The Amish Bachelor's Bride, page 3
Nodding, he followed her instruction, filling two cups. He carried both to the table and handed the bishop one.
“Danke.” James Graber added cream and sugar to his cup.
After finishing the eggs, Lavinia divided the portions between two small plates. She sliced thick pieces of bread and toasted each side lightly before adding a thick smear of butter and berry jam. Pouring milk into a small cup and a sippy cup, she nodded toward the sofa in the living room.
“Take a cushion and set it under Penelope,” she instructed. “Then she can eat at the table like a big girl.”
Doing as instructed, Noem placed his niece at the table. “There you go.”
Satisfied, Lavinia served the girl her meal. “This will fill your tummy.”
Sitting quietly, Penelope didn’t move.
Noem frowned helplessly. “What’s wrong?”
“Mamma says we can’t eat until we thank Jesus.”
“Do you know how to say grace?” the bishop asked.
Penelope gave a vigorous nod. “I can.”
“Then we will bow our heads while you say your prayer,” James Graber said.
Closing her eyes, Penelope pressed her palms together. “For all food yummy that fills my tummy. Thank You, God. Amen!” Prayer done, she claimed her spoon and dug into the food as if she’d never eaten a decent meal.
James Graber smiled. “That’s a fine prayer.”
“I’ll teach it to my youngies when they are old enough to learn.” Repositioning Jesse against his shoulder, Abram patted his back with the flat of his hand.
The infant let out a loud burp. “Gaaa.” Waving plump hands in the air, he gurgled with contentment.
“That’s what we needed. Better a burp than down and out.” Claiming Jesse, Lavinia gave his diaper a quick check. Finished with her meal, Sophie kicked to be let down.
Abram rose and wrung out a washcloth to clean his niece’s hands and face, and then placed her on her feet. “Why don’t you show Penelope some of your toys?”
Sophie nodded eagerly. Enticed by the idea, Penelope slipped out of her chair. Hand in hand, they headed into the living room to play with a set of hand-carved animals based on those in Noah’s ark.
Satisfied the youngies were out from underfoot, Lavinia cleaned up the kitchen. Stepping up, Noem dried the dishes with quiet efficiency. Reaching for a plate, his hand bumped hers.
“You don’t have to help.”
“I don’t m-mind,” he murmured, giving her a shy smile.
Warmed by his gentle nature, she felt a blush creep into her face. A hitch stalled her breath. Years had passed since she’d last spent time in his company. She’d forgotten what a fine-looking fellow he was. The awkward teen she remembered had grown into a handsome man. How is it she’d never noticed his eyes were a peculiar shade of green mixed with brown? Hazel. That was the color. So unusual.
Sipping his tea, the bishop glanced at the binder Abram had set aside. The bill of sale for the house and acreage lay atop it. “You’ve sold the house?”
Glancing at Noem, Lavinia considered her reply. Aside from Abram and a few other close familie members, only Bishop Graber knew the truth about the mess Josiah had made of their finances. People would find out soon enough she’d let the property go, but it was no one’s business why.
“Ja,” she said, deciding not to skirt the matter. “To a nice Englisch couple.”
“It’s a beautiful place,” Noem said, looking around. “Why would you want to leave?”
Not exactly a question she wanted to answer honestly.
“Now that Josiah’s gone, I couldn’t bear to stay.” That much was true. Discovering she’d lived under the same roof as the man who’d deceived her disturbed her. She wasn’t sure what to make of Josiah’s double life. On one hand, he’d professed himself to be a Gott-fearing Christian. He went to church on Sundays and often took part in community programs. People liked him. Respected him. Trusted him.
Yet he’d fooled them all. Had lied to everyone’s faces even as he’d wrapped himself in the cloak of a gut and pious man.
Her ehmann’s deceptions were gut-twisting. Selling the house and walking away was the only way she could wipe away the past, cleanse herself for the part she’d played in his lies. Ever the supportive wife, she’d defended Josiah when members of her familie had questioned his habit of falling out of touch for hours. Because gambling didn’t have the usual physical health signs of serious addiction, it was easy for him to conceal his habit.
