Where Love Grows

by Jerry S. Eicher

“You didn’t grow up around him. He terrorized all of us. I’ve never seen Betsy sweat like the time Deacon Ray came over to speak with her about the length of her dresses.”

  “We’ll be glad for people like him when our own children begin to think wild thoughts.”

  “Our children…” Susan nestled against him.

  “Yah,” Steve said, smiling down at her. “If Da Hah wills it so.”

  Susan suddenly sat up. “We need to talk with Daett and Mamm today.”

  “Really?” Steve glanced sideways at her. “Why?”

  “We need to tell them about, well, what we talked about earlier.”

  “About you becoming my frau?”

  “Don’t say it!” Susan said. “You are making me turn red all over.”

  “Okay, I won’t say it. I’ll just think it,” Steve said with a laugh.

  “There are so many plans to be made, and most of them Daett and Mamm will be involved in. We can’t keep this from them a second longer than we have to.”

  “You’ll have to kiss me first. Then we’ll talk all you want.”

  “I will not. You’ll have to wait for the wedding vows. You’ve had enough kisses. They’re getting dangerous.”

  Steve groaned.

  “There is the dawdy haus to think of,” Susan said, plunging ahead. “And the farm. Plus the expense of another wedding so quickly. We really have to talk to them.”

  “Okay, okay! We’re almost there. I’ll behave myself.”

  “I can’t wait, Steve!” Susan said. “When can we get married?”

  “Maybe the year after next.”

  Susan stared at him and Steve roared.

  “You really are a tease, you know that?” she said. “Am I going to have to put up with this for the next fifty years?”

  “And then some,” Steve said as he pulled into the driveway. He stopped at the hitching post and stepped out of the buggy. He tied Toby as Susan climbed out and waited for him. Together they walked to the house. They entered through the front door and hung up their coats. Steve put his hat on the floor by the door. Daett was in his rocking chair reading The Budget. Mamm was sewing on the couch. Both looked up at their entrance, their faces showing their anxiety about what had happened with Deacon Ray.

  Daett looked at Steve. “You went with Susan? That was awfully nice of you.”

  “It’s okay,” Steve said. “It was the right thing to do.”

  “So everything turned out all right?” Daett asked.

  Steve smiled. “Deacon Ray remembered a little something that you apparently know all about. He decided that some things done in one’s youthful folly are best left private, provided they affected no one else and that one repents and makes a private apology.”

  “I see,” Menno said. “I’m sure Deacon Ray has made a wise choice.”

  “What are you talking about?” Mamm asked, standing up. “You sound like Solomon dropping hints.”

  “Don’t worry, Mamm,” Susan said. “Everything’s fine.” She hugged her. “Now would you please sit down and quit wringing your hands? We have lots of plans to make because Steve and I are getting married this spring! Soon after my baptism.” Susan couldn’t hold back her smile any longer.

  “Well Da Hah sie lobb!” Daett exclaimed.

  “I’m glad someone told me when I’m getting married,” Steve said, but no one paid him any mind.

  Mamm leaped to her feet again and grabbed Susan in a tight hug. “It’s finally happening! Susan’s getting married!” Mamm waved her hand in front of her face. “Why is it so hot in here? Menno, will you turn the heat down?”

  “Sit down, Mamm, and take a deep breath,” Susan said. “There are lots of things to discuss. But first of all, can we afford another wedding so soon? And then there’s the dawdy haus to build. And is it okay if we live on the farm? We need a place to stay that’s our own. Steve can take over the farm in the spring, if that’s okay. That shouldn’t be a problem…”

  “Hold it a minute!” Daett interrupted with a laugh. “One thing at a time. Actually, one thing first, and then you women can do what you wish. So Steve, do you want to take over the farm?”

  “If you will sell it to me,” Steve said. He named a price without missing a beat. “If this isn’t acceptable, you have time to ask the other girls and their husbands if they’re interested. If someone wishes to pay a higher price, I would consider going up with my offer.”

