“They say that the constellation Virgo got its name because of the Virgin Mary. Leo, which means lion, represents Christ, called the Lion of Judah.” He pointed out.
“That’s amazing. Is it true?” Brianna asked wide-eyed.
Luke shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure. I borrowed a book on the subject from the library one time. It made a lot of sense. The theory states that before the Scriptures were written, God put the Gospel in the stars. They think God revealed His plan to Adam, who passed it on to subsequent generations.”
“Wow, I think it’s fascinating.” Brianna marveled, and then slightly shivered.
Luke immediately took off his jacket and wrapped it around her. “You’re cold. Let’s go have some hot cocoa now, jah?”
She smiled, not just because of the gift that awaited her, but because Luke’s warm garment around her filled her senses. She wished she could keep his scent with her forever. “That sounds gut. I can’t wait to open my gift.” Brianna and Luke walked back up to the house and went inside.
While Brianna prepared the cocoa in the kitchen, Luke stoked the fire in the empty living room. Everyone had already turned in for the evening, as far as she knew. Although, it was possible that Jacob was at Rachel’s house. Brianna entered the living room with mugs in hand and cautioned. “We may have to wait a little while, it’s very hot.”
“Gut.” Luke smiled and handed her the gift. “You can open this now.”
Rachel had previously informed Brianna that oftentimes a beau would bring a gift to his aldi prior to their wedding day as a type of engagement present. She had said that the gift was usually something for the home, and that traditionally most young men gave a clock.
Brianna smiled, taking the gift from Luke’s hands. She quickly removed the plain brown packaging and imagined Luke lovingly wrapping the gift for her. “Did you wrap this yourself?” she asked curiously.
“Jah, I did,” he answered, seeming a bit shy.
Brianna wondered if he was self-conscious about his wrapping abilities. “You did a gut job,” she reassured him, and then opened up the box, removing a beautiful clock. The masterpiece had a porcelain base with a large glass dome protecting the timepiece inside. Small butterflies and flowers graced the porcelain bottom and a silver pendulum rotated in sequence to the ticking of the second hand. Brianna had never seen anything more lovely.
“Luke, it’s wonderful! I’ve never seen a clock so pretty.” Her smile lit up the darkened room.
“I hoped you’d like it.” He grinned. “It’s called an anniversary clock, so I thought that every time we look at it we would think of our wedding day.”
“I’ll think of this day, too. Denki, Luke.” She leaned over and gave him a well-deserved kiss.
“And to think we’ll be married this time next week. Are you as excited as I am?” Luke took a sip of his hot cocoa.
“Maybe more.” She smiled. “A little nervous too.”
Luke said nothing and nodded.
She wondered if perhaps he was nervous about their wedding too. But more than the ceremony and festivities, she worried about the wedding night. Did men even worry about that sort of thing? She figured that matter would probably take care of itself. They would be husband and wife. After all, it was the way God designed things to be.
Rachel had said that in some of the Old Orders, couples had to wait three days after the wedding to consummate their love. That had seemed kind of odd to her thinking. Shouldn’t it be up to a man and wife to decide such an intimate matter? Nevertheless, she was happy to be part of a New Order with less restrictions and more freedoms.
“Would you like some cookies?” Brianna offered, ignoring her anxious thoughts.
“Nee, denki,” Luke answered. “I have some news that I think you’d like to hear.”
Brianna’s ears perked up.
“Jacob came and talked to me today. He asked Rachel to marry him and they’re getting married two days after us.” His eyes danced, waiting for her reaction.
“Ach, no!” she said in disbelief. “Rachel didn’t say anything, and I didn’t hear Deacon Yoder publish it at meeting.”
“He just asked her, so we’re the only ones that know. Jacob said they’ll probably be published this Sunday,” Luke explained.
“But they haven’t even been courting long.”
“I don’t think they mind. Besides, they’ve liked each other for a long time.” He shrugged. “Would you want to wait an entire year?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t know they’d want to get married this soon, but I can’t say that I blame them. Just think, my brother is getting married to my best friend.” Brianna smiled.
