Rachael's Decision, page 23
“I suppose to Frannie’s acquaintances, our wedding may be a surprise. I’ve spent all the time I’ve been here with her and Lily. We’ve both lost our spouses, and we want to wed and enjoy marriage again. I’m committed to the Amish life. I promise to love, honor, and take care of her and Lily the rest of the days I have on this earth.”
“Luke, your first fraa died?”
“You’re correct, and yes, Beverly died in her sleep. The doctor wasn’t sure of the cause of her death.”
The bishop focused his gaze on Caleb. “Have you given Frannie and Luke your blessing?”
“Yes. I support this union. Luke is a hard worker, and he’s gone above and beyond for Frannie and Lily. After giving it some thought, I realized I should trust them. Luke and Frannie are sure this is what they want, and I won’t stand in their way.” Caleb glanced from Luke to Bishop Fisher.
“We won’t have time for counseling.” Bishop Fisher frowned.
Luke raked a hand through his thick brown hair as he held his hat in his lap. “Since we’re a widow and widower, we’ve both had counseling before our first marriages. I have faith Frannie and I will glean what we’ve learned through our previous counseling, and throughout our marriages.”
“You have a point, Luke. I’ll trust you to do as you’ve said.” Bishop Fisher dragged his calendar to his lap from the small table by his chair. “June 22 it is. Congratulations, Luke.” He reached for Luke’s hand. “I’ve been praying for Frannie and Lily, and I asked God to bring the right husband and daed for them. I’m glad you and Frannie have found each other. Let’s pray together.” He offered a prayer to God to bless this union.
“Danki, Bishop.” Relief was evident in Luke’s words.
“I’ve enjoyed our conversations at Sunday services, and friends have noticed how kind you are to Frannie and Lily. Don’t hesitate to stop by any time you’d like to talk. My door is always open.” Bishop Fisher grinned.
Luke stood as if to leave.
Caleb clasped his arm. “Luke, please sit for a minute longer. I have something I’d like to ask Bishop Fisher, and you can be present.” It was important for Luke to understand he considered him family, even though the wedding hadn’t taken place. This was one way he could show him he was accepted as more than a man who was marrying Frannie.
“Bishop, I plan to ask Rachael Schlabach to marry me again. She turned me down because she is barren. I have remained firm to her after our courtship ended that I’m still sure I want to marry her. I’ve been patient, and she’s been more responsive to me this past week. If she says yes, I’d like to have the double wedding we planned in the first place with Joseph and her mamm. We have little time for our counseling.”
“Most everyone in this town has nothing but high regard for you and Rachael. You’ve said you haven’t wavered in your love for her while she’s floundered to find her way. She has a loving heart, and I know she was doing what she thought was best for you, allowing you to be free to marry someone else and have kinner. I have prayed she’d have faith and trust God had brought you two together and let herself have the happiness she really wants in marrying you. God has answered not only my prayer, but I would guess many of your mutual friends, as well.”
“We could meet any evening before June 29.” Caleb held out his hands in question.
“Let’s schedule Thursday, June 24, for a counseling session. I suspect you and Rachael don’t need much instruction. You’re both dedicated to God and the Amish life. I’ll make an exception in your case. I will enjoy the double wedding. Now, don’t dally. Go ask your girl. If you don’t return to ask me to change it, I’ll assume we’re on for our session and the wedding.”
Caleb rose with Luke. He hugged Bishop Fisher. “You’ve been so understanding and a good friend. I appreciate it.” He liked the bishop’s kind and compassionate heart. The man was a true follower of God.
“Let’s pray again before you leave.” The bishop offered a prayer to God for Caleb and Rachael.
They bid the bishop farewell and retrieved Caleb’s wagon.
“I respect Bishop Fisher. He’s a kind and understanding man who loves God,” Luke said.
“Yes. We’re fortunate to have him as our bishop. He doesn’t waver in his belief and teaching of the Scriptures, which is important for our leader. He is also reasonable, a good listener, and uses compassion in dealing with difficult circumstances. He’ll speak his mind, but he’s not a dictator.”
