Mom still wasn’t happy about Henry’s friendship with Seth, but Sylvia had heard her tell Amy that she didn’t want to hold the reins too tightly on Henry, or he might rebel.
Sylvia figured Mom was probably right and had made the best decision letting Henry go with Seth. She hoped her brother would behave himself this evening.
Sylvia took a seat on the porch swing. Glancing into the yard, she heard a bird calling from the maple tree. Sylvia wondered if it was that mockingbird again. Since the sun had begun to set, she couldn’t make out what the bird looked like.
She’d just gotten the swing moving when a horse and buggy entered the yard. Sylvia knew right away it was Dennis because she recognized his well-groomed horse. Before he had a chance to pull up to the hitching rail, she stepped off the porch and approached his buggy.
“Guder owed. I wasn’t expecting you to be waiting for me outside,” Dennis said when Sylvia took her seat on the right side of the buggy.
“Good evening.” She turned to him and smiled. “Figured I’d save you the trip of coming up to the house to get me.”
“I wouldn’t have minded.” Dennis guided his horse down the driveway and out onto the road.
Normally, when Sylvia rode in anyone’s buggy, her nerves were on edge. She’d been like this ever since the accident that took her husband’s life. But this evening, seeing how self-confident Dennis seemed to be, she allowed herself to relax while riding in a carriage for the first time in over a year. As long as Dennis’s horse didn’t act up or a vehicle came up behind them going too fast, she might stay in her relaxed state of mind all the way to the restaurant.
“Have you decided where we’re going to eat?” she asked.
Dennis shook his head. “Thought I’d leave that up to you. What’s your favorite restaurant?”
“There are many good ones in our county, but I’m kind of partial to the family restaurant in Bird-in-Hand. Have you been there since you moved here?”
He shook his head. “Not yet, but I’ve heard good things about the food. So that’s the direction we’ll head.”
Sylvia clasped her fingers loosely in her lap as she drew in a deep, satisfied breath. It was difficult to explain, even to herself, but when she was with Dennis she felt like a different person. Although Sylvia hadn’t forgotten that she was the mother of two small children, as the horse’s hooves clopped along the pavement, she felt like a teenager again, going on her first date.
“Did you get the kinner settled in bed?” Amy asked when Belinda entered the living room and seated herself in the rocking chair.
“Jah and now I can relax. It took a little prompting to get Allen to fall asleep this evening. He said he wanted to see his mom, and I had to remind him that he’d see her tomorrow morning.” Belinda reached into the basket near her feet to get the dishcloth she’d been working on in her free time.
Amy plumped up one of the throw pillows on the couch where she sat. “Sylvia’s kinner are adorable, and I love them both, but they can be a handful sometimes.”
Belinda nodded. “But I wouldn’t trade any of my kinskinner for all the world.”
“I hope when Jared and I have children that I’ll be as good a mother as Sylvia. She’s so patient with Rachel and Allen and always seems to know what to say and how to handle any situation that arises with them.”
Belinda got the rocking chair moving as her knitting needles clicked together. “You’re right, she is a good mudder. I just wish she would use common sense where Dennis is concerned.”
Amy tipped her head. “In what way?”
“She barely knows the fellow, yet she agreed to go out to supper with him.” Belinda stopped rocking and leaned slightly forward.
“Going out to supper is a good way for Sylvia to get to know him better, don’t you think?”
Belinda shrugged. “Maybe so, but they could do that in mixed company, not alone. What if someone from our church district sees them together at the restaurant? Why, there could soon be a round of gossip and speculation about Toby’s widow being involved with the geheem fremmer who came to our area.”
Amy laughed. “Really Mom, Dennis is hardly a mysterious stranger. He seems like a nice man. Sylvia and Henry believe he is too. I’ve heard them both say so several times.”
Belinda was going to say more, but a knock sounded on the front door.
“That must be Jared.” Amy rose from the couch and went to let him in.
Belinda had forgotten Amy had mentioned earlier that her future husband would be coming by.
