The Proving

by Beverly Lewis

  ———

  Following the Preaching service, Dawdi Reuben, Mammi at his side, encouraged Mandy to stay around for the shared meal. “It’d be chust wunnerbaar if you would,” Dawdi said, a solemn look on his deeply wrinkled face.

  “Are ya sure?” She glanced around and saw that some of the women were already setting the tables that had been church benches but a few minutes ago.

  “Everyone’s glad to see ya, Amanda dear,” Mammi Dienner said as she reached over to clasp Mandy’s hand.

  “Well, if it won’t cause a stir . . .” Mandy agreed.

  “Nee, the People are willing to forgive,” Dawdi Reuben whispered as he leaned near.

  Over helping the other men to set up the tables was Karl Lantz, his young son standing in the far corner of the room with another little boy his age. Karl caught Mandy’s eye and gave a quick smile and bob of his head, then returned his attention to the remainder of the benches.

  “A fine fella, I daresay,” Dawdi Reuben remarked, his voice quiet.

  He must have caught me looking at Karl, she thought, her face blushing.

  “A right gut catch, your Mammi here thinks.”

  Mammi gave a knowing smile, matching what must have been on her mind.

  “Dawdi, please . . .” Mandy stepped back from her grandfather, trying to discourage any more such comments.

  “Better watch out. Dawdi’s one fine matchmaker,” Mammi said, looking bright and well rested in her Sunday best. “And Yonnie’s such a well-mannered child.”

  Mandy told her that she’d enjoyed talking with Yonnie on many occasions. “He’s fond of my hot cocoa,” she said without thinking, which gave Mammi the titters to the point she had to fan her face with a white hankie she pulled from her dress sleeve.

  Good thing Trina’s not here, Mandy thought as she followed her grandmother across the room to where the older women were waiting for the cold cuts and pie to be served.

  About that time, three of Mandy’s sisters-in-law, Hannah, Rosanna, and Ruthie, wandered over to greet her. Each of them gave her a brief hug, and Mandy felt sure it was sincere on their part. Still, it was hard to believe when they’d had so little interaction during Mandy’s months at the B and B. Would all of that really change simply because she had come to Preaching? Mandy supposed it might, if she continued to attend for the months ahead.

  Trina’s opened a can of worms, Mandy thought in that moment, but she knew the real test was yet to come.

  ———

  Mandy avoided making eye contact with her sister when Arie Mae took a seat next to Aunt Martha down the table a ways, and Mandy hoped she could keep it that way.

  “Are ya doin’ all right at the inn?” Jerome’s daughter Gracie asked as she and Mandy were finishing up their snitz pie.

  Mandy had always been closest to Jerome’s family, and she was relieved to have talkative Hannah and her eight-year-old daughter Gracie sitting on either side of her. “I’m thankful to have some very gut help,” she said before taking another bite of pie and putting her plastic fork on the table.

  “Are ya talking ’bout that lippy Englischer woman?” Gracie said.

  Mandy sighed, recalling the many opportunities her oldest brother’d had to observe Trina. Obviously, Jerome had shared some of his early thoughts about Trina with his family. Lately, though, he and Trina seemed to get along quite well—especially since she’d discovered his favorite breakfasts, all in a regular rotation for his Monday meetings with Mandy. “Well,” Mandy replied, “Trina can cook circles around me.”

  “And she’s following Mammi Saloma’s recipes?” Gracie asked, reaching for her water glass.

  “So far we haven’t served anything outlandishly English.” Mandy had to chuckle, thinking of Trina. “And the guests are, well, eating it up.”

  This must have struck Hannah as funny, because she covered her mouth with her hand, then coughed a little, which seemed to catch Arie’s attention, since she suddenly looked their way. But Mandy glanced down at her plate, not up to making a connection with her, not when completely surrounded by the People . . . nearly all of them related to her in one way or another.

  Later, when two of Preacher Stoltzfus’s nephews helped her hitch up Gertie and get on her way, Mandy thought, That wasn’t so terrible, was it?

