An Amish Honor Read online

  But if he wasn’t suitable for any of the women at church, who would he be compatible with? He couldn’t marry an unbeliever. That would go against God’s will for his life.

  He sighed. Maybe it was better if he just didn’t concern himself with marriage. If God wanted him to marry, surely He’d let him know.

  Wouldn’t He?

  ~

  The sun burned hot in the early August sky and Joseph tipped his hat to shade his face. This cowboy hat he’d worn for the last couple of years seemed quite a bit sturdier than the straw hat he’d worn when he was Amish, but it didn’t let as much breeze through.

  He glanced down at his Englisch clothing and briefly wondered if his Amish family would even recognize him now. Probably not, with the combination of his clothing, hat, and the scruff he wore on his face. He felt a bit strange wearing a trimmed beard because he wasn’t married, but he constantly reminded himself that he was in the Englisch world now and the rules were different. Women didn’t assume you were married just because you sported facial hair. Besides, several of his coworkers had commented on it, saying it made him look like a man.

  Had he grown into a man over the last couple of years? He knew that he’d changed quite a bit—on the outside, at least. But he knew deep down in his heart that there would always be a part of him that remained Amish. It was his heritage, what his father and mother had intended for him. But perhaps God intended something else.

  One thing he savored in the Englisch life was the respect of his peers. That was something he didn’t think he’d ever get at home—even if he did marry and have his own kinner. No, he never would have garnered the same respect from his older brothers.

  ~

  “You’re staring.”

  Joseph looked up to see a pretty face. A young woman near his own age wore a cowboy hat with a blonde braid to one side which nearly hung down to her waist. She sat atop a horse.

  “Oh, yeah. Um…it seems like forever since I’ve ridden a horse. I must’ve been daydreaming.”

  “I saw you over there with the guys. You’re different, aren’t you?”

  She’d noticed? Joseph frowned. Being different had gotten him into trouble in the past. Did she know by simply looking at him that he was Amish? “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you’re usually the one to offer drinks to the others. Every time I see them smoking cigarettes and drinking after work, you’re off doing something else.”

  “Yeah. My vat—my dad taught me to stay away from the temptations of the devil.” He could’ve kicked himself. He’d been doing his best to overcome his Amish accent and speech, but sometimes it just slipped out.

  “It sounds like your father was a wise man. You must take after him.”

  “Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  She smiled. “I meant it as a compliment.”

  “Oh. Thank you.”

  She laughed. “You already said that.”

  He chuckled at himself. “Yeah, I guess I did, didn’t I?”

  “What’s your name?”

  “It’s Jonah Millerton.”

  “Well, Jonah Millerton. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” She held out her hand to shake. It was dainty but strong. “I’m Azalea.”

  “Azalea?” He grinned. Why did that name sound so familiar?

  “Hey, don’t judge me. My parents were kind of hippies.”

  He laughed, although he was unfamiliar with the term ‘hippie’. “Okay, I won’t. I actually like your name. It’s different.”

  “A little more unique than Jonah Millerton, huh?”

  He shrugged. “A little. Hey, isn’t azalea a type of flower?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Hmm…if I recall correctly, it’s beautiful but deadly.” He grinned.

  She arched a brow and smirked. “Yep, that’s right.”

  “Seems fitting.” He winked.

  “So, are you saying I’m deadly?” She feigned offense.

  “I don’t know, are you?” He kicked a clod of dirt with his boot.

  “Maybe.” Her upper body seemed to sashay when she said the word.

  “Well, you’re certainly beautiful.” Shoot, maybe he shouldn’t have said that. But it was too late to take it back now.

  Her cheeks exploded into a beautiful pink and she tugged her bottom lip between her teeth.

  “Well, I better get going. My dad will be expecting me back soon.” She tilted the tip of her cowboy hat down with her hand, then took off faster than he’d ever seen any woman ride.

  He watched after her.

  “Don’t go getting any ideas.” His coworker, Michael, warned as he came up beside him, interrupting his train of thought.

  “About?” His brow rose.

  “About the pretty little filly.” He pointed at the cloud of dust that hung in the air. “The owner’s daughter.”

  “Azalea is the heir to the Cornucopia Plantation?”

  “The one and only.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “Yeah, well. Now you know. Keep your distance.”

  “Why? She seemed really nice.”

  “Nice? Most men aren’t after her because she’s nice.” He lifted his eyebrows twice in quick succession.

  Anger flared at Michael’s assumption. “Well, I’m not most men.”

  “Mm…hm. And my name’s not Michael Swanson.” He punched Joseph’s shoulder. “Besides, the boss said our work crew’s going to be moving on before long. So don’t even think about putting down roots.”

  Joseph frowned as Michael sauntered off.

  He looked back in the direction Azalea had ridden. There was something special about her, although he wasn’t exactly sure what it was. Was this what Dat had meant when he said he would know the one when he met her? Is this how Dat had felt when he’d met Mamm? But Dat hadn’t married Mamm right away, he’d married her sister instead. Why?

