“Last night, Sam and I talked it over in depth,” Jesse said. “I realized that, if I didn’t tell you how we felt, you wouldn’t know and might leave us forever. Until you came into our lives, I didn’t realize how much Gott loves and cares for me and Sam. You’ve helped me realize that, no matter how difficult life’s trials might be, the Lord is always there for us. I know that because He brought us you.”
Jesse reached inside his hat and withdrew a white envelope, which he handed to her. It had her name scrawled across the front and she recognized the bishop’s handwriting. Becca took it with trembling fingers but didn’t open it.
“In case you’re wondering, it’s a very glowing letter of recommendation from the school board. Last night, after you left the school, I explained to the bishop and other board members how much you’ve done for Sam and me. Bishop Yoder has heard reports from other parents as well and was in agreement that you are one of the most loving, caring teachers he has ever met. You always go the extra mile. Nothing is too difficult for you. Not when it comes to your scholars.”
She blinked. “You did that for me? The board really wrote me a gut letter?”
He dipped his head in acknowledgement. “Ja, but I’m hoping you won’t use it. I’m hoping you’ll be willing to make another career change to be a wife and mudder instead. I know how much you love teaching and I want your happiness more than anything else. But I’d rather you remain here in Colorado with Sam and me. I want you to be my wife and Sam’s new mudder.”
“Ja, Becca. Please stay with us,” Sam said, his voice loud and clear, as if it was gaining strength with every word he spoke.
“Oh, Jesse! Sam!” Tears of joy coursed freely down her cheeks. And just like that, the pain of Vernon’s betrayal melted away into nothingness. Her heart was full of happiness, not pain. She knew deep inside that she could trust Jesse. That he truly loved and wanted her.
“I love you both so much,” she said. “I never dared hope you could love me too. I thought... I thought I was unlovable and I didn’t want to leave you but I didn’t know what else to do.”
Jesse stepped close and enfolded her in his arms. She clung to him, resting the palms of her hands against his solid chest. She fed off his strength, letting it fill her with such joy she could hardly hold it all. She didn’t shy away when he kissed her deeply. In the background, she heard Sam’s happy laughter.
Finally Jesse lifted his head and looked deep into her eyes. “You really love me too? Because I don’t want to be hurt again either.”
She heard the uncertainty in his voice and knew he’d feared her answer too. After all, it couldn’t be easy to propose marriage when you don’t know how the bride might feel about you.
As she gazed lovingly into his eyes, she reached up and cupped the side of his bearded face with her hand. “Ja, I love you, Jesse. So very much. You and Sam. I can hardly believe it’s possible that he’s overcome his silence almost overnight.”
She glanced at the boy and saw his smiling face, his gleaming eyes. He looked so happy standing there, watching his father embrace her. He seemed so confident now. The complete opposite of the scared little boy she’d met all those months earlier when she’d first come here to teach school.
“Anything is possible with the Lord’s help. You have healed our broken hearts. We have been so blessed,” Jesse said.
“You are right. When we put our trust in Gott, anything is possible,” Becca said, believing what she said. The Lord had truly worked wonders in their lives.
Jesse reached down and picked up Sam. Together, they shared a three-way hug, overjoyed by the day. They had each learned to put their faith in Gott’s redeeming love and in each other. Becca felt an overwhelming trust in Jesse. She knew he truly loved her. That he was counting on her to love him in return. And together, she knew they would have a bright and happy future.
“You’ll marry us, won’t you, Becca?” Sam asked, resting his little hand on her shoulder. From the safety of his father’s arms, he gazed down at her with expectation.
She wrapped her own arms around them both, squeezing tightly, determined to never let go. “Of course, I’ll marry you. Just try and stop me.”
“That’s gut, because I’ve already spoken to the bishop about it and asked permission from your cousin Jakob and Dawdi Zeke too,” Jesse said.
Her mouth dropped open in shock. “You have? When did you do all that?”
“I spoke to the bishop last night but I went over to your place early this morning, after you had left the house.”
“Really? You’re very sneaky. I had no idea.”
He nodded. “I asked them all to keep it secret until I could speak with you,” he said.
Becca laughed, filled with more happiness than she ever thought possible. “I’m so glad you did. Now we have something wonderful to look forward to.”
“Ja, we do. Years and years of happiness.”
She couldn’t agree more. This was her heart’s desire. To remain here in Colorado with Jesse, as his wife. To become Sam’s mother and hopefully have more children as time went on. And as they walked out of the schoolhouse and locked the front door, Becca realized she wanted nothing more.
Keep reading for an excerpt from A Secret Amish Crush by Marta Perry.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM
Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Fall in love with stories where faith helps guide you through life’s challenges, and discover the promise of a new beginning.
6 NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH!
A Secret Amish Crush
by Marta Perry
Chapter One
Lydia
