Along Wooded Paths (35 page)

Marianna went to sit on the couch beside Aaron. She’d been so excited about Levi’s letter she hadn’t thought to tell her parents about her and Aaron’s decision to marry. Not that she’d tell them tonight anyway. Amish couples didn’t tell their family and guests until a few weeks before the ceremony, and they still had time for that yet. Plenty of time.

Aaron leaned close as she opened the letter and began to read.

Dear Dat, Mem, and Marianna,

I’m writing this letter with news you will be excited to hear. There is other news I know will surprise you. First of all, I’ve spoken to the bishop. I’ve confessed my wandering, and I’ve asked to be baptized into the church.

Second, Naomi and I will be getting married soon, we are doing so because she is expecting a child. It is not what we’d planned, but we know every child is a gift. When I considered raising this child I knew I had to do it the only way I knew—in our community—as Amish.

Naomi hasn’t been feeling well, and I’m also writing to ask Marianna to come and to help care for her during the rest of the pregnancy. Naomi is staying in the Dawdi Haus, and I will not join her until we are married. I do not wish for her to stay alone. So Mari, would you come?

That is all my news for now. I’ll write more later. I know you will find this news a surprise, but I bet you’ll be happy all the same. It’s what you wanted. Maybe, now, the whole family can return.

Love,

Levi

Marianna folded the letter, unsure what to think. “A baby.” She turned to Aaron, noticing his wide eyes.

“Some news, isn’t it?”

Aaron swallowed hard and then nodded.

She took his hand. “Looks like we’ll be returning home sooner than expected. Think you can travel?”

Aaron looked at her, his brow furrowed. He didn’t answer.

“Well, unless you don’t think . . .”

“Yes. I’m sorry.” He leaned over and pulled her head against his chest. “I can’t wait, Marianna. It’ll be good to go back. It’ll be good to show you our home.”

“Our home,” she whispered. “I love the sound of that. Our home.”

June-Sevenies,

I know this letter may come as a surprise to you, but I’m returning. I’ll be back in Indiana before you know it. Aaron went to the doctor and the doctor was pleased by his progress. He put Aaron in a walking cast so he can get around much better. It should make the trip easier for us both!

There is other news I have to share, but I’ll do so when the time is right. I just want you to know that even though there have been many challenges over the last few months God has shown me more of Himself. He’s also shown me the man I’m destined to be with is the one I’ve loved for as long as I can remember.

Sorry this note is so short. I need to run to catch the mail. I’ve enclosed Aunt Ida’s address. You can reach me there in a few days—imagine that, a few days!

Love,

Marianna

Abe turned and wrapped his arm around his wife. It had been a Thanksgiving unlike any other, but he was proud of her. He snuggled closer and kissed her shoulder. Her nightdress smelled of soap and of smoke from the woodstove. Although Abe didn’t mind the scent, he was eager for the scent of spring. Spring held so much promise—a representation of the new life growing inside the earth.

He smiled at his wife. “I enjoyed tonight. It was good to share a meal, to see the kids having fun.”

“Did you know Marianna went to a prayer meeting?” Ruth’s voice was tense.

“I overheard. And that explains what Aaron was up to, fixing the buggy. Explains why it got stuck. It looks like she had a bumpy ride through the woods. Silver must have gotten spooked.” He smiled.

“This is no laughing matter. First, she’s meeting with the Englisch, praying words
out loud
. And what next?” Even though Ruth asked a question she didn’t wait to answer. “Our daughter will go the way of the world, that’s what will happen. And then—”

“What, Ruth?”

“Two children lost. Levi left for a time. Marianna next.” They’ll say we did this to our children—that we had no right having them.”

“You’re letting your thoughts run away like a scared horse. Marianna’s going nowhere. She’s curious. You have to admit we were too at that age.”

Her back stiffened, but instead of releasing her, he clung to her. “Besides, you saw her and Aaron tonight, didn’t you? If anything she’s drawing closer to him—and to her own baptism.”

“We need to be setting an example of what is and isn’t Amish. It’s too easy for things to get confused in this place.” She pulled away, scooted closer to the edge of their bed. “The children need to know . . .”

