The Heartbreaker (Amish Country Brides) Page 11

  “Uh huh, Michael Eicher. Everyone knows it.”

  Her heart sank. Everyone? “Did…did you talk to people about us?”

  He nodded. “At school. Curly Dan said his sister saw you at the library and you were holding hands. And Eddie Stoltzfus saw you at Dairy Queen when he drove by with his Daed’s driver. They know you and Michael have been kissing lots at Sammy’s house.”

  She gasped. “We have not been kissing lots at Sammy’s! Those are rumors and you and your classmates shouldn’t be talking about other people. It’s called gossip. It’s not what Der Herr wants us to do.”

  “Come on, Miri. Everyone knows you and Michael are getting hitched.”

  Miri? No one called her that except for Michael. “Nee, we are not getting hitched!” She turned on her heel and ran from the kitchen.

  A moment later, she heard a knock on her bedroom door. She knew it was her mamm by the gentle rap on the wood frame. She quickly sat up and wiped her tears with her dress sleeve. “Kumm in.”

  The door opened and her mother walked in, closing it behind her. “I overheard your conversation with Benny.” Mamm frowned and moved to sit on the edge of her bed.

  “I wish people would just mind their own business.”

  The edge of Mamm’s mouth turned up slightly. “You and Michael are the most exciting thing that’s happened since Ella and Melvin’s wedding last year. Keeping quiet would be like asking a nightingale not to sing.”

  Miriam groaned. “There is no me and Michael.”

  Mamm traced the quilt pattern with her index finger. She and Mamm had begun piecing it together on her fifteenth birthday. They’d taken an entire year to do it, working on it little by little. On her sixteenth birthday, it had gone into her dower chest, intending to stay there until she married. But when she returned from the Englisch world, all hopes of finding someone to marry had been dashed into pieces. So she’d begun using the quilt. No sense in having it go to waste.

  Mamm’s hand covered hers. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but it’s time, Miriam.”

  She swallowed. “Talk about what?”

  “About what happened when you left the g’may for a time. You went to be with Michael Eicher, ain’t so?” Mamm’s brow raised slightly.

  Miriam gasped. “Is that how the rumor mill was turning?”

  “It is true, ain’t not?”

  “The truth is that I didn’t leave to seek out Michael. Nor did I see him while I was living in the Englisch world.”

  “Then why did you leave?”

  Tears came full force now and she couldn’t stop them. Her chest heaved with anguish. Guilt and shame had become such a dominant part of her life. It would feel gut to be able to release it, to finally reveal her secrets. She was so tired of living a lie.

  “I left to…to have his boppli!” She blurted the words out. She couldn’t meet her mother’s gaze, but she didn’t miss the huff of air expelling from her lips.

  “Miriam…” Mamm moved close and gathered her into her arms. “Ach, Miriam. I had no idea you were in the familye way.”

  “I didn’t know what kind of bu Michael was. I just thought he was a flirt. But when Michael asked me home from a singing, I didn’t know we’d end up courting. I didn’t expect to fall in love with him. I didn’t expect him to leave. I didn’t expect to be in the familye way.” She blew her nose on tissue. “Mamm, I was so scared.”

  Mamm rubbed her back. “I know.”

  “I prayed. I prayed so hard because I didn’t know what to do. Then I saw one of those signs along the road. You know the one that asks if you are pregnant and scared? And that was me. So I called the number and the people helped me. They helped me leave. They helped me find a place to stay. They took care of me. And they helped me find someone to take the boppli. To adopt him.”

  “Ach, Miriam.”

  She knew Mamm was disappointed. She could hear it in her tone. That was one thing she’d learned to do well. Disappoint people. Was there anything in this life she’d gotten right? She didn’t think so.

  “I thought I would feel better after I gave the baby up, like my problems would just miraculously go away. But I could never forget my sweet boy.” Wetness seemed to be a permanent part of her face lately. She didn’t bother to wipe her tears, and the salty drops rolled to her lips. “Mamm, it was so hard.”

