Unlikely Sweethearts (An Amish Christmas Story) Read online

“Oh.”

  “You know, that’s why they dress conservatively and drive a horse and buggy. Those are all rules they have to abide by.”

  “Okay, I see. So they have to dress that way?”

  “Yes. It isn’t an option.”

  “I always wondered. I never met any Amish people until at Walmart yesterday. And, technically, I didn’t even meet them. Randy and his grandfather exchanged a few words and then we moved to a different area of the store.”

  “I find it interesting that you and Randy were at the store together.”

  “Oh, we weren’t together. We just sort of met there.”

  Shannon nodded slowly.

  Holly leaned over. “My parents don’t know that we saw each other.”

  “I was wondering about that. Isn’t he supposed to talk to your father at church tomorrow?”

  “He is. How did you know?”

  “He came over to us as soon as you left the church. He begged Wesley to help him.”

  Holly laughed, as her cheeks heated. Was it the coffee or the realization that Randy had taken such an interest in her?

  “He really likes you.” Shannon smiled.

  “I don’t know why.” She shrugged.

  “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re really sweet and very pretty.”

  Holly hung her head at her friend’s praise. “I don’t know about that.”

  “I was a little jealous the first time I saw you.” Shannon laughed.

  Holly shook her head. “You had reason to be. I was still pining after Wesley back then. I can’t believe the way I acted. I’m so embarrassed by it now.”

  “That’s been long forgiven.”

  “I wish I could forget.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Well, you weren’t the only one who acted silly.”

  “I know. But I knew better.”

  “What do you think your father will say?”

  “About Randy?”

  Shannon nodded.

  “I don’t know. He can be rough.”

  “He loves you.” A slow smiled formed on her lips. “You are fortunate to still have your parents living.”

  She thought of Shannon and her siblings, who’d lost both of their parents just a couple years ago. She couldn’t even fathom the responsibility laid upon her friend’s shoulders at the tender age of eighteen. Wesley had truly been a Godsend for the Parker family. Holly hadn’t seen it then, but it was crystal clear now. “I know. I’m sorry your parents are no longer here.”

  “I miss them so much sometimes.” Shannon blinked back a stray tear, then straightened.

  “I can imagine.”

  “But I might not have met Wesley or his grandparents, had my parents not died.”

  “Yeah, I guess God has a way of making everything work out.”

  “And He will with you and Randy.”

  “I don’t know if there will be a ‘me and Randy’. My father is wise and I trust his judgement. I’m not sure Randy will meet his approval.”

  “So if he doesn’t think you and Randy courting is a good idea, then what?”

  She really didn’t want to think about that until it happened, which it probably would. “We’ll have to settle on being friends, I guess.”

  “And you’re fine with that?”

  No, she wasn’t. Not really. “I have to be.”

  “Well, would your father make any concessions?”

  “What do you mean, specifically?”

  Shannon shrugged. “Would he allow you to write letters to each other while Randy’s in school?”

  Holly grimaced. “Maybe. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.”

  “But while he’s here, you can see each other at church, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  Shannon eyed her carefully. “Would you ever go against your father’s recommendation?”

  Holly took a deep breath. Hadn’t she been asking herself the same thing? “I really like Randy.”

  “And…?”

  She swallowed the remainder of her mocha. “If my father says no, I will try to forget about him.”

  “You have a lot of respect for your father. I admire that.”

  “It’s not always easy. But I know he has my best interests in mind. He loves me and only wants good for me. I have to trust him.”

  “It’s the same with God, isn’t it? Our Heavenly Father. We trust Him because He loves us and only wants what’s best for us.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. That’s exactly how it is. But God is all-knowing and He never makes mistakes or misjudgments.”

  “Are you worried that your father could misjudge Randy?”

  “Not really. I just don’t think Randy is at the place, spiritually speaking, that my father would approve for a life mate. You know what I mean?”

  “Yes. And he’s probably right. Randy is a nice guy, but I’ve never seen him show much of an interest in spiritual matters.”

  Holly frowned. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

  “But on the bright side, he’s eager to go to church since meeting you.”

  “Yeah, but it’s the wrong reason.”

  “God can use wrong reasons.” Shannon smiled. “Look at me. I went to church because of Wesley.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Just pray that God will reach his heart. Wesley and I have already been praying for that. Randy meeting you might just be God’s way of drawing him into the fold.”

  “Do you think he’s saved?”

  Shannon nodded. “Wesley says yes. He accepted Christ and was baptized as a boy.”

  “Well, at least the foundation is right.”

  “If he’s going to church regularly, maybe he’ll start growing up.”

  Thinking of Randy’s behavior in Walmart, Holly eyed Shannon doubtfully. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  Shannon’s cell phone vibrated and she stared down at it. “Oh no. Duty calls.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  Shannon held out the phone toward her.

  Holly gaped at a digital image of the two youngest children, Melanie and Olivia, covered in flour. Little Olivia wore the empty mixing bowl atop her head, but she was all smiles. The text from Wesley’s number read Miss you, Mommy!

