An Amish Reward

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  “Me too.”

  “We will explore the waterfall in a bit. But for now, let’s have our picnic.” He knelt down and opened the box. He took out a quilt and she grasped the other end. They found a clearing and spread the quilt on the ground. “Your aunt packed us a ton of food.”

  “She loves to cook. It’s one of her favorite things.”

  “Well, that’s wunderbaar because I love to eat.” He grinned, then sat down and beckoned her close by patting the quilt next to where he sat. “Sit.”

  She did as he suggested.

  He stared at her for several seconds, still in disbelief that Gott had actually provided this beautiful woman just for him. “Ach…”

  He finally snapped out of his daydreaming, remembering what he had planned. He reached into the box and pulled out a smaller box. He handed it to Becky, guessing she’d probably already suspected what it was.

  Her eyes widened. “Isaac! Ach, you brought this for me?” Her hands looked to be caressing the package. “Did you wrap it?”

  “I did. I’m afraid I’m not the best at wrapping gifts.”

  “You did fine.”

  “Open it?” He was having difficulty containing his own excitement. He knew she would love it.

  She pulled the wrapping paper off to reveal the box. “Ach, Isaac!”

  “Nee, just wait.” He helped her pull it out of the box. “I already put batteries in it.”

  He watched as she examined the beautiful clock. He reached over and pushed one of the buttons on the side. “Watch.” He grinned.

  Beautiful classical music began filling the air around them.

  “Ach, Isaac!” She stared at the clock, mesmerized.

  “I did the same thing at the store. I think I was there for a half hour.”

  “The numbers are dancing. Are those jewels inside?”

  “Crystals.”

  “I have never seen such a fancy clock.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “Ach, it’s the best clock ever! I never even knew they made such a thing.” She frowned. “Are you sure this is okay?”

  “Jah. But if you are worried, we can keep it in our room.” He chuckled. “We just have to remember to turn it off when we have meeting.”

  “For sure.”

  “And it does not make sound at night.”

  She nodded.

  “It plays a lot of different songs. Classical, hymns, Christmas music.”

  “It’s wunderbaar, Isaac! Truly.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Denki.”

  “My pleasure. I wanted to get you the very best one.”

  “You are very generous, Isaac. I don’t even know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted it to be special. I’m glad that you like it.”

  “Ach, it’s very special. I don’t know how anyone could not like it.”

  “Will you come with me?” He reached for her hand. “You can set the clock down. It will be fine there.”

  She stood and took his hand.

  He interlaced their fingers, then led the way to the waterfall.

  As they stood near it, Becky held out her hand and let the rush of water slip through her fingers.

  Isaac filled his hands with water and buried his face in it, loving how refreshing it felt.

  “I love this,” Becky gushed.

  “I love you.” Isaac took her hands and pulled her to the side. “I know I haven’t officially asked you yet, so I wanted to now.”

  Ach, he felt nervous all of a sudden. He looked into her eyes. “Rebekah Lehman, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I promise to love you for as long as I live. Will you become mei fraa?”

  Tears pooled in her eyes, then raced down her cheeks.

  Ach, he hadn’t meant to make her cry.

  “Jah, Isaac. I would be very happy to marry you.”

  “Gut.” He moved close and caressed her cheek, removing the wetness from her tears. Her eyes met his and he sensed longing in them. Her gaze dropped to his lips. His hands moved to her waist and he pulled her even closer. “Ach, Becky.”

  He lowered his head until his lips met hers. Her lips were soft and tasted like strawberries, likely from the faint lingering of her lip balm. She responded in turn and he tilted his head to the side, kissing her more fully. One of his hands instinctually moved to the back of her head.

  Her hands moved to his chest and his muscles tensed beneath her touch. He leaned in closer, enjoying the feel of softness pressed up against him. He deepened the kiss, loving the way her mouth responded to his.

  He didn’t exactly know what these feelings were, but he knew he liked them. He liked them too much for a man who was not yet married.

