Sisters of the Heart - 03 - Forgiven Read online

  He finished his lemonade, sat it on the wide planks of the porch, then stood up. “Maybe tomorrow? In the afternoon?”

  “I’m working until four o’clock. If you come over after dinner, I’d love to go for a ride.”

  Almost shyly, Samuel Miller smiled. “Then I’ll be back.”

  Winnie could only nod as he stepped down the stairs. He waved goodbye to the girls, and then coaxed Eli’s horse on his way again.

  If that don’t beat all. She had a beau. A fine man, too. Samuel Miller.

  Chapter 20

  From the porch, Winnie felt a great sense of satisfaction and excitement as she watched the men bond together in work teams and the women carry overstuffed baskets toward the shade of the oak and walnut trees.

  Today was a special day, indeed. With God’s help—and everyone else’s—by nightfall they’d have the makings of a new barn.

  “Well, those men are certainly as busy as can be. We best not stand here too much longer. We’ll be sprout-in’ feathers when we have important work to do,” Irene Brenneman said. “We need to plan where all the ladies are going to put their dishes.”

  Winnie pointed to the dining room, where the long oak table was covered with an assortment of quilts. Since Katie was busy trying to tend to everyone, Winnie was doing her best to plan the logistics. “I’ll direct the ladies and the food here on the table. They can leave their baskets with quilts and dishes near the trees.” As two children skipped rope nearby, Winnie winced, just imagining how difficult it would be to stay organized with so many children underfoot. “And, I think we should encourage the kinner to go play on the other side of the house near the garden.”

  As the hours passed, Winnie noticed the men falling into place, each doing what they did best. Jonathan instructed groups, John Brenneman double-checked supplies, and Brent, Jonathan’s boss at the lumberyard, explained how he organized the lumber. Finally, with much good humor and teasing about who was the strongest, the barn raising began.

  Voices and music rang out, children scampered and laughed in the vibrant green fields, and the scents of hearty food and sawdust filled the air.

  For all the hard work, it was great fun.

  All the while, Winnie did her best to stay near the construction, all in hopes of catching a glimpse of Samuel.

  She wasn’t disappointed. Whether by design or chance, she saw quite a bit of him throughout the morning. His smiles and nods in her direction were worth all the knowing looks and teasing glances from the other women.

  Finally lunch was served. After a quick, silent moment of prayer, Winnie took her place at Sam’s table and brought over plates of chicken and bowls of potatoes.

  “Danke,” he said, when she brought him a festive-looking gelatin salad.

  “You’re welcome,” she murmured with a smile. Even though she’d done no part of the meal except to serve it.

  It was customary for the women and children to eat after the men had their chance. When Winnie took Sam’s spot, she hardly noticed what she put in her mouth—all she could think about was how handsome he’d been. How the same yet different he seemed around the other men.

  How smitten she was with him. A warmth filled her. Could this really be her future, a life working side by side with such a generous, giving, handsome man? It all seemed too good to be true.

  “Winnie, if you’re not too tired, we’ve got a good amount of work to do, if you’re done sittin’,” Irene called.

  “I’m not tired, my leg feels fine.” She hopped up. “I’ll be right there.”

  Just as the sun set, a shadow fell across the front porch. The barn frame was up. Families began to take their leave, gathering sleepy children and sparkly clean food containers.

  Jonathan, Katie, and the girls were inside getting the girls ready for bed.

  Winnie sat on the front stoop in the shadow of the new structure and breathed a sigh of contentment. The day had been a busy one, but most gratifying. Barn raisings were always a pure example of their way of life. She was never so proud to be Amish. Once more, she knew she’d be counting her blessings for many days to come.

  She was just about to do that when yet another shadow fell over her—this one far smaller. Ah, yet another blessing, indeed. “Samuel. I thought you had already left.”

  “Without telling you goodbye? I wouldn’t do that.”

  “The barn, it looks gut, jah?”

  His tawny brown hair was still damp from when he washed up. As was his habit, he brushed it out of his face and looked at the structure. “It’s a fine building. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at it without remembering this feeling of accomplishment. I’m pleased with it.”

