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

  “Interesting? They’re hardly that. Nothing but trouble if you ask me.” He scowled.

  Why did it seem his uncle had an aversion to the Amish? “Why do you say that, Uncle George? I thought they were known as honest, hard-working people.”

  “Honest?” he scoffed. “Not the ones I’ve known.”

  “But you can’t judg–”

  “William! Enough of this conversation.” His uncle took the cloth napkin before him and placed it over his lap. “Let’s discuss something pleasant over our meal, shall we?”

  Will sighed. “As you wish, Uncle George.” He silently bowed his head to pray.

  “How are your studies coming along?”

  “Fine. I can’t wait to graduate this semester.”

  “Do you have any job prospects?”

  “I haven’t looked yet. I’ve been pouring all of my time into my studies. I thought I’d begin looking as soon as I graduate.”

  “I heard Grace Chapel has an opening for a youth minister.”

  He’d considered that position, but it wasn’t what he’d had in mind. “I’d hoped to get a counseling position. At a smaller church,” he added. Large crowds frightened him. One-on-one counseling seemed to suit his personality best.

  “Something like that wouldn’t pay much.” His uncle’s brow lowered. “You do realize that, don’t you?”

  “I know.” He often thought about how he’d be able to support a family if God ever blessed him with one of his own.

  “I hope you’re not planning to live off your father’s meager life insurance policy your whole life. And I refuse to support you indefinitely. I promised your father that I’d see that you completed your college courses; after that, you’re on your own.”

  William glanced around, taking in the opulence of his uncle’s large estate. He could easily support ten families if he had a mind to. “I have no intentions of burdening you with my presence,” he spat out bitterly.

  “William, that’s not what I meant.”

  “Really? Because that was how it sounded.” He grimaced. “I’m thankful that you took me in after my father passed away. I plan to have a family of my own someday but, since I have no one in my life right now, I’d thought maybe you could fill that void. I guess I was wrong.”

  He abruptly rose from his chair and left the table. Is that all I am to Uncle George, just a financial burden? A dull ache clenched his heart. He missed his parents’ love now more than ever.

  <><><>

  “Saloma?” She jumped. It seemed like she’d been in a trance half the night, her mind inundated with thoughts of the handsome young Englisch man.

  She acknowledged John Glick’s presence.

  “May I drive you home tonight?” He nervously fidgeted with his straw hat.

  As long as she could remember, John had been attracted to her. He was gut-looking enough, and friendly too, but she hadn’t joined the church yet. She didn’t think that she wouldn’t someday, but something held her back. At present, it was the Englischer.

  John stood waiting for her answer. “Do you have someone else in mind to ride with?” He glanced around the room.

  “Ach nee. I, uh,” she couldn’t find a good excuse, “okay, John, I’ll ride with you.”

  “Okay, gut. I’ll hitch up the horse.”

  Fern Mast sidled up to her as soon as John disappeared. “Are you gonna be ridin’ home with John tonight?” Saloma didn’t miss the excitement in her friend’s voice.

  Saloma nodded demurely.

  Fern beamed. “I’d hoped you two would get together. He’s perfect for you, ain’t so?”

  “Only Der Herr knows who’s perfect for me,” Saloma reminded.

  “Maybe so, but I bet it’s John Glick.”

  “I better go. I think I just saw his buggy pull up.”

  <><><>

  Saloma did her best to think of something other than her father’s death, or Will, but it seemed like she’d thought of little else the last few days.

  “I’m sorry about what happened with your daed. He was a gut man.”

  Saloma raised a half smile at John. “Jah, he was.”

  “What will your mamm do now? With the farm and all?”

  She and her mother had been discussing that very thing. What they really needed was a man to oversee the farm. “We’re unsure yet.”

  “I could help.”

  “Denki, John. I appreciate that. I’ll let my mother know.”

  He nodded. “You know, it may be too soon, but I’m thinking that, if the two of us get hitched, I could run the farm.”

  Saloma’s jaw dropped. Did he really just propose what I think he did?

  “I mean, if you’ll agree to it.”

  “John, I’m not even baptized yet. And I don’t think I’m ready to marry.”

  “I see.” Lines of disappointment creased his face.

  “My father just passed away, and I need some time. We have to adjust.”

  “I know. I was just thinkin’, that’s all. Beings y’all don’t have a man around.”

  Saloma knew he only meant the best. “It’s a kind offer, John. Denki for thinking of us.”

  “I do like you a whole lot, Saloma. I wouldn’t just be marrying ya for the farm.”

  “I realize that, John. It’s a gut offer.”

  “Will ya think on it then?”

  “Jah. I’ll think about it.”

  John leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Denki, Saloma. I will make a gut husband for you if ya say yes.”

  “I’m sure you would, John.”

  Chapter 3

  Saloma rushed to finish up the kinner’s lunches so they wouldn’t be late for school this morning. She turned to the girls. “Mary, Katy, Judy, Becky, do you have your sweaters?”

  “Jah,” the girls replied in unison.

