Grace's Forgiveness (33 page)

Her heart quickened. Mark approached them in his new crisp white shirt and black pants. He exchanged a warm greeting with her parents and then pulled her gently aside. “Are you ready to become Mrs. King?”

She blushed. “I truly am. I cannot wait!”

Her parents walked in front of them.

She followed them alongside Mark.

Sarah and Levi joined them. Sarah leaned close to Grace’s ear. “I’m so glad the doctor said I can get out and about more. I wouldn’t want to miss your special day!”

“I’m pleased you’re here, but you take it easy. You’re precious to me.”

“I will. I couldn’t be happier for you, Grace.”

Levi gently slapped Mark on the back. “Are you nervous?”

“No, I’m ready to move on with our lives.”

Grace pressed a hand to her stomach to quell the dancing butterflies. She didn’t want to stutter or hesitate while reciting her vows. It was her worst fear.
Talk slow and deliberate. Concentrate.
She walked alongside Mark and the Helmuths and her parents inside the barn. A sea of black filled the benches. Big smiles crossed their faces. She wanted to remember each moment of this day.

Sitting next to Mark, she glimpsed at her parents and the Helmuths. Her favorite people were right next to her and her husband-to-be. The only one missing was Becca. She pressed her heart. Becca would want her to enjoy her day and not be sad about their parting. Pushing the pang of sadness away, she joined her family and friends in song.

The bishop prayed, led them in several more songs, delivered his message, and led them in the Lord’s Prayer.

He motioned to Grace and Mark. “Please join me at the front.”

Grace’s lip quivered.

Mark’s eyes sparkled with tears.

The bishop gestured to Mark. “Do you, Mark King, take Grace Blauch to be your lawful fraa?”

Mark spoke in a strong baritone voice. “I do.”

The bishop asked Grace if she agreed to take Mark has her lawful husband. “I do.”

“Mark, please repeat after me. I, Mark King, take Grace Blauch for my wedded fraa to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

When it was Grace’s turn, she swallowed. She wanted to speak loud enough for her friends and family to understand her, to understand that without a doubt she loved this man. She loved him beyond measure.

“I, Grace Blauch, take thee, Mark King, for my wedded husband to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

The significance of their vows meant so much to her. She’d have been disappointed if she fumbled over the words, but she needn’t worry anymore. She’d said them perfectly, just the way she wanted Mark to remember for years to kumme. She was certain even their friends in the back could hear the love in her strong voice.

The bishop wished them well, prayed for the food, and dismissed them for the after-wedding meal.

Mark whispered in her ear. “You look so pretty today, Mrs. King. I’m so happy I may burst!”

“Oh, Mark, I like the sound of ‘Mrs. Grace King.’ You’ve made me the happiest maedel in the world!”

Levi and Sarah wished them well. She was glad Sarah had shown no further signs of trouble with her pregnancy.

Noah and Anna expressed their best wishes. Friends gathered round and congratulated them. Mamm and Daed hugged them with tears in their eyes.

Mamm whispered in her ear, “You are beautiful, Grace. I’m so thrilled for you.”

Mrs. Zook wished Grace and Mark well and asked Mamm where she wanted the meat dishes placed on the table.

Mamm joined the crowd of waiting women and instructed them on the placement of the food.

Women unloaded their baskets and arranged their dishes on the tables, according to her wishes.

Daed, Mark, and Levi helped carry more benches to the tables.

Sarah pulled Grace to a corner away from the crowd and handed her a gift. “Grace, you have a radiant glow about you. I’m so thrilled for you and Mark. He’s so in love with you, and you with him. The way you look at each other is endearing.” She passed her the gift. “I wanted us to have a private moment before you sat to eat and open your gifts.”

“You’re so sweet!” Grace peeled back the cotton wrap. “You’re so clever. I like the tablecloth you wrapped the present in, and the material is my favorite light blue color. It matches my wedding dress. Danki!” She unfolded a white stitched wedding ring quilt. “Oh, Sarah! This is so pretty. I really like it!”

Patting the pocket, Sarah wiped a tear with her other hand. “Read this.”

Removing the note, Grace whispered,
“Dearest Grace, You love and forgive others unconditionally. You shine with God’s love in how you treat everyone. You look for the best in people. I’ve learned to follow your example. I couldn’t ask for a better friend. I love you with all my heart and wish for you much happiness in your married life to Mark. I’m always here if you need me. I love you. Sarah.”

Grace blinked back tears. She gently squeezed Sarah’s hand. “I love you, too, dear friend. Danki. I’ll treasure this letter forever.”

Grinning, Sarah clasped her hand. “This will add a whole new aspect to our friendship. Married, we’ll have even more in common and to share. Look at all this food! Let’s eat. I’m hungry!” She pulled Grace to the table with Mark and Levi.

Under the table, Mark squeezed her hand now and then during the wedding meal.

Mamm asked Daed, Levi, and Noah to pull benches in a circle, and Grace unwrapped their presents.

She unwrapped each gift. The women oohed and ahhed, while the men chatted amongst themselves. She held up each present and thanked the giver. The aprons, sheets, coverlets, wooden bowls, washbasins, utensils, and pots and pans would all be put to good use.

The crowd dwindled. Mamm and her friends cleared the dishes, and her daed, Mark, Levi, and Noah returned the borrowed benches to the barn. The four men laughed and talked. Mark fit right in with her friends and family. This bode well for their future.

Grace helped the men load the wagon with the wedding gifts and her personal belongings and medical bag. She transferred her gift to Mark with extra care, hiding it under several of the others, out of his view. She bubbled with excitement. In a few minutes, they’d be home, and she could give it him.

