Joshua scanned the women’s side for Madeline and caught her gaze. They exchanged an endearing glance. He listened to the bishop’s message about trusting God’s ways and supporting and loving our friends going through difficult times. He gazed at his parents and yearned for the bishop’s words to penetrate their hearts.
Bishop Kauffman opened his Bible and read First Corinthians, Chapter Thirteen, Verses Four through Eight: “ ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.’ ”
Joshua believed God wanted him and Madeline to build a future together. After the after-service meal, he watched friends approach his love and Ruthie with smiles and kind words, and a few shy away from them.
He waited until the crowd thinned to go to her. “Would you step aside with me for a moment?”
“Of course.” She strolled with him to the bench under a cluster of maple trees. “How are you? I’m sure you’ve heard the talk about Catherine and our family.”
“Jah, I’m worried about you.” He smiled. “The bishop and community gave Ruthie a warm wilkom. His message was pertinent to our situation. Maybe his words will change some hearts.”
Madeline bounced Ruthie on her hip. “Jah, I’m grateful he is doing his best to support our family.”
“I wish you’d agree to marry me and show everyone we are united going through this.” His family had left early, probably to avoid approaching Madeline and Ruthie. She was most likely aware of it, and their quick exit was no surprise. Their actions today provided a perfect sample of what life would be like if he married her. Did they have any idea what sadness filled him over their rejection of her?
She smiled. “It’s easier for you right now. Your parents and you can enjoy time together without our wedding hanging over their heads. I don’t want to tear you apart from them.”
“Easier isn’t a word I’d use. I’m devastated without you. I’m working on the haus as if you and Ruthie will be joining me someday soon, because I have faith it will happen.” He brushed her fingers with his and walked away.
* * *
For four weeks, he worked alongside Mr. Lehman, doing chores on the man’s property, and Mr. Lehman lent a hand helping him with repairs on his haus and barn. Madeline’s daed invited him to supper for his labor, and they, along with the woman he loved, would laugh and talk about life and Ruthie. He didn’t bring up his parents or marriage. He just made his presence a reminder he wasn’t going away from her. She’d tell him about her day, and he played with Ruthie. He loved every minute of it and held out hope she’d change her mind.
* * *
He woke and lay in bed in his parents’ haus Tuesday morning. He’d worked until nightfall with his daed and bruder, then stayed late talking with them. His mamm insisted he stay overnight. He’d gone home before supper to tend to the animals and returned. He sensed she missed him living there, and he was exhausted and didn’t mind. He glanced at the calendar. May fifth. Where had the time gone? Ruthie was changing right before his eyes. She’d gotten more active and was rolling over. He’d built her a bigger bed. She’d outgrown the cradle. He’d bitten his tongue a few times this past month to keep from discussing his future with Madeline during his visits with his family. He’d laughed and gone down memory lane with them like old times.
A hard rap sounded. He shrugged into his pants and shirt and went to the door. His family beat him there.
Elijah waved him out. “Joshua, go fetch the doctor. I’m on my way to get Madeline. Addie and the boppli are in trouble. Her parents are out of town visiting a sick aunt.”
Mrs. Stutzman ran to her son. “I’ll go with you.”
Joshua didn’t want Madeline and his mamm in the same room. “Please stay home. The doctor will need room to work.”
“What’s the holdup? We need to be on our way.” She climbed into the spring wagon.
There was no time to argue. He didn’t answer her and stared straight ahead. The horses were at a full gallop on the trip to town and he only slowed when they approached the doctor’s office. He hurried to tie the reins around the hitching post, then ran to the office. Good. There were no patients waiting, and the gray-haired man was just reading a medical journal. The doctor would be more apt to leave right away to help Addie.
“Dr. Livingston, please kumme with me to Elijah Mast’s haus. His fraa, Addie, is with child. It’s too soon for her to give birth. She and the boppli need your assistance. I’ll take you in my wagon.”
