Finding Love at Home (The Beiler Sisters) (43 page)

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Authors: Jerry S. Eicher

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Emery rubbed his forehead with his forearm. “Maybe a little.”

She laughed and shooed him toward the barn.

He grinned and walked away.

Debbie approached the car as soon as it pulled to a stop in the driveway.

“Debbie!” Her mom gave her a long hug when she got out of the car. “What’s this all about?” Her mother looked around, and her gaze took in the gathered knot of men by the barn.

“Bishop Beiler wants to make an official announcement at suppertime, but I wanted to let you know ahead of time. I’m engaged to Emery Beiler!”

“Engaged!” both parents said at the same time.

“Yes! Can you keep the secret until suppertime so Bishop Beiler can make the formal announcement to the rest of the family?”

“Secrets, secrets!” Herbert laughed as he embraced his daughter. “You look very happy. And that makes me happy too.”

“Do you love this young man?” her mom asked.

“Yes, Mom, I do. I really do.”

“Okay, we’ll keep your secret.”

Just then Doug and Lois drove into the lane.

“Well, if the wayward daughter and her worldly husband have also been invited, all must be forgiven and forgotten.”

Debbie had no reply to that. The Beilers would always feel the
pain of their daughter’s departure into the
Englisha
world. But they would also always love Lois.

Callie walked over to greet Doug and Lois. Debbie and her father followed. After the hellos, they turned and headed toward the house, the men following behind the women. Lois rushed ahead and was already at the front door, smiling and feeling perfectly at home.

There are indeed
wunderbah
things afloat tonight, Debbie decided.

As they entered the house, Lois was already talking to her
mamm.
She turned around to look at Debbie. “I can’t wait to hear what this is all about. Will you tell me now?”

“I’d better not,” Debbie said. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Lois didn’t pursue the subject as she chattered on. “I was telling
Mamm
she should have asked, and I’d have come over earlier to help with supper.”

“Well… ” Saloma hesitated, obviously not sure if they would have felt comfortable with Lois and Doug coming that early just yet. Healing was going to take some time. “I’m just thankful you’re here, Lois. And Doug too.”

Lois’s face softened a little. “I do understand how things are,
Mamm.
But just know I’m available if you need my help. Remember that, okay?”

Saloma nodded and took Lois by the arm. Together they walked toward the kitchen.

Debbie watched with contentment. Each time they got together was another opportunity to help heal the hurt. She would help all she could in that direction. As Emery’s
frau
, the opportunities would abound.

Minutes later, Saloma ushered her girls out of the kitchen and into the dining room, their arms filled with food bowls. Debbie hurried to help, and moments later the table steamed with a delicious supper set out.

Saloma went to the living room doorway and announced, “Supper’s ready!”

Debbie waited in the background as everyone traipsed in and was seated at Saloma’s direction. She then slipped in beside Emery. Ida dabbed her eyes and Verna glowed as if she’d birthed another
boppli.
From the look on Lois’s face, she too had finally figured things out.

Bishop Beiler cleared his throat. “Before we eat, I have something to say. First I want to welcome everyone, especially Debbie’s parents, Herbert and Callie. You are always welcome in our home.”

All eyes turned to Debbie’s mom and dad as the bishop paused, cleared his throat, and continued. “Lois and Doug, we welcome you too. We thank
Da Hah
for His blessings this past year and ask that His grace continue in the next. May His hand be with us as we gather to celebrate a most happy occasion.” A smile crept across the bishop’s face. “An occasion that has surprised even me.”

Minister Kanagy grunted from his place at the table, and Bishop Beiler gave him a brief look before he continued. “I’m sure all of us here will want to join in the joy that my youngest son, Emery, and our dear friend Debbie feel tonight. I’m pleased to announce that Emery has asked Debbie to be his
frau
, and she has consented.”

There were small gasps of surprise and joy, even from Verna, Ida, and Lois, who had guessed the news. The bishop continued. “Because of the… unusual circumstances involved, Saloma and I thought it best to gather you all together for this announcement before it was published in the church service.”

“Thanks, everyone, for coming,” Emery said. “I’m sorry we didn’t give you more notice. I guess I never thought this
wunderbah
woman would consent to be my
frau
. But she has said
yah
, and my heart sings!” Emery stopped as if overcome by his own flowery thoughts and words.

Debbie clung to his arm and kept her eyes on the table, mostly
so no one would see her tears. She couldn’t say anything even if she knew what to say.

Herbert spoke up. “When Callie and I raised Debbie, we always prayed for her to be happy as an adult. We were puzzled when she made her decision to… umm…join the Amish faith, but indeed our prayers have been answered. We’re overjoyed that she’s found happiness in her faith and now in love.” He looked at his wife.

Callie just nodded. For once she seemed without words.

After congratulations were said and the talk flowed, the bishop finally boomed, “Okay, I’m hungry. Let’s pray and then eat!” The room got quiet as everyone bowed their heads and prayed silently. The bishop said “Amen,” and everyone looked up.

Saloma wiped her eyes before she passed the first of the dishes around the table. Verna and Ida also had tears to wipe away. Emery turned to Debbie, squeezed her hand, and mouthed, “I love you.”

Debbie wondered that she wasn’t a blubbering mess. She leaned against Emery’s shoulder with the realization that she was now home—truly home. There was no question about that. She would find Emery after everyone had left and kiss him for a few precious moments. They had waited long enough.

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways could you have shared Debbie’s joy on her baptismal day?

2. Would you have any advice for Ida as the recently widowed Minister Kanagy begins to pay her attention?

3. Why do you think Emery, the youngest son of Bishop Beiler, shows no interest in the community’s unmarried women?

4. Do you think Emery is interested romantically in Crystal Meyers once she shows up in the community?

5. Why is Alvin blamed by the community for Crystal’s arrival?

6. What do you think of Alvin’s character when he tells Debbie why he has waited so long for the date he has promised her?

7. Was Paul Wagler’s accident at the silo filling deserved? To what extent did his character improve? Should Debbie have opened her heart romantically to him?

8. When Deacon Mast arrives to speak with Alvin about his past, how does he handle the pressure? Could Alvin have done better?

9. Do you blame Mildred for seizing the opportunity to
rekindle her past romance with Alvin? Do you approve of her methods?

10. How did Alvin handle his breakup with Debbie?

11. Should Debbie have been open to Phillip Kanagy’s attentions?

12. Did Debbie make the right choice when she took Ida’s example and followed her heart into unexpected territory?

About Jerry Eicher

Jerry Eicher
’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 600,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, Hannah’s Heart series, The Fields of Home series, Little Valley series, and some standalone novels. He’s also written nonfiction, including
My Amish Childhood
and
The Amish Family Cookbook
(with his wife, Tina). After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies.

About the Publisher

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