  She directed the horse toward the road and then glanced back to see her brothers Joseph and Sammy still in discussion with several other men in the side yard of the preacher’s house.

  Mandy was surprised at how accepted she’d been made to feel today—as though she belonged with the People.

  Chapter

  31

  Mandy headed home, appreciating the sunshine and the warmer weather as she held the driving lines. She spotted a handful of horses in a nearby meadow, basking in the afternoon sun, and recalled having overheard some of the womenfolk at the table talking about planting green beans and snap peas, as well as cucumbers, all of them itching to get their hands in the soil once again.

  It was easy to reminisce about what such a Sunday afternoon buggy ride had been like for her and Arie Mae as little girls sitting in the back of the carriage, their father in the driver’s seat. They would occupy themselves by pointing out which farmhouse on the familiar route had the tidiest yard and flower gardens. And, during this time of year, so close to the splendid month of May, they would see which farmers already had the most wood chopped and stacked for the next winter, well before they dug their kitchen vegetable gardens. Mamma, jovial as she had been back when Dat was still alive, would softly chuckle at their observations, especially since both girls usually concluded that their yard and gardens—and their woodpile—were among the nicest around.

  Gone are those happy days, Mandy thought as she came up on Karl and Yonnie Lantz walking along the roadside. Slowing the horse, she deliberated whether or not to offer them a ride. Will it seem forward?

  Even so, she decided, Karl’s house was on the way to the B and B from here. Wouldn’t it be impolite not to stop?

  Yonnie turned just then and looked at her. And seeing his little hand go up to wave and his dimpled cheeks lift into a big smile, she directed Ol’ Tulip onto the shoulder and halted the horse.

  “Would ya like a ride?” she asked.

  Before Karl could answer, Yonnie ran to the buggy and hopped into the front seat next to her. “Looks like you found yourself a buddy there,” Karl said, going around to the passenger side and getting in, then putting Yonnie promptly on his lap. “A mighty fine day for a walk home from church,” he said, making small talk.

  “I’ll say,” Mandy replied. “I wish I could’ve walked to church myself, but I didn’t want to be late.”

  “It was a gut surprise, seein’ you there,” Karl said as he patted Yonnie’s shoulder.

  “It’s been a while,” Mandy said, but when the words came out, they sounded almost unfriendly.

  Karl seemed undeterred and asked whether she liked driving the buggy around again.

  “I kind of missed it—it’s so peaceful, and I don’t feel cut off from everything like I do in a car.” Even to herself, Mandy had to admit it was nice to be able to hear the birdsong, or to smell the scent of spring blossoms carried on the breezes.

  Karl seemed pleased, then asked if she needed any help with the kitchen garden.

  “Would ya have time this week to till it up for me? If not, I’ll ask Jerome.”

  “I’m sure I’ll have time,” Karl said. “Anything else I can do for ya, Mandy?”

  She had to smile at his ready offer of assistance. It was kind of him to ask, and his thoughtfulness drew her to him all the more. “If something comes up, I’ll be sure to let ya know. Denki.”

  They continued talking, and when Karl inquired whether Mandy had been attending church in another Amish district, she managed to divert his question when Yonnie asked something at the same time. But then Karl asked if she would be attending the next Preaching at her family’s church, and she confessed she hadn’t thoug
ht that far ahead. As for next week, she’d simply supposed that she and Trina would likely go to the community church together, since it would be a no-Preaching Sunday.

  “Over there’s the bishop’s Haus,” Yonnie said, pointing toward the newly painted white farmhouse.

  Karl nodded. “I was over there helpin’ prep the house a few mornings last week. Took Yonnie along to play with Bishop’s youngest grandchildren, visiting from New Holland.”

  “Bishop’s been so kind—the one who let us have electric put in the side of our house where the guests sleep. That was a real help to Mamma, believe me.”

  “I’m sure she appreciated that.”

  “Oh, did she ever.”

