“Tea, please. Peppermint, if you have it.”
He nodded. “I believe I do.” He grinned and pulled out several boxes. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I got a little of everything.”
“See? I told you you’re spoiling me.”
“With sincerest pleasure, fraa. Now sit.”
She didn’t do as told. “But I need to start on breakfast.”
He smiled again and shook his head. “Breakfast is my pleasure as well.” He took her arm and led her to the table.
“Are you aiming to turn me into a lazy wife?”
“I’m aiming to make you a content wife.”
“I already am a content wife.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and he found it quite becoming. As a matter of fact, everything she did was quite becoming.
“And I plan to keep you that way. Now you just relax and let me minister to you.”
She laughed. “You don’t need to take the ‘cherish’ part of our vows this seriously.”
“On the contrary, my love. I take all my vows seriously.”
~
“Come, Lieb. I have something for you.” Bo called her as soon as she finished dressing after breakfast.
“For me? What could you possibly give me that I don’t already possess? I have all I need right here.”
He was indeed spoiling her. She’d already known that he was a kind man, but she had no idea of the depths of his love. What woman would not want to be married to him?
“Shh…you’re talking too much,” he teased, happy to hear a gasp from her lips. “Now close your eyes.”
When she did, he took her by the hand and led her outside. “You may open them now.”
She stared at the hitching post, or rather what was tied to the hitching post. Her mouth dropped open. “Is it…?”
She looked at Bo, then back at the horse. She moved closer and held her hand out. The horse dipped its head and rubbed his neck against her hand. “It is! You…you bought Timber, Mahlon’s horse?” Her eyes searched her husband’s as she gently stroked the stallion’s neck.
He smiled. “I did. Is this a good wedding gift?”
She stepped back from Timber, stood on her tiptoes and brought Bo’s lips to her own. “Oh, Bo, it’s the best! I have the kindest husband that ever lived.”
He waved a hand in front of his face, promptly dismissing her comment. “Don’t say such things.”
“But it’s true. You make so happy.”
“I’m glad that I do, but you should not depend on me for your happiness. I may not always be here, and sooner or later I will let you down. The only person who can bring you happiness—true joy—is Jesus. He will walk with you every day. He will be there no matter what you go through. He will be there when no one else is.”
“You are right, but I’m thrilled that He’s blessed my life with you.”
“I feel the same about you, lieb.” He caressed her cheek, then turned back to Timber. “What would you say if we used him as a stud?”
“That’s what Mahlon had always wanted to do. It’s why he bought a stallion instead of a gelding.”
“He must’ve bought him young.”
“He did.”
“Then we will honor your first husband by fulfilling his dreams.”
“What did I ever do to be blessed with a man like you?’
“Ruthie, you own a beauty you’ll never know.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that your beauty runs so deep, it infuses all you are and all you do. You will never see it because that’s part of what it is, it’s who you are.” He caressed her cheek. “I wrote you a poem. Would you like to hear it?”
Ruth nodded. “I’d love to.”
“Okay, I’m not a poet, so give me some slack.” He warned with a chuckle.
“Ruth, my Ruthie, the sum of all beauty
The love of my life, I’ve made you my wife
But a wife you’re not only, can you not see?
Ruthie, my love, you’re the world to me
“When you entered my field, I saw you afar
You hadn’t realized, you’d stolen my heart
You danced into my life, when I was alone
You gave me your heart, I gave you my home
“When you lost your first love, and you wept sore
Did you ever imagine, what God had in store?
You moved to a land, foreign but free
Did you ever imagine, what your heart might see?
“A blessing from God, as plain as day
I’d always believed, He would make a way
I was sure lonely, for a woman like you
Who knew our one, could be made from two?”
“You’re amazing.” Ruth leaned in close and kissed his lips. “I love you.”
THIRTY-THREE
Bo had sensed something had been bothering Ruthie for a while now. He wanted her to open up to him. He wanted her to share her heart with him. He wanted to meet her needs, satisfy her desires, calm her fears.
“Do you want to talk, lieb?” He prompted, reaching for her hand across the supper table, hoping she’d share her heart.
“I worry about Naomi. Especially now that we’re married. I think she might feel extra lonely.”
“You have such a kind, caring spirit, lieb. Naomi will be fine, just give her some time.” He blew out a relieved breath, glad to know it wasn’t something he was doing wrong.
“It seems like ever since Eli, Mahlon, and Leon died, she’s been fighting some unseen battle. I realize the sadness and the grief that comes with losing a husband, but she has nearly given up on life and it pains me to watch her. Naomi carries around a deep bitterness in her heart. I fear she is angry with God.
“I understand what she is going through. I still have many of my own questions that haven’t been answered. But I can’t be angry with God. He’s given me so much.”
“What questions do you have?”
“Well, why Mahlon died so young. Why did God not allow me and Mahlon to have a baby? Things like that, I guess.”