“Well, it’s not much different than your brother’s best friend marrying his sister,” Luke commented, reaching for her hand.
“I’m so happy for them. And for us.” She squeezed his hand. A sudden frown crossed her face. “But, we won’t get to attend their wedding. We’ll be visiting our relatives.”
“I’ve got that all planned out. We won’t leave for my cousin’s district until after Jacob and Rachel’s wedding. I knew you wouldn’t want to miss it and neither do I. Besides, it will give us a couple of days to move your things to our place and get settled a bit before we set off,” Luke stated.
“I’m glad you already have a house for us.”
“Me too. I’ve been anticipating our marriage for a long time, Beth.”
He’s going to make such a fine husband. Brianna smiled as she finished her cocoa. Less than a week! I can hardly wait.
<><><>
Rachel, Brianna, and her mother sat around the kitchen table going over a check-off list of last minute wedding preparations. “Luke’s asked the Weavers, the Yoders, the Brennemans, the Spencers, and the Hostettlers to help with preparing and serving the meal. Do you think that will be enough?” Brianna looked her mother’s way.
She counted on her fingers. “Jah, that ought to do. Do Luke’s parents have the necessary fowl?” her mother asked.
“They have five ducks, ten hens, and eight turkeys. I think that will be enough with what we have. I just hope there will still be plenty for Jacob and Rachel’s wedding.” She glanced Rachel’s way, checking the birds off of the list.
“Ach, that will be fine. Mamm has plenty to spare,” Rachel assured, peeking out the window for a glimpse of her man. “Besides, the men could always go hunting if we need more.”
“Rachel, will your sister and Mamm still be joining us for preparations the day before?” Brianna was becoming more anxious as the day grew closer. It seemed there was so much to do.
Rachel nodded.
“Luke and Jacob will be painting tomorrow. The benches should arrive on Friday. Yours and Rachel’s dresses are finished. We’ll pick the celery on Saturday so it will be fresh. Abigail Miller, Susanna Fisher, and Maryanna Riehl have all volunteered to bake pies and cakes. I think we’ve pretty much got everything covered.” Mamm Schrock smiled satisfactorily. She rubbed a loving hand down Brianna’s back, a tear graced her cheek. “I’m so happy my Elisabeth is getting married. And to such a fine man as Luke Beiler.”
Brianna and Rachel also teared up.
Then Mamm Schrock took Rachel’s hand. “And my Jacob has also found a gut maedel.”
“I hope to make a gut fraa for your son.” Rachel smiled.
“You will, Dochder.” She smiled reassuringly.
<><><>
Chapter 17
Brianna had never been more nervous or excited in her life. Well, not that she could remember anyway. Today she would marry Luke Beiler. Kind, handsome, loving Luke. It was no doubt a dream come true. As far as she knew, she was the most blessed woman in the world. She was certain that nothing in the whole world could dampen her spirits today. Nothing could make her happier than becoming Mrs. Elisabeth Beiler.
While she and Rachel dressed in her bedroom, Jacob and Luke donned their wedding attire down the hall in Jacob’s room. Soon the two couples would join
and meet downstairs for the three hour long ceremony. Everything was prepared, and so far everything was absolutely perfect.
Brianna and Luke, along with Jacob and Rachel, walked down a center aisle to the front of the room where the ministers sat and took their seats. A song leader rose to his feet and began the first note of a song, to which the remainder of the congregation joined in. Bishop Hostettler rose from his seat indicating to Luke and Brianna it was time to receive their final private marriage instructions. They followed the bishop to an upstairs room as the remainder of the congregation continued to sing. After the couple had finished their instruction in the proper Biblical duties of a husband and wife, they rejoined their guests downstairs for the continuation of the ceremony.
A long sermon began, noting several couples from the Bible beginning with Adam and Eve. Warnings were also given about making and breaking vows, indicating that the only way out of a marriage was death. The husband was encouraged to love his wife as Christ loved the church and the wife was admonished to submit to and reverence her husband. When the sermon was completed, the couple was beckoned to come forward and stand before the minister.
