“Jah. Me too.” He grinned.
He took the fishing pole and cast a line into the creek. He settled on the quilt next to Ruth. “I know they won’t approve. They will insist I court an Amish girl.”
Ruth cast her line in too after Mahlon baited her hook. “I have no idea what my parents will say, but I’m pretty sure they’ll have objections too.”
“What are we going to do?” His line jiggled and he reeled in a small fish. “I do believe I need a kiss.”
“That’s too small, you need to throw it back.”
“I’ll throw it back, but that wasn’t the deal.”
“Fine.” She leaned toward him and lightly pecked his cheek. “There.”
“You’re looking for a fight, aren’t you?”
“Small fish, small kiss.”
“Then I’m going to pray my next one is a twenty-pound large-mouth bass.”
She laughed. “Are there even bass in this stream?”
He shrugged “I don’t know, but I’ll pray for one nonetheless.”
“What am I gonna do with you?”
“Oh, I have some ideas.”
“Like what?” She dared.
“You can start by marrying me. After that, well, whatever we want.”
“We haven’t even known each other very long. How do you know you’re going to be able to put up with me? How do I know if I’m going to be able to put up with you?” She laughed. “Besides, our parents are clueless about our relationship. Good luck getting them to consent to our marriage.”
“I’m going to tell my folks tonight.”
“Really? You’re brave.”
“Why don’t you tell your folks too? We can’t hide our relationship forever.”
She blew out a breath. “Well, you’re right. Sooner or later they’ll know. I can hear my father now. You need to date him for at least two years before you can even consider marriage.”
“Two years?! That seems like forever.” Mahlon shook his head. “You don’t think they already suspect something?”
“It’s possible. I have been spending a lot of time at your place.”
“But they think you’re meeting with my mamm.”
“True. And I have been meeting with your mother. But they did know about the two of us going into town together. They may have thought it was strictly business, though.”
Mahlon frowned as he remembered the Englisch guy again. “Would they rather you marry that Englischer?”
“Maybe, but my parents aren’t going to choose who I marry. If they don’t like the idea of us being together, then maybe we can spend more time with our families as a couple. If they see how we get along, they might just see—”
“That we’re perfect for each other?” He grinned and kissed her lips.
“Yes.”
EIGHT
“You’re what?”
Ruth cringed at her father’s raised voice. She attempted to remain calm. “I’m dating Mahlon, our neighbor.”
“The Amish boy?” Her mother’s voice screeched.
“Yes, he’s Amish. He’s twenty-one years old. He owns his own woodshop and does great work. You should see his furniture. Uncle Jim is carrying some in his store.” She felt like she was trying to sell him.
Her father frowned. “But he’s Amish.”
She held out her hands, palms up. “What is wrong with that?”
“Really, Ruthie? You have to ask?” Her father shook his head. “They don’t even drive automobiles or use tractors. It’s like they’re stuck in the nineteenth century or something.”
“What if he decides he wants to marry you?” Her mother spoke up. “Do you plan to wear one of those strange bonnets and wear homemade dresses your entire life? Ruthie, you really need to think about this. Making quilts with his mother is one thing, but this is an entirely different matter.”
“Ruthie, it takes more than just kissing to make a relationship work.” Was her dad really saying this?
“I know that, Dad.”
“You say you do, but I think you have a fairy tale in your head, not reality. You’re only eighteen, Ruthie.”
“That’s right. What about college?” Her mother added.
Ruth sighed. “I don’t care about college.”
“Since when?” Her mom frowned. “This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
She wanted to say that Mahlon hadn’t even needed to go to high school, but somehow she didn’t think that was going to help their plight.
Her mom continued. “I thought you wanted to take those computer courses. Do the Amish even use computers?”
“No.” She swallowed.
“They don’t even use electricity, June.” Her father scoffed. “You need to stop seeing that Amish boy, starting now.”
“What?” Tears pricked her eyes. “No.”
“The sooner you break things off, the easier it will be for both of you.”
“Dad, no. It’s my life.”
“You’re making a terrible decision, honey,” her mother said. “You come from two different worlds.”
“You will not defy me, Ruth. You don’t know what you’re doing. I hate to do this, but I have to put my foot down here. If you plan to stay living under this roof, you will break things off with him.” Her dad wasn’t going to budge.
“And it’s probably a good idea if you didn’t go over there anymore.” Her mom added.
She wanted to protest. She wanted to tell them how she was nearly finished with her quilt and how she planned to help Naomi with canning this summer. But none of that would matter to her parents. They didn’t care about what she wanted.
“I want you to enroll in college for next semester. You can choose whether you want to go to junior college or to the university.”
“I told you I don’t want to go to college!” She pushed away her tears and rushed to her bedroom.
How on earth was she going to tell Mahlon that their relationship was over? Would her father really kick her out if she continued to see him? She’d consider moving out if she had enough money to support herself, but she didn’t. Her job at her uncle’s furniture store was enough to keep gas in her tank, pay for her insurance, and have some extra spending money, but it would never provide enough for rent.
