“Nee, you can’t take him from me. You can’t.”
“What if I were to take responsibility for the boy?” Michael offered.
Chapter Eight
Michael was certain that he had lost his mind. The look on Bethany’s face told him she thought he was her hero.
The bishop regarded him intently. “Are you sure you understand what this means?”
“I do. I will oversee the boy’s discipline. I will stand as substitute for his father. Any person who has difficulties or accusations against the boy can address them with me. If you will allow me, then the boy does not have to leave Bethany’s care or his home. Should he go to live with Jedidiah now, he will be unable to complete the bargain he has with me.”
The bishop nodded slowly. “I appreciate what Jedidiah has offered. I didn’t feel right taking the boy from his sister’s care, but I saw no other choice after Jedidiah told me about the theft of his goods. You have given me one. You are new to us but Jesse has vouched for your character, Michael, otherwise I would not agree to this, but I trust his judgment. This arrangement will be only until the boy’s uncle arrives at Christmas,” the bishop added. “I want to be clear that this isn’t a permanent situation, and that you are accepting financial responsibility as well as a moral responsibility to see that Ivan behaves himself.”
“I understand that.”
Bethany’s hopeful gaze was pinned on Michael. “You don’t have to do this.”
He considered retracting his offer but he wasn’t prepared to see the Martin family split up. “I understand that. I want to do it. I’ll speak to Ivan about it when we get home today.”
“Agreed.” The bishop smiled broadly. Even Jedidiah looked relieved. The two men walked away.
“I can’t thank you enough,” Bethany said with tears in her eyes.
“Let’s hope Ivan feels the same way.” He was already regretting his rash gesture. His intention was to spend less time with Bethany and her family, not more.
* * *
Bethany heard the hesitancy in Michael’s voice. “You won’t be sorry you did this. It proves that you believe in my brother and that is priceless to me.”
Michael rubbed his hands on his pants. “I think I need some fresh air.”
He left the room. Once he was out of sight, Gemma hurried over to sit beside Bethany. “What was that all about?”
“Ivan.”
“I was afraid that’s what the bishop had on his mind when he cornered you. Is he still sending the boy away at Christmas?”
“He wanted to send him to live with Jedidiah until then, but Michael volunteered to be responsible for him.”
“How did you manage that?”
“It was his own idea.”
Gemma leaned forward eagerly. “Tell me all about your mystery man.”
“There isn’t much to tell. Apparently, he corresponded with Daadi about working for him. He had already paid the first and last months’ rent on the cabin. He likes to keep to himself. And he’s from Sugarcreek, Ohio.”
“I don’t mean the dry details. Does he have a girlfriend back in Ohio? Is he looking to marry? Does he have money?”
“How would I know that?”
Gemma chuckled. “You don’t know how to snoop. I could find all that out in ten minutes.”
“I’m not so sure. He doesn’t like to talk about himself.”
“Then he is hiding something. I wonder what it is. How did he know your grandfather?”
“He didn’t really. A jeweler by the name of George Meyers recommended Michael to my grandfather and that’s all I know. He and Ivan get along. I’m grateful for that.”
“You like him, don’t you?”
Bethany was wary of the eager look in her friend’s eyes. “He’s nice enough.”
“I’d say he’s a lot better than Jesse Crump or Jedidiah. I can’t believe he fell into your lap and all you can say is that he’s nice enough. He is the answer to your prayers.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You need a husband by Christmas and Michael Shetler appears out of the blue. God moves in mysterious ways.”
“You’re being ridiculous. There is nothing between us.”
“I wouldn’t say that. I noticed the way he looked at you when he was sitting beside you. We all noticed. He’s interested. The man has potential. With a little effort on your part, you could have him eating out of your hand. I’ve got to go help Mamm. Can I get you anything else?”
Bethany shook her head and winced. She pressed a hand to the back of her aching head. “I’m gonna sit here with my ice pack for a little longer.”
Gemma patted Bethany’s knee. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Jenny came running to Bethany’s side along with Sadie Sue. “Look, sister. I didn’t invite her. She came all by herself.”
“I wonder how she got out.” Bethany stared at the dog. She was sure Michael had locked her in.
Sadie’s attention turned to the tables where the food was being set out. She licked her chops. Bethany foresaw a disaster. “Nee, Jenny, take her outside.”
“But why?”
“Because I asked you to.”
“Okay. Come on, Sadie Sue.” Jenny headed toward the back door, taking Sadie within a few feet of the table and a steaming plate of sausages. The dog stopped and eyed the dish as Jenny went out the door. No one else was near the dog.
Bethany rose from her chair. “Nee, Sadie Sue. Don’t do it.”
Jenny opened the back door and looked in. “Sadie, come on.”
The dog gave the sausages a forlorn glance and trotted out the door. Bethany sank back in her chair with a sigh of relief.
“Was that my dog?” Michael asked as he came in from outside.
“Ja, it was Sadie Sue.” Remembering Gemma’s comments, Bethany found herself tongue-tied. Did he find her attractive? Or was his attentiveness just part of his makeup that had nothing to do with her? Bethany wished she could tell what he was thinking.
