Promise at Pebble Creek

by Lisa Jones Baker

  “Morning, Hannah.”

  “Morning,” she replied.

  To her surprise, he seemed in gut spirits. In what appeared to be a relaxed stride, he made his way to her and stood opposite her. When she looked up at him, he hesitated for a moment. Then, in a calm, low voice, he said, “Hannah, I’ve been thinking about our conversation. Could we talk?”

  “Of course. But first of all, I have a gift for you.” She pressed her lips together and turned. “Do you mind waiting while I get it?”

  She returned, holding her present in front of her. In silence, she looked in his eyes as he took it from her.

  “The quilt?”

  She nodded. “It’s for you. And every time you touch it, you can think of the blanket your mother made you.” She softened her voice so it was barely more than a whisper. “And you can think of me.”

  * * *

  Saturday, in late August, after the barn raising crew had quit work for the day, Marcus went back home to bathe and change clothes. But he didn’t stay inside long. Quick steps took him to his backyard, where he began making his way to Pebble Creek to meet Hannah.

  On his way, he’d stopped to remove a splinter from his thumb. A squirrel rushed in front of him, and Marcus slowed his steps to avoid coming into contact with the tiny brown body. He swatted a fly away from his nose.

  In the distance, he spotted Hannah. Her back was to him, and he could see her throw a stone into the creek. That girl has quite an arm.

  A mélange of emotions flitted through his chest, and the pulse on his wrist picked up to a speed that was a strange dose of certainty and uncertainty. First of all, he owed her an apology. It was his sincere hope that she’d forgive him for the hurt he’d caused her.

  However, the time and distance between that particular conversation and the one they faced this evening had made things much clearer to him. He’d reflected on their relationship. On her. On the Amish lifestyle and Hannah’s love for him, which was so strong, she’d offered to leave her faith.

  But he’d contemplated much more than that. Other factors had entered his mind, such as Hannah’s belief that he hadn’t robbed King’s Bakery even after she’d discovered his stack of cash in his money clip.

  He’d also given much consideration to the Lapp family—Ben, especially—and how they had begun to shape his new life. He had factored in his reaction to Hannah being in Lapp Furniture when he’d learned she was caught up in a robbery.

  But where should he go from here? His answer would come from Hannah. She just didn’t know it yet.

  As he got closer to the winding creek that ran through the hill, he could hear soft, gurgling noises. A bird chirped nonstop. The soft rush of water that cascaded over stones made a light, wispy sound.

  Every once in a while, he’d hear something move in the tall blades of grass and weeds, and he’d see a piece of foliage bend and spring back up.

  “Evening, Hannah.”

  As he got to where she stood, she turned to him, and he took in her sad but hopeful reflection. “I hear the barn will be up soon.”

  “Yes, it will. We’ve worked pretty fast, considering the bouts of rain.”

  She arched a brow, and her lips curved in amusement. “What’s amazing is how something like this can get done in such a short time when everyone pitches in.”

  He motioned her alongside him. They began to walk by the creek.

  “Beautiful place, isn’t it?”

  “Jah.”

  “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about us, Hannah.”

  She didn’t respond as they took slow steps, walking close to where the water met the land.

  “I’ve been thinking, too.”

  “I’m sorry, Hannah, that I didn’t accept your offer.”

  She looked up at him. He couldn’t read her expression.

  “Marcus, I did what I thought I needed to do. For us. But to make a relationship, the two involved must agree and want the same outcome.”

  After expelling a breath, she softened her voice. “I respect you, Marcus, for your honesty.” She lifted her palms to the sky. “Your mother’s advice . . . it was so simple.” She smiled a little. “And I decided to follow my own heart. Because of that, I have no regrets about what I said to you.”

  A long silence ensued, until her voice cracked with emotion. “Follow your heart, Marcus. Only then will you find the peace you’re looking for.”

  He lowered his voice to a serious tone. “That’s exactly what I intend to do. What really surprised me more than anything was that I couldn’t do what I’d promised my own mother, but you . . .” He touched her chin with his finger. “You did it. So unconditionally. So honestly, and with good intentions.”

  As the sun dipped in the sky, they gazed into each other’s eyes. “Your brother said something to me that I can’t get out of my mind.”

  “What?”

  “That the treasures in heaven outweigh anything that we could ever experience here on earth.” He stopped a moment to decide how to continue. “Hannah, I want to live for eternity. To see my parents again. Working on cars with my dad was an earthly bond. But what you did, Hannah . . . following your heart when I couldn’t even follow my own . . . that’s a bond between us that would be unbreakable.”

  She parted her lips.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve thought of a better ending for your story.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded, bent down on one knee, and softened his voice. “Hannah Lapp, I want to be part of the faith I’ve come to love. I’ll join the Amish church. Will you be my partner for the rest of our lives?”

  Epilogue

  One year later, Marcus and Hannah stood side by side at the top of Pebble Creek. As the warm August sun warmed their faces and the gentle breeze fanned the backs of their necks, Hannah looked up at him.

  In a decisive tone, she spoke, planting a palm against her hip. “I like you as an Amish man.”

