Chapter 30
H ENRY
I’m a dummkopp , plain and simple.
And I think Ellie might hate me. Again.
Ach du liebe . What have I done?
I tossed and turned all night, not even sure I got any sleep. Even after my morning coffee, I’m still groggy and grumpy.
Ivy’s interrogation after I came home so early didn’t help either.
A knock on the door demands my attention.
I already know who is at the door before the second knock. I’ve been expecting Eli to show up and give me what for. Who knows? Maybe he’ll have some sage advice for me.
I open the door and brace myself.
“Alright, what did you do this time? My schweschder’s been crying like a boppli all night.” Eli’s frame fills the doorway.
“Really?”
Eli smirks. “ Nee . Don’t flatter yourself. But I did hear her sniffle a little and say how she can’t believe she actually fell for your charms. So, I know you must’ve done something stupid.”
I usher my friend inside and pour him some coffee. “I went and talked to your dat .”
Eli looks confused. “What? Why would you talk to my father?”
“I asked for Ellie’s hand in marriage.”
“Oh.” Eli’s expression widens. “Wait. You did?”
“ Jah , and he said I’m probably going to have to wait for like fifty years.”
“Fifty years, huh?” Eli laughs.
But it’s not funny. Not to me. I want Ellie in my life. I want to see her every day. I want her face to be the first thing I see every morning. I want her kiss to be on my lips at the close of every evening.
“Well, it certainly feels like it.” I shake my head. “I don’t know why he just won’t accept my help for the wedding. It would be my wedding too.”
“I already told you he wouldn’t take your money. I’m guessing you didn’t tell Ellie, then.”
“ Nee , it’s hard to be close to her, knowing I’m going to have to wait years until your folks can get caught up with their bills. And then what happens if another medical emergency occurs? I’m patient, but I at least want to marry your sister while we’re still young and energetic enough to chase our bopplin around.”
Eli frowns. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I wish there was a way I could help.”
“I’m not expecting you to. I just, I don’t know what to do.”
“Have you prayed about it? Maybe Der Herr will make a way.” Eli shrugs.
“Well, unless your dat swallows his pride or their bills magically disappear, I don’t see a solution.” I release a frustrated sigh. “And yes, I have prayed.”
“Hey, are we still on for Jude’s hockey game this week?” Okay, change of subject.
I nod. “Is Ellie still wanting to go?”
“She didn’t say she wasn’t going.”
“Okay, good. Maybe I can patch things up between us. I just didn’t want her to know that I talked to your father unless it was a sure thing. I was going to ask her the other day, after I talked to your dat , but I don’t see any point in it now. Hey, Ellie, will you marry me in twenty years?” I roll my eyes.
“Well, it was fifty years a few minutes ago and now it’s only twenty, so there might be hope for you yet.” Eli grins.
“ Jah , funny.” I deadpan.
“If she’s changed her mind about the game, I’ll do my best to talk her into going.”
“I appreciate that. Oh, and Jude said we should bring our hockey skates. He wants to get in some practice with us.” I add, remembering my phone conversation with Jude the other day. I think he’s just happy that Ivy’s going to be there.
Eli brightens. “That sounds like fun.”
“The driver will be here to pick us up at seven in the morning. Says that’s a good time as far as missing traffic and all that. And it will give some extra time in Indy before we have to check in to our hotel. Jude says it’s pretty cool there.”
“Okay, we’ll be here by seven on Thursday, then. It’s going to be fun, jah ? I’ve always wanted to see a real game in person.”
“Me too.”
Eli drains his coffee and stands. “Have a good day at work, and I’ll try to do the same.”
And with Eli’s words of encouragement, I’m feeling better already.
But Thursday can’t come soon enough.