An Amish Betrayal Read online

  He brought his binoculars to his eyes and carefully examined the scenery. If he wasn’t mistaken, a beautiful red cardinal had made its nest in one of the shrubs that bordered his property. Wasn’t it too late in the season for cardinals to still be out and about?

  He crested the hill and came to the tree line that divided his property with his neighbors’. Well, technically, he owned their piece of land as well. His roaming stopped when he spotted something peculiar.

  “What on earth?” He knew he should pull his eyes away but he couldn’t. Have mercy. He swallowed hard as he watched, or ogled rather, the object that had caught his attention. It was Beth. Gorgeous Beth Shetler. And she was…

  He swallowed again, his eyes riveted on the scene before him. Beth slipped out of her robe and into a large tub on the balcony of her home.

  What was she thinking? Didn’t she know that someone could be watching? In all fairness, the Shetler residence was surrounded by trees, so the chances of anyone looking were slim. But still.

  You shouldn’t be watching her. He ignored the voice in his head.

  He dropped his binoculars to his chest at the sudden sound of leaves rustling. He quickly looked around. Good, no one was there. It must’ve just been an animal or the wind whispering through the trees.

  He lifted his binoculars once again and stared shamelessly as Uriah’s wife bathed on her balcony. What a lucky man his friend was to have such a breathtaking wife. He could only imagine…

  He shook his head. Ach, he shouldn’t be imagining anything. He really should go back to the house. He should read his Bible. Jah, that’s what he’d do.

  He squeezed his thighs, turned, and urged his horse on.

  But the image of Beth on her balcony seemed to be emblazoned in his mind. He couldn’t shake it. If he were honest with himself, he didn’t want to shake it. Ach!

  He had to try and forget.

  Jah, that was what he would do. He’d go back to the house and pretend he never saw another man’s wife undress before his eyes. Uriah’s beautiful wife.

  At home. All alone. All weekend.

  TWENTY-SIX

  “Back so soon?” Simon’s eyes brightened.

  David rubbed the back of his neck. No matter how hard he’d tried, he couldn’t seem to eradicate the image that devoured his thoughts. It kept returning. Again. And again. And again. It had been seared into his mind, never to be erased, it seemed. “Uh, jah. Could you take care of my horse, please?”

  He dismounted his horse and handed the reins to his ranch hand.

  “No problem, Bishop.” Simon grinned. “How were the sheep?”

  “The sheep?” He frowned.

  “Jah, you said you were going to go check on the flock.”

  “Oh. Oh yeah. They’re fine.” Had he even looked at the sheep?

  “Bishop?” Simon eyed him warily. “Are you…feeling well?”

  “Never better.” He moved to head for the house, but turned back to Simon. “Hey, when you leave, will you go over to Beth’s and ask her to stop by when she gets a chance?” He attempted nonchalance.

  “Beth Shetler, Uriah’s wife?” Simon’s brow wrinkled in confusion.

  “Jah.” David turned, ignoring the questions in Simon’s eyes. “I’m going in to take a shower now.”

  “Should I tell her the reason for your request?” Was Simon fishing for answers?

  “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  “Uh, okay, Bishop. I’ll stop by Uriah’s house on my way home.”

  “Denki, Simon.”

  ~

  Beth walked up the long tree-lined driveway. She’d always thought this was the fanciest house in town. Every time she attended meeting here, she couldn’t get over the beauty of the property. Everything had always been kept in tiptop shape and the gardens and fields were immaculate. She breathed in the sweet-scented blossoms that adorned the base of each tree.

  As she neared the home, she drew a nervous breath then finally knocked on the door.

  What could be the reason for the bishop’s request? She didn’t know. Had she done something wrong? She couldn’t think of anything. But if she had done something worthy of reproof, he would have sent the deacon to her home, wouldn’t he? There wasn’t a single thing that warranted a visit to the bishop’s home, at least, not that she could imagine.

