Winter Blessings Page 7

  “I didn’t know that.” Ephraim studied his father. “I thought you and mamm moved into this haus after my grandparents retired.”

  “Sometimes your plans aren’t what you expect, but love and faith will get you through.” Dat patted Ephraim’s shoulder. “Like your mamm told you last week, it’s okay if you decide to move off this land. You can decide to learn a new kind of work. Your mamm and I will support you no matter what you decide to do, and I know your daadi would have too. He always cared more about family than he cared about this land. Just don’t let your stubborn pride stand in the way of your future with Mandy.”

  Ephraim stilled as his father’s words washed over him. Despite their wisdom, he still had no idea what path he should choose.

  He suddenly felt an overwhelming need for God’s love and support through all his crushing confusion. Why hadn’t he sought that more? As he looked toward the sunset, he opened his heart and silently began to pray.

  God, please lead me on the path you’ve chosen for me. I love Mandy with all my heart, but I’m confused. Am I supposed to be with her? If so, am I supposed to abandon my dream of running mei dat’s farm and become a brickmason? Please send me a sign.

  Mandy leaned her head against the doorframe as the sewing machine hummed while her sister worked. Her eyes moved to the unfinished wedding dress on the table, and renewed regret surged through her.

  Rhoda stopped and looked up at her. “How long have you been staring at me?”

  “Just a few minutes.” Mandy stepped into the room and sat down on a chair next to her. “What are you making?”

  “Just a dress.” Rhoda held up the light-blue frock. “I thought it would be schee for church.”

  “It’s lovely.” Mandy touched the material and then looked again at her unfinished wedding dress. “You should make something out of that. I’ll never wear it.”

  “Stop.” Rhoda frowned. “You’re giving up too easily.”

  Mandy tilted her head as she crossed one leg over the other. Maybe she had given up too easily. Maybe she’d been too prideful.

  “I think you’re right,” Mandy whispered.

  “Give Ephraim another chance.” Rhoda touched Mandy’s arm. “And always have faith.”

  Mandy touched the unfinished dress. Would she ever wear it? Or would it just remain half sewn, sitting patiently on the table, collecting dust? If her sister was right, there was still a chance she and Ephraim could work things out. A tiny seed of hope took root in her chest, but she didn’t know where to begin when Ephraim was so angry with her.

  Mandy folded her hands as she sat between Katie Ann and Rhoda at church the following Sunday. She stared down at the lap of her pink dress while the bishop preached from the book of John.

  She glanced to the far side of the barn where Ephraim sat between Wayne and Jerry. She took in his handsome face with its strong chiseled jaw and his long, thin nose. He was the most handsome man she knew.

  When the bishop announced it was time for the fifteen-minute kneeling prayer, she knelt facing the bench and leaned forward on it. Then she opened her heart.

  God, I was blessed when Ephraim asked me to be his girlfriend almost a year ago. I had never been so froh in my life. When he proposed, I felt blessed beyond measure. Please help Ephraim and me find our relationship again. I believe he still loves me, and I know to the depth of my soul that I still love him. Help us find a compromise for our future. Please lead him back to me. Only you can help us mend our broken relationship.

  Mandy opened her eyes and felt warmth encircle her like a loving hug. It was as if God were comforting her. She knew then that, somehow, everything was going to be okay. Maybe she could find a way to let Ephraim know she still cared.

  “Have you talked to Mandy?” Jerry asked Ephraim as he sat across from him during lunch.

  “No.” Ephraim stared at the lunch meat and bread on his plate. Mandy looked beautiful today. He’d tried to keep from staring at her across the barn during the service, but his eyes betrayed him. At one point, their gazes collided, and heat crawled up his neck to his cheeks. Had she felt the same heat when she looked at him?

  “Why are you avoiding her?” Wayne asked. “Why are you letting her slip through your fingers?”

  “Don’t you want to work it out?” Jerry added.

  “Quit ganging up on me. It’s my business.” Ephraim looked up as Mandy approached with a carafe.

