Unlikely Sweethearts (An Amish Christmas Story) Read online

  Unlikely Sweethearts

  An Amish Christmas Story

  Jennifer Spredemann

  Copyright 2020 by Jennifer Spredemann, J.E.B. Spredemann

  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.

  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.

  Published in Indiana by Blessed Publishing.

  www.jenniferspredemann.com

  All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

  Cover design by iCreate Designs ©

  ISBN: 978-1-940492-55-1

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  Table Of Contents

  BOOKS by JENNIFER SPREDEMANN

  BOOKS by J.E.B. SPREDEMANN

  Unofficial Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words

  Author’s Note

  ONE

  TWO

  THREE

  FOUR

  FIVE

  SIX

  SEVEN

  EIGHT

  NINE

  TEN

  ELEVEN

  TWELVE

  THIRTEEN

  FOURTEEN

  FIFTEEN

  SIXTEEN

  SEVENTEEN

  EIGHTEEN

  NINETEEN

  TWENTY

  TWENTY-ONE

  TWENTY-TWO

  EPILOGUE

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  A SPECIAL THANK YOU

  Get a FREE short story as my thank you gift when you sign up for my newsletter here: www.jenniferspredemann.com

  BOOKS by JENNIFER SPREDEMANN

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

  AMISH BY ACCIDENT TRILOGY

  Amish by Accident

  Englisch on Purpose (Prequel to Amish by Accident)

  Christmas in Paradise (Sequel to Amish by Accident) (co-authored with Brandi Gabriel)

  AMISH SECRETS SERIES

  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

  A Secret Sacrifice - Amish Secrets 5 (co-authored with Brandi Gabriel)

  A Secret of the Soul - Amish Secrets 6

  A Secret Christmas – Amish Secrets 2.5 (co-authored with Brandi Gabriel)

  AMISH BIBLE ROMANCES

  An Amish Reward (Isaac)

  An Amish Deception (Jacob)

  An Amish Honor (Joseph)

  An Amish Blessing (Ruth)

  An Amish Betrayal (David)

  AMISH COUNTRY BRIDES

  The Trespasser (Amish Country Brides)

  The Heartbreaker (Amish Country Brides)

  The Charmer (Amish Country Brides)

  The Drifter (Amish Country Brides)

  NOVELETTES

  Cindy’s Story – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 1

  Rosabelle’s Story – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 2

  CHRISTMAS

  Unlikely Santa

  Unlikely Sweethearts

  OTHER

  Love Impossible

  COMING 2020 (Lord Willing)

  An Unexpected Christmas Gift (Amish Christmas Miracles Collection)

  The Giver (Amish Country Brides)

  BOOKS by J.E.B. 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

  A Christmas of Mercy – Amish Girls Holiday

  Unofficial Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words

  Ach – Oh

  Bann – Shunning

  Boppli/Bopplin – Baby/Babies

  Bruder/Brieder – Brother/Brothers

  Daed/Dat – Dad

  Dawdi – Grandpa

  Denki – Thanks

  Der Herr – The Lord

  Englischer – A non-Amish person

  Fraa – Wife

  G’may – Members of an Amish fellowship

  Gott – God

  Grossdawdi – Grandfather

  Grossmammi – Grandmother

  Gut – Good

  Jah – Yes

  Kinner – Children

  Kumm – Come

  Mamm – Mom

  Mammi – Grandma

  Ordnung – Rules of the Amish community

  Rumspringa – Running around period for Amish youth

  Wunderbaar – Wonderful

  Youngie – a Youth

  Author’s Note

  The Amish/Mennonite 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. I have taken cautious steps to assure the authenticity of Amish practices and customs. Old Order Amish and New Order Amish may be portrayed in this work of fiction and may differ from some communities. Although the book may be set in a certain locality, the practices featured in the book may not necessarily reflect that particular district’s beliefs or culture. This book is purely fictional and built around a fictional community, even though you may see similarities to real-life people, practices, and occurrences.

  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.

  To my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,

  May the words of my mouth, the meditation of my heart, and works of my hands bring You glory.

  ONE

  (Please forgive me for the intrusion, but I REALLY don’t want you to miss out on this FANTASTIC deal! For a very limited time, you can grab a collection of 14 brand new Amish Christmas stories by some of your favorite Amish fiction authors for ONLY $0.99! I kid you not. Get your copy of the Amish Christmas Miracles Collection HERE before it jumps up to $9.99. Thank you!)

  Now, for the story at hand:

  Wesley Stoltz knocked the snow off his work boots, then stepped into the comfy cabin he’d built for his bride two years prior. He blew warmth into his hands and rubbed them together. Winter had made its arrival early this year, but he didn’t mind it one bit.