  Perhaps Uri had mentioned their predicament concerning kinner? But, no. Surely, if that were the case, Uri would’ve said something to her. Consulted with her, at the very least.

  David swiftly pulled the door open. Did he usually open the door himself? She’d think with all of the people he had working for him that someone else would have performed this mundane task. She looked around, just now noticing that no one was about. There was no sound coming from the shop, no one working out in the fields. It seemed peculiar, indeed. Come to think of it, why hadn’t the bishop gone to the auction?

  “Welcome.” The bishop’s friendly smile immediately set her mind at ease.

  Beth took in this man that stood before her. Tall, well built, handsome, and robust as any man in their district. But there was an attractiveness about him that no other man possessed. A certain sparkle in his eye. He had an air of confidence, as though he could take on the world. Was that what made him such a great bishop? Admired among everyone?

  She knew this man was the most respected in the area. And he’d earned that respect in spades. She’d heard the stories of his kindness to those less fortunate. His generosity. In fact, he was the first one to offer Uri a job when he first moved to the area. Her husband had always spoken highly of his friend and boss.

  She cleared her throat before speaking.

  ~

  David couldn’t get over the loveliness of the woman standing before him. She was beautiful in every way. Breathtaking, actually. Poetry in human form. Which was why he was having trouble breathing.

  “You wanted to see me?” Beth’s gaze seemed confused.

  Did she have any idea why he’d invited her over?

  Why did he invite her over? He wasn’t exactly sure himself, except that he’d wanted to be near her.

  David’s heart raced. He didn’t think he’d ever been this close to Uriah’s wife. “I, uh, jah. Come in.”

  She stepped into his home. Ach, how he wished she were his.

  What would it be like to have her in his home every day? To see her smile every day. To see her eyes light up the way they had when he’d first smiled at her. Ach, that would be too good to be true.

  “I brought some bread that I baked this morning.”

  This morning…

  She offered the loaf in her hand and he received it with a smile.

  “Denki. It smells great.” You smell great. How could he break the ice with this beautiful woman? Get to know her better. “Have you ever gotten the grand tour of my home?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” Her smile was hesitant. “I’ve only ever been here for meeting.”

  “Right. Well, allow me to show you around then.”

  She nodded and he held out his hand. For a brief second, she stared at it then placed her hand in his.

  At her touch, a renewed sense of longing filled him as it had when he’d watched her through the binoculars. She shivered. Did she feel the attraction too?

  “Denki for coming. It’s an honor to have you in my home.” He hadn’t meant for his voice to come out low and husky.

  “It’s an honor to be here.” Perhaps she hadn’t noticed.

  He’d showed her the kitchen, the main living area, the common rooms—all which she’d most likely seen while attending meeting. He stopped at the entrance to his bedroom and pushed the door open.

  Beth gasped, a dark lock had escaped her kapp, caressing her face. “Is this…? I’ve never seen anything so fancy before. May I look around? Do you mind?”

  “Do whatever you wish, lieb.” Had he said that out loud?

  Her face blossomed with color at his words and she swallowed. “You are
blessed to live in such luxury.” She fingered the quilt on his bed and eyed each furnishing as though she were touring a palace.

  He approached and stood behind her, aching to bury his face in the lilac-scented tresses under her kapp. If only he could see them down like he had when she bathed on the balcony. His hand rested on her shoulder as he leaned in close and whispered, “What’s mine is yours.”

  Ach, he didn’t think he’d even been this bold when wrestling the mountain lion. But he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

  She turned at that moment and they stood face-to-face, just inches from each other. Many questions flickered in her mien. Her gaze unwittingly roamed his features. Did he see longing in her eyes as well?

  “I…” Her teeth gently pulled in her bottom lip, moistening it in the process.

  His breaths came in short shallow puffs as desire coursed through his veins. Could she hear his wild heartbeat? His gaze longingly traveled over her ivory skin. Surely it was as soft as the purest silk.