  Now he wished he’d asked Dat more questions when he was at home. He’d never known the reason Dat married his half-brothers’ mamm first. The only time he’d ever asked about it, he’d been younger and met with the ‘you’re too young to understand’ answer. Which, at the time, that was probably the truth.

  If only Dat were here right now. If only he could procure his advice.

  At this point, he was unsure if Azalea was even a believer. Maybe he should steer clear of her as Michael had suggested. But if he did, he’d never find out whether she was a believer or not. He at least needed to know that much.

  Gott, help me to be strong for You. Guide my path in the way You would have me go.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Just a few more rows and Joseph would be finished with the work he’d hoped to get done before lunch. He enjoyed the views from sitting so high up. He’d never used any farm vehicles before he got hired on by Mr. Hayes. They really cut out a lot of the manual labor on a farm. Things that would have taken his family days to accomplish could be done in several hours.

  “Hi, Jonah.” A female voice called loudly from the outside of the farm vehicle.

  He twisted to see the owner’s daughter astride the same horse he’d seen her on the other day. Another horse trailed behind, devoid of its rider. He killed the engine of the farm vehicle. “Azalea, right?”

  “You remembered.” Her pretty smile matched the rest of her.

  How could I forget? You’re almost all I’ve thought about…

  He realized she was staring at him, probably waiting for some kind of response. “Yes, I did.”

  “You about to take a break for lunch?”

  He nodded.

  She looked around at the other workers then her gaze settled on him again. “Are you allowed to leave?”

  He shrugged. “As long as I get back to work when it’s time.”

  “I’d like to show you something.” Her eyes sparkled.

  “What?” She wanted him to go somewhere with her? She desired to spend time with him? He grinned like a fool.

  �
��It’s a secret.”

  A secret, now that was intriguing.

  “I…don’t know if it’s a good idea.” He looked around at the other guys on the crew, who were now breaking for lunch.

  “Come on. I even brought you a horse.” She beckoned. “You said you know how to ride, correct?”

  “Yeah, I know how to ride.” Although it had been a while, he didn’t think it was something he’d ever forget. Along with his many memories of home. He shrugged. “Well, okay. If you’re going to twist my arm.”

  He dismounted the farm vehicle, deciding he’d finish the job after he returned from lunch. After all, it wasn’t that important at the moment. It also wasn’t every day he received an invitation from a pretty young woman.

  “Let me grab my lunchbox from the truck.”

  “You don’t need to. I brought enough for both of us.” She patted the knapsack behind her.

  Joseph grinned. She brought him lunch? “Okay.”

  He slipped his foot into the stirrup and easily swung up into the saddle.

  “You’ve done that a time or two, huh?” She smiled.

  “Yeah, once or twice.” He winked, then gently prodded the horse with his boot. “Where are we going?”

  “Follow me.” She nudged her horse, then took off at a gallop.

  Joseph smiled and shook his head. He loved her spunk. “Hee ya!” He called to his horse to chase after her. This was turning into a fun lunch hour.

  Nearly ten minutes later, they crested a small hill. When Joseph looked down, he couldn’t believe the beauty before him. A thicket of trees surrounded a shining aqua lake. He never would have guessed this hidden gem existed, had he not seen it with his own eyes.

  Azalea kissed to her horse, maneuvering around trees until they came upon the lake’s bank.

  Joseph stared out at the sparkling blue-green water. The lack of breeze rippling the small lake created a pristine image—a perfect reflection of the surrounding trees. “Wow, this is…amazing.”

  “Yeah, it’s my little secret place.” She smiled and winked. “So don’t tell anyone.”

  He zipped his lips with his thumb and forefinger. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

  She dismounted her horse and led it to the lake for refreshment, allowing the creature to consume its fill of water, then wrapped the reins around a tree branch. Joseph followed suit.

  “You hungry?” She released the knapsack from her saddle, along with a lap blanket.

  “Starving.”

  She spread the blanket out on the ground under the shade of the trees, then sat down. She patted the space next to her. “Come eat.”

  He sat down beside her and received a sandwich from her outstretched hand. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I hope you like chicken salad.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever had it before.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded.

  She glanced down at the sandwich in her hand. “Do you mind if I pray?”

  “You want to pray?” He frowned. He wasn’t accustomed to women praying. As a matter of fact, he couldn’t remember a time when Mamm had prayed on her own. Of course, that didn’t mean she hadn’t, he just never saw her.

  “Why do you say it that way?” Her brow lowered. “Unless…do you want to pray? You’re more than welcome to.”

  He’d noticed since he’d entered the Englisch world that nearly everyone prayed aloud. Did Azalea want him to pray in this manner as well? Wasn’t one supposed to go into their closet and pray? They were not to stand on the street corners and make an open show to be seen by men. Of course, this was hardly a street corner. This Englisch lifestyle held peculiar customs indeed.

  “Do you mean out loud?” He voiced his thoughts.

  “Yeah.” She clarified.

  “Well, I don’t really…I mean, I usually…I’m more comfortable praying to myself.”

  She laughed. “You pray to yourself?”

