The Drifter (Amish Country Brides)

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  After the kinner had been put down to bed for the evening, she joined them in the living room. “I wanted to talk to y’all about something.”

  “Say on,” Silas urged.

  “Well, it’s about…” Tears surfaced in her eyes. Ach, she was never going to get through this if she was crying already. She forced them away. “It’s about Timothy. He’s seeing another girl.” Her voice cracked.

  Mamm was at her side in a split second and Silas reached over and touched her knee.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie,” Mamm said, rubbing her back.

  “The thing is,” she forged on, “I don’t want to stay here and watch them. I don’t want to go to any more singings. And I don’t want to see them glancing at each other during church.” She brushed away more tears.

  Silas frowned. He was obviously out of his comfort zone with this subject.

  “Do you think…would it be possible if I went and stayed with my dad for a while?”

  Mamm and Silas looked at each other. It was that silent communication that she’d seen many married couples do.

  She continued. “He said he was going to go back to New Jersey to pack up his stuff and get things in order. I’d like to go with him. He already said he’d love it if I came along. And he said we could visit with Mammi and Dawdi Beachy for a few days, if we wanted to. I haven’t seen them in a long time.”

  She looked from Silas to her mother. Silas gave Mamm a nod that was ever so slight, she may have missed it if she hadn’t been paying close attention.

  “Let us discuss it for a minute,” Mamm said.

  Bailey waited patiently on the couch, while she heard muffled voices coming from her folks’ bedroom. She wondered what exactly they were discussing.

  A few moments later, they emerged from their room. Silas spoke, “Your mother and I have agreed to let you do this.”

  She felt like squealing.

  “However,” he continued, “we are a little worried about your dad’s Englisch influence on you.”

  “But he’s going to become Amish,” she reasoned.

  “Did he tell you this?”

  “No. But I’m pretty sure and certain he’s going to marry Nora Schwartz.”

  “Did he say that?” Silas glanced at Mamm.

  “No, but did you see the way they look at each other?”

  “Bailey,” Silas held up his hand. “That’s not…ach.”

  “That’s gossip, Bailey,” Mamm warned. She never liked it when Bailey speculated about things.

  “I’m not telling anyone but you. Just wait. You’ll see that I’m right.” She eyed them. “Why else would he be going to New Jersey to pick up his stuff and come back here?”

  “He wants to be near you, baby,” Mamm said.

  “Well, you don’t need to worry about me. I have no intentions of becoming an Englischer. Their lives are way too complicated.”

  Silas studied her. “Just be on your guard.”

  “I’m so excited that we’re going to be together that long. I can teach him more about Jesus.”

  Silas smiled now. “I’m sure he’d like that.”

  “Silas.” Bailey frowned. “I don’t want you to think that you’re not important to me anymore or that I don’t love you.” She stood up, then leaned down to hug him. “Denki for all you’ve done for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better stepfather.”

  He rose to meet her and she felt his embrace tighten around her, then he released her. When she pulled back, she was sure and certain she noticed moisture shimmering in his eyes.

  ~

  Josiah sat across from Nora at her kitchen table. He really liked her home. The ambiance was calm and relaxing. It was almost like a cabin in the woods, with a large meadow out back, which was sort of what it was. He could imagine living here.

  He reached for her hands. “How do you feel about me?”

  Her eyes widened.

  “I’m sorry. I guess that was a pretty direct question.” He chuckled. “Well, let me start with how I feel about you. I care deeply for you and the girls. I like you very much. I think we make a good team. I’m very attracted to you. And I think we could…we would…eventually fall in love.”

  He hoped his blatant words wouldn’t offend her, but they were honest and from his heart.

  Nora smiled. “You know, that’s funny, because I feel exactly the same way. But I’ve learned something about love. It’s not a feeling, although there could be feelings with it. But I see it more as a decision. A commitment to meet the needs of someone else.”

  “Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve ever been in love. I’m not even sure what it’s supposed to look like. But I look at others—Silas and Kayla, Michael and Miriam, Paul and Jenny, my parents—and I want that. For us. So, I’m thinking. How do you feel about taking our relationship to the next level?”

  “Which would be?”

  “I really don’t think dating would work for us.” He smiled and caressed her cheek. “Our passions run too high.”

  “Jah, I’ve noticed that.” Her smile was soft, bashful.

  “I went and spoke with the bishop.”

  Her head shot up. “You did?”

  “I did.” He nodded. “I’ve been praying. And I’m seriously considering joining the church when fall rolls around.”

  “Are you, really?”

  “I am. And after that, if you’re agreeable, well—”

  She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I would be agreeable to that.”

  “I might need someone to help me study the Dordrecht Confession, though.”

  “I might know someone who’s willing.” Her grin widened.

  “Of course, I’d want you to talk to your girls about it to make sure they’re cool with it. And I’ll talk to Bailey.” He rubbed his forehead. “And that’s another thing. If we did, you know, would you be okay with Bailey moving in here—if she wanted to?”

