“You don’t mind?”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Where are you going?” Willow asked as she walked into the room yawning.
“I’m going over to see Aunt Nancy by myself this morning.”
Willow placed her hands on her hips. “That’s not fair. Why can’t I come too?”
Their mother interrupted, “Because you and I have a lot of work to do, Willow.”
“Doesn’t Violet have work she needs to do as well?”
“Violet has a job; that’s why she doesn’t have to do as many chores at home as we do.”
Willow crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. “It’s only a part-time job.”
“Sit down and I’ll make you some pancakes,” their mother said.
“Maybe I’ll get a job too,” Willow said, sitting down heavily.
* * *
When Violet arrived at Nancy’s house, she knocked on the door and it was flung open quickly.
Nancy stood there and when she saw her, looked beyond her. “Violet, it’s lovely to see you. Is your mudder here?”
“Nee, I came alone because I wanted to talk to you in private. Are you alone?”
Nancy stepped back to let her through.
“Let’s sit in the living room.”
Once they were seated, Violet began, “I feel a little silly coming here.”
“You should never feel like that. What’s the problem?”
“It’s about Nathan. You knew he was coming back?”
“Jah, he visited me a few days back. Then I rode in his car with him over to talk to Valerie.”
“He told you he was coming back?”
“He did, but at the same time, he said he didn’t want anyone to know. After he talked to us he went right to the bishop.”
Violet smiled. “I’m glad he’s back.”
“Did you only find out at the wedding?”
“Jah, that’s why I was so surprised and I wondered why you wouldn’t have told me. Mamm said this morning that both you and Valerie knew about it. That explains things.”
Nancy laughed. “Did you come here to be mad at me?”
“Not at all! I just wanted to know how everything evolved.”
“And he’s moved into his mother’s haus.”
Violet nodded. “Jah, he told me that.”
“Why don’t we visit him now?”
“Nee, I couldn’t do that.” Violet shook her head. That would be the last thing she wanted to do.
“Why not?”
“I’d be too nervous to do that.”
“C’mon. Let’s go and see him.”
Violet shook her head again. “Nee. Wouldn’t he be working?”
“Jah, I forgot about that. He would be. You’re not working today?”
“Nee.” Violet stood up. “I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have come.”
Nancy stood up. “I’m glad you did.”
“I should be getting back in case Mamm needs the buggy or something.”
“Okay. Visit me anytime. You don’t have to wait for your mudder.”
Violet swung around to face her aunt. “Oh, and please don’t say anything to Nathan. I wouldn’t want him to know that I’m asking about him.”
Nancy laughed. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
Violet hugged her aunt goodbye and left the house. As soon as she was down to the end of the driveway, she turned her buggy onto the open road and had her horse break into a trot. There was something soothing about being by herself in a buggy, feeling the cool breeze across her face.
She was happily looking over to the side of the road at all the branches losing their leaves and the soft leaves falling about the buggy. When she turned her attention back to the road, she saw another buggy up ahead. Squinting hard, she saw that it was Nathan in the buggy.
He slowed his buggy as he approached her, and she slowed her horse to a walk. When they drew level, they both stopped.
“What are you doing out this way?” she asked.
“I was looking for you. I called at your place, and they said you were at Nancy’s haus.”
“Oh, aren’t you working today?”
“I was. I’m having some time off. I organized my workers to do without me for a few hours.” He chuckled.
“What did you want to see me about?”
“Are you in a hurry?”
“Nee. I’m just heading back home.”
“Can we talk?”
“Jah. Do you want to follow me back home?”
“I’ll turn my horse around and we can pull up over there.” He pointed behind him where there was a clearing to the side of the road.
She walked her horse off the road. All the while her heart pumped hard as she wondered what he had to say. What worried her most was the serious look on his face. Perhaps he was still upset with what Benjamin had said to him back at her uncle’s birthday dinner. Maybe she should’ve told Benjamin to stop what he was saying and keep out of things.
When they had both stepped out of their buggies, he walked over to her.
“I couldn’t concentrate at work today. I had to come and see you.”
She stared at him in silence, wondering what was so important, and waited for him to continue.
“I came to find you because I wanted to let you know that I came back for the right reasons.”
“I’m sorry, Nathan. I should’ve told Benjamin to mind his own business back then.”
He laughed. “I’m not concerned about him—not for a moment. No matter what might or might not happen between us later, I came back for me and only me.”
She heaved a relieved sigh. “Denke, it means a lot to hear you say that. I’m glad you told me.”
He looked down at the ground for a moment and when he looked up at her, he said, “It’s good to see you again, Violet.”
“It’s good to see you, too.”
“I’ve been out for too long. I guess I never should’ve left. Anger and resentment can take a hold of someone. For the next few months, I’m going to concentrate on getting grounded back into the community.”
She nodded.