  Saloma watched out the window as the girls hopped onto their scooters and made their way toward the schoolhouse down the road. It seemed like only yesterday that she and her other sisters, who were all now finished with their parochial schooling, had been the ones walking or riding their scooters to school. In the colder months, they’d use a buggy or a homemade sleigh Dat had made.

  Oh, how she missed her vatter. He hadn’t been perfect by any means, but she knew for certain sure that he was better than a lot of her friends’ fathers. Dat always took good care of his family, and showed his love for them in many ways. While many Amish fathers didn’t show affection, Dat had always been sure to compliment the kinner when they did well, with at least a pat on the back.

  She wondered now what Dat would say about Will. It seemed to Saloma that Der Herr had orchestrated their meeting at the library. Why else would he place the two of them there at the same time? Why else had William read the very same book she’d decided to check out? There were simply too many coincidences for her to believe that God didn’t somehow have a hand in this.

  Saloma shook her head to dispel her daydreaming. Now that the girls were taken care of, she could finish up the shopping list and then head into town. Her first stop would be the grocery store, then she’d visit the library for a while. The groceries should keep until her time at the library was up, although she hated to think about her time with Will ending before it had even begun.

  What would she say to William? How much could she possibly have in common with an Englischer anyway? Judging by the last time they met, they had plenty in common. Would he ask her to join him for a pretzel again?

  Wait, she was getting ahead of herself. There was a possibility that he wouldn’t even be there. What if something came up? What if he changed his mind, and he really wasn’t interested at all? What if she read too much into their conversation last time?

  All she knew is that she’d better calm her nerves before she arrived at the library. The last thing she needed was to be so nervous that she got tongue-tied. That would be embarrassing.

  Saloma took a deep breath and glanced over her list one last time, to make sure she’d purchased
everything. She had.

  Time to head to the library.

  <><><>

  William glanced into his rearview mirror to make sure he didn’t have anything stuck between his teeth. Nope. He looked at his hair. Fine.

  He usually wasn’t this nervous when seeing a girl. For some reason, though, he had a feeling about Sally. She wasn’t just another girl. She was different.

  A horse’s clip-clop drew his attention to the approaching buggy. It was her. He fiddled with his collar, and tried desperately not to stare in her direction. As soon as she neared the hitching post, he hopped out of his Jeep.

  “There she is.” His face brightened.

  He watched as she tethered the horse to the hitching post. Were her hands shaking?

  “Hello, Will.”

  “Did you get a chance to read through that stack of books?” He noticed that she only brought a few back with her.

  “Jah. I read a couple of them.”

  “How long do you plan to be here?” He hoped that she didn’t have to rush off again, like last time. He had plans.

  “The girls took their scooters to school today, so I won’t have to pick them up. But I do have groceries in the buggy.”

  He glanced at the buggy and noticed a large ice chest. “Would you like to go for a drive? I think your groceries should be fine.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “Where?”

  He shrugged. “Just around. I thought I’d show you where I live, and maybe we could have lunch.”

  Sally nodded. “That sounds gut. I want to return these books first. I’m not planning to borrow any this time. I still have plenty to read.”

  “Okay. I’ll wait for you, Sally.” William cracked his knuckles as he watched her walk toward the library book-drop. As soon as she returned, he gallantly opened the door for her.

  “Do you live nearby?”

  “Not too far from here.”

  “Your uncle’s house, right?”

  “You remembered.” He nodded, but grimaced inwardly. What would Uncle George say if he knew he was bringing an Amish girl into his home? Fortunately, Uncle George was working at his office in the city today. “I think you’ll like it.”

  “Do you farm?”

  “Farm?” He chuckled. “No, I don’t know the first thing about farming. Do you?”

  “Jah. We have corn.”

  “I’ve shucked corn before. Does that count?”

  Sally smiled and shook her head. “No, but it may come in handy when it’s time for canning.”

  “Are you planning to put me to work already?” He caught her eye as he turned onto his uncle’s lane.

  She laughed and bit her bottom lip. “Maybe.”

  “I’ll have to remember that.”

  “This is your uncle’s place? It looks very fancy.” Her eyes grew large as she took in the splendor, of which his uncle had an abundance.

  “Yes, it is. I’ve had to get used to it. My folks’ place wasn’t nearly this extravagant. My father was a preacher, so we didn’t have a whole lot of money. Our home was quite modest in comparison.”

  “My dat worked on our farm.”

  “How many acres do you have?” He pulled up to the large circular drive and brought the vehicle to a stop.

  “Only eighty.”

  “Sounds like a nice piece of land. Will one of your brothers farm it, then?” He remembered reading that most Amish had an abundance of children, usually seven or more. Some even had seventeen.

  “I have no brothers.”

  He turned to face her. “So, what will you do?”

  She sighed. “We don’t know yet.”

  Will reached over and grasped her fingers. “God will see that it all works out.”

  Sally nodded and stared at their fingers.

  “Come on, let me show you my uncle’s place.” He smiled.

