More Than Words (39 page)
Oma still returned home to us at nighttime, but Father had figured how to fix her windows so they could open high enough to let in a breeze, but not far enough that she could crawl out during the night. He’d even placed removable bells above all of the doors. Each morning he would take them down, and each evening he’d place them back on their hooks. His plan had met with success. Even though the clanging bells had jarred me awake on numerous occasions, I was thankful for my father’s plan. Not once had Oma been able to wander off during the night.
My father stopped outside my bedroom door. “Writing in your journal?”
I shook my head. “No. I’ve been reading about all the things that have happened during the last year.”
“Ja? And what were you reading just now?” He stepped inside the room and sat down on the side of my bed.
“About Oma and how you fixed the windows and doors to keep her safe.”
He smiled and bowed his head. “I should have done it before she got so bad in the head. And I should never have talked about sending her away to Mount Pleasant, either. I promised your mother I’d take care of her. I gave my word, but I was ready to take the easy path.”
“But you didn’t.”
“She is a gut woman who should be with her family. The Älterschule is a gut thing—is much better that she has a place where she can go and be around her old friends and the children at the Kinderschule.”
I giggled. “Ja. Sometimes she acts more like a child than the children, but other times she is busy helping them with their knitting and needlework. The mind is a strange thing. One minute it is working fine and the next it is gone.” I reached out and grasped my father’s hand. “Conrad said that Oma can come and live with us if it is too hard for you to have her here at night.”
“Nein. She will stay in this house. This is what she is used to. The change would be hard for her. Besides, she will sit with you at mealtime and at prayer service. If she gets worse and needs you to help her to get dressed, then we will talk again.”
I didn’t argue, but when that day arrived, we would move her in with us.
“I was looking for you because I have a surprise.” Father folded his hands together. “Trudy is old enough to go to Kinderschule in another month, and Sister Veda is willing to come and work at the store. If you would like to go back to working at the Küche, I will ask the Bruderrat if they agree. But first I wanted to talk to you.” He chuckled. “I didn’t want you to think I was pushing you out.”
His offer left me momentarily speechless. Return to the Küche and no longer work in the store. Isn’t that what I’d longed for ever since my mother had died? Yet it didn’t sound appealing. Maybe because Mina was no longer there, or maybe because I felt closer to my mother’s memory here at the store, or maybe because I’d finally accepted that this was the work I enjoyed. “I hope Veda will not be too disappointed, but I don’t want to return to the Küche.”
His eyes shone with joy, and he tightened his hand around mine. “Ja? You want to stay and work with me?”
I nodded my head. “Ja. Working here at the store is what I want to do.”
He leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “I am very happy.”
I saw a tear glisten in his eyes, and he quickly stood up and headed for the door. “I must go and get ready for the wedding, and then go to the train station to meet the Loftons.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Maybe you should think about getting ready, too.”
I donned my best church dress, navy blue with a tiny dotted design, and my mother’s black cap with tatted trim that she had worn on her wedding day. Oma wouldn’t remember, but she had made the cap for my mother. When I was a little girl, she’d shown it to me and said it would be mine to wear on my wedding day. I could hear the Loftons visiting with my father in the parlor. I gathered my shawl and opened the bedroom door.
Cecile jumped up and started toward me but stopped midstep. I could see the disappointment in her eyes. I’d written and explained that I wouldn’t be wearing a wedding gown, but I don’t think she believed me until now. I extended my arms to her. “I would like a hug from my favorite friend from Springfield.”
She smiled and embraced me. “Are you really going to wear that dress to your wedding?”
“Ja. I wrote and told you about our custom. Did you not read my letter?”
“Mama read it to me, but I told her I didn’t believe it was true. I thought you were going to surprise me.”
“I am sorry you’re disappointed, Cecile, but no matter what dress I wear, Conrad will still become my husband.” I greeted Mr. and Mrs. Lofton and told them they could wait in the parlor or the Küche, whichever they preferred. “I am sorry you cannot attend the ceremony, but I am pleased you’ll be able to join us for the meal and the celebration that will follow.”
