Sewn with Joy (42 page)

A
MISH PROVERB

J
oy walked through the kitchen door and paused in her tracks. A woman stood in the middle of the kitchen, and strands of reddish blonde hair had slipped from the back of her
kapp
.

“Hope!”

Her sister turned, and Hope wore an expression of pure joy on her face. Joy rushed forward and gave her a hug.

“Can you believe it, Joy? Only two days until my wedding.”

“And my wedding too,” Lovina called, coming from the living room.

“I'm just glad you made it,” Joy said, turning to Hope.

Hope shrugged. “We didn't expect Emma to come down with the chicken pox. We had to wait until she was well enough to travel.”

“There are
ne
worries.”
Mem
, Faith, and Grace walked out from the back room. “We have everything all ready. Having five daughters, one has to be ready for anything,
ja
?”

Joy looked from face to face, taking in the sight of them all together. “It's been a
gut
month for love. Did you read about Alicia and Rowan?”

“Ja.”
Grace folded her arms over her chest. “I wish you would have told me sooner. It's
ne
fun to read that type of exciting news in the paper.”

Joy shrugged. “In Rowan's words, he looked up one day and saw that the changes in Alicia were real. And since then they've been inseparable. Even though I haven't seen it, one magazine captured a photo of them snuggling on the beach, like husband and wife should.”

“I hope I find an inseparable love someday.” Grace sighed. “But until then I'm happy to be attending a beautiful wedding, in a beautiful garden, with my beautiful sisters.”

Two blue dresses were laid out on
Mem
's bed. Hope's was a light blue, the color of the Florida sky. Lovina's was a darker, purplish blue. Joy sighed and fingered the cloth of her oldest sister's wedding dress. She had thought she'd have a day like this soon, but now she knew that wasn't to be. She couldn't imagine loving anyone but Matthew Slagel, and because of her decisions she had no opportunity to be loved back.

Behind her someone cleared her throat. She looked up in surprise and turned.
Mem
stood there, and compassion filled her gaze.

“It'll be a beautiful day,”
Mem
said softly. “
Danke
, Joy, for being so happy for your sisters despite your own pain.”

Joy swallowed her emotions. She quickly turned her face to the bedroom window and watched the bird chattering on the tree branch, hoping
Mem
didn't see her tears.

Joy took one glance in the mirror before joining her sisters on the far side of the pie shop. Hope and Lovina both sat in folding chairs just inside the door, wearing their blue dresses, waiting for everyone to be seated outside so the wedding could begin.

If it wasn't for their matching smiles it would be hard to tell they were sisters—Lovina with her short, thinner frame and dark hair, and Hope, who was much taller with reddish blonde hair and a fuller face.

Hope pinched her cheeks to give herself more color. “Can you believe it? My wedding day!”

“
Our
wedding day.” Lovina chuckled. “And
Mem
and
Dat
will have two fewer daughters.”

“I'd like to think we're gaining sons rather than losing daughters.”
Mem
's sniffle sounded behind them. “Both Noah and Jonas are welcome additions to our family. Little Emma too.”
Mem
sighed. “Just think, today I'm not only gaining two sons-in-law, but an adorable eight-year-old granddaughter!”

Two car doors slamming shut sounded, one after another. Hope's eyes widened. She winced. “Who's that? Did someone invite
Englischers
?”

“It's Rowan and Alicia.” Lovina glanced at Hope and straightened in her seat. “I told Joy she could invite them.”

“You told Joy?” Hope's mouth dropped open slightly. “But it's my wedding too.”

Lovina jutted out her chin. “Oh, they're nice people. The more the merrier is what
Mem
always says.”

The frown on Hope's face didn't fade. “They aren't going to film it, are they?” Hope turned to face Joy.

“Of course not.” The words shot out of Joy's mouth, but then she bit down slightly on her lower lip. “I…I don't see why they would.”

“Can you please check, Joy?” It was
Mem
's voice, tight, concerned. “You know how some people view those cameras. I'd like for this to be a joyful day for your sisters.”

“
Ja
, of course.”

