A VOW for ALWAYS (13 page)

When Meredith and Jonah approached the buggy, Luke got out and tied the reins to the
hitching post. It was an odd situation, and Luke struggled for something to say.

Jonah stared back at him with a startled expression.

Luke, unsure of what to do, extended his hand to the man. They shook hands, but Jonah
continued to stare at him strangely.

Meredith glanced at Luke, and after a few more awkward moments, she introduced them
to each other. Once the introductions had been made, she turned to Jonah and said,
“Are you okay?”

Jonah glanced at Meredith and then back at Luke. His voice cracked as he stammered,
“It–it’s you! You’re the one. I’d remember those turquoise eyes anywhere.”

Luke, feeling quite confused, asked what Jonah meant.

“A long time ago when I was a boy, I nearly drowned.”

“Jah,” Meredith said. “I remember you told me what a lasting impression that boy had
made on your life.”

Jonah nodded. “Being pulled to the surface of that deep cold pond, I saw these kind,
caring eyes of such a different color. They looked into my own eyes and gave me silent
encouragement to hang on. I never thought I’d come face-to-face with that boy again,
and yet, here you are.”

Luke rubbed the bridge of his nose as he thought hard and long. When he was thirteen,
he’d spent a week with his aunt and uncle in Ohio. He’d gone fishing one day with
his cousin and had saved a boy from drowning. He hadn’t thought much of it because
he’d always been a good swimmer and his parents had taught him to offer help whenever
he could.

Jonah pointed to Luke and said, “You are that boy, aren’t you?”

“I guess so.” Suddenly, Luke realized he and Jonah had a special connection—what could
be a lasting bond.

Jonah clasped Luke’s shoulder. “You have a very special wife, and I know you two will
be happy together for the rest of your lives. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I
love her, but I’ve always known she’s never loved me the way she does you.”

Tears welled in Meredith’s eyes, and Luke felt moisture on his cheeks, too. No wonder
Meredith had agreed to marry Jonah. He truly was a fine man.

Luke shook Jonah’s hand once more, and then as he and Meredith climbed into their
buggy, he thanked God for bringing them together again.

Luke realized that if he hadn’t been mugged and had continued on the bus ride to his
uncle’s, he wouldn’t be alive today. Maybe that was God’s way of saying thank you
for saving a young boy’s life a long time ago. Some things were hard to figure out,
but no matter what the future held, he and Meredith would make it through, because
they had each other and God.

C
ome sit with me as I read the letter we just received from Jonah,” Meredith said,
motioning Luke to the sofa.

Holding Levi, Luke settled down beside her, anxious to hear what Jonah had to say.
Just a few weeks after Luke had returned home, Jonah had moved to Illinois, where
his twin sister and her family lived. He’d started a buggy-making business and was
doing quite well. It would have been difficult for Jonah to stay in Lancaster County,
where he’d be reminded of his love for Meredith every time he saw her.

“Jonah’s found a girlfriend,” Meredith said, smiling at Luke. “Or at least he’s found
someone he’s interested in. He says he’s not sure if she returns his feelings, but
he’s going to pursue her and see what develops.”

“That’s great.”
A new life for Jonah, and a second chance for me
, Luke thought. “Isn’t it amazing how the difficulties we experienced for more than
a year turned into blessings for everyone involved? I not only have my life back with
my beautiful wife”—he smiled at her—“but I also have an adorable son and a future
full of plans and dreams. And let’s not forget the Baileys,” he added.

“Jah, that’s right.” Meredith rested her head on Luke’s shoulder.

The Bailey family had become special to everyone in Meredith and Luke’s families.
Several visits had occurred over the summer, and Luke was happy to learn that Susan
had someone special in her life whom she’d met at church.

And Luke didn’t have to worry about how to provide for his family. Fortunately, Uncle
Amos had not sold his business when Luke was presumed dead, so Luke had taken it over
just as they had originally planned. But true happiness didn’t come from financial
security, Luke had learned. It came from being with those he loved and letting others
see God’s love through his actions.

New York Times
bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life
when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda
and her husband, Richard, live inWashington State but take every opportunity to visit
Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have several Amish friends. Wanda
and her husband have two grown children and six grandchildren. In her spare time,
Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, beachcombing, and having fun with
her family.

Visit Wanda’s website at
www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Adult Fiction

K
ENTUCKY
B
ROTHERS
S
ERIES
The Journey
The Healing
The Struggle

B
RIDES OF
L
EHIGH
C
ANAL
S
ERIES
Kelly’s Chance
Betsy’s Return
Sarah’s Choice

I
NDIANA
C
OUSINS
S
ERIES
A Cousin’s Promise
A Cousin’s Prayer
A Cousin’s Challenge

S
ISTERS OF
H
OLMES
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
A Sister’s Secret
A Sister’s Test
A Sister’s Hope

B
RIDES OF
W
EBSTER
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
Going Home
Dear to Me
On Her Own
Allison’s Journey

D
AUGHTERS OF
L
ANCASTER
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
The Storekeeper’s Daughter
The Quilter’s Daughter
The Bishop’s Daughter

B
RIDES OF
L
ANCASTER
C
OUNTY
S
ERIES
A Merry Heart
Looking for a Miracle
Plain and Fancy
The Hope Chest

Amish White Christmas Pie

Lydia’s Charm

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club

Love Finds a Home
Love Finds a Way

Children’s Fiction

D
OUBLE
T
ROUBLES
What a Pair!
Bumpy Ride Ahead
Bubble Trouble

R
ACHEL
Y
ODER
—A
LWAYS
T
ROUBLE
S
OMEWHERE
8-B
OOK
S
ERIES

The Wisdom of Solomon

Nonfiction

Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook Vol. 2
The Simple Life
A Celebration of the Simple Life
The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook