Katie's Forever Promise

by Jerry S. Eicher

  “Dear Hah, help me,” Katie whispered as she stepped back outside into the sunshine. When she made her way across the lawn and entered the house, Mamm was still in the kitchen with Carolyn. Both of them were in dough-covered aprons and baked goods were spread across the table.

  “How did your day go?” Mamm asked.

  “It wasn’t the best. Did Joel say something about today?”

  “Yes, he did. So I figured you were spanking Abram. I’m sorry you had to deal with this today yet.”

  Katie burst into tears and collapsed onto a kitchen chair. Mamm rushed over and draped her moist hand over Katie’s shoulder. “I’d hug you dear if I wasn’t so floury. Was it that bad? But you’ll get used to it. I’m sure it’s not that different from having to spank your own children.”

  “I didn’t spank him,” Katie wailed. “That’s the problem.”

  “You didn’t spank him?” Both Mamm and Carolyn were staring at her.

  “I went to Enos’s place. I wanted to talk with him. And now it’s a big, big mess. Enos is calling a school board meeting on Friday morning after Thanksgiving to complain about me.”

  “You should have spanked Abram,” Carolyn murmured. “Abram’s a spoiled little brat.”

  Katie shook her head. “I’m glad I didn’t. It wouldn’t have made the least bit of difference either way.”

  “Can we do anything to help?” Mamm asked.

  “I’m going to change and help you.” Katie jumped to her feet. “I need to do something to forget about Enos and Abram and school for awhile.”

  “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Mamm had moved back a step.

  “As sure as I can be,” Katie said over her shoulder as she moved toward the stairs. And that was about the truth. Her head hurt and her emotions were torn to bits, so how sure could one be in this state? She knew she loved Ben and that he was coming for Thanksgiving dinner. Now that she was sure of, and it brought a smile to her face.

  Chapter Thirty

  It was Thanksgiving morning, and Ben was due any moment. The last of Mamm’s holiday meal was being prepared in the kitchen. To Katie it had seemed like years since she’d seen Ben. All last night she’d comforted herself by thinking about Ben and what it would feel like to have his strong arms around her again. Not that she would dare embrace him when he arrived. She wasn’t that brave in front of her family, nor would it be considered decent. Expressions of such love were only appropriate in private. Perhaps they could slip outside after dinner and go for a long walk. It didn’t look like snow was in the forecast, even though it was deep into November. The reports said the Delaware coast appeared to be in for a mild winter this year.

  Too bad it couldn’t snow by tomorrow so the meeting of the school board could be cancelled, Katie mused. It was clear what was going to happen. The men would likely take Enos’s side, especially with her continuing to see Ben. Thankfully, Jesse and Mamm were willing to spend time to get the truth about Ben instead of jumping to quick conclusions or listening to rumors about Ben’s character.

  Hearing a buggy arrive, Katie took another quick glance out of the kitchen window. It was only Norman’s buggy. Mabel and Norman must have decided to still come today even though they knew Ben would be here. Mabel also had to know about her visit to see Enos and the upcoming meeting at the schoolhouse. Such matters weren’t long hidden between families, to say nothing of the community at large.

  Perhaps Mabel was homesick, with the newness of her marriage to Norman last week already wearing off. Katie hadn’t seen much of Mabel since the wedding. It was best that way, the feelings being the way they were. Eventually they would heal, but it would take some time. Today, though, was a gut day to begin the reconciliation, it being Thanksgiving and all. They would gather and give thanks for the blessings they had. Families had to get along on a day like this even if things weren’t so smooth beneath the surface.

  “Is that Mabel and Norman?” Mamm asked as she came over to look out the kitchen window. “Should you go help them unhitch?”

  Mamm was being peacemaker again. Katie knew Norman wouldn’t want her help with his horse. Someone should welcome the couple in though. Katie smiled. “I’ll run out and see if Mabel might have something I can carry in for her.”

  Katie hurried out the washroom door. The chill in the air caused her pause, but she kept going. She should have grabbed a coat, but it was too late now.

