An Amish Wedding (33 page)

Maybe
.

But just the same . . . she was going downstairs to eat a spoonful of sugar. And she would pray for no more embarrassing eruptions.

Chapter Four

S
ATURDAY MORNING
P
RISCILLA PULLED HER BLACK JACKET
snug around her as she walked down the road toward Rose’s house. She needed to talk to her best friend—specifically, she needed Rose to convince her that she’d lost sleep last night for no reason. Priscilla had prayed hard for God to take away her anxiety about the wedding, but sleep eluded her anyway.

She kicked a pebble in the road, but quickly picked up her pace when she noticed the clouds darkening above her and felt the sting of the wind’s chill on her cheeks. Leaves on either side of the road started to swirl in small brown and orange tornadoes around her, and within seconds she felt raindrops splashing her face. Rose’s house was in view, so she sprinted toward the porch. By the time she reached the steps, she was soaked.

“Priscilla King, what in the world are you doing?” Rose pulled Priscilla into the living room. “Wait here. I’ll get you a towel.”

Priscilla stood dripping on the hardwood floor until Rose returned. “Sorry, I got water on the floor.”

“That’s okay. Let’s move into the kitchen and sit at the table.” Rose pulled out a chair for Priscilla, who then sat down on top of the towel. Droplets of water spilled onto the top of the table, and Rose handed her a kitchen towel for her face. “Didn’t you know we were in for rain this afternoon?”

Priscilla shrugged as she patted her face. “Where is everyone?”

Rose sat down across from her. “
Mamm
and
Daed
went to Strasburg Tractor Supply to get a part for the plow, James and Ben are in the barn, and
Aenti
Tabby is visiting a friend. So this is a
gut
time to talk.” She put her elbows on the table and dropped her chin into her hands. “What’s wrong, Priscilla? You look like something’s bothering you.”

Priscilla shrugged again. “I—I don’t know.” She scratched her nose, then fumbled with the damp towel on the table. “Just so much to do before the wedding.”

Rose put her palms flat on the table and sat taller. She lifted her chin. “Priscilla, you’ve had everything for this wedding planned out for months. What’s
really
bothering you?”

Priscilla smiled. Rose knew her better than anyone, so her prodding wasn’t surprising. Still, she felt silly. She rubbed her eyes for a moment, then looked up at her friend. Leaving out no details, she told how she had been getting the hiccups as a forewarning of unwelcomed events. When she was done, she waited for Rose to comment. But Rose just stared at her.

“I know you think I’m
ab im kopp
, but isn’t it strange?”

Rose folded her arms across her chest and grinned. “
Ya
, I do think you’re off in the head. That’s just plain silly, Priscilla. Those things can happen to anyone.” She leaned forward to reach for Priscilla’s hand and squeezed it. “Don’t worry,
mei maedel
. Everything is going to be fine. Trust the Lord’s will.”

Priscilla forced a smile. “You’re right.” She eased her hand from underneath Rose’s and stood up. She pointed a finger at her friend, whose nuptials were set for December. “I just hope you don’t have all the problems we’re having, come time for your wedding.”

Rose raised her shoulders, then dropped them slowly. “If we do, we will put our faith in God and work through it. Which is what you should do.”

Priscilla walked to the window and took a peek outside. The sun was slowly lifting above blue-gray clouds. “I guess I better head home before it makes wet again.” She turned to Rose, gave her a hug, and darted down the porch steps.

She was determined to put her trust in God’s will and not fret about silly superstitions.

C
HESTER PULLED THE STOOL UP CLOSE TO THE WORK
-bench in the barn and sat down. He took off his hat and reached for the clock he’d been working on, picturing it on the mantel in his and Priscilla’s home. His future
frau
loved clocks, and he wanted her to cherish this wedding gift. He ran his hand over it gingerly, pleased that the last coat of stain was dry. Now he just had to apply the glossy finish and install the clockworks.

He took great care applying the lacquer, making sure it was smooth and didn’t leave any bubbles. He’d spent most of the day working on the roof with Zeke, and he hoped to finish the clock in time to take it to Priscilla tomorrow when she cooked for him at her house. He tried to picture the deacon announcing to the congregation that he and Priscilla would be married. They’d been formally engaged since July, and traditionally the publication of their engagement would have been a surprise to most of the community. But both he and Priscilla had been guilty of spreading the word from the moment she had agreed to become his
frau
. Chester reckoned a few folks weren’t sure of the date, but Priscilla’s father would announce the day and time after the deacon spoke. He couldn’t wait until November when they would take their vows before God, friends, and family.

As much as he would like to hear the deacon and Priscilla’s father speak about their upcoming wedding, he wouldn’t give up tomorrow afternoon with Priscilla for anything. It was rare that they were allowed to spend time alone, and Chester wanted it to be a day to remember.

He set the clock off to one side so that it could dry. By morning, it would be dry enough to install the parts.

“Done with the clock?”

Chester turned to see Abe walking into the barn, his wrist still in a cast. “
Ya
, almost.”

“Sorry I haven’t been able to help you more with the
haus
.”

Chester started to answer, but then he noticed something holstered to his brother’s hip. “You know Bishop Ebersol doesn’t like us using cell phones unless it’s for business. And neither do
Mamm
and
Daed
.”

Abe put his good hand on his hip. “
Ach, ya
. But I’m in
mei rumschpringe
. Besides, everyone has one.”

