Sammy had a plan.
It was a crazy plan, no doubt, and it would be a miracle if Bertie agreed to it. But it was a plan, nonetheless.
He couldn’t wait to share his thoughts with her. And if she agreed… Nee, he wouldn’t allow his mind to go there. One step at a time.
Now, he just had to wait patiently until the singing was over.
He’d done his best not to glance Bertie’s way every other minute, but the task proved daunting. He’d taken the opportunity to visit the snack table at the same time she did and brushed his fingers against hers. It hadn’t been much, but a heartsick man will take what he can get.
He’d never pursued her in the past because, as Glen’s little schweschder, she’d always seemed so much younger. He remembered Glen joking in the past that his sister had a crush on him, but Sammy had never taken him seriously. Now, he wondered if his friend’s words had been true.
Prior to him skipping out on the gatherings over the past year, Sammy couldn’t recall seeing Bertie in any of the other young men’s buggies. Had she been waiting for him to get his act together this whole time? If so, she must have an infinite amount of patience, which made Sammy admire her even more.
A man needed a patient fraa—especially him. But would Bertie ever consider him as a gut contender for a husband? Not likely after his recent wild past, which he was beginning to regret with a passion. Hearing Miranda say she was pregnant, and believing it might have been his, had been like a reality slap across the face, awaking him from his foolishness.
Once he noticed a few of the attendees leaving, he made a beeline for his schweschdern to make sure they both had rides home for the evening, then he informed them he was about to head out.
* * *
Dat hadn’t said anything when Roberta left for the young folks gathering earlier, so she was quite certain he didn’t expect her to meet up with Sammy. She was sure her father believed she’d obey his orders. She’d never been the rebellious type. If they were to get caught tonight, Sammy would no doubt be blamed for influencing her.
Now that the singing was winding down, she found an opportunity to slip out. Hopefully, unnoticed.
Driving alone in the buggy at night had always made Bertie a little nervous. She much preferred her bruder’s steady hand at the reins.
What was Glen doing now, anyhow? Was he happy in his Englisch life? Did he plan to marry Sammy’s former girlfriend? She felt sorry for her bruder. Chances were, he’d never be Amish again. He’d never be able to enjoy the comfort of being home with their family and the fellowship of the G’may.
Amish life wasn’t perfect, for sure. It required loads of hard work and forgiveness and determination. But it certainly wasn’t an Englisch lifestyle either. Everything about the Englisch just seemed so anxious and fast-paced to her. It wasn’t something she’d ever want for herself or her family.
Bertie sighed in relief when she came upon the road Sammy had mentioned. Since one had to turn off from the main road to another road to finally get to Lemon Grove Road, it was a place where they weren’t likely to be spotted by other young folks leaving the gathering. Sammy had been smart to recommend this place.
When she spotted Sammy and his buggy, she veered to the side of the rural lane, stopped, and waited for Sammy to cross the road.
His grin hadn’t left his face since she spotted him standing next to his carriage. His white teeth were bright in contrast to the dark night. “Want me to drive?” The carriage dipped as he lunged onto the step and slid next to her.
“Yes, please.” She happily transferred the reins to his capable hands.
Sammy set the horse in motion. “Ach, I can’t believe we’re finally taking our buggy ride.” He sidled up closer to her and slipped an arm around her waist.
Roberta leaned into him, savoring the woodsy scent of his soap. How long had she dreamt of this moment with Sammy Eicher at her side? Ever since she turned sixteen and began attending singings, she reckoned. It seemed like Gott had finally begun answering her prayers. Not only had He brought Sammy back into the fold, He also opened Sammy’s eyes to her. If only this night never had to end.
“What are you thinking?” Sammy murmured.
“About us, and this moment, and how gut Gott is.”
He pressed his lips to her hair. “I agree.”
“Did you have anything in particular in mind for tonight?”
“Other than spending time with the girl of my dreams?” He winked in her direction. “Nee, not really. I hope to get a kiss or two. And we need to talk about things. And then maybe another kiss or two.”
Ach. Roberta didn’t think her heart could get any fuller. “Jah, we should talk about my dat.”
“I have an idea about that.”
She moved to the side, immediately regretting the lost warmth of his arm around her. She stared at him. “I’d like to hear it.”
He pulled onto the shoulder of the lonely road and set the brake, then turned to face her. He took her hands in his, rubbing his thumbs over the back of her hands, sending a thrill of joy through her entire being. “How do you feel about me, Bertie?”
“Honestly?” She studied him. “I’ve been in love with you for a long time.”
“For real?” He swallowed. “Because I’ve been thinking… Now, this is going to sound crazy, and you can say no… But…”
He rubbed the back of his neck, and she couldn’t help but notice the strain of his shirtsleeve on his upper arm. Sammy Eicher was the most appealing man she’d ever known.
“But what?”
“Ach, Bertie.” He leaned forward and all-too-briefly kissed her on the lips. “I want to marry you.”