“You shocked me, asking for your wedding date to be back on the schedule. Frannie says Rachael is adamant she won’t marry you, and you’ve been stubborn to believe she will.”
“Frannie wanted me to marry her for necessity and convenience, until she fell in love with you, and she considered Rachael a threat to her plan. Now, we can all have what we want if I can convince Rachael to wed me.” Caleb pulled the wagon to the barn at Frannie’s.
“I hope she says yes.” Luke jumped out.
“Danki.” Caleb tipped his hat. “Congratulations again.”
Luke grinned and headed for the haus.
Caleb went home to pick some flowers before he went to the bakery.
* * *
Rachael pushed the heart cookie cutter into the dough. She loved Caleb, and no other man would measure up to him. She had prayed enough to know God was telling her to trust Caleb. God had pricked her conscience and shown her through the Scriptures in the Bible that she had been wrong.
Magdelena gave her a mischievous grin. “You have a visitor. I’ll leave you two alone to talk.”
“Danki, Magdelena.” Caleb came to her side and passed her the flowers. “These are for you.”
She was impressed he’d put them in a Mason jar with water. “I’ll set them on the counter, where I can look at them while I work. They’re beautiful. Danki. I should wait until I’m not up to my elbows in flour and dough, but I have waited long enough. Caleb, I’m sorry for all I’ve put you through. Will you forgive me?”
“Yes. Rachael, I’ve never stopped loving you, and I mean what I said. You are the bride for me. I have a haus for us. Frannie and Luke are getting married. You don’t have to worry about her and Lily and what you thought was my obligation to marry her. Nathan and Pauline are courting. God has taken care of all your worries and objections. Kinner for me without you was never a problem, no matter what you thought.”
Rachael pressed her forefinger to his lips. “I should’ve believed you the minute you said having kinner didn’t matter. I love you, and I’ll never love anyone like I do you.” She reached for his hand. “Caleb Yutzy, will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”
He picked her up and twirled her around. He set her on her feet. “I must confess I asked the bishop to schedule us for the same wedding date we had before, making it a double ceremony with Joseph and Eleanor.”
“You did! Wonderful! I couldn’t be more thrilled. Mamm and Joseph will be ecstatic. They’ve been rooting for you all along.”
Magdelena joined them. “And me and all your friends. Yes, I eavesdropped, and no, I won’t apologize for it.” She chuckled.
Caleb pointed at Magdelena. “She and Hannah gave me the best advice. They told me to be patient, and they were right. Danki, Magdelena.”
“What?” Rachael clapped a hand to her open mouth. “You won the hearts of everyone, it appears, Mr. Yutzy.”
“Yes. He did. You both are meant for each other.” Magdelena clapped her hands. “We must plan two wedding cakes!”
“Make it three. Frannie and Luke need one too. Their wedding is June 22. Two weeks away.”
“They aren’t wasting any time. He hasn’t been here long. Are you all right with this?” Rachael had heard nothing but positive comments about Luke. From what she had observed of him at Sunday services, he reminded her of Stephen, Caleb’s bruder, who was mild-mannered, with nothing seeming to ruffle his feathers, even Frannie’s barking orders. Luke might be perfect for her.
“Yes. Luke could be my bruder’s twin as far as his personality goes. They’ll be fine.”
“I’ll leave you two. Congratulations again.” Magdelena skipped out of the room.
Caleb snapped his fingers. “One more thing. I asked the bishop for one counseling session instead of several. We’ll be going to Frannie and Luke’s wedding, and we don’t have much time before ours.”
“When?” Rachael had attended counseling sessions with her fiancé, John, before he was killed years ago, and she had no doubt Caleb and she would have little difficulty agreeing on finances, putting each other before themselves, and always making God first in their lives and marriage.
“Thursday, June 24, after you finish work. Is that date all right with you?”
“Of course. I’m grateful the bishop has confidence in us to allow us to meet one time. Although he doesn’t need to worry about us. We have our priorities in order.”
“Yes. I look forward to talking over concerns, problems, finances, and more with you as true partners in marriage. I want you to do the same, and I have no doubt you will.” He kissed the back of her hand.
