An Amish Reward

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  If she forgot everything about this day in the future, she hoped that she would never forget God’s faithfulness to her. His provision. His goodness. His love.

  ~

  Isaac reached under their table, the eck, and grasped Becky’s hand, intertwining her fingers with his. She stared at him with love in her eyes, smiling as though he’d handed her the moon. Ach, he still couldn’t believe this wunderbaar woman belonged to him, and him alone. That he would have her to hold in his arms every night. That he would have her to raise a family with. That he would have her to love and cherish all his days.

  He hadn’t found an opportunity to kiss her yet, but at some point in the day, he planned to steal away to a secluded place—even if for just a couple of seconds—and claim his first kiss from his fraa. His fraa!

  He knew the day would be long and exhausting, but also full of joy. Even so, he couldn’t wait for the two of them to be alone. At this moment, he was glad his district didn’t practice the tradition of Tobias and Sarah, a story from the Apocrypha that some Amish sects still adhered to. He couldn’t imagine abstaining from his wife for three whole days.

  He glanced over at Becky’s brother and noted that he seemed to get along with the maedel they’d matched him up with. He just hoped Laban would ponder the words he’d shared with him earlier.

  Ezekiel and Aunt Lucy seemed to be in a world of their own. Never had he seen Ezekiel so content. He’d noticed that Aunt Lucy had boldly pecked Ezekiel on the cheek when they’d sat down. Public displays of affection were frowned upon by their people. But if it was up to Isaac, he would at least allow a little kissing—especially if it was between a husband and wife. He saw nothing wrong with it. But he would refrain out of respect for his culture, although inside he yearned to kiss his fraa, public or no.

  Still, he couldn’t get over all the wunderbaar verses Dat had showed him about marriage in the Bible. Jah, it said for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and he fully intended to uphold that. He’d read those verses many times.

  But Gott’s Word also spoke of other things. Things that had taken him by surprise. Things that had caused heat to rise to his cheeks and warm his whole body. He thought on the verses now. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

  So, not only would their physical intimacy be acceptable, it was blessed and ordained by Der Herr. Jah, he would take great pleasure in holding Becky in his arms—not only tonight, but all their days together.

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  Becky held her mother and father tightly as they said their farewells. The week had gone by way too quickly for her liking. She didn’t know when she’d see them again, but she would still miss them immensely. Although she was sad to see them go, she was also excited to begin her new adventure with Isaac—to settle in to their new normal.

  Ach, he had been the best husband ever! Their first morning married, he’d woken up early and brought her breakfast in bed. It almost seemed like he’d ask himself each day, “What wunderbaar gut thing can I do for mei fraa today?” She certainly felt cherished way beyond what she felt she deserved.

  She found her asking herself what she could do to please Isaac. How could she not want to please him and meet all his needs and desires when he’d been so wonderful to her? Ach, she loved this man so much she felt like she might burst.

  They decided not to take a regular Amish honeymoon of visiting relatives and accumulating gifts, since their household was already established and they had need of nothing. Between that, and being there for Abraham, they’d rather just stay home. To Becky, they were already living in paradise. If they wanted to do something special, they could hike into the woods for the day and explore the cave or one of the waterfalls.

  Perhaps they might take a trip at some future date, but they were content staying home now. Especially after the excitement of the wedding and her family visiting. A little bit of rest and relaxation was in order now.

  Soon, though, she would begin making her soaps again and start tending to a garden. She’d been aching to start a vegetable garden and also plant some pretty flowers.

  Isaac had said that was something that his mother, Sarah, liked to do. Becky asked him what his mother’s favorite flower had been. Because of his response, she’d decided that lilac bushes would be the first thing she’d plant, in honor of his mamm. She also had in mind to make a lilac soap in her memory as well. It would be her way of honoring her husband and her father-in-law, and she knew they’d appreciate her efforts.

