Surprised by Love

by Kathleen Fuller

  “There’s nix wrong with her glasses,” Reuben blurted, then pressed his lips together. Stay out of this.

  “Of course there isn’t,” Louwanda said, lifting her chin. “I just wish everyone could see her pretty blue eyes more clearly.”

  “Mamm.” Emily took a step forward, knocking over the can of pencils she’d just straightened. She tried to put them back, but her hands were shaking. She gave up. “Wayne and I can’t geh on a date,” she said.

  “Nonsense. You can’t say nee without giving him a chance. He comes from a nice family, and from what I remember he was quite schee—”

  “I can’t geh out with anyone!”

  Reuben glanced behind him at one of the English customers nearby. She looked at the three of them for a moment. Since Emily was speaking in Dietsch, he was pretty sure the woman didn’t understand what she was saying, but anyone could tell by the rising, strained tone of her voice that something was wrong. Reuben smiled and nodded at the customer, trying to reassure her that everything was all right. She gave him a tight smile in return, then moved to the next aisle.

  “I don’t know why yer behaving like this.” Louwanda moved closer to Emily. “We’ll talk about this later,” she said through pressed lips. “Nee need to make a scene in the store.”

  “There’s nix to talk about,” Emily said, her voice raising even higher.

  “Emily—”

  “Because I’m not available.”

  Reuben swung his gaze to her. That was surprising news. “Yer not?”

  “Yer not?” Louwanda repeated.

  “Nope.” She crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her chin, looking like a trembling, yet defiant, sparrow. “You’ll just have to tell Frau Jantzi that you were mistaken.”

  Louwanda’s eyes narrowed. “Why haven’t I heard about this before?”

  “I don’t have to tell you everything.”

  “How could you keep something so important from me?” Her expression pinched with hurt.

  “I’ll be going now,” Reuben said as he started to inch away.

  “Who is it?” Louwanda’s voice now matched Emily’s. So much for not making a scene. One of the customers slipped quietly out of the store. Andy wouldn’t be happy about that.

  Emily backed away from her mother. “I don’t have to tell you.”

  “Because yer lying,” Louwanda said.

  Reuben paused. Now her mother was crossing a line.

  “I’m not lying!”

  “Then tell me who yer seeing!”

  Reuben hurried his steps toward the door. The last thing he wanted was to get in the middle of these two women, even though he thought Louwanda was being unfair. And ridiculous. What was the big deal, anyway? So what if Emily wasn’t dating anyone? That was her choice and her business. And none of this involved him. Thank God.

  He was reaching for the door handle when Emily said, “Fine. I’m seeing Reuben Coblentz.”

  What have I done?

  Emily’s stomach hit the ground. She scanned the store for Reuben, panicking, then blew out a breath when she didn’t see him. Thank God. The last thing she needed was for him to hear her say he was the man she was dating. Which of course wasn’t true. She liked Reuben well enough. He was kind, he was easygoing, and he seemed to have a good head on his shoulders.

  But why had she said his name? Sheer panic. That was the reason. She couldn’t believe her mother was meddling so much that she would try to set her up with someone back in Indiana. Wait, yes, she could. But why of all people did it have to be Wayne Jantzi? He couldn’t be a part of this. He wouldn’t. She knew that much. Her mother said she had proof in the letter, which didn’t make sense. But her mother wouldn’t have said it if it wasn’t true.

  She wrung her fingers together. She didn’t want to lie to her mother, but desperate times made her brain malfunction. She wasn’t sure when he’d left since she’d forgotten all about him the moment her mother had mentioned Wayne.

  “Reuben?” Her mother smiled, then laughed. “Really?”

  “Why are you laughing?” She said a silent prayer of thanks that he wasn’t here to witness this. She still wasn’t sure why she’d said his name. Or why her mother was skeptical. Mamm didn’t think she was gut enough for Reuben?

  “I’m not laughing.” She chuckled again. “It’s just, I’m surprised you would use him for an excuse.”