Noem’s gaze sharpened. “Where will you go?”
Abram leaned forward. “I’ve invited her to live with me and Maddie and Gran’pa Amos. The more, the merrier, I always say.”
Bouncing lightly as she held Jesse, Lavinia shook her head. “As much as I love my bruder, I am not about to take him up on the offer.”
Finishing his tea, James Graber lowered his cup. “Then perhaps you will hear me out. I have a solution you might find most suitable.”
Brow crinkling, Abram gave his beard a pensive scratch. “I’m not one to jump to conclusions, but I believe I know why you and Noem are here. Correct me if I am wrong.”
“Ja.” Peering over the edge of his glasses, the older man mantled himself in the authority of his position. “It is my recommendation Noem and Lavinia would do well to marry.”
* * *
Cup in hand, Noem sat on the living room sofa. Nerves on edge, he fortified his exhausted body with caffeine. Even though he longed for sleep, his mind kept revving. A multitude of thoughts crowded his brain. So much had happened since he’d received word of Callie’s passing. Her life was in disarray when she’d fallen ill. As her closest relative, he was the only one left to pick up the pieces.
Drawing a breath, he tried to relax by concentrating on the sound of rain drumming on the roof. The gray day had turned into a storm, throwing down a torrent.
Blinking hard, he glanced toward Lavinia. Her wide dark eyes, full lips and swanlike neck gave her a look of wholesomeness. Beneath the crispness of her gaze was a suggestion of daring, intelligence and vulnerability. A pretty girl, she’d matured into a beautiful woman. The kind of woman a man would be proud to have on his arm. She sat with Jesse, rocking in a chair near the hearth. For some reason, the infant had turned fussy and seemed uncomfortable.
“Is something wrong with him?”
Lavinia lifted the infant to her shoulder. Patting his back with a firm hand, she spoke in soft words. “He’s not crying or stiff, so I don’t think it’s colic. I would say it’s because he’s off his schedule. Everything’s unfamiliar, and he’s not used to strange folks handling him.”
Noem’s gaze raked the little fellow. “You’re probably right. How’s he supposed to know we’re trying to take care of him?”
“Ach, he knows there’s been a change in his life. Nothing has the feel of home, and the touch he knew from his mamm is gone. We can try to duplicate it, but it isn’t the same. We don’t look, smell or speak the way Callie did, nor can we. Until he gets used to different handling, he’ll be fussy.”
“I had no idea a kind knew anything. I thought all they did was eat, sleep and make a lot of smelly diapers.”
A chuckle slipped past her lips. “Oh, they do more than that. They teach us to be gentle and to open our hearts.” Lowering Jesse, she gave a warm smile as she gently rocked him to sleep. “Kinder are a gift from Gott.”
“How long do you think it will take them to get used to the changes?”
“A month. Maybe more. Once the kinder are in a normal routine, they’ll adapt to their new home. A schedule will help keep order and focus in their day.”
He shook his head. “I wasn’t p-prepared to be raising two little ones.”
“Sometimes what we expect to get in life and what it hands us are two different things. Gott willed that Callie be taken,” she said, falling back on the stoic and reserved approach most Amish took when dealing with the passing of a loved one. “We may not like the Lord’s decision, but we must accept it.”
“So many in my familie have passed. I’m not sure if anyone’s really in control. Maybe it’s just some cosmic joke the universe plays on us poor humans.”
“Gott knows how things should work in our lives. We must be patient and trust He will give us the answers we seek.”
Speaking of answers...
Over an hour had passed since Bishop Graber explained the reason behind their visit. Lavinia had listened closely, as had Abram. But she’d yet to voice an opinion on the matter.
“You haven’t given me a reply,” Noem said, nudging her back to the subject that hung between them.
“About the bishop’s suggestion?”
“Ja. What do you think?”
Lavinia glanced across the room. The bishop and her bruder sat at the kitchen table, speaking in quiet tones.
