An Undeniable Secret (Amish Secrets--Book 4) Read online

  An Undeniable Secret

  Amish Secrets – Book 4

  J.E.B. Spredemann

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright 2015 by J.E.B. Spredemann

  All incidents and characters in this book are completely fictional and derived by the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual incidents and persons living or dead are purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this work/book may be copied, transmitted, or stored in any form or by any means, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior written consent from the authors/publisher.

  Disclaimer: The herbal information in this book was derived by the author’s (J.S.) education and experience as a Nutritional Herbologist, but is written for fictional and informational use only. No herbal information in this book is, in any way, meant as a prescription or medical advice. This information has not been approved by the FDA, AMA, or any other government agency. It is your constitutional right to prescribe for yourself, if you choose to do so. The author assumes no responsibility for the treatments in this book, if you should choose to implement them. Therefore, the government requires the recommendation that you see your health care provider if you have any medical concerns/issues.

  Published in Indiana by Blessed Publishing.

  www.jebspredemann.com

  All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible, are NOT subject to copyright laws, and may be freely copied and/or quoted.

  Cover design by J.E.B. Spredemann

  BOOKS BY J.E.B. SPREDEMANN

  (*J. Spredemann)

  AMISH GIRLS SERIES

  Joanna’s Struggle

  Danika’s Journey

  Chloe’s Revelation

  Susanna’s Surprise

  Annie’s Decision

  Abigail’s Triumph

  Brooke’s Quest

  Leah’s Legacy

  NOVELLAS*

  Amish by Accident*

  An Unforgivable Secret* - Amish Secrets 1

  A Secret Encounter* - Amish Secrets 2

  A Secret of the Heart* - Amish Secrets 3

  An Undeniable Secret* - Amish Secrets 4

  Learning to Love – Saul’s Story* (Sequel to Chloe’s Revelation – adult novella)

  A Christmas of Mercy – Amish Girls Holiday

  NOVELETTES*

  Cindy’s Story* – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 1

  Rosabelle’s Story* – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 2

  COMING SOON! (Lord willing)

  Englisch on Purpose (A Prequel to Amish by Accident)*

  Unofficial Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words

  Ach – Oh

  Aldi – Girlfriend

  Boppli – Baby

  Bopplin – Babies

  Dat– Dad

  Denki – Thanks

  Der Herr – The Lord

  Dochder – Daughter

  Englischer – A non-Amish person

  Fraa – Woman, Wife

  Gott – God

  Gut – Good

  Jah – Yes

  Kinner – Children

  Mamm – Mom

  Nee – No

  Ordnung – Rules of the Amish Community

  Vadder – Father

  Wilkom – Welcome

  Characters in An Undeniable Secret

  The Troyer Family

  Elam – Saloma’s father

  Rosemary – Saloma’s mother

  Saloma aka Sally – oldest daughter, Protagonist

  Clara, Lucinda, Rosy, Mary, Katy, Judy, Becky – Saloma’s sisters

  The Griffith Family

  Peter – William’s father

  Sandra – William’s mother

  William aka Will – Protagonist

  Others

  George Anderson aka Uncle George – William’s uncle

  Elam Zook – resident of Kentucky Amish district

  Pastor Rob – William’s pastor

  Jonathan Fisher – Amish minister and popular character woven throughout all of J.E.B. Spredemann’s books thus far, most notably the Amish Girls Series

  Author’s Note

  It should be noted that the Amish people and their communities differ one from another. There are, in fact, no two Amish communities exactly alike. It is this premise on which this book is written. We have taken cautious steps to assure the authenticity of Amish practices and customs. Both Old Order Amish and New Order Amish are portrayed in this work of fiction and may be inconsistent with some Amish communities.

  We, as Englischers can learn a lot from the Plain People and their simple way of life. Their hard work, close-knit family life, and concern for others are to be applauded. As the Lord wills, may this special culture continue to be respected and remain so for many centuries to come, and may the light of God’s salvation reach their hearts.

  For my daddy…you’ll always be my hero

  Prologue

  Saloma glanced at the clock on the wall for the fourth time in the last ten minutes. What was taking Mamm and Dat so long? They should have been home over an hour ago. Perhaps they’d been held up by traffic. Jah, that was it. She was sure of it.

  Nobody had been expecting Dat to fall out of his chair this morning. Not her, not Mamm, and certainly not Dat himself. Saloma and Mamm had been in the kitchen, preparing scrapple and eggs for breakfast, when they heard a loud thump on the hardwood floor. Both of the women rushed into the living room the moment they’d heard the noise, knowing that Dat wouldn’t have allowed the kinner to horseplay inside. There had to be something wrong.

