“Normally, we would have you make a confession before the church and put you both in the ban for six weeks. However, since your situation is unique, I think a confession before the g’may will be sufficient. A ban would likely be difficult to uphold given the circumstances.” He turned to the other leaders. “What are your thoughts?”
John Troyer, one of the ministers, spoke up, alarm in his tone. “You are not concerned this will encourage wantonness amongst our youngie?”
“I think a pregnancy out-of-wedlock with a child under the supervision of the government, combined with a wedding out-of-season is sufficient warning for our young folks.” The deacon concurred with the bishop.
“You have a gut point.” The other minister added his two cents. His eyes trained on the bishop. “When will they marry?”
The bishop frowned, rubbing his wiry white beard. “Due to the manner in which Michael and Miriam have gone about this, I do not feel it is our place to sanction the marriage.” He turned to Michael. “I think it would be best if your ceremony is conducted by a justice of the peace.”
Mamm gasped the same time Miriam sucked in a breath. Not even an Amish wedding? She hung her head, begging her tears not to fall. She didn’t dare look up at Daed.
The minister spoke up again, facing the other leaders. “How do you feel about enacting the ban once they are married? I feel strongly that something other than a confession is necessary.”
“I have to agree with John,” the other minister said. “A mere confession seems too light a consequence.”
“Very well. We will vote during the next meeting.” The bishop nodded to the other leaders. He turned to Michael, but glanced at Miriam as well. “You will be seeing the justice of the peace soon then, I presume?”
Michael studied Miriam, his mien hovering between remorseful and excited. She dipped her head slightly.
“Jah, we will take care of that,” Michael stated.
More than anything, Miriam just wanted their company to be gone, so she could break down in Michael’s arms.
~
Michael hung up the phone on the shanty wall. He turned to Miri, who sat waiting on the lone plastic chair. “Okay, they said we will need proof of residency, identity, and date of birth.” Michael frowned. “And a Social Security number. And they need our folks’ names and the state where they were born.”
“What does all that mean? Proof of residency?”
“I’m not entirely sure. But I think…” He stared down at the list he’d written. “Do you have a driver’s license?”
“From when I was Englisch. It’s in my secret box.”
“And a Social Security number?”
“Jah. They said I had to have it for a job.”
“What about a birth certificate?”
She nodded. “I couldn’t get my Social Security card without it, so I ordered one. I had to have all of those things for the adoption too.”
“Okay. She said we could bring two pieces of mail each, showing our address for the residency part.” He chuckled wryly. “My hospital bills should vouch for that.”
“Do you know where your folks were born?”
He nodded. “Both in Pennsylvania. How about yours?”
“I think maybe Indiana and Michigan? I can ask.”
He rubbed his hands together. “Well, it looks like we’re set to get our marriage license then.” He couldn’t tamp down his excitement and drew her near. “In two days, I’ll make you my fraa.”
“Jah.” Her chin quivered.
He slipped his fingers under it, raising her eyes to meet his. “I’m going to do everything in my power so you don’t regret marrying me for even a minute, Miriam Yoder.”
At her nod, he bent down and pressed his lips to hers. Making Miri his fraa would be a dream come true.
~
“You’re what?” Nora practically hollered the words. “Wait! It sounds like I’ve been missing out on a whole lot here. You cannot be getting married to Michael Eicher!”
Miriam suppressed a smile. “I am. Tomorrow. And I want you to be there.”
“Okay, rewind.” Nora held up a hand. “Tell me right now. Are you in the familye way?”
“Nee.”
“Don’t tell me you’re leaving the g’may. You’re not going to become Englisch with Michael.”
“Nee, Michael’s becoming Amish. Or, I should say, he’s rejoining the church.”
“I’m still not getting this. Help me out, Miriam. Why the courthouse?”
She sighed heavily. “I guess you’ll find out soon enough anyhow.”
“Find out what?”
“Michael and I already had a boppli together.”
“What?” Nora bellowed.
“We have a little boy. His name is Michael. He’s four years old.”
“You better be making this up.”
“I’m not. That’s why I left to live in the Englisch world.” She sucked in a breath. “We will make a confession at the next church meeting. And we will be under the ban for six weeks.”
Nora’s mouth hung open. “You’re not joking.”
Miriam shook her head. “Will you come? Stand with me? At my wedding?”
“Yes. Sure. Absolutely.” Nora pulled Miriam in for a fierce hug. “Why didn’t you tell me any of this until now?”
“I don’t know. I was scared, I guess.” She shrugged. “Then when Michael came back, so did our past. We couldn’t ignore it.”
“Where is your little boy?”
“He had been adopted, but he’s in foster care now. Michael and I want to try to get him back.”
“Oh, wow.” Nora shook her head. “You think you know a guy.”
“But you were right about Michael. He’s different now. He’s changed. Matured.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that. I’ll be there tomorrow. Ten o’clock sharp. With a camera.”
“A camera?” Miriam’s jaw went slack.
“It’s an Englisch wedding. Why not?” She winked. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Miriam stood next to Michael, a man in a black robe stood in front of them holding a Bible in his hands.