As Luke and Brianna stood before Bishop Hostettler, he joined their hands together. They said their vows, promising to love and cherish one another, come what may. A closing song and prayer was offered. Brianna and Luke were now officially husband and wife, and both were thrilled with their new reality.
The new couple was soon whisked off by horse and buggy to the home of Andrew and Faith Lapp, who were their second nearest neighbors. The Schrocks’ closest neighbors were the Brennemans, but due to Jacob and Rachel’s upcoming wedding, it had been decided to have the meal at the Lapps’ property. A wedding feast of roasted fowl, stuffing, creamed celery, potatoes, and various side dishes were served first to the newlyweds and second to their guests. Several seating sessions had been necessary due to limited space and the upwards of four hundred well-wishers in attendance. After a second, more simple meal in the evening, the young people gathered in the barn for singing and games. The festivities ran long into the night, leaving Brianna and Luke exhausted, but yet elated, by the end of the day.
Their journey as one had begun with hearts full of joy.
<><><>
“I’m glad we came here today. The weather’s perfect for a nice fall picnic,” Elisabeth mentioned as she and Carson unfolded the large quilt she’d brought along for them to sit on. It was the first picnic she’d been on with Carson, as it seemed he mostly preferred restaurants.
Elisabeth heard the squeak of a swing set nearby and pleasant Amish one-room schoolhouse memories came rushing back. Children’s laughter filled the air as she removed a few sandwiches from a wicker picnic basket. Joy filled her heart as she realized she would soon begin her own family. She was certain Carson would make a fine father.
“Yes, it’s unseasonably warm today. It seems like forever since I’ve been on a picnic.” He plopped down on the blanket, and then sprawled out on his back. “This sunshine feels great,” he said as he propped his head up on one elbow facing Elisabeth.
“So, when was the last time you went on a picnic?” She smiled, handing him an eggless tofu sandwich.
“Hmm…” He thought a moment, scratching his head. “I think I must’ve been about ten years old. How about you?”
Elisabeth wondered if she should mention Luke, and then decided honesty was the best policy. “A couple of years ago.” She shrugged.
Carson’s eyebrows rose. “Really? Would that have been with a man?”
“Luke. He was my beau. He’s still Amish as far as I know,” she said.
Carson sat up and inched toward Elisabeth, assessing her eyes. “I’m sorry I asked. Hopefully, you won’t be thinking of him now.” He bent down, closing his eyes, and gently brushed his lips to hers.
“How could I with such a handsome, wonderful man by my side?” She murmured and kissed him again.
She was just about to hand Carson a bag of carrot sticks when a soccer ball sailed into his leg.
A girl, she guessed to be approximately eight years old, shyly entered their personal space to retrieve the ball. Elisabeth smiled, thinking of her younger sisters.
Before Carson handed her the ball, he gave a stern warning, “Make sure this doesn’t happen again. Be more careful next time. This could have hit my girlfriend in the head.”
Elisabeth’s eyes widened in horror as the little girl’s eyes filled with tears at the harsh rebuke. The girl ran away, soccer ball in hand, no doubt to complain to her guardian about the mean man.
“How could you say that? She didn’t aim the ball in our direction on purpose,” Elisabeth confronted him.
“Kids should be more respectful of others, especially adults,” he stated, shaking his head.
“You…you don’t like children?” Elisabeth stumbled over the words.
“They’re fine sometimes, I guess.” He shrugged.
“Fine? Sometimes? I hope you won’t have that view of your own children,” she said, still unbelieving of this alien in front of her. Why hadn’t she thought to discuss this issue before? But she already knew the answer. She’d just assumed that everyone loved children. Apparently, that was not the case.
“My own children?” Shock marred his features. “I don’t have any children.”
“But surely you do want some.” Suddenly, the differences between the Englisch world and the Amish became glaring. Just as a large tear in her mother’s favorite quilt would have been. And this was something she could not just ignore. This was serious.