  Unfortunately, their instincts had been correct. Saloma attempted to fathom the scene playing out before her eyes. Dat lay on the floor helpless, like a brand new kid wrapped in its mother’s sac, waiting to be rescued from impending death. He clenched his arm and his disillusioned eyes met Mamm’s. Saloma recognized fear in Dat’s solemn gaze, something she’d never experienced in all her growing up years. Dat had always been strong and confident – a leader of his meager tribe of eight maed. Dat had never been blessed with sons, and Saloma often wondered whether he regretted that fact. Had tending the farm alone been too much of a burden for him?

  Another five minutes passed and still no word from Mamm. Was Dat still breathing, or had he passed on to Glory? Sometimes, the unknown almost seemed worse than the actual knowing of a matter. If Dat were to pass on, she’d be the one Mamm would rely on for strength, but she was unsure she could provide it. Her own heart would need mending if she were to be of help to anybody.

  But she wouldn’t think of that now. No, Dat was still alive. He had to be.

  Pray. Pray hard.

  Chapter 1

  Grieving the Loss of a Loved One Saloma read the spine of the library book and pulled it from its position on the shelf. It seemed she needed all the help she could get in dealing with the loss of her father. The younger kinner would certainly be asking more questions as the days passed, and she wanted to be able to give sufficient answers and support. She added it to the pile beside her on the floor.

  “That’s a good book.”

  Saloma startled at the male voice and spun around. She was unprepared for the handsome Englischer who stood just inches before her. She unconsciously touched her prayer kapp. “Do you usually sneak up on Amish women in libraries?” She couldn’t help the words that flew from her mouth unbridled, a fault she hoped to one day overcome.

  “Actually, I do.” The man chuckled. “No, not really. Just kidding.”

  “Oh, sorry. I just, uh, sometimes I say things.” She flustered.

  “Well, I’d say that’s good. You know, some people don
’t have the ability to speak.” He winked.

  “Stupid things, I mean.”

  He smiled and held out his hand. “My name’s William. Will, for short.”

  “Gut to meet you, Will.” She shook his hand briefly, and then scanned the area for a nearby empty table. “I was going to find a place to sit down now.”

  “Okay. Would you mind if I join you?”

  What does this Englischer want? “Uh, jah I guess that would be okay.” She bent down to pick up the books.

  “Here, let me get those.”

  “Denki.”

  “You didn’t tell me your name. Or did your mother teach you not to talk to library-stalking strangers?”

  Saloma cracked a half-smile. This Englischer was certainly different than anyone she’d met. “No, my mother did not say that. I’ve spoken to many strangers.” She led the way to a table that had two comfy-looking chairs across from one another.

  William chuckled and followed her to the quiet corner nook.

  “Why is that funny?” Saloma watched as Will set the stack of books on the table. This Englischer was more handsome than any of the Amish men her age, hands down. She found his short dark hair attractive, she admitted. However, he was Englisch, and that meant out of her league. Nevertheless, she enjoyed this Englischer’s attention.

  “Not funny. Cute.”

  Saloma’s cheeks flamed. “I don’t understand.”

  “You still haven’t told me your name.” He raised a brow.

  “Saloma.”

  “A nice name, but it reminds me of salami.” He chuckled again, his hazel eyes sparkling. “Saloma. Saloma.” The name rolled off his tongue. “Would you be offended if I called you Sally? That’s much easier for me to remember. Besides, I think you look more like a Sally than a Saloma.”

  “Sally?” She thought for a moment then shrugged. “Jah, I reckon that would be okay.” It’s not like she would ever see this Englischer again.

  He pulled the top book off the stack. His gaze turned solemn. “This book really helped me after my father passed away last year. He was a great man, and I took his death pretty hard.”

  “Your vatter died too?”

  Will nodded.

  “My va-father died last week.” Tears immediately filled Saloma’s eyes unbidden.

  Will reached over and squeezed her fingers briefly, then released her hand. “I’m so sorry.”

  She pulled a handkerchief from her dress sleeve and dabbed her eyes.

  “I know it’s probably really difficult right now, but you’ll get through it. God will help you.”

  Saloma nodded. “It was His will, jah.”

  “Tell me about your father. What sort of man was he?”

  “He was a gut kind man. He worked hard.” She thought about her father and the countless hours he’d spent farming so they’d have plenty to eat, or cutting wood to provide warmth during the winter months. A son would have been an immense help, but the Lord had never blessed her folks with male offspring. “There are eight of us kinner and Mamm.”

  “My parents had me and my brother, but Christopher died as a baby. So, I basically grew up as an only child.”

  “It is just your mamm and you now?”

  “No, my mother died about five years ago.”

  Saloma frowned. “So, you have nobody?”

  “I have God.” Will smiled. “And an aunt who lives in Arizona or somewhere out West. I’ve never met her.”

  “You live all by yourself then?”

  “No, I do have an uncle too. He’s my mother’s brother. I live with him but he’s really busy, so it’s almost like I live by myself.” He shrugged. “I don’t mind, though. I have a lot of freedom.”

  Saloma placed a hand over her rumbling stomach. “Goodness, it must be near dinner time already.”