  Katie approached the buggy and offered a cheerful, “Gut morning!”

  “Gut morning.” Norman was clearly grumpy from the look on his face. Mabel was in tears and making no attempt to hide them.

  Katie tried to cover her surprise. “May I help carry something in?” she asked.

  Norman didn’t look up. He was working on taking the tugs off. When that was done, he led Bonnie out of the shafts and hurried toward the barn without a backward glance.

  Katie turned to the tearful Mabel. “What’s wrong?”

  Mabel climbed down, sobbing. “Oh, its awful. I can’t say how awful it is. What am I going to do?”

  “Going to do? What happened?” Katie hugged Mabel and then held her at arm’s length to look into her eyes.

  “Norman…his temper…it flares up for no reason at all. I know you warned me, Katie. But I didn’t know it was like this. He’s blaming it this morning on Ben being here…and on him having to come with me. But I had to come home. I couldn’t stand not being here on our first Thanksgiving.”

  “Has he…” Katie hesitated and searched Mabel’s face.

  “Nee, of course not. He wouldn’t do that. But his temper…I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Katie bit back the words she wanted to say. Instead she took a deep breath. “Maybe Mamm has some advice for you. I’ve never been married so I can’t offer any advice on this.”

  Mabel clung to Katie’s arm as they went up the sidewalk. The barn door opened behind them, and Katie glanced over her shoulder. Norman didn’t look all that happy as he followed them toward the house. If he was half the man he thought he was, he’d come and comfort his frau instead of leaving it to others.

  “Maybe we should stop and talk with Norman,” Katie whispered into Mabel’s ear, “before we get to the house. You shouldn’t take this quarrel inside where the others will see it.”

  “Maybe…” Mabel didn’t sound convinced, but she did slow down a little. Katie pulled back even more until Norman caught up with them.

  She turned toward him. “I think you owe your frau an apology for your actions, Norman. So spit it out, and we can go on with this day.”

  Norman smirked. “She’s come home to cry on her family’s shoulder. I expected as much. If I did what I should have done, we would have stayed home.”

  This produced a muffled wail from Mabel. “How can you say that, Norman?”

  “I’ll say what I wish,” Norman shot back. “You’re my frau now, and you will listen.”

  Katie searched her mind for what she could say. Perhaps something that would get through Norman’s thick skull. She gave him a steady glare. “Do you really want Jesse to hear about your problem? That’s what will happen if we go inside with Mabel in tears. And I don’t think you want that to happen. Fathers have a way of getting upset when their daughters come home with bad tales about how their husbands are treating them. So why don’t you say you’re sorry, and we can go on in good humor.”

  Norman glared. “She’s just a crybaby, and you’re one to talk. I can’t believe you’re bringing Ben Stoll today. I ought to go straight home, Katie.”

  Katie became serious. “Then why don’t you, Norman? We’ll have Mabel to ourselves today, and we’ll all have a good time.”

  He thought about that for a moment before nodding and clenching his teeth for a minute. Then he forced out, “I’m sorry, Mabel. Maybe I was a little out of line. Will you forgive me?”

  Mabel gasped and threw her arms around Norman’s neck.

  “Well, gut. That’s settled. Come in now.” Katie pull
ed on Mabel’s arm. “Let’s get inside. You two can finish making up tonight.”

  Mabel wiped her eyes and followed Katie, already smiling by the time they entered the front door, Norman tagging along behind. Carolyn was standing just inside with a strange look on her face. Katie ignored her and figured Carolyn could think what she wished.

  Mamm rushed out of the kitchen to give Mabel a hug as Norman snuck in behind them with a sheepish look on his face. He sat on the couch.

  He should look more than a little ashamed of himself, Katie thought.

  Mamm had to notice that Mabel had been crying, but Katie knew she wouldn’t ask any questions. She wouldn’t want to stir things up, even if there was trouble—especially not with the Kuntz family.

  “I’m so glad you two could come today,” Mamm gushed. “Jesse has some kind of problem with his cows in the back fields, and Leroy and Willis are with him now. They’ll be back soon.”