  He swallowed as that familiar heat began traveling up his neck. She was the most beautiful woman in their district, if not the entire state of Pennsylvania. Her pink dress complemented her rosy complexion, and her gorgeous blue eyes sparkled as she filled a man’s cup and smiled. How he longed to touch her face and tell her how much she meant to him. He still loved her. He was certain of that.

  His father’s advice tumbled through his mind. But how could they work out their problems if they didn’t agree on their future together?

  Mandy filled his friends’ cups and then turned to him.

  “Kaffi?” Her gaze met his as she held up the carafe.

  “Ya. Please.” He lifted his cup and she filled it. “Danki.”

  “Gern gschehne.” She lingered for a moment, and he was certain the world had stopped turning just for them.

  I love you, Mandy.

  If only he could say the words aloud. Would she say them back to him?

  “Could I have some kaffi?” A man called from nearby, breaking through their trance.

  “Excuse me.” Mandy cleared her throat and moved on to the neighboring table.

  “You need to talk to her.” Jerry’s voice was close to Ephraim’s ear. “How would you feel if she fell in love with someone else while you were still stuck obsessing about where you want to live? Don’t you think you’d feel like a moron for not seeing where God was trying to lead you?”

  “It’s too late now.” Ephraim shook his head. “I think I’ve missed my chance with her. We’ve said some horrible things to each other.”

  “You know that’s not true. I saw the way she just looked at you.” Wayne’s expression was serious. “Listen, I said terrible things to Tena when we argued, and she still forgave me. We all say terrible things out of anger. That’s part of being human. We’re all taught to forgive, and Mandy will forgive you if you ask her to.”

  Ephraim picked up his cup, wondering if Wayne could be right, wondering if everyone had been right. Wondering if God would send him that sign. Until he had one, he didn’t know what to do.

  CHAPTER 8

  I can’t believe Thanksgiving is this Thursday,” Clara said as she sat next to Mandy at Emma’s table the following Sunday afternoon. “November has flown by.”

  Mandy glanced across the table at Ephraim as he sat slumped in his chair between Katie Ann and Wayne. She felt awkward and uncomfortable not sitting beside him. He seemed to feel uncomfortable just being in her presence.

  After the intense stare they’d shared after the church service last week, she’d convinced herself he’d appear on her porch one night and beg her to work out their differences. But another week had gone by, and he’d given her only halfhearted hellos and good-byes when they passed each other at Emma’s house. All her hopes for their future had evaporated. It was officially over between them. Too many obstacles stood in their way.

  “It has flown by,” Jerry said. “We took down the roadside stand this morning, and it’s stowed in Emma’s barn. The garden is closed for the season.”

  “It’s been a great season,” Katie Ann chimed in. “We’ve raised quite a bit of money for the Bird-in-Hand Shelter in memory of Henry.” She looked at Emma. “We’re so grateful you allowed us to do this.”

  “No, thank you all. I’m so honored that you want to keep Henry’s memory alive in such a wunderbaar way that helps our community.” Emma began to clap, and everyone joined in.

  Mandy looked over at Ephraim, and he met her gaze. She sucked in a breath as he nodded at her. She returned the nod and then looked down at t
he table. Would looking into his eyes be painful for the rest of her life? She dreaded the possibility as her chest tightened with grief.

  “Should we talk about what we want to plant next year?” Clara asked. “I can get the seeds from mei onkel again.”

  “That’s a gut idea.” Katie Ann turned to a fresh page in her notebook. “Let’s talk about lessons learned. What worked and didn’t work this year?”

  For the next hour, Mandy tried to focus on her friends’ discussion about the garden’s future, but she kept losing herself in thoughts of Ephraim. She breathed a sigh of relief when Tena declared the meeting over and then brought out turkey tetrazzini casserole for supper.

  Mandy picked at her food and kept her focus on her plate as everyone ate. The conversations swirled around her, but she responded only when someone said her name. After they had brownies for dessert, she helped the other women clean the kitchen while the men talked in the family room.