Noem followed her gaze. “The decision isn’t theirs. It’s yours.”
Releasing a soft sigh, she shook her head. Sorrow flickered in her gaze. “Josiah’s not been in the grave long. I’m not sure I’m ready to commit myself to another so soon.”
Gaze scraping over her, he couldn’t fail to notice she looked pale and tired. Stress was apparent, showing in the small crinkles around the corners of her eyes and the edges of her mouth. By the look of conflict warring within her expression, he knew losing her ehmann was a tragedy that had torn her life into shreds.
“Understandable. We haven’t s-seen each other in years. Having me show up on your doorstep with two youngies is a lot to think about in one day.”
Lavinia patted his nephew’s back softly, lulling the infant into releasing a low coo. Settling down, he was close to falling into a restful sleep. “Callie’s kinder are adorable,” she allowed. “I’m honored you would choose me to help raise them.”
“You are the only one I’d consider.” Attempting to be more persuasive, he added, “I make a gut living. You and Sophie would want for nothing.” Knowing she’d had to sell her house and would be dependent on the kindness of familie and friends only redoubled his determination to offer a solution that would allow her to keep her dignity. They needed each other. He just had to convince her he could offer a solid foundation to build a future on.
Myriad emotions flickered across Lavinia’s expressive face before she offered a reply.
“If we were to wed, you would expect me to be a wife. Ja?”
The question brought him up short. The notion hadn’t crossed his mind. Her concern was valid.
Embarrassed by the delicate subject, he tugged at his collar before clearing his throat. “Is it s-something you would want?”
“I could only be with a man I loved,” she confessed. “I like you, Noem. At least, I like the young man I knew back then. But I don’t know you now. And I certainly don’t want to jump into something I might regret later.”
“Understood.”
“Josiah is the only man I expected to spend my life with. Losing him—” Her throat worked with emotion. “I don’t know if I have it in me to give my heart away a second time.”
Knowing theirs would be a coupling in name only, Noem considered retreating. But doing so would leave him stuck back at square one. As he’d come this far, he decided to press ahead. Between them, they’d have three youngies. That would be quite a handful. Surely that would be enough.
“I know I can’t replace Josiah. Nor would I ever try. And I don’t want you to be uncomfortable if you decide to accept Bishop Graber’s recommendation. You will have a room to yourself—and plenty of privacy.”
“Danke.” Rocking gently, Lavinia returned her attention to the infant in her arms. Framed by the soft light emanating from the hearth, a wistful expression caressed her features. “Such a handsome boi. Josiah and I prayed we’d have a sohn.”
Sensing longing in her tone, Noem perked up. “Jesse could be your sohn. And Penelope could be Sophie’s schwester. I have full guardianship. We could petition the court to adopt them, make them our own.”
Curiosity claimed her expression. “Where is their daed? Why does he not have them?”
Noem inwardly winced. He’d sidestepped a few details of Callie’s life. Most of it was done out of deference for Penelope. His niece didn’t need to overhear anything negative about her parents. Glancing toward the play area, he saw she and Sophie were engrossed in the simple games Lavinia had provided to entertain them.
“Erik left Callie when he found out she was going to have Jesse. According to the letter I received from her, they’d been having problems. He wasn’t happy about another kind. He’d also met another woman and filed for d-divorce. Based on what Callie wrote, Erik wants nothing to do with them.” Frustrated, he spread his hands. “I—I haven’t had time to go through Callie’s things to find the paperwork or a contact number.”
“I can’t image how Callie must have felt.”
Anger bubbled up. “When she started seeing Erik, I warned her he would be trouble. I never liked the fellow.”
“I remember when she met him,” Lavinia said, frowning. “She fell head over heels. Dark hair, dark eyes and that sporty car of his were all she saw.”
“I’ve thought about contacting Erik’s familie. But I doubt they would want to raise Penelope and Jesse. Callie could have reached out to them when she got sick, but she chose not to. Since it was shaping up to be an ugly d-divorce, I imagine they took Erik’s side in the matter. It doesn’t look like he was paying any sort of support, either. As for finding him—” A shrug rolled off his shoulders. “He walked away from Callie and the kinder. Even if I could locate him, I don’t think he’d be a fit parent.”
