Before Henry could respond, Sylvia spoke up. “We’re not even sure if Dennis is coming. He wasn’t in church, even though he said he would be.”
“No need to worry.” Henry held up his hand. “Since I didn’t see Dennis in church, I stopped at the phone shed on my way into the yard to see if he might have left us a message.”
“And did he?” Mom asked.
“Jah. Said he forgot to set his alarm and woke up too late, but he’ll be over in time for our picnic. Dennis also said he’d try to make it to our church service on his next off-Sunday.”
Mom made a little grunting sound in her throat. “Waking up late on a Sunday morning doesn’t sound like someone’s who very dependable. I’ve always managed to get up in time to go to church.”
Sylvia felt relieved, knowing Dennis was all right and still planned to join them, and by this time, she had the children out of the buggy. So rather than comment on her mother’s judgmental statement, she headed straight for the house with her little ones. Rachel needed a diaper change, and both she and Allen were going down for a nap. Otherwise, they’d be cranky the rest of the day. Besides, Sylvia was eager to get inside before her mother said anything more about Dennis. Hopefully while they were on their picnic, Mom would get to know him better and realize what a nice man he was.
“Hmm… So far still no German shepherds being offered in The Budget or local newspaper.” Dennis tapped his fingers against the table where he sat drinking a second cup of coffee. “I suppose I’ll have to go to the animal shelter soon and have a looksee.”
He glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall. It was about time to leave. Dennis pushed back his chair and went into the bathroom to see if his hair had been combed neatly enough.
I hope Sylvia forgives me for goofing up and sleeping in this morning.
Dennis moved away from the mirror and headed out the back door. When he entered the barn, he was greeted by friendly stomping and nickering of the geldings. Midnight looked in his direction, and the closer Dennis got to his stall, the more pawing his horse did.
“Okay, buddy, simmer down. You and I are going for a ride to the Kings’ place.” He led Midnight out of the paddock and got the animal geared up and hooked to the buggy.
“Sure hope Sylvia got my message.” Dennis spoke out loud. Although his horse couldn’t understand what he was talking about, the gelding’s ears perked up.
Dennis chuckled. “You think I’m talking to you, don’t you, boy?”
Midnight whinnied and flipped his tail.
“You’re a schmaert one, huh?” Dennis climbed into the buggy, backed the horse up, and flicked the reins.
All the way to the Kings’ house, his thoughts were on Sylvia. Would she be pleased to see him or upset because he hadn’t shown up in church? He hoped it wouldn’t be the latter. He couldn’t help wanting to be with Sylvia. He’d gone out with other Amish women before, but no one had interested him until now. It frightened Dennis a bit, but not enough to stay away. His fear of commitment was beginning to wane.
As they traveled along, Dennis thought about his business and how he’d gained more clients. If he could keep things moving along at this rate, he should be able to support a wife and children.
Would I make a good father to Sylvia’s kinner? He let go of the reins with one hand and pinched the bridge of his nose. I shouldn’t be thinking this way. We’re still in the early phase of a relationship, and it’s not in my nature to rush ahead.
When Dennis started up the Kings’ driveway, he spotted Henry in the yard, playing fetch with his dog. The boy threw the stick and raced over to Dennis’s horse as soon as he pulled up to the hitching rail.
“I’ll tie him up for you,” Henry called.
Dennis nodded, and once Midnight was secure, he climbed down from the buggy.
“Glad you could make it.” Henry spoke rapidly as he moved toward Dennis. “Sorry you didn’t come to church, but we got your message.”
“Good to hear.” Dennis looked toward the house. “Is Sylvia inside?”
“Jah, and so are the others. I’ll go let ’em know you’re here. Then we can all head out for our picnic.” Henry rushed inside.
Figuring it would be best not to barge into the house uninvited, Dennis took a seat on the porch swing.
Several minutes went by, and then Dennis caught sight of a male mockingbird sitting on top of a shrub in the yard. He recognized the bird’s silvery gray head and back, with a light gray chest and belly. It didn’t take long before it began to sing.
