Amish Brides by Jennifer Beckstrand

Author:Jennifer Beckstrand [Beckstrand, Jennifer; Jebber]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2017-04-03T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4

Madeline joined Joshua in the front room. “This is an odd time for you to visit. You’re usually very busy during this time of day.”

“Elijah came over early this morning, and he advised me not to wait to tell my parents about Catherine and Ruthie.” He grinned. “He knows how I like to avoid unpleasant conversations. I told them earlier today.”

“What did they say, and please don’t hold back anything.”

“Catherine leaving her child for you to care for substantiates why I should stay away from your family, according to them. They don’t understand why I would agree to accept your niece after what Catherine did to Nathaniel.”

“I’d be lying if I said I was surprised.” She hurt each time they treated her like a leper. Madeline knew what she had to do, as much as it would bring anguish to her very soul.

His parents loved Joshua and, in their own way, they thought they were protecting him. She didn’t agree with them, but she understood their love for Joshua. She’d pray for God’s intervention, but until then, she had to do what was best for now.

Madeline took a deep breath. “Joshua, I’m convinced God wouldn’t want us to marry and go against your parents’ wishes. A black cloud would hang over us, and I’d blame myself for tearing your family apart. You’ve been close with them. Your marriage should bring your family joy, not heartache.”

Joshua put a finger to her lips. “Are you saying you won’t ever marry me?”

“Your family may never accept Ruthie and me into their fold. I can’t ask you to wait indefinitely.”

“This is my family’s problem, not ours. Madeline, I love you and Ruthie, and I’m not giving up so easily. I have faith God will fix this.” He turned and left.

She couldn’t bear the agony on his face. Her body ached, and she was certain she’d never love anyone again like she loved Joshua, the perfect man for her. She hoped he wouldn’t pursue her. She’d weaken, and she mustn’t, for she truly believed she was doing the right thing. She slumped in achair, buried her head in her hands, wept, and prayed.

Daed entered the room and sat beside her. “Madeline, I talked to Joshua at his wagon. The man is shattered. He loves you. Work this out together. Please.”

She raised her head and dabbed her wet cheeks with her sleeve. “Our families should be uniting and not causing strife over our impending marriage. I don’t believe God would bless our union if it means destroying Joshua’s relationship with his family.”

Her daed sighed. “I’m sorry our family problems have caused so much heartache for you and Joshua. I understand why the Stutzmans are skeptical of you, since they haven’t gotten to know you. Your schweschder, unwed and abandoning her boppli, disgusts me. I can imagine how they must feel. I’m sure they’re afraid that you do not have a true commitment to Joshua after what Catherine has done to their family. They just need to know you to realize they can trust you.

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