“Really?” Beverly searched her face. “I want you to know that I’m sorry for speaking my mind like I did. I shouldn’t have been so bold, especially not in front of Jay and Emma and their families.”
“It’s over now.”
Beverly sighed, obviously relieved. “Did you and Ben have a good night?”
“We did.” She debated the pros and cons of telling her aunt what had happened with Ben. It was true that she didn’t want any negative words ruining her moment. However, on the other hand, Tricia knew Aunt Beverly would have to know before she called to tell her parents the news. It would be best to get her announcement over with instead of worrying about how and when it was going to take place. “Something happened, Aunt Beverly.”
“Oh?” Her face looked impassive, like she was afraid to reveal too many of her thoughts. She patted the side of her bed. “Come sit beside me.”
Tricia hopped up on the side of the bed and curled her feet underneath her. Then she bit her lip.
“You can tell me anything, Tricia. You know that, yes?”
“I know.” Taking a deep breath, she said, “Ben asked me to marry him tonight and I said yes.”
Aunt Beverly froze. “Oh. Well, my goodness.”
Even though she knew her aunt was stunned, Tricia barreled on. “I know you’re surprised, and I understand that. But Aunt Bev, I’m really happy.”
Beverly smiled slightly. “Jah. I see that.”
“I love him.” Taking a deep breath, Tricia continued. “And don’t say I don’t know anything about love because I do. I know I love Ben Hilty. And I know this feels right. It feels as right as everything back in Walnut Creek felt wrong.”
When she noticed that tears were filling her aunt’s eyes, Tricia closed her own in frustration. Sliding off the side of the bed, she berated herself a dozen ways. She should have planned this announcement better. She should have thought more carefully about how to tell her aunt.
“I’m going to go to bed now. Good night,” she whispered.
“Tricia?”
It took everything she had to turn around and face her aunt. “Jah?”
“I’m happy for you.”
“That’s why you’re crying?”
“I’m crying because you’re happy. And because I am so very happy for you.” Scooting off the bed, she crossed the room and enfolded Tricia into a warm hug. “This is a wonderful-gut moment. I’m happy and excited, you sweet girl.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. My goodness! We will certainly have a lot to talk about tomorrow.”
“So much to talk about.” Unbidden, tears slid down Tricia’s cheeks. “This is the happiest night of my life,” she said.
“Jah, dear. Some moments are so beautiful, only tears can tell our joy.”
Tricia held those words close to her heart the rest of the night.
Chapter 17
What a commotion three girls and one boy could make while running down the street! As her girls and William ran toward her, all smiling as bright as you please, Emma quickly stepped out of the flower bed she was weeding and dusted off the front of her dress.
“Mamm!” Lena called out. “Mamm, guess what?”
“What? I canna begin to guess,” she teased, looking just beyond the four kinner at Tricia and Ben, who were walking far more sedately behind them. Ben had offered to get the children from school from time to time as a simple way to thank her for helping William with his homework. Carefully, she scanned the children’s expressions, looking for signs that one of the kids was in trouble or that something unexpected had happened at school.
“It’s wonderful-gut,” Mandy said as she practically skidded to a stop in front of Emma. “The best.”
After giving her, Annie, and William hugs, she straightened and looked at Ben and Tricia again. “Now that all of you are here, please don’t keep me in suspense any longer. What happened?”
“Ben and Tricia are going to get married!” William said.
“Oh!” Looking at the young couple, she felt tears prick her eyes. “Mandy was correct, this is wonderful-gut news. The best! Congratulations to you both.”
Before Tricia or Ben could get a word in edgewise, Lena added, “And Mommy, guess what? They’re going to get married at the Orange Blossom Inn!”
“Truly?”
“In four weeks’ time!” Mandy exclaimed as all three girls joined hands and began jumping around again.
Emma sat down on the front step and reached a hand out to William. “And congratulations to you, too, William! Soon, you will have a new sister.”