“I don’t care about money Mindy. All I care is that we stay together. I fell in love with you from the time you clumsily climbed onto my wagon, and you started threatening me with that fake gun. I want to be with you, Mindy. I love you.”
They were closer now, forgetting that a man was trying to rob a bank behind them. “I can’t stay with you Bruce. Think about it. You’ll always be in danger with me. What if another gang recognizes me, and starts asking about my money? What will you do then? You almost got killed and you didn’t know me. What will happen if we get more intimate?”
Their hands were touching now. The bank clerks, and even the thief, were watching them.
“I don’t know,” answered Bruce. “You changed your hair for me, the thing that made you unique. You sacrificed your old life and stopped robbing banks for me. So you’ve changed for me, too. Don’t you want to be with me?”
Mindy was quiet for a moment. “Yes,” she whispered finally.
Suddenly, another shot came from the side of the thief. “Congratulations. Now, could you please get outside so that I can finish my heist?”
As it turned out, the robber had taken too long in the bank, and was captured by the Sheriff as he tried to ride out of town. Mindy and Bruce made statements, and then went back to the hotel, so he could finally rest again.
Just before Bruce lay back on his bed, he grabbed her hand and spoke to her.
“Do you remember the day I saved you? The day you promised you’d do anything for me?”
She nodded.
“And you never did win that bet, so now I’d like to collect. But, I have to be sure before I let you know. I ask you again, Mindy Rowe, known as the Red-Haired Thief. Would you do anything for me?”
She nodded again.
“Will you marry me?” said Bruce.
She was stunned at first, then laughed. She hugged him so tight that he started hurting. “You’re such a fool. Of course I’ll marry you!” And then she kissed him.
Staring at each other, both with wide smiles on their faces, they promised to never spend a day of their life apart. Except if it was to chase a thief.
The End
Bonus Story 5 of 20
Love Endures All
Called Up
Ezekiel Miller woke up just before the rooster crowed outside his window. Still dark, he padded around his room by memory. He left his bedside candle dark and waited patiently for the sun to rise. He dressed easily, having memorized his room long ago. Ezekiel, who often went by Zeke, knew everything by heart.
He made his coffee by candlelight, when he made it to the kitchen and was out the door to start work just as the sun was streaking its purples, pinks, yellows, and oranges across the sky. “Goedemorgen Ezekiel Miller.”
“Goedemorgen,” Zeke called, waving to Isaiah Bontrager. They were both headed for the same place, but took different paths. Zeke walked down by the Beiler land to see if Rebekah Beiler wanted to walk over to the barn raising with him.
“Goedemorgen Rebekah Beiler,” Zeke said, adding a smile for her. She was beautiful in a soft way. Her long mahogany hair flowed long and curling down her back. Unlike English women who often cut their hair short or used different styles for their hair, Zeke found that leaving it long and loose was even more alluring. Not that he minded when she wore it up in a bun covered by a prayer cap. He found though, when she left it loose that it made her beautiful eyes even more stunning.
“Goedemorgen, Ezekiel Miller.” She joined him on the pathway and began walking. “I’ve heard through the grapevine that you’re thinking about your own barn raising.”
“It’s time,” Zeke said, giving her a sideways glance. “I want it well done before I marry.”
“And is there a girl you have in mind who might marry you?”
“I have a woman in mind, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Do I know her?”
“Fairly well as it turns out,” Zeke said, chuckling. “It won’t be too long now Rebekah.”
“I should think not, especially when my father has already given his permission.”
Zeke and Rebekah went about their individual tasks at the barn raising. They were putting up a new and much needed barn for the Troyer family. Josiah Troyer had taken a wife seven years ago and had put up his first barn at that time. Now, with three little girls running around and his wife Rachel, expecting their fourth, the extra space would be needed to house the grains they harvested. Not to mention their cattle would need a new milking parlor fairly soon.
***
“Rumor has it that Ezekiel Miller is due to have his own barn raising soon.” Rebekah heard this from Mary Yoder, a close neighbor of her parents.
