A Plain Man (42 page)

Eli rose too and reached out to support her arm. “I almost forgot the best part of my visit today. While I was hitching my horse to come home, Albert came outside to speak to me. Perhaps he didn't wish his father to overhear.”

She halted in the doorway. “You've got my undivided attention.”

“Albert said they would attend preaching services regularly from now on. And next year, he and Tobias plan to take membership classes and get baptized. Elijah is still too young.” As he reached the doorway, she wrapped both arms around his waist and hugged him. After all these years, affection still made him blush.

“That must have made your day,
ehemann
.”

“It did indeed. I almost cried. How would that look for a bishop—to be crying in middle of a cold rain?”

“It would make you look human—something I've suspected for years.” Elizabeth squeezed him again before scampering off to check on her
dochdern.

“I'll thank you to keep that information under your
kapp
,” he called, but it was too late. His
fraa
was already busy barking orders regarding supper, giving Eli time to thank God for His extraordinary gifts on a rather ordinary Saturday.

“Caleb? Are you in there?”

Usually it was one of his sisters knocking on the bathroom door, eager for their turn. None of the Beachy females had ever been known for their patience. But on the day of his marriage, no less, the voice was decidedly male.

“I'm shaving,” he called through the solid oak door. “I'll be out in a few minutes.”

“It's Adam Troyer. I need a word with you and it can't wait.” It sounded as though his face was pressed against the wood.

Caleb set down his razor, the job only half finished. But since he was dressed except for his starched white shirt, he took pity on his almost-brother-in-law and swept open the door. After all, it was Adam's wedding day too. “What's the matter? Getting nervous and need some advice from someone about to meet the same fate?”

The worried bridegroom stepped inside the bathroom and closed the door behind him. “I apologize for my rudeness, but I would like you to talk to your sister.”

“Which of them have annoyed you past your boiling point?” Caleb picked up the razor to finish what he started.

“Be serious, please. It's Sarah. She insists on getting married today.”

If he hadn't been using a dull disposable, he might have nicked his throat. “
Jah
, that's what people do on their wedding day. Since the invitations have been sent, folks will start showing up within the hour. Sarah and my family have been cooking, cleaning, and baking all week.” Caleb regarded Adam for signs of sudden insanity.

“Just take a good look at Sarah and tell me what you think. She is as colorless as rainwater and seems like she would blow over in a stiff breeze. I doubt she's been following the doctor's orders of rest, rest, and more rest. We should never have allowed your father to publish our engagement. It was too soon after the hospital released her.”

Caleb concentrated on shaving his upper lip and then rinsed his face in cool tap water. “But the announcement has been made and today is the day. She doesn't feel sick, does she?” He slapped Adam's back for encouragement.

“She says no, but I don't think she would tell us if her leg was broken. She'd just limp her way through the ceremony and reception. Everybody here has come for both couples, so the wedding food won't go to waste. You and Josie can enjoy all the attention. And folks can come back when Sarah is one hundred percent recovered.”

Caleb dried his face and turned to give Adam his full attention. The man looked like he hadn't slept in days. “Sit down on that stool before you fall down. You're the one who might need a doctor before today is done.” Once Adam complied, Caleb continued, “Why on earth wouldn't Sarah admit she felt poorly if that was the case?”

“Because she doesn't want me to doubt her love. She's afraid I'll accuse her of purposefully stalling our marriage.” Adam braced his elbows on his knees.

“That might not be the stupidest thing I ever heard, but it's in the top ten.”

“You don't know the whole story. I've been pestering Sarah to marry me for well over a year, before she went looking for you in Cleveland. I've been demanding, manipulative, and an all-around lousy beau.” Adam gazed out the window where his
bruders
were carrying additional benches into the Beachy outbuilding.

“Sarah doesn't begrudge your bad behavior, much like Josie with mine. I know for a fact she's downright fond of you.” Caleb shrugged into his fresh white shirt.

“
Jah,
she loves me. That's why she'll go ahead with this against her better judgment. You're not the only one who's a changed man, Cal. I want to wait until she's strong enough to enjoy herself at our wedding. I've become a patient man at long last.”

Adam spoke with such sincerity Caleb didn't dare smile. “I'm happy to hear it, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. You go outside and help with the benches while I talk to my
schwester.
Just don't get dirty. I'll judge for myself if Sarah is too sick to take her vows.”

After Adam left, Caleb buttoned his
mustfa
vest and gazed into the mirror, reflecting for a moment on what lay before him. What will it be like to move into their new house next spring? Would he miss the
constant commotion of living with three siblings? It might be a long six months at the Yoders, but he would endure far worse to be with Josie. And considering the temperament and energy level of his bride, she would certainly guarantee an un-boring life. Shaking off his daydream, he sprinted upstairs to his sisters' bedroom.

Sarah was sitting on her bed receiving last-minute instructions from their
mamm.
Rebekah and Katie were lined up on the opposite bed, equally attentive. Caleb knocked on the wood molding even though her door was open. “Could I have a word with Sarah?” He spoke to the room at large.