“Do you have the rings?”
Michael looked at Miriam and frowned. “Uh…do we need to have rings? We do not wear rings in the Amish.”
The justice of the peace eyed their attire and shrugged. “I guess it’s not required. Do you exchange something else, then?”
“No. Just vows before God.” Michael cast a half smile in her direction.
“Okay, then.” He glanced down at a slip of paper in his open Bible. “We are gathered together today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join Michael Eicher and Miriam Yoder in holy matrimony.”
Miriam glanced behind her at Nora, whose smile could have lit up the entire room.
“Michael, do you take Miriam to be your lawfully wedded wife? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health? To have and to hold, to love, honor, and cherish as long as you both shall live?” The justice of the peace waited for Michael’s response.
Michael nodded and took ahold of her hand. “Yes. I do.” He smiled confidently.
“And do you, Miriam, take Michael to be your lawfully wedded husband? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health? To have and to hold, to love, honor, and cherish as long as you both shall live?”
She nodded and squeezed Michael’s hands. “I do.”
“I’m going to change this script a little bit, since you’re not exchanging rings.” The man said. “Michael, will you take both of Miriam’s hands in yours?”
He did as asked.
“Michael, repeat after me. With this vow, I thee wed. And pledge my constant faith and abiding love.”
Michael repeated the words, with tears shimmering in his eyes.
The justice of the peace continued. “Miriam, please repeat after me: With this vow, I thee wed. And pledge my constant faith and
abiding love.”
She repeated likewise, squeezing Michael’s hands.
“By the authority vested in me by the state of Indiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Michael, you may kiss your bride.”
Miriam’s eyes widened when Michael leaned forward and gently brushed his lips with hers. In plain sight of several strangers, Nora, and Sammy! Thankfully, her folks hadn’t come. Ach, the Englisch ways never ceased to astound her. Of all the things she imagined today, she’d never dreamed of the first kiss by her husband being in public.
~
Michael had insisted on treating his bride to a fancy meal after the ceremony. They opted to stay the night in a hotel instead of returning home right away. Dawdi had told him to take his time and to be sure to spoil her. And spoil her, he had in mind to do. Whatever she wanted.
Their taxi driver dropped them off in front of the hotel they’d be spending the night in. He loved watching Miri’s expressions. First, when they’d pulled up to the expensive high-rise hotel. Then, when they’d walked into the hotel’s fancy lobby. A stunning chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals projecting glorious rainbows of color on the walls. He was certain she’d never seen anything so extravagant.
They strolled up to the check-in desk, hand-in-hand. “We have a reservation for tonight. The name is Michael Eicher.”
The receptionist typed his name into the computer in front of her, surveyed them carefully—a smile playing on her lips—then nodded. “The Honeymoon Suite?”
He glanced at Miri. “Yep, that’s the one.”
“I’ll need to see your ID and credit card, please.”
He dug into his pants pocket and fished them out of his wallet.
“Thank you.” She handed him a receipt, along with two cards in an envelope. She pointed beyond them. “To the elevators. Then to the fifteenth floor. You’ll see signs on the wall with room numbers.”
“Okay, I think we’ll find it. Thank you.” He took Miri’s hand in his again, pulling their lone suitcase along in the other. “I can’t wait to see our room.”
“Have you been here before?” Miri took everything in, which was fine with him—for now. Eventually, he’d want her focus solely on him.
“No, but I’ve read good things about it.” He pushed the Up button on the elevator control panel.
“It’s so fancy.” The elevator dinged and the doors opened for them. Fortunately, the elevator was empty. They quickly stepped inside and he pushed in the number of the floor their room was located on.
“Nothing but the best for my bride.” As soon as the doors closed, he pulled her into his arms and dropped his lips to hers. It was the first moment of privacy they’d had since the ceremony, and he’d been dying to kiss his new bride.
He pulled away when the elevator came to a halt at the fifth floor. The doors opened and three people stepped in. So much for privacy. The elevator made two more stops before finally arriving at their designated floor.
~
Miriam nearly swooned the moment she’d walked into their Honeymoon Suite. Her new husband had been nothing but surprises since they’d said “I do.” She was sure no other Amish woman alive had been this spoiled on her wedding night.
Normally, after a full day of activities and feasting, an Amish couple would spend the night at the bride’s folks’ place. The next day, they’d have to clean up from the festivities the day before. She’d half-expected to feel depressed because she hadn’t participated in an Amish wedding ceremony of her own. Should she feel guilty that she was actually happy with the way things turned out? No stress, no clean-up required, no lack of privacy. Jah, she kind of liked it this way. She’d certainly have a story to tell that was different from everyone else’s.
Michael Eicher had so far proved to be a first-rate husband.
A chilled bottle of sparkling cider awaited them in their room, along with chocolate-covered strawberries, and a lovely bouquet of red roses. Her face had nearly caught fire when her husband pointed out the jacuzzi tub for two. The hotel had even provided robes for them to wear. One of her favorite features was their private balcony with a view overlooking the city. She could only imagine how gorgeous it would be when the sun completely disappeared, the darkness emerged, and the city lights took on an electric glow.
