The Fruits of Fall by Amy Clipston

Author:Amy Clipston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2018-11-21T16:00:00+00:00

Wayne smiled as he carried the empty plate and fork back to the house. As he sat and talked with Alex while he ate, the man must have thanked him at least ten times. If only Tena could see the appreciation in Alex’s eyes, she would see one of the reasons Wayne wanted to help him. He prayed God would soften Tena’s heart toward Alex soon.

He looked toward the porch and spotted her sitting with the other young women as they talked and laughed. She was radiant as she smiled at something Mandy said. He once again imagined what it would be like if they could be more than friends.

Ephraim came down the porch steps and met him. “Wayne, can we talk in private?” He nodded toward the garden. “Let’s walk over there.”

“Of course. Give me a minute.” Wayne handed the plate and fork to Mandy, and then he followed Ephraim to the garden, near the tomatoes. They sat down on a bench in Emma’s flower garden. “What’s on your mind?”

Ephraim scrubbed his hand down his face and then blew out a sigh that sounded as if it had worked its way up from his toes. “I’m going to ask Mandy’s dat for permission to ask her to marry me.”

“Are you kidding me?” Wayne clapped his hands. “That’s fantastic!”

“Shh!” Ephraim glanced toward the porch. “I don’t want her to hear us.”

“I’m sorry.” Wayne punched Ephraim’s shoulder. “I’m so froh for you.”

“Danki.” Ephraim shook his head. “I hope her dat will agree.”

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. The Benders think the world of you.”

“I also hope she says yes.”

“Don’t be gegisch. I imagine she’s been waiting for you to ask.” Wayne looked over at Tena. Would he ask her to marry him one day? The thought sent excitement ripping through his chest, surprising him. They’d never even been on a date!

“Did you talk to Tena earlier today?”

“Ya.” Wayne slumped back on the bench. “I had to convince her to give Alex a chance. The truth is she’s not just uncomfortable with him because, to her, he’s a stranger. She seems to be afraid of him.”

“Do you know why?”

Wayne’s heart constricted as he recalled how she’d cried when he pressed her to tell him why. He couldn’t bring himself to share the intimate details of their conversation. He was grateful she’d allowed him to hold her, but he also hadn’t wanted the hug to end. She’d felt as if she belonged in his arms, as if they were meant to be together. But if that were true, why wouldn’t she open up to him?

“I tried. I think she’s afraid of all Englishers. She made me promise to ask him to leave if he said or did anything to make her feel threatened.”

Ephraim’s expression grew serious. “Do you think he would hurt Emma or Tena?”

“No. I truly believe he just needs someone to believe him in, and that’s what I intend to do.” Wayne angled his body toward his friend. “Now, tell me what you plan to say to Mandy’s dat.

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