  “Did Michael even know? Did you tell him?”

  She shook her head. “Not then, but he does now.”

  “And?”

  “He wants to marry me. He wants to try to get our boppli back.”

  “I don’t think that’s possible, is it? Not with adoption.”

  “Nee, it isn’t. But his adoptive daed died and his adoptive mamm is real sick. He’s in foster care now.”

  “And Michael wants the boppli?”

  “Jah.”

  “Miriam, this sounds like something you might want to consider. If Michael is offering to marry you and you can get the boppli back—”

  “Don’t you see? I’m not worthy to be his mamm! I gave him away.” She realized then that it was herself she didn’t trust, not Michael. He had proven himself. When Sammy sequestered her after church, she’d learned that Michael had even hired a lawyer to help try to get their boppli back. He’d also gotten a woodworking job nearby. That didn’t sound like a man intent on leaving the community.

  “There isn’t one person in this world worthy of that honor, dochder. But it seems to me that Der Herr gave Michael’s child to you for a reason. He doesn’t make mistakes. It sounds like He’s giving you both, nee, all three of you a second chance.”

  And in that moment, she broke completely.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  Michael hadn’t expected to see Miri sitting on Dawdi’s porch swing the minute he’d guided Dr. Seuss into the yard. He looked down at his filthy clothes and grunted. Too bad she hadn’t arrived after he showered, when he’d look and feel good. But just the sight of her was a blessing, so he’d take what he could get.

  Dawdi met him as he stepped from the buggy, offering to take care of Dr. Seuss. “You have more pressing matters.” He flicked a glance toward Miri.

  Michael lowered his voice. “Why is she here?”

  “She wants to talk to you.”

  Anticipation swirled in his chest. Would this be a positive visit or a negative one? He never knew with Miri. Just when he thought he’d been making progress with her, she shied away. But if Michael was anything, he was persistent.

  He strode across the yard then approached the house, slowing his gait. He stepped onto the porch, sucking in a fortifying breath. “Hello, Miri.”

  “Will you sit here?” She touched the porch swing seat next to her.

  Being that close to her probably wouldn’t be a wise move on his part. He shook his head and leaned back against the railing a couple feet away. Better to be safe than sorry. He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ll just stand here.”

  She nodded and her eyes lowered to the floor boards on the porch.

  “You wanted to say something?” He refrained from tapping his foot. He wished she’d just get on with it, especially if it was something bad.

  “I…” She swallowed. “I told my mamm. About us. About the boppli.”

  “You did? What did she say?”

  She lifted her head now and stared into his eyes. “She thinks that Der Herr is giving us another chance. To raise our son. To have a family.”

  “And what do you think?” His heartbeat doubled. God, please.

  “I think she might be right.”

  “What are you saying? Does this mean you’ll give us—give me—a chance?”

  A beautiful smile slowly crossed her lips. “It does.”

  Had he heard her right? “You…are you serious?”

  “I am.”

  He took two steps forward, but instead of sitting down, he stood in front of her, leaning forward and placing each of his hands on the porch swing behind her near her shoulders. He ben
t down and dropped his head to meet her lips with his. “Denki, Miri.” He pulled back and chuckled. “I hope you’re not offended by my sweaty body.”

  Her brow shot up and a smirk surfaced. “I mostly smell sweet sawdust. And I like it. I think I can get used to you returning home from work every day smelling like this.”

  Home from work? Every day? He swallowed. “You could?”

  She slid her hand up his chest and grasped one of his suspenders, then yanked him close again. “I definitely could.” To his delight, she kissed him this time.

  He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “I love it when you get aggressive.”

  A throat cleared loudly behind them as Dawdi stepped onto the porch. Michael moved back, then took a seat beside her on the swing.

  Dawdi chuckled. “By the look of it, I’m guessing she changed her mind.”

  Michael reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers. “Yes, she did.”

  “Gut.” Dawdi nodded. “What’s the next step?”

  “We still need to talk about that.” Michael glanced at Miri.

