“Meredith, I’m so sorry,” he apologized, slipping his little finger into Levi’s grasp.
Levi’s small hand held tight to his daddy’s finger, as if feeling the love pass from father to son. It was a beautiful moment, and among many she would never forget.
She took Luke’s hand, and they sat on the bed, watching Levi’s even breathing, while Meredith explained everything to Luke about the birth of their son. Then, as if everything else had disappeared, Meredith remembered that her wedding to Jonah was supposed to happen in a few hours. Now she knew why those voices of doubt had kept troubling her about marrying Jonah. She realized what she felt for him had more to do with how good he was to her son and the fact that Levi needed a father. Even though Meredith knew it would hurt Jonah, she had to tell him right away. Jonah was kind and sincere and had been a good friend. She hated the thought that she was about to bring him pain.
As the sun rose, Meredith explained the situation to Luke, and when she said she needed to tell Jonah right away, Luke nodded with understanding and said, “I’ll go with you, Merrie.”
Bird-in-Hand
Jonah had been awake since early that morning, unable to sleep. Finally his wedding day had arrived. He looked outside and whistled, seeing a beautiful day unfolding. The rain had moved out, and the fog was lifting, forming white wispy clouds against the bluest of skies. It looked almost too perfect for words. Today he would marry his true love, and he could hardly wait.
Jonah took a seat at the kitchen table. He was the only one up, but his parents would be coming down shortly; he’d heard them stirring in their room upstairs.
Herbie started barking, and Jonah glanced out the window, seeing a horse and buggy pull up. When he opened the front door, he was surprised to see Meredith.
“Come in.” He smiled at his soon-to-be wife. “I didn’t expect to see you this early.”
“Jonah,” she said, biting her lip, “I need to speak with you about something.”
Jonah stiffened. Something was wrong. He could see the wary expression on Meredith’s face. “What’s going on?” he asked. “Why are you here so early?”
She motioned to the kitchen table. “Please, sit down.”
Jonah did as she asked, and she took a seat across from him.
“I don’t know any other way to say this, but Luke isn’t dead,” she said, speaking softly and slowly. “He came to my folks’ house late last night.” Meredith paused. “Jonah, my husband has returned to me.”
Jonah didn’t believe her. “Are you making this up because you’ve changed your mind and don’t want to marry me?” he asked. He had always sensed a bit of reluctance in Meredith, even when he thought they had everything worked out.
Meredith shook her head forcibly. “It’s the truth, and I feel bad telling you this way. The last thing I’d ever want to do is hurt you, Jonah.”
“How can Luke be alive? I mean, the sheriff told you that Luke had been killed when the bus was hit by a tanker full of gas.”
She nodded. “It’s true. The bus exploded. But Luke wasn’t on it.”
“He wasn’t?”
“No. Some man wanting Luke’s money beat him up at the bus station in Philadelphia. When Luke regained consciousness, he didn’t know who he was. He was injured quite badly and spent some time in the hospital. After that, some really nice folks took him in, and that’s where he’s been all this time. It’s just been recently that Luke’s memory returned.”
“If this is all true—”
“It is, Jonah. Luke’s outside in my buggy right now.”
Jonah went over to the window. He could see the silhouette of a man sitting in the buggy, holding the reins. “He doesn’t look like an Amish man,” Jonah protested. “He’s not wearing Amish clothes, and where’s his beard?”
“It’s a long story,” Meredith said, “but my husband has returned, and we can’t be married.” She blinked, as though fighting back tears. Not wishing to make things any harder for her, Jonah decided to deal with her news the best way he could, although inside his heart was breaking. Jonah wanted so badly to be Meredith’s husband. Obviously, that was not meant to be.
Luke waited nervously in the buggy, wondering how things were going with Meredith and the man she was supposed to marry—a man Luke had never met. Luke had watched as Meredith knocked on the door. She’d turned back and waved reassuringly to him.
Out of the blue, another image entered Luke’s mind. On the day he’d gone up in the hot air balloon, he’d noticed a woman walking toward the parking area. For a moment she had turned, watching him, and then she’d waved back as the balloon he was in went higher and higher. Luke would have to share that story with Meredith later on. It was wonderful, knowing they had the rest of their lives ahead of them to plan, share, and grow old together. God had given them both a second chance.
But how would Jonah take the news? Would he be upset? Would he wish Luke really were dead?
The front door opened, and Meredith came out of the house with a man walking behind her. The guy looked nice enough, although even from this distance, Luke could see a hint of sadness in his eyes.
When Meredith and Jonah approached the buggy, Luke got out and tied the reins to the hitching post. It was an odd situation, and Luke struggled for something to say.
Jonah stared back at him with a startled expression.
Luke, unsure of what to do, extended his hand to the man. They shook hands, but Jonah continued to stare at him strangely.
Meredith glanced at Luke, and after a few more awkward moments, she introduced them to each other. Once the introductions had been made, she turned to Jonah and said, “Are you okay?”