  Karl removed Yonnie’s straw hat and set it on the boy’s knee. “Couldn’t see through ya, son,” he said, and Yonnie’s laugh was so merry, like a song, that Mandy quickly joined in.

  “Our house is just up there,” Karl said as Yonnie leaned forward.

  Mandy felt a little forlorn when she pulled over to let them out at their driveway.

  “Denki,” Karl said with a wave. “Have a restful afternoon.”

  Yonnie tugged on Karl’s sleeve and whispered something in his ear.

  “Yonnie hot dich sehne welle,” Karl said, grinning at her.

  “And I want to see him again, too,” Mandy replied, waving. And his father, she mused.

  They headed toward their house, where Mandy couldn’t help noticing the rows of dazzling yellow tulips in full bloom. With a smile, she signaled to the horse to pull out onto the road, then settled in for the rest of the ride.

  Clip-clop-clip. She delighted in the sound of Ol’ Tulip’s trotting more than at any other time since she’d returned home. Did it have anything to do with the fact that Karl Lantz was so very pleasing to be around? And his son . . . ach, what an adorable child! Goodness, how embarrassing it would have been to drive past them in her car today, had she decided to take it to Preaching.

  Truly, Mandy was very glad she had decided on the buggy this beautiful day.

  That afternoon, Trina received a text from Gavin.

  Would you mind checking on the availability at the B and B for next Saturday? he asked.

  Sure, I’ll let you know.

  If there’s no room, I’ll find a place elsewhere. A smiley emoji followed that.

  I’ll be in touch, she texted back.

  Thanks, Trina.

  She went out to the sitting area, away from her room, which still seemed annoyingly stark and dreary at times. While Mandy napped, Trina recalled how friendly the people around her at the community church had been today. One woman had even invited her out to lunch, which Trina found amazing. A great way to connect with visitors. She wondered if this was something the young minister had perhaps instigated.

  Trina slipped out to the kitchen, took a cookie from the jar, and stood at the back door, staring out at the landscape springing to life before her eyes. Each day, she noticed additional buds bursting forth and more grass greening up.

  A breeze rippled through the butterfly meadow. Am I really ready to see Gavin again? she wondered.

  Chapter

  32

  As it turned out, there was an opening at the B and B for the very day Gavin had requested. So Trina quickly penciled his name into the reservations book and immediately texted him.

  She moved through the week quickly, the days varying only in the breakfast menus she prepared for the guests. Tired of the same recipes she had been following from Mandy’s mother’s notebook, Trina thumbed through another Amish cookbook, looking for something more challenging yet equally delicious. And something perfect for the season. The day before Gavin’s scheduled arrival, she made a large quiche with fresh asparagus and Amish farm cheese, garnering rave reviews all around.

  Trina made sure she was caught up with all of her work by the time Gavin arrived that Saturday afternoon, wanting time to shower and freshen up before they went out for dinner together that evening.

  When Trina left the inn, Mandy encouraged her by whispering, “Give love a chance.”

  Trina rolled her eyes, but as she walked with Gavin to his car, Mandy’s words were ringing in her ears.

  Gavin drove north of Lancaster to a lovely restaurant where he had made a reservation only after checking the menu with Trina beforehand, which impressed her. As they were shown to their candlelit table for two, she began to feel more relaxed, thankful for how comfortable she had become with him.

  “This is perfect,” Gavin said, looking drop-dead amazing in his navy dress pants and tan jacket, his shirt open at the throat.

  “Our table . . . the restaurant . . . or something else?” she asked coyly.

  “Everything,” he said, smiling at her. “You, our surroundings. Just being with you again is fantastic.”

  “Well, it’s nice to see you, too,” she replied, accepting the menu from the waiter, who then shared the chef’s specials.

  “As often as I eat out, I appreciate fine dining and an attentive wait staff,” Gavin told her when they were alone again.

  “In other words, you appreciate being spoiled.” She smiled.

  Gavin laughed. “Perhaps you’re right.”

  They talked until the waiter returned for their beverage order, and then the waiter turned to Gavin, who also ordered an appetizer to share.

