Chapter 38
H ENRY
I’m still trying to decipher Eli’s cryptic message when I hear footsteps behind me in the barn. I turn and recognize an equally puzzled expression on Daniel Petersheim’s face.
“Did you have anything to do with it?” His question leaves me even more confused.
Oh, no. God, please tell me Eli didn’t actually rob a bank.
I set my rake against the barn stall and step closer. “To do with what ? You’ll have to explain yourself, because I have no idea what exactly you’re referring to.” I refrain from spouting my bank robbery theory.
Daniel’s shoulders drop and he fishes out a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “Elijah left this on the table this morning.” He hands the lined notebook paper to me.
I unfold it and begin reading, then stop. “What?” I look up and search Daniel’s eyes for more answers but he says nothing. I continue reading the absolutely ridiculous words Eli has written. “Is this real or is it a joke?”
I would love to believe what is written, because this is way better than my bank robbery theory, but it all sounds like a page from a fairytale.
“So, you don’t know.”
“I had no clue.” My eyes roam over the unbelievable words on the page. I really want to believe them, but I can’t seem to wrap my mind around this turn of events. Dare I hope that I’ll be able to marry Ellie this spring?
“Well…” Daniel just shrugs. I think he must be shocked too.
“Do you mind if I call Jude Riley?”
“Please do. This is the hockey star, ain’t so ?”
“Yes. He would know.” I move to the tack room and encourage Daniel to follow me, then pick up the phone near the desk and dial Jude.
After three rings, he answers, “Hey, Henry! I guess you heard the news by now, huh?” Excitement infuses his voice.
“About Eli?” Oh, I hope it’s true. Yet, at the same time, I’m not sure what this will mean for his future here in the Amish community—if he has one.
“Yes! It’s one of the best rookie contracts I’ve heard of. They’re really working with him. Coach Graves and the owners were quite generous with his sign-on bonus. I’m so excited for him and his family, and the team is stoked after watching him in practice.” Jude’s enthusiasm is almost tangible.
“So, it’s real?”
“Yeah, it’s real, my friend.” Jude laughs. “And Eli mentioned something about you and Ellie getting married?”
“ Ach , I’ll need to ask her first. Then, I’ll have to talk to the leaders about getting a date in the spring lineup.” My face stretches in a smile that hurts.
“Well, whatever you do, send me and my mom an invite, will ya? And ask Eli for a copy of the hockey schedule so we can hopefully work around it. I really want to see you and Ellie tie the knot.”
Wow, this is real. “ Jah , okay, I’ll do that.” I glance at Daniel, his face full of expectation. “Hey, Jude, would you mind asking Eli to call his folks when he gets a chance? They’d really like to talk to him.”
Daniel nods in agreement.
I hear noise in the background. “Sure, no problem. Hey, I gotta go now. Practice will be starting soon, and I can’t be late.”
“Thanks for taking my call, Jude.”
“Of course. Hey, I’m looking forward to seeing you and Ellie at our games. Bring Ivy too, okay? We’ll hook you up with some great seats.”
Excitement unfurls in my chest. “Okay, jah .”
“See ya, Henry.” Jude clicks off.
I hang up the telephone and turn to Daniel. I can’t stop my smile. “It’s real.”
Daniel hangs his head and shakes it. “The leaders aren’t going to like this. What am I going to say to them?”
“I’m not sure. But honestly, I hope they’ll be happy that you’ll get to keep your farm. I know losing Elijah to the world hurts, and I’m going to miss my best friend wonderful- gut , but his heart is in the right place. And he did say he plans to return. He’s worked so hard to try to help you keep the farm and pay down your medical bills. I think Gott may have given Eli his ability to play hockey for such a time as this. We don’t know all Gott has planned, but He does, and we need to trust Him.”
“I think I need to nominate you for minister next time around.” Daniel’s smiling now and he cups my shoulder. “Those are words of wisdom, son. I’m thankful Ellie has found a gut man.”
Speaking of… “Are you going back home?”
“I will stop by before I make a trip to see the bishop.” His sigh exhibits the gravity of his words.
“Could you tell Ellie that I’d like to stop by and maybe take her for a buggy ride?”
Daniel lifts his knowing eyes to mine. “I can do that.”
“ Denki , Daniel.”
He nods and turns to go. But before he leaves, I say, “Daniel, if you need any extra help on the farm, let me know. I’ll be happy to help.” Because I know the family will be feeling the void with Eli being gone.
“I’ll do that.” Daniel hops back in his buggy and waves as he drives away.
I release a long slow breath. This is it. I’m actually going to ask Ellie Petersheim to marry me.
Gott, please let her say yes.