47 
47 Love transforms the heart
That once waited outside, looking in
To one that belongs and abides.
UNKNOWN
What a glorious day it was! Hints of spring were everywhere, with trees in bud and flowers poking their heads through the rich river soil. The light breeze carried a fresh, sun-warmed fragrance, so welcome after the winter months.
Rachel stood on the front porch, watching. Watching for any sign of Jeremiah.
He was speaking with Malachi today, meeting with him to request permission to convert to the Amish faith.
The weeks had dragged by ever so slowly. So often it had seemed as though this day would never come. According to Gideon, Jeremiah, too, had been as restless as a caged bobcat throughout the waiting time.
Her brother often spoke of bobcats, particularly “Captain Gant’s bobcat,” now that he had seen the creature for himself. Rachel hadn’t forgotten Jake either. Jeremiah still puzzled over how and why the animal had turned up all the way out here that terrible night.
She had thought the creature magnificent. A lot like Jeremiah himself. Confident. No doubt headstrong. And handsome. Oh, he was a handsome animal! Probably unpredictable too. There again, like Jeremiah.
She was growing restless now. Anxious. Malachi was a kind man, a reasonable and fair man. But now he was also the bishop. He had to take many things into consideration, matters that dealt with spiritual guidance and tradition. Matters to be followed in accordance with the Ordnung. There was always a chance he would refuse Jeremiah’s request, forcing him to remain an outsider.
She would go in and make some coffee. Jeremiah might be hungry when he finally arrived. Besides, she needed something to do…she needed to keep busy. She’d make coffee and cut the fresh gingerbread she’d baked only that morning.
Then she saw him. Coming up the road, seated tall on Flann, his big red horse. She stood, fixed in place, holding her breath as she watched him dismount.
He tied up the horse, reached for his cane, and came hurrying toward the house, taking the biggest, broadest steps of which she knew him capable, given his bad leg.
His expression was solemn…too solemn…until he was halfway up the yard. Then suddenly he stopped, cracked an enormous smile, and tossed his cap in the air.
“So, then, Rachel Brenneman,” he called out in an exaggerated Irish accent, “do you happen to know of a good Amish language teacher in these parts? Oh and by the way, will you marry me, m’lovely?”
Rachel stared at him, too stunned for a moment to move.
When she delayed, he planted both hands on his hips, tilted his head to the side, and said, “Well…will you ever answer me, woman?”
Rachel finally found her breath and willed her legs to move, practically leaping off the porch as she ran to meet him, skirts flying, tears flowing even as she burst into laughter.
“Yes…yes…yes!” she cried, falling into his waiting arms.