He scratched the back of his head. “I wonder how she got out of the house.”
Bethany shrugged.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Better.” She kept her demeanor cool. Were people watching them and speculating? She caught sight of Gemma smiling widely. Her friend winked.
“I’m glad to hear you are better. I’m going to go take Sadie home and see how she escaped. I hope we don’t have to replace another windowpane.”
“Will you be coming back?”
“Nee, you stay and enjoy your friends. I have work to do.”
She didn’t want him to go. She was torn by her conflicting feelings. “Don’t you even want something to eat?”
“I have plenty back at the cabin. Get someone to drive you home if you aren’t feeling better.”
“Ivan can drive the wagon.”
Michael nodded and walked away. When he opened the door he glanced back at her with such a look of longing that it startled her. Was there something between them and she had been too blind to see it?
* * *
Bethany decided the family would walk to the church service on Sunday instead of taking the buggy. The preaching was being held at the home of Nigel and Becca Miller. Their farm was little more than a quarter of a mile beyond the Lapp place. Nigel was a carpenter who made furniture in the off-season.
An unexpectedly warm southern wind was melting the snow, making the sunshine feel even brighter. Rivulets of water trickled along the ditches and flowed out of the snow-covered fields. Amish families—some on foot, most in buggies—were all headed in the same direction. Cheerful greetings and pleasant exchanges filled the crisp air. Everyone was glad to see a break in the weather.
Bethany declined numerous offers of a ride, content to stretch her legs on such a
fine morning. The icy grip of winter would return all too soon. Jenny and Ivan trudged along beside her, enjoying the sunshine.
She turned in at the farm lane where a dozen buggies were lined up on the hillside just south of the barn. The horses, still wearing their harnesses, were tied up along a split-rail fence, content to munch on the hay spread in front of them or doze in the sunshine.
The early morning activity was focused around the barn. Men were busy unloading backless seats from the large gray boxlike bench wagon that was used to transport the benches from home to home for the services held every other Sunday. Bishop Schultz was supervising the unloading. When the wagon was empty, he conferred with his minister.
Bethany entered the house. Inside, it was a flurry of activity as the women arranged food on counters and tables. Several small children were being watched over by the Millers’ niece. She beckoned Jenny to come help her. The Miller boys were outside playing a game of tag and Ivan went to join them.
Catching sight of Gemma unpacking baskets of food, Bethany crossed the room toward them and handed over her basket of food for the lunch that would be served after the service. “Guder mariye, Gemma.”
“Good morning, Bethany. Isn’t the weather wonderful?”
“It is.” Turning to Becca Miller, Bethany grinned at the baby she held. Little Daniel was six months old with a wide toothless grin and a head of white-blond curls. “Wow, how this little boy is growing. May I hold him?”
“Of course. I hate to admit it but he gets heavy quickly these days.” Becca handed the baby over with a timid smile.
Bethany took Daniel and held him to her shoulder, enjoying the feel of a baby in her arms and his wonderful smell. “You’re not so heavy.”
“He should be. He eats like a little piglet.” There was nothing but love in Becca’s eyes as she gazed at her son.
Gemma said, “I see the bishop and minister coming. We’d best hurry and join the others in the barn.”
As she spoke, Bishop Schultz and Samuel Yoder entered the house and went upstairs, where they would discuss the preaching that was to be done that morning. The three-to-four-hours-long service would be preached without the use of notes. Each man had to speak as God moved him.
Bethany handed the baby back to Becca. The women quickly finished their tasks and left the house.
The barn was already filled with people sitting quietly on rows of backless wooden benches with the women on one side of the aisle and men on the other side. Tarps had been hung over ropes stretched between upright timbers to cordon off an area for the service. Behind them, the sounds of cattle, horses and pigs could be heard. The south-facing doors were open to catch what warmth the sunshine and wind could provide.
Bethany took her place among the unmarried women. Gemma and Jenny sat beside her. In front of them sat the married women, several holding infants. Becca slipped a string of beads and buttons from her pocket. She handed them to her little one. He was then content and played quietly with his toy. Her older boys sat beside their father.
From the men’s side of the aisle, the song leader announced the hymn. There was a wave of rustling and activity as people opened their thick black songbooks. The Ausbund contained the words of all the hymns but no musical scores. The songs, sung from memory, had been passed down through countless generations. They were sung slowly and in unison by people opening their hearts to receive God’s presence without the distraction of musical instruments. The slow cadence allowed everyone to focus on the meaning of each word.
At the end of the first hymn, Bethany took a moment to glance toward the men’s side. She spotted Michael sitting behind the married men with Ivan. Her brother squirmed in his seat, looking restless. Michael, on the other hand, held his songbook with a look of intense devotion on his face.
He glanced in her direction and she smiled at him. He immediately looked away and she felt the pinch of his rejection. She hadn’t spoken to him since Thanksgiving. Was something wrong? Was he regretting his decision to mentor Ivan? Her brother was thrilled. He didn’t object to Michael standing in his father’s role.
