Ryan felt as if he might explode in a riot of emotions—longing and regret but also hope and, yes, love. He’d spent the entire service imagining what it would be like to stand in front of this congregation and take Lorene as his wife. He knew to the depth of his soul that he wanted to marry her, have a family with her, grow old with her.
But did she want that future with him? Could she love him and give him another chance?
He needed to know, and he needed to know now. He’d wasted too many years without her. And he wanted their future to start today, not tomorrow.
Keeping with tradition, younger members of the congregation filed out of the barn first, followed by the wedding party. Ryan held his hand out to Lorene, and she threaded her warm fingers with his. Then they walked together to the barn exit with Jon and Emma Grace close behind them.
When they reached the outside, the cold December air hit Ryan like a wall. He glanced up at the sky and found a bright, crystal-blue sky dotted with white, puffy clouds. Lorene took a step toward the house, and he gently pulled her toward him.
“Wait. I need to talk to you.”
“Now?” She squinted up at him, and she looked adorable as other women stepped around her, headed toward the house.
“Ya, this can’t wait.” He knew the men were already converting the benches into tables in the barn, but he couldn’t help them. Not now.
He looked toward the pasture. “Can we walk over there? I promise it won’t take long. We can go get our coats if you want.”
“No. I’ll be fine.”
Still holding his hand, she steered him toward the pasture. When they stopped, she looked up at him. “What do you want to talk about?”
He took a deep breath, and then his emotions broke free. “Lorene, spending time with you during these past couple of months has been wonderful, and it’s made me realize just how much I’ve missed you.” He cupped his hand to her cheek, and she leaned into his touch.
“Lorene, I’m so sorry I let you down five years ago. You had a right to know how I was feeling about staying on the farm, even though I didn’t know how to tell mei dat how I felt. By not being honest with you, I hurt you, and I let our relationship crumble. If I had just told you, I think you would have understood even then. We could have built a future. It’s the biggest mistake I’ve ever made, and I regret it to the depth of my core.”
She heaved out a deep sigh as her eyes sparkled with tears. “I’m sorry for not realizing you were making excuses only because you were going through something. I should have been honest with you about my doubts rather than going on about the haus and breaking our engagement without giving you a chance to explain. I’m sorry for hurting you and for giving up on you. You deserved so much better.”
“But I’m the one who pushed you away, and then it was too late.” He hesitated, and then said, “I love you. I’ve never stopped loving you. You’re the only maedel I’ve ever imagined in my future. I’m ready to beg you to give me another chance.” His body went weak as he awaited her response.
She sniffed and touched his cheek. “I’ve never stopped loving you either. I’ve missed you all these years.”
“Does that mean you’ll give me another chance?” he asked, excitement buzzing through every pore.
“Ya, it does.” She gave a little laugh. “I’m so froh you’re willing to give our relationship another chance.”
“I’m froh you’re willing too.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers, and he thought he must be dreaming. But the heat rushing through his veins was as real as the feel of her lips against his.
As he deepened the kiss, his body seemed to come alive, and at that moment he was certain they belonged together. He needed to talk to her father as soon as possible.
* * *
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag!” Lorene called when she came downstairs on Christmas Eve afternoon to find Emma Grace and Jon together on the sofa, drinking hot chocolate and holding hands. Lorene smiled as she recalled her sister’s wedding.
The past few days had been a blur. After Ryan told her he loved her and wanted to date again, they’d celebrated with their friends and family, eating delicious food and visiting until late in the night. The next day the Lapp family and a few friends helped clean up the barn and house. Then Ryan again stayed late into the night. They’d talked and stolen a few kisses, and Lorene was so happy she couldn’t stop smiling.
She slipped into the kitchen and peeked out the window just as a horse and buggy moved up the driveway. Her heart leapt as she grabbed her coat and rushed out the back door.
“Merry Christmas!” she called as she hurried down the porch steps.
“Frehlicher Grischtdaag!” Ryan greeted, then pulled her into his arms for a hug. “I have a gift for you.” He reached into the buggy and brought out a small bag.
She opened it, then pulled out a trinket box shaped like a small house. She gasped as she ran her fingers over it. “It’s so schee.”
“Open it.”
She lifted the lid and found a silver key. She picked it up and ran her fingers over the cool metal. “What’s this?”
“It’s a haus key.” Something that looked like nervousness flickered over his face as he took the box from her and placed it on the buggy seat. Then he took her hands in his and swallowed. “Years ago, I was supposed to build you a haus. I know it’s not the same, but I want to share the haus I have now with you. Mei haus in Gap.”
She gasped, and tears blurred her vision.
“I’ve asked your dat’s permission for this. Lorene, will you do me the honor of becoming mei fraa?”
She launched herself into his arms with a dizzying happiness. “Ya, Ryan! I will!”
Cupping his hands to her cheeks, he leaned down and gently kissed her. A quiver of desire danced up her spine, and she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of his lips against hers.
When they pulled apart, she looked up at him. “A couple of months ago, mei dat said we never know how much time God has planned for us here, and he’s right. But he always has a plan while we are here. I don’t think he ever wanted us to suffer the pain of breaking up, but I’ve realized my family needed me with them after we lost Mamm.”
“And I realize leaving the farm was the right thing to do for everyone. Elias, for one. And I was able to help mei onkel Jay with his business when he needed it.” He leaned down and kissed her again, and she melted into him.
When she felt something wet and cold hit her face, she looked up and laughed. Snow fell like pretty glitter. “Look!”
Ryan looked up and smiled. “This is the best Christmas ever. I’m so grateful for our love—our evergreen love.” Then he kissed her again.
Closing her eyes, Lorene smiled against his lips. Her heart felt like a flower opening its bloom toward the sun. She was grateful for their love as well. And that God had given them this second chance.