  Shannon laughed. “I don’t know who’s missing me more—the children or Wesley. I’m afraid of what disaster may be awaiting me.”

  “Maybe you should send him a text letting him know you’re on your way. Then maybe they’ll have most of it cleaned up.”

  “I’ll be lucky if it’s half cleaned up. I think I should stop in at IGA and pick up some extra paper towels. By the look of it, we’re going to need them.” Shannon looked at her phone, shaking her head. “What did he let them do?” She lamented.

  “You should probably pick up more flour too, by the look of it.”

  “Probably.” She stood from her seat. “By the way. Would you be willing to babysit for me Friday evening?”

  “Friday?” She slung her purse over her shoulder. “Sure. What time?”

  “Six thirty. We might be out late.”

  “That’s fine.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be sure to leave you a list of instructions. And the kids go to bed at nine, so most of the evening should be quiet.”

  “No problem. I love children.” Holly smiled. She’d be sure to bring a book along for after the children retired for the evening. “It sounds like fun.”

  “Good.” Shannon sighed. “Well, I’ll see you at church tomorrow.”

  Holly waved as her friend slid into her vehicle then drove off.

  NINE

  Randy drove up to the church ten minutes prior to his meeting with Holly’s father. He guessed her father was likely a stickler for punctuality, so he didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot. Being on time was something Randy was actually good at. He was rarely late, and when he was, it couldn’t be helped. Like showing up late to church last Sunday evening because he’d dropped Lisa off.

  He parked the car and w
iped his sweaty palms on his jeans. Oh no. Should he have worn slacks instead? Would Holly’s father approve? He should have asked her. Or Wesley.

  Had he ever been this nervous? He didn’t think so. This was way worse than a job interview. Or his first day of college. This was his chance to be able to spend time with the girl of his dreams. He couldn’t botch this up.

  Please help me, God. He shot up the desperate plea.

  It was the strangest thing, really. He’d never been this head-over-heals for a girl. Never. It had all been just fun and games up until now. But now? It was like he’d become a different person overnight. The moment he bumped into Holly at the ice skating rink was like he’d been struck by lightning. His world shifted. Or perhaps the stars had been perfectly aligned that night—whatever that meant. Either way, it was as though his feet started down a different path.

  All of a sudden, he wanted to be a different person—a better person. He wanted to be who Holly needed. Who her father approved of. Someone worthy of her affections, of her love.

  He tapped on the steering wheel, then glanced down at his watch. Her father was late. So maybe he wasn’t a stickler for punctuality.

  He sucked in a deep breath as a vehicle finally entered the parking lot. At five twenty. He could have sworn Holly’s father had told him five o’clock. Maybe he’d been mistaken. Had he said five thirty?

  Randy exited his vehicle, contemplating if it would be better to meet Holly’s father at his vehicle or at the door of the church. He opted for the latter.

  His heart rate sped up as Mr. Remington approached. What was his name? Randy squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to recall it. He could kick himself right now.

  He held out his hand. “Mr. Remington.”

  Holly’s father shook his hand and nodded. “I see you’re here on time.”

  “I was actually early. I was here at ten till.”

  Mr. Remington didn’t reply, but instead unlocked the door to the church.

  Randy frowned. No apology for being late?

  Holly’s father led the way into the church’s fellowship hall, and Randy took a seat across from him at the table.

  Randy rubbed his palms on his jeans. He couldn’t wait for this to be over.

  “How old are you, Randy?”

  Yes, an easy question. “Twenty-one.”

  “And you consider yourself a Christian?”

  “I do.” Although he would admit he hadn’t been living like it, if her father asked.

  Mr. Remington studied him. “Do you drink alcohol?”

  His mind went back to a frat party he’d been invited to a couple of years ago. He’d drunk so much, he had passed out. When he woke up, he’d been so sick he thought he was going to die. He’d missed all his classes that day. Since then, he’d indulged in a drink here and there with friends, but he’d never been wasted like at the party. And he never wanted to be again.

  “I have. I do, on occasion,” he admitted. “My parents don’t approve.”

  “Are you willing to give it up or do you plan to bring it into your marriage?”

  “I guess I’ve never contemplated that.” He shrugged.

  “Are you aware of what the Bible says about alcohol?”

  His brow lowered. “Uh…it’s okay to use it for sickness?”

  “Surely you’ve read the story of Lot.”

  “Sodom and Gomorrah, right?”

  “I’m thinking of what happened after that.”

  Randy was drawing a blank. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “You can read about it in Genesis nineteen. Basically, he got so drunk that he didn’t even realize he’d gotten both of his daughters pregnant.”

  Eww. He grimaced.

  “Do you remember the story of Noah?”

  “He got drunk too, didn’t he?”

  “Yes. And his sons found him in his tent. He ended up cursing one of his sons. I think it’s interesting that the Bible doesn’t record anything positive about his life after that incident.”

  “Hmm…I guess I’ve never thought of that.”

  “The book of Proverbs says that wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” He frowned. “I realize that drinking alcohol has become an acceptable part of our society, even in many of our Christian circles. I do not hold to or agree with that view. Alcohol has caused much harm and heartache. It is not a burden I wish for my daughter and her future family.”