  Great. Her mother didn’t believe her. Then again, she was lying. And since she rarely lied, at least on purpose, she had no idea how to proceed.

  “I’ll let Wayne’s mother know you’ll be available for whatever plans he has in mind.” She touched Emily’s shoulder. “Trust me, Emily. You don’t have to be afraid of dating Wayne.”

  “I’m not afraid—”

  “Besides, the two of you are perfect for each other.”

  Nee, we’re not. She fretted again. She’d figure out later how to deal with this, but she had to stop her mother from telling Wayne’s mother she wanted to see him. Because he was the last person she ever wanted to see. “Reuben and I are . . . we’re going out tonight.”

  “You are?” Mamm turned, surprise lighting up her face.

  “Um, ya. I’m meeting him later.”

  Mamm looked at her for a long moment. “Yer serious, aren’t you?”

  She gulped. “Ya.”

  Clasping her hands together, Mamm said, “How wonderful! And here I was doubting you. I’m sorry, lieb. Tell Reuben he’s invited for supper tonight.”

  “But . . . he can’t—”

  “Why not?”

  Emily swallowed again, her mother’s expectant gaze making her wilt. Oh, she was in trouble now. “Because . . . because . . .”

  Reuben suddenly appeared at her side. “Because we already have plans for supper.”

  CHAPTER 2

  Emily froze as Reuben moved closer to her. Oh nee. He’d been here the entire time. How much had he heard?

  “But I appreciate the invitation,” he said, moving even closer until the top of her shoulder touched his bicep.

  Her palms broke out in a sweat. “Reuben”—she smiled up at him with what she hoped was a sweet, flirty smile, but she was sure it wasn’t anything close—“I thought you already left.”

  “Nee. Not yet.” He smiled at her, but she saw the strain at the corners. “I’ve been here the whole time.”

  She gulped. He definitely wasn’t happy with her, and she didn’t blame him. She was sinking deeper into the mire of her own making.

  He turned to Mamm. “We can’t join you for supper tonight because Emily and I are going on a buggy ride.” He looked down at her again. “Right, Emily?”

  Confused, she frowned. What was he talking about?

  “Remember?” He nudged her a little with his elbow. “We have a lot to discuss tonight.”

  “You do?” Mamm’s smile grew wide. She may have had her doubts before, but Emily could see she now believed the two were an item.

  Reuben nodded. “I’ll be by to pick you up at six sharp.”

  “O-okay.”

  He gave them both a nod, then left the store. Just as he disappeared several more customers came in.

  “We’ll talk about this later.” Mamm walked away to help one of their regular customers. “Bertha,” Mamm said, her face shining as bright as twenty head lamps, “what can I help you with this week?”

  Emily leaned against the counter, her shoulders slumping. At least she had a bit of a reprieve from the prying. But that didn’t mean she had any idea how she was going to fix this mess.

  “Emily.”

  She turned to see Deborah Yoder behind her. She was a couple years older than Emily, and they weren’t exactly friends. More like acquaintances. Emily gathered her wits and smiled.

  “Hi, Deborah. What can I do for you today?”

  “Stay away from Reuben.”

  Emily’s mouth dropped open. “What?”

  Deborah leaned closer, lowering her voice. “He’ll only hurt you. T
rust me on this.” She gave Emily a knowing nod, then left the store.

  Emily paused. Deborah didn’t have to bother with the warning, since there was nothing between her and Reuben. No, her heart was safe. That hadn’t been the case in the past.

  The rest of the day was busier than usual, for which Emily was grateful. She and her mother didn’t have time to talk about anything, and by the time they closed the store it was already five thirty.

  “Hurry and freshen up for your ride with Reuben,” Mamm said, practically pushing her out the door toward the house.

  “Ride with Reuben?” Daed asked as he walked toward them and lifted a bushy brow. He hit a button on the register and pulled out the cash drawer. He’d worked with them in the store that afternoon and spent the last hour explaining to some new customers where he sourced his honey and produce.

  “Our Emily is going on a buggy ride with Reuben Coblentz.” Mamm clasped her hands together, a gesture Emily was starting to find irritating. “Isn’t that wonderful, Andy?”