She opened her drawer and took out the small horse Mahlon had carved with his own two hands and given her as a gift. He’d been so thoughtful, so caring. He was a good man. The kind of man a woman ought to marry.
The truth was she loved Mahlon and she couldn’t see herself marrying anyone else. Maybe she was dreaming, maybe it was just a fairy tale.
But she didn’t care about having a television or not being able to use her computer. Those things weren’t important to her in the least. She could learn to sew and bake and make her own soap…as a matter of fact, she looked forward to learning these things. She looked forward to having a quiet time with just family around, of sharing meals together, of bonding. This was the life she wanted—a plain and simple life with Mahlon as her husband…someday.
~
Ruth reached for the door handle.
"Where are you going, Ruthie?"
She turned around at her father’s question. "I need to go talk to Mahlon."
"There's no need to do that. I plan to go talk to him today."
Ruth's mouth gaped open. "You won't even let me talk to him?"
"It's not a good idea. It's better this way. You'll understand someday when you've gained a little more wisdom."
"Really, Dad?" Unbelievable. She’d been too stunned to even argue with him.
She took a deep breath and calmed herself. It’s okay, this is just temporary. Dad is upset right now and probably a little shocked. He’ll get over it soon. She hoped with all her heart that she was right, because if she wasn’t…
No, she wouldn’t think about that right now. There was no way she was losing Mahlon—the best guy she’d ever known—forever.
~
The crunch of rubber tires a
gainst the gravel driveway unmistakably told Mahlon that an Englischer had come to visit.
His heart sped up and he quickened his step. He hoped it was Ruthie. He'd been thinking of little else since their fishing excursion yesterday.
He sauntered out of the barn, a grin lighting his face, then slowed his steps as he realized the vehicle wasn't hers. He frowned. It definitely wasn't Ruthie, he realized, as an Englisch man near his folks' age exited the vehicle.
The man walked toward him with purposeful steps. "Are you Mahlon?"
He nodded. "Jah." Who was this man and how did he know his name?
"I'm Ruthie's father." Usually, Englischers would extend a friendly hand to shake. Not this man.
Mahlon cleared his throat and stood erect. "Gut to meet you."
The man disregarded his greeting. "I understand you and my daughter have been dating. That needs to stop."
Mahlon frowned. Was he saying Ruthie was no longer allowed to see him?
"Ruthie won't be coming over here anymore. Not to quilt with your mother, and not to see you. And I don't want you trying to contact her either."
"Why?"
"You come from two very different worlds. I don't think I need to explain that to you, do I?"
Mahlon shook his head but remained silent, trying to process this man's words.
"My daughter is not cut out for an Amish life, and her mother and I want what's best for her. She's signing up for college in the fall and we don't want her to be distracted from her studies. Do you understand?" Her father's eyes narrowed and zeroed in on his.
"Jah, I understand but I don't agree."
"Mahlon, let me be frank. You don't need to agree, this isn't a request. I realize my daughter is beautiful. You are a young man and I know what men your age want. You won't get that from my daughter."
His hands clenched at his sides. "I care for Ruthie and I want what's best for her too. I'm not going to take advantage of her. She means a lot to me."
"If that's true, then you'll do as I’ve asked. I have no respect for someone who can't honor my wishes, especially when it concerns one of my daughters."
"When may I see her then?"
"I'd rather you didn't."
"Ever?" Mahlon frowned. "If I were an Englischer, would you be saying the same thing to me?"
“If you were, as you call it, an Englischer and an acceptable possible mate, I'd tell you to contact my daughter when she's finished with her schooling. That would be in about four years at the soonest. But she’ll most likely want to pursue a career after she’s completed her studies, so it will probably be longer.
“But that doesn’t really matter, though, does it? You’re Amish, not Englisch, and I’m suspecting that’s what you’ll always be. I hate to break it you, but my daughter has higher aspirations than to wait on a man hand and foot her whole life.”
As Mahlon’s fists clenched tight at his side, the slivers of nails cut into his skin. He didn’t miss the hint of superiority, nor the condescension in this man’s voice.
Did this man put no value on a wife and a mother? Surely a woman’s greatest blessing was to guide her household and teach her children the ways of the Lord, wasn’t it? There was certainly no shame in it, as this man made it sound. Nee, it was a true honor and the highest of callings. Had he never heard that the hand that rocked the cradle was the one that ruled the world?
Four years at the soonest? Mahlon felt as though the wind had been knocked out of him. Waiting four years would be torture. And Ruthie’s father was right about one thing. He would always be Amish. Was it unfair to Ruthie to ask her to give up her Englisch life for him? Maybe her father was right…but even if he was, it didn’t make the sting of losing his sweetheart hurt any less.
NINE
Seeing her beloved across the field riding his horse, equated to torture of the worst kind. He was just next door, yet she couldn’t speak to him. He was just next door, yet she couldn’t gaze into his eyes. He was just next door, yet she couldn’t walk into his arms, feel his lips on hers, communicate her love for him.
Pure torture. That was exactly what it was. And it was all so unjust.