Abe clenched the quilt in his fists. They’d shared much under this quilt. Years ago they’d shared dreams. They’d fought some, but not often. Mostly about small things—things not worth the air to speak them. But now . . .

This was different. What he had to say mattered.

Abe leaned up on one elbow and gazed at his wife’s brown hair in the moonlight. “That is why we’re here, Ruth. So our children
will
know. Being in Indiana made it too hard to show them what was important. Everyone watched their neighbor without looking at the concerns of one’s own heart.”

Ruth shifted but didn’t speak.

“Our children are learning what’s important. Didn’t Jesus Himself say to love thy neighbor? I’m not sure He just meant those similar to oneself.”

“It’s not right, that’s all I’m saying.”

Abe lowered back down and rested his head on his pillow. “If it’s not one thing, it’s another.”

“What’s that supposed to mean, Abe Sommer?”

“It means that if things aren’t exactly your way, they’re not good enough, godly enough. I imagine God doesn’t know how to run the world on His own.” He sighed and lowered his voice. “Good thing there’s always an Amish woman or two around to help Him out.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Edgar hobbled into the restaurant kitchen and pulled two cookies from the cooling rack. He headed back to his place at the cash register. He didn’t seem to notice the women circled in the kitchen, sitting in chairs. A few people shopped, picking up items from the store shelves, but the women in the kitchen paid them no mind. Sarah, Jenny, Annie . . . their eyes were fixed on Marianna.

She bit her lip as she glanced at them and swallowed hard, noticing tears in Jenny’s eyes.

Annie eyed Marianna. “Are you sure this time?” She smoothed her apron.

“
Ja
, Aaron and I are set to leave in a few days’ time.”

“I’m sure your parents are pleased Levi will be joining the church.” Sarah leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Mari’s. Both knew her words were an understatement.

Jenny crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t understand. Your parents are happy that your brother got his girlfriend pregnant?” A low, harsh chuckle burst from her lips. “Wish they could have talked to my parents. As soon as they found out I was pregnant, wham! They gave me the boot. I was on my own. They even changed the lock on the door. If it wasn’t—” Words caught in her throat. “The love I’ve been shown in this community has made me trust in love again.” She reached forward and took Marianna’s hand, squeezing it hard. “I’m going to miss you.”

Marianna nodded. “
Ja
.” She wanted to tell Jenny that she’d miss all of them too, but heat rose up her neck at the thought of sharing her feelings like that. She decided to change the subject and talk about Levi and Naomi. She could do that without tears.

“Jenny, please don’t misunderstand. Pregnancy outside of marriage is not encouraged, but people know it happens. Usually the couple marries in a simple ceremony. No one speaks of it, but they have only a lunch without the wedding dinner. Only later, when the baby comes too soon, do others realize what happened. But bed courtship, well, it’s an old tradition that sometimes leads to other things . . .”

Jenny cocked an eyebrow. “Bed courtship?”

“It’s how an Amish boy and girl date. He picks her up at his house and takes her home or to a friend’s house. They spend the night together, you know, to get to know each other better. With everyone working so hard during the week on their farms and jobs, weekends are the only time for young couples to get together. They want to spend as much time together as possible.”

“I bet they do.” Jenny smirked. “And I thought . . .” She shook her head. “Well, I thought different of your people.”

Annie joined the conversation. “Traditions are traditions, and sin is enticing to everyone—no matter how you were raised. Sexual impurity is wrong, but each of us must make the decision to stay strong. I’m just thankful Levi’s making a good choice and that he’ll be there for his child.”

“Did the letter say when the baby’s due?” Sarah asked.

“In a matter of months.”

“Really? That soon?” Sarah’s eyes widened. “I thought they weren’t together.” Her eyes bored into Marianna, and she could read the question in her friend’s eyes. It was the same question that met Marianna on the walk to the store this morning. Last night she’d been so excited about Levi’s return. Her heart had been so light with the idea of becoming a bride that she hadn’t taken the time to think about Naomi’s pregnancy. The slow walk in the chilly air had awakened those thoughts.

“I’m not going to get into their business. I just wanted you to know that my brother and my friend—they need me. And . . . while I’m there I’ll be planning my own wedding.”