A Secret of the Soul (Amish Secrets--Book 6)

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  Her face brightened once again. “Movies at your house, remember?”

  “That’s right. I’ve already got the popcorn and ingredients for root beer floats.”

  “Root beer floats?”

  “You do like them, don’t you?”

  “Like them, yes. The question is, should I like them?” She patted her flat belly.

  “Once in a while won’t hurt, jah?”

  “Jah?” she teased. “I love it when your Amish slips out every now and then. It’s cute.”

  “Cute?” He laughed.

  “It’s endearing.”

  He pushed the button on his key fob to unlock the truck door, then pulled open the door for her and helped her up into his truck. He was tempted to kiss her then and there. “Did you bring the movies you mentioned?”

  “Yep, they’re right here in my purse.” She held the movies up. “Firefighters or cops?”

  He slid into the driver’s seat. “Both sound good. Probably cops, though. I used to want to be one.”

  “A cop? How come this is the first time I’m hearing about this?”

  He shrugged and turned the key in the ignition. “Never came up, I guess.”

  “Is that what got you involved in helping out at the youth center?”

  He smiled, turning out of the church parking lot. “Yes, actually. I enjoy spending time with the boys there. A lot of them come from broken homes without a father. Since I am shunned, I feel like I can relate to them in a way.”

  “It’s important for them to have positive male role models, I think. What do you do when you’re there?”

  “Pretty much just play basketball, or whatever else is going on. They have all sorts of activities and games and such. It’s a great chance to get to know them. Once in a while, we’ll just go for a walk or a bike ride on the outdoor trail they have on the property, and we’ll talk.”

  “I bet they enjoy spending time with you.”

  Elam nodded and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, while waiting for the traffic light to change. “I like to spend time with them too. It’s kind of like having younger brothers. And since I don’t get to spend much time with my actual brothers, I think it meets a need for me too.”

  “Do you share your experiences of your past Amish life?”

  “Sometimes.”

  “How do they react to that?”

  “Well, most of them can’t fathom having a large intact family that shares meals and works together. It’s like a dream to them.”

  “Yet, you left all that. Do they find that crazy?”

  “Somewhat, but I think they understand. There’s more to it than what folks see on the outside. It’s a very restrictive lifestyle.” He pulled the car up to his driveway and killed the engine.

  “I can imagine.” Megan turned to him. “I’d love to go on a buggy ride someday.”

  Elam chuckled. “You would?”

  She nodded.

  He exited the truck, opened the door for her, and helped her down. The truck seemed even bigger when Megan was near it. “I think I might be able to arrange something like that.”

  “Really?” Her eyes lit up and he felt like kissing her as she stood just in front of him.

  Elam leaned forward and placed both of his hands on the body of the truck, pinning her petite frame between himself and the vehicle.

  “Would you like that?” His low voice sounded almost like a whisper to him and he knew she understood his double entendre.

  At her silent nod, he leaned down and met her soft lips. The kiss was slow and gentle and sweet. He lingered there an extra minute, enjoying each delicate movement.

  “Mm…that was really nice.” It almost felt as though he were entranced, gazing into her warm caramel eyes. The appearing of stars in the sky enhanced the mood even more. What would it be like to spend the night with her in his arms? He lightly caressed her cheek, debating whether kissing her again would be a good idea.

  A car whizzed by and it broke the moment. Suddenly, he was aware of their location—still standing in his driveway. The public display of affection felt very non-Amish.

  “We should go inside,” Megan suggested. He didn’t miss the subtle blushing of her cheeks, even in the darkening night.

  He cleared his throat. “Good idea. We have popcorn to make.”

  Moments later the aroma of popcorn filled the air. Elam poured the melted butter over the top of the bowl and mixed it in well, in an attempt to cover each kernel.

  “Do you want salt on it,” he called to Megan, who was in the living room preparing the movie.

  “Just a little, please. If it’s too salty I won’t be able to eat it.”

  “Should I make the floats now or later?”

  “Now. Sweet and salty go well together.” She peered around the corner. “Need help?”

  “Nah, I think I got it.” He eyed her clothing. “You changed.”

  She glanced down at her sweat pants and V-neck t-shirt. “You don’t mind, do you? I like to be comfy when I watch movies.”