  “Of course. She’s your daughter.”

  “She’s also a teenager.” He studied her.

  “She’d be a great help.”

  “I have no doubt about that.”

  He blew out a breath. He hadn’t even realized how nervous he was. “I should go.”

  He rose from the table. “But before I say goodbye, I’d like to claim one of those kisses.”

  She walked him to the door, then stepped near. “I’d be happy to oblige.”

  Just one, he told himself. He drew her into his arms, leaned down, then pressed his lips to hers. If he only got one kiss tonight, he was going to make it good. After all, he’d be leaving for New Jersey soon and he wanted to leave her with something to remember him by.

  He slipped his fingers from one hand under her kapp, and cradled her face with the other. He lifted her chin slightly, slanting his head so he could kiss her more fully, more deeply. She responded with enthusiasm equal to his. When she whimpered, he finally forced himself away.

  “Was that kiss okay? I had to give you at least one before I leave.” His fingers traced her lips.

  She was trembling. Ach, he’d overdone it. “That was one?” She whispered.

  “I can’t wait to make you my fraa.” He pulled her into an embrace. “I’m going to miss you while I’m gone.”

  “I’ll miss you too. Please hurry back.”

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Bailey stared out the window down the driveway, bouncing on her toes.

  “Calm down, Bailey. Your new dat will be here soon enough,” Judah said.

  Technically, he was her old dad, but she wouldn’t get into that with her younger brother. “I know. I’m just anxious to go. I can’t wait to see everybody in Pennsylvania and see where my dad works. It’s gonna be so much fun.”

  “That’s not fair. How did you get two dads?”

  She sighed. “It’s complicated, Judah. And you probably wouldn’t understand it, so I’m not going to explain,” she said in her big sister voice.

  If she ever did leave here to live with Dad, she was going to mi
ss her siblings. Make that stepsiblings.

  Something flashed outside. “He’s here!”

  Bailey quickly hugged everyone. Why did she feel like she was setting off on a new adventure, a new life? Maybe because she was.

  Hopefully, this would allow her heart to heal and she wouldn’t lament Timothy so much. She shook her head. She refused to dwell on him right now when the adventure of her life was about to begin. Who knew? Maybe she’d meet a new boy in Pennsylvania. One that didn’t care that she’d ever been Englisch.

  “You ready, Bay?”

  She spun around. Dad was beaming. He must be as excited about this trip as she was.

  “I sure am!”

  Judah moaned and rolled his eyes. “It’s all she’s been talking about. And when she gets back I’m going to have to hear about it again for weeks.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Judah. Besides, you love it when I tell you stories. And I’ll have lots of stories to tell.”

  “We might even spend a day at the beach!” Dad said.

  Mamm inhaled a sharp breath and Dad’s gaze shot to her.

  All of a sudden, it seemed like the room went quiet. Like a snowy winter day when not even the clip-clop of buggy horses could be heard. What was going on?

  Dad’s face darkened. “Uh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—I didn’t even think.”

  Silas stepped near and squeezed his shoulder. “It’s all right. That’s in the past now, remember?” He eyed Mamm.

  Mamm recovered. “Yes, Bailey will love the beach. She hasn’t been since she was little.” She turned to Bailey and smiled. “You’ll like the water on the east coast. It’s a lot warmer than where we used to go in California.”

  “I hardly remember.”

  “You’ll have a good time,” Mamm assured.

  “I know I will.” She smiled at Dad. “Are we ready to go?”

  Dad rubbed his hands together. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

  Mamm and Silas and all the kinner walked out to the car with them. Silas held little Aaron in his arms, and Mamm held Lucas by the hand.

  Dad looked at Silas. “Would you pray for us before we go?”

  Silas smiled and nodded. “I’d be happy to. I’ll be praying for you while you’re gone as well.”

  They all bowed their heads while Silas prayed aloud. Bailey said her own prayer, asking God to not only give them a safe and fun trip, but to keep her family here safe as well.

  Mamm embraced her tightly. When she pulled back, tears shimmered in her eyes.

  Bailey whispered in her ear, “You’re not losing me, Mamm.”

  She brushed away a tear. “I know. I’ve just never been away from you for this long. I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too, Mamm. Dad will take good care of me.” She smiled.

  Mamm glanced at Dad. “I know he will.”

  Ach, it was so good to see them getting along now. At one point, it seemed impossible. But Gott had been good. He’d given them healing.

  Bailey waved through the window as she and Dad drove down the driveway. He stopped at the end of the lane to allow a horse and buggy to pass. She gasped when the driver looked her way, then scowled. Ach, Timothy!

  “You know that boy?” Dad turned out onto the road, soon passing by Timothy’s buggy.

  Timothy stared the entire time.

  “That’s Timothy.”

  “Ah, the sort-of boyfriend.”

  “No. He’s not my boyfriend at all. Anymore. He has someone else now.”

  “Oh.” Dad frowned. “I’m sorry, Bay.”