A few minutes later, Amy entered the room with Jared. Belinda couldn’t help but notice the circle of red on both his and Amy’s cheeks. She wondered if he and Amy had embraced and possibly kissed, when he’d entered the house, the way she and Vernon used to do when they were courting.
“Guder owen, Belinda.” Jared came over to Belinda and extended his hand. “How did things go for you today?”
She shook his hand and smiled. “It went all right. At least there were no mishaps in the greenhouse, and we sold a fair amount of flowers.”
“Good to hear.” Jared took a seat on the couch beside Amy. They sat quietly looking at each other.
These two probably want to be alone to discuss their plans for the future. Belinda put her knitting aside and stood. “I’m kind of tired this evening. Think I’ll head to my room and get ready for bed.”
Amy didn’t try to dissuade her. She merely smiled at Belinda and said, “Gut nacht, Mom.”
“Good night, Daughter. Good night, Jared.”
After Jared replied, Belinda left the room. Oh, to be young and in love again, she thought. My dearest Vernon, I miss you ever so much, but I’ll never forget the special bond of love we shared.
“You were right about the food being good at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant,” Dennis said as they traveled back to the King home.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Not as much as I enjoyed being with you. Dennis kept his thoughts to himself. It was too soon to tell Sylvia that he was beginning to have strong feelings for her. He’d never felt like this before, and no way did he want to scare her off.
Dennis couldn’t believe he was setting his concerns aside about establishing a relationship with a woman that could possibly lead to a permanent relationship. Of course he was putting the buggy before the horse when it came to any future he might have with Sylvia. For all Dennis knew, she had no intention of falling in love or getting married again. The love she’d felt for her husband might be so deep that she could never love another man.
I need to quit thinking about this, Dennis chided himself. I’ll just take things slow and easy with Sylvia and see how it all goes.
When Dennis pulled his horse and buggy onto the Kings’ driveway, Sylvia surprised him by asking if he’d like to come in for coffee and dessert. “I made some whoopie pies earlier today,” she added.
“That’s tempting,” he said, “but I’m too full from supper to eat anything else. Besides, it’s getting late, and we both need to get up early for church tomorrow morning.”
She turned in her seat to face him. “Didn’t you say during our meal that tomorrow is your off-Sunday?”
“That’s right, but I thought I’d visit your church district’s service tomorrow. Would that be all right with you?”
“Of course. You are welcome any time.” Sylvia gave Dennis the address of the place where church would be held in the morning.
Dennis cleared his throat. “There’s something else I’d like to ask.”
“Oh?”
“I was wondering if you would be free tomorrow after church to go birding with me again.”
“That sounds wunderbaar, but I had planned to take my kinner on a picnic.”
Dennis reached over and lightly touched her arm. “Would you mind if I tag along? Maybe we’ll see some interesting birds while we’re there.”
“Of course, you’re more than welcome to join us. If you’d like, you can
come over here right after our church’s noon meal.”
“Think I’ll go home and change clothes first. Then I’ll be over to join you.”
“Sounds good.”
Dennis stepped down from the buggy, secured his horse, and came around to help Sylvia exit.
“I had a nice time this evening, Dennis. Danki for inviting me to join you for supper.”
“You’re welcome.” He had to restrain himself to keep from leaning down and giving her a kiss on the cheek. What am I thinking? That might scare her off.
He said a pleasant, “Good night,” and watched as Sylvia made her way to the house, using the flashlight she’d brought along to guide the way.
As Dennis directed his horse and buggy back down the driveway, he smiled. Sylvia must like me a little bit, or she wouldn’t have invited me to go on a picnic with her and the kids tomorrow. He pressed his lips together. Of course, I did actually invite myself. Even so, she was agreeable, so I’ll take that as a positive sign.