  He stepped near and pulled her close. “I don’t mind at all. You look cute in everything.” He briefly kissed her, then turned back to the task at hand.

  Megan pulled glassware from his cupboard and set it on the counter. Elam placed a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream in each glass and then poured in the soda.

  “Okay. I think we’re ready. Did you figure out my DVD player?” He handed Megan her drink and the bowl of popcorn. “I’ll grab some paper towels.”

  “Yep. It’s all ready to go.” She frowned in the direction of his futon.

  “I’m sorry my couch isn’t more comfortable.”

  “Oh, no. It’s fine. I was just thinking it would be nice if we had some pillows.”

  “I have a couple on my bed. You can use my extra one.”

  “That sounds perfect. Do you have a throw too?”

  “A throw?”

  “You know, like a small blanket that you throw over the couch?”

  “Okay, I’ll see what I can find.” He rushed to his room, excitement of spending the evening with his girl growing with each second. He returned with the two pillows and his fleece camo blanket.

  “That’ll do.” She grinned.

  “Get up a sec. This futon reclines. It’ll be more comfortable for watching movies.” He quickly adjusted the couch, handed Megan her pillow and blanket, and sank down next to her. He leaned over and nuzzled her cheek.

  “Now, you’re going to have to watch this because I don’t want you to miss anything. Okay?” Megan pushed the play button on the remote control. “It’s a good movie.”

  He forced himself away from her and fixed his eyes on the screen the moment it started. This was going to be a fun night.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Elam pried his eyes open. Megan lay nestled in his arms, a pillow between them and his camo blanket tucked under her arms. The second movie they’d watched, the one about the firefighters, had been interesting but it appeared they had both fallen asleep. The television was still on, seemingly frozen on the home screen of the feature film.

  What time was it, anyway? He looked toward one of the windows where the curtain was drawn. Was it light outside already? Oh, no.

  “Meg, wake up.” He kissed the top of her head and lightly rubbed her arms, not wanting to startle her from sleep. She sighed deeply, as though lost in a dream.

  “Megan, babe.” This time he leaned over enough to kiss her lips. He knew she’d awakened when she responded. He smiled.

  “Elam?” She touched his face, but her eyes stayed closed.

  “It’s morning, Megan. We need to get up.”

  She bolted upright, knocking his chin in the process.

  “Ow.” He rubbed his chin, now stubbled with the facial hair that had grown overnight.

  “Sorry.” She leaned over and pecked his cheek, then frowned. “Did you say morning? What time is it?” She shot up from the couch.

  “I don’t know. I have
n’t looked yet.”

  “Where did I put my phone?” She looked around.

  “Is it in the kitchen? I think that’s where you left your purse.”

  She hurried to the kitchen and pulled out her cell phone. “Oh, shoot. It’s nine o’clock, Elam! Church is in thirty minutes. And my dad tried to call.”

  Just then, the doorbell rang.

  “Oh, no. It’s my dad! I know it is.” Sheer panic set on her face. She looked down at her sweats and t-shirt. “I need to change. I have to get ready for church.”

  “It’s okay, Megan. I’ll answer the door.” His voice sounded a lot calmer than his nerves felt.

  Before he could even walk to the door, she bolted for the bathroom.

  Elam took a deep breath and looked through the peephole. Megan had been correct. Sure enough, her father stood on the other side of the door. He reluctantly pulled it open.

  “Good morning, sir.” Elam nodded.

  “Hello, Elam. I hope I didn’t wake you up.” Megan’s father stared at something above Elam’s head. Must’ve been his hair. Was it sticking up?

  Elam frowned. He hadn’t even thought to look in the mirror or comb his hair. “No, sir. You didn’t awaken me.”

  “Okay, good. The reason I’m here is because I haven’t been able to get ahold of Megan and I was wondering if you’ve possibly seen her. I tried calling her cell last night and this morning. Nothing. We drove by her house and her car is still there, but when I knocked on her door she didn’t answer. I’m terribly worried.”

  “She’s here,” Elam admitted.

  “Here?” His brow furrowed.

  Elam stepped aside and gestured for the deacon to enter his home.