  He briefly wondered how his Amish grandparents were faring in this weather. He couldn’t imagine driving in this frigid air with only hot bricks and blankets to keep his family warm. Since his father’s family had been from a very conservative Amish district, they’d only used open buggies—even in the dead of winter. Fortunately, Wesley had grown up Englisch. It was times like this he was most thankful for that fact.

  “Cold out there?” Shannon, his beautiful wife, moved near and helped him out of his heavy coat.

  “Mm…” He leaned down and planted a kiss on her irresistible pink lips. “First things first—” he grinned “—and yes, I can’t remember ever having a winter this cold. We must have a foot of snow out there.”

  “The kids will love it. I bet the pond is frozen over.”

  “Yes, but no one is to go out there until I test it.”

  An annoying buzz sounded from the refrigerator d
oor. The kitchen timer.

  Shannon swirled around and rushed to the oven, leaving Wesley bereft of the kisses he still anticipated. But delight quickly filled his senses as he inhaled the heady aroma of the apple pies she’d removed and set on top of the stove.

  He moved close again and lightly yanked on her apron strings, thus pulling her into his embrace. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

  Her eyes danced with something he couldn’t put his finger on. “Once or twice.” She moved to step away but he forbid it.

  “Un-uh. Oh, no. You’re not getting away that easy.” His finger traced the shape of her lovely face, then gently tilted her chin up. When he recognized the reciprocating desire in his wife’s eyes, he leaned down to claim the kiss he’d been anticipating since he’d left the house this morning.

  “Are you guys kissing again?” Jaycee’s complaint ruined the moment.

  Lips still touching, they both laughed. Private moments in a houseful of children were few and far between.

  “Jaycee, you’re not supposed to interrupt when Wesley and I are busy.” Shannon’s hand flew to her hip and she looked pointedly at her seven-year-old brother. “What do you need?”

  “You said we can ask Wesley about ice skating when he comes home. And I heard the timer go off. And I smelled dessert. And the baby’s awake.”

  Shannon gestured to Wesley. “He’s here. Ask away.”

  “Wesley, can we pleeeaase go ice skating on the pond?”

  Wesley’s frown met Jaycee’s eager expression. “Absolutely not. We don’t know if it’s safe yet.”

  “But you said when it’s frozen—”

  “It has to be secure. You wait until I check it, okay? I don’t want any of you going out there until I say it’s safe. Got it?”

  Jaycee’s brow puckered. “Not even Bright?”

  Wesley shook his head. “Not even Brighton. Got it?”

  “Yeah, I got it,” Jaycee mumbled.

  “Jaycee.” Wesley paused and crouched down to Jaycee’s level. “Look at me.”

  He waited until Jaycee looked him in the eye.

  “I’m not trying to ruin your fun. It can be very dangerous if we go out there before the ice is completely frozen. And just because it’s frozen on top doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Promise me you’ll stay away.”

  “I promise.”

  Wesley caught the disappointment in his young brother-in-law’s voice. He understood the feeling. “I’ll tell you what. If I go out there to check it and it isn’t strong enough yet, how about if we go to the ice skating rink in Lawrenceburg?”

  “For reals, Wesley?”

  “Yes, for reals.” He glanced up and winked at his wife. “That is, if your sister says it’s okay.”

  “Can we, Shan? Can we? Pleeeeaaase?”

  “May we.” She shook her head. It seemed like trying to teach the children proper English was a never-ending task for his wife.

  “May we? Pleeeeeaaase?”

  She laughed. Saying no to Jaycee was always difficult. She glanced at Wesley. “When?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. This weekend, maybe?” He pulled out his cell phone. “I believe they’re open until eight or nine, so we wouldn’t be out too late.”

  “Please, Shan!”

  “Jaycee, just let me think a minute,” Shannon placed a hand on her forehead.

  Concern rose as prickles on Wesley’s neck. “You all right, babe?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. There’s just a lot going on right now.”

  “Why don’t you take a break from all of this? You’ve been working on Christmas preparations non-stop since December hit.”

  “You’re exaggerating.”

  “Still. Go skating with us.” He reached for her hand and brought her close. “It’ll be a nice little date,” he murmured in her ear.

  A laugh exploded from her lips. “A nice date? With all the kids?”

  “No, not all. I’m sure my parents or maybe Grandma and Grandpa would love to watch the youngest two.”

  “Yeah, okay. That sounds like fun,” she acquiesced.

  “Maybe we can invite Randy to come along. Mom said something about him bringing a ‘significant other’ home with him.” Wesley couldn’t picture his little brother with a steady girlfriend.

  Shannon’s brow arched. “Significant other? How significant?”

  “We shall see.”

  “I can’t see your brother settling down.”

  “I know, right? He’s teased me relentlessly about being an old married man.” Wesley shook his head, laughing.