Michael mentioned that he’d also purchased tickets for a theatre production, but it wouldn’t start for several hours. They had the entire afternoon to themselves for rest, relaxation, and romance.
Truly, this would be a night she’d never forget.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Neither Michael nor Miriam had expected the reception they’d received at Dawdi’s when they returned home from their brief honeymoon. Several close friends and family members had greeted them with food and gifts and well wishes. Dawdi and Miri’s friend Nora had planned the entire event.
Michael was happy their family celebrated the event, although the community as a whole had not.
Even so, they were glad for some peace and quiet when all their guests drove home for the evening.
Dawdi yawned then stood from his chair. He eyed Michael and Miri as they cuddled on the couch. “Guess it’s time for me to turn in. Oh, and before I forget, some mail came for you today, Michael.” He pointed to the desk in the corner. “Well, good night you two.”
“Good night, Dawdi,” they said in unison as he disappeared down the hall.
Michael turned to his wife of one day. “What about you, fraa?” He raised his eyebrows twice. “You ready to turn in too?” His fingers slowly slid down her arm.
“Are you?’
“Only if you are.”
“I am a little tired after the commotion of the last couple of days, not that I mind.” She leaned over and kissed him on the mouth. It was something he’d never tire of. She unfastened one of the buttons of his shirt, then two, teasing him. “Why don’t I go get ready for bed while you read your mail?”
Ach, he didn’t care a lick about his mail right now. He wanted to follow his fraa. “Jah, okay.”
As she stepped into the bathroom, he closed his eyes, recalling the intimate moments they’d shared in their hotel room. Hot anticipation flowed through his entire body at the thought of his fraa sharing his bed tonight. He’d dreamed of this night since the day he’d arrived at Dawdi’s. He could hardly believe he was married to Miriam Yoder. The woman of his dreams.
He’d better hurry up and read his blasted mail before his fraa fell asleep without him. He hurried to Dawdi’s desk and stopped short when he noticed a handwritten envelope addressed to him. The handwriting appeared to be feminine in nature. The other piece of mail seemed official looking. Had they secured a court date?
He hastily tore open the envelope and read the words on the page. “Yes!” In just over a month, he’d be able to speak to a judge about reclaiming his and Miri’s son. He couldn’t wait to share the news with his fraa.
He quickly opened the second envelope. It was only a single page. One paragraph, in fact. One paragraph that had the potential to change the rest of his life. He carefully read the words over and over again, to be sure he hadn’t missed the “just kidding” line. But there was no such line. Only the stark truth.
There was a very real possibility that he was HIV positive. And if that was the case, his brand-new wife was now too.
~
Miriam stepped into Sammy’s darkened living room. She’d gone to the bedroom nearly thirty minutes ago, but Michael never joined her. Surely he’d finished reading his mail by now.
“Michael? Are you in here?”
Silence answered back.
Goosebumps suddenly prickled on her arms. Something wasn’t right.
She heard a faint squeaking sound. The porch swing. What was Michael doing? He’d said he’d be in shortly. Perhaps he’d just needed some fresh air.
She sighed, then stepped out onto the porch. The breeze caused her to shiver in her thin nightgown. Or maybe the shiver was from something else ent
irely. “Michael? What are you doing out here?”
“Miri?” His voice cracked with emotion. Something was definitely wrong. “I…I couldn’t come in.”
She moved to sit next to him on the porch swing. She took his hand in hers. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know if I can tell you.” Anguish poured from his lips. She’d never seen Michael in such a state.
“What do you mean?”
“I may have ruined our lives.”
“What?”
“Miri,” he released a hard sob, “I think I’m HIV positive.”
“But we…”
“I’m sorry, Miri. I had no idea.”
She shot up from the swing and shook her head. “This is not happening.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re sorry?” Her eyes filled with moisture. “You’ve given me a gift that will effectively reduce my life by decades and…you’re sorry? I knew this was too good to be true.”
“Miri, I didn’t know! If I did, I never would have married you.”
“You didn’t think to get tested before asking me to marry you?”
“Why would I? I’m perfectly healthy. And I…I took certain measures.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “Did you get tested?”
The accusation in his voice flared her anger. How dare he turn this on her! “I’ve been with one person, Michael. One. My husband.”
“Well, what do you want me to do about it?”
“I don’t know. All I know is that marrying you was a mistake.” She turned on her heel and stormed back into the house alone. What on earth had she done? She should have never agreed to marry Michael Eicher. Tears watered her pillow until she’d finally drifted off into a fitful sleep.
TWENTY-NINE
Michael awakened to a firm hand nudging his shoulder. He attempted opening his eyes, but his eyelashes seemed melded shut from the onslaught of grief he’d endured the night before. His heart still physically ached from Miri’s rejection and the sorrow he’d caused her. What kind of a husband was he?
He sat up, swiping the fresh barrage of tears.
The Heartbreaker (Amish Country Brides) Page 12