  “I can go help,” Norman offered.

  Except for leaning forward, he hadn’t moved, Katie noticed. Mabel loved the man even with his faults, and the rest of the family must do the same if they wished to all get along.

  “Nee,” Mamm waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Jesse has plenty of help with the two boys. Don’t bother yourself. They’ll be back before long.”

  Norman looked quite pleased with that answer and settled back onto the couch.

  Katie avoided his gaze as the sound of buggy wheels came in the driveway again. Ben had arrived! Now it was Norman’s turn to practice Christian charity. Hopefully he had enough to avoid a scene. She made her way out the door and ran across the lawn to Ben’s buggy. He had the door open by the time she arrived. It was all she could do not to fly into his arms, but Norman would probably have a sharp eye out for any possible indiscretions. Work wouldn’t get him off the couch, but catching her in a misstep would certainly be motivation enough. He was probably peering out of the living room window right now.

  “Hi!” Ben greeted her. “You look bright and chirpy this morning.”

  “And so do you.” Katie stopped a few feet away. “I’m so glad you could come.”

  He seemed to understand about the lack of a hug, taking a quick glance toward the house. “And I’m glad to be here. Will Norman have me for lunch, do you think?”

  Katie laughed. “I don’t think so. He already had his temper fit for the morning. He’ll get over it.”

  “I don’t have to be here, you know,” Ben said. “I know I’m not making you look the best right now.”

  “And miss Thanksgiving dinner with you? I wouldn’t think of it!”

  “I guess I could use a gut, home-cooked meal.” A smile flitted across his face. “Although Mamm and Daett would have let me join them at Uncle Abner’s place. That’s where they are this morning.”

  “Not a chance!” Katie said. “You can unhitch and put Longstreet in the barn. There’s an empty stall where he’ll be comfortable.”

  “That sounds good,” Ben said. He walked to the far side of the buggy and undid the tug.

  Katie undid the tug on her side, and then held the shafts as Ben led Longstreet forward. Then Katie walked with them to the barn and showed Ben where he could put Longstreet and the harness. Taking Ben’s hand, she said, “Well, let’s get started. Let’s go in and you can meet the lion himself. Norman was down to a whimper when I left the house.”

  “Is it that bad?” Ben asked. “I didn’t know Norman had that kind of temper.”

  Katie snorted. “He saves it for the ones who can’t do anything about it. He has his reputation to uphold, you know. And to think I once dated him.”

  “I guess I have nothing to say when it comes to faults,” Ben admitted.

  “At least you don’t have that one. Let’s be thankful.”

  Ben paused by the front steps. “The court date is set for some time after the first of the year, Katie. Maybe things will quiet down for us after that.”

  “So you’re going to jail rather than testify?” The question slipped out, and Katie looked away.

  Ben sighed. “That’s what they’re threatening me with.”

  “Is there no way the judge will consider our beliefs?” Katie implored, as if Ben could do anything to change the judge’s mind.

  “I asked the prosecutor that very question. He asked me if I’m a member of the Amish church.”

  “And you’re not,” Katie answered.

  “Yah, and there’s nothing I can do about that right now.”

  “Will you…afterward…join the church, Ben? I was hoping you might join next spring’s baptismal class. I know that might be expecting a little much.”

  Ben winced. “I’ll try, but I have to get all this behind me first, you know.”

  Katie beamed. “I know. But it will work out. I just know it will.”

  He nodded. “I still struggle with my faith at times, Katie. I always have. But I truly believe now. I want you to know that.”

  “We’ll make it.” Katie pulled on his hand. “Come. They’ll be wondering what’s keeping us so long.”

  “Is everyone here?”

  “There’s only you, Mabel, and Norman. Mamm’s having a small Thanksgiving dinner this year. But there’ll be plenty of food, so don’t worry. Mamm and Carolyn have been working hard in the kitchen. Jesse and the two older boys are working on some problem in a back field, but they should be in soon. Leroy didn’t have enough nerve to ask Lizzie Kuntz over.”