  “Becky…” He breathed in a nearly sedated state.

  Ach, he wanted more. He wanted all of her. But, nee.

  He forced himself away and attempted to calm his breathing pattern. “Ach, I’m sorry. That was too much.”

  She shook her head, her glance shy. “Nee, not too much. I liked it.”

  “Me too. But if I kiss you like that too much, I will not be able to stop myself.”

  “I wish we didn’t have to.”

  Ach, she felt the same way he did. He reached over and caressed her cheek. “Soon, we won’t have to. A month. Is a month too long?”

  She smiled. “Nee, a month is just right, I think.”

  “Gut.” He gently tugged her close and kissed her briefly. “Kumm, let’s enjoy our lunch now.”

  SIXTEEN

  “It’s about time you two lovebirds got back. I was wondering if I’d have to hold off on supper.” Aunt Lucy’s smile filled the dining room as she set plates on the table.

  Becky looked to Isaac and she knew her cheeks were flaming. How could they not be after the romantic moments she and her beloved had shared?

  Spending the day with Isaac had been a dream. First the buggy ride, then the walk to the beautiful waterfall, then the wunderbaar clock, then his proposal. And the kiss. Ach, the kiss was the best part of all. She’d already relived those moments many times in her head.

  She wondered when he would kiss her like that again. Ach, but she’d become addicted, it seemed.

  Being married to Isaac King would be better than anything she could have ever imagined. Now, she actually felt sorry for all of her friends who’d married years ago. There was no way in the world they could be as happy as she was. No way.

  Was there anything better than Gott’s plan? She was sure and certain that she would never doubt Him again for as long as she lived.

  “What’s in the box?” Aunt Lucy stared at the package in Becky’s hands.

  “Ach, Aunt Lucy!” She pulled the fancy timepiece out of the box. “Look at this. Isaac bought it for me. Isn’t it schee?” She glanced at her beloved, who stood next to her grinning.

  She pushed the button and the clock came to life.

  “Isaac King!” Aunt Lucy declared. “How much money have you spent on this maedel already?”

  Isaac’s mouth opened but no words would come out.

  “Aunt Lucy, nee.” Becky’s face warmed. She knew she was being spoiled.

  Aunt Lucy pointed a hand towel in Isaac’s direction. “That young man loves you, girl. Don’t let him go.”

  Isaac smiled and nodded.

  “I’m not letting him out of my sight.” Becky laughed.

  Isaac gestured to the table. “I think you need another setting. Ezekiel usually takes supper with us.”

  “See? That’s what happens when a man becomes an old bachelor, Becky. They can’t fend for themselves.” Aunt Lucy nodded.

  “Ezekiel makes his own breakfast and brings his lunch.” Isaac informed her. “Occasionally, he brings a casserole by to share for supper too.”

  “A man who cooks?” Aunt Lucy shook her head. “Nonsense!”

  Isaac looked to Becky and they both chuckled.

  She was happy that Aunt Lucy had come along. It certainly wouldn’
t be as lively without her presence. No doubt, she’d keep them all on their toes.

  “Next, you’re going to be telling me he bakes bread.” Aunt Lucy shook her head. “Men should not be allowed in the kitchen. They have no business here.”

  “Well, I’m sure Ezekiel would be happy to have you come over and fix his meals every day,” Isaac teased.

  Aunt Lucy gasped. “Fix his meals, my foot.”

  “She expects me to starve.” Ezekiel walked into the dining area and moved to the sink to wash his hands, his eyes twinkling.

  Aunt Lucy planted her hands on her hips. “Now, what do you think you’re doing? The kitchen sink is no place to get that filth off your hands. That’s what a mudroom is for! Shoo! Shoo!” She flicked a towel in his direction.

  Ezekiel held up his hands in surrender. He leaned close to Isaac and Becky as he walked past and whispered, “I knew that would get a rise out of her.”

