Chapter 37
E LLIE
My eyes are matted shut from crying myself to sleep.
I can’t believe we’re going to lose our home. After all we’ve done to try to get ahead, it just hasn’t been enough.
On top of that, I’m concerned about my brother. Eli left to talk to Henry last night and, as far as I know, still hasn’t returned.
Dat assured us last night that Eli’s just dealing with things in his own way. He’s the oldest of the family. He’s the one, besides Mamm and Dat , who has lived here the longest.
I rise and dress for the day. When my foot reaches the bottom step, Mamm is sitting at the table. Dat is standing next to her.
“Have you seen Eli?” Dat scrutinizes me.
“What? No. Not since he left for Henry’s last night.”
Mamm looks up at me. “He came home.”
“He did? Where is he?”
“We thought you might know.” Mamm says.
I shake my head. “I don’t. Why?”
“This is from your brother.” Dat holds up a lined paper that looks like a letter.
My eyes read the words on the page.
Dear Family,
I’ve signed a contract with the Indianapolis Icebergs and the hockey league, and I will be playing hockey for them for the foreseeable future. They’ve graciously given me a sign-on bonus as well as what I’ll be making during the season. It’s quite a bit.
Enclosed is money for Ellie and Henry’s wedding.
I stop reading. My eyes shoot to Dat . “Mine and Henry’s wedding ?”
Dat says nothing, so I continue reading Eli’s words.
The mortgage for the house has already been paid off, and I’ll be sending payments for medical bills and the second mortgage as often as I can. We’ll be able to pay those off too.
Dad, my dream is for you to be able to eventually buy back the land you sold to Ben Troyer and purchase more cattle like you’ve always wanted.
Mom and Dad, please rest easy now. You can keep the farm. Isn’t God good? He’s provided this opportunity, clear as day. You’ve worked so hard for our family. It is a privilege for me to give back.
Don’t worry about me. After my contract has been fulfilled, I plan to come back, get baptized, and join the Amish church and settle down. Please keep me in your prayers.
Love, your son,
Elijah
“What?” My eyes scan the paper again. “Eli’s playing hockey?”
And then it dawns on me. That must’ve been what he was talking to the coach about. Had the man been so impressed with my brother’s playing and offered Eli a position on the team? I’ve always known Eli was really good, but this? This is amazing.
“My brother is going to play real ice hockey.” I still have a hard time believing Elijah’s words.
Mamm and Dat are both wiping away tears and I can’t tell if they’re tears of sorrow or tears of joy. Maybe both?
“You’re going to let him?” I’m surprised that my folks aren’t more shaken up about this.
“We’ve discussed it. If he has signed a contract, there’s nothing we can do. And it says that the mortgage has already been paid. That’s not something that can be undone.” Mamm shrugs. “We have no choice. Your brother has made up his mind.”
“ Ach , well, we have been praying. This must be Gott’s answer then, jah ?” My gaze bounces back and forth between my folks.
“At least, now, Henry can marry you.” Dat says.
Have I missed something? I mean, I know I read about money for a wedding, but Dat is talking like this is something we’ve discussed before. I’m unsure what to make of all this.
“Henry wants to marry me? Did he say that?” My eyes widen.
“He hasn’t spoken to you about this?” Mamm speaks up.
“ Nee .”
“He came over a couple of weeks ago and asked permission to marry you come spring. He didn’t want to ask you and get your hopes up if it wasn’t going to be possible, you see. I told him we wouldn’t be able to afford a wedding for quite some time.” Dat’s tears are back, then he lifts his eyes to mine. “But now it looks like we can. Thanks to your brother.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if Henry offered to pay and Dat turned him down. But I won’t ask Dat , because I don’t want to hurt his feelings.
For the first time since I returned yesterday, my folks are smiling, and light has returned to their eyes. They’ve been under so much stress lately, I’m happy they have finally found some reprieve.
I feel like giving Elijah a big, gigantic sisterly hug. I can’t believe he did this. Yet, at the same time I can. He’d do anything for his family. Even if it means living in the Englisch world for a while.
But…there’s one thing I’m still confused about.
“I’m getting married? For sure and for certain?” My gaze bounces back and forth between my folks.
“If that’s what you want. You know we’ve always approved of Henry.”
I can’t help it. Joy bursts from my lips. “Oh, my goodness, I’m marrying Henry Yoder!”