Amy clasped her friend’s hand. “That’s wunderbaar, Lydia. Congratulations, and jah, I would be honored to be one of your witnesses.”
“Thank you. We’re very excited about it, and even more so since both sets of our parents have given us their blessing.”
“When your folks approve of the man you want to marry, that does make it much easier for everyone.”
“For sure.” Lydia placed the packages of buns on the picnic table near the fire. “I bet your mamm approved of Jared from the beginning of your courtship.”
“Jah and so did my daed.” Amy drew a breath and released it slowly. “It makes me sad when I think about not having him at our wedding.”
“It is a shame, but if he was here, I’m sure he’d approve and be happy for you.”
“I agree.” Amy placed the hot dogs next to the ketchup and mustard that had already been brought out. “I invited Sylvia to join us this evening, but she seemed hesitant and made up some excuse about not wanting to leave the kinner.”
“Wouldn’t your mamm watch Allen and Rachel?”
“Of course she would, and Sylvia knows it, but I believe she’s unwilling to allow herself the freedom to have a little fun.”
“How come?”
“Because she hasn’t let go of the anger and emotional pain she’s felt since Toby, Dad, and Abe died. Sometimes I think my sister wallows in her self-pity, hoping to somehow drown out the pain.”
“That’s too bad. I’ll remember to pray more often for her.”
“Danki. Sylvia, like the rest of us, needs a lot of prayer.”
Sylvia had set up a tray of marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers for Amy to take out when her guests were ready for dessert. Now bored, she walked from the kitchen into the dining room. Her mother hadn’t come down downstairs yet. She’s probably enjoying her time with the children while I’m down here moping. Guess I should have been the one to be put to bed this evening.
Muffled sounds of conversation and laughter could be heard from the goings-on outside, while Sylvia remained alone with her thoughts. It seems like only days ago when that was me outside with all my friends. Toby and I were courting and so happy together. I remember the bonfire and how the glow from it made my beloved’s eyes sparkle.
Sylvia placed both hands against her chest. Toby captured my heart from the first moment we met, and the more time I spent with him, the more I knew he was the only one for me. She expelled a lingering sigh. We made so many good memories at gatherings like the one going on outside. Those were precious times of bonding with our friends and each other.
Sylvia’s eyes watered, obscuring her vision for a moment. Knowing what she did now, Sylvia wouldn’t have changed a thing. She felt blessed to have had those special times with Toby during their courting days and after they were married. The sweet children upstairs were also a blessing to her. Sylvia had no regrets about becoming a mother. Her only regret was that Allen and Rachel had no father to help nurture and guide them into adulthood.
She continued to wander around the room barefooted, until boisterous laughter caught her attention. Sylvia paused at the dining-room window, watching the glow of the bonfire outside. Amy and her friends seemed to be having so much fun. She felt a stab of envy. Her carefree, fun-loving days were behind her. Other than spending time with her children and sometimes laughing at their cute antics, Sylvia had little to feel joyous about. In a few months, it would be time to put her black mourning clothes aside, but her heart would still long for what she had lost.
Sylvia’s mother came into the room and joined her at the window. “Looks like they’re having a good time out there.”
“Jah. It would seem so.”
“The kinner are in bed, sleeping soundly now, so why don’t you join your sister and her friends?”
Sylvia shook her head. “Henry was invited and he declined.”
“That’s only because he was invited to spend the night at his friend Seth’s place tonight.”
“Well, I’m not going out there. I wouldn’t fit in.”
“Of course you would. You’re not that much older than those who have come here tonight.”
“I’m a widow, and those four couples are all courting, Mom. Surely you must understand how displaced I would feel, sitting among them and trying to join their conversation.”
“No more than I would, but Amy invited me to join their gathering also.”
“Then by all means, you should put on some warm clothes and go outside. I need to stay here where I can hear Allen and Rachel if they should wake up and need me.” Sylvia turned away from the window. “Think I’ll go back to the living room and look at the book Henry loaned me on bird-watching. I might learn something new about the birds found in this area.”
Mom’s eyes widened. “I didn’t realize you were interested in birding.”
“I’m not really, but Henry’s so fascinated with it, and he seemed to want to share his interest with me, so I thought I’d at least look at the book. Maybe when the weather warms up a bit, I might sit outside more and study the birds that come into our yard. Henry sure enjoys doing that. I’ve seen him sitting in the loft of the barn, looking out the open doors, usually with a pair of binoculars in his hands.”
Mom shook her head. “I don’t like him sitting up there. If he gets too close to the edge, it could be dangerous for him.”
Sylvia figured it was time for a change of topic. Lately Mom had been a bit overprotective, and not just of Henry. She worried more and voiced her opinion about things Amy, Sylvia, and the children did too. Hopefully when Mom got busy in the greenhouse again, things would go back to the way they were and her concentration would revert to other things.
Virginia hurried to get the wonderful cut of meat she’d cooked on the table. She’d followed the instructions to the letter and felt sure it would be nice and tender. She placed their dishes on the table and poured brewed tea over ice in the glasses.
When Virginia carried the carved meat to the table and brought out the vegetables cooked in beef broth, her mouth watered. The rolls came last, steaming underneath the foil covering them.
Once everything was on the table, she stepped into the hallway and stopped at the mirror to fluff up her hair. Then she checked the new lipstick she’d put on earlier. “Earl, it’s time eat.”
“I’m coming, dear. The meal smells tasty, and you look nice too.” He chuckled. “I saw you primping in the mirror.”
Virginia grinned as she followed her husband to the table. As soon as they took their seats, she passed him the roast. Her mouth watered once again as she dished up her food.
Earl smiled as he loaded his plate and took a first bite. “This is a pretty good pot roast you fixed this evening.” He smiled at Virginia from across the table. “You did a good job with supper.”
She grinned right back at him. “I’m glad you like it, but I can’t take all the credit. If you hadn’t bought a new oven and microwave, nothing but the stovetop would cook well in this kitchen.”
“I really had no choice, since I didn’t want to get take-out every night.” He wiggled his dark brows at her.