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

  Chapter 20

  Saloma grasped the chalkboard eraser and began removing the children’s assignments she’d previously outlined. A feeling of accomplishment satisfied her soul as she thought of little Ruthie Borntreger. She’d done well with her English lessons today, something they’d been working on for nearly a month now.

  “Ready?”

  She turned, and her shining eyes met Elam’s.

  “Good day today, huh?” His brow rose.

  “Jah. Ruthie’s doing much better. I think I’m finally getting through to her.”

  “That’s great. You need any help?”

  “I’ve got it.” Saloma put one of her teaching books into her tote bag and strolled toward the exit.

  “Want to stop at Yoder’s and get an ice cream?” Elam picked up the reins and set the buggy in motion.

  Saloma bit her lip. Although she and Elam weren’t ‘officially’ courting, it seemed they were pretty close to it. He’d asked to court her but Saloma couldn’t bring herself to say yes. Letting go of Will had been the most difficult thing she’d had to face, but even more difficult was the realization that they had absolutely no chance of ever getting back together.

  “Saloma?”

  “Ach, sorry. I was daydreaming. Ice cream would be wonderful, Elam.” She may as well agree to court Elam. He was everything any Amish girl could want – hardworking, kind, and handsome.

  Elam adjusted his hat to block the sun. “Thinking about your Englisch beau again?”

  She shrugged. “Jah. And us.”

  “Us?”

  Saloma nodded.

  “I like the sound of that.” He grinned. “But I think there are things we need to talk about, ain’t so? You never did tell me why the two of you broke up.”

  “Nee I didn’t. I wasn’t ready.”

  “Are you ready now?”

  She dipped her head and took a deep breath. “It is kind of a long story.” Saloma went on to explain how she met Will, the revelation she’d learned afterward, and everything that had happened since. Talking about it helped to sort out her feelings, and she found she became freer with every word she spoke. “So, I basically discovered I was in love with my brother.”

  “Well, I’d say that’s a good reason to break up!” He scratched his head. “Now that’s not something you hear every day. Wow! Your brother.”

  “I know. What would have happened if we’d never found out, and ended up marrying?”

  “I don’t know. I guess it was better that you found out now. So, what about the house then? What will happen with it?”

  “I’m uncertain yet. I can’t see Will making Mamm and my schweschdern move, but I’m not sure about his uncle. He doesn’t take a liking to Amish folks.”

  “He wouldn’t be the first.”

  “Nee.”

  The atmosphere in the buggy became silent, and Saloma waited for Elam to speak the words she was sure both of them were thinking.

  He studied her thoughtfully. “So, where does that leave us?”

  “Free to court, if that’s what you’d like.”

  Elam’s smile broadened. “I’d like it very much.”

  Saloma smiled back at Elam. The truth was, he seemed more like a brother to her than Will did.

  <><><>

  Will looked at his uncle. “Was that all you had of my mother’s belongings?” He yearned to know more. How did his mother and father meet? What did her parents think about the two of them dating? What did his parents think? Were they still alive? Could he possibly still have living grandparents?

  “I’m afraid so, William. Your mother didn’t leave much.”

  “But I have so many questions.”

  “Like what? Perhaps I can answer some of them for you.”

  “Well, how did my parents meet?”

  “Are you referring to your mother and Elam Troyer, or Peter?”

  “Elam, my biological father.”

  “They met at a mud sale. Elam was running a booth for his mother. She had quilts and dolls, those sort of things. Your mom used to love things like that,” he mused aloud. “Anyway, I think they were immediately attracted to each other. They struck up a conversation, and your mother said that she felt like she’d known him her whole life.”

  “Then what happened?”

  “Well, she must have given him her contact information because, next thing we knew, a buggy showed up at the house. And continued about twice a week for some time. The more time they spent together, the more in love they became. Eventually, they married.”

  “I don’t understand why it didn’t work out.”

  “They seemed to do just fine until his Amish community became involved. You see, he was already a baptized member of the church. And marrying your Englisch mother meant he’d be shunned. I don’t think he counted the cost before he stepped out of the church. They sent him letter after letter, some loving and some downright mean. Then they started coming in person. They told him he would surely go to hell.”

  “Just because he left the Amish?”

  “Yes, because he had forsaken the vow he made to the church and disobeyed his parents. Becoming Englisch to the Amish is like choosing a life of sin, or worldliness, as they call it. They believe that, since God placed them in an Amish home, it is God’s will that they stay and follow the Amish traditions.”

  “That’s ludicrous! I knew that their salvation included works, but I had no idea to what extent.”

  “Not all Amish believe that way, but I’d say most do.”

  “So, he left because of the pressure?”

  “That may have been part of it, but I think he went back because he missed it. For the Amish, family and community are everything. They do everything together. Can you imagine having a dozen or so brothers and sisters, not to mention all the cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends? It is very difficult for a person who’s grown up in the Amish culture to leave it behind.”

  “I can imagine. So, he chose them over Mom and me.”

  “Over your mother, yes. He didn’t know about you, remember?”

  “Poor Mom.”