Sarah sat and watched them. “Levi, don’t drop the glass bowl!”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it.”

Grace chuckled. Levi had more patience than any man she had met.

Mamm had finished clearing the tables and joined them. “There isn’t room for a thimble in this wagon. It is full to the brim. You’ll enjoy using everything you received. I liked them all.”

Sarah and Mamm commented about the presents.

Grace eavesdropped on Levi and Mark’s conversation over Sarah’s shoulder.

Levi handed Mark a package. “Sarah stitched a keepsake wedding ring quilt for you and Grace, but I wanted to give you something from me. You’re like a bruder to me, Mark. I’m always available if you need anything.”

He accepted the wooden box, lifted the lid, and pulled out a pocketknife. “I feel the same way, Levi. Knowing my past, you’ll understand how much this means to me.” He flipped the knife from side to side in his palm. “This is really going to kumme in handy. The handle on mine is loose. I’ll throw it away and think of you whenever I use this one. Danki.”

Levi slapped Mark’s back. “Congratulations!”

“I appreciate it.”

Grace dabbed her eyes with her fingertips. Levi’s thoughtfulness overwhelmed her. She blinked back tears and hoped Mamm and Sarah wouldn’t notice.

They were absorbed in their discussion to her relief.

Mark approached and held out his arm to her. “Are you ready to go home, Mrs. King?”

Looping her arm through his, she grinned. “Why yes, I am, Mr. King.”

They bid the Helmuths and her parents farewell and walked to their wagon. Mark drove them home.

She snuggled close to his muscular arm and warmth. “We are so blessed, Mr. King!”

“Jah, we have a lifetime of blessings to look forward to.”

She squeezed his arm. “I noticed Anna and Noah sat together at the wedding meal and found our spot under the oak tree.”

“Good. I hope Noah doesn’t break her heart. Even if he stays in Berlin, he has a free spirit. He may wait longer than most men before he’s ready to consider marriage. He’s content spending time alone.”

“I’ll pray for them.”

Mark stopped the horse in front of the haus. “I’ll bring the gifts in a little later. They will be fine in the wagon for a little while. I have something else in mind.” He grasped her hand.

Heart fluttering, she jumped down.

He picked her up in his arms and carried her over the threshold.

She squealed with delight, “I’m Mr. King’s fraa!”

He kissed her full on the lips before setting her onto her feet.

Holding her close, he nuzzled her neck then smothered her with soft kisses.

She giggled, and then they flopped on the settee. “I don’t want this day to end.”

“I agree. I can finally call you my fraa.”

“I’ll be back in a minute.” She scurried to the wagon, found her gift, and came inside. “This is for you.”

He unwrapped the present and removed the letter sticking out of the pocket on the folded dark blue patchwork quilt. He whispered,
“Mark, I love you with all my heart. Your acceptance of my birthmark from the first day we met and thereafter meant more to me than I can fully express in words. From that day forward, I’ve felt beautiful in your eyes. A gift you gave me. I love your kind smile, big brown eyes, protective arms, gentle ways, and trust in God. I love you. Forever yours, Grace.”

He set the note aside and pulled her into his arms, kissing her softly on the mouth. “I’m going to stow my note in my drawer and pull it out and read it now and then. I’ll make a point to read it on this same day each year.” His lips curved in a mischievous grin. “I will also read it aloud when we have a disagreement!” He kissed her nose. “I’m teasing.”

She chuckled. “I know.”

Reaching for her hand, he tilted his head toward the door. “Kumme with me. I have a surprise for you in the barn.”

The gleam in his eye told her she’d like whatever he had in mind to show her.

He opened the door and led her inside. Uncovering a cedar hope chest, he stepped back. “This is for you, Mrs. King.”

Her hand flew to her open mouth. “Oh, Mark! It’s beautiful! I love it!” She beheld it then stroked the top. “Your finish on this piece is as smooth as silk. And oh, how I like the cedar scent. I’ll treasure it always.”

He winked. “Open the lid.”

She opened the rounded top and squealed with delight. “It’s the Jacob’s ladder quilt you bought from the shop when we first met!”

“Do you remember what you told me when I bought this quilt?”

She blushed. She eyed the note peeking out of the keepsake pocket. “I explained the purpose of the keepsake pocket on the quilt and suggested you write a letter to someone special and give it to them.”

“I chose you for my special someone. The note inside the pocket is for you.”

“Mark, you have surprised me beyond measure today. Becoming your fraa was more than I ever hoped or dreamed. I love this special hope chest and quilt.” She tugged the paper out and unfolded it.
“My dearest Grace, you’ve made me the happiest man alive marrying me today. I’m looking forward to spending a lifetime with you. I love everything about you. Most of all, your sweet and forgiving heart and perseverance to discover the best in me and in each person you meet. I’m fortunate and blessed to call you my fraa. Love always, Mark.”
She blinked back the tears pooling in her eyes. “I’ll treasure this note and read it each year on our anniversary when you read mine.”

He wiped a tear trickling down her birthmark.
“
The strong attraction I had for you the first time we met is still unexplainable. You are the prettiest woman I have ever laid eyes on. I missed your laugh and pleasing voice whenever we’ve been apart.” He held her tight. “I will do my best to love, protect, and honor you all the days of my life, my precious Grace.”

Grace inhaled Mark’s woodsy scent, happy she’d get to smell it each day, and pressed her cheek against his chest. She closed her eyes.
Dearest Heavenly Father, danki for the best day of my life!

Pennsylvania Dutch/German Glossary