He shook his head. “Not really. But I guess if you want one…”
“One?” Her eyes bulged. Elisabeth thought of her seven brothers and sisters at home. She couldn’t imagine just having one child. In fact, she’d always dreamed of having at least a dozen. Her heart plummeted. There was no way she could marry this man.
“What’s wrong?” Carson placed a hand on her shoulder.
She shrugged it off. “Everything. I can’t marry you, Carson.” She quickly began putting all the food items back into the basket, hoping to leave. The sooner the better.
“Wait a minute. What do you mean? You don’t want to marry me now because I don’t want children?” He ran a hand through his hair, seemingly incensed.
“That’s right. I won’t be happy with just one child, Carson,” she insisted.
He scratched his head, trying to figure a way to work this out. He gave in. “I guess two would be all right.”
“You. Don’t. Understand. I don’t want just one or two or even three. Please, just take me home now, Carson.” She crossed her arms, indicating the discussion was over. Honestly, she was ready to go home and have a good cry. The man of her dreams was far from what she thought he was. Her perfect Englisch life was quickly becoming a disaster.
Resigned, Carson said no more and they rode to her apartment in silence. Elisabeth gathered the picnic basket and quilt, and then slid the shiny ring off her finger. She handed it to Carson. He held his hand up in protest, not accepting the ring.
“Let’s talk about this, Elisabeth.” His eyes pleaded.
As far as she was concerned, there was nothing to discuss. It was obvious marriage between the two of them would never work. When he still refused to take the ring, she set it down on the passenger seat.
“Goodbye, Carson.” She closed the door and then turned before he could see the tears fall from her eyes.
<><><>
Caroline’s hands trembled as she opened the door to welcome Ashley into her home. She had been dreading this day. Not because her daughter was visiting, but because her other daughter would never visit again.
Ashley embraced her mother when she noticed her reticence. “We all miss her, Mom.” She wiped a tear from her eye.
“I never should have let her go to visit Heidi. If I would have just insisted she stay home, she’d still be here.” Caroline sniffled.
“Mom, you can’t blame yourself. It�
�s not your fault. You had nothing to do with that plane going down, you didn’t know,” Ashley reassured and rubbed her mother’s back. “Besides, blaming yourself won’t bring her back to us.”
Caroline looked up. “You’re right. I’m glad I still have you. Thank you for coming today. I don’t think I could do this alone.”
“Let’s get started. I think the sooner we get this over with, the better. Brianna wouldn’t have wanted you to carry on like this. She would want you to move on with your life,” Ashley maintained, as she led the way to her sister’s former bedroom.
Ashley swung the door open and a wash of memories assaulted her. Brianna’s scent still permeated the room. She smiled as she noticed the Barbie hotel sitting on the floor in a corner. Oh, the hours she and Brianna would sit and play with their Barbie dolls. Barbie always arrived in her pink Corvette and was greeted by Ken, who descended his hotel room in the ultra-cool pulley elevator. Tears flooded her eyes. This was going to be more difficult than she’d realized.
“Do you have any boxes, Mom? We should probably empty her closet and drawers and donate the items to the Salvation Army.” Ashley surveyed the room.
“Yes, I will get them.” Caroline returned a moment later with several cardboard boxes.
“Do you mind if I keep a few things?” Ashley thought about her daughters enjoying the vintage toys in the future.
“Of course not, you take whatever you’d like to have. I will probably just keep her photos,” her mother stated. “Where should we start?”
“Let’s tackle the closet first, and then we can empty her drawers.”
Empty. That’s how my heart has felt since Brianna has been gone. Caroline wiped away a tear as she opened the closet door. Brianna’s tops, sweaters, and jackets lined the upper section of the walk-in closet, and skirts and pants filled the bottom dowels. They removed each item from its hanger and reverently folded and placed them into the boxes. Caroline decided to keep one of Brianna’s favorite sweatshirts and laid it on the bed. Many shoes and boots filled the shelves, but soon the closet became an empty shell.
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