“Is that so?” Rebekah asked, playing coy.
“That’s what I’ve heard. Although if I’m taking my guess I’d say it’ll be a while yet. He hasn’t even shown a particular interest in any of the young women around here.”
“Hm.” Rebekah smiled. Mary Yoder was a town gossip who had the unfortunate idea that she knew everything there was to know about everything. Fortunately for Rebekah, Mary Yoder didn’t know anything about anything. Rebekah fully expected to be Mrs. Ezekiel Adam Miller before the end of the year.
With the weather turning nice, it’d be interesting to see how quickly summer flew by. She knew that Ezekiel didn’t want a hot weather wedding so they were waiting until winter when snow would cover the landscapes around their community. She’d already told him where she wanted to get married.
“It’s right there.” Rebekah had laughed, and pointed to a beautifully wooded area. “It’s got that beautiful clearing that’s perfect for our family and friends.”
“If you say so,” Zeke had said, his beautiful blue eyes sparkling when he’d smiled at her. “I’ll be leaving that stuff to you and your mother and sisters.”
“Fine.” she’d pouted. Still, she had given him a shove and then they had headed back to her parent’s home.
“I’ve heard tell Ezekiel Miller has his eyes set on a certain young woman at this very table,” Eve Troyer said, bringing Rebekah back to the present. Eve sent her a wink and made her blush.
“Well, I’ve heard he has quite an inkling for blondes, although he hasn’t made it public just who’s captured his heart. It could be any of us for all we know.”
Rebekah pitied Mary Yoder. She was beautiful, but her heart was so easily jealous that she couldn’t stand someone having something she didn’t. Oh she didn’t let on all the time about her own discontentment, but Rebekah knew that the young woman desperately wanted a home and family of her own. As yet, no man had showed an interest in the potentially high-maintenance woman and Rebekah felt sorry for her. If only she could learn to love her life no matter what stage God had her in.
“Mary,” Rebekah said, a smile on her face. “No matter who Ezekiel Miller has his eyes on, there is a man out there who has his eyes on you for sure. You just wait and see if a man doesn’t come into your life soon, to see you married and settled down.”
She perked up at that comment and Rebekah felt better for having taken the high road. It wouldn’t be a mystery for long that she and Ezekiel planned to marry, but that didn’t give her the right to throw it in the young woman’s face. Mary, while irritating, simply wanted what every woman at their age wanted. A man to love her, a family of her own, a life that felt fulfilled in that calling.
“Alright ladies.” Rebekah smiled. “How about we get these sandwiches and drinks out to the men? Before days end, the Troyers will have themselves a new barn.”
Rebekah followed both Mary and Eve out to the men, who were working hard to secure one wall of the barn to the others. She served them all fresh lemonade, spending a few minutes with Ezekiel, as both women and men bustled around them. “The barn is looking really good.”
“It does look good, doesn’t it?”
“It looks superb. I would imagine Mrs. and Mr. Troyer will be extremely happy with all the extra storage area. Not t
o mention with the new baby on the way, Mrs. Troyer may just need a place to put her baby things for now.”
***
Two weeks passed uneventfully for Ezekiel and Rebekah as life went on its normal way. Then came December 7th, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor left the whole country shaken, even in the Amish community, where a devotion to ‘non-resistance’ was strictly adhered to. During a trip to town, Ezekiel heard small talk of the attack and how America would enter the war against Japan. He knew from previous conversations that America had condemned the war, but Ezekiel knew well enough that a country attacked unprovoked would inevitably become part of the war regardless.
He breathed a brief sigh of relief that the Amish were covered under the conscientious objector status. He loved his life and didn’t want a war to mess it up, particularly when he didn’t believe in war. He returned from town and asked permission to call a meeting at the church for all the members of their community.
“I went into town today and heard quite a bit of conversation about the attack in Hawaii,” Ezekiel said, as he addressed the crowd. “It appears that Japan has attacked America, inevitably drawing our country into this war.”
