Lancaster, Pennsylvania
“We worked hard today, Vic. Should we stop someplace for a beer before I drop you off at your place?”
Vic looked over at his English coworker, Tom Brooks, and shook his head. “No thanks. Not interested.”
Tom gave his truck’s steering wheel a thump. “Oh, that’s right. You’re one of those religious fanatics who goes to church every Sunday and doesn’t smoke, drink, or cheat on his wife.”
Vic’s coworker’s tone sounded like mocking, which caused Vic’s throat to constrict. Do we Amish come off as acting as though we are righteous to outsiders? I’m no saint, and I’ve got my own share of problems, even as a Christian. But maybe some other people don’t realize that. I just wish that folks weren’t so quick to judge.
Vic’s face tightened as he inhaled a long breath through his nose. After he released it, he responded. “First off, I believe in God and go to church, but I am not a religious fanatic. Second, I quit smoking and drinking after I joined the church, and for your information, I would never be unfaithful to my wife.” Vic hoped his tone wasn’t too harsh, but he felt the need to get his point across.
“Okay, no problem. I didn’t mean to get you riled up. Just figured after a long day at work you might need to chill out before going home, where you’ll no doubt have chores to do.” Tom pushed a hunk of his sandy-blond hair away from his eyes.
“Yes, I usually have jobs that need to be done, but I don’t mind, nor do I need to ‘chill out,’ as you put it.” Vic tried not to let his irritation show, but Tom could probably hear it in his voice. “Are you married?” he asked.
“Not anymore. My wife, Cheryl, was too demanding, and all we ever did was argue. So we finally decided to call it quits and go our separate ways.” Tom grimaced. “I’m glad we don’t have any kids, ’cause that would’ve made things even stickier when she left. She’d have probably wanted full custody, and I’d have been stuck paying child support.”
As he watched the scenery pass by, Vic weighed the information Tom had shared. I can’t help wondering how much of their marital problems started with Tom. I’m finding him to be a bit annoying right now, and we’ve only been together a few minutes.
“Are you divorced or just separated?” Vic asked.
A muscle on the side of Tom’s jaw quivered. “We’ve been divorced for a year.”
“That’s too bad. Sorry to hear it.”
“Yeah, well … you win some, you lose some. My folks got a divorce when I was twelve. The way those two fought over every little thing, I’m surprised they didn’t split up sooner.” Tom made a grunting sound that reminded Vic of a bear. “I’ll have to admit, it was hard on me and my brother—especially after Dad got married again and then we were stuck with a stepmother who neither of us liked and still don’t. Fortunately, my mom found a decent man and married him a few years later.” He turned his head in Vic’s direction before looking back at the road. “As I said, Cheryl and I have no children, so that’s a good thing—especially if, down the road, either of us should decide to get married again to someone else.”
Vic wasn’t sure how having no children could be a good thing, since he looked forward to the day when he and Eleanor would become parents. He supposed his coworker must have meant that he wouldn’t have wanted to put his kids through what he and his brother dealt with when their parents got divorced.
The rig was quiet, with the exception of the engine’s dull droning, but it wasn’t long before Tom turned on the radio. Vic wondered if it was because of the awkward topic that had been shared. I can’t fathom how people can be in love and then down the line give up on their marriage. Why don’t couples try harder to work on the problems that come up day to day?
Vic thought about what Bishop John had said in the message he’d preached during his and Eleanor’s wedding service. He had stressed several times that divorce was not an option and that any marital problems the couple might have should be worked out through communication, prayer, and if necessary, counseling.
Vic smiled inwardly. So far, he and Eleanor hadn’t had even one disagreement, let alone any major problems. He felt sure that if something unpleasant did come up, they would be able to work things out between them. The love he felt for his wife was strong, and Eleanor had made it clear that she felt the same way about him.
Paradise
Eleanor hummed as she stirred the kettle of chicken-noodle soup simmering nicely on the gas stove. The delightful aroma wafted up to her nose, and she sniffed deeply. She hoped Vic wouldn’t mind having soup and sandwiches for supper this evening. Eleanor’s original plan was to fix stuffed cabbage rolls, but she’d lost track of time today while making cards and decided to heat up the soup she’d made for lunch instead. Although cabbage rolls always made a tasty meal, they were time consuming to make, not to mention the mashed potatoes she liked to serve with them. Hopefully Vic wouldn’t mind soup, crackers, and a ham-and-cheese sandwich for supper tonight.