He chuckled. “That’s the bishop’s suggestion. I guess he knows what he’s talking about. Anyway, how have you been?”
She nodded. “I’ve been good.”
“Anything new happening in your life?”
“Nee. Just the same kinds of things have been happening as before.” She gave a little giggle, embarrassed at what she’d just said. It sounded stupid. “I still work part-time, but I’ve got an extra day a week, now.”
“Good. How are your familye? I didn’t get a chance to say hello to them on Sunday.”
“They’re good. Just the same as always. Nothing’s changed since you left.”
“It’s kind of comforting to know that everything stays the same. I feel more peaceful since I’ve made the decision to move back.”
“How do you like moving back into the haus?”
“I’ve made a start on bringing some of it up to date. And I’ve painted the bedrooms a lighter color. That makes a big difference. You should come and see it sometime.”
“Okay. I’d love to see it.” She was a little upset that she hadn’t had an input on the color of the paint. If she was closer with him, he might have asked. “Let me know when it’s all finished.”
He nodded. “I will.”
They stood looking at each other for a moment before Violet felt the awkwardness in the silence. “I should go.”
“Okay.”
He followed her to her buggy. When she climbed up, he looked up at her. “I’ll see you soon, I guess.”
“Jah. You will.” She pointed her horse homeward and clicked him forward.
He suddenly stepped forward and grabbed the horse’s harness. “Wait, Violet.”
She stared down at him, shocked at his sudden action. Nathan’s face looked pained and she wondered whether her horse had stomped on his foot. “What’s wrong?”
“I need to say something else.” He held out his hand and she looked at it.
Then she felt silly when she realized he wanted her to put her hand in his. When she did so, he held her hand tight.
“Come down and talk to me.”
She stepped down from the buggy while he kept hold of her hand.
“What is it, Nathan?”
She noticed that he swallowed hard, and then he looked up to the sky, and then he looked into her eyes.
“Violet, I’ve been in love with you all my life. It was extremely hard for me to work out whether I wanted to come back to the community for you, or for myself. I’ve now realized that I can’t separate the two and that can only mean that … we’re meant to be together.” He smiled. “I hope you feel something toward me or I’ll feel extremely … extremely … like an idiot.”
She could scarcely believe what she heard and stared at him while she gathered her thoughts.
He shook his head. “I wanted to wait until I’d been back for a few months to say this to you, but I can’t wait any longer. You’ve been on my mind every minute of every day since we met again recently when my mudder left me to be with Gott.”
She looked down at their hands clasped together. “You’ve been on my mind too.”
His face relaxed into a smile. “It’s such a relief to hear you say that, or I would’ve just succeeded in making a huge fool of myself.”
Violet giggled.
He took hold of her hand. “Violet, you might think it’s too soon, but I won’t forgive myself if I delay this any longer. Will you marry me?”
“You mean it?”
He laughed. “Of course I mean it. I’ve never meant anything more.”
“I will. I will marry you, and it’s not too soon for you to have asked.”
“It’s not too soon for me.” He shook his head. “I’ve loved you since we went to schul together. Every time I came to my mudder’s haus to bring her food in the middle of the day, I’d look out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of you, but you never walked by.”
“I had no idea.”
“I pushed you out of my heart when I left the community.”
“I didn’t know,” Violet said.
“It’s true. So, you’ll really marry me?”
“Jah. I really will.”
He smiled and then gave her hand a little squeeze. “Denke. That makes me so happy, and I’ll make sure that you’re happy every day forever. I’ll be the best husband and vadder.”
“I know you will. You don’t have to worry so much. Just relax about things and smile more.”
He chuckled. “I guess I do worry about things—everything, really. The thing I’m worried about now is your parents. I’m pretty sure they don’t like me.”
“They’ll come ’round. They were just worried that you weren’t in the community properly, and once you’re baptized they’ll see you’re here to stay.”
“Do you think so?”
She nodded.
“When shall we tell them?”
“Wait awhile, I think. At least until after you’re baptized, and after they’re used to seeing your face around.”
“If you think that’s best.”
“I do.” Violet didn’t want to upset Nathan or her parents. If she told them she wanted to marry Nathan right now, they would probably still be against it.
“I’ll do what you think is best. Can we meet on the days that you work? We could meet in town.”
“Okay. I’d like that. You don’t mind waiting, do you? I think it’s best.”
“I’ve waited for you for a long time, so I can wait a little longer.” His face beamed with happiness.
* * *
After weeks of keeping their relationship quiet, Violet decided it was time for them to tell her parents. Her mother knew she liked Nathan and she had noticeably softened toward him, so it would be her father who would be the likely one to have a problem with the two of them wanting to marry.
It was a Tuesday night that they decided to break the news. Violet had told Nathan to come to the house at eight in the evening.
When he knocked on the door, her mother opened it.
“Hello, Nathan. Come in.”
“Denke, Nerida.”