Lashes fluttering, Lavinia swiped at her eyes. “Had I known Callie had fallen so low, I would have reached out to her. I know she was under the bann, but I could have sent things for her and the kinder. Others who knew her would have, too. No one would let one of our own go without necessities.”
“Callie’s letter came just a few days before she passed. She told me everything that had happened since she left. She said she’d been sick and needed help. I overnighted some money. And I’d planned to make a trip to Wausau to check on things when I got some time off work.” As if he was defeated by the narrative, his shoulders sagged. “But it was too little, too late. She collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital. The doctor said she didn’t live long after they got her to the ER.”
Having fallen to silence as Noem and Lavinia conversed, Bishop Graber and Abram gave them both an expectant look. The men rose and walked into the living room.
“Have you settled on an agreement?” the bishop asked.
“You do know each other. And you each have a need the other can ease,” Abram added.
Lavinia glanced between the two church elders. “You believe it would be an acceptable solution?”
“Ja,” Abram confirmed and then continued. “I would not recommend it if Noem were a stranger, but you grew up together. Starting with friendship, you two could build a life together.”
“And courtship is a private matter,” James Graber said. “No one outside of this room need know how long you have been considering the notion.”
Visibly taking a breath, Lavinia lowered her gaze. The chair she sat in rocked back and forth with a gentle motion. Adjusting the blankets around the boppli, she gave his chubby cheeks a soft caress. Unaware of the turmoil surrounding him, the little boi slept securely in her loving embrace.
Noem felt his breath stall. No matter what she had to say, his entire life was about to undergo a major change. Whether he would walk the path alone hinged on her reply.
A quiet moment ticked away. And then another.
Lifting her head, she drew back her shoulders. “After Josiah passed, I prayed Gott would show me where my life would go next,” she said softly. “For the longest time, I’ve felt lost.” As she glanced at the infant slumbering peacefully in her arms, her turbulent expression smoothed. “I can’t explain how I know it, but I believe Gott sent these kinder for me to care for.”
“Then you will agree?” Bishop Graber asked, looking quite satisfied his matchmaking had met with success.
“Callie was my friend. I can honor her memory by ensuring Penelope and Jesse are raised in a gut Amish home. I believe she would do nothing less for Sophie if our circumstances were reversed.” Her words, simply spoken, were heartfelt and heartwarming.
Encouraged, Noem rose. Going to one knee, he dared to reach for her hand. She didn’t pull away when his fingers gently closed around hers.
“Will you be my wife?”
Lids dropping to shield her gaze, Lavinia bit her lower lip. A faint tremble revealed her uncertainty. After a brief hesitation, she tightened her hold on his hand.
“Ja,” she said in a dulcet tone. “I will.”
Chapter Three
Three days later...
Jarred from sleep by bright shards of light dancing across her face, Lavinia opened her eyes. Rubbing away the remnants of sleep, she checked the windup clock at her bedside. Twenty after seven.
She normally rose before the sun, but last night she’d tossed and turned for hours. Her mind refused to let her rest, revving into overdrive as she considered the consequences of her hasty decision.
She’d agreed to marry Noem Witzel.
And today was the day of their wedding.
Doubt immediately set in, attacking with a vengeance. Emotions flooded from all sides, filling her mind with a jumble of images. Learning of her friend’s death, she’d felt compelled to help care for Callie’s innocent youngies. But agreeing to marry Callie’s brother? Pure foolishness!
Her hand lifted, pressing against her mouth as the stark realization set in.
What have I done?
Anxious and out of sorts, she threw off the covers and slipped out of bed. She belted her robe around her waist. The hour was early. There was still time to contact Bishop Graber and call off the ceremony that was scheduled to take place after the Sunday morning service. If she dressed and hurried to the phone shanty, she could make the call.