“I will, and I do feel the same. Oh, Caleb. I can’t wait until we’re together forever.” She never thought this day would kumme. She’d been her own worst enemy. No more. God had been trying to tell her all along that Caleb was the one, and she just needed to be still and listen. She had never felt lighter in her step or happier. “Kumme to supper. We’ll have a night of planning with Joseph and Mamm.”
“I’ll be there at six. Goodbye, my love.” He tipped his hat and walked out of the kitchen.
She took a deep breath and hugged herself.
* * *
Rachael hurried home from work, went inside the haus to the kitchen, and breathed in the aroma of beef stew. “Mamm, I invited Caleb to supper tonight.”
Mamm stopping stirring the stew. “Should I get my hopes up?”
“I sure hope so.” Joseph smiled.
“Yes. Caleb came to the bakery this afternoon, and I asked him to marry me. I’ve been foolish to assume I know what’s best for him. I’m taking him at his word. We’re getting married in a double ceremony, like we planned before.” She had been thrilled and happier than she’d been in a while. God had worked in their lives, Frannie’s, Luke’s, Nathan’s, and Pauline’s. She never should’ve doubted Caleb or taken things into her own hands. She hadn’t really given her concern over marrying Caleb to God. She’d held on to her doubts, grown impatient, and made wrong decisions. She was grateful to have this second chance with Caleb.
Mamm set her spoon on the counter and engulfed her in a hug. “This is wonderful news.”
Joseph beamed. “Your mamm and I have been praying and waiting for this day. I’m looking forward to congratulating Caleb this evening.”
“Did Caleb already check with the bishop on adding you and Caleb to the ceremony?” Mamm returned to the stove.
“Yes. The bishop was pleased about our wedding, and he’s making an exception in our case to have one counseling session rather than several. Caleb accompanied Luke there to lend him support when Luke asked the bishop to marry him and Frannie, and he used the same meeting with the bishop to ask about our wedding.”
“What?” Mamm’s eyes widened. “I’m shocked.”
“Caleb said Luke reminds him of his bruder, Stephen. He doesn’t mind Frannie’s bossiness or laziness, and he adores her and Lily. Frannie liked Luke but didn’t know whether to trust him to stay in her life. Caleb was here in Charm to stay, and he was a man she could count on. She wasn’t in love with him. She wanted to marry him for convenience. She admitted she has feelings for Luke, so he suggested they get married.”
Joseph set the table. “I noticed Nathan and Pauline sitting together at the meal after the Sunday services after the bishop’s message, and I ran into them in town too. They seem like a couple courting.”
“They are courting. God has taken care of all of us.” Rachael pulled back the white curtain. “Caleb’s here.” She ran to greet him and opened the front door. “I told them our news. I couldn’t wait.”
“I want to tell the world!” He kissed her cheek.
They went to the kitchen and took their seats. Mamm and Joseph congratulated them as they sat down to supper.
“Mamm, are your dress and Joseph’s suit all finished?” Rachael spread a generous amount of apple butter on her biscuit.
“Yes. And I’ve been stitching your dress since the first time Caleb proposed. I was sure you’d wear it one day. Now, we need Caleb’s measurements, and I’ll have his suit complete before the wedding.” Mamm covered Rachael’s hand.
“Mamm, danki. I wasn’t sure how I was going to find time to stitch a dress, and it’s not my best talent. I’m relieved I don’t have to fret about it.” Rachael squeezed Mamm’s fingers.
“Joseph has friends assigned to bringing over the benches and tables. I pray the weather will cooperate. If need be, we can move everyone inside and push the furniture aside.”
“What more do we need to do?” Rachael wished she was as organized and talented as Mamm for having everything in place for a social or other event.
“We’re all set. I’ve spoken with our friends, and they’re bringing plenty of food dishes. You just need to make our cakes. Liza insisted on making the centerpieces for the tables, which are daisies in Mason jars. Our friends are letting us use their tablecloths, along with ours, so we’ll have enough. We’re ready.” Mamm grinned.