The doctor grabbed his bag. “I have my buggy parked out front. I was planning to call on a few patients in a short while. You caught me in time. I’ll follow you and make my visits after I tend to Mrs. Mast.” He untied his horse and followed Joshua.
Joshua and his mamm didn’t speak until they pulled up in front of Elijah and Addie’s haus. “Mamm, go in, but please be kind to Madeline.”
His mamm bristled and, without a word, went inside.
He jumped down, held his reins, and accepted those of the portly doctor. “I’ll take care of the horses.”
Dr. Livingston nodded and darted after Mrs. Stutzman.
Joshua tied the animals under the shade of the oak trees and fetched enough water for them. He hurried through the door and found Elijah holding his head in his hands at the kitchen table, and he wrapped his arm around the worried man’s broad shoulders. “I’m here for whatever you need, friend. How’s Addie?”
Tears streamed down Elijah’s face. “I rushed back here and heated pots of water for when the doctor arrived. They haven’t asked for more. Maybe that’s a good sign. I didn’t know what else to do. I’ve never felt more helpless. I’m afraid, Joshua. We’ve waited a long time for this boppli.”
Joshua dragged a chair right next to Elijah and sat. “Pray with me. Dear Heavenly Father, please give Elijah the strength to handle whatever is to kumme. We pray You bring Addie and her boppli through this day with good health and the boppli to stay in her womb and be born at the right time. We don’t know why these things happen, but we trust You and we love You. Amen.”
Elijah raised his watery eyes. “Danki, friend.” He sighed. “Your mamm and Madeline are with Dr. Livingston. I was surprised you brought your mamm here with you.”
“She was adamant. I had no choice.”
“Times like these can bring people closer. The more help for Addie and our unborn child the better.” He scratched his chin. “I wonder what’s happening.” He got up and paced.
Mrs. Stutzman joined them. “Dr. Livingston said he thinks Addie and the child will be all right. The bleeding wasn’t severe and has stopped. He found a heartbeat for the boppli.” She sneezed. “Excuse me. Madeline’s helping her change into a gown. She managed to put clean sheets on the bed by having her roll from one side to the other. Give them a few minutes.” She washed her hands, then touched the pan on the cook-stove. “I sat and turned my head most of the time. The sight of blood makes me woozy. Would you like coffee?”
“Please, Mamm. Give us each a cup.”
She served them. “Elijah, is there anything I can do for you?”
He shook his head. “Danki for being here.”
Joshua pulled her aside. “Is Madeline doing all right?”
“Dr. Livingston is treating her as his nurse, and she’s good at it.” She caressed her son’s cheek and reentered Addie’s bedroom and shut the door behind her.
Joshua was baffled. Should he get his hopes up? She’d complimented Madeline, something he never expected to happen.
Dr. Livingston entered the kitchen, wiping his hands.
Elijah stood ramrod straight. “How are my fraa and boppli?”
“Danki, Dr. Livingston. What good news.” Elijah’s eyes pooled with tears.
“Don’t hesitate to call me again. Hopefully, you won’t need to until your baby is ready for you to hold him or her.” Dr. Livingston placed a reassuring hand on Elijah’s arm, picked up his bag, bid them farewell, and departed.
“Kumme with me, Joshua. Let’s go see Addie.” He went to his fraa.
Joshua followed Elijah. His mamm sat quietly in the corner of the room. His eyes fell on Madeline seated in a chair next to Addie.
Addie managed a half-smile. Her face flushed and eyelids drooped, fighting sleep. She held out her hand to Elijah. “Our boppli is strong. I was scared. I love our little one so much already, I can’t imagine not having him or her in our lives.” A sob escaped her throat.
Madeline got up and offered Elijah the chair. She moved to the doorframe, next to Joshua.
He stood with his arm touching hers. “What a day this has been for them. I’m relieved Addie and the boppli are all right. They gave us quite a fright. It won’t be easy for Elijah having Addie on bed rest.”