  She hadn’t said anything to Isaac, but if they conceived and Der Herr blessed them with a maedel, she would suggest naming her Sarah, after Isaac’s mamm. The more he spoke about his mother, the more she found herself wishing she’d been able to meet her. But she’d have to wait until the other side of eternity to get that opportunity.

  ~

  Becky walked into their bedroom. “Ach, what is this?”

  Isaac sat on the bed, her many journals next to him. He glanced up. Ach, did he have tears in his eyes? “Becky, these are wunderbaar!”

  “They are pretty much just my thoughts.” She shrugged, dismissing his praise.

  “I cannot believe you did this all…for me. I am humbled. Truly.”

  “Do you like reading them?”

  “Becky, this is something I will always cherish. Ach, I thought I loved you before, but now…Wow, Becky. You amaze me. Denki for this precious gift.”

  “It is not as fancy as a clock or a ring.”

  “Nee, but a hundred times more special, in my book.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “Denki, lieb.”

  ~

  “Hmm…it’s strange. I thought we’d be seeing more of Ezekiel and Aunt Lucy around here.” Becky frowned. “I kind of miss their company.”

  “Jah, me too. Ezekiel can’t seem to get home fast enough these days.” Isaac chuckled.

  “Sounds like someone else I know.” She winked.

  “Jah, it is hard for newlyweds to stay apart for very long. I can’t imagine going anywhere for any length of time without you.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to. And I wouldn’t want to go anywhere without you.”

  “What do you say if we invite Ezekiel and Aunt Lucy over for supper?”

  “Ach, that sounds gut. What do you think I should make?”

  Isaac shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter.”

  “Would you like to barbecue? I could make some side dishes to go along with whatever you decide to grill.”

  “That sounds gut.”

  ~

  “We’re here!” Aunt Lucy sang as she waltzed into Isaac and Becky’s home.

  Becky could hear their bustling all the way from the kitchen. Isaac was currently outside grilling.

  “Woman, you should really knock just in case…”

  “Just in case, what?”

  “Ach, never mind, fraa.”

  “They have a bedroom, Ezekiel.”

  Becky giggled. She wondered if they knew she could hear their conversation.

  “Well, we do too, but that doesn’t stop us from—”

  Ach, apparently not! Her face heated. Perhaps she should call out to them.

  “We do not live with your father. I highly doubt they would engage in any inappropriate activity with Abraham in the house.”

  “I’m in the kitchen, Aunt Lucy!” she called out.

  They walked into the kitchen, each with their arms full.

  “What is all this?” Becky smiled.

  “Your aunt, that’s what it is.” Ezekiel chuckled. “I tell you, the two of us barely fit in the buggy. She nearly had to sit on my lap. I thought she might pack up the whole house.”

  Aunt Lucy’s hand settled on her hip. “Now, Schatzi, how do you expect us to have a proper meal without food? And dessert?”

  His brow rose. “And snacks? And breakfa
st?”

  “You know those eggs are from the chickens. I didn’t expect Becky to make breakfast tonight. And the snacks are for if we decide to stay and play games.”

  Becky glanced back and forth as they carried on.

  “Play games? We ain’t teenagers anymore.”

  “Ach, who says you have to be young to have fun? Besides, I brought along a puzzle too, if you want to play an old-people game.”

  “Old people? I never said we were old people. I just said we weren’t teenagers. And puzzles aren’t just for old people.”

  Becky jumped in lest the conversation continued all night. “I think it would be wunderbaar to play games.” She turned to Ezekiel. “Isaac’s out grilling if you’d like to go keep him and Abraham company.”

  “I think I will do that.” Ezekiel nodded, pecked Aunt Lucy on the cheek, then moseyed out to the porch to join the guys.

  ~

  “Kumm here, girl. Let me get a look at you.” Aunt Lucy pulled Becky away from the stove.

  Becky shrugged. “I don’t see why. I look the same.”

