October song (12 page)

“Gem gschehne-you’re welcome,” Katie replied, wishing he might ask her to go with him on a walk or a drive somewhere.

“I’ll see you at suppertime,” he said later, heading off around two o’clock in the afternoon. “You don’t mind, do you?”

She said she didn’t. And she meant it; honestly, she did. It was just that she’d had such high expectations for the day. Hadn’t known better, really, having never experi—

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enced a first wedding anniversary before. She hadn’t witnessed her parents’ first, of course, hadn’t been to any of the People’s first-wedding-anniversary dinners, not that she recalled, anyway. Well, she’d just make the best of it. Put on a stiff upper lip and hope the evening meal was a nice surprise, at least, for Daniel.

Meanwhile, she had more cooking and baking to do. But as the afternoon dragged on, the table set, steak simmering, lemon sponge pie waiting, she got to thinking if Clan might’ve forgotten to get her a present, just maybe. Could he have marked their date on the wrong calendar, like the husband whose wife had laughed about it yesterday at the bake sale?

Was it possible that Clan had simply failed to purchase a gift after all? Goodness knows how busy he’d been they’dbothbeen — all this week, what with the nightly meetings, Dan’s busy work schedule, the church bake sale, not to mention her keeping up all the duties round the house. It was a wonder they weren’t both reclining on the sofa, feet propped up on matching hassocks, too tired to talk or do much of anything else.

Fact was, she had boundless energy, and so, it seemed, did Clan. He’d been off

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doing who knows what at the Millers’ foi more than two hours now. It was comin up on four o’clock.

Along about quarter past four, her came Mamma driving horse and bugg,. into the lane, of all things. “Happy firs wedding anniversary,” her mother said looking too serious. “Can’t stay but minute.” Mamma carried a cardboard go: with a pecan pie in it from Mary and batch of homemade candy kisses and cara mels. “Thought you might like somethin

for your sweet tooth.., and Dan’s, too.” “Denki. So kind of you.”

Their eyes locked and held at that mo ment, and Katie invited Mamma inside “Dan’s gone for a bit, but he’ll be back it no time.”

Mamma hesitated; a crooked little smil, crossed her face. “Best be goin’, reall5 Maybe some other time.”

“All right, then.” Katie took the box c goodies and thanked her mother again “I’ll tell Clan you stopped by.”

“You do that,” Mamma called over he shoulder, heading back toward the waitin carriage.

Katie stood at the back door, watchinl till the horse and carriage were out e sight. She turned and carried the box int.

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the kitchen, taking out Mary’s pecan pie first. They would enjoy it tomorrow noon, after church. Maybe she’d invite the Freys over for an afternoon visit, to share the pie.

Opening one of the caramels, she popped it into her mouth, not caring that the treat might take the edge off her appetite. It was nearly four-thirty now. What was keeping Clan?

She wanted to have candles lit and ice water poured in glasses, ready the minute her husband walked into the house. She found herself glancing out the front window, feeling far too uneasy. Still, she checked and double-checked her list and, after doing so several more times, decided she was perfectly ready.

When, at last, Clan pulled into the driveway just minutes after five o’clock, she scrambled away from the window, going to the dining room and striking a match to light the candles. Hastily, she poured cold water into the sparkling clean goblets.

A quick look around the table and she was satisfied.Darlene was right. . everything’s fine.

Clan greeted her warmly and washed his hands at the kitchen sink, then went with her into the dining room. “Honey, this is so nice!” He turned and looked at her…

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reallylooked. “You’ve been working all afternoon, haven’t you?”

“Wait’ll you see what’s for dessert,” she said with a smile.

“Dessert? What about the first course?” His eyes shone with excitement as he sniffed the air. “I believe I smell steak.”

She nodded, sitting down. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Starved.” He reached for her hand as he began to pray.

They took their time, enjoying the meal. Clan commented repeatedly on the tenderness and flavor of her Swiss steak, the tastiness of the creamed asparagus, too. He seemed delighted all round.