  <><><>

  Saloma could hardly believe Will lived in such a fancy home. Everything was immaculate and gorgeous, from the shrubs lining the long driveway to the colorful flower garden that sat in the midst of the circular drive.

  “What do you think, Sally?”

  Sally. She loved the way her name sounded coming from Will’s lips. At first, the nickname seemed strange, but she’d quickly come to adore Will’s special name for her.

  She glanced down at their intertwined hands. “It’s lovely.”

  He smiled. “As are you.” Will reached into a rose bush, plucked off a flower, and handed it to her.

  Saloma’s cheeks flamed once again. Could Will be any more perfect for her? Well, jah he could be Amish.

  He pulled open one of the large intricately-carved doors and they stepped into an expansive foyer. She looked up at the elaborate chandelier that projected a rainbow of colors on the floor and walls. “Oh, William, it’s beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like it. Ach, I imagine this is what Heaven will be like.”

  “No, I’m quite certain Heaven will be much better than this.” He chuckled and took her by the hand as they entered another room.

  A small Hispanic woman with graying hair stepped into the room as well. “Mr. Griffith, your lunch will be ready in about five minutes.”

  “Thank you, Marita. Would you mind fixing it up in a picnic basket for us? The lady and I will take our lunch outdoors.”

  “Certainly, sir.” She nodded, and cast a curious smile in Saloma’s direction. “I will leave it on the table for you. Will you be needing a blanket as well?”

  “Yes, please. I appreciate that.”

  Saloma watched as the lady disappeared into another room, which she assumed to be the kitchen. “Is she your cook?”

  “Marita does a lot of things for us. Meal preparation is just one of her duties. She’s been employed by my uncle for many years.”

  “She seems like a nice person.”

  William’s perplexing gaze transformed into a full-fledged smile. “You’re something else.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You seem to find beauty in everything.”

  “There is beauty in everything. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder, because it is hidden…like a buried treasure.”

  “You’re amazing, Sally.” His eyes met hers, and she noticed something in their depths. Desire.

  Surely her cheeks were ablaze with color. “Denki.”

  “Come now; let me show you my favorite place in the house.” William led the way down a long hall, passing several doors until they came to the entrance of another room. “Close your eyes.”

  She did as told, and briefly thought that he might kiss her. Instead, to a small degree of disappointment, he led her by the hand.

  “You may open your eyes now.”

  Her disappointment was quickly replaced with awe as she gazed upon shelf after shelf of beautiful books on every wall. The room wasn’t too large, only twice the size of her bedroom, but the grandeur was breathtaking. “What is this place?”

  “It’s my uncle’s library. Do you like it?”

  She slowly walked along the walls, reading the titles of the books. A comfortable oversized couch beckoned her to curl up in its cushions with a novel. She could only imagine how cozy the room was in the dead of winter, with the rock fireplace lit. “It’s splendid!”

  “Maybe we can spend more time here another day.”

  The thought of spending more time with Will thrilled her heart. This all seemed like a pleasant dream. Was she really here? “That would be wonderful.”

  “Right now, lunch awaits.”

  <><><>

  In one hand, William carried the picnic basket with the quilt draped over it. He purposely kept his other one free so he could walk hand-in-hand with Sally. He found a shady spot under one of the magnificent oaks in the yard. The two of them spread out the quilt and plopped down onto it. Sally was beautiful inside and out; it took every ounce of restraint to not kiss her.

  He peered into the picnic basket and smiled: macaroni salad, carrot sticks, chicke
n salad sandwiches, and cookies for dessert. Marita had done a fine job preparing lunch for them, Will acknowledged. He’d have to thank her again later.

  He handed a plastic plate to Sally, some utensils, and a sandwich, and her face brightened. He loved to see her excitement at even the smallest of luxuries.

  “We don’t ever make this kind of bread, but I’ve seen it before. What is it called?”

  “These are croissants.”

  She took a bite before he could offer a prayer. “They are delicious.”

  William wouldn’t voice the thought that automatically popped into his head at her comment. He shook his head in an attempt to dissuade the improper thought. “Yes, I like them too. Do you mind if I pray?” Yes, he should definitely pray. Now.

  “That is fine.”

  He bowed his head, but peeked to see how she would respond. Her head briefly rose when he began praying aloud. He’d read that the Amish usually pray silently over their meals, and wondered now if it seemed strange to hear him pray aloud.

  A thought crossed his mind. Since it was usually the man, the head of the house, who prayed in an Amish home, who said the blessing at Sally’s family table now that her father was gone?

  He didn’t want to spoil this moment with a gloomy subject, so he didn’t voice his question. He’d have to research it later.

  “Would you like some carrots and macaroni salad? Marita made plenty,” he offered.

  “Jah. Denki.”

  Sally surveyed the yard. “Ach, I didn’t know you had a swing!”

  Will smiled as he remembered times past. The swing, with its long ropes, always made him feel as though he were soaring through the sky, like an eagle on the wind. “Yep.”

  She sprung from her place on the quilt and charged toward the swing. William ran after her, but she reached it first and plopped down onto the seat.

  “I’ve got to warn you, this thing goes really high.”