Caught up in the moment, Dennis’s head jerked to one side when the screen door slammed. He turned and saw Sylvia standing in front of the door with a wicker basket in her hands. “I’m glad you could make it.”
He gave a nod. “So am I. Sorry about missing church this morning. I’ll have to try again in two weeks.”
“That’d be nice.”
He rose from the swing and approached her. “Want me to take that basket and put it in my buggy?”
“Yes, please.” Sylvia handed it to him.
“So where’s everyone else?”
“They’re coming.” She gave Dennis another heart-melting smile.
He drew in a quick breath. Why am I so affected by this woman? The fact that Sylvia had children didn’t bother him in the least, which surprised him most of all.
As Sylvia sat on a blanket near the pond located a few miles from her mother’s home, she breathed deeply of the wildflowers growing nearby. Lily pads floated on the surface of the water, and a pair of mallard ducks swam nearby. A bird flapped its wings overhead as it took flight, and Dennis leaned closer to Sylvia and pointed. “Did you see that Horned Lark?”
“I saw a tannish-brown bird but didn’t know what it was called.”
“Horned Larks are birds of open ground,” Henry interjected. “They’re common in rural areas like this and are usually seen in large flocks.”
Dennis nodded. “I’m impressed with your knowledge, young man.”
Henry grinned and grabbed another chocolate whoopie pie from the dessert basket. Although her brother had eaten more than his share of ham-and-cheese sandwiches, not to mention several peanut butter cookies, apparently he had room for more.
Sylvia glanced at her mother, sitting on a separate blanket with the children. They’d spread both blankets side-by-side, so they could all visit while enjoying the picnic lunch Sylvia, Amy, and Mom had prepared.
Sylvia couldn’t help but notice how quiet Mom was today. When she did say something, it was directed to Amy and Jared, who sat close to her.
Sylvia felt a little guilty that her mother was stuck caring for Allen and Rachel, but she’d volunteered to oversee them while eating, so she must not mind.
Once everyone had finished eating, and the food had been put away, Dennis suggested that he and Sylvia take a walk.
“Just the two of us?”
“Jah. If no one else minds.”
Sylvia looked in Amy and Jared’s direction. Jared shrugged, and Amy smiled and said, “Go ahead. I’ll stay here with Mom to keep an eye on the kinner.”
Mom sat quietly, holding Rachel in her lap. Since she made no objection, Sylvia picked up her binoculars and stood. She looked over at Henry and noticed his wrinkled brows but didn’t feel it was her place to invite him on the walk.
Dennis led the way down a path that followed the circumference of the pond. When her family was no longer visible, he stopped walking and placed his hand on her arm. “I…uh…don’t quite know how to say this, Sylvia, but I really enjoy your company. Would it be okay if I stop by to visit you one evening this week?”
She moistened her lips with her tongue and swallowed hard. Was Dennis asking if he could court her? Did she want him to?
Sylvia needed to answer Dennis’s question, but she could barely find her voice as she stared at the ducks in the pond. I’d like to see more of Dennis, and it’s wonderful to know he enjoys my company. The fact that Dennis wanted to see her again must
mean he was interested in her. And if Sylvia were being completely honest with herself, she was interested in him too. She’d never imagined having feelings for anyone but Toby, but Sylvia felt drawn to Dennis.
She lifted her head and turned to face him. “I’d be pleased if you came over to see me. It would make me happy to spend more time with you.”
A wide smile formed on his face. “What evening would work best for you?”
“How about Wednesday, and why don’t you plan on joining us for supper?”
“That’d be great, if it won’t be any trouble.”
Sylvia shook her head. “Not a bit. Is there anything special you’d like me to cook?”
“Nope. Whatever you fix is fine. I’m not a picky eater.”
“Neither am I, but my Allen sure is. I have to coax him to try new things.”
