Winter Blessings Page 8

  He leaned forward, and when his lips brushed hers, her heart took on wings. “Will you marry me when you’re ready?”

  “Ya.” She nodded. “I will.”

  He took her hands in his. “I’ll live anywhere you want to live. We can build a haus here on this farm, and we can raise our kinner here if that’s what’s best. I just want you to be mei fraa. I want to take care of you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  As he kissed her again, she closed her eyes and savored the feeling of his lips against hers.

  FOUR MONTHS LATER

  Mandy smiled as she threaded her fingers with Ephraim’s and walked with him from her father’s barn to the back porch. She shivered as the cool March air kissed her cheeks, and she pulled her sweater over her baby-blue dress with her free hand. Then she looked up at her husband as happiness fluttered in her chest. They’d had such a wonderful engagement all winter, but now the time was right for marriage.

  Mandy reflected on their perfect day. The three-hour ceremony was held in her father’s large barn, beginning with the congregation singing hymns from the Amish hymnal, the Ausbund, while she and Ephraim met with the minister.

  Then as she and Ephraim sat at the front of the congregation after the meeting, along with their attendants, Rhoda and Wayne, she’d been so grateful her sister had helped her finish the dresses. She thought they were beautiful, and Rhoda looked stunning in that shade of baby blue. Ephraim and Wayne were both handsome in their traditional black Sunday suits and white shirts, but her challenge was keeping her eyes off Ephraim.

  She loved him so.

  When the ceremony was over, the men began rearranging furniture while some of the women set out the wedding dinner—lasagna and garlic bread, with bountiful desserts.

  The tables were decorated with the blue candles and baby’s breath decorations Mandy and her friends made. She was so thankful all the plans had come together. Their wedding was exactly as she’d dreamt it would be.

  “It’s a schee day.” She peeked up at the clear blue sky once again.

  “It’s the perfect day.” Ephraim stopped and faced her. “Because you’re finally mei fraa.”

  “Danki for waiting for me.”

  “You were worth the wait.”

  She smiled as she touched his cheek. “You’re going to be even more handsome with a beard.” Then she turned toward the porch where their friends all sat. “Everyone looks so froh.” She grinned as all the “garden couples” laughed together. “I wonder who will be the next to get married.”

  “I guess we’ll see what God has in store for them.” Ephraim looped his arm over her shoulders and turned toward the pasture. “I think we’re going to start framing this week. The foundation is in.”

  Excited, she gazed at where their haus would be. “You and Dat did a great job. You’re a wunderbaar brickmason.”

  “I still have a lot to learn.” He smiled down at her. “But your dat is a great teacher, and I do like the work. It helps to know Uria and Dat are doing so well at the farm.”

  “Ephraim! Mandy!” Katie Ann called from the porch. “Come here!”

  “Let’s go join our freinden.” Ephraim gave her hand a gentle tug, and they started down the path.

  As they climbed the steps to join their friends, she felt so grateful that Henry’s garden had brought them all together. Love had grown throughout the seasons, especially for her and Ephraim. She closed her eyes for a moment and thanked God, not just for today’s dream come true, but for the winter blessings he’d brought them.

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1.Mandy feels overwhelmed with her wedding to Ephraim only six weeks away. When she learns his family is facing a challenge, she feels even more hesitant about rushing their wedding. She suggests they delay it. Do you think her feelings are valid?

  2.Ephraim thinks Mandy’s complaining about how little time she has to plan the wedding and then her suggesting they delay it is an indication she’s doubting their plans to marry. Why do you think he jumps to that conclusion?

  3.Mandy is crushed when Ephraim breaks up with her. Have you ever felt utter heartbreak and loss? If so, where did you find your strength to go on? What Bible verses helped you?

  4.After the breakup, Mandy finds solace in baking. Have you ever faced a difficult situation? If so, where did you find comfort during that time?

  5.Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Was it Mandy, Ephraim, or someone else?

  6.At the end of the story, Uria shares with Ephraim what he and Darlene have endured in their marriage, and how. Why do you think his story changed Ephraim’s ideas about sacrifice and compromise, especially in marriage?

  7.How did Henry’s garden play a role in all the relationships in this novella collection?

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  As always, I’m grateful for my loving family, including my mother, Lola Goebelbecker; my husband, Joe; and my sons, Zac and Matt.

  Special thanks to my mother and my dear friend Becky Biddy, who graciously proofread the draft and corrected my hilarious typos.

  I’m also grateful for my special Amish friend who patiently answers my endless stream of questions. You’re a blessing in my life.

  Thank you to my wonderful church family at Morning Star Lutheran in Matthews, North Carolina, for your encouragement, prayers, love, and friendship. You all mean so much to my family and me.

  Thank you to Zac Weikal and the fabulous members of my Bakery Bunch! I’m so grateful for your friendship and your excitement about my books. You all are awesome!

  To my agent, Natasha Kern—I can’t thank you enough for your guidance, advice, and friendship. You are a tremendous blessing in my life.

  Thank you to my amazing editor, Jocelyn Bailey, for your friendship and guidance. I’m grateful to each and every person at HarperCollins Christian Publishing who helped make this book a reality.

  I’m grateful to editor Jean Bloom, who helped me polish and refine the story. Jean, you are a master at connecting the dots and filling in the gaps. I’m so happy we can continue to work together!

  Thank you most of all to God—for giving me the inspiration and the words to glorify you. I’m grateful and humbled you’ve chosen this path for me.

  Read more from the Seasons of an Amish Garden collection!

  Available as an e-book

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Dan Davis Photography

  Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Amish Heirloom series and the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. She has sold more than one million books. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists, including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mom, and three spoiled-rotten cats.

  Visit her online at amyclipston.com

  Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks

  Twitter: @AmyClipston

  Instagram: @amy_clipston

 

 

  Amy Clipston, Winter Blessings

 

 

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