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Memorial Day began with beautiful blue skies, soft fluffy clouds, and a warm breeze blowing through the town square.
Everyone was there. Katie had ridden to town with her family, bringing her Triple Lemon Cookies, Lemon Surprise Cupcakes, and Orange Supreme Bliss Bars. Only her mamm knew that hidden away in the back of their buggy was a box full of cookies and cupcakes for the Davis family... as well as the Orange Supreme Bliss Bars that Katie had discovered were a special favorite of the young man who still had her feeling a bit flustered.
As per their unusual arrangement, Mr. O'Neal was keeping his distance from Mrs. Simpkins, and his nephew was conspicuously absent.
Katie put several cookies and an orange bliss bar on a plate and meandered over to him.
“Gudemariye, Mr. O'Neal. I have brought you several treats to enjoy.” As she spoke, she glanced around, looking for her boss.
“Thank you, Katie-girl. What a fine, young lass you are to be thinkin' of me.” With a quick wink to Katie, Andrew continued. “Now don't ya worry none about me. I have faith that everything will work out in the end. Milly is a stubborn woman, but she can't hold a candle to me. No sir, I can wait around as long as I have to—until she comes to her senses.”
Katie could not help but smile at the cheerful determination she heard in Mr. O'Neal's words.
Hearing a scrambling sound, Katie looked away, searching for the source of the odd noise. She noticed a cage on the ground. “What is that?”
“I bet you heard about the rodents in my cafe last week... it turns out that Sean bought a couple of ferrets, but they got loose. When Ada Mueller saw them, she thought they were rats—and she was happy to spread the word.”
“Ferrets? I have never heard of them before. Do they make pets?”
“Ya, they make great pets, but since they caused an impromptu visit from the health department, Sean's agreed to sell them. That's why I have them here... so people can see how harmless they are.”
“Is that when the police came to your cafe?”
Andrew chuckled out loud. “Is that what people are saying? I get policemen in and out all day... they love my food! Don't tell me... Ada the busybody is spreading rumors again.”
“Katie!”
Katie turned to see Freida heading in her direction. Saying goodbye to Mr. O'Neal, she walked back to meet her.
“Katie, Thomas came by again on Saturday night. I did just what you suggested; well, not really. Right after we started out, he kissed me and I forgot all about asking him about the cruise... until later. But it all worked out anyway.”
“Tell me what happened. Did he ask you to marry him in November; he needs to ask you.”
“Oh jah, he stopped the buggy, took my hands in his, and after clearing his throat a time or two, asked me all proper like. Then he asked me if I had any idea of where I would like to go on our honeymoon. That was when I finally mentioned the cruise... and he loved the idea!”
“He did? He really did? That is wunderbaar!”
“Jah, he even said he had dreamed about taking his frau on a cruise some day. With Mrs. Simpkins' offer, we can go right after we marry. I cannot wait until November!”
Freida hugged her freind, then laughed.
“Now we need to get you married. Then our kinner will be best freinden, too.”
Katie laughed before saying, “Maybe I should give serious thought to joining the church with you.”
“Jah, and we will find you a nice man to court in no time.” Freida wrapped an arm around Katie's, pulling her toward the festivities.
Smiling, Katie looked around at her family and freinden. Everyone was having a gut time.
It was time to join them.
Dear Gott, danki for working things out for Freida and Thomas. Bless their marriage... and help me to find the one you have waiting for me.