  “I’ll leave you two to talk then.” Dawdi chuckled then stepped into the house.

  Michael waited for the door to close before pulling Miri onto his lap. “Where were we?”

  A tap on the front window forced them apart. Dawdi pulled back the curtain and shook his head. “That doesn’t look like talking to me,” his muffled voice came through the glass.

  Miri giggled. “I think we’d better just talk.” Her hand caressed his jaw and she lifted a brow. “For now.”

  He cleared his throat as she slid off his lap. “Jah, that sounds gut to me. We’ll talk now.”

  “Unless if you need a shower, I can make supper.”

  “You’re staying a while, then?”

  “I’d planned to. You know, to talk.”

  “Jah, to talk.” He winked.

  ~

  Miriam rinsed the supper dishes and prepared the water for washing. A smile teased her lips as she thought of a future with Michael. They really did make a gut couple.

  “Denki for saving me from fixing supper tonight. Michael and I have been taking turns, so I’m glad you came over on my night.” Sammy handed her his plate and winked. “I never realized how spoiled we’d become until you stopped coming around. But you two have things to discuss now. Let me wash up these dishes.” He scooted her out of the way.

  “You’re sure?” Miriam frowned. “It won’t take me long.”

  “Jah, I’m sure. You two chust need to stay in view.” His head leaned to the left. “You can sit at the table there so I can add my two cents to the conversation.”

  “And I thought it was to keep me in line.” Michael’s eyes sparkled with mischief, as they reflected the color of his shirt. Man, he sure cleaned up nicely.

  “That too.” Sammy thrust a wooden spoon in his direction.

  “Is that a threat, Dawdi?” Michael chuckled.

  “It’s whatever it needs to be.”

  Miriam enjoyed their banter.

  “And before you get any other notions,” Sammy looked to both of them, wooden spoon still firmly pointed in their direction, “I want you two to live here after you’re hitched.”

  Michael sighed heavily. “But then I can’t chase her around the house n—”

  Miriam gasped at his boldness, and playfully slapped him on the arm.

  “You’re two seconds away from this spoon, boy,” Sammy threatened, a tease in his tone. “And I don’t think there will be any ‘chasing around’ with a small bu and your grossdawdi here, now, will there?”

  “With strategic planning…” Michael shrugged and winked at Miriam.

  She shook her head. “Ach…”

  “You’re making her blush now.” Sammy’s sympathetic tone endeared him to her even more.

  “Sammy, it would be an honor to live here.” Miriam approached Sammy, patted him on the back, and smiled.

  He sighed and tears shimmered in his eyes. “It will be nice to have a female in this house again.”

  Michael lifted his cup of coffee in the air and raised his eyebrows twice. “I second that.” His eyes roamed Miriam’s dress.

  “That’s it. You’re grounded, bu.” Sammy shook his head, then turned to Miriam. “You’ll have to forgive my gross sohn. He’s been in the Englisch world far too long. He’s forgotten what it means to be a gut Amish bu.” He pointed to Michael. “And you. You are going to memorize a chapter of the Bible tonight.”

  Michael grinned. “The Song of Solomon?”

  “Nee. Leviticus.”

  Miriam couldn’t help but laugh at the look of horror on Michael’s face.

  Sammy leaned over. “And he thinks I’m joking. I’m not.”

  Miriam laughed again. “Well then, it looks like I’d better leave early tonight.”

  Michael shook his head. “You’re not going anywhere, future fraa.” He grasped her hand and led her back to the table.

  “About your plans…you need to talk to the leaders,” Sammy suggested, all joking aside. “You will probably need to make a confession.”

  Miriam’s head lowered. “That’s the part I’ve been dreading.”

  “A confession before the g’may will help silence gossip,” Sammy said.

  “Or fuel it,” Michael said wryly.

  “Everyone sins. The people understand that.” Sammy looked at both of them. “It will clear the air. And when you bring your bu home, nobody will ask you about it because they’ll already know.”