  “She didn’t want him to go, but she saw how miserable he was. She let him go because she loved him, but I know her heart broke in two. And then she found out about you.”

  “She originally planned to give me up for adoption, right?”

  “Yes. She didn’t feel like she was adequate to raise you alone. But, as soon as she saw you, she changed her mind. She knew there was no one on earth who would love you as much as she did. I think she was right.” Uncle George grinned.

  “How did she meet Dad?”

  “Peter was my best friend. I thought he’d be a good match for my sister and a good father to you.” He smiled. “I was correct.”

  Will smiled.

  Uncle George continued, “When your mother went to the unwed mothers’ home to have you, Peter was just finishing up seminary. He was interested in counseling, like you, and I suggested that he volunteer at the home where your mother was staying. They’d met before, but never had a chance to get to know each other. I don’t even think your mom remembered him. He knew your mother’s situation. Right away, his heart went out to her. When they got to know each other better, they both discovered what I’d thought all along – that they were perfect for each other. Of course, it was very difficult for your mother to open her heart again after what Elam had done.”

  “I can imagine.”

  Will had gained a new respect for his uncle. He’d thought Uncle George was against him, but all along he’d just been trying to protect him. Will attempted to swallow the lump in his throat. “I’m sorry, Uncle George.”

  “Sorry?” His brow arched.

  “I’ve been a jerk lately.”

  Uncle George chuckled. “Oh? I hadn’t noticed.”

  “Please forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. It’s easy to become frustrated or misjudge when we don’t understand the circumstances.”

&n
bsp; “Even so, I’ve been disrespectful when I should have been thankful. I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t taken me in after Mom and Dad passed away. Thank you.”

  “I’m confident you would have been just fine.” His uncle squeezed his shoulder. “But I wanted you here. This house gets lonely sometimes. You’ve almost been like a son to me. I’d like to think that if I’d ever had a boy, I would’ve wanted him to be like you.”

  “Why did you never marry, Uncle George?”

  “I had a girlfriend or two when I was younger.” He shrugged. “I guess I just became married to my school, and then to my job. Families take a lot of time and effort to maintain. I didn’t think I was cut out for that type of responsibility. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ve never longed for a family.”

  “I think you would have made a fine husband and father.”

  Uncle George smiled. “I’m just glad I have you, William.”

  Emotion built in Will’s throat. “I’m glad I have you too.”

  Chapter 21

  “Would you like to meet your stepmother and sisters today?” Uncle George peered over the morning newspaper.

  Will finished the bite of omelet he’d just taken, and set his fork down. “Sure.”

  “You look reticent.”

  “Well, I’m not sure how they’re going to accept me, that’s all.”

  “I think they’ll love you.” His uncle smiled. “You don’t have anything to worry about.”

  Will took a sip of his orange juice.

  “William, did her family know the two of you had been dating?”

  “No. Sally was too afraid to tell her mother that she was dating an Englischer. She didn’t want her to put a stop to it.”

  “It’s probably just better if they don’t know, don’t you think?”

  Will shrugged. “Well, there’s no point in saying anything now.”

  “I agree. No need to add more stress to an already-stressful situation.” Uncle George exhaled a relieved sigh.

  “When do you want to go?”

  “After breakfast.”

  Will nodded, and his stomach turned a somersault.

  <><><>

  As Will and Uncle George pulled up to the Troyer residence, Will noticed his stepmother and the girls in the garden. “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. I think every one of my sisters is out there.”

  “All but one,” his uncle corrected.

  Will sighed. “Yeah.” Of course, Sally wasn’t present. Part of him wished she was, the other was glad she wasn’t. Seeing Sally would be too difficult.

  “Ready?” His uncle shut off the engine.

  “Yep. Let’s do this.” Will rubbed his hands together.

  They walked silently into the yard, and Rosemary stood from her crouched position and wiped her hands on her apron. She spoke something in Pennsylvania Dutch and each of the girls went and stood by their mother.

  Uncle George spoke first. “Rosemary, I’d like you to meet your stepson, William.”

  Emotion rose in Will’s throat, but he caught himself. He held out his hand to his stepmother. “Nice to meet you.”

  She hesitantly shook his hand and eyed him curiously. She nodded. “You are Elam’s son.”

  Did she see some of his father in him? Will wanted to ask. It was a pity the Amish didn’t keep pictures of loved ones. He would have loved to see what his father looked like. He hadn’t seen one in his mother’s things. He’d have to ask Uncle George later. Perhaps he kept one somewhere.

  “Yes, he is,” Uncle George concurred.

  “These are your sisters: Clara, Lucinda, Rosy, Mary, Katy, Judy, Becky, and you already know Saloma,” Rosemary introduced the seemingly-shy girls.

  Will wondered what each of them were thinking.

  The girls stared shamelessly. One of the girls whispered something in Pennsylvania Dutch to another one, and she giggled.

  “What’s so funny?” Will smiled.

  “My sister said you’re too handsome to be our brother,” the girl divulged. Her sister, who had spoken the words, turned three shades of pink and nudged her sister.

  Perhaps they weren’t as shy as he’d thought. Will’s eyes sparkled in amusement. “Well, I think you all are much too pretty to be my sisters.”