She didn’t move her arm away from his. “Addie’s parents return from visiting her aunt, and her in-laws return late tomorrow from their short trip. They’ll gladly pitch in.”
Mrs. Stutzman stood and walked over to Addie and Elijah. “I’m glad you’re better. Take it easy. If you need anything, please let me know.” She paused in front of Madeline and Joshua. “I’ll be in the wagon.”
Addie and Elijah thanked Joshua’s mamm and bid her farewell.
Joshua stood next to Madeline and his body rippled with delight. He’d give anything to have a lifetime with this woman. She brought out the best in him and made him feel like he could conquer the world. Why couldn’t his parents give him the one thing he wanted most? To put their feelings aside and let him and Madeline marry?
Surely, his mamm had observed Madeline’s compassion toward her friend. She jumped in to take instructions from Dr. Livingston to aid Addie. What more did his mamm need to understand the differences between Catherine and Madeline? Their traits were as far apart as the east was from the west. Had his mamm learned anything about Madeline today?
He caressed her cheek and pulled her aside. “This has been a long day for you. I’m proud of you for assisting the doctor. You amaze me. May I fetch you a glass of water? Or there’s coffee on the stove in the kitchen.”
“I’m fine. I enjoy helping the doctor. To me, medical care is interesting. It’s rewarding to take part in helping the injured or sick. I admire nurses.” She sighed. “Of course, loving Addie, I’m pleased to support and comfort her. I’m glad the doctor agreed to let me help. It breaks my heart they’re afraid for their boppli. They have such a close relationship, I know they’ll be strong together and get through this worrisome time before the birth.”
Joshua struggled not to spill out his emotions. Addie and Elijah clung to their faith in God and to each other during this frightening time. He and Madeline had a similar bond. If they married, he suspected they would behave the same way when faced with hardship. He would discuss his woes, joys, problems, and plans with her, take her advice into consideration, and hold her when she needed his strength. If only she would listen to him. Today wasn’t the day to push her. She was worn out.
“I’ll visit Elijah tomorrow to help him with chores.”
“Between the both of us, we’ll keep a close watch on them. Tomorrow, Addie’s parents will be back from visiting an aunt and her in-laws will also return from their trip. They’ll be home late tomorrow.”
“Both sets of parents have a close friendship aside from being thrilled their kinner married each other.” She gave him a forlorn look.
He knew she wished for the same type of family closeness. He opened his mouth to speak but remained silent.
Mamm came back inside. “I’ve been waiting in the wagon long enough. I’m getting chilled. Addie and Elijah are doing well. We should let them rest.” She gave Madeline a curt nod.
“Jah, we should go. I left Daed with Ruthie. Hopefully, she took a long nap today.” Madeline went and hugged her friend. “I love you, Addie.”
“Madeline, danki for being here with me, for changing my sheets and gown, and for your support and encouragement. I’m blessed to call you a friend.”
“I’m glad I could help. Take it easy.” Madeline squeezed Addie’s hand.
Joshua said, “Elijah, if you need anything, kumme and get me.”
“Danki, I will.”
Joshua, Madeline, and his mamm bid the relieved couple good-bye and left. “I’ll take you home first.”
He helped Madeline into the back of the wagon. Mamm sat on the bench seat next to him. They stayed silent on the way to Madeline’s. He wished he could read their minds. The women didn’t seem tense with each other but rather depleted of energy. Maybe this experience had given his mamm pause about her opinion of Madeline.
He walked her to the door. “I’ll pick you and Ruthie up at eight tomorrow if you would like to stay with Addie while I’m there.”
“I’ll be ready. Danki.”
He wanted to kiss those sweet lips, but he wouldn’t dare with his mamm looking on. He wouldn’t dishonor Madeline this way.
“It’s going to take time, but I believe my family will accept you. Just be patient.”