  “Are you ready to go?” Katie Ann asked Mandy when they were done.

  Mandy nodded. “Ya.”

  “Was iss letz?” Emma asked as she joined them.

  Mandy looked past Katie Ann to where Ephraim now stood in the kitchen, talking to Wayne. When he turned toward her, she looked away. “I’m just tired.”

  “I have something for you.” Emma pulled a piece of paper out of her apron pocket and slipped it into Mandy’s hand. “I found it when I was going through mei mamm’s favorite cookbook. I think it might help you.”

  “What is it?” Mandy opened the paper and found a recipe for peanut butter pie. She looked up at Emma. “I don’t understand.”

  Emma smiled. “The way to a man’s heart—”

  “Is through his stomach.” Katie Ann finished the statement with a grin.

  “Did you two work up this plan together?” Mandy pointed at each of them, and they nodded.

  “It was my idea to find a recipe Ephraim might like.” Katie Ann pointed to the paper. “If you’re not ready to give up, then here’s an idea for a conversation opener. He’s crazy about peanut butter, so I’m sure he’ll love this.”

  Mandy glanced over at Ephraim, and she felt new hope sprouting like a cornstalk. Maybe this was just what she needed to loosen the tension between them!

  Wrapped in his warmest jacket, Ephraim sat on his parents’ glider and stared out toward the pasture. He shivered as he pushed it back and forth and watched his father’s cows lounge in the pasture.

  The back door opened and then clicked closed.

  “Happy Thanksgiving.”

  Ephraim glanced at Uria as he approached. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “May I join you?” Uria pointed to the rocker beside him.

  “Of course.”

  Uria sat down and pushed his chair into motion. They sat in amiable silence as the hum of the rocker and glider filled the air.

  “I felt like I was in the way in there,” Uria finally said. “All the women are scurrying around the kitchen, barking orders at everyone. And the girls are so excited I can’t corral them.”

  “Ya.” Ephraim smiled, but it wasn’t the chaos of the house that had driven him outside. It was Mandy’s absence. They’d planned for her to join his family today, but that plan died along with their breakup. Without her company, the house felt too small, too cold, too dreary. Even with his nieces’ laughter.

  “How are you doing?” Uria asked.

  “Fine. How are you?”

  Uria lifted a dark eyebrow as he brought the rocking chair to a halt. “You’re fine? Really?”

  Ephraim shifted his weight on the glider.

  “You miss her.” Uria’s words were simple, but their meaning ran deep in Ephraim’s soul.

  He looked straight ahead to avoid his brother-in-law’s stare.

  “Sometimes our plans for ourselves are different than God’s plans,” Uria said. “I never imagined I would lose my job and have to uproot my family. But Darlene and I love each other, and we’ll always support each other no matter what.”

  Uria paused for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. “My parents died a long time ago, and I don’t have any other family members to lean on. I’m grateful for your family and what you’ve done for us. And with our love for each other and our family and our faith in God, Darlene and I will get through this and anything else we have to face.”

  Ephraim rubbed his face as his eyes stung.

  Uria leaned toward him. “If your love for Mandy is strong enough, you’ll find a way to make things right with her. I know it’s none of my business, but I can see how much this breakup is hurting you. It doesn’t have to be this difficult, Ephraim. Just let your love for Mandy guide your heart, and you’ll find your solution.”

  Ephraim swallowed against his suddenly dry throat. Did he and Mandy love each other enough to endure all the trials they would face as a couple? Enough to resolve the conflict separating them now?

  Suddenly it all clicked in place in his mind. Uria’s words were the sign he’d been waiting for! This was what God had been trying to tell him all along. If their love was strong enough—and he believed it was—he and Mandy could make it through any trial or tribulation they encountered. It didn’t matter when they married, where they lived, or what he did for a living as long as they had God’s blessing and loved each other. The rest would fall into place.

  Ephraim leapt to his feet. “I have to go.”

  “What?” Uria looked up at him.

