She walked to the wall of windows, put her fingers against the screen, then looked up at the skylight.
“David, this is . . . It’s amazing.”
“You like it?”
“It’s so roomy and open.”
“You gave me the idea. The last time, when you had your attack . . .” He noticed that she winced at the reminder. “Your condition isn’t something to be ashamed of, Faith. In this case, it helped me think of a completely different idea from what I’ve designed before.”
“I don’t understand.”
“There must be other people who struggle with claustrophobia.”
“Five to seven percent of people do, according to my counselor.”
“Okay, there you go. Five to seven percent. I’ve been reading up on the subject and coping methods that help alleviate attacks. Just think, five to seven percent of people deal with the same problems you deal with, and some of those people would probably like to live in or at least stay in a tiny house, but they can’t because small spaces make them feel . . .”
“Closed in.”
“Exactly. So I designed the windows to roll out.”
“Which gives the room a much more open feel.”
“And I put all the windows on one side, so no matter where you stand in here you still have a good view, an open view. It increases the perception of space.”
“There’s still enough storage?”
“Sure. I put the drawers and cabinets all on this side.” He tapped the kitchen counter. “And by building in a window seat over there, I was able to add storage underneath.”
“‘Storage is important in a tiny house.’” She quoted his words back to him, smiling as she said them. “The skylight is amazing. David, this entire house is wunderbaar.”
He twined his fingers with hers and tugged her toward the window seat. They were able to look out over the freshly mowed lawn. The quilt with leftovers of their dinner was right across from them. David could even see the Coke bottle filled with sunflowers—something that seemed silly when he’d done it, but they seemed to lift her spirits immediately. He realized once again what he’d known for a long time. He wanted to spend his life making Faith smile.
He studied her for any signs of panic, but she seemed comfortable.
“Do you feel okay?”
“I do. I’m rather surprised, but . . . I’m okay.”
“No racing heart?”
“Nein.”
He looked down at her hand, rubbing his thumb along her palm. “No sweating palms?”
“No sweating palms.”
Then he touched her face. “No tunnel vision?”
She blushed a pretty pink. “My vision is fine. Danki.”
“Looking out this window, doesn’t it seem like you can see forever? Like we could see our tomorrows?”
Instead of answering, she squeezed his hand.
“Will you marry me, Faith?”
She turned around so quickly she almost bumped into him.
“What?”
“Marry me. I want to build a house for you. Not a tiny house, but a house like this—with large windows and plenty of light. A house where you will feel comfortable. A house where our kinner can grow up and we can grow old together.”
“Wow.”
“Is that a yes?”
He waited then, giving her time to gather her thoughts.
“Do you love me, David?”
“More than I thought was possible. More than I’ve ever loved anyone.” Tears clouded his vision, and he wanted to kiss her again. Instead, he studied her and waited.
Touching his face with her fingertips, she whispered. “I love you, too, and yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, and I’ll have your boppli, and I’ll live wherever you want to.”
He took her in his arms then, and Faith relaxed—truly relaxed—for the first time in a very long time.
“You’re sure I won’t . . . be too much of a burden?”
“You are no burden at all.” He kissed the top of her head and then pulled away enough that he could look her in the eyes. “You do understand that you’re perfectly made, right? That Gotte didn’t make a mistake with you? You’re not broken. Faith, you may be different, but there’s nothing wrong with you, and in my eyes—the things that make you different also make you special.”
Faith realized those were the words she’d needed to hear. David wasn’t trying to fix her. He wasn’t offering to marry her in spite of her problems. He was simply accepting her as she was. He loved her as she was.
What more could she possibly ask for?
Suddenly a fall wedding didn’t sound like such a bad idea.
Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to Dorothy Hollister, a member of our fabulous Friday Morning Prayer Group. I mentioned to the group that I had a story to write, and all I knew was that it was Amish and involved a picnic. Dorothy asked if I’d ever heard of kudzu vine . . . and the story flowed from there. Thank you for the help, Dorothy. I’m so glad you’re a part of our group.