  Susan stared at Steve. The sum he mentioned was more than fair. And Steve had spit out the huge number just like that. He must have thought the matter over often, she decided. But then he’d known he wanted to marry her. She sat down on the couch, trying to catch her breath.

  “I’m sure no one will match that price,” Daett said with a smile. “Besides, I want you to have the place. You will take gut care of the fields, and I can rest easy with you in charge.”

  “Thank you,” Steve said. “So we’re done then?”

  “You’re not done,” Mamm said. “I want to know where I’ll be living if you’re selling the farm out from under me, Menno.”

  “In your dawdy haus, of course,” Susan said.

  “I don’t see a dawdy haus,” Mamm said. “And spring will be here before we know it.”

  “Don’t worry, it will be built by then,” Daett said. “We’ll start when the weather breaks. And you can have it made however you wish, providing it’s plain.”

  “I know that,” Mamm said. “But it must have a basement. I won’t be without a basement. That something I’ve always said.”

  “A basement but no upstairs,” Daett said. “And Susan is correct. We can easily finish it before the wedding as long as you don’t get fancy ideas into your head.”

  “Come on,” Steve said, taking Susan’s hand, “let them talk things out.” He led her upstairs to her room, where they sat side by side on the bed.

  “You know I should be downstairs making plans,” Susan protested. “There are all the couples to pick out, and we should start cleaning the barn this afternoon. And…”

  “All that can wait,” Steve told her. “I want to look at you…at my future frau.”

  “There’s just so much to do. Can’t you look at me downstairs while we plan?”

  Steve held up his hand. “I have to tell you something, and then we can go.”

  “What is it? You do have a secret!”

  Steve smiled. “Yah, the secret is that I love you.” He stood up and bent over to kiss her. She lifted her face to meet his. She pulled back moments later, gasping. “You tricked me, you naughty boy!”

  Steve laughed. “You wouldn’t kiss me any other way.”

  “Well, that’s not going to work again,” she said. “I’m wise to you now.”

  “Oh, I’ll think of something else,” he said, a sly look on his face.

  “Steve Mast, you are the most frustrating man I have ever met.”

  “And the sweetest, I hope.” He came close again.

  “That’s not going to work!” Susan said. She jumped up, ran out the door, and headed down the stairs, laughing all the way.

  Mamm looked up when she burst through the doorway, Steve close behind.

  “I think we need the wedding vows said for these two—and very soon,” Daett said with a twinkle in his eye.

  “But my house has to be built first,” Mamm said, grabbing Daett’s arm as if she could pull the house out of his shoulder.

  “With that, I think I’d better be going,” Steve said. “I’ll unhitch Toby and put him in the barn. Then I’d better head back to Ada’s. It’s a beautiful day for a walk.” He picked up his hat and put on his coat.

  Susan followed him to the front door. “I’ll help you with Toby!” She put on her coat.

  They went outside and walked to the buggy holding hands. When they reached the horse, they stood together for a long time, reluctant to part.

  Finally Toby nickered and nudged Susan, pulling her out of her reverie.

  With a laugh, Steve said, �
�I guess Toby also wants some breakfast!”

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Susan rode in the back of the surrey, while Mamm and Daett rode in front. Behind them, Ada and Reuben’s buggy followed, staying close. Ahead of them other buggies were coming out of the side roads, all heading to Mose Stutzman’s place for Baptismal Sunday.

  Today Bishop Henry would ask Susan the baptismal questions, and she would need to answer them once and for all. The time had come. She would now truly become part of the community. Today she would take on the faith Mamm and Daett had passed down to her. Deacon Ray had been true to his promise, and he never raised the issue of the driver’s license again. At the last instruction class two weeks ago, he had even done a most unexpected thing. In front of them all, seated in a circle in the upstairs bedroom with the congregation’s singing rising and falling below them, Deacon Ray had told them the story of his time at the Englisha hospital and how he had failed to walk in holiness and in the fear of Da Hah on some matters.

