Unforeseeable (27 page)

“That doesn't explain why you're leaving,” Noah said.

It had been particularly hard for Levi to keep our plans from his brother, and I'd had an awful time not blurting out the truth to Lizzie. But in the end, we'd decided to wait and tell everyone at once.

“For me,” Levi said slowly, “it's something that's been building for a long time. I've had a growing desire to minister to people in a . . . a different way. Don't misunderstand me, please. I love our church, and I love our traditions. Well, most of them. But I want to find out what else is out there. What it would be like to serve God with a little more freedom than we have now.”

“Are you saying you don't agree with the tenets of our church?” Matthew asked.

“I agree with most of them, Matthew,” he said. “The problem is, I'm not sure in my heart I agree with all of them. Maybe after working in another environment for a while, I'll decide we're doing everything right. But I have to find out.
My beliefs should be mine. Not formed because it's the only thing I've ever been taught.” He looked at his mother. “Mom, you've brought me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I love Him because of what you taught me and how you've lived. But you made the decision, along with Dad, to come here and live this life in Kingdom. I've never had the chance to make the same choice, and I want to do it now. I pray you'll understand.”

Dottie nodded at him. “I do, Son. I will miss you, but I want you to be happy. You and Callie. Your stepfather and I believe you're making the right decision.”

“My mother and Marvin knew about this before tonight,” Levi explained to the small crowd. “Marvin is the one who contacted his pastor friend in Newton about the pastoral position.”

“To be honest, I was afraid you were going to tell us that you weren't getting married,” Leah said.

Levi smiled at her. “For a while, we weren't sure about that either. But only briefly. Callie and I love each other very much. We plan to spend the rest of our lives together.”

“What about Callie?” Lizzie said. “Is she leaving just because you are?”

I stood up. “No, Lizzie. You know better than almost anyone that I've been living my life in the shadow of my father for a long time.” I shook my head. “Maybe that's not fair. I guess it's more accurate to say that I've been living in the shadows I created myself.” I smiled at her. “You're the one who helped me to see the truth. You spent time out in the world, and you told me you're glad you did because it made you who you are today. You
chose
Kingdom, and you're at peace with that decision. But I've never chosen anything in
my life. Except to marry Levi. Living in the world will help me figure out who I am and what I want out of life.” I smiled at Levi. “Right now, I only know for certain that I love God and I love Levi. With all my heart. I just need time to figure out what else I believe.”

“I hope the church you are joining is Mennonite,” Matthew said in a somber voice.

“Yes, it is,” Levi said. “But not as conservative as ours.”

Matthew scowled at him but didn't say anything else.

“I know that you think I'm too liberal already in my beliefs, Brother Matthew,” Levi said with a quick grin. “I'm sure you're not surprised by this announcement.”

Matthew silently studied Levi for a moment. “Pastor, you're a good man. A very good man. I believe you will be a blessing at your new church, and I hope you will come back to see us when you can.”

Levi looked surprised, but he quickly recovered himself. “Why, thank you, Matthew. That means more to me than I can say.”

“My dear wife and daughter remind me frequently that I am not always right in my opinions. As much as it pains me, I know they are right. I hope you will forgive me if I made things difficult for you. Please understand that I still think you are too young to pastor this church. My belief is not based on your character or spiritual integrity.”

“Thank you, Brother Matthew. I appreciate that.”

“When will you leave?” Ebbie asked.

“After I announce my decision at church this Sunday. I know this doesn't give you much time to find a replacement, but the elders can lead the services until you find a new pastor.”

“That's so soon,” Lizzie said. “Can't you wait awhile so we can get used to this? I'll need to find a new helper.”

“I'm sorry, Lizzie,” I said. “I really am. But the church in Newton needs Levi to start next week.”

Lizzie sighed. “I don't mean to sound negative, Callie. Honestly, I know you're doing the right thing. I'm just going to miss you so much.”

Several people in the room mumbled their agreement.

“And we'll miss all of you too,” I said, my voice breaking. “We couldn't ask for better friends—or family. I'm particularly sad to be away from my mother after finding her again.”

“It's all right,” Mother said with a tremulous smile. “I totally understand.” She shrugged. “I came to Kingdom to take you away. Now you're going, and I'm staying. And not because I have to.”

“I don't understand. You mean you're staying here because you want to?”

She gave a short laugh. “I know you find some things in Kingdom restrictive. But if you only knew what this town was like when I lived here. It's very different now. Full of kind and forgiving people. I love it here and intend to stay . . . if it's all right with everyone.”

“Esther and I plan to spend lots of time together,” Ruth said with a smile. “We used to be good friends. Now we will be great friends. Ja, Esther?”

My mother nodded. “That's right. Thank you, Ruth.”

“This is your home as long as you want it to be,” Noah said. “We're all here for you.”

“Thank you, Noah,” Mother said. “But I have a question, Callie. What about your wedding? Will it be here or in Newton?”

“I honestly don't know, but wherever it is, everyone in this room is invited.”

That seemed to satisfy Mother.