The song leader announced the second hymn, “O Gott Vater, wir Loben dich” (“Oh God the Father, We Praise You”). It was always the second hymn of an Amish service. Bethany forgot about Michael and her brother as she joined the entire congregation in singing God’s praise, asking that the people present would receive His words and take them into their hearts.
At the end of the second hymn, the minister and Bishop Schultz came in and hung their hats on pegs set in the wall. That was the signal that the preaching would now begin. Bethany tried to listen closely to what was being said, but she found her mind wandering to the subject of Michael. What might he be looking for in a wife?
* * *
Michael sat up straight and unobtrusively stretched his bad leg. He was still stiff after his fall on Thursday. The wooden benches were not made for comfort. At least he hadn’t fallen asleep the way their host Nigel Miller was doing. A few minutes after the preaching started, the farmer started nodding off in front of Michael. When Nigel began to tip sideways, Michael reached up and caught his arm before he tumbled off his seat.
Nigel jerked awake. “Danki,” he whispered as he gave Michael a sheepish grin.
Michael ventured a guess. “Working late?”
Nigel shook his head. “Colicky baby.”
He leaned forward to look over at the women. Following his gaze, Michael saw Nigel’s wife sitting across the aisle. Becca Miller held the baby sleeping sweetly in her arms. Her face held an expression of pure happiness when she caught her husband’s glance. Bethany sat behind her.
What Michael wouldn’t give to see Bethany look at him with a similar light in her eyes.
He quickly focused on his hymnal. Such daydreaming was foolishness. He wasn’t husband material. He might never be. He tried to push thoughts of Bethany aside but they came back to him at odd times and more often than he cared to admit. He hadn’t had another flashback or panic episode since the previous Sunday, but that didn’t mean he was well.
Three hours into the service, the bishop stopped speaking and the song leader called out the number of the final hymn. Michael ventured a look in Bethany’s direction. She held her songbook open for Jenny seated beside her. She pointed out the words as she sang them.
Bethany should have children of her own. She would make a good mother. He couldn’t imagine why God had chosen not to bless her with a husband and children of her own. It didn’t seem right.
The song drew to a close. Ivan was up and out the doors the second it ended. Teenage boys were expected to sit at the very back. Michael always assumed it was so their late arrivals and quick getaways didn’t disrupt others. He followed more slowly. His eyes were drawn to Bethany as she walked toward the farmhouse with the other women.
How much of his life would he spend like this, watching her from afar, wishing for something that could never happen? Months? Years? What if he never got well?
* * *
On Monday afternoon just before the children came home from school, Bethany got out her crafting supplies and spread them on the table. She made a batch of oatmeal cookies and a pot of peppermint hot chocolate and left it simmering on the back of the stove.
She was cutting and folding card stock paper when Ivan and Jenny came in the door. Jenny’s eyes lit up. “Is it time to make our Christmas cards?”
“Ja, it is time. Do you have your lists of the people you want to send them to?”
Both children were well prepared and provided a list of more than a dozen people each that they would handcraft a greeting card for. Bethany had her own list that included every family in the New Covenant congregation as well as Pastor Frank, the children’s teachers, bus driver and many of the merchants in town that she did business with.
After two mugs each of the hot chocolate and a plate
of cookies, they were laughing and sharing ideas for cards. Jenny loved to draw a snow-covered tree branch with a cardinal sitting on it. She added silver glitter to the snow and red glitter to the birds. Ivan liked making construction paper cutouts of a horse and sleigh and gluing them to the card stock. He covered the snowy foreground with glitter. Bethany enjoyed making snowmen out of cotton balls glued together inside the card.
Before long there was glitter on the table, glitter on the floor and glitter on the children, but Bethany didn’t care. She had to make this Christmas a special one in case they weren’t together next year. “Ivan, you didn’t tell me what song you’ll be singing at the community Christmas program.” Since religious-themed programs could no longer be held in the public schools, the community had decided to keep the Christmas pageant alive and well in the community center. The children and their teachers who wished to participate were eagerly welcomed.
Ivan didn’t look up from crafting his card. “I’m going to sing ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.’”
“That’s one of my favorites. Will you sing it for me now?” she asked with a catch in her throat.
He did and there were tears in her eyes by the time he finished. “That was fine. God has blessed you with a wonderful singing voice.”
Jenny laid down her scissors. “I want to sing a song.”
Bethany blinked away her tears and smiled. “What song would you like to perform?”
“‘Go Tell It on the Mountain.’”
“That’s a fine song. Let’s all sing it together.” Bethany hummed the first note and they all joined in singing at the top of their lungs to the very last verse.
“I don’t know how you expect me to get any work done with all the noise and the delicious smell of hot chocolate coming from this room.”
Bethany looked up to see Michael standing in the doorway with an indulgent smile lighting his face. Sadie Sue ambled over to Jenny. She got a hug and a pat before settling to the floor beside Jenny’s chair with a sprinkling of red glitter across her head.
An Amish Wife for Christmas Page 10