  “Only if she thinks so.” He looked at Emily. “Do you?”

  She nodded, unsure of how else to respond. Without a doubt Reuben was going to be upset with her and would let her know in no uncertain terms. For a brief moment she thought about feigning illness, but that wouldn’t be fair. Reuben deserved an explanation, although she wasn’t sure she could give him one. Not to mention she had to figure out what to say to her parents. Lying to her mother was bad enough, but now her father knew too.

  “All right then,” Daed said. “You two have fun. But not too much fun.” He winked.

  Normally she would be cheered up by her father’s good humor, but right now she felt like curdled milk inside. She went upstairs and looked at her dresses. The one she had on was fine, but her mother would expect her to change into something different. As she combed through the few she had, she realized her mom was right. She did need to make a new one or two. She was decent with a needle but hadn’t felt like sewing much lately. She’d rather read, or even better, spend the nights and early mornings looking at the stars.

  She selected a dark-green dress, hoping Reuben wouldn’t notice the small dark stain on the top of one shoulder. How did it get there? Shrugging, she changed, looked at her reflection in the mirror, straightened her kapp, and pushed up her glasses. She remembered Reuben defending her glasses to her mother. Mamm wasn’t being cruel. She’d always told Emily she had beautiful eyes, then reminded her not to be prideful about them. And Emily wasn’t. She wasn’t even all that bothered about her thick lenses, with the exception of being teased when she was in school. Which made her think about Wayne . . .

  “Stop.” She grimaced at the mirror, then left her bedroom and went downstairs. Reuben would be here any minute, and she wouldn’t keep him waiting.

  Unfortunately, her mother had parked herself on the couch in the living room. “I’ll geh outside and wait for Reuben,” Emily said, going to open the door.

  “You’ll do nee such thing. He can come to the door and ask for you himself.”

  “Mamm, it’s not that serious.”

  “Nee? I thought it was. Serious enough that you don’t want to geh out with Wayne. But if you and Reuben aren’t an item, I’ll write to Wayne’s mother right now and tell her plans are on.” When she opened the top drawer of the end table near her chair, where Emily knew she kept her stationery, Emily hurried over to shut it.

  “We’re serious.” She folded her hands and smiled at her mother so wide her mouth hurt.

  “For goodness’ sake.” Mamm shook out her hand. “You almost smashed my finger in that drawer.”

  “Sorry.”

  Mamm sighed. “You’ve always had a bit of an endearing clumsiness about you. I hope Reuben appreciates that.”

  She thought about falling into his arms this morning when she tripped on the rug—again. She doubted Reuben appreciated that part of her, or any part, at this point. Her stomach tightened and she glanced at the clock. Almost six and she still didn’t know what to say to him.

  At six sharp a knock sounded on the door.

  “How nice,” Mamm said. “I appreciate promptness.”

  Emily flashed her a desperate look and hurried to open the door. “Hi,” she said, her voice sounding like a bullfrog had taken over. She cleared her throat. “Come in.”

  He did, not looking at Emily but at her mother. “Hi, Louwanda.”

  “Andy should be here any minute. Why don’t you sit awhile? I can make some kaffee—”

  “Mamm—”

  “Danki, but I really would like to take Emily on that buggy ride.” He looked at her. “I’ve been waiting to talk to her privately all day.”

  “I see.” Mamm flashed Emily a knowing look. “Well then, don’t let me hold you up.”

  Emily motioned for Reuben to walk out the door, but he gestured for her to go first. She hung her head as she walked outside and down the porch steps. She stood at the bottom and squeezed her eyes shut.

  “What are you doing?”

  She opened one eye and looked at him. “Waiting for you to yell at me.”

  “I’m not going to yell at you.” He moved past her. “Let’s geh.”

  “Geh where?” she asked, running to catch up with him.

  “On a buggy ride.” He turned and sighed. “That’s why I’m here, right?”

