Katie's Forever Promise (19 page)

Chapter Eighteen

Katie drove Sparky toward the Mennonite church house on the other side of the community. The October leaves were beginning to change into their first touch of deep reds and gold. She was wearing her nicest dress, and the wedding present of a quilt she and
Mamm
had worked on for Margaret was wrapped and safely stashed behind the buggy seat. This was a mighty strange feeling, Katie thought. Going to a wedding in the afternoon and on a Saturday was very different from the Amish tradition. But that just went to show how many differences there were between her faith and that of the Mennonites. Most of those differences were found in practices like this. Neither of them exactly wrong theologically, but a bridge difficult to cross nonetheless. Thankfully
Da Hah
had settled Katie's heart about joining the church she'd been brought up in. Even during the difficult days she'd not doubted that guidance.

In spite of her commitment to her Amish community, Katie didn't want to miss Margaret's wedding or be late. Katie wouldn't
attend any more Mennonite youth gatherings, but going to her friend's wedding was a different matter. Her friendship with Margaret and Sharon had been a
wunderbah
thing, healing her heart and offering her support and encouragement when she'd badly needed it. Now things were different. Her love for her people and faith was more settled. There would be no thoughts of joining the Mennonites this time.

Mamm
had had a worried look in her eyes when Katie had left the house twenty minutes ago. She was still worried Katie might stray into the Mennonite fold. Well,
Mamm
had nothing to worry about, as Katie had assured her many times. Mabel, on the other hand, didn't seem to care either way. She'd made no sharp jabs like she had last time, going on and on about the scandal of Katie consorting with Mennonites.

Instead, this morning Mabel had been all flustered about Norman's visit tomorrow night. She'd rushed about the house until the living room and kitchen had been cleaned again from top to bottom. The floor had been scrubbed at least twice—by
Mamm
the first time and then again by Mabel when it didn't meet her specifications. What those were, neither
Mamm
nor Katie could figure out. Mabel declared the floor totally unacceptable, produced a fresh pail of water, and did it all over again.

As far as anyone could tell, things were going well for Mabel and Norman. It still seemed a little strange to hear their voices murmuring downstairs until late on Sunday nights, especially considering that not that long ago it had been Katie sitting beside the young man. But Katie was getting used to it. They hadn't really dated that long, and she still felt well rid of Norman and his hidden dark side.

Ben was living in town somewhere—at least according to the news that had spread across the community. A couple of the older schoolchildren had chattered endlessly about the matter during
recess, oblivious to how much interest she had in the matter. They said he'd left because of the ministers, although no one was quite sure in what way they'd been involved. Clearly they'd seen a danger in either Ben's life or in its effect on the life of the community.

There was even talk that Ben planned to testify against the man who had shot him, and that his testimony would send the man to jail for a very long time. Whatever the reason, not having to see Ben at church was a relief really, Katie thought. She'd been dreading it. How would she explain to Ben the night at the hospital if he were to speak to her about it? Lavina had tried to respect her wishes to keep her visit secret, but Katie knew news of the trip would eventually get out, if it hadn't already.

Katie pulled back on Sparky's reins as she approached the Mennonite church house. Cars sat everywhere—and no buggy was in sight. A few vehicles were turning in the driveway ahead of her. Where was she supposed to park? Along the fence? But the ditch there was too deep.

As Katie approached, a young boy waved his hands toward the back, hollering out, “There's a light pole over there you can tie your horse to.”

His eyes were big as Katie passed him. Apparently he hadn't expected a buggy to arrive, but at least he knew where to send her. Several boys were busy directing cars. They glanced at her with amused expressions. When she stopped by the light pole, she noticed that one of the boys had followed her.

He held out his hand. “I can secure your horse for you if you give me the tie rope.”

“Do you know anything about horses?” Katie asked.

He laughed. “Enough to tie them up.”

Giving him the rope, Katie climbed down and found her way to the front door. Glancing back, she noticed Sparky was looking around, like he was trying to figure out why he was tied in the
middle of all the
Englisha
automobiles. Well, he'd be okay in the strange surroundings, just like she would be. Even though they were different, the Mennonites were nice people. That much she knew.

An usher inside the door greeted Katie with a smile. “Relative or friend of the bride or groom?”

“Friend of the bride,” Katie replied. She wanted to say
gut
friend, but he probably wouldn't have understood. How could anyone understand in just a few words what Margaret and Sharon had meant to her back in the days when she was considered strange by her own people and largely ignored? Not only had the two befriended her, they'd invited her along on a trip to Europe with their friend Nancy.

“Over here then.” The usher put out his arm.

Katie looped hers around his elbow and let him lead her down a side aisle to a seat about halfway back. When she'd settled in the pew, the woman next to her turned and whispered, “My name is Florence Miller. How do you know Margaret?”

“I'm Katie Raber. I'm a
gut
friend of Margaret's. I know her from the youth gatherings.”

“Welcome then!” the lady said.

The service began with what Katie guessed was traditional wedding music for the Mennonites. Katie watched closely, trying to take everything in. First, a little girl came down the aisle spreading flowers on the floor. Katie thought that was cute. The Amish would never do that. Even flowers on the table would be considered a vain thing. Celery and fruit was about as far as decorations were taken at Amish weddings. But here it seemed right, even
wunderbah
. Maybe her friendship with Margaret was coloring her opinion. Katie shrugged. It was
gut
that no one else from the community was here to see her pleased reaction. She was a member of the Amish church now and was expected to uphold
the community's standards. Well, this was Margaret's wedding, and there was no harm in enjoying it. In a few hours Katie would be back in her community.