Eleanor turned and glanced at the battery-operated clock on the other side of the kitchen. It was almost five thirty. Vic should be home soon.
She turned the stove to its lowest setting and went down the hall to the bathroom to check her appearance in the mirror. Eleanor wasn’t vain, but she did want to make sure she looked presentable, with her head covering on straight, and check that ink wasn’t left on her fingers from stamping or any blotches of food on her clothes from cooking.
Once Eleanor felt satisfied that she looked okay, she started back toward the kitchen. Halfway there, she heard Vic’s mixed-breed dog, Checkers, barking from his pen in the yard. She had put the dog there a while ago when she’d caught him digging a hole in one of her flower beds. Oh good. If Checkers is carrying on in such a way, it must mean that Vic is home.
Eleanor hurried to the front entrance, and as she opened the door, she saw Tom’s truck pull into the yard. After Vic got out and closed the door on the passenger’s side, he headed across the yard and let Checkers out of his pen. It wasn’t long before the dog started yapping and running in circles around her husband. When Vic bent down and gave Checkers’ head a pat, he was rewarded with a few doggie tongue slurps on his chin.
Eleanor resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She didn’t have a fondness for the shaggy-looking dog, but Vic certainly did. Checkers had been his dog when he was a teenager still living at home with his parents. When Vic lived in Grabill for a time, Checkers had remained in Pennsylvania with Vic’s folks. As soon as Eleanor and Vic had moved into their home here in Paradise, however, Vic had brought Checkers to live with them. Eleanor was glad that her husband hadn’t pushed to bring the dog into the house, because if he had, she might have put her foot down. Ever since Eleanor had been bitten by a neighbor’s dog when she was a young girl, she’d developed a mistrust for most dogs—especially the larger ones that had a threatening bark. Vic had assured Eleanor many times that Checkers wouldn’t hurt her, but she kept her distance anyhow. Even though the dog had shown no sign of aggression toward her, Eleanor didn’t relish the thought of allowing the dog inside the house, where it would have the opportunity of having an accident, shedding hair, or leaving dirty paw prints on her clean floors.
Eleanor waited near the door until Vic headed for the house; then she stepped out onto the porch to greet him. “Did you have a good day?” she asked after he’d given her a hug.
“Jah, I did—at least till the ride home with Tom.”
“What happened?”
“I’ll tell you when we get inside.”
“Okay.” Eleanor entered the house and felt relieved when her husband hurriedly shut the door. Sometimes when he wasn’t quick enough, Checkers got in, and then Vic had a hard time getting the dog back out.
“Should we go to the kitchen to visit while I get supper on the table, or would you rather wait and talk while we’re eating?” she asked.
“Whatever you like. I’m okay with either suggestion.”
“All right then, let’s talk while I get supper on the table. There’s chicken-noodle soup heating on the stove, and I thought I’d make ham-and-cheese sandwiches to go with it, if you’re okay with that.”
Vic pulled Eleanor into his arms and gave her a tender kiss. “I’m fine with whatever you fix.”
Eleanor smiled. She felt blessed to be married to such a thoughtful, easy-to-please husband.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Vic asked after he’d washed his hands at the sink.
“Not really. I’m sure you must be tired after working all day.”
“Yeah, kind of, and thirsty too.”
Eleanor poured Vic a glass of apple cider and gestured for him to take a seat at the table. “So what happened on the way home from work that involved Tom?”
Vic lowered himself into a chair and took a drink before responding. “He wanted me to stop with him for a beer, and when I said no, Tom kinda gave me a hard time about it.” Vic grimaced. “I think he was trying to see if I’d get riled.”
“Did you?”
“Nope. I kept my cool and just stated the facts, although I was a bit irritated with him.” Vic took another drink. “How’d your day go?”
“It was good. I got a letter from Doretta, which got me to thinking how nice it would be if she could come for a visit sometime next summer.” She glanced over at him. “Would that be okay with you?”
He nodded. “If you two can work it out, I’d have no problem with it. It is a ways off, though, so we’ll need to talk about it again when the time gets closer.”
“Agreed.” Eleanor felt a sense of giddiness about the prospect of spending time with her friend. She took a loaf of bread out of the pantry and placed it on the table. “Oh, and your mamm stopped by today. She wanted to invite us to supper at their place this Friday evening to celebrate Eddie’s birthday.”