  “Right.” She followed him and climbed inside the buggy. He pulled out of the driveway and headed down the road. Emily fisted her hands in her lap. She should say something, but no words would come out of her mouth.

  After several minutes of silence, Reuben slowed the buggy to a more leisurely pace. “Mind explaining what’s going on?”

  She turned to face him. “I’m sorry, Reuben. Mamm wants me to go out with Wayne Jantzi and I can’t go out with him. But she’s determined to see me married off and won’t listen. I’m fine not being married. More than fine. I have my life and hobbies, and marriage and a family would interfere with all of that—”

  “What does that have to do with me?”

  “I panicked.”

  He glanced at her. “That’s it?”

  She nodded. “I don’t do well under pressure.”

  “So I see.” He made a right and turned down a road with lots of white-sided Amish homes. “You know, you could have made up someone.”

  “That would be lying.”

  “Isn’t that what you’re doing now?”

  “Ya, but making someone up would be really lying.”

  He gave her a side eye. “You realize yer not making sense.”

  She sighed. “I know.” She looked down at her lap. “I’ll explain everything to her when I get back.”

  “If you do, will she still want you to geh out with Wayne?”

  Emily nodded.

  “And you don’t want to geh out with him.”

  She shook her head, hard. She also prayed he wouldn’t ask her why. She wasn’t prepared to give that explanation.

  Reuben rubbed his chin. “What if we did start dating?”

  Reuben wanted to swallow his tongue. What had possessed him to say such a thing? He gripped the reins as he looked at Emily. Even behind her thick lenses he could see how wide her eyes were. She couldn’t believe what he was saying either.

  But he couldn’t take it back. In fact, he wouldn’t. If there was one thing he disliked, it was coercion. And while her mother might have good intentions, she was being overbearing and pressuring Emily. Emily didn’t deserve that. No one did. And what harm would it do to help her out a bit?

  “You . . . you want to date me?” Emily said in a small voice.

  “Nee. Of course not. I mean, not really date.” He turned onto a short gravel road. He knew who owned the property, and there was a field at the end of the drive. The guy wouldn’t mind if they stopped for a minute. Reuben didn’t need his attention divided.

  He halted the buggy near a patch of grass, where his horse could graze while he and Emily talked. He angled his body so
he could face her. “Would it help if we went out a couple times before your reunion? That way yer mamm would leave you alone about dating Wayne.”

  She bit her bottom lip and stared at him. “It would, but you don’t have to do that. I need to stand up to her.”

  “Ya, you do, eventually. But if you tell her the truth, she’ll probably set you up with Wayne anyway.”

  “That’s true.”

  He sat back in the buggy. “Parents. Why won’t they just let us live our lives?”

  “I don’t know.” She sighed and seemed to relax. A horsefly landed on her lap and she brushed it away. “I don’t understand why she thinks me and Wayne are a gut match.”

  “Maybe she’s desperate.” At Emily’s hurt look he quickly added, “She wants to marry you off, right?”

  “Desperately.”

  “I understand. I’ve been getting more pressure from my mamm too. Esther’s married, and Sarah has been dating her boyfriend for a while. They’ve all but planned the wedding. You’d think that would be enough, but now Mamm’s turning her attention on me.” He brightened. “You know, this plan would probably be a nice break for both of us. Mamm will stop dropping her not-so-subtle hints if she thinks I’m seeing someone. And yer mamm will let geh of the idea of you dating what’s-his-face.”

  “Wayne.” Her face pinched.

  Reuben nodded. Despite knowing it wasn’t any of his business and he shouldn’t dig deeper into Emily’s privacy, he said, “Must be quite a guy if yer that bothered by him.”

  “Actually, he is quite a guy.” She sighed and looked at him. “At least now. He wasn’t always. Let’s just say he and a few others weren’t all that nice to me when we were kids.”

  “Ah.” He knew children could be cruel, but he hadn’t really experienced it when he was younger. He’d been well liked, and since he was good at sports, he was always chosen first or second for teams. He made decent grades and now made a decent living working the family business. He glanced at Emily. “He must have hurt you.”