  Becky couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

  SEVENTEEN

  Since Becky hadn’t been a part of this church district up until now, she opted to sit in one of the back rows on the women’s side. She hadn’t purchased a new prayer kapp, so most folks probably assumed she and Aunt Lucy were just visiting from another Amish community.

  She now wondered if any of the g’may knew of her and Isaac’s plans to marry. She guessed not, as courting was usually a secret thing anyhow.

  The church service was quite similar to what she was used to except for the fact that it had been a little shorter.

  After the service, a few of the women introduced themselves and asked where they were from. She’d kept her answers brief and didn’t give out any more information than necessary. She and Isaac hadn’t really discussed what to say if people asked questions, so she attempted to remain low-key.

  She noticed that Abraham King had taken quite an audience with Elmer Peachy, their district’s bishop. She assumed he was discussing her and Isaac’s upcoming wedding, since they’d talked about having it within the next month.

  Chances were, it would be frowned upon if folks learned they were staying in the Kings’ home. But since they were planning a wedding, it wasn’t uncommon for the bride and groom to spend a lot of time together and sometimes live in the same house up to the wedding. And since the Kings’ home had plenty of rooms, their presence probably wasn’t much of an issue. It was possible that some people may even think they were visiting relatives.

  Becky had already gotten the feeling that Abraham and Isaac were highly esteemed in their Amish community. She guessed it was likely because they were generous with their giving.

  Ezekiel had greeted them upon their arrival. Becky wondered about his family. She knew he was a bachelor, but what of his folks or brothers and sisters? Perhaps they lived in a different district than he did. She didn’t know. But it would be a gut topic of conversation in the future. Perhaps she’d ask Aunt Lucy. Knowing her aunt, she’d already learned all about Ezekiel’s past and present.

  ~

  Isaac took Becky’s hand as they headed home from meeting. “What did you think? Was it much different from your home church?”

  “Nee, not much.”

  “I saw some of the young men eyeing you. I didn’t like it. Although, I can’t say I blame them.”

  “Well, soon everyone will know who I belong to.” She smiled.

  Isaac grinned and placed his arm around her and pulled her close. “That’s right.”

  “We have soup for supper tonight. Aunt Lucy actually let me in the kitchen and allowed me to help her dice vegetables.”

  Isaac chuckled. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  She shrugged. “No, not really. I just don’t want to forget how to cook. One day, Aunt Lucy might not be here and I wouldn’t want my husband to starve to death.”

  Isaac laughed. “I actually know how to cook.”

  Becky’s eyes flew wide. “You do? Truly?”

  “I do. My mamm taught me when she was still alive. She worried about how Dat and I would get along after she was gone. She was a wunderbaar woman.”

  “I wish I could have met her.”

  “Jah. She would have loved you, Becky. I know she must be smiling down from Heaven right now. She really wanted me to find a fraa while she was alive but it just never happened. Not until Der Herr impressed Dat’s crazy plan upon his heart. Now, I can’t thank Him enough.”

  “Der Herr or your father?”

  “Both, actually.”

  “So tell me, what is your favorite thing to cook?”

  “I like to grill mostly. Since I hunt so much, we tend to have an abundance of fresh game.”

  “Venison?”

  “Jah, mostly. Lots of deer in these parts. They become a nuisance because they get into farmers’ fields and eat up their crops.”

  “When is your next hunting trip?”

  He shrugged. “Not until after we’re hitched. I want to spend time with you. Who knows, if I head off on a hunting trip, I might return to find you gone.” He was joking, of course.

  “Ach, it’ll take a lot more than a hunting trip to get rid of me, Isaac King. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now.”

  “You’ll never see a happier stuck man.” He grinned. “Ach, I can’t wait to marry you.”

  “So you can go on your hunting trip?” She teased.

  “Nee, so I can cuddle with mei fraa under a bear skin rug.”

  Her face heated at the insinuation.

  “Ach, I’m glad mei vatter had the forethought to put that fireplace in the master bedroom when we built the house. My fraa and I will be plenty cozy in the winter time.”

  “You and your dat built that house?”

