As a stream of cool air seeped through the flap of their buggy, Anna clenched the reins tightly. She discreetly surveyed Mammi’s grin over the brim of her black bonnet. At least one of them was excited about supper at the Gingerich home this evening. Evidently, Mammi had high hopes for her and Aaron. Anna, however, still doubted that she and Aaron were a good match. They were simply too different.
Although Aaron had been thoughtful at their last meeting, Anna still sensed uneasiness. This kind, giving, selfless Aaron had been refreshingly different, but seemed out of character. Not that Aaron was all that bad or anything, really. It was just little things that Anna had picked up on here and there – kicking the cat away, practically forcing her to kiss him, and she’d never forget the incident with poor Joe.
Joe.
The thought of him and Harvey brought a smile to her lips.
Mammi’s words quickly dashed her amusement. “Ah, I see. You’re finally gettin’ excited about seeing Aaron tonight. I wondered when your nervousness would wear off. We’re almost there.” Mammi practically sang the words, patting Anna’s hand.
Ugh. What Anna really felt like doing is turning around. She’d love to be at home. If she were, she imagined she’d be climbing to the attic again in search of clothing she could offer to Joe and Harvey. Wouldn’t they look spiffy in Dat’s old broadfalls. She’d meant to have them delivered by now, but it seemed every time she set out to do it, something came up.
As she maneuvered the buggy into the Gingeriches’ lane, Anna held her breath. Aaron stood near the hitching post waving, his pleased countenance evident. She managed a smile although she felt it was a falsehood. This whole courtship with Aaron seemed like a farce. So why did she agree to give Aaron another month? Eternity wouldn’t be enough time to convince him that they weren’t right for each other – or her that they were.
“Hiya,” Aaron said, moving to help Mammi down from the buggy.
Mammi patted his hand. “You are a kind young man.”
Aaron smiled up at Anna, then glanced at her grandmother. “Denki, Lois. Welcome to our farm.”
“I’ll just go on up to the house and leave you two to talk,” Mammi said, leaving Anna alone with Aaron.
Anna promptly descended the carriage before Aaron found opportunity to assist her.
“Ach, I coulda helped ya down. You should have waited.”
“Denki, Aaron. But I’m perfectly capable of exiting the buggy on my own.” The less she allowed him to touch her, the better.
“Well, let me at least unhitch the horse for ya. If you want, you may go into the house and say hello to my Mamm.” He grinned. “She’s been anxious to see ya. We all have.”
Oh boy. This is going to be a long night. “All right, I’ll do that.”
“I’ll be inside in just a bit,” Aaron said, leading her horse out to the pasture.
<><><>
Aaron glowed watching his aldi ascend the steps of his folks’ home. Hopefully, their home soon. She was finally here! And he hadn’t even done much to convince her to visit. She agreed willingly, which took him by surprise. Perhaps she was giving him the second chance he asked for. He just needed to make sure and certain he didn’t blow it.
As the door closed behind her, he imagined Anna as his wife, walking in toting the laundry from the line. He could picture her in the kitchen, preparing supper after he came in from working all day. Visions of them talking in the living room, then retiring for the evening together filled his mind. He wouldn’t allow his thoughts to linger any farther. It was difficult enough to contain himself while she was around, and indulging his thoughts only brought more temptation. If he admitted it to himself, that was one the main reasons he wanted to marry her.
He hurried to finish up his outdoor tasks then sauntered into the house. Mamm had nearly prepared a feast for the five of them. Aaron washed his hands at the back sink and glanced over to see Anna examining the contents of the refrigerator. He sidled up to her and peered into the fridge as well.
“What are we looking for?” he asked.
“Ach, your Mamm asked me to find the peanut butter spread. I don’t –”
“It’s right here,” he said, reaching around her into the door.
“Have you two found it yet?” Aaron’s mother called from the table.
Anna’s face heated when she noticed his arm around her waist and she abruptly stepped away.
Aaron winked at Anna, then casually answered his mother. “Jah, we’ve got it now, Mamm. Anna didn’t see it. It was hiding in the door.”
“Everything’s ready now,” Lois proclaimed.
“Well, if the two love birds would like to sit down, we can begin,” Aaron’s father said with a knowing look.
Blushing furiously, Anna took a seat next to Mammi. She glanced up at Aaron who winked again. She wished he would stop doing that. Mammi squeezed her hand and smiled before they bowed their heads in silent prayer. Dear Gott, please let this night pass quickly, Anna prayed.
<><><>
After a somewhat pleasant dinner, Aaron beckoned Anna outside. Reluctantly, she followed him to the expansive veranda which wrapped around the front of the house. By the tasteful furniture in their home, although still simple, Anna suspected the Gingerich family were well-off. She suspected good-looking Aaron wouldn’t have a difficult time finding a mate after they parted ways.
“Come, sit here.” Aaron patted the space next to him on the oversized porch swing.
Anna lowered herself onto the swing, purposely keeping her distance.
“I’m glad you came tonight. I wasn’t sure if you would.”
Anna bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. She didn’t wish to lead Aaron on, but neither did she desire to hurt his feelings. She wouldn’t tell him that she would have rather stayed home. “Denki for inviting us, Aaron. I know Mammi had a gut time.”
Aaron’s face brightened, then suddenly dimmed a little. “About the comment my dat made, I hope it didn’t embarrass you. I…” His voice trailed off as he seemed to gather the courage to say what was next. “I hope you’ll come again.” His voice was almost pleading.
“Aaron, I…” How could she say this? She stood from the swing and walked over to the porch railing. “I’m sorry, Aaron. This is just not going to work between us.”
Aaron came behind her and gently grasped her upper arms. “Please, Anna, I’m trying,” he whispered over her shoulder. “You said you’d give me a chance. Unless…” He dropped his hands. “There’s someone else, isn’t there?”
Anna turned to face him, looking into his disappointed gaze. “Nee, there isn’t, Aaron.”
“Then why? Why am I not good enough for you?” Aaron gestured to the farm. “Look around you, Anna. All this can be yours – ours. You and Mammi will never have to worry about money again. We can sell your farm and –”
“You’d want to sell our home?” Anna’s eyes widened. “Mammi grew up in that house, I would never ask her to give it up.”
“But imagine the money we could get for it. In today’s market –”
“See, Aaron, this is why it won’t work between us. We don’t see eye to eye.” Anna sighed and started toward the front door. “Mammi and I should go.”
“Please don’t, Anna.”
She turned back before entering. “I’m sorry, Aaron.”