An Amish Wedding (42 page)

B
Y LATE AFTERNOON PLANS WERE ALREADY UNDERWAY
for another meal. Following a day of socializing and fellowship, some guests had slipped out to attend other wedding receptions. Since everyone in their community married in November or December, it was almost impossible to have a date exclusive to one bride and groom. As was customary, Priscilla was the one to choose what they would have for the evening meal. She’d chosen chicken and wafers and steamed peas.

Finally the day came to a close around nine o’clock, and Priscilla and Chester said good-bye to the rest of the guests. Priscilla hugged Hannah.

“I made it through your wedding, Priscilla.” Hannah smiled as she patted her large belly. “Now, I’m going to go home and coax this baby into having his birthday on your anniversary.”

“I can’t wait!” Priscilla said as Hannah slipped past her with her husband. Rose and Luke were behind Hannah. Priscilla was glad to see that the dress fit and that Rose didn’t seem to be scratching anymore. She hugged her friend good-bye. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Naomi and Zeke standing outside talking, and she smiled to herself.

“It’s been a perfect day,” she whispered to Chester as they watched the last of their guests leave.

“
Ya
. It has.”

Now it was time to go upstairs with her new husband.

F
OR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS
P
RISCILLA AND
C
HESTER VISITED
family and friends, sometimes hitting four or five houses in one day. They ate dinner and supper with someone different each day, and they received some wonderful wedding gifts. One of her favorites was a small red suitcase that was filled with towels, washrags, and homemade lavender soap—a gift from one of Chester’s cousins.

In the evenings, Chester worked on their new house while Priscilla continued to help her mother with the regular chores. He was scheduled to start back to work at the furniture store the following day, but this evening he was home from working on the house earlier than usual.

“I want you to come see the
haus
.” Chester kissed her after he looked around and saw that they were alone.

Priscilla hadn’t seen the house since the wedding, at Chester’s insistence. He had been very tight-lipped about it, which made her wonder if they’d be staying even longer than the anticipated two months with her family.

“I thought you didn’t want me to see it until everything was ready for us to move in.”

He shrugged. “I changed my mind.”

“Okay.” She was anxious to see how much progress had been made.

A short while later Chester pulled into the dirt driveway. He jumped out, then went around and opened the buggy door for Priscilla. She glanced up at the roof and wondered if they’d made all the repairs. And what about the electrical issues and touch-up work that still needed to be done?

Chester scooped her into his arms and laughed.

“What are you doing?” She laughed along with him as she clung to his neck.

“The
Englisch
aren’t the only ones who can carry a new bride over the threshold.”

Chester eased his hand to the doorknob and turned. Then he pushed the door open with his foot and set Priscilla down in the entryway.

She blinked her eyes a few times to make sure what she was seeing was real. “Chester . . .” She cupped her hands to her mouth as her eyes scanned the living room. On the floor, on the built-in shelves, and on the fireplace mantel were vases full of flowers. She swiped at a tear as she fell into Chester’s arms. “
Danki! Danki!
They’re beautiful!”

“All for you, my sweet Priscilla.” He hugged her tight and kissed her lips.

Priscilla took a closer look. There was a rocking chair from Chester’s house in the living room. She eased away from him and moved toward the kitchen. There was a pitcher on the counter, two canisters, and some kitchen towels laid out. Around the corner, she could see their bedroom. She hurried that way. Chester’s bed and all his furniture was in the room.

“Why did you move some of your things in when the house isn’t finished?” She met his eyes, but he just smiled. Priscilla took a closer look. The fireplace mantel was sanded and finished, and it hadn’t been before. The floor wasn’t covered in sawdust anymore, but instead shone with a fresh layer of wax. All the little things that hadn’t been completed were done.

“The roof and the electrical issues are fixed too.”

Priscilla ran from room to room. Not one thing was left unfinished. “How did you do this?”

“Several nights last week, about two dozen members of the community met me here, and we finished everything.” He winked. “Kind of like a mini barn-raising.” Then he walked to Priscilla and pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek. “Tomorrow we will get your things. It’s completely ready to live in.”

Priscilla swiped at a tear. “I love you, Chester.”

It was all a part of God’s perfect plan
.

READING
GROUP GUIDE

*G
UIDE CONTAINS SPOILERS, SO DON’T READ BEFORE COMPLETING THE NOVELLAS
.

For reading groups with five or more members, the authors will participate in the discussion of this collection. If you’re interested, go to
www.Amishhearts.com
.