Dennis chuckled and then pointed to another pair of ducks. “Look over there. In case you didn’t know, those are called blue-wing teals.”
“No, I didn’t know. I’ve seen ducks like that before but never knew their name.” Sylvia moved closer to the pond, watching as the male and female, both smaller than the mallards they’d seen previously, dipped their beaks in the water to catch a few bugs.
“The ducks’ name comes from the fact that they have a blue wing patch, but it’s usually only seen when they’re in flight.” Dennis squatted down in the grassy area. “These are some of the smallest ducks in North America. They are also one of the longest-distance migrating ducks.”
“The female looks pretty plain,” Sylvia commented. “The large, white crescent-shaped mark at the base of the mallard’s bill certainly sets him apart.”
Dennis nodded. “It does, as well as his black tail with a small white patch.”
Sylvia knelt beside him. “I still can’t get over how much you know about the birds in this state. You must retain everything you learn.”
Dennis shrugged. “Maybe so, but I mostly remember things I care about.” He looked at Sylvia intently.
Her heart beat a little faster than normal. She remembered how Toby used to look at her like that.
“Hey, you two—didn’t you hear us calling?”
Sylvia looked over her shoulder and saw Jared heading their way.
Dennis took hold of Sylvia’s hand and helped her stand. It was a good thing too, because her legs felt like they were made of rubber. She wasn’t sure if she could take a step forward.
“What were you calling about?” Dennis asked.
“Sylvia’s kinner are getting fussy, and it’ll be getting dark soon. Your mamm thinks we should be heading for home.”
Dennis looked up at the darkening sky. “She’s right, and from the looks of things, we might be in for a storm. Sure don’t want to be caught out here if it starts raining heavily.”
“Me neither,” Sylvia agreed as they turned and headed back to the place where they’d had their picnic meal.
Virginia washed the last of the lunch dishes by hand, since there weren’t enough to fill the dishwasher. “I’ll be glad to get this done so I can relax.”
“I thought you were going over to the greenhouse to buy some plants or flowers today,” Earl said when he came in from outside, wiping perspiration from his forehead.
“I was, and I’m still planning to go there, so don’t worry.” Virginia had hoped he wouldn’t notice the empty flowerbed along the side of the house. “It’s not like I can go there today, anyway,” she added. “Since it’s Sunday, their business is closed.”
“Then lucky you, it seems.” He chuckled.
She finished up her work at the sink and shut off the running water.
He took a glass from the cupboard and filled it with orange juice from the refrigerator. “After I drink this, I’m heading back outside to finish painting that trim I sanded yesterday.”
“Okay.” Virginia took a seat at the table. I’m glad he quit bugging me about those flowers. But I still need to go over to the greenhouse and play nicey-nice, or we’ll never get a wedding invitation.
Amy looked over at Jared and smiled. She felt fortunate to have him in her life, and it was hard to believe in just a few months she would become his bride. She couldn’t imagine her life without him.
As the swaying of Jared’s buggy threatened to lull her to sleep, Amy’s thoughts turned to other things.
I wonder if Mom is right about Dennis. Could he be interested in Sylvia as more than a friend?
She looked toward a large home coming up on the right. I’d like to have a place like that after Jared and I are married. But whatever size our home turns out to be, I plan on entertaining our family and friends.
Switching gears, Amy recapped what her mother had said earlier. Soon after Dennis and Sylvia walked away together, Mom had begun talking about him and not in a good way. She’d mentioned one more time, with a look of disapproval, that she thought Dennis had set his cap for Sylvia. Amy saw nothing wrong with this, as long as he and Sylvia didn’t rush into anything. They needed time to get to know each other well, and it would be good if Sylvia met Dennis’s parents and siblings. Mom thought it was strange that he hadn’t told Sylvia much about his family—only that they lived in Dauphin County.
To give Dennis the benefit of the doubt, Amy figured he probably wanted to get to know Sylvia’s family first. If he approves of us, then he’ll surely want my sister to meet and get to know his parents too.