  He reached up, his hand trembling, daring to caress her face. Her breath hitched. Her eyes shot to his lips. Did this insatiable desire consume her too? Did she yearn for his touch as well?

  Before he could stop himself, one arm slipped around her waist, pulling her to him, and the other behind her neck. Her eyes draped shut in surrender as his lips touched hers. His mouth gently explored, then he pulled back slightly, allowing her an out if she wished. Every fiber of his being begged she didn’t.

  He groaned as a fire he’d never known raged inside, lit every shadow. His lips now ravaged hers and he delighted in her equally passionate response. His mouth left hers, trailing her jaw line, her neck. A whimper escaped her lips and his mouth once again found hers. There was no turning back now.

  He swiftly removed the straight pins that held her kapp in place, silently cursing the things for their existence. Then, one by one, her hair pins dropped to the floor. Her long dark hair tumbled around her shoulders, down her back, now free from confinement.

  “Ach, Beth.” He murmured. “I must be dreaming.”

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  Beth snuggled between the strong arms that loosely held her. Her skin brushed against something luxuriously soft. Satin sheets. Her eyelids fluttered open. She took in a sharp breath as she looked up at the sinfully handsome man lying next to her. Not her husband.

  Bishop David King.

  Oh no! She bolted upright.

  “Beth?” David’s husky voice beckoned. His capable hand caressed her arm, bringing back vivid memories of the moments of passion they’d shared just hours before. The sheet slipped from his torso as he sat up too. No man should have the right to look that good. Ach, he was without a doubt the most well put together man she’d ever seen. She quickly averted her gaze, suddenly shy.

  Reality slapped her across the face. What on earth had she done? Had they done? He was the bishop over their entire district! He was God’s man! She was a happily married woman! Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no.

  “I…I have to go.” Ach, this was a dreadful mistake—certainly an unforgivable one. She closed her eyes, willing herself to wake up. This had to be a dream. It had to be! Wake up!

  “Nee, not yet, lieb.” David pulled her close and kissed her on the mouth. A sweet enticing kiss that begged her to stay in his arms. To indulge in the verboten.

  Ach, she couldn’t continue this. Could. Not. Desperation gnawed at her. She forced herself away. “I need to go!”

  “Nee, not now. Wait until the cover of darkness. If you go now, someone might see you.”

  Panic accelerated her heart rate. “Ach, you’re right. But what about Uri? What if he returns home? What if—”

  He held up a finger, silencing her concerns, then slipped from the bed. She averted her gaze again. Ach, she didn’t think she could ever look at the bishop the same way again. Not after this.

  She took a deep breath. It would be okay. It would all work out. Somehow. Wouldn’t it?

  He briefly stepped into his office, but stayed within her line of vision. He held a cell phone to his ear. “Jah, Joe. How’s it going?” He nodded. “Who all is with you now?” He winked at Beth. “And you’re returning home Monday, right?” He nodded again. “No, no problems. Just checking in. See you when you get back.”

  David’s finger tapped the screen and he smiled. “He won’t be back till Monday.” He set his phone on the dresser and approached her. Desire sparked in his eyes as his hand trailed her shoulder. Sending what seemed like an electro-magnetic pulse to every nerve ending in her body. How did he have this effect on her?

  Beth swallowed. Ach, this was so difficult. She forced herself away.

  God, please let this be a dream.

  “Was iss letz, lieb?”

  But she wasn’t dreaming. This was very real. Tears pricked her eyes and her chin began to tremble. “David, we…we have done a terrible thing.”

  “Nee, not so terrible,” he murmured close to her ear. “It was wunderbaar.”

  “It’s a sin, ain’t so?”

  His fingers gently combed through her hair, then his hands moved to cradle her face. He gazed into her eyes. “It was just one time. No one will know. It’ll stay between us, okay? A secret.”

  She pushed away a tear and nodded. Maybe if the bishop wasn’t concerned, she shouldn’t be either. A secret between the two of them, jah.

  But still, guilt tore at her heart.