  No mention was made of details, but Susan knew. She was impressed that Deacon Ray was willing to go this far in acknowledging they all had failures in their lives.

  “We all make mistakes,” Bishop Henry had said when Deacon Ray finished. “And there is forgiveness with Da Hah. I’m glad all of you have come to this day and are willing to forsake the devil and the world with all its lusts.”

  Deacon Ray nodded, as did the other ministers.

  Ahead of them the buggies turned into the Stutzman driveway, stopping so the women could get out close to the house. Daett had to wait with the buggy still on the main road until the line moved forward. One of the buggies dashed past the walks without stopping, apparently driven by a single young man with no mamm, sisters, or frau to worry about.

  Mamm and Susan climbed out when their turn came, walking toward the washroom with their shawls wrapped over their shoulders. Susan glanced toward the barn where a line of men was forming. Bishop Henry stood at his regular place at the head of the line, deep in conversation with Mose.

  Before they turned at the end of the walk, Susan caught a glimpse of Steve coming out of the barn. A hint of a smile crossed her face. He was growing more dear each Sunday night when they visited after the hymn singing. What would it be like when they said the wedding vows? That was still too much to comprehend. She would have to wait.

  Already Mamm and Daett’s dawdy haus was underway in the fields lying toward Ada’s place. It was the perfect spot, picked out by Mamm. The roof had gone on this week, well ahead of the thunderstorm that had hit last night. Daett said it wouldn’t have hurt to get rain on the subfloor, but Mamm was of a different mind. No rain inside her house was the only acceptable option.

  Already Mamm was dreaming of paint colors and cabinet doors. All of them would be plain, of course, but even then there were options to work with. Thomas, the brazen rascal, had been down last week to speak with Mamm about cabinet design. He and his daett were the best cabinet makers in the community, so Mamm couldn’t be blamed for using them. Susan had stayed out of sight upstairs during the visit. Thomas’s daett could have come just as easily, but that wouldn’t have been Thomas’s style. Rumors were in the air of a fall wedding for Wilma and him. But one could never be certain when it came to that rogue.

  Mamm held the washroom door open for Susan. The women inside were already moving into the kitchen. Susan slipped off her shawl and laid it on the counter. Mamm did the same. They went inside and shook hands with the line of women, finishing just in time. Bishop Henry appeared outside the kitchen window, and then led the long line of men into the living room. Susan waited until the married women had left the kitchen before she joined the line of unmarried girls. Soon she would be going in with the married women on Sunday morning, Susan thought, glancing across at the boys’ side. Steve was looking at her, a slight smile on his face. Susan returned his smile, ducking her head. It wouldn’t be right to give Steve too much attention in public. That time would come this afternoon when he drove her home.

  Daett had never allowed both Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening dates for his daughters. At least not until they were close to the wedding and had lots of plans to make. A thrill ran down Susan’s back. She had arrived at that time. She was going to be married! She’d found a man she truly loved and who loved her in return.

  The girl in front of her sat down on the bench, and Susan almost ran into her. Several girls giggled, and Susan thought what a sight it would be on Baptismal Sunday to trip across the benches, arms and legs flying every which way. She had to get a grip on herself, and the sooner the better! She sat down and folded her hands on her lap, holding completely still. No one seemed to be looking at her, so thankfully her near fall was going to be overlooked. The song leader from the men’s section called out the song number, and the singing began. When the boys stood to follow the line of ministers upstairs for this last instruction class, Susan rose to lead the line of girls up the stairs.

  Deacon Ray read the last two instruction lessons when they were all seated, adding a few comments of his own. The other ministers did the same. Bishop Henry had the last say.

  “I hope all of you have enjoyed this season of instruction as much as I have,” he said. “I know you probably think I just say so, considering how many young people I have seen through the instruction classes since becoming a minister. Yet the joy never ceases to affect me. To see people give their lives to the service of Da Hah while they’re still young is a great thing to behold. You may not think much of sin’s influence because you’re still young, but as you grow older, you’ll understand better what a blessing it is to have Da Hah with you early in life. And that will be all I have to say unless someone else has something to add.”