Jared reached over and took Amy’s hand. “You’re awfully quiet. Are you feeling mied and anxious to get home?”
“I am a little tired,” she admitted, “but I’ve mostly been thinking.”
He stroked her hand with his thumb. “About us?”
“Jah, mostly.” Amy thought it best not to mention her sister and Dennis—not with Mom in the back seat with the children. Although Rachel and Allen had fallen asleep, their grandmother was no doubt listening to Amy and Jared’s conversation. If Amy brought up the topic of Dennis, Mom would want to add her two cents.
Amy leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes. She tried to visualize what it would be like on the day of her and Jared’s wedding. All of their family and friends would be present. She hoped the fall weather would cooperate for their special day and everything would go as planned. Oh, what a joyous occasion it will be.
The entire way home, all Belinda could think about was how improper if had been for Dennis to ask Sylvia to go for a walk with him alone. They should have had some supervision. When Vernon and I were courting, we followed the rules. We didn’t step out of line and do things that might cause our parents to worry or fret over our actions.
Her fingernails cut into her skin as she drew them tightly into her palms. Why didn’t Dennis ask my son to walk with them? He knows how much Henry enjoys bird-watching. The longer Belinda reflected on the way things had gone, the more frustrated she became.
On top of my daughter agreeing to walk with Dennis alone, she hardly paid any attention to her children while we were eating lunch. The responsibility of looking after Rachel and Allen fell on me and Amy, and it wasn’t fair. Belinda shifted on her unyielding seat as she sat between her precious grandchildren. These two deserve their mother’s full attention, and Sylvia should be riding back here with them, instead of in Dennis’s buggy.
Belinda craned her neck to look between Jared and Amy. She saw Dennis’s horse and buggy moving along at a pretty good clip ahead of them.
At least he invited Henry to ride in his rig. Belinda leaned her head against the seatback. But then, what other choice did he have? There wasn’t room in Jared’s carriage for more people.
Belinda hoped Dennis wouldn’t come around too often. It wasn’t good for Sylvia to be so distracted. She had two young children to raise, and that should come first.
Sylvia glanced over her shoulder, wondering why her brother was so quiet. He hadn’t said a word since they’d begun their journey home. Henry sat slouched in the back seat with his arms folded and lips pressed together. Was
he tired, or could he be upset about something?
Maybe he felt left out because Dennis and I took a walk by ourselves, Sylvia reasoned. I probably should have invited him to go along. Sylvia fiddled with the ties on her head covering. But since it was Dennis’s idea to go for the walk, and he only asked me, it wasn’t my place to invite my brother. Besides, I enjoyed the time Dennis and I had alone. It gave us another chance to get to know each other better.
Sylvia thought about how things could change in the years to come. Jared and Amy would be married this year. She and Dennis could even end up that way sometime in the future. Also, Mom might eventually find someone if she chose to. Of course, Henry would, in due time, find a special woman to court and sooner or later get married. Sylvia felt a little overwhelmed at the prospect of what could be, with the addition of new family members.
Marriage to Dennis was a silly notion, given the fact that they were so newly acquainted, but Sylvia found herself wondering if she might possibly have a future with him.
Would Toby approve if it did happen? she wondered. And how would the rest of my family feel about it? Would Dennis be a good stepfather, and could my children accept him as such?
It wasn’t like her to think such thoughts about another man, much less the prospect of having a future with him. She felt relieved when Dennis struck up a conversation about birds that included both her and Henry.
She glanced at Dennis, then looked quickly away. I’m glad he can’t get into my head and know my thoughts. That would be most embarrassing.
As they drew closer to home, Sylvia caught sight of Maude ambling along the shoulder of the road. Keeping her head down, the elderly woman never even glanced their way. Surely she had to hear the horses plodding along.
I wish we knew more about that poor lady. Sylvia repressed a sigh. Surely she must have some family somewhere.
“Who is that woman?” Dennis asked. “Is she one of your neighbors?”
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