  “I’m getting hungry too.” Will smiled and glanced at his watch. “It’s actually past lunch time. One-fifteen. Would you like to go grab a bite to eat?”

  “I have to be back to pick the kinner up from school.”

  “How long do you have?”

  “I should leave in twenty minutes.”

  “I’ll tell you what; leave your buggy here and we can take my Jeep. We can just get a pretzel at the pretzel factory. It shouldn’t take long.” He quirked a brow. “How does that sound?”

  Saloma thought of the cash in her wallet. Five dollars should be enough. “Gut.”

  “Great.” He glanced at her pile of books. “Do you need to check those books out?”

  “Jah.” She gathered her books and Will scooped them into his capable arms.

  “Okay, let’s go.” He grinned.

  <><><>

  William pulled off a piece of the soft pretzel in his hand then glanced at the beautiful young woman across the table from him. “You know, Sally, you’re the first Amish woman I’ve actually met.”

  Saloma’s head tilted and her charming smile brightened her face. “I hope you’re not disappointed.”

  “On the contrary; I’m pleasantly surprised.” He popped the warm, buttery bread into his mouth.

  “Surprised?” Her sapphire eyes sparkled.

  “I guess most of the Amish women I’ve seen don’t seem to be too friendly.”

  “It’s not our way to be friendly with male strangers.”

  “And yet you are.” He smiled. “I must be special.”

  “Ignoring you would have been rude.”

  “Indeed.” He glanced at his watch. “We don’t have much time. Let’s go.”

  She nodded and followed him to his Jeep.

  After assisting Sally, he hopped in and turned the engine over. “May I see you again, Sally?”

  A becoming blush darkened her fair cheeks. “I don’t know. This is not normal for Amish. My mother wouldn’t approve.”

  His confidence deflated and he briefly glanced at his plaid shirt. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was, but he felt like he’d connected with Sally on a deeper level. She was a pretty girl and he was physically attracted to her, that was true, but there was just something about her that made him desire to know her better. Could he just walk away and forget about her? He didn’t think so. Surely there was a way to see her again. “Might you visit the library again soon?”

  “I usually come on Tuesdays, after morning chores are done.”

  Perfect. He smiled. “I just might have to come back to the library next Tuesday, then. Would you mind?”

  “It’s a free country.” She shrugged nonchalantly, but he didn’t buy it one bit. Her body language clearly demonstrated her attraction to him as well.

  “And isn’t that a blessing?” He winked, and she quickly looked away. Yes, she was attracted to him but she seemed to fight it. He didn’t know much about the Amish at all, although he’d lived in Lancaster County his entire life. She’d said her mother wouldn’t approve. Did that mean that she wasn’t allowed to date a non-Amish person? He’d have to do some online research as soon as he got home. He’d never had much interest in the Amish, but now that’s all he could think about.

  “Here we are.” His black Jeep rolled to a stop just next to her buggy. He snatched her books before she had the chance, and carried them to her buggy.

  “Thank you for the pretzel.” She moved to unhitch the horse, then hopped up onto the bench seat.

  “It was my pleasure. Really.” He smiled. “I hope you had a good time.”

  She bit her bottom lip and nodded.

  “Me too. See you on Tuesday.” William waved as she set off out of the parking lot and down the road. Next Tuesday couldn’t come soon enough.

  <><><>

  As Saloma approached home, her hands began to tremble. Would Mamm know she’d been with an Englisch man? Was it written on her face? Would Mamm be able to see it in her eyes? Saloma realized that she was on dangerous ground. How could she be so attracted to this Englischer? He was indisputably verboten. And undeniably desirable.

  God, help me.

  Chapter
2

  “Mr. Griffith, will you be taking your supper with your uncle this evening?”

  William glanced at his laptop screen, and turned to the housekeeper. “Yes, Marita, thank you; tell my uncle I’ll be there in just a minute.”

  “Very well, sir.” The petite, middle-aged Hispanic woman disappeared from the room.

  William turned back to his laptop, and quickly bookmarked the web page so he could return to it later. He never knew the Amish culture could be so fascinating…and perplexing. How could some Amish only own buggies, but hire Englisch drivers to take them places? And yet others owned vehicles, but could not drive them? Then, other, more progressive groups owned and drove vehicles? And then there was all different manner of what was acceptable in dress. Why did they call non-Amish people ‘Englisch’? And why is it that some groups did not allow modern conveniences of any kind – not even indoor plumbing, he’d discovered to his dismay – yet others had kitchens and bathrooms that rivaled almost any Englisch person’s home? Perplexing, indeed.

  “Ah, I wondered whether you’d ever pull yourself away from your computer,” his uncle commented as he entered the dining room.

  “Sorry, Uncle George.”

  “What has you so thoroughly captivated this evening?” His uncle’s curiosity was piqued.

  “The Amish.” Will smiled.

  His uncle frowned. “Why are you concerned with the Amish all of a sudden?”

  “I find them interesting, I guess.” His uncle didn’t need to know anything about his afternoon with Sally.