“Katie and I are her attendants. Doesn't this concern us too?” asked Rebekah, taking her duties very seriously. Katie nodded in agreement.

“No, this is a personal matter that won't take long. You'll soon be back to work tending the bride.”

His mother smiled on her way out; his siblings' expressions were far less jubilant.

Sarah held out a hand to him. “Come in. I trust this must be important.”

By the time Caleb crossed the room, he'd completed his assessment. Adam was right. Sarah looked even thinner than she had in the hospital. Why hadn't he noticed how frail she had become? Was he that self-absorbed? “Your betrothed sent me up to check on you, to make certain you're strong enough to enjoy the festivities.”

“I'm fit as a fiddle. That Adam always finds something to worry about.” She pinned the traditional black
kapp
carefully over her hair. It would be replaced with the white
kapp
of a matron after the marriage service.

“You are by no means fit. I've never seen you so skinny. Adam is worried about you and for good reason. You came to Cleveland to intervene on my behalf. I'm here to do the same for you, although I didn't have to travel so far.” He sat down on the bed beside her. “Adam thinks you two should wait until you're completely well. The new house will still be there; your friends can come back, and your pretty blue dress might fit better if you gained a few pounds.”

Sarah smacked him on the arm with her hairbrush. “Stop swelling my head with flattery.”

“He loves you, Sarah. And he knows you love him. It's no big deal to wait until February or March.”

Her brown eyes widened and filled with tears. “You listen to me very carefully, big
bruder.
I might be skinny, but I'm strong enough to take my vows.
This
is my wedding day, and I have no intention of waiting another week, let alone another three months. Adam might have mastered patience during our courtship, but mine is in short supply lately.” She rose to her feet with dignity. “Go downstairs and make yourself useful. I love you and appreciate your concern, but I am fine. Wild horses couldn't stop me from getting married today. So if Adam Troyer is getting cold feet, he'd better warm them at the woodstove. Or come up with something a whole lot better than this.” Sarah buzzed a kiss across Caleb's cheek and pointed at the door. “Now go. I've got a few prayers to say before the service starts.”

Josie rode to the Beachy house that morning with her parents and her two sisters. Her
bruders
would walk the back path around the mill so the buggy wouldn't be overly crowded.

Not
the
mill, but her mill. Hers and Caleb's.

Trying to get her mind around that notion was difficult. Almost as hard as imagining that this was her wedding day. She had always known Sarah would take her vows before Christmas and that she would be at her side, but as her attendant, not a fellow bride. If someone had suggested a year ago she would marry Caleb Beachy, she would have laughed in their face.

God worked in mysterious ways.

Caleb had returned from Cleveland an
Englischer
and had stayed that way for quite some time. Her beloved had become a Plain man at last. She could never underestimate the power of love...or the power of the Lord.

“What are you thinking about?” Seated on Josie's right, Laura nudged her in the ribs. “All the practical gifts you'll soon be unwrapping?”

Jessie leaned forward on their bench. “I'll bet she's thinking about
the sweets she'll pig out on later,” she said. “Once she's married, she won't need to keep her skinny figure.”

“Nature has a way of taking care of a gal's figure soon after most weddings.” Laura offered sage wisdom like a seasoned matron, while Josie stared out the window.

Margaret swiveled around on the front seat. “If we can't reflect on the solemnity of the occasion, perhaps you two can leave your
schwester
to her private thoughts.”

That put a cork into her two attendants, at least until they arrived at the Beachy's. They were early, yet plenty of buggies were already lined up in the closely mown pasture. Women had come to help prepare the wedding feast. Josie stepped out into a December morning and reached for a hamper of cold dishes from the back. Today she and Sarah would officially become sisters. She had always considered her best friend that way. Now they would be joined together as assuredly as she and Caleb. Inhaling a deep breath of crisp air, Josie hurried toward the Beachy kitchen.

“Don't get dirty,”
Mamm
called. “Go find Sarah; you two can amuse yourselves while we prepare the meal for later.”

Josie waved her hand, delivered the basket to Elizabeth, and went in search of her friend. She found Sarah sitting in her room by the window. Her eyes were shut, but her lips were moving. Josie stood stock-still until Sarah's eyes fluttered open and spotted her in the doorway. “Last-minute prayers for strength,” she said.

“How are you feeling?” Josie stepped into the room.

“
Gut,
so don't start fretting. Adam and Caleb have been more worried than two old
grossmammis.
I feel fine, but it will be a long day.” Her brown eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Okay. I've got a plan.” Josie plopped down opposite her. “After the noon meal, after we've greeted our guests and opened any last-minute wedding presents, we slip away for an hour and take a nap.” She slapped the quilt on Rebekah's neatly made bed. “Everyone will be busy playing games and gossiping, so we probably won't be missed.”

“Sneak away from Adam and Caleb?” Sarah's puzzlement furled her brow.

“No, we tell our husbands we need to rest for the evening. Then you tell your
schwestern
, and I'll tell mine too. They will be happy to take turns standing guard so we're not disturbed. Laura and Jessie both want more to do, and I'll bet Katie and Rebekah feel the same. They can show people our gifts in the living room if anyone starts asking too many questions.”