  “Well, Ezekiel helped too.”

  “Ach, Isaac. That’s wunderbaar! So…you hunt, you ranch, you build houses, and you cook? I think I’m marrying a man in a fairytale book!”

  “Not so much. And this is the only house I’ve help build. I only cook when I have to. Which, by the look of how Aunt Lucy has taken over the kitchen, I’ll never cook again.” He laughed.

  “You are a dream. Truly. I have something for you, but you cannot have it until after our wedding.”

  “That sounds mysterious.”

  She shrugged. “It’s nothing big really. It’s just something I’ve kept for many years.”

  “What is it? Or, is it a secret?”

  “It’s just a journal with letters in it. Lots of letters.”

  His brow rose. “You want me to read your letters? Who are they from?”

  “Nee. They are letters that I wrote to my future husband.”

  “You wrote letters to…me?”

  “Jah, since I was sixteen.”

  “Ach, Becky. I’ve got to see them. I‘ve never heard of such a thing.”

  “A long time ago, I read about somebody doing that. I thought it sounded like a gut idea. And it helped to keep me accountable, knowing that he…you…would someday read them.”

  “So what kinds of things did you write in your letters?”

  “All kinds of things. But you will have to wait. I still have some letters that need to be written and added to them.”

  “I can’t wait, Becky.”

  “Do you like to read?”

  “I do.”

  “Ach, see? That’s what I mean. You stepped out of a fairytale for sure and for certain.”

  “I feel the same way about you, my sweet Becky.” He lifted her hand and brought it to his lips.

  EIGHTEEN

  “Becky, have you purchased the material for your wedding dress yet?” Aunt Lucy skimmed a finger into the cake batter she’d been making and popped it into her mouth.

  “Nee, I have not. I nearly forgot about that.” Becky laughed.

  “Well then, we best be going into town to get your material.”

  “I feel strange planning a wedding in a place where I don’t know anybody. Who will I choose for my side sitters?”

  “Well, who would you choos
e if you were at home?”

  “Probably mei schweschder and one of mei frienden.”

  “Perhaps you can make a couple of friends here between now and the wedding.”

  “Ach, I don’t know. There’s not all that much time. You know, a part of me wishes Isaac and I could just marry tomorrow without all the formalities and such. We are both a little older.” She shrugged.

  “You two are bopplin, Rebekah. And you know that is not the way things are done here or in any other Amish community I know of.”

  “Jah, I know.”

  “Don’t you worry. Your wedding will be just as wunderbaar as you dreamed it would be. After all, you are marrying Isaac King.”

  “Ach, I know. Aunt Lucy, I can’t describe how I feel about him. He’s just…well, he’s perfect. For me, at least.”

  Aunt Lucy laughed. “Oh, I guarantee you he is not perfect. You are blind to his imperfections right now. And he is blind to yours. But we don’t really need perfect spouses now, do we?”

  “Nee. And I don’t expect Isaac to be perfect either.” She laughed. “I’m just waiting to find some major flaw, but so far, I don’t see it.”

  “That’s gut. Because if you knew, it might make you change your mind about marrying him.”

  “Nee, I don’t think anything could make me change my mind at this point.”

  “Not even if you found out that he was an ax murderer?” Aunt Lucy’s brow shot up.

  “Aunt Lucy!”

  “Hey, I’m just saying.”

  “Nee, Isaac is a gut Amish man. Have you seen how he and Abraham are respected in the g’may?”

  “I have. I just don’t want you to put Isaac up on a pedestal. Because he will eventually fall off. I don’t want you to be hurt by unfulfilled expectations. Expectations can ruin a marriage.”

  “I know he is not perfect and I don’t expect him to be. I am trying not to expect much. I just want him to love me.”

  “That’s the thing. You have to remember that love does not look the same to every person. One person may show their love by giving gifts. Another may show their love by working hard and providing for their loved ones. Just because someone is not showing love the way we think they should, does not mean they are not showing love. It just means that they are showing it in a different way. In their own way.”