The Mercy (15 page)

She let it slip. “Jah,” she whispered.

“Maybe we could attend the little country church near Salem Road, or sometimes go to the Amish Preaching service.”

Now she knew she must be dreaming!

Brandon held her near. “After learning to live without TV, I’d give that up in a heartbeat in exchange for telling stories and reading to Mattie Sue after supper.”

“And in the blink of an eye, she’ll be doing math homework and want you to double-check it,” she added, laughing softly.

He suggested there were many other things he enjoyed doing with their daughter. Things that would not cause a rift, like before.

She heard the sincerity in his voice. He wasn’t kidding. Her husband was willing to sacrifice for her, just as she was for him.
Like Dad suggested months ago.
“Brandon, listen . . . I don’t have to wear Amish clothes, I really don’t.”

“I’m cool with it—do as you wish.” He paused and reached for her hand. “I really am.”

She smiled up at him. “I’ve come to realize that I can wear pretty dresses and skirts and not feel like I’m sinning. More important, I don’t have to dress Plain to be accepted by God.”

“But I thought you wanted to join your parents’ church?” he asked.

“I did, but my faith and my relationship with you are more important than the trappings of Amish life.” She paused, blinking back tears. “Don’t you see? I’d do most anything to be with you.”

He pressed his face against hers. “Honey . . .”

“I’m sorry for being so selfish.” Hen reached up and removed her Kapp and took the pins out to let down her long hair. “Can you forgive me?”

Brandon did not answer with words. His eyes lingered over her hair, her eyes, and slowly, yet with resolve, he leaned near and his lips found hers. She surrendered gladly, nestling ever closer into his ardent embrace, joyfully returning his kisses.

N
ot a sound was to be heard in the snowy field where Solomon had gone walking after church. He craved some time alone and a jaunt through his fields. Emma’s hospitalization caused him great concern, as had the dogmatic second sermon today, preached by Bishop Simon, the overseeing bishop from Bart. Nothing at all like Aaron’s preaching. Sol had tried not to allow any speck of resentment to raise its ugly head as he listened. Still, it was awful hard to see Aaron Petersheim sitting two rows in front of him and not feel pangs of sorrow for his neighbor. The clock was ticking toward the end of Aaron’s ministry.

The People had stayed around longer than usual during today’s shared meal, perhaps because it was so cold no one was in a hurry to hitch up and head home. And, too, the fellowship brought its own sense of warmth on such a frigid day.

Sol had noticed Hen and Rose sitting close together at a table during the second serving when the younger adults ate. Both looked rather solemn and he wondered what was going through their minds.

Then, right after they arrived home from church, Hen left Mattie Sue with Rose and got in her car and rushed out of the driveway and up the road. Though she didn’t say, Sol presumed his daughter was hurrying off to see Brandon. And, oh, did he ever hope so!

Earlier, while the men waited outdoors for the women to lay out the cold cuts and pie, Aaron had confided that Brandon had asked him to read from the Bible about God’s sovereignty the last time they’d talked. Sol wondered why he’d waited this long to say something, but he didn’t question the man of God—which was how he still viewed Aaron Petersheim and always would.

When Sol asked about Brandon’s reaction to the Scripture reading, a slow, lingering smile came to Aaron’s ruddy face.
“Well, he was all ears, that I can tell ya.”

Sol had felt like he might burst right there. And thinking about it now, he still did. So he walked, letting all of this soak in.

Instead of letting her leave for the farm alone, Hen was pleased when Brandon suggested riding along so they could tell Mattie Sue of their plan to move to the country. Brandon also thought the three of them might like to spend one more night together in the Dawdi Haus.

On the way, they discussed replacing his car, which had been totaled in the accident, but Brandon didn’t exhibit any real urgency about it. He actually wondered aloud if it might be possible for them to get by with only one vehicle, even suggesting she might want to drive horse and buggy once in a while.

“You mean it, Brandon?” She eyed him suspiciously as she drove the back roads.

“Well, it would mean having to feed a horse. Guess we’d need a small barn, too.”

She smiled. “I don’t think you’re serious.”

“Think what you want . . . but I didn’t mention this idea merely to tease you.”

“Mattie Sue
would
love having a horse, even if we don’t buy a buggy.”

They talked about other ideas he had, such as having electricity but also gas lamps for occasional use.

“For atmosphere, you mean?” She chuckled.

“Well, why not?” He was flirting with her.

“If it’s all right with you, then it’s fine with me.”

“We’ll give Mattie Sue some of each of our worlds—how’s that?”

Again, Hen was amazed—and delighted—at his eagerness to accommodate her. And all these thoughts had come to Brandon even before he’d known what
she
was willing to give up for him! God had found a way to bring them together, and it was truly for the best. Oh, wouldn’t her family be surprised!

Back in the cozy Dawdi Haus late that afternoon, Mattie Sue was overjoyed. She snuggled with her daddy as they sat on the settee. “Are we goin’ to live close to Dawdi and Mammi?” She beamed at the news of Brandon’s search for a country house.