Violet walked out from the kitchen and stood by Nathan’s side as her father rose to his feet to shake Nathan’s hand. Nathan looked over at Violet and while his lips were smiling, his eyes were filled with apprehension.
“Mamm, Dat, Nathan and I have something to tell you.” Violet had told Willow what was happening that night, so Willow was listening in while hiding in the kitchen.
“We better sit down for this,” her father said.
“What is it?” Nerida looked from her daughter to Nathan and back again.
After Nathan glanced at Violet, he said to John and Nerida, “I’ve asked Violet to marry me and she has said that she will.”
Violet’s father coughed in shock, and his face turned beet red. “You want to marry my dochder?”
“I do.”
“And Violet, you want to marry Nathan?”
“Jah, Dat, I do.”
“Then … I’m very happy for both of you.”
Violet was amazed that her father had agreed so readily, with not one objection. She looked at her mother to see that she was stunned. “You are okay with it?” she asked her father.
“Jah. You’re back fully within the community for good, Nathan?”
Nathan nodded. “I’ve spoken to the bishop of my intentions, and as you know, I’ve already been baptized. He said he will allow us to marry in five months’ time, in the next wedding season.”
Violet felt dizzy and put her hand to her head.
Tears ran down Nerida’s face. She got up and gave Nathan a quick kiss on each cheek and did the same for Violet.
“I’m so pleased you’re both okay with this,” Violet said to her parents.
“Nathan has shown that he can go through adversity. Gott has tested him and he’s come through,” her father said.
Violet smiled and nodded while Nerida excitedly suggested that they should all have hot tea.
After Nathan had stayed for a while, drinking tea and talking to her parents, Violet felt much better about everything. She didn’t know what she would’ve done if her parents hadn’t approved.
“I should get home. I’ve got an early morning,” Nathan said, standing up.
After he had said goodnight to everyone, Violet walked him out of the house. He took hold of her hand and pulled her into the darkness, close to his buggy. He put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close while she put her arms around his waist. It was a stolen moment.
“I’ve been wanting to hold you in my arms for so long,” Nathan said.
Violet melted into his hard chest. “Oh, Nathan. You will stay, won’t you? You’ll stay in the community?”
“Jah, I will, Violet. I should not have let people, and my harsh judgment of them, get in the way of my worship of Gott. I’ve learned my lesson just like your vadder said.”
Violet looked up into his eyes and he looked down into hers. He lowered his head and she closed her eyes and felt his soft lips meet hers. It was their first kiss and it was so special that Violet would remember it for the rest of her days.
* * *
The next morning, Nancy was busy with piling the washing in the gas-powered washing machine at the back of the house when she heard a buggy. She stepped around the corner to see Nerida’s buggy, and she walked out to meet her.
Nerida waved excitedly and jumped down from the buggy.
“Watch your leg,” Nancy reminded her.
“I’m not worried about my leg. I’ve got some great news. Come inside and I’ll tell you.”
Nerida made Nancy sit down at the kitchen table before she told her the news.
“My Violet is getting married.”
Nancy put her hand to her chest. “Please let it be to Na
than.”
“Jah,” Nerida nearly screamed.
Relief was all Nancy felt. She had wanted the two of them to find each other. It had become clear that they’d belonged together.
“Well, aren’t you going to say anything?” Nerida stared at her sister.
“I’m so happy. I feel almost like he’s one of my kinner somehow. He’s such a lovely man. I’m so glad he came back and the two of them found each other.”
“And you thought Benjamin was a good match.”
“Did I?” Nancy asked.
“Jah, you did.”
“Hmm. I suppose that’s true. I did. Everyone’s entitled to one mistake.”
Nerida giggled. “I didn’t think you’d admit to that.”
Nancy pulled a face. “I’m willing to admit I was wrong about Violet and Benjamin, and I’m glad I was.”
“Me too,” Nerida said with a nod.
“Violet and Nathan are a good match. I’m just upset that Lorraine wasn’t here to see that her boy will be fine.”
“And he’s going to marry Violet.”
Nancy nodded. “She’d be satisfied and happy about that. Maybe she knows what’s going on with us even though she’s not here.”
“Maybe.”
Nancy stood up. “Now, how about a cup of hot tea?”
“Always,” Nerida said. “And then we’ve got a wedding to plan.”
Nancy smiled at the thought of helping to plan her niece’s wedding. She leaned over and hugged her sister, so grateful that they’d mended the rift that had kept them apart for so many years. And what’s more, she couldn’t even remember what the argument that had kept them apart for so long had been about.
* * *
Thank you for reading Amish Violet.
* * *
All the books in the AMISH LOVE BLOOMS series:
Book 1 Amish Rose
Book 2 Amish Tulip
Book 3 Amish Daisy
Book 4 Amish Lily
Book 5 Amish Violet
Book 6 Amish Willow
* * *
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Amish Violet Page 13