Free A Season of Love by Amy Clipston Page A

bishop, his wife, the deacon, and his wife stood before Lindsay. The deacon’s wife removed Lindsay’s prayer covering. Lindsay’s body shook anew as the deacon poured water into the bishop’s cupped hands before it dripped onto Lindsay’s head. The water was cool and refreshing. She truly felt reborn!
    Bishop Chupp then extended his hand to Lindsay and she rose. She closed her eyes while he recited a prayer. “May the Lord God complete the good work which He has begun in you and strengthen and comfort you to a blessed end through Jesus Christ,” he said. “Amen.”
    The bishop’s wife kissed Lindsay as a symbol of the “holy kiss” before Lindsay was given her prayer covering, which she placed back on her head.
    Lindsay closed her eyes and prayed while the baptism was completed for the rest of the candidates. She prayed for Rebecca,Jessica, the rest of her family, and her friends who were also baptized today. When the process was complete, the bishop reminded the congregation to be obedient.
    Once the service was over, Lindsay greeted her friends and family members and accepted their handshakes and words of encouragement. She was now a member of the church. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought of her mother, and she wondered if her mother had felt this same elation when she’d been baptized so many years ago.
    “Congratulations,” Matthew said as he approached. He held out his hand, and she shook it.
    “Danki , ” Lindsay said. “It’s really overwhelming. Just like you told me, I feel like I’ve been reborn.”
    He hooked his thumbs around his suspenders. “I remember that feeling. It’s like a brand-new beginning, a new chapter in your life.”
    “Ya , ” Lindsay said. “That’s exactly right.”
    Katie walked up and pulled Lindsay into a hug. “This is the best day of my life. I’m so froh we could be baptized together. It was perfect!”
    “I agree.” Lindsay smiled at her friend. “I can’t wait to tell Rebecca all about it.”
    Lizzie Anne joined them and pulled them both into a group hug. “We did it.”
    Daniel stepped over to Lindsay and touched her arm. “I’m so froh for you, Lindsay. Welcome to the church.”
    “Danki.” Lindsay gave him a quick hug. “I’m so glad you could be here.”
    “I am too,” he said. “You know Rebecca wishes she could be here. I’m thankful mei mamm ’s neighbor was able to help out with the kinner so I could attend and represent Rebecca and myself and our support of your new life in the church.”
    “I know,” Lindsay said. “I’m glad you could share this special day with me.”
    Daniel greeted Lizzie Anne and Katie before moving on to talk to another relative.
    “We’d better help serve the meal,” Lindsay said before turning to Matthew. “We need to help the rest of the women set up lunch.”
    “I know,” Matthew said. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”
    “Okay,” Lindsay said before turning to walk with her friends to the kitchen. She nodded greetings to relatives and friends as she passed.
    Lizzie Anne leaned in close. “Now you and Matthew can really date!”
    Lindsay’s stomach fluttered at the thought. “I’m not in any rush.”
    Lizzie Anne stopped Lindsay by grabbing her arm. “You don’t have to rush, Lindsay. Just take your time. Samuel and I are getting to know each other slowly, and it’s been a lot of fun.” She grinned. “I’m sure you and Matthew will have a lot of fun too. Just be yourself and see where your heart leads you.”
    Lindsay couldn’t stop her smile. “You sound like you’ve fallen in love with Samuel Kauffman. As mei schweschder would say, you’ve got it bad.”
    Lizzie Anne laughed. “I guess I do.”
    With a grin, Katie shook her head. “You two are gegisch. We need to serve lunch so we can eat. I’m starving.”
    Lindsay looped her arms around Lizzie Anne’s and Katie’s shoulders. “This has been one of the best days of my life. Let’s go get some lunch.”
    Later that