Desperate Arrangement: Bouncing Back, Book IV

25

Lukas and Johanna curiously took in the scenery of the shopping center in the next town over. It was the first time for them both, but, as she clutched his arm while trying to calm her racing heart, she anxiously glanced around as if expecting someone to jump out of the shadows to hurt her. Nearby, a group of elderly women chatted animatedly by the intricately designed fountain which stood as the centerpiece of the buildings traditional-modern style, their laughter mingling with the sound of splashing water. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, tempting passersby with the promise of warm, crusty loaves.

Moving to a building that supported several, more modern stores, Lukas traversed through the shopping center with the three women, barely paying attention to the animated conversation. He readily and quickly excused himself when he spotted a small tech store. Handing Johanna his card, he scowled when she shook her head.

“Anna, you need to pay for the dress somehow, right? You only need to hold the card up to the payment terminal when you’re ready.” He explained.

Shaking her head, she backed away from him. “No, I… I refuse! You’ve done more than enough for me already, Lukas. I couldn’t possibly!”

“Fine,” he snapped softly. He respected that she had raised her voice and concerns, effectively showing him her boundaries. He wanted to be angry, but he was actually fighting a grin at her insistence not to use his funds on herself. She had finally ticked off the last box, the one he was saving for this moment specifically. “Oma, when she’s picked out a dress, contact me. I’ll be that the store next door.”

As Lukas walked away, Johanna felt her mind race. She glanced at Marie, who stood beside her with a reassuring smile. “Did I do something wrong?”

"Oh no, dear. Lukas only wants to help now that he’s found a good woman to marry. It's alright to accept financial help sometimes, especially from the man who will be your husband soon enough." Marie said gently, her voice full of warmth.

Helga nodded in agreement. "He's a good man, Johanna. It’s okay to trust him and spend his money. You’re frugal, yes, and his secret stipulation about a good woman was something I didn’t know until yesterday."

“Helga!” Her mother snapped warningly. “What my daughter means, Anna, is that he doesn’t like gold-diggers. Women who’s only interest is in how much he makes.”

Feeling a bit more at ease, Johanna let out a sigh and decided to focus on finding the perfect dress. “Admittedly, I think he understood what I didn’t say.”

“And what would that be?” Helga asked, her voice lined with curiosity. “Surely he’s not psychic?”

Walking into the dress shop, an inviting little boutique with a vintage sign that read "Edelweiss Couture", the girl gasped at the finely-stitched garments hanging in clear protective covers. The atmosphere was cozy, elegant, and warm with the melodic sounds of classical music playing over the built-in speakers. A few women walked the aisles of beautiful gowns in various styles and colors, their idle chatter and laughter.

“You still haven’t answered me,” Helga jokingly pointed out. “What did he know that we didn’t catch?”

Her eyes landing on a gorgeously simplistic gown, one that would be easily overlooked due to the lack of glitz and glamour, Johanna smiled thoughtfully. “That’s it… that’s the dress I want. As for Lukas, he knows the things my family put me through. What he doesn’t know is that my father often tested me with money by leaving it out in the open. I would never take it, but my sister did and always blamed me. sadly, it usually ended up with me getting spanked until I couldn’t sit properly.”

Paling considerably, Helga realized that her nephew literally read the situation thoroughly enough to deduce answers from the silence itself. He didn’t need to hear verbal confirmations or affirmations, not when he learned to read the room from the one man adept at such things from childhood. “Tracy, Lukas’s father, was the same. He could walk into any room at all, read it, and immediately know if it was safe or not.”

As Johanna emerged from the fitting room in the dress that caught her eye, Marie gasped with pride. "You look absolutely beautiful, Johanna."

Helga nodded, her eyes misting over. "Agreed. Lukas will be speechless."

Blushing, Johanna turned to the mirror and took a deep breath. She felt a sense of belonging and support from these women, and she knew she was on the right path. With renewed confidence, she made her way to the cashier. As the woman rang up the purchase, the black card that had been presented to her earlier found its way into her line of sight. “Lukas!”