Bo’s heart clenched. He should have known he couldn’t be everything for Ruthie, but he’d hoped… Was there something he wasn’t doing right? Was he not fulfilling her needs? God, please help me. Show me.
He shook his head. She was worried about Naomi now. She needed guidance. He’d do the best he could to offer some. “When things don’t go the way we planned or the way we hoped they would, it’s easy to turn bitter. We think that God is unjust because we can only see what our narrow view contains. But God, He sees it all. He knows what’s best for us and He could be doing something amazing right now that we will never know this side of eternity. He might be planning some grand scheme that not only encompasses our generation, but generations in the centuries to come.
“When we hold on to bitterness, we deny ourselves the peace that comes from casting our cares on Him. We are not trusting God to know what’s best. We think that our way is better than His. God wants to carry our burdens for us, but we have to let them go in order for Him to do that.”
Ruth nodded. “Will you talk to Naomi? I think your words could help her.”
“I’m sure I haven’t said anything that she hasn’t already heard from the bishop’s mouth or from one of the ministers. I will speak with her, if that is what you wish. But let us pray that somehow God will lift her grief so she can release her bitterness.”
“Yes, it would be nice to see her really smile again.”
~
Bo entered the house, surprised to hear nothing but his echoing footsteps. Where was Ruthie? She’d typically be in the kitchen making candles or the hum of her sewing machine could be heard, but not today. He’d have noticed if she was on the porch. He hadn’t seen her out in the field or in the arena with Timber. She wouldn’t have left the house without making him aware.
His heart began to pound. Where was she? What if something was wrong? What if she realized what a terrible mis
take she’d made in marrying him, and she left? No, he would not allow fear take hold of his mind. He had no doubt that she loved him. He continued to look into each room as he passed by.
Where was she? “Ruthie?”
He walked to their bedroom and opened the door, not bothering to knock. She was…in bed? His heartbeat slowed momentarily.
He softly approached the bed and sat down on the edge. Ruthie’s gentle breathing floated through the air. He placed his hand to her forehead but it hadn’t indicated a fever. He leaned close and kissed her cheek. If she was tired, he would let her sleep.
He said a silent prayer, then slipped outside, leaving his concerns in God’s hands.
~
“You slept in late this morning.” Bo took a bite of the sandwich she’d prepared for his lunch.
She eyed him from across the table, but didn’t hold his gaze. “Jah.”
“Are you…feeling okay?”
She nodded in silence.
“Ruthie, if something is wrong—”
“Nothing is wrong.”
“Gut.” He reached for her hand. “I’m glad.”
Silence continued to fill the room until he couldn’t stand it anymore. There may be nothing wrong, but something wasn’t being said. He could sense it.
“My fraa is acting…different. You are not telling me something, Ruthie. I want you to be able to share anything with me. It pains me that you feel like you can’t.”
“I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure of it. I think I might be in the family way.”
“You…really?” His stomach flip-flopped.
She shrugged. “I didn’t want to get our hopes up. If I’m not…”
“If you’re not, it is perfectly okay. But if you are…” He couldn’t contain his grin. “We will trust Der Herr, okay? This is not something to worry about.”
“No, it’s not.”
“You rest as much as you need to, fraa. And don’t overdo it.”
“Bo…” She frowned.
“Husband’s orders.” He kissed her forehead before he slipped outside, whistling as he went on his way. Gott, I would not be disappointed in the least if You wanted to give Ruthie and me a child. I will do my best to raise him to know You and serve You with all his heart.
~
“If we have a boy, I’d like to name him after your first husband, to honor him.”
Ruth’s heart warmed at Bo’s pronouncement. “Oh, Bo! Are you sure? You’d…do that for him?”
“For him and for you, jah.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say you love me. That’s all I need to hear.”
She moved close and, without hesitation, reached behind his neck and pulled his lips to hers. “Bo King, I love you more than life itself.”
EPILOGUE
“Naomi, it’s time!” Bo hollered from the door of his and Ruthie’s bedroom.
“You should probably go now,” Ruth managed between labored breaths.
“There’s no way I’m leaving you alone, lieb.” He poked his head out and called for his mother-in-law again.
Ruthie panted hard. “Is she coming?!”
“I don’t know.” He moved from the door and came to his wife’s side.
“I need to push now!”
Bo’s heart raced. “Where could she be?”
“I don’t know!” Ruthie bore down, her hands desperately gripping the blanket over her, and her face turning several shades of red.
“I…” There was no time for indecision. He had to help his wife. He pulled one of the stacked towels from the dresser and moved into the midwife’s position. “Okay. I’m ready.”
Ruthie pushed again, and Bo witnessed the head of his posterity crowning. His heart pounded. “You’re doing good, lieb. I can see him.”
Two more pushes and the boppli slipped from Ruthie’s womb and into his hands, which shook with sheer wonder and amazement.