She pulled out the wooden horse Mahlon had carved from her pocket. She’d kept it there as a reminder of him. As she studied it, she remembered when Mahlon had given it to her. He’d been so shy and hesitant, unsure whether she would appreciate it or not. How could she not appreciate such a thoughtful gift? She now wondered if this small gift, Timber, would be all she had to remember their romance by.
Ruth hated the fact that she’d been watched like a hawk the last couple of weeks, ever since her father discovered her and Mahlon’s courtship. She never should have said a thing. They should have just kept their entire courtship a secret until they decided to get married. But it was too late for that now.
She felt like a prisoner in her own home. She needed to find a way to get in contact with Mahlon, but she wasn’t sure how she could do it without raising suspicions in her parents’ minds.
An idea suddenly came to her. What if she wrote him a letter? She could send it off through the mail when she went to work and her parents would never know. But what about his parents? Would they allow him to read a letter from her? She’d have to take that chance.
She opened up her desk drawer and found a notebook and pen. Just in case his parents had any suspicions, she’d need to be cryptic. Hopefully, Mahlon was good at picking up on hints.
Dear Mahlon,
Hi. I hope you and your family are doing well. Did your mother finish her quilt yet? I’d love to see it one day.
My uncle was able to sell your rocking chair. Do you think you’d be able to drop off a couple more for him this week? Sorry, I’ll be working so I won’t be able to give you a ride. You’ll need to hire a driver.
I’m working more hours at the store and my parents signed me up for college in the fall, so we probably won’t be seeing very much of each other.
Tell Timber I miss him.
Ruthie
~
Not seeing Ruth the last few weeks, and believing he might never see her again, nearly sent Mahlon into depression. He been moping around, very unlike himself. Somehow, though, he’d been inspired when working in the woodshop. It must’ve been Ruthie’s words of encouragement that had been echoing in his mind.
He’d been trying to find a way to contact Ruthie, but it seemed like she was never home alone. He’d watched her house from his bedroom window through binoculars, attempting to figure out a time when her folks would be gone, to no avail.
When he checked the mail today, his heart soared to see a letter from Ruthie. He’d received, what seemed to be, an answer to his prayer.
Mahlon reread the letter. This was his chance to see Ruthie! If he could get a ride into town alone, he could be dropped off at the furniture store and deliver his rocking chairs. Ruthie would probably be working, so it was the perfect opportunity. They wouldn’t have a lot of time together, but it would be better than nothing.
~
Ruth’s mood brightened when she looked up from her desk in the furniture showroom. She paged her uncle’s office. “Uncle Jim, Mahlon’s here with some of those rocking chairs.”
“Great. I’ll be right there. I’m finishing up some paperwork. Will you greet him and show him a seat, please?”
“Sure.” She walked to the entrance, just as Mahlon opened the door. His driver was with him.
He turned to the man. “I’ll unload those, then you can go. Would you mind picking me up in an hour and a half?”
His driver nodded. “Sure.”
Ruth ached to jump into Mahlon’s arms and tell him how much she’d missed him, but to do so now would be inappropriate. She needed to remain professional. She couldn’t chance getting caught with Mahlon and her uncle reporting back to her father.
“Mahlon, you may go ahead and bring the chairs into the showroom. When my uncle comes out, he’ll let you know exactly where he wants them.”
He nodded, an uneasy look on his face.
She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Will you have lunch with me today?”
His grin spread wide. “I’d love to.”
~
“I’m hoping that my dad will eventually cool off and let me see you.” Ruth drummed her fingers on the steering wheel.
Mahlon frowned. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. He was pretty serious when he came to talk to me. I think he hates me. He doesn’t want you anywhere near me.”
“I don’t know how he thinks he can control my life.” She brushed away a tear. “Do you know what he told me?”
Mahlon shook his head, aching to pull her close.
“He said he was going to kick me out of the house if I kept seeing you against his wishes. How can he even do that?” She parked the car facing the river. It was the same spot they’d visited before.
“I can’t believe he would say that. Do you think he really would?”
“I don’t know.” She blew out a breath. “But I don’t want to find out. What would I do then?”
“I don’t know.” His face brightened. “You’d have to come live with me.”
She shook her head and lifted a half smile. “And you think your parents would approve of that?”
“Nee.” He winked. “We could sneak you in.”
“What are we going to do?”
“I think I’m going to kiss you right now.”
She blinked, then smiled shyly. “Okay.”
~
Ruth couldn’t wipe the silly grin off her face as she watched Mahlon ride off with his driver. They hadn’t solved any of their problems, but at least they’d gotten to see each other. She already knew that she had missed him, but now she realized just how much.
Her uncle was about to walk past her desk when he suddenly stopped and turned to her. “Oh, Ruthie, I nearly forgot. Your father called while you were out.”
The hairs on her arms stood like soldiers at attention. “He did? What did you say?”
“That you were out to lunch with Mahlon.”
No, no, no! And now she had no way to contact Mahlon to warn him.
“Did he say what he wanted?”
An Amish Blessing Page 5