IT WAS HAPPENING! THEY were getting married!
As she sat next to Penny Knoxx and faced the men on the other side of the aisle, Tricia knew that she had never been so happy. Here she was, wearing the traditional blue dress with a white apron and black kapp, minutes away from exchanging vows. Across from her sat Ben. He was wearing his wedding finery, too. She thought he looked handsome in his white shirt, dark navy vest, and dark pants. Due to the heat and humidity, he’d rolled up his sleeves about an hour ago. At the moment, he was resting his elbows on his knees and staring directly at her.
As the preacher continued to talk about trust, respect, love, and duty, they shared a smile.
Tricia remembered a friend had told her long ago that Amish weddings were a lesson in patience. She had thought the comment had been simply irreverent at the time, but now she understood what her girlfriend had meant. It took all her years of self-discipline to sit patiently while three preachers spoke about marriage and relayed stories from the Bible. The three-hour service was lovely and meaningful.
And, Tricia thought, rather long.
She was jarred from her musings when the preacher cleared his throat, and Penny Knoxx gave her a little nudge. “It’s time, Tricia,” she whispered.
She wiped her palms and breathed in. Finally, it was time to say their vows.
When they were directed to stand up, Penny squeezed her hand. Tricia’s heart started racing as the preacher recited several verses from First Corinthians. Tricia stepped closer to Ben and took comfort from his warm expression. Then, as carefully as possible, she repeated the promises the preacher spoke about. She promised to love and cherish and obey and care for Ben in good times and bad. And in sickness and in health. And when he did the same, it suddenly felt as if they were the only two people standing under the tent.
She forgot about all the people gathered with them. All that mattered was Ben and the way he was looking at her—as though she was the most special thing in his life. She knew that look well, because she was feeling the same way.
At last she was Tricia Hilty. At last she was no longer alone.
AN HOUR LATER, AS Tricia looked around at her sisters and parents and Aunt Beverly, at Ben’s family and all the friends she’d made during her short time in Pinecraft, she knew she had never been happier.
In fact, the only thing that would make her any happier would be if she and Ben were finally alone. But that wouldn’t be for hours. Most likely, not until the sun began setting on the horizon.
As she walked around and greeted everyone, thanking them for coming and accepting gifts, she kept finding herself looking for Ben across the way. They’d had a few moments to sit down by themselves, but after that, they’d been pulled in opposite directions. Every time she thought there might be a break, someone needed something else. Though she didn’t mind it too much. Everyone was so welcoming and seemed to enjoy their story. Apparently, no one was immune to tales of couples falling in love practically at first sight.
After leaving a group of ladies, Tricia was ready to sit quietly for a few minutes, but then she saw Emma Keim sitting by herself.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Tricia asked.
“I would love to sit with you. I’m very pleased to see you looking so happy.”
“Danke. It’s a wonderful day.”
“Indeed it is.”
“Did it make you a little sad?”
“Remembering my wedding day?” She shook her head. “This may sound bad, but no. My Sanford and I had a wonderful wedding day, and I enjoyed it very much.” Smiling softly, she said, “Goodness. Our wedding was the culmination of years and years of waiting. I was so eager to marry Sanford at last, I don’t think anything could have dimmed my joy. I count myself fortunate that I can look back on things without regrets.”
Tricia knew what she meant. “Though Ben and I had a whirlwind romance, I feel the same way. I couldn’t be happier today.”
“It was a lovely marriage service, Tricia, and this is a beautiful reception, too.” Emma waved a hand. “I love this tent. I love how everything is white except for all the flowers. It smells like heaven in here!”
“I agree! I can’t imagine having a prettier wedding or reception. Beverly outdid herself.”
“I saw her and her boss, Eric, talking about an hour ago. They’re funny together.”
Tricia laughed. “That’s a gut way to describe it. They are constantly, constantly bickering. It’s funny. I am really glad he came.”
“For an outsider, he sure seems to know a lot of people. I saw him speaking to Michael and Penny Knoxx.”
“I think he likes to get to know people. I know he’s anxious to move back here. He’s waiting for his house in Pennsylvania to sell.”