A Love Letter Under The red Bud Tree written by Katie Carmack

Chapter 8: Embracing a New Way of Life, and A Day of Love and Unity

Emily and Jacob's first anniversary was a day filled with love, cherished memories, and heartfelt celebrations. They had planned a simple yet meaningful day at their farmhouse, wanting to honor the journey they had shared over the past year.

The morning began with Jacob surprising Emily with breakfast in bed. He had prepared her favorite pancakes, topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. As they enjoyed their meal, they reminisced about their first meeting at the grocery store and the many letters they had exchanged under the red bud tree.

After breakfast, they decided to spend the day outdoors, taking a leisurely walk through the fields and woods surrounding their home. The autumn leaves crunched under their feet, and the crisp air was filled with the scent of pine and earth. They held hands, talking about their dreams for the future and the blessings they had received.

In the afternoon, they returned to the farmhouse to bake together, a tradition that had become special to them. This time, they decided to make a batch of cinnamon rolls, just like the ones Emily had baked with Anna. As they worked side by side, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, reminding them of the love and support they had found in each other and their community.

As the rolls baked, they sat down to write letters to each other, a nod to the way their relationship had begun. They poured their hearts onto the pages, expressing their gratitude, love, and hopes for the future. When the cinnamon rolls were ready, they enjoyed them with a pot of tea, reading their letters aloud and sharing laughter and tears.

In the evening, they prepared a special dinner together, featuring some of their favorite dishes. The table was set with candles and flowers, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. They thanked God for the blessings of the past year, reading a passage from the Bible and reflecting on the ways their faith had guided them.

After dinner, they took a walk to the old red bud tree, where they had exchanged so many letters. Under the tree, Jacob surprised Emily with a small gift—a beautifully crafted locket with a picture of the two of them inside. Emily's eyes filled with tears as she opened it, touched by the thoughtfulness of the gesture.

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, they returned to the farmhouse, where they cuddled up by the fireplace with their faithful cat, Midnight. They spent the rest of the evening sharing stories, dreams, and quiet moments of togetherness, feeling grateful for the love that had brought them together and the memories they had created.

Their first anniversary was a celebration of their journey, a testament to the love, faith, and commitment that had grown between them. Surrounded by the warmth of their home and the memories they had made; Emily and Jacob knew that their love would continue to flourish for many years to come.

Emily and Jacob's first year of marriage was a milestone not just for them, but for the entire Amish community that had embraced Emily as one of their own. To celebrate this special occasion, the community decided to organize a surprise gathering that would reflect the love and support they had for the couple.

The preparations began weeks in advance, with everyone contributing in their own way. The women of the community gathered to bake an array of delicious treats, from pies and cakes to cookies and bread. The men worked together to set up a large tent in the open field near the red bud tree, decorating it with lanterns, flowers, and handmade banners.

On the day of the celebration, Emily and Jacob were invited to the field under the pretense of a simple picnic. As they approached, they were greeted by the sight of their friends and family, all gathered to honor their love and commitment. The surprise and joy on their faces were evident as they realized the extent of the community's efforts.