by Amy Clipston
Marlene nodded as she considered it. “That might work. I’d miss them, but I could always visit them, and they could visit me.”
“Right.” He gave her a kind glance, then looked back toward the road. “I’m not sure what else I can say unless we just beg him not to go.”
“I pray it works,” she whispered, her heart swelling with hope.
Closing her eyes, Marlene opened her heart to God:
Please, God, don’t make me leave Rudy. I love him and I can’t endure the thought of losing him. Please convince Dat to let us stay and continue building a life here. Only you can warm his heart.
She opened her eyes as her aunt and uncle’s house came into view. When Rudy halted the horse, she turned to him and touched his hand. “Danki for coming with me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of letting you face this alone.” He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “We’ll get through this together.”
She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. “Thank you.”
Then she pushed open the buggy door and hurried toward the house. Rudy caught up with her and took her hand in his. They walked up the porch steps and in through the mudroom, where they found her father sitting at the kitchen table alone.
“Marlene!” Dat stood, his voice echoing off the kitchen walls. “How dare you run off like that. I was worried sick about you!”
“Elias,” Rudy began, still holding onto her hand. “Please listen to what I have to say.” He glanced at Marlene and then back at Dat. “I’m in love with Marlene, and I don’t want you to go. Please stay here and let us build a life together. You haven’t been here two months yet, so there’s still time for you to make this feel like home again.”
Dat shook his head. “It’s not that simple.”
Onkel Leonard appeared in the doorway. “Actually, it is.”
“What do you mean?” Dat turned to face him.
“What if I offered you a partnership in my business?” Onkel Leonard came to stand beside Dat. “I’ll double your salary, and I’ll help you find a haus to rent. I know of one nearby, and I’ll loan you the money for the deposit. I wanted to offer you this sooner, but you seemed so determined to return to Indiana. We’ve only just been reunited, and I want you to stay. I’d be honored to make you my partner.”
Hope lit in Marlene’s chest as she looked up at Rudy. He nodded at her as if to tell her to keep the faith.
“I couldn’t take more from you, Leonard.” Dat shook his head. “You’ve already done so much.”
“That’s what family is for.” Onkel Leonard sighed. “Feenie and I have always wished we’d done more for you after Rosa Lynn died. Let us help you now.” He offered his hand to Dat. “What do you say?”
Dat hesitated, then took his hand and shook it. “Danki. I’ll accept your offer.”
Marlene clapped as she jumped up and down. “Does this mean we’re going to stay?”
Dat turned to her and nodded. “Ya, I guess it does.”
“Danki! Danki, Dat!” She hugged her father as happiness blossomed in her soul. Then she turned back to Rudy and wove her fingers through his.
Dat cleared his throat and faced Rudy. “And you. Do you have something to ask me?”
“Ya, I do.” Rudy squeezed her hand as he looked at Dat. “I would like your blessing to please date Marlene. She means a lot to me, and I’d like to get to know her better.”
Marlene held her breath as her dat looked between them.
“Ya, you have my blessing,” Dat said, and Marlene blew out the breath she’d been holding. “Well then, I suppose it’s late. You need to get back home, Rudy.”
“I do.” Rudy looked down at her. “Will you walk me outside?”
Marlene held tight to Rudy’s hand as they stepped out onto the porch. “I thought I was going to lose you.”
“You’ll never lose me,” he whispered, his gaze burning down on her and a smile turning up his lips. “I’m so froh right now I think I might explode.”
She laughed as her heartbeat leapt. “I feel the same way.”
“I thought you would never consider dating someone like me.”
“I didn’t think you’d be interested in me,” Marlene admitted. “Aren’t we a pair?”
“Ya, we are.” As her arm reached around his waist, he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, sending electric pulses singing through her. She closed her eyes and savored the feel of him.
Rudy leaned his forehead against hers. “I’m so glad you’re my girlfriend. I love you, Marlene.”
“Ich liebe dich,” she said. “Thank you for choosing me.”
As Rudy pulled her close for a hug, Marlene felt overwhelming gratitude—and silently thanked God for helping her find her true home.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.Marlene feels like a stranger when she moves back to Bird-in-Hand after living in Indiana for ten years. Think of a time when you felt lost and alone. Where did you find your strength? What Bible verses would help?
2.Rudy is reluctant to date after his painful breakup with Laura Riehl nearly four years ago. Instead of dating, he tries to convince himself that he doesn’t have feelings for Marlene. What do you think changed his point of view throughout the story?
3.Ada is determined to convince Rudy to get married so she can finally welcome grandchildren into the world. While her intentions are good, she tends to meddle and make Rudy crazy. Can you relate to his feelings toward his mother?
4.After Marlene’s mother died, her father insisted they move away in order to escape the memories. Have you ever faced a difficult loss? If so, where did you find comfort during that time?
5.Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Was it Marlene, Rudy, Elias, Anna, or someone else?
6.Elias decides to stay in Bird-in-Hand at the end of the story. What do you think causes him to change his heart and mind?
7.What role did the store play in the growth of Marlene and Rudy’s relationship?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As always, I’m grateful for my loving family, including my mother, Lola Goebelbecker; my husband, Joe; and my sons, Zac and Matt.
Special thanks to my mother and my dear friend Becky Biddy, who graciously proofread the draft and corrected my hilarious typos.
I’m also grateful for my special Amish friend who patiently answers my endless stream of questions. You’re a blessing in my life.
Thank you to my wonderful church family at Morning Star Lutheran in Matthews, North Carolina, for your encouragement, prayers, love, and friendship. You all mean so much to my family and me.
Thank you to Zac Weikal and the fabulous members of my Bakery Bunch! I’m so grateful for your friendship and your excitement about my books. You all are awesome!
To my agent, Natasha Kern—I can’t thank you enough for your guidance, advice, and friendship. You are a tremendous blessing in my life.
Thank you to my amazing editor, Jocelyn Bailey, for your friendship and guidance. I’m grateful to each and every person at HarperCollins Christian Publishing who helped make this book a reality.
Thank you most of all to God—for giving me the inspiration and the words to glorify you. I’m grateful and humbled you’ve chosen this path for me.
Read more from the Amish Reunion collection!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo by Dan Davis Photography
AMY CLIPSTON is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, and Amish Homestead series. She has sold more than one million books. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and three spoiled rotten cats.
Visit her online at AmyClipston.com
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