“I wish Adelaide could attend our wedding. Caleb, you’d like her. I want you to go with Joseph and me to New Philadelphia soon so I can introduce you.” She had a fondness for Adelaide, and she missed her. She couldn’t explain the fast connection of friendship they’d had, but she was grateful for it. She’d never abandon her, and she’d help her all she could with her boppli.
Joseph frowned. “She wouldn’t be accepted here in the kind of clothes she wears. She’s a sweet woman, but I’m sure you’ve noticed, she’s simpleminded. She’s not as sharp as most women, like yourself, at twenty-five. I love her innocence, but it is also to her detriment. She’s determined to live the life her mamm showed her as she grew up in the saloon. She’s not even tried the Amish life. To her, our lifestyle is too stifling.”
“Does she believe in God? Did her mamm?” Rachael bit her lip. Maybe this was too personal a question to ask. She didn’t want to upset Joseph.
“Yes, she believes in God. Her mamm did too. I’m not sure if they had a personal relationship with God. They didn’t attend church. She said they had enough prejudice from the ladies in town when they shopped. They didn’t want to open themselves up to it from the church ladies at Sunday services.”
“I’m sad they didn’t stay Amish. Then we would’ve had Adelaide with us already. She would’ve gone to Sunday services with us.”
“God knows their hearts. It’s not for us to judge. He wouldn’t have approved of their lifestyle. But they don’t see their life in the outside world as wrong. None of us are perfect. We all find ways to justify things in our life from time to time that God may not approve of. Then we recognize it and ask for forgiveness. All we can do is pray for Adelaide and her unborn boppli.”
They finished supper, and Rachael and Joseph did the dishes while Mamm measured Caleb for his suit.
Joseph accepted a wet plate from her to dry. “Adelaide wouldn’t be wilkom here, but we could squeeze in a quick visit since your mamm has everything in order for the wedding.”
Rachael beamed. “Maybe Caleb can go with us. I want to introduce them, and then she’ll understand she has another member to add to her family besides you, me, and Mamm.”
Rachael washed and Joseph dried the dishes, and they put them away in the maple cabinets.
Caleb and Mamm returned to the kitchen. “We’re all done. How’s it going in here?” Mamm scanned the kitchen.
“We’re done too.” Rachael hung the dish towel on the iron hook beside the sink. “Caleb, could you take two days off to visit New Philadelphia with me?”
“When?”
“Before our wedding?” Rachael folded her hands under her chin.
Mamm gasped. “We don’t have time for you to make a visit before the wedding, do we?”
Joseph shrugged. “You’ve organized everything we need for the wedding. Caleb’s suit is all you have left to do, and Adelaide would love knowing about the wedding before it happens.”
“For you, I’ll do anything,” Mamm said.
“Mamm, will you join us?” Rachael went to her.
“I’m sorry. I can’t. I’ll stay and finish Caleb’s suit and make sure everything is in order for our day. You, Joseph, and Caleb go. Adelaide will appreciate a visit from you, and she’ll be delighted to meet Caleb. Also, you can check and find out how she’s feeling.”
“I don’t know, are we out of our minds going to New Philadelphia now?” Rachael winced. “There’s also Frannie and Luke’s wedding a week before ours.”
“Yes, but let’s go anyway.” Caleb chuckled.
Rachael gestured for them to join her in the living room. She opened the desk drawer and pulled out a calendar. “We have a church service this Sunday. Is it possible for all of us to go Thursday and return on Saturday?”
“I can.” Joseph removed a small pad of paper and marked it with a pencil from the inside hidden pocket of his shirt.
“I didn’t think we were allowed to have pockets,” Caleb teased.
“We aren’t, but this one is hidden.” Joseph gave him an impish grin. “I don’t wear this shirt often.”
“We all have our secrets. I have a loose board in the bedroom where I’ve kept pictures of Mamm, Daed, and Stephen. A photographer in town took our pictures without us knowing it and then offered to sell them to us. Daed was furious at first, and then Mamm coaxed him into buying them. He’d do anything for her. She promised to hide them in the haus and not mention them. She showed me where they were in case anything happened to them. I treasure those forbidden photographs.”
“I won’t tell.” Joseph clapped a hand to his shoulder.
“I will make arrangements so I can go those days,” Caleb said.
