Sisters of the Heart - 03 - Forgiven (18 page)

“
Gude Mariye
, Anna!” Katie called out from the doorway. “It’s time to wake up, and to be quick about it, too! I canna believe you are sleeping so late on your own wedding day.”

“Late?” Anna peeked out of the covers, then groaned. “It’s barely light out. What time is it?”

“Five. Come now, there’s much to be done.” Looking a bit shamefaced, Katie said, “I know it’s early, but I’m fair to bursting with excitement.”

As usual, Katie’s enthusiasm was contagious. Sitting up, Anna looked fondly at the woman who had once, long ago, been just a good friend. Now she was about to be her sister.

Henry!

“Have you seen your brother yet?”

A sweet, knowing smile filled Katie’s gaze. “I have.”

“How’s he doing? Is he
neahfich?
” Oh, she really hoped
he wasn’t. If he was apprehensive, perhaps that meant he really regretted everything. Or was having second thoughts?

“He looks nervous, indeed.”

“He does?”

Katie broke into a broad grin. “But not for the reason you’re thinkin’—it’s because he hopes everything will go okay.”

“Oh. Well, I, myself feel extremely happy! I’m finally getting married.”

“I’ll be happy when you get out of bed. It’s time for breakfast. People will be arriving in just a few hours and we’ve much to do before that. There’s a bit of baking that still needs to be done.”

The ceremony was supposed to begin at eight that morning. During the ceremony, they’d sing hymnals from the
Ausbund
, have scripture readings, and read passages from the
Ordnung
. They wouldn’t be fully good and married until noon. After that would be a wonderful chicken dinner and pies.

She pushed the covers away and stepped out of bed. “All right. I’ll get busy. I better get my parents up. It will probably take them the whole time to get ready.”

“You’re wrong,” Katie said with a smile. “Your
mamm
beat me up! She’s helping my
mamm
and Rebecca sort through the plates and such from the wedding wagon.”

Anna knew she shouldn’t be so shocked. Anna had forgotten but was reminded, time and again over the last year, of the many good qualities her mother had in
abundance. She was earnest, had a desire to please, and above all, she had an infinite love for Anna. And Anna loved her, too.

Though she wasn’t quite the baker Irene was, she could certainly make fine pies and other baked goods. She also had a knack for planning large events—whether they were English or Amish. With Irene’s blessing, she helped organize tables and count linens—no small task for a guest list of over two hundred people.

“I’m glad she came,” Anna said. “I should go visit with her.”

“That’s a
gut
idea, I think,” Katie murmured.

Anna’s bridal gown was a new dress of light blue. Though without adornment, it looked special to her eyes—perhaps because the brand-new dress symbolized so much. Now, though, she ran downstairs in yesterday’s dress, a plain gray one which she’d been taken to wearing when work or chores would be especially consuming.

The group in the kitchen looked up in surprise when she appeared. “Up already?”

“Katie made sure of it.”

Irene chuckled. “How about some breakfast?”

“Thank you.” Though her stomach was in knots, Anna knew it would be wise to eat a hearty meal. The rest of the day would be spent visiting with the great number of people who had traveled to spend the special day with her.

After Irene prepared a plate of fruit, eggs, and toast, Anna’s mom brought it to her. “Here you go, honey.”

Anna patted the seat of the chair next to her. “Will you sit with me, Mom?”

“Of course.” A pretty, familiar smile she loved passed over her mother’s expression. “How are you doing?”

“I’m excited.”

“I’m glad. It’s a special day. Henry is a good man. You chose well, Anna.”

Anna knew that had cost her a lot to say. When Anna had first fallen in love with Henry, her mother—rightfully—had doubted her motivations. But during the past year, it had been her mother who had made all the changes. Now here she was, helping in the kitchen to prepare a feast that was most likely very different than the wedding and reception she’d dreamed of hosting for her daughter. “Have I told you lately that I’m glad you’re my mom? You’ve been a wonderful mother to me.”

Her mother blinked. “You’ve forgiven me for not trusting you to know what’s best?”

Anna nodded. “I shouldn’t have held a grudge. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to accept your apology.”

Her mom wiped her eyes. “I’m proud of you. You’ve made a wonderful life here for yourself.”

A wave of relief and happiness passed over Anna. Finally, it seemed as if everything was right in the world. In her world, the only place that mattered that morning.

After breakfast, all the women got busy making casseroles and baking two more pies. Anna was happy to see that her mother didn’t mind in the least doing
so much work. In fact, she looked to be enjoying the cheery banter of all the women surrounding them.

Two hours later, from the corner of the kitchen, Katie cleared her throat. “Anna, I can’t hold my tongue a moment longer. You must go get ready! The ceremony will start before we know it.”

Her mother stood up and held out a hand. “I’d like to help, if I could.”

Grasping it, Anna smiled. “I’d love your help. Thank you.”

Henry and Anna’s wedding ceremony was wonderful-
gut
, Winnie thought. She liked seeing all the English there, at first looking a bit awkward, then settling in and enjoying the ceremony with as much care and sentiment as everyone else.

Winnie had always thought there was something magical about hearing and seeing the old rituals come to life and remembering vows spoken before.

Across the aisle with all the men sat Sam. He was sitting next to Eli and Caleb. If she hadn’t been looking for his muscular form, she might have had to look a bit harder, he blended in so well. Now it felt as if all their pasts hardly mattered. Only the present and their future goals were what counted.

Right before she was set to join the other women as they prepared all the food, Sam caught her. “Got a minute?”

Winnie knew she’d spare him any amount of time. “Sure.”

“The wedding was a good one, don’tcha think?”

“I do.”

“It got me thinking…” His words floated away as a group of neighbors nodded in their direction before moving off.

When they were alone again, Winnie said, “What got you thinking?”

“I’m hoping we’ll be as happy one day, too. I mean, I would be happy if you”—he stopped, obviously looking impatient with himself—“oh, Winnie, I’m not doing a good job of this am I?”

“I’m not sure. It depends what you’re trying to do.”

“I know we’ve been courting a bit, and that you wanted to take things slow, but well, I’d like you to marry me soon. If you would like.”

Well, there it was. Her proposal from Samuel. It had happened. Just like that!

The words were much like she expected but the moment was like nothing she’d ever imagined. She felt giddy and pleased…and at peace.

Winnie felt right. “Well, now, I think you’re doing just fine.”

“Then, what do you say?” Samuel looked her over, his beautiful hazel eyes brimming with emotion. “Do you have an answer?”

Reaching out for him, Winnie took his hand. “Oh, Samuel. For such a smart man, you can sure be
deerich
, so foolish! Of course it’s a yes. It’s always been a yes for you. Always.”

If they’d been alone, Winnie guessed they might have kissed. Instead, surrounded by so many who loved and cared for them, he just smiled.

Across the lawn, she caught Katie’s eye. When Katie raised her brows in question, Winnie nodded.

Then, when Katie let out a little squeal, Anna looked up. After sharing a glance with Katie, Anna turned to Winnie and grinned.

Yes, it was a special day for all of them. A day to remember and hold close to their hearts for a long time to come. A day for brides and engagements…and futures to plan.

And oh, what wonderful things were surely in store!

Giving in to temptation, Winnie spun in a circle and laughed. What wonderful things, indeed.