Mrs. Lofton’s cheeks turned pink with embarrassment as she apologized for Cecile’s outburst. “I truly did explain to her.”
I patted the woman’s shoulder. “There is no need to worry. She is young, and it is difficult for her to understand. She’ll have a grand time at the party.”
Conrad arrived, and we walked to the meetinghouse, my hands damp and my heart racing so hard I was certain he could hear it. Oma held my arm while Stefan and Vater followed behind. For the moment Oma was in her right mind, and I was grateful she would see me marry Conrad.
Once we arrived at the meetinghouse, we entered our separate doors, but soon the elder signaled for Conrad and me to come before him. We stood in front of Brother Stresemann for what we knew would be a brief ceremony. He questioned us about our love for each other and asked if we desired to become man and wife. I could see the reflection of love in Conrad’s eyes and knew he could see it in mine. After admonishing us always to place God first in our lives and to always seek God’s guidance, grace, and mercy, Brother Stresemann declared our lives joined as husband and wife.
We smiled at each other, and Conrad squeezed my hand. Kissing immediately after the marriage ceremony was forbidden, but I knew that the moment we were outside of the meetinghouse, Conrad and I would enjoy our first kiss as husband and wife. Together we walked to the rear of the meetinghouse, where we received hushed congratulations and good wishes.
After we departed the church, we slowly walked to the Küche, where our celebration would be held. “It is gut to have you as my wife.” Conrad leaned down and placed a light kiss on my cheek. “That will have to do until we can find a moment alone.”
I bit back a grin. “I trust you will do your best to find that time as soon as possible.”
He squeezed my hand. “For sure I will do that.”
Friends and neighbors from all of the villages had already arrived for the celebration. Mina and some of the other women had decorated the dining room of the Küche with vases of autumn blooms and potted plants they’d brought from home. Cakes of every shape and size had been baked in the village kitchens and delivered for the party. Pitchers filled with grape and cherry juice were ready to serve to the children, and a barrel of grape wine had been brought up from the cellar for the adults.
Once we’d had a slice of cake and a glass of wine, Conrad took my hand and escorted me outside. In the shade of the kitchen house, he kissed me with unyielding passion. “Welcome to your new life, my dear wife. I promise to love and cherish you forever, and I promise to do my best to make you as happy as you have made me this day.”
I smiled up at him, enjoying the feel of his arms circling my waist. Nestling my head on his shoulder, I knew that even with pen and paper, I couldn’t possibly express the joy that filled my heart. “You have already made me happy, Conrad. I know the vows you have made this day are more than words. Your promises are a joyful reflection of the man God chose for me. For that, I am truly grateful.”
… My editor, Sharon Asmus, for her generous spirit, excellent eye for detail, and amazing ability to keep her eyes upon Jesus through all of life’s adversities.
… My acquisitions editor, Charlene Patterson, for her enthusiastic encouragement to move forward with this series.
… The entire staff of Bethany House Publishers, for their devotion to making each book they publish the best product possible. It is a privilege to work with all of you.
… Brandi Jones, Amana Heritage Society, for tirelessly answering my many questions, for private tours, and for reading my manuscript for technical accuracy.
… Lanny Haldy, Amana Heritage Society, for meeting with me and taking precious hours away from other tasks to provide information, answer questions, and make recommendations.
… Mary Greb-Hall for her ongoing encouragement, expertise, and sharp eye.
… Lori Seilstad for her honest critiques.
… Mary Kay Woodford, my sister, my prayer warrior, my friend.
… Tracie Peterson, friend extraordinaire.
… Laurie Toth for providing excellent Chicago materials.
… My husband, Jim, my constant encourager, supporter, and advocate, and the love of my life.
… Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for this miraculous opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.
More Historical Drama
from Judith Miller