  “You should. It’s a right beautiful barn. My brother is so pleased.”

  Sam smiled as he dropped down to sit next to her. “Have I told you today how glad I am to see you’re back on two feet?” Sam said, his eyes twinkling in the way that made her heart melt.

  “Not half as glad as I am. I was thinking those crutches would always be my companions.” Carefully, shaking her right leg, she said, “Though I have some scars, I feel like I did before the fire.”

  “The scars are a small price to pay for being healthy again, I think.” Pointing to the new barn, he said, “This building kind of feels like my life right now. Though the old structure has gone away, the memories will always be there.”

  “And in its place?”

  “In its place is something new and fresh. Supported by many strong hands and hearts.”

  “That’s a fitting description, I think. Samuel, I am mighty glad you decided to come back. I would have become English for you, but I don’t know if I’d have ever fit in the way you would’ve needed me to.”

  “I think you would have done all right, but I’m glad I’m the one who did the changing.”

  “You don’t think you’ll have regrets?”

  “No. Especially since the bishop felt I could still teach at the college a bit.” Flashing a smile, he added, “Like the fire in the barn, what happened was unexpected, but now that time has passed, I see that it was not all bad.”

  He held out his hand for her to take. “With the Lord’s help, I think we’ll see in the coming years that it will prove to be the right thing.”

  She placed her other hand over their joined ones and squeezed gently. Oh, she never wanted to let him go! “I know what we have is the right thing, indeed.”

  “May I come by tomorrow?”

  “I’d be terribly sad if you didn’t.”

  “That’s it? No exceptions or rules or circumstances?”

  “Like you, I feel new again. Being hurt in the fire taught me to count my blessings more. I’m going to count you as my greatest blessing.”

  Slowly, Sam lifted her hands and gently kissed her knuckles. Winnie didn’t even try to pretend that she didn’t feel a rush of pleasure from his touch.

  She would never have dreamed that she’d spend a full week in a hospital with burns and a broken foot. And even more, that it would all lead to finally thinking of marriage.

  Funny how so much of what she used to worry about didn’t bother her anymore.

  “You know, one day, we might look back at all this and laugh.”

  Still looking at their joined hands, Sam said, “About how we met?”

  “About how the Lord really does have a plan. And that His plan is both wondrous and true.”

  “And never ceases to amaze.”

  Winnie looked up at him and smiled. “I’ve fallen in love with you.”

  “And I you.” Slowly, Samuel Miller leaned close and gently brushed his lips against hers, and then kissed Winnie again.

  Right there, on the front stoop of her brother’s home. In the shadow of a freshly built barn, where all things seemed possible.

  Epilogue

  “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 br
ides 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.

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for picking up Forgiven. I hope you enjoyed Winnie and Sam’s story. What a journey this Sisters of the Heart series has been! I’ve so enjoyed the Brenneman family and writing about Anna’s journey to finding love and acceptance. Now that I’ve come to the end of the series, I’m sad to see them go.

  Thankfully, I’ve already begun a new series for Avon Inspire! It’s called Seasons in Sugarcreek. The trio of novels focuses on a year in the life of two families—the Grabers, an Amish family with seven children, and the Allens, the Grabers’ new English neighbors. Already they’ve given me much to smile about. I hope you’ll look forward to meeting them, too.

  As always, I have many people to thank. The top of the list is Clara, whose humor and genuine kindness have influenced me greatly. Thank you, as well, to the American Christian Fiction Writers. Joining their ranks has been very rewarding. I know I will also be eternally grateful to the many readers who have taken time to write me notes. Their encouragement always brightens my day.

  I’d like to also thank my children, Arthur and Lesley. It isn’t always easy to have a writing mom (papers and notebooks everywhere!). It is, however, wonderfully easy to be their mother.

  Thanks again for reading Forgiven. If you have a moment, please visit me on my website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com and tell me what you thought!

  With God’s Blessings to you,

  Shelley Shepard Gray

  Questions for Discussion

  1. The concept of truly forgiving resonates with several characters in this book. Have you ever had an instance where you, too, had a difficult time forgiving someone?