  “I need to go talk to her now.”

  Uria waved him off with a smile. “Go. I’ll tell your parents where you’ve gone.”

  “Danki!” Ephraim ran to the barn, praying Mandy would forgive him.

  “Are we expecting company?” Rhoda called as she started for the mudroom to answer the back door.

  “No.” Mandy looked at her mother.

  Mamm shrugged. “Not that I know of.” She pointed to the stove. “Would you please check the turkey?”

  “Ya.” Mandy opened the oven door, and the succulent aroma of turkey caused her stomach to grumble in delight. How she loved Thanksgiving!

  “Mandy.”

  Mandy turned and gasped as she found Rhoda standing in the doorway with Ephraim close behind her.

  “You have a guest.” Rhoda smiled and stepped aside, and Ephraim came into full view.

  Mandy stilled, confused. She’d planned to ask her father if she could borrow his horse and buggy to visit Ephraim later this afternoon and deliver the pie. She’d never expected him to surprise her with a visit instead.

  “Go.” Mamm gave Mandy’s shoulder a gentle nudge. “I’ll take care of the turkey.”

  Mandy stepped over to Ephraim as Rhoda slipped past her. “Hi.”

  “Happy Thanksgiving.” He fingered the zipper on his jacket, and then he pointed to the back door. “Do you have a moment to spare?”

  “Of course.” Mandy turned toward the refrigerator. “And I have a gift for you.”

  “A gift?” His eyebrows lifted.

  “Ya.” She retrieved the peanut butter pie. “I was going to take this to you later.”

  He took the pie, lifted the plastic wrap, and breathed in its sweetness. “Peanut butter?” He grinned. “You made this for me?”

  “Ya. It was Emma and Katie Ann’s idea. They said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so they suggested I make it for you.”

  He leaned his head back as laughter burst from his mouth. She joined in, and soon they were laughing together. She didn’t know why he was here, but hope took center stage in her heart.

  Mamm appeared beside her. “Let me put the pie away so you two can go talk alone.”

  “Danki,” Mandy said.

  Mamm winked at her before turning away.

  As Mandy walked into the mudroom and pulled on her coat, her pulse galloped. Had her prayers been answered? Would God help them mend their relationship? She held her breath as they moved to the porch and sat down on the glider.

  Ephraim angled his body
toward her. “Uria said something to me today that made me realize how wrong I’ve been.”

  “Oh?” Her heartbeat spiked.

  “He said all that matters is that he and Darlene are together.” He took a deep breath. “He said they support each other no matter what. I finally realized it doesn’t matter when you and I are married, where we live, or what I do for a living as long as I have you by my side. These weeks without you have been pure torture, and I can’t stand it anymore. I miss you. I love you, Mandy. I want to be with you, no matter where God leads us. And I do think he’s leading us, if we’ll only listen.”

  She took a deep breath as well. “I love you, too, but I owe you an apology. I was so overwhelmed with wedding plans and sure I was right about what we needed to do that I didn’t take your feelings into consideration. I never meant to try to force you to do what I thought would work best. I never meant to make you doubt how much I love you and want to marry you.” She touched his cheek. “I love you with my whole heart, and I never wanted to hurt you. I don’t care where we live or what you do for a living. I never meant to appear spoiled. I could be froh whether I’m a farmer’s fraa or a brickmason’s fraa.”

  She paused and took a shuddering breath. “Please forgive me for hurting your feelings and pride. You’re the man I want to spend my life with. You’re the man I believe God has chosen for me. All that matters is that we’re together.”

  A small sound escaped his throat as his eyes glittered. “Danki.”

  She sucked in a breath as tears filled her eyes. “Let’s find a way to work this out, Ephraim. I can’t stand this distance between us anymore. I’m ready to listen to you and respect your feelings.”

  “And I’m sorry for letting our disagreement go on for so long. I want to make up for lost time.” He traced his fingertip down her cheek, and she felt a tingling in her chest. “Will you please forgive me?”

  “Ya, of course, I will.”