A Simple Change (31 page)
Ritt cupped my cheek. “That is gut. Very gut.” Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to mine, and my love for this manâthis man who made me feel blessed and more cherished with every momentâdeepened along with his kiss.
Ritt never told me if he had spoken to the elders, and I didn't ask, but two days later the elders spoke to my father and said that after conferring with Brother Rudolf, they all agreed that any additional waiting period should be waived, and Ritt and I could be married. My heart swelled with so much excitement I feared it might burst.
There hadn't been much time for preparation, but what I'd most wanted was going to happen: My mother would be present to see me marry Ritt. Because she remained bedfast, the elders agreed the ceremony could be conducted in our home.
God had answered my prayer. Though I'd been tempted to seek the elders' approval for an early wedding, I had resisted. A sense of contentment washed over me as I realized how much my faith had increased during these months in Middle Amana. I had finally learned the importance of relinquishing control and waiting upon God.
Sister Hanna came downstairs to help me prepare. She'd brought with her the dark shawl and black lace cap she'd worn for her own wedding and now offered them to me. Instead of the worry of buying an expensive wedding gown, brides in the colonies wore plain dark dresses and lace caps. Here, dark clothing was worn for marriage, while white was used to clothe the deceased. And though I didn't look like brides who married in the outside world, I felt as much joy as any woman could possibly experience on her wedding day.
“Let me adjust your shawl and then go show your Mutter.” Sister Hanna shifted the fabric an inch or so before giving an approving nod. “You look lovely.” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “I am pleased you will soon be Ritt's wife. I know you will continue to make him very happy.”
“Thank you, Sister Hanna. It means a great deal to have your approval.”
“You have more than my approval, Jancey. You have my love, as well.” She squeezed my hand. “While you visit with your Mutter, I must go to the Küche and speak with Sister Bertha. With so little time to plan, she is worried there will not be enough food for the reception.” Sister Hanna chuckled. “I told her the other Küchebaases would bring food, but she wants the best to come from our kitchen house.”
Compared to the elaborate church weddings in the outside world, wedding ceremonies conducted in the colonies were small and simple, but a large reception was hosted afterward, with the kitchen houses providing refreshments for the afternoon of festivities.
I tiptoed to my mother's bedside and waited until she opened her eyes. A tiny smile lifted the corners of her lips as I performed a slow pirouette.
“You look like a beautiful Amana bride.” She glanced at the clock. “Is it time for the wedding?”
“Not yet. I thought you might want your shawl and cap, so I came in to help you.” The black cap and shawl cast a gray hue to her pale complexion, and I was once again thankful the elders had granted us permission to marry before a full year had passed.
Soon the members of Ritt's family, along with my father and Brother Otto, entered the room. Though it seemed odd to have the village pharmacist perform our wedding ceremony, the elders rotated their duties, so I was not surprised to have Brother Otto officiate.
Ritt and I locked eyes as he stepped to my side, and our gazes didn't waver throughout the brief exchange of vows. Even though the marriage hadn't taken place in the meetinghouse, we didn't kiss after the ceremony. It was not the custom here to kiss at a wedding.
As soon as the marriage service was completed, Ritt grasped my hand and whispered. “Come with me.”
Holding tight to his hand, I followed him into the hallway and up the steps. “Why are we going upstairs?”
He glanced over his shoulder and winked at me. “I want a few minutes alone with you so that I can have a proper kiss before we go to the reception.”
Once we stepped into the parlor, he tenderly gathered me in his arms. “You have made me the happiest man alive, Jancey. I hope you will always be content with me.”
I placed my hand over his heart. “I can't imagine my life without you, Ritt.”
He lowered his head and covered my lips with a lingering kiss that set my stomach whirling in a whole new way. His hands rested
on my waist, and my heart fluttered as he looked deeply into my eyes and asked, “What are you thinking?”
I tipped my head and met his ardent gaze. “I am thinking that with you by my side, this change to a simple life will be filled with great joy.” Placing my hands on his shoulders, I lifted on tiptoe and eagerly accepted another passionate kiss.
. . . My editor, Sharon Asmus, for her generous spirit, excellent eye for detail, and amazing ability to keep her eyes upon Jesus through all of life's adversities.
. . . My acquisitions editor, Charlene Patterson, for her enthusiastic encouragement to continue writing about the Amana Colonies.
. . . The entire staff of Bethany House Publishers, for their devotion to making each book they publish the best product possible. It is a privilege to work with all of you.
. . . Lanny Haldy and the staff of the Amana Heritage Society, for sharing history of the Amana Colonies.
. . . Peter Holhne, for answering my many questions about the Amana Colonies.
. . . Mary Greb-Hall for her ongoing encouragement, expertise, and sharp eye.
. . . Lori Seilstad, for her honest critiques.
. . . Mary Kay Woodford, my sister, my prayer warrior, my friend.
. . . Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for the opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.
Judith Miller
is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.
Judith Miller
F
ROM
B
ETHANY
H
OUSE
P
UBLISHERS
The Carousel Painter
D
AUGHTERS
OF
A
MANA
Somewhere to Belong ⢠More Than Words
A Bond Never Broken
B
ELLS
OF
L
OWELL
*
Daughter of the Loom ⢠A Fragile Design
These Tangled Threads
L
IGHTS
OF
L
OWELL
*
A Tapestry of Hope ⢠A Love Woven True
The Pattern of Her Heart
T
HE
B
ROADMOOR
L
EGACY
*
A Daughter's Inheritance
An Unexpected Love ⢠A Surrendered Heart
P
OSTCARDS
F
ROM
P
ULLMAN
In the Company of Secrets
Whispers Along the Rails ⢠An Uncertain Dream
B
RIDAL
V
EIL
I
SLAND
*
To Have and To Hold ⢠To Love and Cherish
To Honor and Trust
H
OME
T
O
A
MANA
A Hidden Truth
A Simple Change
*with Tracie Peterson