When Sylvia entered the house, the scent of freshly made buttered popcorn filled the air. This only added to her pleasant mood, and she couldn’t wait to spend more time with Dennis. I’m looking forward to going on a picnic and getting out with the children. They’ll enjoy it, and creating fun memories is an added bonus. She found Amy and Jared in the living room, working on a jigsaw puzzle. A bowl of popcorn sat between them.
Amy looked up and smiled. “Did you have a nice evening?”
“Jah. We ate at the family restaurant in Bird-in-Hand.”
Jared looked at Sylvia and wiggled his brows. “Good choice. I enjoy their buffet.”
“I ate a lot of my favorite foods there but got a little carried away, I’m afraid. Dennis must have liked it too, because when I invited him in for coffee and a whoopie pie, he declined, saying he was still full from supper.”
Jared looked over at Amy and his chin dropped down slightly. “There are whoopie pies in the house and you never offered me any? Is that how you’re gonna treat me once we’re married?”
Amy giggled and tossed a piece of popcorn at him. “Sylvia made those whoopies to take on the picnic she and her kinner are going on tomorrow afternoon. If I’d offered you one, you’d probably have eaten so many there wouldn’t be enough left.”
“Not true.” He shook his head. “If you’d have told me why Sylvia baked them, I’d have only taken one.”
Sylvia got a kick out of watching her sister and Jared’s playful banter. That was how it used to be with her and Toby. He often teased her, and she enjoyed it, because his teasing was always done in a fun, loving way. Dennis seemed more serious-minded than Toby, but Sylvia enjoyed being with him, nonetheless.
I can’t believe I’m comparing my deceased husband to someone brand-new in my life. She scratched an itch near the side of her nose. I never expected to have so much fun. Maybe a little too much. It doesn’t make sense that I feel so comfortable with him. It seems like we’ve been friends for a good many years.
“Mom put the kids to bed some time ago, and she went to her room soon after.” Amy’s comment broke into Sylvia’s musings.
“Oh, good. Did they behave themselves for you and Mom this evening?”
Amy bobbed her head. “There were no problems, other than that Mom had to work with Allen to get him to go to bed. He wanted his mommy to say goodnight. Otherwise, thing went as usual around here.”
“I’m glad.” Sylvia leaned over the card table and put a piece of puzzle in place. “Say, I have an idea. Why don’t you and Jared join us on the picnic tomorrow? I’m sure Dennis would enjoy some male company.”
Amy’s eyebrows squished together. “I thought it was just you and the kinner going on a picnic. When did Dennis come into the picture?”
“Tonight, when he brought me home, I mentioned the picnic, and he sort of invited himself to join us.” Sylvia’s cheeks warmed. “Of course, I could hardly say no.”
Amy gave Sylvia a knowing look. “No, I’m sure.”
“What do you mean?”
Amy waved her hand. “Oh, nothing.”
“Well, would you two like to go with us or not? I’m sure it will be fun, and being outdoors someplace different would be a welcome change.”
“I’m in,” Jared spoke up. “I’d like to get to know this Dennis fellow.”
“You’ll like him. He’s a very nice man.”
Amy shot Sylvia another look, but she chose to ignore it. “When I see Mom and Henry in the morning, I’ll invite them too. It should be a fun day for all of us.”
“Speaking of Henry…You’ll be happy to know that he came home from his evening with Seth about thirty minutes ago.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Sylvia turned toward the door leading to the stairs. “It’s getting late, so I’m turning in now. Good night, Amy. Good night, Jared.”
“Gut nacht,” they said in unison.
Sylvia smiled as she left the room. I’m glad my sister is with the man she loves.
The sound of gunfire reverberated in Dennis’s head, and he woke up with a start. Several seconds passed before he realized where he was. Thankfully, the gun going off had only been a dream—one he’d had too often.
Dennis tried to calm down. He had hoped these recurring episodes would fade away over time, but they had not. Some day he would like to look back and say he hadn’t had that nightmare for a long, long time. Just when I thought I was beginning to heal, my feelings of anger toward Uncle Ben have surfaced all over again.