  Katie approached the porch. Letting go of Ben’s hand, she pushed the door. Norman looked up as if in surprise, but he wasn’t gut at faking sincerity. Either that or Katie knew him too well.

  “Gut to see you, Ben.” Norman stood up and held out his hand.

  “And you too.” Ben shook it and then took a chair beside the stove.

  “You two don’t eat each other now.” Katie wagged her finger at both of them. “I’m going to help Mamm in the kitchen.”

  “Who’s she talking about?” Norman joked as he laughed.

  “Must be us,” Ben said as he joined in.

  They would be okay together, Katie thought. At least for the day. How men could hide their feelings so easily was beyond her.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Katie held Ben’s hand as they walked across the back pasture. Thanksgiving dinner had been finished over two hours ago, and she hadn’t kissed Ben yet. And she couldn’t here, either. Sharp eyes might be peering from any direction over these open fields just waiting to catch her in a discretion that would be quickly spread around the community. Not that kissing a boyfriend should concern anyone that much. But doing so in public at this point would add to her already long list of alleged transgressions. Enos would see to that.

  “You’ve been troubled all day,” Ben commented as he squeezed her hand. “What’s wrong, Katie?”

  Katie glanced at him. “I don’t want to think about my troubles. I just want to be with you and enjoy the weather. Isn’t it balmy for a Thanksgiving afternoon? Very unseasonable.”

  “Yah,” Ben allowed. But he clearly wasn’t going to drop the subject. “You really should tell me what’s wrong.”

  Katie smiled up at him this time. “Mabel arrived this morning after a fight with Norman…or rather after an explosion of his temper.”

  Ben regarded Katie steadily. “You told me he had a temper. It’s serious then?”

  “Serious enough. Mabel wouldn’t believe me before the wedding, but she does now.”

  “They’ll work it out.” Ben shrugged. “There’s more than that going on, isn’t there?”

  Katie turned to face him. “You have enough problems without mine being added.”

  “But your problems…aren’t they mine also? If I love you?”

  Katie blushed. “You shouldn’t say such things, Ben.”

  He smiled. “Come on…tell me. What is it?”

  Katie sighed. “Enos Kuntz is determined to get me kicked out of my teaching job. And I’ve given him the perfect excuse. I
caught his boy, Abram, cheating. Now he’s called a school board meeting first thing tomorrow morning to accuse me of being unfair.”

  Ben took a minute to think about this. “I’m assuming you have proof of his cheating. And there are other people on the school board besides Enos. They’ll listen to you, Katie.”

  “Perhaps.” Katie dropped her eyes. “If there weren’t more.”

  “Yah?” Ben waited.

  “Enos has been sore ever since Norman broke up with me. I think it’s still over that night I spent at the hospital with you and your mamm. I don’t know what all his reasons are, but the fact that I’m with you now…” Katie looked away. “Well, Enos isn’t going to let the court situation run its course. He’s already judged you. And he’s judging me because you and I are still seeing each other.”

  “So I’m a big problem?”

  Katie clutched his hand. “You can’t do anything about that, Ben.”

  “I can’t let this hurt you, Katie. I’ve already hurt you enough.”

  Katie forced a smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll make it.”

  Ben gave Katie a stubborn look. “I will worry about you. And I will do what’s best for you and me. If you get kicked out of your school teaching job because of me, you’ll never live that down. And how will I feel about that?”

  Katie gathered her courage. “It won’t happen, Ben, so stop worrying. I said Enos was trying.”

  “Then why are you worrying?” Ben raised his eyebrows. “It’s because you know what Enos is capable of. And so do I.”

  Katie didn’t answer.

  “I’m going over to Bishop Miller’s tonight to talk to him about the situation.”

  Katie’s grip tightened on his hand. “Ben, please don’t. It’s not going to help. And it’ll look like you’re interfering.”

  He stroked the length of hair that had fallen across her forehead. “And so I am, Katie. I love you. But you’re right, I suppose. I should concentrate on fixing my situation. Getting things straight with those detectives would make everything so much easier for both of us.”