  Honoring her wishes, he handed her cape dress back to her as he slipped in to his broadfalls. “I’ll make us some tea.”

  She shook her head. “No, I really should get home. Uri will…”

  “He’s not returning till Monday, remember? You may stay. Another day? If you’d like?” His eyes pled for her to agree.

  “I can’t.” Because if she did, it wouldn’t be ‘just one time.’ And one time was already one time too many. Beth swallowed the lump in her throat, forbidding the flood of tears that threatened. “David, I’m married. And you’re—you’re the bishop.” As if he didn’t already know. But maybe saying it would help strengthen her resolve.

  He nodded, then sighed.

  How could she? How could she betray her husband like this? Her beloved. And with the most respected man in their district, no less. Surely, they’d be found out. Didn’t these types of things always have a way of coming to light? And then what? Would Uriah fight the bishop? They didn’t believe in violence, but jealousy wasn’t something that could be tamed in a man. Would he demand a divorce? Nee, they didn’t believe in that either. But adultery was certainly fair grounds for divorce, hadn’t even Jesus said so? If nothing else, surely David would be stripped of his bishopric and they’d both be excommunicated from their people. Oh, the shame!

  This had to be kept secret. It had to.

  Why hadn’t she said no? Why hadn’t she refused? But she knew. She’d been as desperate for affection as David was. If only she could turn the hands of the clock back twenty-four hours. Just one day. One day, before her life was turned upside down.

  It was times like this that she was grateful her folks had passed on. She couldn’t imagine the heartache this would have caused them. But, what of Grossdawdi? Something like this, so wretched and shameful, could be the death of him. How he’d always been a longtime supporter and proponent of Bishop David King. He’d befriended him the first day they’d arrived. He’d spoken up for him. Admired him. If he found out about this, he would hate David now.

  And Uriah. Uri was not only David’s employee but his friend, was he not? He could never find out. No one could find out. Ever.

  God, forgive me. Forgive us. Please let this pass. Let this just go away.

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  It had been three weeks. Beth’s monthly cycle should have started a week ago. She wouldn’t panic. She would wait. Surely, she was mistaken. There was no need to be concerned. No need to worry that Uriah would trace the date back to a time when he’d been gone. A time when they’d been abstinent for far too long. A time wh
en she’d played mistress to David, their respected fearless leader. God’s man. Uri’s friend and employer.

  For whatever reason, she and Uriah hadn’t shared their marriage bed in the past month and a half. Nee, two months now. She hadn’t initiated it lately because of the horrible guilt that had been plaguing her. Did he instinctively know she’d been unfaithful? Was she being punished? She hadn’t said anything about the sinful tryst and she was quite certain David hadn’t either. Uriah couldn’t possibly know, could he? He hadn’t acted any different toward her, not that she could tell. Perhaps it was just her conscience taunting her.

  Perhaps that was why she hadn’t had her cycle yet too. It was simply guilt. Jah, that had to be it. Had to.

  Another week confirmed what she’d been fearing.

  No, Gott. It can’t be so. It can’t be!

  How is it that she and Uriah had produced nothing—nothing!—for over six years, yet one time—one time!—with David and she was in the familye way? Ach, it didn’t seem fair. She forced away the moisture that seeped from her tear duct. Why, Gott?

  She had to go to David. She must tell the bishop that she was expecting his boppli. When to tell him, was the question. It wasn’t like they ever found themselves alone like that fateful day.

  So much for no one finding out their secret. Everyone would know now. She knew how the stories went. Their sinful deed would be recorded as a blight on Amish history. A stern lesson on lust and adultery of the worst kind. It would spread from district to district. It would be preached about by every bishop and minister. And she would be labeled the temptress, the one who’d lured and led God’s chosen man astray.

  Oh, how she wished her predicament weren’t so! If only she could go back and erase that day. If only she’d denied David and told him no. But she hadn’t, and all the wishing in the world wasn’t about to change the quandary they’d gotten themselves into.