Vic gave a wide grin. “Oh, that’s right. My little bruder will be turning eight on October first. Did you tell her we’d be there?”
“Jah, and I’m looking forward to going. I bet it’ll be a schpass evening.” Eleanor made no mention of her husband’s forgetfulness.
“With Eddie involved, it’s bound to be fun.” Vic scratched his head. “He’s such a special kid. I’d like to give him something that he’ll really like.”
“You know him better than I do, so I’m sure you’ll come up with the right gift.”
“I hope so. Sure wouldn’t want to disappoint the little guy.”
“I bet he will like anything you choose to give him. From what I’ve heard, your youngest brother thinks the world of you.”
Vic gave a brief shrug. “I don’t know why he would. There’s nineteen years between us. By the time Eddie was born, I was almost old enough to be his daed.”
“Well, there you go. Your mamm told me once that you’ve always taken an interest in Eddie and treat him like a son.”
“Guess you’re right.” Vic reached down and untied his work boots, then pulled them off of his feet. “Ah … that feels better. Boy, these new schtiwwel are sure taking some time to break in.”
Her brows wrinkled. “Are they hurting your feet?”
“Some, but not to where I’ve gotten a blister from them.” He pointed at his old pair setting by the back door. “My older boots seemed easier to wear, even when they were first out of the box the day I bought them.” He slid his new ones over toward the wall. “But these are a different brand than the last pair I purchased.”
“Hopefully they’ll break in soon, or else you’ll need to start looking for another pair.”
Eleanor took jars of pickles, along with mayonnaise and mustard from the refrigerator and placed them on the table beside the bread. Then she got out two packages of ham lunch meat and some sliced cheddar cheese. “Do you mind if I change the subject? There’s something else I’d like to talk to you about.”
“Go ahead. Why don’t you take a seat and tell me what’s on your mind?” Vic gestured to the chair across from him.
She did as he asked, but unsure of how to bring up the topic she wanted to talk about, Eleanor couldn’t find the words to begin.
“Is something wrong? Have I done anything to upset you?”
Eleanor shook her head vigorously. “I’ve been wondering if you would mind if I looked for a job.”
Vic’s dark eyebrows shot up. “You have plenty to do right here at home.”
“I—I know, but I get lonely during the day, and if I had a job I’d be around people.”
“If you’re lonely, why not take a walk over to the neighbors’ and get better acquainted? Or you could hitch up your horse and buggy and go over to Strasburg to visit my mom.”
Eleanor swallowed hard. She wasn’t doing a good job of getting her point across. “I’ve done waitressing before, and there are plenty of restaurants in our area, so I’m sure one of them might hire me. I’d really enjoy working, Vic, and it would give us some extra money.”
Vic pinched the bridge of his nose. “My boss pays good wages, so we are getting along fine with what I make.”
“I understand, but—”
He shook his head. “I’m not for the idea, Eleanor, and if we’re not in agreement on this, then it will mean you’ll either have to abide by my wishes or go ahead and get a job without my permission.”
She flinched at the sharp tone of his voice, and tears sprang to her eyes. “I’m sorry, I just thought …”
Vic got up from the table, and when he came around to stand by her chair, he placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a tender squeeze. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Please don’t cry.”
Eleanor sniffed and swiped a hand across her hot cheek. They’d only been married a few months, and now she and Vic had experienced their first major disagreement. She didn’t care for the way it made her feel.
“Listen, my love,” Vic said, stroking the side of her cheek with his thumb. “We both like kids, and we agreed before we got married that we want to have a big family. So think about this: What if you got a job and then you became pregnant? You’d have to quit and disappoint your boss.”
“True.”
“And haven’t we been hoping that it won’t be long before we’ll be able to announce to our families that we’re expecting a baby?”
“Well, yes, but that hasn’t happened yet.”
“But when it does, don’t you want to be ready?”
She gave a slow nod.
“All right then, let’s make an agreement.”
“What kind of agreement?”
“If, after we’ve been married a year, you are not in a family way, I’ll consider the idea of you finding a job outside of our home.”
Although Eleanor wasn’t thrilled about waiting that long, she gave an affirmative nod. Her husband was right about one thing—if and when she did get pregnant, she would definitely want, and need, to be at home with their baby.