  He guessed by the gleam in her eye that she was teasing him. “No, I meant silently. I pray to God. Who do you pray to?”

  “God. Jesus.” She smiled. “Would you like me to pray then?”

  He nodded. “Sure, if you’d like.”

  They both bowed their heads and she prayed aloud. “Dear Lord, thank You for this food You’ve provided for our nourishment. And thank You for allowing Jonah and I to spend some time together today. May our thoughts, actions, and speech be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

  Perhaps she was a believer. This day just kept getting better. He suppressed another smile.

  Joseph took a bite of his sandwich and groaned when it met with his taste buds. “This is so good,” he mumbled around his mouthful of food.

  She playfully shook her finger at him. “Didn’t your mother ever teach you manners? You’re not supposed to be talking with your mouth full.”

  “Manners? No. My mother died when I was young.”

  Azalea frowned. “Oh, I’m sorry. My mother passed away too.”

  “When?”

  “About two and a half years ago. It’s just me and Dad now.” She offered him some potato chips and pulled out a container of dip.

  “You don’t have any brothers?” He took a small handful of chips and popped one into his mouth.

  “Nope. I’m an only child. My mom’s pregnancy and my birth were pretty rough on her. After I was born, she got pregnant twice but lost both babies to miscarriage. So I guess I was somewhat of a miracle baby.”

  “A miracle indeed.” He winked. He’d never really flirted or spent much time with a maedel before, so he found this time with Azalea rather fascinating.

  “How about you? Any siblings?”

  He nodded, then looked away.

  “I’m sorry. Is that a sore spot?”

  “Yeah. I’d rather not talk about it.”

  “Okay, that’s fine. We don’t have to.” She pulled out a container of watermelon. “Want some?”

  He smiled and nodded. “This is a good lunch.”

  “Thanks. I’d hoped you’d like it.” She ate a few forkfuls of watermelon. “You want to go swimming when we’re done?”

  “Swimming? I’m not really dressed for that sort of thing.”

  “Why don’t you bring some swim trunks tomorrow and we can go in the water?”

  The thought of swimming with a pretty young woman caused his temperature to raise a few notches. He swallowed. “Okay.”

  As of now, he had no swim trunks but he would buy some to have an opportunity to swim in the lake with Azalea.

  “So, what are your plans, Jonah? What do you want to do with your life?”

  “I don’t know exactly. I haven’t really thought much about it.”

  “No plans for college? Do you plan to work with this crew your whole life? Start your own business?”

  “Ach, so many questions.” He laughed.

  “Well, when I tell my dad about the guy I’m interested in, he’s going to want to know everything about you.”

  His brow shot up. “You’re interested in me?”

  She nodded. “I thought it was obvious.”

  “Sometimes men don’t get what’s obvious.” He smiled. “Okay. School. Um, no. I’m not planning to go to college.” Should he mention he’d only completed eight grades? “I grew up Amish, so I only had school until grade eight.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “You mean, you didn’t even finish high school?”

  “No high school at all. After we finish school, we basically go to work, learn a trade.” He shrugged.

  “Oh.” She frowned.

  “Is that a terrible thing?” To him, it was normal. But he wasn’t living in an Amish community anymore. It seemed he had so little in common with Englischers, comparatively speaking.

  “Well, not to me. But it is where my dad is concerned. Have you ever thought about getting your GED?”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s a test that people take that is basically equivalent to
a high school diploma.”

  Was that the same thing Robert at the Rescue Mission had told him about? No, it had a different name although he couldn’t rightly remember what it was at the moment. “You mean that people can just take a test instead of going to high school?”

  “Well, kind of. You’d have to study hard because it covers most of what you’d learn in high school. Most people study for several months before they take the test. It’s not that simple.”

  “And high school takes four years?”

  She nodded. “That’s right.”

  “It wonders me why everyone doesn’t do it that way instead of spending four years of their life in school.”

  “Huh, I never thought of it that way. I think a lot of parents probably want their children to have the experience of high school—you know—sports, dances, games, that kind of stuff. But high school is mandatory for most of the population, at least up to a certain age. I guess the Amish must be excluded in that law.

  “A GED is sometimes looked upon by some people as not being as good as actually attending high school. At least, that used to be the stigma. I think it’s probably a little more accepted now with the increase in homeschooling and independent study programs.”

  He had no idea what the word ‘stigma’ meant, had never even heard the word, but he understood the gist of what she was saying. Maybe that was one of the words Englisch folks learned in high school, he mused.

  “Would you want to take it? I could help you study if you did.”

  He frowned. He’d always been taught that higher education held the temptation of one becoming hochmut—proud. He didn’t wish to become proud. God honored humility. God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble. He did admit that spending more time with Azalea was appealing, though. “Why would I take it?”

  “It can probably help you get better-paying jobs. It looks better on a resume.”

  “What’s a resume?”

  “It’s a piece of paper that employers usually require that lists all your educational and work experience. It’ll help you get jobs. A lot of employers will ask for your resume if you’re going to work for them.”

  “Wow. It sounds like I have a lot to learn. How’d you get so smart?”