At the mention of the war, an audible sigh swept through the crowd. “Now we’re not to worry overmuch. The Amish have always been able to claim conscientious objector status, as we will do with this war as well. I did want everyone to be aware of the recent events, however. Let’s all try to have a good night. I’m sure there will be more news to come.”
“Do you think any of our men will sign up to serve?” Rebekah asked him later on, when everyone had pretty much gone home.
“No. It isn’t the Amish way.”
“Still.” Rebekah shivered. She rubbed her arms self-consciously. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Ezekiel pressed a kiss to her hair.
“Don’t worry Bekah,” he said, smiling when her brows furrowed. She hated the shortened form of her name and he knew it. “Before you know it, you’ll be my wife and we’ll have a home to worry about. Not to mention, a barn raising and maybe a baby on the way.”
“I’d love nothing better,” Rebekah said. “I have to get inside before it gets dark.”
“Goodnight sweetheart.”
“’Night,” she replied.
***
Ezekiel woke up the next morning as he did every morning and made breakfast for himself and brewed coffee. Sitting on the porch, he sipped his favorite drink while the sun began to rise. He thanked God for another day as purples and pinks spread across the sky, lighting his world.
“Goedemorgen.” Ezekiel turned to see Gabriel Beiler walking past.
“Goedemorgen.” he waved. “Did you by chance see Rebekah this morning?”
“I did,” Gabriel said. “She should be heading your way shortly. She’s rather excited about the trip into town.” Turning at the sound of a motor vehicle, Ezekiel watched as the motor vehicle drove into his clearing and parked. The men exited the motor vehicle and Zeke’s heart began to beat a little faster when he saw the two men in military uniform walking toward him.
“Morning,” one man said, his olive green uniform clean and pressed. “I’m looking for Ezekiel Miller and Gabriel Beiler. Would you know where I can find them?”
“I’m Ezekiel Miller,” he said, raising his hand. “How may I help you?” Gabriel murmured his acknowledgement of the two men and then remained silent.
“My name is Case Marshal and I’m a draft notice officer,” the man said, standing with military precision. In his hand were two manila envelopes that looked wholly official. He stretched his hands out to each man, passing them each an official envelope. “You’ve been served Ezekiel Miller, as have you Gabriel Beiler.”
“Sir,” Ezekiel said, standing up with the envelope thrust out. “We are Amish and as such we have conscientious objector status. War is not part of our belief system.”
“I’ve heard of the conscientious objector status young man,” the officer said. “However, your name is on my roster. If you wish to file a petition based on your religious beliefs, I’d suggest you do it now and be quick about it. Otherwise, I’ll likely see you again in a couple days.”
“Can this be real? Gabriel asked, when the two army officers drove away.
“I don’t think they’d drive all the way out here as a joke,” Ezekiel said. “Do not worry Gabe. I’ll drive to town to file my petition tomorrow. You can ride with me.”
“Alright,” Gabriel Beiler said. “I’ll go and let my parents know.”
“Meet me here at nine tomorrow morning.”
***
Rebekah Beiler smiled as Ezekiel Miller helped her sit on her parent’s porch. “Gabriel’s really worried about the draft notice.”
“He doesn’t need to worry. We’ll file our objections tomorrow and get our pardons soon enough. Until then, I’d like to wait on building our barn and other things.”
“I’ll respect that.” Rebekah smiled. “After all, it’s not like I’m in the mood to serve lemonade and tea to a bunch of sweaty men again so soon.”
“Oh?” Ezekiel smiled. “Well what about me? Say, especially if I’m not sweaty.”
“I’ll serve lemonade or tea to you any time you want Zeke.”
“Good.” he grinned. Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear Ezekiel looked into her pretty brown eyes. They always reminded him of warm honey and Ezekiel had to remind himself that despite his immense love for her, she wasn’t yet his wife. The privilege of kissing her wasn’t his yet. “I’m already looking forward to it.”