“I never had one before I was baptized, and I still don’t.” Chester frowned. “I’d put that in my pocket if I were you. No need to rub it in
Mamm
’s and
Daed
’s faces.”

“They’ve already seen it, and they didn’t say nothing.” He reached down and touched the phone. “I wouldn’t need one if
Mamm
and
Daed
would allow an answering machine in the shanty. We miss calls all the time, and I never know what’s going on.”

Chester elbowed Abe as he brushed past. “Don’t play trickery with me. You just want to be able to call Linda. Bet she has a phone too, no?”

Abe grinned. “How’d you know about Linda?”

Chester turned to face him. “Everyone knows about you and Linda. You’ve been carting her home from singings for weeks, and you get a goofy look every time you’re around her.”

“I do not.” Abe stood taller and raised his chin.

“
Ya
, you do.” Chester chuckled as he walked out of the barn.

Abe was on his heels. “What do you mean, goofy look?”

Chester kept walking but did his best to imitate the look Abe got when he was around Linda. He lifted his nose and squinted his eyes. “Like this.”

“You look like a pig.”

Chester laughed. “Exactly! So do you when you give Linda that
dumm
look.”

They were walking up the porch steps to the house when Chester heard the vibration coming from Abe’s hip. Abe unlatched the phone and brought it to his ear.

“At least you got the good sense to keep it on vibrate,” Chester mumbled, shaking his head.

As he reached for the screen door, Abe nudged him with his elbow. “It’s for you.”

“What? Who is it?”

“Mr. Turner.”

“Huh?” How on earth had his boss tracked down his brother’s cell number? For that matter, how did he even know Abe had a phone? Chester dismissed the thoughts as he brought the phone to his ear.

Mr. Turner was up in years, but generally he was a likable fellow, even though he’d been acting a bit out of character lately. But Chester had never heard him scream the way he was hollering into the phone at this moment. He held the phone out a few inches from his ear, shocked at what Mr. Turner was saying.

Chapter Five

P
RISCILLA LIT THE BAYBERRY-SCENTED CANDLE THAT
she’d saved for this occasion. Then she arranged some chrysanthemums in a vase, ones she’d picked that morning. If she had any regret about the ways of the Old Order Amish, it would be that flowers were not allowed at weddings. She wished her special day could be filled with them.

She breathed in their scent as she eyed the two place settings she’d carefully laid out for her dinner.
Mamm
insisted she use the good china, white plates with ivy delicately etched around the edges, and she put them atop lace place mats that were more for looks than anything else. Cream-colored napkins, silverware, and company tea glasses finished off the setting.

She and Chester would have about two hours alone while everyone else was sharing a meal after church service. After spending the morning preparing, everything was ready. Chester had requested “underground ham” for the main meal, a recipe her mother often carted to social events. Chester loved the cheesy ham and potato dish that was baked and topped with crumbled bacon. Earlier that morning, Priscilla had baked two loaves of bread and a butter pecan cake. Chester liked the cream cheese filling and rich, flavorful icing. She planned to spend the rest of her life tending to him, their house, and eventually their
kinner
.

Now, as the fragrance of the candle mingled with the rewarding smell of her cooking, she stepped back and smiled. And no hiccups. She’d convinced herself that her superstitions were unfounded, and she refused to let worry block her heart from the voice of God. He was in control. She pushed loose strands of hair up underneath her prayer covering and smoothed the wrinkles from her black apron. Chester liked her burgundy-colored dress the best, so she was happy to wear it. She closed her eyes and thanked God for all He’d blessed her with.

As she heard the
clippity-clop
of hooves coming up the driveway, she took another look around the kitchen. Joy bubbled inside her as she moved through the living room. She pulled the wooden door open, but when she looked through the screen at Chester, her elated spirit floundered. She knew when his smile was forced. She pushed the screen door open, and he handed her a box wrapped in yellow and tied with a white bow.

“Danki,”
she said as she accepted the present. She bit her bottom lip.
No kiss?

“You’re welcome.” Chester took a deep breath. “It smells
gut
in here.” He took his hat off and hung it on the rack by the door. His blue shirt brought out his eyes, which met with hers as he finally leaned down and kissed her.

“Is everything okay?” Priscilla held her breath, praying nothing else was wrong with the house.

“Sure.”

They stood there for an awkward moment, and Priscilla was certain that everything was not all right.

“I made your favorite, underground ham.” She reached for his hand and pulled him into the kitchen, cradling the package in her other arm. “It’s keeping warm in the oven.”

“You’re the best, Priscilla. I love you.”

As he kissed her again, Priscilla slowly eased away and placed the present on the table. “What’s wrong, Chester? I can tell something’s not right.” Her stomach rolled as she watched his face fall. “Please tell me.” She pulled out her father’s chair at the head of the table. “Here, sit. I’ll pour you some tea.”

After she poured them each some tea, she sat down beside him on one of the long wooden benches and waited.

“I know how much you’ve been looking forward to this day.” He smiled, looking at the flowers and the candle flickering in the jar on the table. “I don’t want you to be concerned or sad about anything.”

She cupped one hand over her mouth. She
did
want this to be a special day, but it wouldn’t be if something was bothering him.

“I talked to Mr. Turner today.” Chester ran a hand across his forehead as he sighed.

Priscilla lowered her hand and placed it on her chest, trying to speculate why this would upset Chester.