  She pressed her lips together, resisting the urge to glance into the rearview mirror before Dad turned onto the main road. “It’s one of the reasons I was so eager to come with you. I hate seeing him with someone else. It feels like an elephant stepping on my heart.”

  “That sounds painful.” He winced.

  “It is.”

  “Hey, I know you probably don’t want to hear this right now. But there are a lot of other boys out there, hoping to meet a nice girl like you.”

  Jah, but they weren’t Timothy—the one she loved.

  “Maybe God has someone better in mind for you. You can trust Him.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Not to change the subject, but I need to talk to you about something.”

  “I don’t mind a different subject.”

  “I wanted to let you know that I’m planning to become Plain again.”

  A smile spread across her face. “Really?”

  “Yes, in the Eichers’ district.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that!”

  “And I’m thinking of settling down.” He glanced at her. “How do you feel about Elnora Schwartz?”

  “Nora? I like her. She’s nice.”

  “I like her too.”

  “You’re going to marry her, aren’t you?”

  “I hope so.”

  “I knew it! I told Mamm and Silas that you were going to become Amish and marry Nora.”

  He chuckled. “You did? How did you know?”

  “I’m a good guesser.”

  “I was also thinking…I talked with Nora about this already…that if you wanted to come and live with us, we wouldn’t be against it. Of course, you’d have to ask your folks. I know your mother is awfully attached to you.”

  “Jah, she is. But I eventually have to find my own way.”

  “Maybe we should pray about it.”

  “I like that idea.”

  ~

  Their two weeks in New Jersey and Pennsylvania had flown by, just like most of his life, Josiah realized. He glanced across the car at his daughter, who was now asleep. How had this girl grown up so quickly? Where had the years gone?

  He knew that he’d missed out on most of her life. It was something he’d always regret. But they had here and now. And by the grace of God, he would make the most of it.

  Truthfully, he was excited to see what God had planned up ahead. He’d likely be married by the end of this year. He’d be a member of the g’may. He’d be joining his friends Michael, Silas, Paul, and Sammy for weekly Bible studies and growing in his knowledge of God.

  And then there was Bailey. She’d likely be finding a life mate and beginning a new chapter of her life. Chances are, they’d have kinner the same age. Imagine that! And if his friends’ happiness was any indication of what he had to look forward to, well, he was ready to dive right in.

  And that was exactly what he planned to do.

  EPILOGUE

  The following spring…

  Josiah reached for his fraa’s hand, intertwining his fingers with hers, as they gently swayed on Sammy Eicher’s porch swing. He glanced toward the yard, where Bailey pushed his stepdaughters on the swings. His heart couldn’t get any fuller. Especially since this morning, when Nora whispered in his ear that he was going to be a daddy again—but it was like the first time, since he hadn’t gotten a chance at raising Bailey.

  Michael stepped onto the porch at the same time Nora stood.

  Nora squeezed his hand. “I’m going to see if Miriam needs help with anything.”

  Michael smiled. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate that. She was up half the night with the boppli.” Their little one had arrived about three weeks ago.

  Josiah couldn’t wait to hold his own boppli in his arms. He was tempted to tell his friend about their surprise, but he kept it to himself.

  “What’s got you so quiet?” Michael sank down next to him.

  He hoped the swing would hold the both of them.

  “Just thinking about things. About life. About God’s goodness.”

  “He sure is good, isn’t He?”

  Josiah set the swing in motion with the toe of his boot. “I felt like I had been in a boat on the sea most of my life, never really going anywhere, just drifting. But now? Now, I feel like I’ve finally arrived at a destination. And it feels good. I’m no longer a drifter. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m home.”


  Michael smiled back at him. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  THE END

  Thanks for reading!

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  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. We first read about Josiah Beachy in The Trespasser, Amish Country Brides, book one. What were your initial thoughts of him at the end of that book, provided you’ve read it?

  2. Bailey is heartbroken when Timothy shares his news with her. Do you think his parents were just in attempting to protect their son?

  3. When Bailey discovers her mother’s secret, she’s unsure how to handle it. Have you ever discovered someone else’s secret? How did you handle it?

  4. Since leaving his community, Josiah has been (mostly) estranged from his friends. Have you been estranged from friends who were once close?

  5. When Elnora and Josiah first meet, she accepts a ride with him. Have you ever accepted a ride with a stranger? Did you live to tell about it? (Just kidding.) Real question: Would you do it again?

  6. Josiah and Nora seemed to click instantly. Have you ever begun a relationship that way?

  7. Bailey was eager to share Jesus’ love with her father. If you are a Christian, have you ever shared Jesus with someone? Did that person accept Christ?

  8. Josiah had decided he wasn’t interested in religion since he’d grown up in it. But Silas showed him that salvation was not a result of being religious, it was about God’s gift to mankind. Have you personally accepted God’s gift? If you’d like to, please see Chapter Twenty.

  9. What were your final thoughts of Josiah Beachy?