“Our boppli. It’s a maedel! We have a girl, Ruthie.”
The baby’s cry met their ears and joy filled Bo’s heart. God had been so good!
“Bo! What are you doing in here?” Naomi’s alarmed voice called as she dashed through the door.
“I called for you but you didn’t come. Meet your grossdochder!”
“Geh!” Naomi commanded.
“Just as soon as mei fraa sees our baby girl and gets a kiss from me.” He moved to Ruthie’s bedside and happily allowed Naomi to perform the remainder of the midwifery duties. He placed the tiny baby into his wife’s arms. “Meet our dochder.”
“Oh, Bo, she’s beautiful!” He’d never tire of hearing the joy in Ruthie’s voice, although he knew she must be exhausted.
He bent down and kissed her lips. “Just like her mama. You did zehr gut, lieb. Gott has given us another blessing. Now, I better get out of here before Naomi brings out the broom to paddle my backside.”
Ruthie laughed. “It won’t be long.”
“I know. It will give me some time to thank Der Herr.” He slipped out of the room.
~
Ruth smiled down at the newborn boppli in her arms, gazing into her innocent eyes, as her tiny hand fisted around her loose kapp string. What did the future hold for this little one?
“Someone else would like to see his new sister too.” She hadn’t even heard anyone enter the room, let alone her husband and son.
She looked up into the eyes of her beloved – the one who had saved her from widowhood and childlessness, saved her life, really. He had been so good and kind and merciful. And he was certainly the best father that ever walked the earth.
She stroked her boy’s hand. “See, Mahlon? It is your schweschder. Ein boppli.”
The one-year-old’s eyes widened as he reached for his sister’s hand.
“Gentle,” Bo cautioned, holding him securely in his arms.
Ruth surveyed the room. “Has Naomi gone?”
“Yes, she has left but she should return shortly. Do you need something? I could get it for you. She ordered me to make sure you get some rest.” He lightly massaged her shoulder.
“No, I’m fine.”
“Has the little one eaten?”
She didn’t miss his look of wonder as he stared down at the precious blessing she held.
“She should have a full tummy.” She kissed the boppli’s head.
“In that case, she’s all mine. You take a nap now, lieb. You know visitors will be stopping by and you’ll need all the energy you can get. Not to mention, this little one will no doubt keep us up at night.” He leaned over and kissed her lips before securing the baby in his arms. Their young daughter looked extra tiny next to her bulky father, who now radiated happiness. Having bopplin in his later years was no doubt excellent medicine for his heart.
It had certainly been good medicine for Naomi. Ruth hadn’t seen her this happy since Eli was alive. Joy had surely returned to her mother-in-law’s life. And to her own life as well.
Naomi waltzed through the door, carrying a large brightly colored bag. “I will take that little one now!” she declared.
“Mammi!” Young Mahlon jumped into his grossmudder’s arms and she smothered him with kisses.
“Did you miss Mammi?”
He reached for the bag she held.
“You know Mammi bought something for you too. You are too smart.” She reached into the bag and pulled out a toy truck half Mahlon’s size.
He immediately sat on the floor with the toy vehicle and began making engine noises. Where had he learned that from?
Ruth gasped. “You’re going to spoil him, for sure.”
“Oh, there’s no such thing.” Naomi waved a hand in front of her face, as though swatting away a pesky fly. “Besides, what are grossmudders for?”
“Cookies!” Mahlon exclaimed.
They all laughed at Mahlon’s interjection.
“I didn’t even know he knew that word,” Ruth said.
Bo handed the boppli to Naomi and gui
ded Mahlon and his truck out the door. “Get some sleep now, lieb.”
Ruth nestled deep into the blankets under her quilt as soon as her beloved closed the door. Her eyes draped shut and she thanked Der Herr for lavishing such wonderful gifts upon her. When she’d thought all hope and happiness was gone, she’d had no idea that God would come along and unbreak her heart. And that was exactly what He’d done.
THE END
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Discussion Questions
1. Ruth knew very little about the Amish culture before she met Mahlon, yet she was intrigued by them. What draws you most to the Amish culture?
2. Ruth was surprised by the Amish traditions and the things they disallowed such as having wedding photos. Do you think you’d be able to abide the rules of the Amish church?
3. Mahlon knew dating Ruthie was forbidden but he chose to anyway. Do you think he ever came to regret his decision? Why or why not?
4. Do you think Ruth’s father was justified in how he tried to protect his daughter? Why or why not?
5. Do you believe what Mahlon and Ruthie did was wrong? If so, how could they have gone about it a different way?
6. Death is inevitable, yet it often seems to take us by surprise. How can we prepare ourselves for the death of a loved one? For our own death?
7. Letting Timber go was difficult for Ruth, yet she knew it must be done. Have you ever had to part with something/someone dear to your heart?
An Amish Blessing Page 13