Jonah glanced at Meredith and then back at Luke. His voice cracked as he stammered, “It–it’s you! You’re the one. I’d remember those turquoise eyes anywhere.”
Luke, feeling quite confused, asked what Jonah meant.
“A long time ago when I was a boy, I nearly drowned.”
“Jah,” Meredith said. “I remember you told me what a lasting impression that boy had made on your life.”
Jonah nodded. “Being pulled to the surface of that deep cold pond, I saw these kind, caring eyes of such a different color. They looked into my own eyes and gave me silent encouragement to hang on. I never thought I’d come face-to-face with that boy again, and yet, here you are.”
Luke rubbed the bridge of his nose as he thought hard and long. When he was thirteen, he’d spent a week with his aunt and uncle in Ohio. He’d gone fishing one day with his cousin and had saved a boy from drowning. He hadn’t thought much of it because he’d always been a good swimmer and his parents had taught him to offer help whenever he could.
Jonah pointed to Luke and said, “You are that boy, aren’t you?”
“I guess so.” Suddenly, Luke realized he and Jonah had a special connection—what could be a lasting bond.
Jonah clasped Luke’s shoulder. “You have a very special wife, and I know you two will be happy together for the rest of your lives. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I love her, but I’ve always known she’s never loved me the way she does you.”
Tears welled in Meredith’s eyes, and Luke felt moisture on his cheeks, too. No wonder Meredith had agreed to marry Jonah. He truly was a fine man.
Luke shook Jonah’s hand once more, and then as he and Meredith climbed into their buggy, he thanked God for bringing them together again.
Luke realized that if he hadn’t been mugged and had continued on the bus ride to his uncle’s, he wouldn’t be alive today. Maybe that was God’s way of saying thank you for saving a young boy’s life a long time ago. Some things were hard to figure out, but no matter what the future held, he and Meredith would make it through, because they had each other and God.
EPILOGUE
Six months later
Come sit with me as I read the letter we just received from Jonah,” Meredith said, motioning Luke to the sofa.
Holding Levi, Luke settled down
beside her, anxious to hear what Jonah had to say. Just a few weeks after Luke had returned home, Jonah had moved to Illinois, where his twin sister and her family lived. He’d started a buggy-making business and was doing quite well. It would have been difficult for Jonah to stay in Lancaster County, where he’d be reminded of his love for Meredith every time he saw her.
“Jonah’s found a girlfriend,” Meredith said, smiling at Luke. “Or at least he’s found someone he’s interested in. He says he’s not sure if she returns his feelings, but he’s going to pursue her and see what develops.”
“That’s great.” A new life for Jonah, and a second chance for me, Luke thought. “Isn’t it amazing how the difficulties we experienced for more than a year turned into blessings for everyone involved? I not only have my life back with my beautiful wife”—he smiled at her—“but I also have an adorable son and a future full of plans and dreams. And let’s not forget the Baileys,” he added.
“Jah, that’s right.” Meredith rested her head on Luke’s shoulder.
The Bailey family had become special to everyone in Meredith and Luke’s families. Several visits had occurred over the summer, and Luke was happy to learn that Susan had someone special in her life whom she’d met at church.
And Luke didn’t have to worry about how to provide for his family. Fortunately, Uncle Amos had not sold his business when Luke was presumed dead, so Luke had taken it over just as they had originally planned. But true happiness didn’t come from financial security, Luke had learned. It came from being with those he loved and letting others see God’s love through his actions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard, live inWashington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have several Amish friends. Wanda and her husband have two grown children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, beachcombing, and having fun with her family.
Visit Wanda’s website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
OTHER BOOKS BY WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER
Adult Fiction
KENTUCKY BROTHERS SERIES
The Journey
The Healing
The Struggle
BRIDES OF LEHIGH CANAL SERIES
Kelly’s Chance
Betsy’s Return
Sarah’s Choice
INDIANA COUSINS SERIES
A Cousin’s Promise
A Cousin’s Prayer
A Cousin’s Challenge
SISTERS OF HOLMES COUNTY SERIES
A Sister’s Secret
A Sister’s Test
A Sister’s Hope
BRIDES OF WEBSTER COUNTY SERIES
Going Home
Dear to Me
On Her Own
Allison’s Journey
DAUGHTERS OF LANCASTER COUNTY SERIES
The Storekeeper’s Daughter
The Quilter’s Daughter
The Bishop’s Daughter
BRIDES OF LANCASTER COUNTY SERIES
A Merry Heart
Looking for a Miracle
Plain and Fancy
The Hope Chest
Amish White Christmas Pie
Lydia’s Charm
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
Love Finds a Home
Love Finds a Way
Children’s Fiction
DOUBLE TROUBLES
What a Pair!
Bumpy Ride Ahead
Bubble Trouble
RACHEL YODER—ALWAYS TROUBLE SOMEWHERE 8-BOOK SERIES
The Wisdom of Solomon
Nonfiction
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook Vol. 2
The Simple Life
A Celebration of the Simple Life
The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook
A VOW for ALWAYS Page 8