“We’ll see what’s for sale, honey.”

Mattie Sue pressed her face against his good arm.

“You can come along with Mommy and me when we go looking, how’s that?”

Hen had to purse her lips to keep them from quivering at the happiness of it all.

This was like a scene from one of her sister’s many books. Thinking of that, Hen realized Rose didn’t know what Brandon and she were considering—her sister had been quick to shoo Mattie Sue home when she spotted Hen’s car in the drive, keeping herself out of the way. But, first things first, Hen must slow down and let things play out. She leaned back in the chair while Brandon answered Mattie Sue’s many questions, their daughter reminding Hen very much of herself.

“Yes, I’ll stay with you and Mommy tonight—it’s our last night here, so we’ll celebrate.” Brandon kissed her rosy cheek. “Okay?”

“And then we’ll pack up tomorrow, ain’t?”

He looked at Hen. “There’s not much to pack, right, hon?”

“I’m leaving my Amish clothes here, so not much, no.”

“Can
I
wear my Amish dresses back at home, Daddy? Perty please?”

Brandon shook his head. “Hmm . . . you said you want to dress like Mommy, right?” He winked at Hen.

Mattie Sue’s eyes grew wide, her hand resting on his cast. Then a slow smile broke across her cute face. “Ach, I think you’re pullin’ my leg. Aren’t ya?”

He kept a straight face for a moment. Then his eyebrows rose as he fessed up. “You—and Mommy—can wear whatever you’d like. Well, within reason.”

Mattie Sue burst into giggles, clapping her hands. “I knew you were kidding!”

Brandon said he’d return to pick them up after work tomorrow. “I’ll load up the car . . . and take both of you home with me.”

“And then we’ll move to the new house in the country?” Mattie Sue asked.

“We have to find it first, honey. We’ll trust the Lord for that,” Hen replied, hoping she wasn’t speaking out of turn.

Brandon reached his arms around their little girl and nuzzled her cheek with his chin.

Hen was riveted by the two of them. Brandon really was a devoted father. How could she ever have doubted it?

Rose Ann rolled up on one elbow and looked at Hen from her spot on the old bed. They’d come upstairs to talk privately in Rose’s room while Mattie Sue and Brandon helped Dat in the barn, putting feed in the animals’ troughs. Rose studied her sister’s face and reached for a pillow, pushing it securely behind her. “This all happened so fast, ain’t?”

Hen nodded her head. “God is surely working in us.”

“Ach, and quicker than I ever dreamed possible.”

Hen sighed. “I have a lot to make up for, insisting on my own way for so many months . . . about working at the fabric shop, for one thing.”

“Are ya quitting, then?”

Hen blinked and looked down at her hands. “Brandon and I haven’t talked about that, but I’m willing to give it up.”

“Do ya think he’ll put his foot down, like before?”

“I doubt it. He seems more relaxed. He’s changed . . . we both have.”

Rose’s heart was warmed by the fact Hen had taken her into her confidence. Oh, to think her sister and husband were going to be together once more, their love renewed! And, with God’s help, maybe now they’d find true happiness, one that wasn’t tainted by selfish whims. It was as Rose had always hoped, in spite of the possibility that she might not see Hen as often again. And in that moment Rose realized that she, too, wanted something more than mere pretending and daydreaming about a lifelong love. She wanted to live in the here and now, not through her books.

“Is there anything I can help you with tonight?” asked Rose.

“You’re helping right now, just by being here.” Hen pulled her to her feet and gave her a sisterly hug. “And your prayers . . . you’ll keep us close that way, jah?”

Rose promised. “Mamm will be overjoyed at this.”

“Brandon and I’ll go see her soon and tell her ourselves. You have no idea how fond he’s become of Dad and Mom—all the family, really.”

Rose opened her door and followed her sister downstairs, thinking how things would be from here on out and missing Hen already.

When they stopped at the back door, Rose asked if she could come over tomorrow to help pack.

“There’s very little to do, mostly Mattie Sue’s bedding and books and toys.”

“We can make short work of that.”

Hen smiled and kissed her cheek. “Mattie Sue would love having you come, if you’d like.”

“I’ll let yous be tonight. Unless you want to have supper here. It will be just Dat and me.”

Hen set her chin. “Denki, but I’m looking forward to spending our last evening just the three of us. I hope you understand.”

Love makes people beautiful,
Rose thought, gazing at her sister. Everything about her seemed to radiate joy. “No worry. Have a wonderful-
gut
evening together.”

Smiling sweetly, Hen waved, saying, “Oh, we will” over her shoulder.

Hen’s meaning had not been lost on her—tonight they wanted to embrace their own little family. Rose watched her sister step across the walkway to the Dawdi Haus one last time and wondered how she’d ever managed all the years Hen had lived in town. To think Hen and her family might live neighbors to them soon!

Rose fairly danced back into the kitchen, hoping with all of her heart that nothing would change Brandon’s or Hen’s mind.

What a wonderful new beginning,
she thought.