  “Nee, you do not. You are glowing. I see marriage has been gut to you.”

  “Isaac has been gut to me.” Her smile widened.

  Aunt Lucy eyed her carefully. “Nothing yet, it seems.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Bopplin.”

  “Aunt Lucy! We’ve only been married three weeks yet!” Not to mention that wasn’t something that was normally discussed. But, apparently, there were no taboo subjects where her aunt was concerned.

  “And how many do you know of who likely conceived in their first week?”

  She shrugged. “A few, I guess.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Would you like to go check and see if the meat is almost done?” Jah, she was attempting to change the subject. “The mac ‘n cheese and fruit salad are ready.”

  She sighed in relief as Aunt Lucy stepped outside. Hopefully, this wouldn’t be a conversation they’d have every time Aunt Lucy came over.

  ~

  Isaac leaned over the table and found a corner puzzle piece. He set it in the bottom right corner, then searched for the other three.

  “Ach, you found one.” Ezekiel grinned, lining up the edges he’d found.

  “Here’s another,” Dat said.

  “I’ve got a line here.” Becky showed him.

  Dat yawned. “I think I’ll turn in now.”

  “Already?” Isaac frowned, then tossed Becky a concerned look.

  “I’ve got a lot to do tomorrow. I’m gonna go get Becky her milk goats.” He winked at Becky and she smiled.

  “I told you that I could do that for you, if you’d like,” Ezekiel offered.

  “Nee, I need you and Isaac here to handle the folks that’ll be coming in to pick up the Thoroughbreds.” He shrugged. “Besides, getting a couple goats won’t be a problem.”

  “Denki. I appreciate that, Abraham.” Becky grinned.

  Dat reached over and gently squeezed her hand. His eyes twinkled. “Anything for my Isaac’s Becky.”

  “The milking station is ready to go too.” Isaac winked at his beloved.

  Ezekiel suddenly stood up. “Ach, where did my Lucy disappear to?”

  Isaac grinned at his use of my.

  “She shooed me out of the kitchen and insisted on doing the dishes by herself.” Becky giggled.

  “Ach, that woman is much too independent for her own good.” Ezekiel shook his head and started toward the kitchen.

  “Ain’t no use in trying to change her at this stage of the game.” Dat mused aloud.

  “My persuasion skills are pretty competent. They haven’t failed yet.” Ezekiel winked before disappearing into the kitchen.

  “Guten nacht, you two. Enjoy your puzzle.” Dat stood and walked off toward his bedroom.

  Isaac frowned as he watched after his father. Something was amiss, although he had no idea what. Dat was certainly acting peculiar. Perhaps he’d just wanted to give him and Becky time alone.

  TWENTY-NINE

  Isaac bent down and pulled a weed from the soil. “What do you think about setting up a roadside stand to sell your produce and flowers and soaps?”

  “Instead of taking them into town?” Becky held the bucket out to him and he dropped the weeds in.

  “Or in addition to that, if you want.” He shrugged.

  “I know my folks would appreciate the extra money.”

  “Ach, Becky, you know you don’t have to do any of this. I would gladly send money to your folks if they’re in need of it.”

  “I know. And denki, Isaac. I just…it’s something I want to do for them. It makes me feel gut and keeps us connected somehow. Besides, my bruder is still up in Montana.”

  “I’d hoped he go back home after our wedding.”

  “Jah, me too. But Mamm says she doesn’t think he’ll ever return home.”

  He frowned. “But he hasn’t jumped the fence yet?”

  “Nee, not that I know of.”

  “Do you have a phone number for him?”

  “Nee, just an address.”

  “I will write him a letter then.”

  Becky reached over and placed her hand on his. “Denki, Isaac.”

  ~

  Isaac set his fork down. It was strange not having Dat present for breakfast this morning. “I’ve been worried about Father lately.” He voiced his concerns to Becky.

  “Why? He hasn’t been sick, has he?” She took a sip of her orange juice.