Dennis rolled out of bed and looked at the clock on his nightstand. It was nine o’clock. “Oh great, I’ve overslept.” He thumped his head and groaned. “Must have forgot to set my alarm.” Dennis picked up the clock and checked the back side. I definitely did not set this alarm! He set it back on his nightstand and squinted at the light breaching into the room through the partially open window shade.
He ambled over to the window and looked out. The sky looked blue, with only a few scattered puffy clouds. It should be a good day for a picnic. Unfortunately, Dennis would not have time to get dressed, eat breakfast, and make it on time to the home Sylvia told him would be hosting church in her district this morning. Since the service would have already started, he’d feel like a fool showing up so late. I’ll make it up to Sylvia and try to attend her church on my next off-Sunday.
Dennis ambled over to the closet to pick out something to wear. He was low on clean clothes, and that meant doing laundry soon. Dennis didn’t like washing clothes, but it had to be done. With the nicer weather, at least things would dry quickly. When he lived at home, Mom had taken care of his clothes, even mending tears or pressing wrinkles out of stubborn pieces.
I wonder how she’s doing. It had been a while since Dennis had called home to check on things. He was surprised she hadn’t called him. No doubt Mom and the rest of his family would be in church today. Dennis’s family had been diligent about attending church services during his childhood.
Dennis found a shirt he liked and slipped it on. It would be better to forget about church and just show up at the Kings’ place around two o’clock. He would have some explaining to do, but at least he’d get to spend the afternoon with Sylvia. At least, he hoped she’d still want to see him. She might be angry because he missed church.
Sylvia sat stoically on her bench, looking straight ahead. It was difficult to focus on the message being preached when all she could think about was why Dennis hadn’t shown up for church. Had he gotten sick between last night and this morning? Or perhaps he couldn’t find the place; although she thought she’d given good directions.
Sylvia shifted on the bench when Rachel began to squirm on her lap. Her mind went from one thing to the next, as she worried about why he hadn’t come today. Maybe Dennis changed his mind and decided not to come. If so, he probably won’t show up for the picnic this afternoon either. That sure would be a disappointment. I’ve been thinking warmly about this since we made plans for the day.
Sylvia’s h
ands began to sweat as another thought popped into her mind. What if Dennis was involved in an accident this morning?
“I thought you said Dennis would be attending our church service this morning,” Amy commented as she drove the horse and buggy on their way home that afternoon. Since the home their service had been in this morning was only a mile away, Henry had decided to walk. Otherwise, they would have taken two buggies, and either Mom or Henry would have been in the driver’s seat.
“That was my understanding too, but I guess something must have happened to detain him.” Sylvia’s fingers tightened around her purse straps. “I hope nothing bad has happened.”
Mom glanced over her shoulder, from her seat at the front of the buggy beside Amy. “Maybe he forgot or changed his mind about coming. Some folks can be unpredictable, you know.”
Sylvia clamped her lips shut to keep from saying anything she might later regret. Is Mom trying to put doubts in my mind about Dennis’s dependability? If so, she needn’t bother. I’ve been questioning it myself. I can’t wait to find out the reason for him not coming to church. Hopefully, nothing serious occurred. I’d feel bad if something had.
“Sylvia, did you hear what I said?”
“Yes, Mom, and when we get home I’ll check the phone shed for messages. Maybe he left me one.”
As they approached their driveway, Rachel began to fuss. No doubt it was time for a nap.
When they pulled up to the hitching rail, Henry came out of the house. He’d left soon after their noon meal following church, so it was understandable that he’d arrived home before them.
“I’ll take care of the horse and put the buggy over by the barn for now. When Dennis gets here, and we’re ready to go out for a picnic, I’ll bring Dusty back and get him hitched to the buggy.” Henry looked over at Amy. “Would you mind drivin’ Mom’s buggy so I can ride with Dennis?”
“It’s fine if you want to ride in Dennis’s rig,” she responded, “but I’ll be riding in Jared’s buggy. “Did you forget that he was invited to our picnic?”
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