“You’ve always been my rock. You still are. I wish I could agree with you.” She glanced at his mamm and distress played on her lovely features.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got enough faith for the both of us.” He grinned and left.
On the way home, he didn’t hurry the horse. “Mamm, did you talk to Madeline while you worked with her today?”
“Madeline was busy following the doctor’s instructions as if she were a trained nurse. I’m squeamish around blood, so I turned my head. I’m embarrassed to admit I wasn’t much help. Madeline doesn’t flinch.”
Was she praising Madeline or was it a mere observance? “Has your opinion of her improved?”
“No, son, it has not. She’s still a Lehman and Catherine’s schweschder. She can’t be trusted. Find a woman from a respectable family.”
He tightened his grip on the reins and clenched his teeth. She wasn’t giving Madeline a chance. He wouldn’t get anywhere arguing with her, and what would he accomplish? He was silent. Minutes later, he said, “I’m going to Elijah and Addie’s tomorrow. I’ll be gone most of the morning.”
“Very good, son. Maybe I should go sit with Addie. Her parents may be late returning home.”
“I’m picking Madeline up and taking her there at Elijah’s request.”
She sighed. “Very well. I’ll cook a dish of food for you to take to the Masts’ tomorrow. I left you a surprise on the counter. I baked your favorite apple pie.”
He kissed her cheek. “Danki, Mamm.” What? No argument about him taking Madeline to Addie’s and not her? He shrugged. Something had weakened Mamm’s resolve about Madeline, even if she didn’t admit it. Any other time, she’d scold him for spending time with her or, at the least, suggest Madeline drive herself to Addie’s.
Chapter 5
Madeline carried Ruthie outside. She loved planting season. It brought their friends and neighbors together to help each other. Soon, the weather would get warmer, and she’d enjoy her favorite season of summer. She waved to Joshua, who was halting his horse. “I’m ready.”
He stepped out of the buggy and offered his hand to help her in. “My two favorite girls look lovely as always.”
She shouldn’t be spending time with him, but she couldn’t help herself. It was wrong to encourage him after canceling their wedding, but she didn’t have the strength to turn him away. Nor did she want to. “I hope Addie is doing well.”
“You and Ruthie will cheer her. You both cheer me.”
They chatted about the weather and their friends on the way.
Joshua halted the horse, jumped down, and helped Madeline and Ruthie out of the wagon. “Enjoy your time with Addie. I’ll take care of the horse and find Elijah.”
Madeline nodded, went to the door, and opened it. “Addie, is it all right to kumme in?”
“Of course. Join me in the kitchen.”
“What are you doing up? You should be resting.” She gestured. “Kumme with me. You’re going back to bed.”
Addie padded in front of her to the bedroom. “I feel good. No more pain or bleeding. I’m being careful. But I’ll obey.” She took off her shoes and crawled into bed. She smiled at Ruthie. “She’s the best boppli with her cheerful disposition.”
Madeline dragged a chair close to Addie’s bedside. “She only cries if she needs food or sleep.”
Madeline heard a woman’s voice outside. She peeked out the window. Mrs. Stutzman was kumming toward the haus. “Mrs. Stutzman is here.”
Addie chuckled. “The woman is a mystery. She’s so against you and Joshua. She’s outspoken and won’t budge when she thinks she’s right. Kind and generous with her time to help the widows and ill in our community, she has a good heart. She puzzles me.”
Madeline sighed. “She’s shielding her sons. Her allegiance is to Nathaniel and Joshua. It’s just that she’s holding the wrong person responsible for hurting her son. I pray someday she’ll realize I’m not the enemy.”
“I understand your reasoning in not marrying Joshua. Elijah and I are grateful our parents get along well. They enjoy each other’s company and love kumming here together to work or chat with us. A dark shadow would be cast over us if either side didn’t approve of our marriage. Their refusal to accept us would’ve been a nightmare for our future. I pray God will intervene on your and Joshua’s behalf and solve this problem for you.”
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