  “You’re twenty-five, babe. Nowhere even close to old married man status.”

  “So you’re okay with them coming along?”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “Okay then, I’ll arrange everything.” He stepped into the living room, heading toward the children’s rooms to check on the other children. Just as soon as he finished greeting Brighton, Melanie, and Olivia, their one-year-old daughter, he reached for his cell phone to call his brother.

  ~

  Randy whipped out his cell phone the moment it began vibrating in his pocket. He glanced down at the caller ID and answered. “What’s up, Wes?”

  “We’re thinking of going ice skating this weekend. Would you and…”

  “Lisa.”

  “Yeah, would you and Lisa like to join us?”

  “Who’s us?”

  “Me, Shannon, Brighton, and Jaycee.”

  “Yeah, sure. We don’t have any concrete plans yet. That sounds like fun. Just text me the details.”

  “Will do.”

  He clicked off his phone just as Lisa came into the room. “What sounds like fun?” She beamed.

  “Ice skating this weekend.” He raised his eyebrows twice in quick succession.

  Lisa frowned. “Ice skating?” Had he heard disappointment in her voice?

  “Yeah. Is something wrong?”

  “I hate ice skating.” She pouted.

  “You do?” His brow arched, and his excitement plummeted.

  She nodded.

  “Oh. I already told Wesley—”

  “Don’t let me stop you from having fun.”

  “Well, what about you? What will you do?”

  “I can just hang out here and read.” She held up her cell phone. “Or catch up with my friends on social media.”

  “If you want to go along, there’s a little room where you can chill while we’re skating. And there’s a fire outside. That way you won’t miss out on coffee or hot cocoa afterwards.”

  “Sure. We can do that.”

  “Are you certain you’re okay with it? Because I can just tell Wesley—”

  “It’s fine, Randy. Don’t worry about me. I’m easy to please.”

  He smiled, remembering why he liked Lisa in the first place. She was definitely what he would call low maintenance. “Great.”

  TWO

  Randy glided across the ice, enjoying the feel of the breeze cooling his face. He spun around, then glanced backward as he skated with ease, backside first. Lisa was really missing out. It was a shame she didn’t enjoy ice skating. He hoped it wasn’t something he’d have to give up if they ever considered a permanent relationship. Not that it was more important than the love of a woman. It was just that he and his brother Wesley had practically been on the ice since they’d been able to walk. It was one of his favorite winter pastimes.

  He spun around again…just in time to knock a young woman off her feet.

  “Oh, no!” He screeched to a full stop and reached for her hand to help her up. As their gazes met, he realized she looked familiar. “I’m so sorry. I…you were in my blind spot. I should have been watching where I was going better.”

  Ah, he’d never done that before—at least, not unintentionally. Wesley had been the recipient of many purposeful jabs and pushes as the brothers scuffled on the ice in times past. Mom had always worried one of them would break something. They hadn’t, which she attributed to the spi
nach she’d coaxed them to eat growing up.

  “No, it was me. I saw you coming but I couldn’t get out of the way fast enough.” The pretty brunette wiped her gloved hands on her jacket.

  “I feel like I know you from somewhere. Have we met before?”

  “You’re Randy Stoltz. Wesley’s brother, right?”

  “Right.” Recognition slowly began to dawn on him.

  “I’m Holly. Holly Remington. I go to church with your parents. And your brother’s family too.” She glanced around. “In fact, I’m here with our singles group.”

  He slapped his forehead. Of course. Hadn’t she and Wesley dated a few times? “Wait. Holly? Didn’t you and my brother go out?”

  Her cheeks flushed as she glanced toward where Wesley and Shannon skated hand-in-hand. “Uh, yeah.”

  He nodded, then stuck out his hand to greet her. “Randy.”

  “Yeah, I…” she left off laughing.

  “Just ignore that last...” Was his face on fire? Because it sure felt like it. “Yeah, you already…” He chuckled. “I’m sorry, I’m—”

  “No, you’re fine.”

  Her smile took a bit of the edge off his embarrassment. She had an incredible smile. Why hadn’t he noticed it before?

  Time to change the subject. “Look, I feel really bad about knocking you over. I guess I’m a real knockout, huh?” Oh, man, that was bad. Why was he being such an idiot tonight?

  But she actually laughed at his corny joke. Lisa would have just rolled her eyes.

  “Can I…may I buy you a hot cocoa?” He recovered.

  “Oh.” Her eyes widened and she looked behind him. “Are you here alone?”

  “Ah, uh, no actually. I brought a date. She’s hanging out in the little room, staying warm.” He grimaced. “She apparently doesn’t care for ice skating. I guess I’m not a very good boyfriend. I probably should have done something she wanted to do. But Wesley asked and I couldn’t bring myself to say no.”