  His eyes lit up as he looked down at her and gently took her by her shoulders.

  “I like me as an Amish man, too. I’m glad the bishop gave me a list of things to do before I join the church this fall. I’m sure he’s testing my commitment by making me travel by horse and buggy for a year. And I understand why he wanted me to hone my German. Fortunately, high school lessons gave me a jump-start on learning the language.” He chuckled. “But now I better understand the church sermons.”

  After a slight pause, he cleared his throat and edged his tone with seriousness. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. And there are two things I want you to know before we get married this October.”

  In silence, she searched his face.

  “I have a confession. And a promise.”

  “What’s your confession?”

  “That I’ve never felt so humbled in my entire life as I am today. God has given me you. Your family. All of this.” His tone softened. “And eternal life.”

  He extended his hands and looked around. “These are such unexpected blessings.” His voice hitched. “And so undeserved.”

  Her voice cracked with emotion. “That’s what God’s grace is all about.”

  For long, thoughtful moments, they stood, taking in the coveted ambience. Both blinked at the salty sting of tears. Hannah stepped closer to Marcus.

  “I believe that more blessings are coming your way.”

  He raised a curious brow.

  “Your brothers.” She lifted her hands and her chin with confidence. “Months after you went to see them, they called you. And that gives me faith. I think they’re stunned by how God has transformed you.”

  He lowered his gaze to his boots before posing her a question. “Do you really think the three of them will ask God into their lives?”

  She hesitated before nodding. “With God, anything’s possible. I’m glad we have gotten to know Nate. All of our talks seem to have led him to the right road. If God can touch him, He can certainly reach your brothers.”

  As Marcus
locked gazes with her, he said in what was barely more than a whisper, “Hannah Lapp, Pebble Creek . . . Old Sam and Esther . . . Levi and Annie . . . I think of all of the miracles that happened right here on this very hill. And you know what I’ve come to realize?”

  “What?”

  “That as a couple, we’ve inherited a very special responsibility.” He looked up at the sky. She followed suit. When he lowered his gaze to her, the smell of wildflowers floated between them. Even from many yards below, they could hear the soft gurgling sounds as water cascaded over the pebbles.

  “To love each other and to covet this special place. To always look to the cross because in the end, it’s all that matters.” He smiled a little, and so did she. “And to carry on the traditions of Pebble Creek. And that’s exactly what I will do for the rest of my life, my true love.” After expelling a breath, he added, “I promise.”

  RETURN TO THE BEGINNING

  THE HOPE CHEST OF DREAMS SERIES

  Book 1: Rebecca’s Bouquet

  The last thing Rebecca Sommer dreamed her plan to marry would bring is a heart-wrenching choice. She thought she and her betrothed, William, would spend the rest of their lives in Illinois’s heartland, raising a family in their close-knit Amish hometown. But when he must travel far out of state to save his ailing father’s business, Rebecca braves her relatives’ disapproval—and her own fears—to work by his side. And though she finds herself ever more in love with the dedicated, resourceful man he proves to be, William’s growing interest in Englisch ways may be the one challenge even her steadfast faith can’t meet . . .

  Book 2: Annie’s Recipe

  Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until his father was shunned by the church. Now, ten years later, Levi has returned to Arthur, Illinois, for a brief visit, and he and Annie discover their bond is as strong as ever. Spending as much time together as possible, Annie finds herself dreaming of a future with Levi. And Levi is soon dreaming of building a home on a beautiful local hillside—to live in with Annie. Yet their longings are unlikely to become reality . . .

  Book 3: Rachel’s Dream

  Rachel Kauffman and Jarred Zimmerman seem to have nothing in common. She’s the outgoing youngest of a large, close-knit Amish clan, and longs to raise a brood of her own near those she loves. Estranged from his family by tragedy, Jarred is a young veterinarian who trusts the animals he heals far more than he trusts people. However, when Rachel’s beloved horse falls ill, Jarred’s struggles to save him show Rachel he’s a man who cares deeply. And the respect he feels for her gentle, warmhearted ways soon becomes an irresistible bond . . .

  Available wherever books and eBooks are sold!

  Turn the page for an excerpt from

  Rebecca’s Bouquet . . .

  His announcement took her by surprise. Rebecca Sommer met William’s serious gaze and swallowed. The shadow from his hat made his expression impossible to read.

  “You’re really leaving?”

  He fingered the black felt on the brim. “I know what a shock this is. Believe me, I never expected to hear that Dad had a heart attack.”

  “Do they expect a full recovery?”

  William nodded. “But the docs say it will be a while before he works again. Right now, they can’t even guess at a time line. In the meantime, Beth’s struggling to take care of him.”

  While Rebecca considered the news, the warm June breeze rustled the large, ear-shaped leaves on the catalpa tree. The sun peeked from behind a large marshmallow cloud, as if deciding whether or not to appear. In the distance, a sleek black gelding clomped its hooves against the earth.

  Pools of dust stirred, swirling and quickly disappearing. Lambs frolicked across the parcel of pasture separating the Sommer home from Old Sam Beachy’s bright red barn. From where they stood, Rebecca could barely glimpse the orange YIELD sign on the back of the empty buggy parked next to the house.