A P
ERFECT
S
ECRET

1. Why do we often pretend to be someone different, in some aspect, even with those we love?

2. How does Luke’s mother’s death undergird his decisions in life?

3. Why does Rose enjoy being the “Rob in the Hood” for a change? What does this say about her personality?

4. What is it about your life that God is perfecting at this time?

5. What is potentially dangerous about secrets in a relationship?

6. How does Rose’s relationship with her aunt Tabby bring balance to her life? Who helps you in this way?

7. Why do weddings create such stress and expectation in life?

A P
ERFECT
M
ATCH

1. Zeke has confidence, but also humility. He’s not conceited, and he doesn’t doubt God’s sovereignty in his life. How do you think Zeke acquired this complete faith and trust?

2. Do you think Zeke’s parents’ strained relationship has any bearing on him remaining a bachelor longer than most Amish men? Why or why not?

3. What did Naomi do to avoid dealing with David’s betrayal? Do you think she will still struggle with trust, even after she and Zeke are married? If so, how can God help her heal and learn to trust again?

4. Margaret was tongue-tied around Zeke initially, but then became comfortable around him. She was then able to accept Ben Hooley’s interest in her. What made Margaret change?

A P
ERFECT
P
LAN

1. Priscilla wants to have a perfect wedding day, but she loses sight of what’s really important. How might things have been different if she hadn’t let worry creep into her heart?

2. Chester likes that Priscilla is organized and structured, but is there ever a point when he wonders if her need for perfection will do harm to their relationship?

3. Rachel writes letters to both Priscilla and Chester, letters that hit on exactly what they are both feeling prior to the wedding. Do you think God is speaking to Priscilla and Chester through Rachel? Has this ever happened to you or to someone you know?

4. In what ways does an Amish wedding differ from a traditional
Englisch
wedding? Is there anything about an Amish wedding that you think should be incorporated into an
Englisch
wedding? Or vice versa?

AMISH RECIPES

A
MISH
B
LUEBERRY
C
OBBLER

1 stick butter

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

3 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cloves

2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. blueberry juice

4 Tbsp. vinegar

11/2 c. blueberries

1. Cream butter and sugar together.

2. Add eggs and beat until fluffy.

3. Sift flour and measure. Sift dry ingredients and add juice and vinegar. Beat thoroughly after each addition.

4. Add berries and stir just enough to blend into dough.

5. Bake for about 40 minutes in 350°F oven.

A
PPLE
C
AKE WITH
C
ARAMEL
S
AUCE

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 c. all-purpose flour

2 1/2 c. finely chopped apples, such as Granny Smith

1/2 c. chopped pecans

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy.

2. Add the egg and beat until well blended.

3. Mix in the soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.

4. Add the flour and stir just until blended. Stir in the apples and nuts.

5. Pour into an oiled 9" round cake pan and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched lightly with your finger.

H
OT
C
ARAMEL
S
AUCE

1/2 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. evaporated milk

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.

2. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and milk.

3. Serve warm sauce over apple cake. Serves 8.

O
UTRAGEOUS
C
HOCOLATE
C
HIP
C
OOKIES

From
Country Lane Cooking

4 c. white sugar

4 c. margarine, softened

4 c. peanut butter

8 eggs

4 c. quick oats

2 tsp. salt

2
²
/3
c. brown sugar

4 tsp. vanilla

8 c. flour

8 tsp. soda

1 pkg. (24 oz.) chocolate chips

1. Cream together sugar, margarine, and peanut butter.

2. Add eggs.

3. Add the dry ingredients.

4. Bake at 350°F until just brown around the edges. Makes a large batch.

U
NDERGROUND
H
AM

4 c. diced ham

4 Tbsp. butter

¹
/2
cup onion

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 c. milk

1–2 c. Velveeta cheese

4 qt. mashed potatoes

1 pt. sour cream

Browned and crumbled bacon

1. Combine ham, butter, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat until onions are soft. Put in bottom of roaster pan.

2. In saucepan, heat soup, milk, and cheese—until cheese melts. Pour over top of ham mixture.

3. Add sour cream to mashed potatoes and put on top. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.

4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

K
ELLY
L
ONG:

I’d like to acknowledge Beth Wiseman and Kathy Fuller, who were a treat to work with on this novella. These ladies are smart and supportive, as always! Thank you to Natalie Hanemann for her keen insight and to L.B. Norton for her deft editing. A big thanks to my critique partner, Brenda Lott, for her scene insight and to my mother-in-law, Donna Long, for her marketing support. As always, thank you to my Amish readers and especially to my family. I love you, Scott.