A Blessing for Miriam Read Online Free PDF Page A

participate in public expressions of worship, for which Miriam was grateful. She didn’t know how the men could speak of the Lord’s ways in front of other people. She had a hard enough time talking to God when she was alone. Thankfully, she could look forward to life under Wayne’s direction. He would lead out as a godly man should and supply what she lacked. Hadn’t Wayne already given her direction on how the two million dollars should be handled? She could trust him with her whole heart.
    Wayne gave her a warm smile as if sensing her thoughts.
    Miriam returned the smile. She looked toward Aunt Fannie as she passed around the food.
    “So what’s the latest news on the happy couple?” Uncle William’s voice filled the kitchen as he dipped out some potato salad.
    Miriam drew in a quick breath but said nothing. This was Wayne’s place to comment.
    “Plans, I guess.” Wayne chuckled. “ Gut ones. Miriam is agreeable to an October wedding—if it works out with her folks. But, of course, this is to be kept under wraps until we know for sure.”
    “Of course.” Uncle William didn’t hesitate. “I won’t tell a soul. Not even the bishop will hear a whisper from me!”
    Everyone laughed.
    Miriam’s hand trembled as she dipped mashed potatoes onto her plate. She didn’t know Bishop Wengerd from the Oklahoma community that well. She only saw him at the Sunday services. The bishop was a young man with a wife and two young children. But he wouldn’t be the one Wayne and she would need to visit to request a wedding announcement. Wayne would have to make the trip out to Possum Valley because that’s where Miriam’s family lived. Wayne and Miriam would visit Bishop Wagler together. Because Bishop Wagler didn’t know Wayne, the young man would likely bring along a letter of recommendation from Bishop Wengerd. That would expedite things and take care of any character questions—if Bishop Wagler had any.
    Aunt Fannie whispered to Wayne, “I’m so thankful you’re taking such good care of Miriam.”
    “I’m more than glad to,” Wayne whispered back with a smile.
    Miriam allowed the joy of their conversation to fill her heart. Moments later her daett ’s face drifted through her thoughts. A chill ran up her back. Daett would have to be told soon about the money she’d inherited. He wouldn’t be happy, that was for sure. She wasn’t sure which he’d be unhappiest about—that she had money or that she’d kept it a secret. Uncle William had advised her to write to her parents, but she hadn’t yet. Maybe Wayne could give her further advice. Or maybe they could tell her parents when Wayne visited Possum Valley? Although not quite as courageous, that seemed like the easiest way to handle it.
    “How is this marriage stuff going to work out?” Uncle Williamasked. “Miriam’s teaching school, which doesn’t let out until the first of May. And she’s from Possum Valley.”
    “William!” Aunt Fannie scolded. “Miriam lives here now.”
    Uncle William gave his frau a fake glare. “You know what I mean. Tradition says Miriam has to marry in Possum Valley.”
    Wayne didn’t miss a beat. “We’ve talked about that, and the details have to be worked out, of course—with the Lord’s help. And if the October time doesn’t work with Miriam’s parents, then we can wait until it will work.”
    “That’s well spoken.” Uncle William nodded his approval. “I like that attitude.”
    And so did she, Miriam decided. Should she say so? Miriam gathered her courage but her voice still squeaked when she said, “I like that in a man—in my man.”
    Uncle William hooted with laughter. “Now that’s doubly well spoken. I would say you’re getting what you’re looking for in a frau, Wayne.”
    Now Wayne turned bright red.
    Miriam was glad Uncle William said what he did. Already she felt like Wayne’s frau .
    “Stop teasing them,” Aunt Fannie said. “They’re a sweet couple.”
    Uncle William looked ready to