Thanks also to my pre-readers Kristy and Janet, without whom I have threatened to change careers. I need you both! You ladies are quick, thorough, and relentless in your edits. Thank you. Gratitude also to my agent Steve Laube, my editor Kimberly Carlton, and all the awesome folks at HarperCollins Christian Publishing.
Kudzu vine is prevalent throughout the southeastern United States and has been spotted as far north as Pulaski County, Illinois. Forgive my audacity for introducing it (even fictionally) to northern Indiana. It made for a fun story.
If you happen to be passing through northern Indiana, I encourage you to take a few hours to visit the Amish communities of Shipshewana, Goshen, and Middlebury—located just south of Interstate 90. They are truly a haven of rest in a very busy world.
And finally . . . “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
Discussion Questions
At the beginning of this story Faith and David find a box of letters. Faith realizes that while she sometimes wishes the Amish weren’t so old-fashioned, she’s glad they still practice writing to one another. Do you remember receiving letters in the mail? How did it make you feel?
Faith admits to herself that she is more comfortable around animals than people. Do you know anyone like this? What do you think is the best way to relate to someone who is inherently shy or introverted?
Peter finds comfort in the book of Job. Have you read it lately? Read chapter thirty-eight. How does this scripture make you feel? How does it speak to the omnipotence of God?
When David is looking up at the stars, he feels like he is in the palm of God’s hand. Does nature bring you closer to God, and if so, how?
David reminds Faith that she is perfectly made by God. Sometimes it’s hard to wrap our minds around that. What Bible verses can you think of that tell us God has designed us perfectly and wants the very best for us?
Glossary
ab im kopp: off in the head; crazy
ach: oh
aenti: aunt
appeditlich: delicious
bedauerlich: sad
boppli: baby/babies
brot: bread
bruder: brother
bruders: brothers
bruderskinner: nieces/nephews
bu: boy
buwe: boys
daadi/daddi: grandfather
daddi’s haus: grandparents’ house
daed: father
danki: thank you
dat: dad
dochder: daughter
dochdern: daughters
dummkopf: stupid
dummle: hurry
Englisch/Englischer: English or non-Amish
fra/fraa: wife
freind: friend
freinden: friends
froh: happy
gegisch: silly
geh: go
gern gschehne: you’re welcome
Gmay: church district
Gott/Gotte: God
Gotte’s wille: God’s will
grandkinner: grandchildren
groossdaadi/grossvatter: grandpa
grossmutter: grandmother
guder daag: good-bye
gude mariye: good morning
gut: good
gut nacht: good night
haus: house
Ich liebe dich: I love you
in lieb: in love
jah: yes
kaffee/kaffi: coffee
kapp: prayer covering or cap
kichli: cookie
kichlin: cookies
kinner: children
krank: ill
kuche: cake
kuchen: cakes
kumm: come
liewe: love, a term of endearment
maed: young women, girls
maedel: young woman
mamm: mom
mammi: grandmother
mann: husband
mei: my
mudder: mother
naerfich: nervous
narrisch: crazy
nee/nein: no
nix: nothing
onkel: uncle
Ordnung: unwritten rules for Amish living
rumspringa: running-around period when a teenager turns sixteen years old
schee: pretty
schmaert: smart
schtupp: family room
schweschder/schwester: sister
schweschdere/schwesters: sisters
seltsam: weird
sohn/suh: son
was iss letz: what’s wrong
Wie geht’s: How do you do? or Good day!
wunderbaar/wunderbarr: wonderful
ya: yes
yer: your
yerselves: yourselves
yung: young
youngie: teen to young adult
*The German dialect spoken by the Amish is not a written language and varies depending on the location and origin of the settlement. These spellings are approximations. Most Amish children learn English after they start school. They also learn high German, which is used in their Sunday services.
About the Authors
Amy Clipston
Photo by Dan Davis Photography
Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats.
Visit her online at AmyClipston.com
Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks
Twitter: @AmyClipston
Instagram: @amy_clipston
Kelly Irvin
Photo by Tim Irvin
Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. Her novel Upon a Spring Breeze was the Reader’s Choice Award for long romances. The Beekeeper’s Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors.
Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com
Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author
Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin
Instagram: kelly_irvin
Kathleen Fuller
With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield.
Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com
Facebook: WriterKathleenFuller
Twitter: @TheKatJam
Instagram: kf_booksandhooks
Vannetta Chapman
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of thirty-two novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol Award winner and has also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She was a teacher for fifteen years and currently resides in the Texas hill country.
Visit her online at VannettaChapman.com
Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks
Twitter: @VannettaChapman
Also by the Authors
Amy Clipston
The Amish Marketplace Series
The Bake Shop
The Farm Stand (available May 2020)
The Amish Homestead Series
A Place at Our Table
Room on the Porch Swing
A Seat by the Hearth
A Welcome at Our Door
The Amish Heirloom Series
The Forgotten Recipe
The Courtship Basket
The Cherished Quilt
The Beloved Hope Chest
The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Series
A Hopeful Heart
A Mother’s Secret
A Dream of Home
A Simple Prayer
The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series
A Gift of Grace
A Promise of Hope
A Place of Peace
A Life of Joy
A Season of Love
A Kauffman Amish Bakery YA Story
Reckless Heart
Story Collections
Amish Sweethearts
Seasons of an Amish Garden
Stories
A Plain and Simple Christmas
Naomi’s Gift included in An Amish Christmas Gift
A Spoonful of Love included in An Amish Kitchen
Love Birds included in An Amish Market
Love and Buggy Rides included in An Amish Harvest
Summer Storms included in An Amish Summer
The Christmas Cat included in An Amish Christmas Love
Home Sweet Home included in An Amish Winter
A Son for Always included in An Amish Spring
A Legacy of Love included in An Amish Heirloom
No Place Like Home included in An Amish Homecoming
Their True Home included in An Amish Reunion
Cookies and Cheer included in An Amish Christmas Bakery
The Gift of Love
Roadside Assistance YA Series
Roadside Assistance
Destination Unknown
Miles from Nowhere
Kelly Irvin
Amish of Big Sky Country Novels
Mountains of Grace
A Long Bridge Home
Peace in the Valley (available August 2020)
Every Amish Season Novels
Upon a Spring Breeze
Beneath the Summer Sun
Through the Autumn Air
With Winter’s First Frost
The Amish of Bee County Novels
The Beekeeper’s Son
The Bishop’s Son
The Saddle Maker’s Son
Stories
A Christmas Visitor included in An Amish Christmas Gift
Sweeter than Honey included in An Amish Market
One Sweet Kiss included in An Amish Summer
Snow Angels included in An Amish Christmas Love
The Midwife’s Dream included in An Amish Heirloom
Mended Hearts included in An Amish Reunion
Cakes and Kisses included in An Amish Christmas Bakery
Romantic Suspense
Tell Her No Lies
Over the Line
Closer Than She Knows (available June 2020)
Kathleen Fuller
The Amish Brides of Birch Cre
ek Novels
The Teacher’s Bride
The Farmer’s Bride
The Innkeeper’s Bride
The Amish Letters Novels
Written in Love
The Promise of a Letter
Words from the Heart
The Amish of Birch Creek Novels
A Reluctant Bride
An Unbroken Heart
A Love Made New
The Middlefield Amish Novels
A Faith of Her Own
The Middlefield Family Novels
Treasuring Emma
Faithful to Laura
Letters to Katie
The Hearts of Middlefield Novels
A Man of His Word
An Honest Love
A Hand to Hold
Story Collection
An Amish Family
Amish Generations (available June 2020)
Stories
A Miracle for Miriam included in An Amish Christmas
A Place of His Own included in An Amish Gathering
What the Heart Sees included in An Amish Love
A Perfect Match included in An Amish Wedding
Flowers for Rachael included in An Amish Garden
A Gift for Anne Marie included in An Amish Second Christmas
A Heart Full of Love included in An Amish Cradle
A Bid for Love included in An Amish Market
A Quiet Love included in An Amish Harvest
Building Faith included in An Amish Home