  “Nee, not that I can tell.” A puzzled look crossed Isaac’s face. Have you noticed his many trips into town the past few months?”

  “Jah. Is that not normal?”

  “Nee. I think he may be doing something he does not want me to know about.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know. Going to the doctor, maybe? I think he’s hiding something, and I’m worried.”

  “It is natural to have health problems at his age, ain’t so? Perhaps it’s something…personal.” She frowned. “Have you asked him about it?”

  “Jah. He says not to worry and that it’s none of my concern.” He shook his head. “Of course, it’s my concern. I am his son. I care about him.”

  “I know you do, Schatzi. But he is an adult, Isaac. Do you not think he is entitled to some privacy?”

  He shrugged. “I suppose so.”

  “We can pray for him, ain’t so?”

  He reached over and caressed her cheek. “See, that’s what I love about you.”

  “What?”

  “You depend on Der Herr for everything. I think that is wunderbaar. I wish I had your faith.”

  She stood, taking both her and Isaac’s plates and placing them into the sink. “If we cannot place our trust in Der Herr, then where can we place it? I know of nowhere else. Man will always let us down.”

  “That is true. Such wise words, my sweet Becky.” He leaned over and brushed her cheeks with his lips. He moved closer. “Have I ever told you how happy I am that I married you?”

  She giggled. “Only every day.”

  “Have I said it today yet?”

  “Maybe, but I don’t mind if you say it again.”

  Isaac grasped her hand and pulled her into his lap. He whispered in her ear, “How about if I say it another way?”

  She nodded slightly and he pressed her close. He leaned forward and placed a powerful, deliciously slow kiss on her mouth that would hopefully make her toes curl and leave her breathless.

  She briefly broke contact, but her eyes remained shut. “I like it when you say it that way,” she murmured before meeting his lips once again.

  ~

  Isaac walked up the lane, carrying the mail in his hands. “Look, Becky! It’s a letter from your bruder.”

  She stood from the garden and brushed the soil from her hands onto her apron. “For me or you?”

  “Both, it seems.” He showed her the envelope.

  “Ach, it looks like he’s be
en working on his penmanship. Do you want to open it? My hands are a little dirty.”

  “Come inside and wash them. We can take a little break and read the letter together.”

  “Jah, that sounds gut.”

  They both moved to the house. While Becky washed her hands, Isaac poured them each a glass of iced tea.

  “Kumm, sit.” He patted the couch cushion next to him and placed the glasses of tea on the coffee table.

  She sat down beside him and he draped his arm around her.

  Hello Isaac and Becky,

  Greetings in the name of the Lord! I hope you are doing well.

  I bet you’re a little surprised that I responded to Isaac’s letter. I’ve been thinking on what you and I talked about, Isaac. Because of that, I began attending a Bible study with other plain folks here in Montana.

  We read over some of the verses you shared with me and many more. Needless to say, I have accepted Jesus as my Saviour and I am now born again! Woo hoo!

  I can’t tell you how good I feel, but I’m guessing you likely already know.

  About your letter, Isaac. I do plan to fulfill my obligations to my folks, but there are a few things I need to figure out first. I have an aldi here, but I don’t think she wants to move to Pennsylvania. And Mamm and Dat, of course, do not want to move up to Montana. I wish there were a simple answer, but there isn’t. I do not want to make anyone move against their will. Yet, if I leave Stephanie here, I will most likely lose her.

  Please pray for me because I really need direction.

  Your Brother,

  Laban

  Isaac folded the letter and placed it back into its envelope. He grinned. “I’m so glad he accepted Christ!”

  “Isaac! You didn’t even tell me that you and my bruder had a conversation.” She looked at him in wonder.

  “Ach, jah. It was on our wedding day. We were so busy, and my mind was preoccupied with other things.” He raised his eyebrows twice in quick succession, and his fingers trailed her arm.