The Amish Marriage Bargain. Marie E. Bast

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СКАЧАТЬ the times she and April had sat under a tree one summer and talked about buwe. Who was the cutest, which one had the best personality, and who owned the broadest shoulders? Thad and Alvin tied for the win in all categories. A few pangs of homesickness stirred in her, knowing these would be her last few weeks on the land if she decided to move.

      May glanced toward the barn where Thad stood looking her way. It was hard even imagining losing the family’s farm.

      She finished arranging her vegetable stand, then took a step back and glanced at the display in front of the white fence. Perfect.

      She’d miss her garden and the stand, but surely Aent Edna had a patch behind her café and bake shop.

      She picked up Leah and the blanket she was sitting and crawling on. Leah smiled so sweetly that it stole May’s heart as she swung the tyke around. Leah giggled while little wisps of taffy-colored hair bounced around her cherub face. “Mamm, more!”

      “Nein, it’s time for your nap, little one.”

      “Mamm,” Leah laughed.

      May reached the porch and laid the blanket on a chair. She turned when she heard wheels rumbling into the drive.

      Bishop Yoder climbed out of his buggy and walked a few steps in her direction. “Gut afternoon, May. Another hot July day, jah? Is Thad around?”

      “I believe he’s in the shed boxing vegetables, Bishop. Would you like a glass of lemonade?”

      He looked toward the shed, then back at May. “That does sound gut. Just a small one.”

      He followed her into the kitchen and plunked down on a chair waving his hat across his face.

      “Would you rather sit on the porch?”

      “Nein. This is fine.”

      She sat Leah on the floor by her toys, cut a piece of banana bread, poured a glass of lemonade and set them in front of him.

      He took a bite of bread, then washed it down with the cold drink. “Mmm, they are both gut.”

      “I’m just going to put Leah down for a nap, but I’ll be right back.”

      She laid Leah in her downstairs crib and returned to the kitchen.

      She poured herself a glass of lemonade and joined the bishop at the table. “It’s a hot day for visiting.”

      “Indeed. Tell me, May, does Thad work the farm every day, and do you cook his meals?”

      A chill ran up her back. “Jah.”

      “How’s this situation working out for you?” He took another sip and waited for her reply.

      “I’m not sure I understand the question, Bishop.” She rubbed her finger down the glass through the condensation.

      “Jah, he jilted you years ago, is that right? So is it uncomfortable for you to live here? Together?”

      “This is my family farm that Thad inherited from April, but Daed said I could stay here until I married.”

      “But he’s here all day.” The bishop gestured with his hand to the outside.

      “He lets me stay, so I watch Leah and cook the meals. That’s all. Otherwise, I see very little of him during the day.”

      The bishop finished his refreshment, pushed his chair back and gave May a nod. “See you on Sunday.”

      She froze in her chair, and waited until his footfalls left the porch. She looked out the window. What was that all about? Why was he asking such questions?

      May sipped her lemonade, sat the glass down and dried her hand on her apron. No doubt, she wouldn’t like the answers to those questions.

      Thad took off his straw hat, slapped it against his leg to shake the dust and soil off, and plunked it back on his head. He watched the youngies he’d hired to pick vegetables leave for the day, then he sealed the cartons of tomatoes, beans and peas going to market.

      It was a hot day, but at least it hadn’t rained. He’d prayed for a sunny day, and Gott had answered. He sighed as his mind drifted to May.

      They had started getting along, putting the past behind them. At least he hoped so. Their conversations seemed more relaxed, and she was at least still considering staying. Maybe her hesitation to make a decision about moving was due to the thought of leaving Leah.

      The shed door squeaked open and pulled his attention to footfalls approaching. He tried to hold back a smile. Jah, May was coming out to talk. He peered over his shoulder, then jerked around in surprise as he saw the bishop approaching. “Bishop Yoder, hullo.”

      “Hullo, Thad. I was visiting with May. She made some delicious banana bread and lemonade. Did you have some?”

      “Ah, no, not yet, probably for supper. What brings you out here today?”

      “An elder brought it to my attention that you and May were still living together.”

      Thad’s back stiffened. “Nein, we aren’t living together. I inherited her family’s farm, and my parents are staying in the dawdi haus. Why bring this up now? April has been dead a year.”

      “Exactly, your year of mourning is over and now it is not acceptable. So you live in the dawdi haus with them?”

      “I still sleep in the same bedroom that April and I shared.”

      The bishop kicked at a few peas that had landed on the floor before aiming his gaze at Thad. “To others in our district, they think this is not a gut arrangement. You are here all day and all night unchaperoned in the same haus. I heard that she was moving to Shipshewana to live with an aent?”

      “Jah, that’s what she said, but I think she is having a hard time leaving Leah.”

      “Is it just Leah that she is having the hard time leaving?”

      Thad took a step back and clenched his teeth, then released. “I’m not sure I understand what you are talking about, Bishop.”

      “You courted May before you married her sister, jah?” The bishop’s tone was the one he used for preaching.

      “What are you saying, Bishop?” A rigidness seized Thad’s shoulders.

      “It’s time May was married.”

      Thad felt the blood drain from his face.

      The bishop walked to the door, then glanced back over his shoulder. “You need to think seriously about how this living arrangement looks to others. It cannot be allowed to go on much longer.” The bishop walked out, letting the barn door bang closed.

      Thad stared after СКАЧАТЬ