  Randy thought about Sean Perry, a high school acquaintance he’d had in one of his classes. Sean and his sister were both killed when a drunk driver swerved into their lane and hit their vehicle head-on. Their younger sister survived, but she’d gone through many months of surgeries and still dealt with the consequences of the drunk driver’s fatal decision to get behind the wheel that day.

  “I’m willing to give up alcohol, if you think I should. I enjoy it, but it’s not that important to me.”

  “No, Randy. It must be a decision you make. My decision is based on my convictions and my desire to lead my family in righteousness. My decision is based on setting a good example, not only for my children, but for my future grandchildren as well. Everything we do will affect other people’s lives whether we realize it or not. God forbid I should become a stumbling block to those I love and cherish most.”

  Randy considered his words and nodded.

  “Do you have any addictions?”

  He scratched his head. “No. Not that I know of.”

  “I don’t expect perfection, Randy, and neither does my daughter.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  “But what I do expect is a desire to live righteously before God.”

  “I haven’t always wanted to, but I’ve been seeing things through new eyes lately. An actual relationship with God is still a pretty new concept to me. I don’t know all the ins and outs, but I’m willing to learn.”

  “I see.” Mr. Remington nodded. “And your relationship with my daughter…”

  Randy swallowed. Now he was getting down to business.

  “If you court my daughter, where do you see your relationship a year from now?”

  “A year? I would hope Holly and I would be pretty serious a year from now.”

  “What does pretty serious look like to you?”

  “Thinking and talking about marriage.”

  “And how about physical contact?”

  “Well, that would depend. Whatever Holly’s comfortable with…” He shrugged, then lifted his eyes to Mr. Remington’s frown. “I mean, not like whatever, but…” Now he’d gotten himself in a mess. Whatever, Randy? Really?

  “And your past relationships? Did they include whatever?”

  Was it getting hot in there? “That didn’t come out right.”

  “Are you avoiding the question?”

  Yes. “No. And yes, my past relationships have included physical contact.”

  “Beyond kissing and holding hands?”

  “Yes.”

  A deep frown etched in his face. “I see.” Holly’s father blew out a long breath. “And you think you’re worthy of my daughter?”

  “Oh no. I’m not even close to being worthy of her. She’s…amazing…and so far out of my league. If I’d known, if I’d been able to see the future, I totally would have waited for her.” He squeezed his eyes shut and offered a silent plea. He was botching this up so badly. “I’ve done a lot of wrong things—stupid things—in my life. If I could go back and redo some parts, I would. But I can’t. And this is where I’m at right now. I know I don’t have much to offer, but if you’ll just give me a chance, I’ll try my best not to mess it up.”

  “Are you willing to meet with me for discipleship once a week?”

  “Discipleship?”

  “To help you grow in your walk with the Lord and develop an understanding for the Word of God.”

  “That would be great. But I go back to college in early January.”

  “Are you able to tak
e satellite classes for that?”

  Randy frowned. Satellite classes? What a brilliant idea! But first, he’d have to see if there were any close by. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Plus, he’d get to see Holly more.

  Her father nodded. “Why don’t you take Sunday dinner with us?”

  “Dinner? Like at your house?” His mind reeled with excitement, flip-flopping all over the place. Was he serious?

  Mr. Remington smiled.

  “I’d like that. Does this mean…?”

  “Yes. But I have a list of things here that Holly has agreed to, that I’d like you to consent to as well. A code of conduct, if you will.”

  “A code of conduct?”

  “I’ll go over a couple with you. First of all, in order to protect your relationship and my daughter’s reputation, you two are not to be alone in a room together.” Her father eyed him.

  Randy nodded, but his mind balked at the idea.

  “Now, that doesn’t mean there will be people around at all times listening in on your conversations. We just don’t want to give place to the devil and open the door to temptation, which, if you’re like most young men, is probably pretty strong.” His brow rose in question.

  “Yes, I will admit that.”

  “And with your background, it’s likely stronger than it should be.”

  He considered the warning and nodded.

  “And the second thing is no touching.”

  “Like…at all?”

  “At all.”

  “No holding hands or—”

  “At all.”

  There went his grand plan for Holly’s ice skating lessons. He blew out a breath and acquiesced. “At all.”

  “It will be challenging.”

  “For sure.” Randy glanced up at the clock. “May we sit together during church?”

  “I think that would be okay. Just keep in mind the no-touching rule and you’ll be fine. You’ll be watched.”

  “I figured.” He chuckled. “So, then I’m allowed to take Holly out as long as someone is with us? Like a double date?”

  Her father nodded.

  He said yes? He said yes! I was approved. By Holly’s father.

  He. Said. Yes.

  Oh my.

  Randy was so excited, he felt like running up and down the aisles, hopping on the back of one of the pews, and sailing through the air to swing from one of the hanging light fixtures. But the pastor and congregation probably wouldn’t approve of that. And it could be costly if the light fixture were to come crashing down. It would be so worth it, though.