  “You have a point.” Michael nodded. “But I’m not a member yet.”

  “They have agreed to accept your membership from Pennsylvania.”

  Michael’s brow shot up. “Really?”

  Sammy nodded. “They’ve been watching you.”

  “They have?” Michael looked to Miriam. Hopefully no one had spied on them when they were down at the creek. Because if they had, she was certain his membership would not be approved. And they both might be required to make a confession.

  “Apparently, they approve of what they’ve seen.”

  “That’s gut news. I’ll have to watch my step then.” Michael blew out a breath. “Will they want us to marry right away?” His gaze flicked to hers.

  “I would imagine so. You’ve already…” Sammy’s voice trailed off.

  “Jah.” Miriam nodded.

  “And what about the bu?” Sammy stared at Michael.

  “I’ve filed the papers. My lawyer said it might be months before it goes to court. In the meantime, we wait.” Michael reached over and squeezed her hand. “And pray.”

  TWENTY-SIX

  Miriam attempted to keep her hands from shaking as she prepared snacks for the guests who would be visiting that evening.

  An arm slipped around her waist. Michael leaned close and whispered in her ear, “You ready for this?”

  “Nee. I’m nervous.”

  He turned her to look at him, then reached up and caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “There’s nothing to be nervous about, Schatzi.”

  “Michael.” She sighed. “I got pregnant out-of-wedlock, left the community for two years, gave our baby up for adoption, then kept it all a secret. Until now.”

  “What can they do to you? To us?”

  “I don’t know, not let us get married?”

  “Seriously? If anything, they’ll make us get married sooner. I just don’t see how that’s a bad thing. We already know we won’t be getting married during the wedding season, so who cares? We already know people are gossiping about us and will continue to do so, but who cares? People are going to do what they’re going to do. All we need to do is follow Der Herr and trust Him to direct our paths, ain’t so?” He lifted her chin, then briefly brushed her lips with his. “We’re in this together and Gott is with us.”

  She nodded. Ach, how much Michael had grown in his faith! She never would have dreamed it. Although, he still possessed a mischievous streak—which she secretly enjoy
ed.

  The moment they heard commotion outside the door, Michael stepped away. This meeting would consist of Miriam, her folks, Michael, Sammy, the deacon, two ministers, and the bishop. Miriam now wondered what the leaders expected to hear at this meeting Sammy had called them to. Were they just expecting an engagement announcement, or were they privy to any of the details that were to be discussed?

  Sammy ushered in Mamm and Daed, followed by the leaders.

  Michael looked at her and winked. “Looks like it’s showtime.”

  She shook her head. How could he joke at a time like this?

  Mamm joined her in the kitchen, while Michael slipped out to join the men. Mamm came close and helped her finish putting a slice of zucchini bread on each guest’s plate. The water for the coffee was hot and she had iced tea at the ready as well.

  Fortunately, her folks liked Michael Eicher and were very much in favor of their union. Of course, Michael was the type of guy who pretty much got along with or could charm anybody. She was glad that her folks were already aware of the past, so when they confessed it would not come as a surprise to them.

  As soon as their guests were served, they’d bowed for the silent prayer, and everyone was seated around the table, Sammy took the initiative to speak first. “Michael and Miriam have a couple of issues to discuss with you today.” He gestured for Michael to take the helm.

  Michael cleared his throat. “When Miriam and I dated five years ago, we…uh…shared the marriage bed, resulting in a baby being conceived. The baby was put up for adoption when it was born, but due to unfortunate events, our son is now in foster care. We’re now trying to get custody of our son again, but we’re waiting on a court date.”

  The bishop nodded for Michael to continue.

  “And…Miriam and I would like to get married.”

  The bishop looked to the other leaders to gauge their responses. “I’m guessing your families are in agreement?” He turned to Mamm and Daed.

  “We are,” Daed said the words, but Miriam noted the redness of his face and neck. Clearly, he was ashamed of Miriam and Michael’s actions, although he’d never said as much.