  Rosemary said something again in their native tongue, and the three oldest girls disappeared into the house.

  Will swallowed. “I’m sorry for your loss. How did Elam, uh, my father, die, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “He had a bad heart.”

  “Oh.” Will put a hand to his own heart and briefly pondered if his condition was hereditary. “So, it was a heart attack?”

  She nodded.

  “Can William see the house?” Uncle George spoke up.

  Her eyes widened briefly, then she nodded.

  “It can wait,” Will interjected. “We can sit out here and talk for a while.”

  Rosemary led the way to the front steps and spoke to the younger girls, again in Pennsylvania Dutch. The girls quickly gathered folding chairs and brought them to the porch.

  Will sat on one of the chairs.

  “How long has the home been in the Troyer family?” George asked.

  “Elam’s grandfather built this home.”

  Will frowned. He’d rather get to know his family than details about the home. He didn’t want it to seem like he was there just because he was interested in the property. “Are any of Elam’s parents or grandparents still living?”

  “Jah. They live with his brother, his grosseldre do.”

  “Are they here in Lancaster County?”

  “Near Lititz.”

  “That’s north of here, right?”

  Rosemary nodded.

  “I’d like to meet them sometime. Are his parents alive too?”

  “His mamm, jah.”

  “Does she live in Lititz too?”

  “With Elam’s sister.”

  “How many brothers and sisters does Elam have?”

  “He has three sisters and five brothers. One of his sisters lives here in Paradise, the other two in Lititz. His brothers all live in Lititz as well.”

  “Wow! It looks like I’m going to be busy getting to know everybody.”

  “Elam would have been happy to know he had a son.”

  Will swallowed hard. “Do you really think so?”

  “For sure and for certain.”

  “I wish I could have met him.” Will glanced at Uncle George, who frowned. “Although, I had a great adoptive father, thanks to my uncle.”

  The older girls returned and Lucinda, the second oldest one, Will supposed, timidly offered Will a whoopie pie and juice. He smiled and grabbed a whoopie pie from one of the small plates.

  “They are all for you,” she said.

  “Three for me?” His jaw lowered. “Uh, okay. Thank you.” He smiled and took the plate with the other two pastries. His gaze moved to Uncle George, who nodded with an amused smile.

  Rosemary said something to the girl.

  “Would you like some milch too?”

  “Milk? Sure. Thanks.” Will studied Uncle George. He didn’t appear to be surprised at all. Of course, he’d had plenty of interaction with the Amish in the past. Will had virtually been kept away from Amish culture his entire life, it seemed. He guessed it wasn’t by accident.

  The others also took snacks and the girls joined them on the porch.

  “Are you all in school?”

  “Just Mary, Katy, Judy, and Becky. We are finished,” Clara, the oldest one said, gesturing to Lucinda and Rosy.

  Will’s brow shot up. These girls looked too young to be out of school. “What are your ages?”

  Rosemary pointed to each of the girls. “Clara’s seventeen, she’d the oldest after Saloma, then there’s Lucinda, she’s sixteen, Rosy’s fourteen, Mary is thirteen, Katy and Judy, the twins, are ten, and Becky is eight.”

  Will studied the girls more closely. He hadn’t even noticed the girls were twi
ns. They must not have been identical twins. “I probably won’t be able to remember all your ages, so you may have to remind me later.”

  Becky, the youngest, looked at her mother and whispered something.

  “Jah, Becky,” Rosemary said. She looked at Will. “She said you remind her of her father.”

  His eyes sparkled. “Oh? How’s that?”

  Becky shrugged. She whispered to her mother again and Rosemary encouraged her to speak aloud. “You are kind.”

  “You think so?”

  The girl nodded.

  “Tell me what you’re learning in school right now,” Will coaxed.

  “She doesn’t speak English too gut yet,” Katy volunteered.

  “Oh, so you’re learning English?” He smiled at Becky.

  Becky nodded.

  Will looked around at the other girls. “How about the rest of you? Do you like school?”

  “I’m almost done!” Mary proclaimed.

  “You still have another year,” Judy reminded her sister.

  “Mary wants to be a teacher,” Katy said.

  Will smiled. “That’s wonderful. I want to be a kind of teacher too. A counselor.”

  “That’s what Mose Brenneman is,” Becky said.

  “No, silly. Mose is a carpenter.” Lucinda laughed.

  “What is a counselor?” Mary asked.

  Will enjoyed getting to know his sisters. He wondered what it would have been like growing up with them. “It’s someone to talk to about problems and get advice from.”

  “Kind of like a friend?” Clara asked.

  “A friend that gets paid,” Uncle George chimed in.

  “You’re going to be paid for being someone’s friend?” Lucinda’s eyes widened.

  “It’s different than just being a friend,” Will explained. “A counselor goes through years of school and training. We have to learn human behavioral patterns and how to best deal with specific issues. Like marriage problems.”

  “Are you married?” Clara asked.

  “Well, no.”

  “How can you give other people advice on marriage if you ain’t never been hitched?” Rosy asked.