  “I’m the only person Dad trusts with his business.” William paused and lowered his voice. “Beth wants me to come to Indiana and run his cabinet shop, Rebecca.”

  The news caused a wave of anxiety to roll through Rebecca’s chest. She wrung her hands together in a nervous gesture. A long silence ensued as she thought of William leaving, and her shoulders grew tense. Not even the light, sweet fragrance floating from her mother’s rose garden could take away Rebecca’s anxiety.

  When she finally started to respond, William held up a defensive hand. “It’s just until he’s back on his feet. This may not be such a bad thing. The experience might actually benefit us.”

  Rebecca raised a curious brow. The breeze blew a chestnut-brown hair out of place, and she quickly tucked it back under her kapp. Her gaze drifted from his face to his rolled-up sleeves.

  Tiny freckles decorated his nose, giving him a youthful appearance. But there was nothing boyish about his square jaw or broad shoulders that tried to push their way out of his shirt. Her heart skipped a beat. She lifted her chin, and their eyes locked in understanding.

  William smiled a little. “One of these days, we’ll run our own company.” He winked. “Don’t worry.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. For one blissful, hopeful moment, she trusted everything would be okay. It wasn’t those simple two words that reassured her, but the tender, persuasive way William said them. The low, steady tone in which he spoke could convince Rebecca of almost anything.

  The warm pink glow on his cheeks made Rebecca’s pulse pick up speed. As he looked at her for a reaction, her lips lifted into a wide smile. At the same time, it was impossible to stop the nervous rising and falling of her chest.

  She’d never dreamed of being without William. Even temporarily. At the young age of eighteen, she hadn’t confronted such a difficult issue.

  But her church teachers and parents had raised her to deal with obstacles. Fortunately, they had prepared her to be strong and to pray for guidance. As she stared at her beloved flower garden, her thoughts became more chaotic.

  The clothes on the line rose and fell with the warm summer breeze. Their fresh, soapy scent floated through the air. She surely had greater control over her destiny than the wet garments, whose fate was dependent on the wind. She and William could get through this. They loved each other. God would take care of them, wouldn’t He?

  She glanced up at William. The way the sun hit him at an angle made him look even taller than his six feet and two inches. He’d always been bigger and stronger than other kids his age.

  The gray flecks in his deep blue eyes danced to a mysterious tune as he darted her a grin. When she looked into those dark pools, she could drown in happiness. But today, even the warmth emanating from his smile couldn’t stop the concern that edged her voice. “Don’t worry? But I do, William. What about . . .”

  “Us?”

  She nodded.

  He leveled his gaze so that she looked directly at him. “Nothing has changed. We’ll still get married in November after the harvest.”

  Rebecca hesitated. She couldn’t believe William would really leave Arthur, Illinois. But his reason was legitimate. His father needed him. She wasn’t selfish, and asking him to stay would be.

  Circumstances were beyond her control. What could she do? The question nagged at her until frustration set in. Within a matter of minutes, her world had changed, and she fought to adjust. She nervously tapped the toe of her black shoe against the ground.

  As she crossed her arms over her chest, she wished they could protect her from the dilemma she faced. Her brows narrowed into a frown, and a long silence ensued. She looked at him, hoping for an answer. Seeking even a hint of a solution.

  To her surprise, William teased, “Rebecca, stop studying me like I’m a map of the world.”

  His statement broke the tension, and she burst into laughter because a map of the world was such a far stretch from what she’d been thinking.

  “Of course, you’ve got to help your folks, William. I know how much Daniel’s business means to h
im. You certainly can’t let him lose it. I can imagine the number of cabinets on order.”

  Surprised and relieved that her voice sounded steady, Rebecca’s shoulders trembled as the thought of William leaving sank in. They’d grown up together and hadn’t spent a day without seeing one another.

  She stopped a moment and considered Daniel and Beth Conrad. Nearly a decade ago, William’s mamma had died, and Daniel had married Beth.

  He was a skilled cabinetmaker. It was no surprise that people from all over the United States ordered his custom-made pieces. Rebecca had seen samples of his elegant, beautiful woodworking.

  A thought popped into Rebecca’s mind, and she frowned. “William, you seem to be forgetting something very important. Daniel and Beth . . . They’re Englisch.”

  He nodded. “Don’t think I haven’t given that consideration.”

  “I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but how will you stay Amish in their world?”

  He shrugged. “They’re the same as us, really.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Of course they are. But the difference between our lifestyle and theirs is night and day. How can you expect to move in with them and be compatible?”

  William hooked his fingers over his trouser pockets, looked down at the ground and furrowed a brow. Rebecca smiled. She knew him so well. Whenever something bothered him, he did this. Rebecca loved the intense look on his face when he worried. The small indentation in his chin intensified.

  What fascinated her most, though, were the mysterious gray flecks that danced in his eyes. When he lifted his chin, those flecks took on a metallic appearance. Mesmerized, Rebecca couldn’t stop looking at them.

  Moments later, as if having made an important decision, he stood still, moved his hands to his hips, and met her gaze with a nod.