  Might be a long and interesting evening, she thought while perusing the extensive menu and thinking ahead to a salad, entrée, and likely dessert. And that’s fine with me, she realized. I’ve missed this man!

  Over their appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, Gavin asked if she was still enjoying her work at Butterfly Meadows. “I am . . . but I’m going broke,” she said, thinking of the mortgage payments on the condo. “But Gail no longer needs me and the work here keeps me busy.” And Mandy would fall apart without me, she thought. Then, curious, she asked how business was going at his consulting firm.

  He mentioned a couple of his recent trips. “It’s been more hectic than I would like lately . . . one of the reasons I’m glad to be here tonight with you.” He stopped short of saying how pretty she looked, though he seemed to be saying so with his adoring eyes.

  Then, surprising her, Gavin said, “What would you say about taking our relationship to the next level?”

  Although taken a bit off guard, Trina had to smile at Gavin’s businesslike way of introducing such a romantic topic. She narrowed her eyes playfully. “What would that look like?” she asked.

  Instead of answering her directly, he asked how long she planned to work for Mandy. She hadn’t anticipated that and said she didn’t know, although she had thought about it recently. “I can’t stay there forever.”

  “Well, I have the impression you aren’t in a big rush to return to Rochester,” he said. “Might you be willing to move somewhere new . . . like Maryland?” He pinned her with his eyes.

  This was a real surprise. Trina looked at him, stunned.

  “I’d like to date you properly,” he added, taking another mushroom and putting it on his appetizer plate.

  Properly? “Long-distance isn’t working for you?” she teased.

  “That’s why I’m here.” Gavin’s eyes were so sincere, she was sorry she’d joked. In so many words, he was asking her to meet him halfway.

  “I’ll have to think about it,” she said. “Pray too.”

  Gavin mentioned that he had been spending time talking to the Lord about her ever since he’d left the inn back in December. “If you’re open to it, my sister has a guest room you could rent. I hope that’s not too presumptuous,” he said with a smile. “You’d be very welcome.”

  She nodded and reached for her glass of ginger ale, wondering how he always seemed so poised.

  “Texting and phone calls are fine,” he said, “but I’d much rather see you in person.”

  He looked at her across the table, where the candle flickered and the soft background music made the setting seem like something out of a wonderful love sto
ry. Except it was happening to her.

  Isn’t this what I’ve longed for? Trina thought, averting her gaze, worried that she could lose Gavin if unwilling to take the risk and accept his offer.

  “What are you thinking right now?” he asked as he reached across for her hand.

  “To be honest, I’m terrified.” She let it tumble out.

  All the care he seemed to feel for her radiated from his dear face. “I think you’ve taken the first step.” His head tilted as if to emphasize his remark. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be here tonight . . . right?”

  Trina felt conflicted, wishing she could immediately get on the same page with him, yet knowing she really did need some time to pray about this. She recalled how much fun they’d had the last time he’d driven down to visit her, last month. And she pondered a recent sermon at the church. “Sometimes, love means letting go . . . letting God be in control,” the minister had said. The words had struck a chord in her.

  “I do like how I am when I’m with you,” she managed to say.

  This brought a momentary smile and a twinkle to his eyes.

  She continued, “Not so long ago, we fought like cats and dogs.”

  “Wait a minute—who was the fighter?” Gavin chuckled and gently squeezed her hand.

  She shrugged and smiled. “Touché.”

  The waiter appeared and removed the appetizer plates and brought the dinner salad of fennel and watercress, as well as a basket of dinner rolls.

  When they were alone again, they quickly resumed their conversation.

  “Seriously, though. Why would you choose someone like me?” Trina asked. “You’re so independent and . . . busy. You have the world by the tail.”

  “Well, it might seem that way.”

  She considered that, hesitant about spoiling things. “How would it work?”

  Gavin shook his head as if puzzled. “Where are you going with this?”

  She sighed and finally came out with it. “I mean, it’s not like you need me.”

  He frowned. “But I want you, Trina. We’re equals.”

  “But I—”