“Are you finished, or do you intend to drop any other bombshells on us?” Lizzie asked.

Levi and I looked at each other, and I shook my head.

“That seems to be it for now,” he told Lizzie.

“Then let's break out some pie,” she said with a smile. “I can't say I'm overjoyed with your decision, but I support it, so I think a little celebration is in order.”

As Lizzie stood up, conversation broke out. I said a few words to Levi and went back to the kitchen. Lizzie was taking pies out of the refrigerator and putting them into the oven.

“I'm here to help,” I said.

She nodded and handed me a cherry pie, which I slid into the warm oven.

“I'm sorry to surprise you tonight. I wanted to tell you from the beginning, but Levi and I decided it was best to do it this way, so no one's feelings would be hurt.”

“I understand.” She put the pie down on the counter and came over to me. Then she put her arms around me. “I love you, Callie. Like my own sister. If this is what's best for you, it's what I want too.”

“You helped me see clearly for the first time in my life,” I said. “I don't know what I would have done without your friendship. God used you to break the cloud of unreality from my life. I will never be able to repay you for that.”

“Seems I outsmarted myself,” Lizzie said. “I never realized I'd lose you. Maybe Noah and I will drive down to Newton for a visit after you get settled.”

“You'd better. It's not that far. A little over three hours.”

She sighed dramatically. “I suppose we can make the sacrifice.”

I laughed. “Oh, thanks.” I grabbed her arm as she started to turn away. “I know you'll find someone for my job. Maybe Ruby can help out until you do.”

“You know what? That's a great idea. It will help her feel more like a part of the family. She can work with me as long as she gets her schoolwork done first.”

“I know you'll change her life,” I said, smiling at my dearest friend in the world. “You know, like you did with me.”

The tears Lizzie had been holding back fell down her cheeks, and she hugged me again.

Levi and I spent the rest of the evening eating pie, drinking coffee, and talking to the people we loved the most.

The next day, after Sunday service and the second announcement of our plans, we finished packing. I'd left my dresses and my prayer covering hanging in the closet, choosing to wear the jeans and sweater Lizzie had already given me, along with quite a few other clothes she insisted I take along. But at the last second, before going down the stairs to meet Levi, I turned back and took my prayer covering from the closet. I opened my suitcase, and laid it on top of my other clothes. My fingers lingered on it for several seconds. I couldn't be sure I would ever wear it again. But then again, I wasn't certain I wouldn't. Time would tell.

I quickly checked my image in the mirror over the dresser. I liked my new shorter hairstyle. Cutting my long hair until it barely touched my shoulders helped me feel like a different person. The woman who stared back at me was a stranger,
but with God's help, I would finally get to know her. I smiled at her and went downstairs to meet Levi.

The restaurant was closed and no one waited to tell us good-bye. This was what we'd requested, having already said everything we could.

“I love you,” Levi said.

“I know,” I replied with a smile. “It took me some time, but I have no doubts anymore.”

“Good.” He leaned down and gently kissed my lips. Then he picked up my suitcase and carried it out to Noah's extra truck. He'd given it to us as a gift, and we were grateful to get it.

I took a moment and stood alone inside the restaurant, looking around. So much had happened here. Good and bad. It seemed surreal to be leaving.

Prince and Dora sat near the kitchen door, as if they knew I was going away. Lizzie had promised to bring them to Newton after Levi and I were married, so my departure from them was only temporary. For a moment, the realization that I was really leaving Kingdom hit me, and I took a deep breath. But I had a profound peace about my decision. God had a path for me, and I was determined to find it.

“Good-bye,” I whispered into the silence.

With that, I walked out the door of the old restaurant, took the hand of the man I loved, and together we took our first steps toward the brand-new life God had waiting for us.

To my incredible family. Thank you for your constant encouragement and support. My husband, Norman, who still makes me laugh after all these years. To my son, Danny, my daughter-in-love, Shaen, and the smartest, cutest, and most amazing baby ever born: Aidan Jackson Mehl. I love you all more than tongue can tell.

Thanks to Judy Unruh, Alexanderwohl Church Historian in Goessel, Kansas, for fielding all my dumb questions with grace and understanding. Don't know what I'd do without you!

To Doctor Andy (Dr. Andrea McCarty) for teaching me what happens when you break a rib. Glad our conversation was about a fictional situation! LOL!

To Raela Schoenherr and Sharon Asmus: Thank you for helping me through this process. You always make it better.

To the rest of the staff at Bethany House: Noelle and Debra, the wonderful design department, and all the folks at Baker,
thank you. I love being a part of this incredible publishing company.

An important shout-out to all my awesome readers. Throughout the years, many of you have become dear friends. Thank you for taking me into your hearts. You encourage me, lift me up, and make me smile. And a special thank you to my “Inner Circle.” You know who you are.

As always, I want to thank the most important Person in my life. Thank you, Father. I will always believe.

Nancy Mehl
is the author of fifteen books and received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW. She writes from her home in Wichita, Kansas, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson.

Inescapable

Unbreakable

Unforeseeable

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