Mena gasps and whips her head at Aiylin. “Don’t look at me! I didn’t say anything.”
Ida laughs. “You girls have so much to learn. We are all taking a trip to Harrisonburg to watch you and Patrick marry. Then, your Father and I will go on our trip.”
Mena sobs and jumps up to hug her mother. “This is what I prayed for Mama! That you’d all be with me on my special day.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. It’s arranged. Patrick helped organize everything. His mother thinks you are going shopping with us in Harrisonburg before you go to Nazareth.”
“Thank you!” Mena wipes her tears and smiles at her sister.
“Does that mean I don’t have to go to his …” Aiylin starts to say.
“No!” Mena and her Mother shout at the same time. “You’re still going to follow the plan. We will be together for the wedding and then go our separate ways,” Mena says with a small smile.
“Fine.” Aiylin huffs. “I think I will stay in Nazareth for the weekend. Maybe do some Christmas shopping. I’m sure they have a nice hotel. I could use a break, and Langdon will probably be on the warpath after tonight.”
“Why don’t you just send this Aunt a telegram?” She asks Mena.
“Patrick loves his Aunt Elizabeth and doesn’t want to insult her by not showing up. It’s just a quick day trip, plus she planned a small get together and to cancel at this late hour would be rude.”
“You forgot to mention a party, Mena!”
“I know, but I’ve had so much on my mind. Aiylin, just mingle and have some fun. It wouldn’t kill you to get out a little and who knows, you may just meet someone special.” She teases and spins away calling out, “You will have to stay an extra day, but that works out well if you want to shop. Then be back on the next train.”
“I’m not sure how going to a party with a bunch of people I don’t know will be fun.”
“You promised, Aiylin.” Mena looks at her with wide eyes, “ Please, I can’t worry about his mother trying to stop our wedding again. The last time she offered to pay him not to marry me!”
“What is wrong with that woman?” Aiylin snaps.
“Now, girls, we are going to pray for her to find some happiness that isn’t attacking Mena. You will become part of her family once you marry Patrick. Just as he will become part of ours. There has to be a reason for her to act out this way. For now, we will let God handle it.”
“I’m actually looking forward to getting away. I’ve never been to Nazareth. It will be a welcome relief,” Aiylin murmurs, and misses the look that passes between her mother and sister.
Chapter 4
Patrick picks up Aiylin and drives her to the train station the next morning. Mena and her parents are doing some last-minute shopping and meeting them at the station. “Tell me what happened last night with Langdon,” she insists.
“We had a chat with him about how to treat a lady. Nothing for you to worry about, Aiylin. If he bothers you again, I want you to let us know. He was very confrontational. I can see why you don’t trust him.”
“And?” she asks. “What did my Father do?”
Patrick glances at her grinning, and Aiylin realizes at that moment what Mena sees in him. His jovial nature is a front for the dedication and steel that runs beneath. “He made sure Langdon understands that he has no right to touch his daughter or treat a lady the way he did you.”
“Oh,” she glances away and sighs. “Tell me, why you’re willing to stand up to a man like Langdon, but not your mother.”
Patrick jerks and looks at her in surprise. “Mena said you were outspoken.” He runs a hand over his eyes. “My mother has never gotten over the loss of my Father and brother in the war. Her heart was broken, Aiylin, and she clings to me afraid that she’ll lose me too. The only way to convince her that I will never abandon her is to prove it.”
“You’re going to prove to her that you’re a dedicated son by marrying behind her back and stripping her of the right to attend?”
“Don’t you think I’ve thought of that?” he grumbles.
“Forgive me, Patrick. It’s just Mena I’m worried about. She’s caught in the middle of loving you and afraid of the next blow to strike.”
“I know. I wish I could spare both of them. Thank you for helping us. Aunt Elizabeth is amazing. I’m hoping that she will speak to my mother and convince her to back off, once she reads my letter.”
Patrick hands her a sealed letter and Aiylin is surprised. “I will make sure she reads it. Now, let’s focus on your wedding. Today you marry Mena!” Aiylin laughs and squeezes his arm in excitement. “I’m so happy that you found each other. I didn’t think she’d survive losing her husband, but she’s much stronger than we give her credit for. She’s a treasure, Patrick.”
“I know it,” his smile fills her with contentment. “I’m honored that she’s trusted me with her heart. We belong together, and with time, my mother will come around.”
“I will pray that you are right, until then let's enjoy this day.”
Aiylin lets him help her from the wagon and walk to the train. They board and find to their surprise her parents have reserved a private cabin big enough for all of them to travel together. Mena unpins her hat, nervously fluttering about the cabin until she sees Patrick. Her smile explodes, and she rushes to him.
Aiylin watches them with a smile. Some part of her feels guilty for the subterfuge, but Mena deserves