  Bishop Henry looked around the room at the other ministers. They all shook their heads. The bishop smiled at the group and waved his hand toward the door. The oldest boy stood, leading the way downstairs. Susan followed the boys. They walked up to the benches set apart in the front row for the occasion. Around them the singing continued until the ministers returned.

  The preaching started with Minister Emery’s opening sermon. Bishop Henry had the main sermon, going over the Old Testament story of the birth of Isaac, the child of promise born to Abraham and Sarah.

  “So is given to each of us who believe,” Bishop Henry said, “a promise from Da Hah. By the Spirit of Da Hah in us there will be power over sin, power to live a holy life, power to live a life to the highest standards and pleasing to Da Hah, separate from the world and the flesh.

  “It may take years of waiting, as Abraham and Sarah had to wait, but in the end the Spirit of Da Hah will do His work for all those who believe. In the end there lies the hope of eternal life for us in that land where we will never die, where tears are wiped away, where loved ones gather around us, and where the Son of God Himself will serve His people.” He gestured toward the baptismal class.

  “It is to such a life that these young people are committing themselves today. Let us join them in a fresh renewal of our own vows and in our own dedication.”

  The clock ticked on the living room wall as Bishop Henry paused to look down the line of young people. “Now, as many of you who are still willing to make your commitment to the holy vows, please kneel.”

  Susan waited until the boys had knelt before she bent her knees and settled on the floor. The girls on her right followed her example. Bishop Henry started at the end of the line, asking the pertinent questions, with Deacon Ray following and pouring water from the pitcher after the answers had been accepted. The moments seemed to hang in the air, as they came closer and closer. Finally Bishop Henry was standing in front of Susan.

  “Do you, Susan,” Bishop Henry asked, “confess that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God?”

  “Yah,” Susan whispered.

  “Do you promise to forsake the devil, the world, the desires of your own flesh, and to cleave to the will of Da Hah? Will you submit to the Word of God and to the fellows
hip of the church?”

  “Yah.” Susan kept her head bowed low.

  Bishop Henry’s hands came down over the top of her kapp. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The water ran down the side of her face and dripped to the floor. “Rise, sister Susan.”

  Bishop Henry’s rough hand clasped her, helping her stand. His frau, Ruth, took Susan’s hand from Bishop Henry’s and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled her welcome.

  Susan stayed standing as they moved down the line. When the last girl was baptized, Bishop Henry motioned with his hand, and they all sat down together.

  Behind them a song number was announced, and the singing began. When it was done, Bishop Henry pronounced church dismissed. The younger boys dashed for the front door as usual. Susan waited until the boys in the baptismal line had stood before she led the girls into the kitchen.

  Betsy and Ada met Susan with hugs. Mamm was in tears, dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief. “This is such a blessed day,” Mamm said as she wrapped her arms around Susan’s neck.

  The other newly baptized girls were being greeted in similar fashion by their relatives. Finally, Mose Stutzman’s wife, Ronda, cleared her throat and announced it was time to prepare the tables. The women broke up, and their chatter filled the house as they worked. Tables were set up in the living room, some jutting into the bedrooms.

  The men were taking benches down to the basement where the unmarried boys’ table would be set up. Perhaps she should volunteer there, Susan thought. She might catch another glimpse of Steve’s smile. While she was deciding, Ronda interrupted her thoughts. “The baptized girls get a place on the first table. A special privilege for today only.”

  Ronda couldn’t be refused, and Susan gave in at once. She would get plenty of Steve’s smiles this afternoon. Minutes later Bishop Henry prayed, and the meal began. When it was over, Susan helped serve the next two tables. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Steve leave the group of young unmarried boys and walk toward the barn. He would be ready to leave before long. Making her way to the washroom, she found her shawl and met Steve’s buggy at the end of the walk.