Katie was relieved that she had taken time to shine the windows, for she and Clan stared out as the day turned to dusk, watching birds in flight, seeing their Amish neighbor and his sons finishing up in the fields in the distance. They looked into each other’s eyes, too, talking softly, laughing, having the best time. A long and leisurely meal, and Katie was only too glad to serve it.

She thought of presenting her gift to him during dessert, but then wondered how Clan might feel if hehadn’tbought her something. No, she didn’t want to embar—

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was still plenty of time left in the day. She would wait.

“Mamma dropped by with some candies and a pie from Mary,” she said.

Dan’s eyes were wide. “Your mother was here?”

“I was a bit surprised myself.”

“And . . you said Mary, Bishop John’s wife, sent over a pie?”

She knew what he was thinking. “Seems we’re making progress.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Well, I believe we are.”

She wanted to say that they ought to continue praying for their families, for the People in general, but she struggled with a tiny lump in her throat. ‘Specially when she served Clan his coffee and still nothing was said about his gift.

What shall I do?she wondered. Clanwill think I’m too eager.

“Is everything all right?” he asked, while

she offered him a sugar cube for his coffee. “Why shouldn’t it be?”

“You just seem . . well, a bit sad.”

This is silly,she told herself, not wanting to show her disappointment. Hadn’t they, after all, had a lovely day together? What more was needed? They had each other,

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good conversation, delicious food.

“Would you care for more pie or . or anything?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Katie . honey, whatisit?” He took her hand in both of his.

“I, uh, just wondered when we should exchange our gifts to . to each other.” The words came flying out, though she truly hadn’t wanted to speak them at all. But, all the same, Clan gazed back at her, compassion shining from his eyes.

“Well, I didn’t want to present my gift until I thoughtyouwere ready,” he said, still holding her hand.

She should have known. They were in the same boat. He hadn’t wanted to make her feel uncomfortable if she hadn’t anything more to give him than the special meals and pie.Bless his hear,she thought, wanting to cry.

He excused himself to the front room, and she heard him talking on the phone. Soon he returned and said, “It won’t be long now. The gift is on its way.”

When the wagon came rattling into the lane, Clan had her cover her eyes. Then he led her gingerly to the back door. “Wait right here, Katie, and don’t open your eyes till I say so.”

She was ever so excited now as she

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waited for Dan’s surprise. And she felt ashamed of herself, for thinking her darling had forgotten. Several minutes passed, and she wondered what was keeping him. Then he was at her side again, telling her, “You can look now.”

When she opened her eyes, there was a lovely white porch swing down on the lawn. She ran out to see it up close. “Oh,

Daniel … it’s beautiful!”

“Do you like it?”

“Like it? It’s exactly what I wished for.” She sat down and tried out the swing, patting the seat next to her. “How on earth did you know?”

He sat beside her, grinning. I’ll never tell.”

“It was Darlene, wasn’t it?” She was in his arms, returning his kisses. “It’s a wonderful-gut anniversary gift,” she declared, spotting Brother Miller as he tipped his hat to her. So that’s why Clan had been gone all afternoon.

Remembering the watch, she wiggled out of his embrace. “Wait right here,” she said. “I have a gift for you, too.”

Dashing upstairs, she headed straight for the clothes closet, to get the watchcase. She looked where she always kept secret gifts, but not finding it, thought she

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must’ve hidden the watch in one of her bureau drawers. She recalled that, on occasion, her mamma had often hidden things too well — so “safely” that they seemed to disappear, couldn’t be found when needed. Wherehadshe put Dan’s gift? She thought hard, retracing her steps.

Then it dawned on her. She’d held the watchcase the leather banded watch itself-in her hands, but downtown at the jewelry store. She had never purchased the gift at all. Too caught up with the preparations, the list-making, and other things, she had completely forgotten Dan’s gift!

How could this be? She wept with the realization, dabbing at her wet cheeks as she flew back down the steps to apologize to her darling. “Ach, can you ever forgive me?” she choked out the words. “I followed my list so closely.., but I forgot the most important thing!”

“Honey honey,” Clan said, reaching for her. “It’s all right.”

“No . . no, I wanted to remember this day for as long as we live.”

He stroked her hair, telling her all was well. “The day is not as important as our love, is it?” he whispered.

