Amish Tulip Page 8

  “Are you cold?” he asked.

  “Not too cold.”

  When they arrived at the restaurant, he moved forward and held the door open for her so she could walk through first. She thanked him as she walked through the doorway. Once they were inside, they were greeted by a waiter who showed them to their table in the corner of the dimly lit room. William moved quickly to pull the chair out for her. He was being completely chivalrous and doing all the right things.

  Two pink roses sat in the center of the table and in front of them a white candle flickered.

  When he sat down opposite, Tulip said, “This is so nice and lovely.”

  He gave her a big smile. “You haven’t even tried the food yet.”

  “I know I’ll like it. I like the feel of the place.”

  “Gut. I’m glad you like it.”

  Soft music played in the background, creating a romantic mood.

  “Do you think will be able to see our food? It’s kind of dark in here.”

  “Will we be able to read the menus?” Tulip asked.

  Wilhem looked over at the approaching waiter holding two menus. “It looks like we’ll soon find out.”

  Tulip ordered salad and lasagna, figuring it would be easier to eat than spaghetti, which she’d probably have trouble getting onto a fork. Wilhem ordered the seafood pasta. For drinks they both opted for soda.

  “Tell me more about yourself,” Tulip said.

  “You probably already know more about me than most people do. Even my own parents.”

  Tulip giggled. “I don’t think that would be true.”

  “Well, what would you like to know specifically?”

  “What are your hopes for the future?”

  “I’d like to get married and have a large familye. Isn’t that what everyone wants?”

  “I guess so.”

  “What about you?”

  “I want to get married and have a family as well. I would like to have an interesting life. Maybe I’d like to travel and see places.”

  “What kind of places?”

  “I don’t know. I just want to do something a little bit different.”

  He slowly nodded. “You don’t want to be the same as everybody else?”

  Tulip giggled. “You’re probably right.”

  The waiter brought their drinks and warm bread, and told them their food wouldn’t be long. Tulip was so hungry she felt like eating all the bread, but then she knew she wouldn’t have room for the main meal.

  She wondered if it might be best to come right out and say something to Wilhem about the softball game and Nathanial, but as she’d discussed with Rose, it would sound too strange. She didn’t want Wilhem to think she was a strange girl.

  Wilhem picked up the bread and offered it to her. “Would you like some?”

  “Just a little bit.” She broke off a small piece.

  “Butter?”

  She shook her head and then watched as he took a large slice of bread and scraped a great deal of butter on it.

  “I see you like a little bit of bread with your butter.”

  He laughed. “I’ve always loved butter. Everything is always better with butter.”

  Tulip giggled. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

  “It’s true.”

  There was a moment of silence while they both ate the bread

  “I’ve noticed that Jonathan and Chelsea are getting along well.”

  “Jah, they are.”

  “Jonathan tells me that you helped him. You put in a good word for him.”

  “I don’t know if that did any good.”

  “I think it did and so does Jonathan, so denke.”

  “You are most welcome, if I did anything to help. I’ve always liked Jonathan. Chelsea tells me he’s got something happening with his health?”

  Wilhem nodded. “He likes to keep that quiet because he doesn’t want to be seen or treated as the sick person.”

  “I can understand that. I haven’t told anyone and I won’t tell anyone.”

  “Good.” He finished eating his bread and butter.

  They were getting along so well, but every now and again she was reminded that it could all end quickly if Wilhem found out she’d lied to him about being at the softball game. Rose had told her not to worry, but it was hard not to.

  Their main meals arrived, taking her mind off her concerns.

  “Yours looks nice,” he said.

  “So does yours,” she said, studying his seafood. It had been a while since she’d enjoyed seafood. That’s what she should’ve ordered.

  “Do you want to swap?”

  She giggled. “How about we go halves?”

  “Half each?”

  “Jah.”

  “Good idea.”

  She cut her lasagna down the middle and moved one half of it onto his plate. Then he gave her half his seafood pasta.

  “The best of both worlds,” he said.

  “That’s a bit dramatic. It’s just food.”

  “I love food.”

  “Ah, now I am learning more about you. I’ve learned that you love butter and you also love food.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Italian food in particular?”

  “All kinds of food and I hope you’re a good cook.”

  “Of course I am. I love cooking.”

  “That fits well because I love eating.”

  It was a silly conversation, but just being with him, talking about nothing in particular, made Tulip happier then she’d been in a long time. Her stress of earlier in the evening faded away.

  When they finished their meals, Wilhem asked, “Dessert?”

  Tulip patted her stomach. “I couldn’t possibly, but you have some if you want. They might be able to bring you some more butter with a spoon.”

  He laughed at her. “I’ll give dessert a miss if you aren’t going to have any with me.”

  “Are you trying to make me feel guilty?”

  He leaned over, close to her. “Is it working?

  “Nee, it’s not. There’s nothing you could say that would make me be able to fit anything else in.”

  He chuckled. “Okay, but I’m not ready to go home yet. I’ll keep you for a little longer, if that’s all right with you.”

  “It is.”