Following the flower girl came the bridesmaids. They marched slowly down the aisle wearing the most
wunderbah
long and flowing, dark-blue dresses. Katie smiled to think that
Mamm
would pass out flat out on the floor if Katie ever wore something like that. No wonder the preachers warned all the time about the dangers of worldly weddings. She'd never known that worldly could look so tempting.

Fresh music began, and Katie gasped when Margaret appeared in a light-blue dress even more flowing and ruffled than the bridesmaids. She almost looked like an angel as she leaned on her
daett
's arm. Everyone stood up, and Katie followed their lead.

Margaret made her way slowly and gracefully up the center aisle, coming to a halt in the front where she was met by a handsome young man in a shiny black suit—obviously Margaret's groom, Lonnie. He was smiling from ear to ear, clearly very happy and satisfied with his choice of a
frau
.

As he should be, Katie thought. Margaret was a very nice person.

While the couple stood still, a beautiful solo was sung by a young woman Katie didn't recognize. Then the preacher prayed, and Margaret and Lonnie stepped up to stand in front of him. Margaret was lined on her side by her bridesmaids, and groomsmen flanked Lonnie's side. The preacher asked everyone in the audience to sit down, and then he gave a short sermon. Katie was surprised that all the people up front remained standing. When he'd led in another prayer, the preacher started the wedding vow questions right then and there, without any more sermons being preached, as would have happened at an Amish wedding.

Katie listened to the vows, all of them asked in
English
. That was
unexpected. They sounded so different. Yet Margaret was married at the end, just like her people were when they were married. When the vows were completed, candles were lit by Margaret and her husband. Then the two turned around to face everyone while the preacher announced, “And now it's my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Brinkman.” Then the couple came sweeping down the aisle again. Smiling as she went by, Margaret caught Katie's eye and waved. Katie waved back, turning her head to follow Margaret and her husband as they walked out the church house door. That's it? Katie wondered. It was nice, but from an Amish point of view, way too short.

“May I have your attention?” The preacher was speaking above the conversations buzzing in the church house. “The bride and the groom have prepared a lovely meal in the fellowship hall right next door. Let me direct your attention there, and remind you to head over right away after the ushers dismiss you and find your seats. On behalf of Lonnie and Margaret, thank you all for coming.”

As the ushers directed each row of people, the guests moved down the aisle.

“Are you staying for the meal?” Florence asked.

“Certainly! I want to see Margaret, and I haven't spoken with my friend Sharon yet.”

“Then you have other friends here?” Florence asked.

“Just those two. But they're
wunderbah
friends.”

“Believe me, hang on tight to those you have. People have way too few friends!”

“I will,” Katie said as Sharon caught her attention from across the room by waving. She was making a beeline to reach her. They embraced to the accompaniment of their happy squeals.

“You must be great friends!” Florence commented.

Sharon gave Florence a quick hug. “That we are. Katie and I
go back a few years and quite a few miles traveled together. How are you today, Florence?”

“Just fine and happy to be here. What about yourself? Is that Toby fellow still hanging around your place?”

Sharon laughed. “He sure is—and seems to do so more all the time.”

“Well, the best to the both of you.”

Katie cringed on the inside. Any moment now the two were going to ask if she had a boyfriend. And then she'd have to admit to the sorry tale. Being dropped by your boyfriend for whatever the reason wouldn't look
gut
even in a Mennonite community.

Sharon pulled on Katie's elbow. “Come on, let's go see Margaret!”

Katie followed Sharon through the crowd, stopping a few times to smile and nod as Sharon spoke with her friends. They eventually arrived at the fellowship hall, and Sharon headed straight for the receiving line where Margaret and Lonnie were greeting people.

Margaret was even lovelier up close, her flowing wedding dress sparkling and her face glowing. Katie gawked the whole time it took to reach her. Sharon didn't give Margaret a hug when they arrived, Katie noticed. Probably because of the dress. Margaret grabbed both of Katie's arms though. “Oh, Katie, I'm so very glad you could come! I know I've said that to a hundred other people already, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I'll never forget our trip to the Old City of Zurich.”

“Hello,” Lonnie interrupted, offering his hand. “So it's you who went to Europe with Margaret and Sharon and Nancy? I'm glad to finally meet you.”

“
Yah
,” Katie replied. “And you have gotten yourself a very good
frau
. Margaret's a
wunderbah
person. She's been a great friend to me.”

“As she has been to me.” Lonnie linked his arm with Margaret's, and the two gazed into each other's eyes and smiled sweetly.

“So how are you coming along?” Margaret asked. “Any wedding bells ringing yet?”

“
Nee
.” Katie tried to keep a smile on her face. She really wanted to grab Margaret and cry on her shoulder, but that wasn't the thing to do, especially on Margaret's wedding day.

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Margaret's face fell. “Troubles? I'm sure you'll find the perfect man someday. I'll pray for you, okay?”

“
Yah
,” Katie said as she nodded. “That would be
gut
.”

“I will too!” Sharon took Katie's elbow again. “Come, we have to keep moving.”

Already Margaret was greeting other guests, Katie noticed as she glanced over her shoulder. Just like in life, relationships had to move on. But she would always thank
Da Hah
for the opportunity He'd given her to know Margaret and Sharon. She'd been blessed indeed.

Chapter Nineteen

The late Saturday afternoon sun shone across the open fields as Katie guided Sparky into the driveway. It was hard to imagine that Margaret's wedding was already over, but she'd seen the couple leave on their honeymoon with her own eyes. They'd roared out of the church house parking lot in Lonnie's car, streamers flying. All they needed to make the scene fancier was Esther's dark-blue Corvette. Katie smiled as she remembered the times Esther drove her to the Mennonite youth gatherings.