Becky took a deep breath. “Waiting for what?”
“Waiting until you’re old enough to start dating an old scruff like me.”
“What does age have to do with it?”
“Nothing, if you don’t think so. But I’m old.”
There was silence bursting with promise as Becky looked out of the buggy window. They were passing the deep black forest of pine, bathed in the light of the cold winter moon, the road stretching ahead of them like a yellow-striped, dark ribbon.
Wasn’t life unbelievable? How desperately she had tried on her own, worrying herself sick about her own abilities, or lack of them, trying to figure out a job that would be the right fit. Then there’s been Daniel and his inscrutable behavior. First, she cared for two grandparents, relieving the family and doing something she loved. And now, when she had let go and stopped scheming about snaring Daniel in the future, here she was, plopped into his buggy, she guessed by the giant hand of God, smack where she wanted to be.
“Becky, I want you. I want you for my girlfriend. I want to have every weekend filled with your presence, until some happy day, if God wants us together, you’ll be with me every day and night, never to be away from me again. I have waited long enough.”
Daniel sighed. “Tonight when I thought you were lost, or that something bad may have happened, I can’t find words to express how I felt.”
Becky looked at Daniel, finding his face sincere and soft with emotion. “But if you care so much, Daniel, why did you ignore me for a whole year? You acted as if I didn’t exist.”
For a long moment, there was only the sound of steel wheels on macadam, coupled with the steady clopping of the horse, that dull thunking rhythm that is both restful and peaceful. This well trained horse dutifully drew a carriage through the cold winter night, its occupants wrapped warmly in a plaid buggy blanket as stars twinkled in the dark night sky like bits of diamond.
Finally, Daniel spoke. “I was going to ask you when I went to Lancaster for your grandfather’s funeral. In fact, that is why I went. But—and you’re going to laugh about this—there are so many more presentable young guys in Lancaster than me. And you’re so perfect, Becky, so soft and adorable. You’re just a beautiful young girl who I figured every one of them would want.”
Becky gasped audibly. “Not one of them even looked at me. Daniel, seriously, you must know that I’m larger than most girls. I’m fat. That’s a real turnoff for lots of men.”
Daniel spoke forcefully. “You are not fat. You’re just right. If you were thin you wouldn’t be you, my sweet Becky.”
And with that declaration, he released her hand, slid his arm along the back of the seat, and drew her close to his heart, where he wanted her always. And when he bent his head, he only kissed her forehead quickly, like a child, a seal of endearment, a gift of his love. He was driving, after all.
But when Becky raised her face and kissed him thoroughly, a whole year of longing unspoken, he thought a star had fallen straight through the roof of the buggy, lit with a blinding light.
“So there, Daniel Stoltzfus. You’ve ignored me long enough.”
Daniel had no words. He was completely flummoxed.
“And, if you’re being truthful, then I suppose I was made for you and you were made for me. God knows what he’s doing. His presence will always remind me how fortunate I am to have you.” Becky spoke softly, with reverence.
“We are blessed to have each other,” Daniel replied.
And as the horse clopped on through the winter night, Becky thought those white towels had been a good omen. The Christmas gift he had purchased was the perfect fit for the bathroom she had planned.
She sighed happily. Becky Stoltzfus. Mrs. Daniel Stoltzfus.
Glossary
Calf starter—nutritional pellets fed to young calves
Chvistats—relatives
Da Enos sei schveshta Mary—Enos’ sister Mary
Daudy—Grandpa
Daudyhaus—a small addition to a farmhouse, built as living quarters for grandparents
Die Botschaft—name of an Amish newspaper, meaning “message”
Die youngie—the young single people, usually between sixteen and twenty-one years of age
Dya fasaufet ihn noch—You will drown him yet
English—someone whose first language is English
Enos sei Sadie—Enos’ wife Sadie
Enosa—both Enos and his wife, Sadie
Errforing—experience
Fasark—to look after, take care of
Faschtant—to make sense
Fett maedle—overweight girl
Freundschaft—extended family
Green Pastures—a mental health facility
Grosfeelich—cocky, sure of oneself
Gute arpsa—good peas
Hesslich—very much
Hesslich dreckich—very dirty
His maedle—girlfriend
Kaltgraut—cole slaw
Kesslehaus—part of the house which Amish families use as a catch-all place for coats, boots, umbrellas, laundry, and even for tasks such as mixing calf starter, warming baby chicks, and canning garden vegetables
Macht’s gute!—very good!
Miede Binnichs—name of the children’s prayer that begins, “Now I lay me down to sleep …”
Mitt die zeit—in time
Mol viddda eich sayna—to see you once again
Mommy—Grandma
Mommy, du bisht net fit—Grandma, you are not fit to do this.
Ons’ Daudy Esha—at Daudy Eshes’
Roasht—chicken filling or dressing
Rumschpringa—“running around.” The time in an Amish person’s life between age sixteen and marriage. Includes structured social activities for groups, as well as dating. Activities usually take place on the weekend.
S’ Dat’s sinn net goot—My parents are not doing well.
Scrapple—trimmings of pork mixed with cornmeal, then shaped into loaves that can be sliced and fried. Usually eaten for breakfast.
S’ Daudys—grandparents
S’ Grishtag essa—the big Christmas dinner
Siss net chide—it isn’t decent, normal, or right
Sitz-schtup—the living room, used only for visiting with special guests
Stewed crackers—saltines (or other snack crackers) soaked in hot milk, then drizzled with brown butter. Sometimes eaten for breakfast, for a quick lunch or supper, or as a snack.
Toast-brod—toast bread
Uf da hof—in the same yard
Unedich gelt chpent—unnecessary money spent
Vett Millich—want milk
Vocational class or school—attended by fourteen-year-old Amish children who have completed eight grades of school. These students go to school three hours a week and keep a journal—which their teacher reviews—about their time at home learning farming and homemaking skills from their parents.
Other Books by Linda Byler
Available from your favorite bookstore or online retailer.
“Author Linda Byler is Amish, which sets this book apart both in the rich details of Amish life and in the lack of melodrama over disappointments and tragedies. Byler’s writing will leave readers eager for the next book in the series.”
–Publisher’s Weekly review of Wild Horses
LIZZIE SEARCHES FOR LOVE SERIES
BOOK ONE
BOOK TWO
BOOK THREE
TRILOGY
COOKBOOK
SADIE’S MONTANA SERIES
BOOK ONE
BOOK TWO
BOOK THREE
TRILOGY
LANCASTER BURNING SERIES
BOOK ONE
BOOK TWO
BOOK THREE
TRILOGY
HESTER’S HUNT FOR HOME SERIES
BOOK ONE
BOOK TWO
BOOK THREE
THE LITTLE AMISH MATCHMAKER A Christmas Romance
THE CHRISTMAS VISITOR An Amish Romance
MARY’S CHRISTMAS GOODBYE An Amish Romance
BECKY MEETS HER MATCH An Amish Christmas Romance
About the Author
Linda Byler was raised in an Amish family and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. Linda is well-known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper.
Linda is the author of four series of novels, all set among the Amish communities of North America: Hester’s Hunt for Home, Lizzie Searches for Love, Sadie’s Montana (whose individual titles are Wild Horses, Keeping Secrets, and The Disappearances), and the Lancaster Burning series.
Linda has also written three Christmas romances set among the Amish: Mary’s Christmas Goodbye, The Christmas Visitor, and The Little Amish Matchmaker.
Linda has co-authored Lizzie’s Amish Cookbook: Favorite recipes from three generations of Amish cooks!