“I need to get home and you need to get some rest.”
“Good night Zeke,” Rebekah said, folding herself into his embrace.
“Goodnight, Rebekah.” Rebekah felt the pressure of Ezekiel’s lips on her hair and smiled. She inhaled the scent of him; fresh cotton mixed with sweat and his own natural smell. It was a scent she hoped she never grew tired of. He ushered her quickly inside and she hurried to her room to watch him drive away in his buggy. She waved furiously and giggled when he turned and waved back. On a night like tonight, Rebekah was thankful that Ezekiel lived far enough away that he didn’t make it around to her parent’s place too often. If his visits were any more frequent, they’d need to get married sooner rather than later. Oh she couldn’t wait to become Mrs. Rebekah Miller.
***
Ezekiel woke early the next morning and enjoyed a cup of coffee with Gabriel Beiler before they both headed into town. With the streets packed with Christmas shoppers, getting to the army recruitment headquarters was harder than Ezekiel would have thought. Finally, after an hours’ drive, he was able to find a suitable place to park his buggy. He fed his black stallion, he’d named Phillipe, and headed into the army office with Gabriel by his side.
“How may I help you fine gentlemen this afternoon?” the officer on duty asked.
“We would like to sign our conscientious objector papers, if we may,” Ezekiel said.
“Alright.” the man agreed. He pulled out two identical sets of papers and pointed to the dotted lines. “Sign these and I’ll send them along.”
“Thank you.” Gabriel smiled. “It is rare for the Amish to be drafted, yes?”
“It isn’t common, but with an attack on our soil like Pearl Harbor, it’s not uncommon for us to draft anyone who isn’t already in the service or dead.”
Ezekiel looked up into the man’s eyes and noted their steely gaze. He suppressed the shiver that wanted to run down his spine. “Is this all we need to do?”
“As far as I know. I’ll send these up and in a couple of weeks you should be able to relax. You’ll get official conscientious objector passes within two weeks from today.”
“And if we don’t?” Ezekiel asked.
“If you don’t, then they’ve rejected your objection and more than likely you’ll be drafted officially. Any refusal to serve on your part could include jail time.”
“For refusing a war that we don’t wish to take part in?”
“I don’t make the rules son, I’m only telling you what I’ve heard through the grapevine.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You boys have a great day.” The men left the army recruitment headquarters.
“Do you think they will accept our objections?”
“I don’t see how they could refuse them,” Ezekiel told his friend.
“I don’t see either, but that doesn’t make me any more confident.”
“Relax Gabe. I’m sure everything will be fine. The Amish have never fought in any American or International war. We won’t start now.”
*****
Boot Camp
Two weeks flew by for Ezekiel and Gabriel. The Beilers were looking forward to celebrating the wedding of Ezekiel and Rebekah, set to take place in ten months. A November wedding. Rebekah was already busy making her dress and other things she would take into her marriage.
“If it isn’t Ezekiel Miller!” Gideon Beiler smiled. He clapped Ezekiel on the back. “How’s life down the trail my boy?”
“Busy,” Ezekiel said honestly. “Especially considering your daughter’s seen fit to agree to marry me.”
“I feel for you already.” Gideon laughed. “Especially if you end up with the sort of daughter’s I’ve had.”
“Are children a burden Mr. Beiler?”
“Never son, but that doesn’t make life easy. Children are a blessing from the Lord, but they come with their own special needs, needs we adults don’t often understand.”
“I can imagine that,” Ezekiel sighed. “I’ve never even held a baby.”
“Really?” Gideon asked, his honey-colored eyes smiling at him. Rebekah took after her father in many regards, including those eyes. “I forget that you’re an only child. It is a shame your parent’s never had any more. They did an exemplary job raising you.”
“Thank you. I’m sure they’d appreciate the compliment, although they’d never admit it.”
“Well son, I’m sure Rebekah will be with you shortly. Might as well get used to waiting on her now. It’ll save you much stress later on.”
Sunlight and Shadows Page 16