When their gazes met, a soft smile spread across his face. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Yes," Johanna replied, holding up the dress bag. "And thank you, Lukas. For everything. I… I’m sorry for earlier, when I rejected you. I just… bear with me, okay? I’m not used to being given money or spending what belongs to others. The flashback of what my father put me through came and I snapped when I didn’t mean to.”

He took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "It’s fine, Anna. I figured it was something like that anyway. That’s why I bowed out and went to the other store for a bit. I do appreciate your apology, though. We can discuss it more at a later time, but let’s get home to rest until tomorrow, okay?”

She nodded, loving the genteel grace he exuded along with how his calming spirit and forgiving nature brought her a sense of peace. That night, lying in bed with him but under separate blankets, she glanced at the black-covered dress hanging in the corner. Lukas’s suit was beside it, freshly pressed and neatly hung on the pegs in a way that wouldn’t wrinkle it.

He was already out like a light, randomly mumbling incoherently about his older brother. She’d begun to enjoy their time together, finding that she was actually looking forward to seeing more of his personality as they went. She yawned, letting her eyes slide closed as sleep finally claimed her.

******

Neuwerkkirche, a stunning Romanesque church stood majestically against the backdrop of the quaint town of Goslar. The church, known as the "Holy Mary in the Rose Garden," exuded an air of ancient grandeur and historical significance. A place of many family weddings, baptisms, and funerals, the building echoed with the stories of bygone years.

Getting out to look at the chosen venue, Lukas was in awe. Taking in the overwhelmingly tall spires, the traditional, red-tiled roof, and the copper-topped bell tower, he couldn’t help but bask in its startlingly intricate, not to mention timeless beauty. The inside was just as gorgeous with the stained glass that had been repaired after the Second World War. Soft organ music filled the air, and the carved altar held the inscribed date of its creation in the year 1186.

Though not Christian, Julian’s family had been invited as a show of solidarity for those who had stood with them during the hellfire they walked to get this far. Seeing his new friend, Lukas shook his head to clear it. “Guten tag, Jules. Glad you made it.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Luke,” Julian replied, eagerly leading Lukas into the grooms room.

Minutes later, surrounded only by those who helped light their way so far, Johanna and Lukas stood in front of the deacon of the church. Father Daniel smiled warmly, his hand tracing a cross with Holy Water on each of their heads. “Do you here fourth enter into the sacrality of matrimony with clear hearts and willing minds?”

“I do,” Lukas breathed, listening as Johanna echoed him.

“Eighteen years ago, on a bright Spring day, I blessed you in the sacred waters of the baptismal font, Ms. Meyer. Now, I stand as the mortal connection between your union and our Lord, Jesus Christ, and his father, God Almighty.” Father Daniel stated, his voice carrying through the cavernous church.

He paused, taking a breath before continuing. “As with all things, let us start with bowing our heads in prayer. Mr. Muller, I don’t often see you, so why don’t you lead.”

“Certainly,” the man said, rising to his feet he bowed his head and folded his hands at the waist. “Almighty God, we gather here today to offer praise and thanksgiving for our abundant lives enriched by your teachings. May Your Holy Spirit guide us as we worship together, and may we be strengthened by Your Word. May your light guide those who seek it, and may your blessings befall those who truly deserve them. Amen.”

Father Daniel nodded as he began. “Lord, as your humble servant, I preside over the union of these two young souls in Holy Matrimony. Please shower their lives with your abundant grace and unconditional love as they grow together in all ways.”

Johanna smiled at Lukas. “I, Johanna Meyer, willingly take Lukas Roberts as my lawful husband. I promise to honour you in good times and bad. I promise to be faithful to you, to stand by you, and support you as a good wife throughout our life together."

Wiping the tears from his own face, Lukas steadied himself. Staring at her, he couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest man alive. “I, Lukas Roberts, willingly take Johanna Meyer as my lawful wife. I swear to protect and provide you with a good life to the best of my ability. To honour and care for you no matter what, stand by you, and support you as a good husband for all time.”