  They talked easily for another hour and Tulip was pleased at how well they were getting along.

  When they both noticed other people in the restaurant leaving, Wilhem said, “I should be getting you home, or your parents will be worried.”

  “Okay. Denke for a lovely dinner.”

  “Does that mean you’ll go out with me again?”

  “I will.”

  “That makes me happy.”

  As they walked to the buggy, Tulip again became worried about Nathanial. She felt that she might be sitting on a volcano that was about to erupt and she didn’t want to lose Wilhem. She liked him even more after tonight.

  Tulip shrugged off her fears and enjoyed the romantic walk beside the attractive man as they walked up the street in the chilly night air.

  “I had the best night I’ve ever had,” he said, glancing down at her.

  “I’ve really enjoyed it too.” It would’ve been the best night she’d had if she hadn’t been so worried about what the future might hold.

  When he stopped the buggy in front of her home, Tulip waited, hoping he’d make definite plans to see her again.

  “I don’t want the night to end. I’d like it if we could turn time back and start from the beginning and do tonight all over again.”

  Tulip laughed. He was a little silly and so carefree. She loved his easy manner.

  “Would you care to come on a buggy ride with me on Friday night?” he asked.

  “Jah, I’d like that.”

  “Shall I collect you at eight?”

  She stared at him in the semi-darkness. The only light was coming from inside the house. “That sounds gut.”

  “Perfe
ct.”

  Tulip climbed down from the buggy and before she got to the front door of her house, Wilhem had turned the buggy to face the road. Now the buggy was still. She turned when she got to the door and waved to him. When she saw that he waved back, she opened the door and stepped through. No one would be able to ruin how she felt, not the twins, not anyone. She felt so happy inside that she felt she might burst. She’d found her perfect man just like Rose had found hers.

  She hung her shawl on the peg by the door and had expected to be faced with the twins asking her how her night had gone. Rather than the twins running up to her, it was her mother.

  “I’m so glad you’re home.” Tulip’s mother took her by the hand and dragged her into the kitchen. “I’ve been so worried and you weren’t here for me to talk with. I’m so glad you’re home.”

  “What is it?”

  “The twins.”

  “I guessed it was something about one of them. What have they done now?” It would be just like the twins to ruin her slim chance of happiness.

  “Nothing lately. It’s just that I’m worried about Nathanial coming here. They knew I wouldn’t want him here and that’s why they didn’t ask me first. You heard, didn’t you, about Jacob?”

  “Jah, but that’s Jacob and not Nathanial.”

  “They’re part of the same seed.”

  Tulip pulled her mouth to one side. “I don’t think that’s fair, Mamm.”

  “I’ve seen it before. Children of the same familye generally do the same things because they’ve got the same morals.”

  “I don’t think that’s what happened. Jacob, and the girl he ended up marrying, made a mistake, but they made it right. Shouldn’t people’s sins be forgotten? Gott forgets them. Besides, don’t forget that Nathanial and Jacob are cousins of Mark and Matthew, and there’s nothing wrong with them. You allowed Mark to marry Rose.”

  “Generally you’d be right, but we’re talking about the twins. I don’t want to see them get into any trouble. I worry about them. They’re too flighty and headstrong for their own good and they’re immature—far too immature for their age.”

  “They’ll be all right. They just need some time to grow up.”

  “But they’re already keeping company with people like Nathanial Schumacher.”

  “You should be glad they asked the boys here to dinner; they aren’t sneaking off somewhere with them.”

  Mrs. Yoder’s face suddenly brightened. “You’re right. I didn’t see it like that. I feel much better now. Maybe I’ve been wrong about Nathanial. Your vadder said he seemed nice.”

  “You should know more about him by the end of dinner on Wednesday.”

  “You’re right. Denke, Tulip.” Her mother stood up and kissed her on her forehead. “I feel so much better. Gut nacht.” Mrs. Yoder hurried out of the room.

  Tulip sat there alone at the kitchen table, thinking about what she’d just heard. She was more certain than ever that Nathanial had forced the invitation for dinner.

  Her mother had been so worried about the twins and Nathanial that she hadn’t even asked how Tulip’s time with Wilhem had gone.

  When she had time to sit there and think things through, she realized she’d just made a big mistake. She had the opportunity to change her mother’s mind about having Nathanial there. He could’ve possibly been uninvited and that would’ve been a good thing. Why did she defend him when he could very well ruin everything for her?

  Chapter 19

  On Wednesday night, Tulip decided she should have a quiet word with Nathanial before he came inside the house. That way she could possibly diffuse a bad situation before it happened. She watched the driveway from the living room so she could be first outside to speak with him. The twins were in the kitchen helping their mother with dinner when a buggy pulled up. Tulip raced outside and met Nathanial as he jumped out of the buggy. She looked around for Matthew.

  “Hello, Nathanial. Where’s Matthew?”

  “He was working late, or doing something for his vadder. He’ll be along soon. He told me to go ahead and get here first.”

  “I see. I wanted to talk with you about something so it worked out well that Matthew didn’t come with you.”

