but he was still a handsome man. Aunt Fannie, as the youngest in Mamm’s family, had done well in her choice of husband.
Shirley offered her hand to Uncle William. Her chirp had returned. “You know, it’s awfully nice of you two to have us.”
Aunt Fannie dismissed the praise with a wave of her hand. “What’s wunderbah is you two coming all the way out here. And to help with my baby, at that. I never thought I’d see the day.”
Aunt Fannie didn’t know their real reasons, and for that Miriam was glad. She focused on more cheerful thoughts as Uncle William loaded their suitcases, and Aunt Fannie introduced them to the driver of the vehicle, Mr. Whitehorse.
The Englisha man nodded and said, “Welcome to Oklahoma. Are we all ready to go?”
“Yep!” Uncle William proclaimed as he climbed into the front passenger seat again.
The two girls joined Aunt Fannie in the back.
“Now, tell me all about your trip,” Aunt Fannie said as Mr. Whitehorse drove them down the street toward Clarita.
Shirley chattered away about the hours on the bus and the people they’d seen. Aunt Fannie likely wouldn’t rest until it was all told, Miriam thought as she looked out at her new surroundings. She’d let Shirley tell most of the story. Sudden weariness rushed over Miriam, and she tried to relax as they drove into the countryside. She’d arrived in a “new country” for a new start. From what Miriam had seen so far, this was a land that held much promise for both Shirley and herself. For that she was thankful.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Miriam watched with interest as Mr. Whitehorse pulled into the driveway of an obviously Amish homestead. She didn’t know exactly how the Byler place would look from Aunt Fannie’s brief descriptions in her letters, but there were buggies parked in the yard and there was a large greenhouse. Yah, this had to be Aunt Fannie and Uncle William’s home. Plus Aunt Fannie’s chatter had stopped. They had arrived! Aunt Fannie certainly wasn’t the quiet one of the family, but that was one of the things Miriam had always liked about her aunt.
“Here we are!” Uncle William announced as they all got out of the car.
Aunt Fannie waved her hand about. “This is it. Our western spread. Well, a nursery really. But you already knew that.”
“It’s beautiful,” Shirley gushed. “I’ll love it here.”
Aunt Fannie laughed. “I’m glad you like it. Make yourselves right at h
ome.”
Mr. Whitehorse opened the trunk and set their suitcases on the ground. “There you are.” He added, “And again, welcome to Oklahoma.”
“Thank you,” Miriam said. She turned to face her aunt. “You’ll be getting off your feet now that we’re here. I’m taking over until the baby comes.”
“I…I have to do something,” Aunt Fannie sputtered in protest, but she appeared relieved.
“I certainly agree with Miriam,” Shirley added. “No more work for Aunt Fannie now that the Yoder sisters have arrived!”
Uncle William glowed. “Now that’s what I call the Lord’s gut timing. But don’t spend all your time at work. The community will have plenty of youth activities. You won’t want to miss any of those. And we do have a shortage of unmarried girls, I believe.”
“William!” Aunt Fannie scolded, even as a young man came out of the greenhouse door. He shielded the sun from his eyes as he looked in their direction.
Shirley drew in her breath and whispered. “I told you, Miriam. There he is!”
Aunt Fannie and Uncle William must have heard, Miriam was sure. She felt blood rush up her neck. What kind of impression did this create with Uncle William? He would think they had discussed being on the lookout for suitable boyfriends. In her case, it was exactly the opposite. She’d fled one potential suitor, and she didn’t want another one.
“That’s my nephew Wayne.” Uncle William grinned from ear to ear. “He helps out at the greenhouse once in a while.” Uncle William lowered his voice. “And he’s available.”
Miriam tried to think of an adequate response, but the words stuck in her throat.
Shirley had no such inhibitions. She smiled her sweetest as the man approached.
“Introduce them,” Aunt Fannie whispered to Uncle William, as if she were in on the conspiracy.
Which maybe she was, Miriam thought. From all appearances, her aunt and uncle had been the ones who had discussed this matter at length. But no matter. Miriam simply didn’t want a boyfriend. And this handsome man would go for Shirley anyway. They always did.
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