Rows of folding chairs had been set up in the garden behind Me, Myself and Pie. Families filed in together. Couples mingled with their neighbors and friends. Nearly everyone wore either Amish or Mennonite dress, which made finding Joy's friends easy.

She saw them seated in the last row of chairs, nearest the building. While everyone else chatted with each other, they sat still and straight. Alicia fanned herself with her hand, even though the weather wasn't hot. As good of an actress as she was, she was doing a poor job hiding her nerves.

“I'm so glad you've come.” Joy eyed the scene. She saw Alicia's purse and a white and glittery gift bag that read For Your Wedding on the side. There wasn't a camera in sight.

Alicia stood and offered Joy a quick hug. “I'm so glad to see you.” She tugged on her red, flowery dress with short sleeves. It hung below her knees, but the shoulders had large cutouts, showing most of her arms and her shoulders.

“I tried my best, but I don't fit in at all.”

“And she bought pot holders,” Rowan commented. “A dozen of them for each bride. Who buys pot holders for a gift?” Even though he teased, Rowan gazed at Alicia with adoration, and Joy's heart swelled.

“But they do love to cook, don't they, Joy?” Alicia asked, eyes wide.

“Yes, especially Lovina.”

“Well, we won't keep you.” Alicia patted her hand. “I'm sure you have duties.”

“Yes, I'm the sister whose job it is to greet the guests.” Joy tried smiling. “But I shouldn't have to worry too much. My father seems to think today everyone will forget how I've acted and where I've been working—just for the day, of course.”

“Or rather used to work,” Rowan said. “It's hard to believe yesterday was our last day on the set—just in time to head back to our home for Christmas.” Her friend's face glowed as he said those words. “It'll be especially meaningful to celebrate Christ's birth with my wife this year.”

A few minutes later, Joy stood at the corner of the building, welcoming guests. The chairs were filling quickly. Everyone from Pinecraft had shown up for this special event.

Joy smiled at an older Amish couple, and then the smile froze on her face. Behind them stood Matthew, head and shoulders above them, looking at her. She blinked, and a small gasp escaped her lips. It was almost like a dream seeing him there. Seeing the tenderness in his eyes. He stepped to her.

“It's a beautiful day, isn't it?” He slipped off his hat and brushed his hand through his hair.

“
Ja
. We couldn't have asked for better weather.”

He leaned toward her, and for a moment she thought he was going to kiss her cheek. She froze.

“Can we talk later, at the reception?”

“
Ja
. Of course.” Hope buoyed in her heart but then sank again when his parents made their way toward them. Matthew pulled back quickly and joined the other guests being seated.

It's never going to happen. Their opinion of me will always win.

As the bishop moved to the front garden area, Joy cleared her throat and clutched the single white rose in her hand closer to her chest.

“Nervous?” a man's voice spoke right behind her. Her heart
leapt. She turned expecting to see Matthew, but it was his older brother, Will, who stood there.

“
Ne.
Happy, that's all.”

“That's a
gut
response.” Will sighed. “I just wish it were the truth. For an actress you don't hide your feelings well, but don't worry, Joy. I have a feeling this story will turn out well in the end.” Then, with his small son tucked against his chest, he turned and found a seat in the back.

The wedding was beautiful. Both of her sisters made beautiful brides, and Joy was pleased that for the most part everyone seemed to accept her. She'd been afraid she'd feel ostracized at her own sisters' wedding.

More than once at the reception Matthew had asked to talk, but as soon as they tried to find a quiet place she'd get called away.

As the brides and grooms gathered for dinner, Joy made a point to go to Matthew and apologize once again. “I'm so sorry. It's such a busy day.”

“Of course, Joy. I understand.” He offered her a soft smile, but there was more in his eyes. “Don't worry. We can talk over the next couple of days. Maybe on Christmas?”

“
Ja
, I'd like that.”

Near the end of the evening, Joy found herself sitting next to Elizabeth. The older woman's smile seemed as large as Florida itself, and her eyes were wide, full of life and full of hope. She seemed to be enjoying herself, watching all the families and couples, and then—seemingly out of nowhere—Elizabeth turned to Joy with some sage advice.