  He drew his eyebrows together. “Wilhem? Is that why you didn’t want me to take you home on Sunday?”

  Tulip froze. “What do you know about Wilhem?”

  “I know enough.”

  Tulip hated confrontation and didn’t know what to say. “I was put in an awkward situation.”

  “And what was that?” He folded his arms across his chest. She shook her head and opened her mouth to speak and he butted in, “You’ve been two-timing me?”

  Tulip frowned. That’s what she’d been afraid of all along. She wasn’t a two-timer but now people would think that she was. “I’m not. It just happened like that. I wasn’t seeing you both at the same time. It was nothing like that.”

  “You led me to believe that you would be seeing me in the future at some point.” He walked up close to her and, he being taller, she only came up to his chin. “Are you telling me that you’ve chosen Wilhem over me?”

  “I haven’t, I … er …”

  “Haven’t you heard about him?”

  Tulip looked into his face and wondered why she’d ever found him handsome. Right now, his personality overshadowed his looks and he was anything but attractive. “What do you mean?”

  “That’s why Wilhem had to move here.”

  “Why?”

  “Nee! I’m not going to be a talebearer. You can find that out for yourself.”

  Nathanial took a large stride to walk into her house, but she stepped in front of him to block his way.

  “What is there to find out? He said he likes it better here and he’s found work,” Tulip said.

  He shook his head at her. “You people gave my bruder such a hard time when he was here.”

  “Who did?”

  “Never mind.” He took a giant sideways step and walked past her into her house.

  Now she’d have to sit through an awkward dinner with a man who’d been so horrible to her. And what if he’d said something to Wilhem about her? Tulip wasn’t certain whether he knew something dreadful about Wilhem or whether he was just trying his best to make him seem like a bad choice. Besides, how would Nathanial know anything about him since they didn’t even belong to the same community?

  Now Tulip felt sick to her stomach. She shouldn’t have rushed out to meet him. She didn’t want to join them for dinner, but she had no choice.

  * * *

  Throughout the dinner, every time Tulip glanced up from her plate, she could see Nathanial scowling at her. It was plain to see that she’d hurt his feelings. As for Matthew, he seemed unaware of the tension between Nathanial and herself.

  She wondered if Matthew was interested in one of the twins. She noticed his eyes kept glancing in Daisy’s direction while Daisy had her eyes fixed on Nathanial. It would be her mother’s worst nightmare-come-true if Daisy liked Nathanial. To be on the safe side, Tulip kept out of the dinner conversation as best she could, only speaking when she was spoken to.

  When everyone finished dinner, it was time for coffee in the living room. Wanting to be on her own, Tulip volunteered to make the coffee, even telling her mother to go out and join their guests.

  Just when she was in the middle of pouring the coffee into the cups, Nathanial came into the kitchen. She glanced at him and said nothing.

  “Were you stringing me along in case things didn’t work out with someone else?” he asked her.

  “It was nothing like that.” She shook her head. “Nothing like that at all. Let me explain.”

  “Why would I listen to a liar like you?”

  Tulip gasped. No one had ever spoken so rudely to her, not even her twin sisters. “If you think I’m a liar, why are you here having dinner at my haus? It’s not nice to call me a liar in my own home.”

  “Would it be better to call you a liar outside
the haus? Do you want to talk about this outside right now?”

  “Shh! Someone will hear you.”

  “I don’t mind if they do; then you can explain to them what you’ve done.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Why are you here?” She had to find out if he liked one of the twins, or whether he was just using them to get to her.

  “Lily and Daisy asked Matthew and me to dinner. It would’ve been rude to say no, wouldn’t it?”

  “You could’ve easily refused.”

  He laughed in a cruel manner.

  “Everything all right in here?”

  They both turned to see Mrs. Yoder standing by the door with her hands on her hips.

  “I just came here to help Tulip carry the coffee out,” he said.

  Tulip said nothing and walked past him with coffee cups on a tray.

  “Stop, Tulip. Let me do that.” He walked forward and grabbed the tray from her so forcefully she had no choice but to let go.

  Once Nathanial was clear of the kitchen, her mother asked, “What’s really going on here, Tulip?”

  “Nothing, nothing at all.”

  “I don’t believe that. There is something going on between the two of you. Tell me—what is it?”

  “I’ll tell you when everyone goes home.”

  Her mother tilted her head. “So, there is something?”

  “It’s nothing much, really,” Tulip said as she moved past her mother.

  The boys only stayed for one cup of coffee. It was Matthew who suggested they go. Maybe he had sensed that something wasn’t quite right.

  When they left, the twins raced up to their rooms. Their father went to bed, while Tulip and her mother headed into the kitchen to wash the dinner dishes.

  Tulip turned on the hot water tap and shook the soap in the holder to create the soapy washing up water.

  “Do I have to drag it out of you?” Her mother placed a pile of dishes on the edge of the sink.

  Tulip turned off the tap. “I wasn’t going to tell you. I went out with Nathanial once, a while ago, for a cup of coffee. It was no big deal.”

  Her mother’s jaw dropped open in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me?”