She hugged his neck, bemoaning the fact that she’d ordered his gift but failed to pick

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it up and told him so. “How could I have been so fuzzy-headed?”

“My darling girl,” he said, a smile of forgiveness on his lips.

“Your gift will be waiting for you — here — the minute you get home on Monday,” she promised.

During the remainder of the evening, Katie kept thinking of her inexcusable oversight, telling Clan how sorry and embarrassed she was. Next time, she might just forget about making a list at all. Truth was, it had thrown her off quite a bit. But more than that, she was determined not to be so quick to second-guess her dear husband in the future, onanyaccount.

On Monday evening Katie presented Clan with the leather watch promptly as he came in the door. “Happy anniversary, darling … a little late.”

He removed the ribbon and opened the box. Inspecting the watch, he traced the grain of the leather with his finger. A smile on his handsome face, he lifted the watch out of its case and placed it on his left wrist. “Nowthisis a gift worth waiting for!”

“A gift to remember,” she said. “To be sure.”

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He reached for her, and they tumbled into each other’s arms, having such a hearty good laugh.

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Bird-in-H nd

There was the grace of swaying willows, the tranquility of clear, chirping brooks, the honesty of wide-open skies, and the blessing and abundant love of the People.

— fromThe Postcard

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7

Friend to Friend

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love…

Colossians 2:2

Rachel Bradley stood on the front porch, looking out across the wide yard to the broad pastureland, a gentle afternoon shower under way. All morning she’d pondered her recent letter from Esther Glick, out in Holmes County, Ohio. Seemed her dear cousin had her hands mighty full with newborn triplets, the third baby comin’ as a big surprise, seem’ as how the doctor had said all alongtwins.

She could read between the lines, no getting round that. Rachel knew Esther well enough to sense a prevailing melancholy tone the unspoken quality tothisletter from her usually cheerful cousin. Remembering her own “baby blues” after the births of her children, most recently a nine-pound baby boy born over a year ago,

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she might write back as encouragement. From one young mother’s heart to another.

“Dear Lord, what would ya have me write to Esther?” A sudden clap of thunder sent her scurrying for the house. Once in side, she checked on her napping toddler, then settled down at the kitchen table. Pen in hand, she began to write on her best sta tionery.

Dearest Cousin Esther,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

You can’t possibly know how happy I was to get your letter this morning. Ach, it was ever so gut to hear from you, really ‘twas. Even though I have plenty of friends here in Bird-in-Hand

sisters and cousins, and whatnot nothing takes the place of a bosom buddy. I can’t count the times you’ve lifted my spirits with a Scripture verse or two … and your fervent prayers for me. I’m ever so grateful, Esther. You mean so much to me, knowin’ how you put your trust one hundred percent in our Lord Jesus.

Well, seems to me you may be suf fering some these days — prob’ly a bit

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run down, and tired, too what with the birth of your wee sons and daughter. Three babies. My, oh my, you must surely be wondering what our heavenly Father was a-thinkin’. But never forget that God knew what He was doing, sending you and Levi three children all at once. You can surely put your faith and trust in that.

I’m glad to hear you’ve got yourself several extra pairs of hands from the community helpin’ out. How I wish we lived as neighbors to you and Levi. You know I’d be over every morning, and what fun we’d have changing and dressing one baby after another. Must seem mind-bogglin’ for you, every so often, but I know you’re a wonderful-gut mother, Esther, and these early days won’t last forever. Try and take one day as it comes, all right? Surely, you don’t expect to keep the house neat as a pin just now. Nobody there thinks any differently, I’m sure. (If they do, best put ‘em to work mopping and cleaning, why don’tcha?)

Remember, we’re only a prayer apart.

Rachel put down her pen for a moment. She wondered if Esther’s mamma was

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plannin’ to make the trip out to Ohio. Hadn’t heard a word ‘bout it from anyone. Knowing Esther as she did, her cousin wouldn’t press theissue,wouldn’t come right out and ask her mother to come. But for Esther’s sake and her new babes in arms, Rachel hoped Aunt Leah would find it in her heart to indeed go.