  “Just a minute.” Elam left Megan’s father at the door. He walked down the hall to the bathroom and lightly knocked on the door. “Megan? Your father is here.”

  She opened the door and shared a terrified look with him.

  Elam leaned close and whispered. “He’s by the front door.”

  She whispered back, “Does he look angry?”

  Elam shrugged.

  Megan walked in the direction of where her father stood. “Dad? What are you doing here?”

  “No, what are you doing here? I’ve tried to call you since last night. We went by your house this morning. Where have you been?”

  “Sorry. I had my cell phone on silent.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Where have you been all this time?” He repeated, his neck and face darkening to a maroon color. “Don’t tell me you spent the night with Elam.”

  “I was here.”

  “The whole time?” He glowered in Elam’s direction, and Elam wished he could disappear into the wall.

  Megan’s hands shook. “Yes. But it’s not what you think it is. We just watched some movies and we fell asleep.”

  “And you expect everybody to believe that?” His hand practically screeched through his hair.

  “No. I don’t care what everyone believes. But I expect you to believe it!” The tears in Megan’s eyes made Elam want to wrap his arms around her. But somehow he didn’t think that would help the situation at the moment.

  Megan’s father sighed. “Megan, I’ve been worried about you. Everyone’s been worried about you. I tried to call. Mom and I went by last night. And then when you still didn’t answer your door or your phone this morning, we nearly called the police. We tried everyone we could think of. Pastor, Mike, everyone. The last person we talked to said you’d left the singles class in Elam’s truck. I never dreamed you’d stay here with him. All. Night. Long.” He frowned. “That’s not in your character.”

  “Dad. I already told you the truth. We watched movies and we fell asleep. It was an innocent mistake.”

  “Innocent?” His gaze bounced from Elam to Megan and they both nodded in confirmation. He took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s just forget all this happened and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Do I make myself clear?”

  Elam swallowed. “Yes, sir”

  “Yes, Dad.”

  “I think you should ride to church with us today, rather than with Elam. It will look better that way.” Her father insisted.

  “I’ll probably be late. I have to shower and get ready,” Elam grimaced.

  Megan lifted a wobbly smile. “Okay.” When she threw her arms around him, he didn’t resist, although it felt awkward with her father there.

  “I’ll see you later?” He whispered in her ear.

  She nodded, then followed her father out the door.

  Elam watched and sighed as they drove away. That had to be one of the most uncomfortable situations he’d ever been in. Church this morning would probably be even worse. Would there be rumors flying around that he and the deacon’s daughter had spent the night together? He was tempted to skip church altogether. He pondered it for a moment, then his words to his brother came back to haunt him. A man will admit to his mistakes, learn from them, and move on.

  He exhaled loudly. Time to put his own advice into practice.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “Hey, thanks for letting me ride your bike. That was a blast.” Danny beamed. “I told you it would be nothing for me to learn.”

  “You did well for your first time. But you should really watch your speed, especially since you won’t wear my helmet.”

  “When did you become such a worry wart?”

  Elam frowned. “I have a right to be concerned about my baby brother. And my motorcycle.”

  About a block from the house, Elam smiled and his pace quickened. Megan had pulled up to the house in her adorable little car. “She’s here.”

  The curiosity dancing in his brother’s eyes didn’t escape his notice. “Is that your girl?”

  Elam nodded.

  Danny released a low whistle. “Impressive, brother. She’s cute.”

  Elam had often thought the same thing. As a matter of fact, ‘cute’ was the perfect word to describe Megan. “Shh…” he warned, as Megan approached.

  “Hi.” Megan’s eyes sparkled.

  “Hi.” Elam lightly bumped her hip with his and winked. “Meg, this is my baby brother, Danny.”

  “Younger brother,” Danny corrected, glaring at Elam.

  Megan laughed. “Nice to meet you, Danny.”

  Elam eyed the dish in her hands. “What ya got there?”

  “Dinner. But it still needs to go in the oven.” She grinned. “Danny’s welcome to join us.”

  Elam lifted his brow toward his brother.

  “It’s tempting, but I’m sure you two would like to be alone,” Danny said.

  “You sure? It’s no problem. Megan and I will still get our alone time.” He glanced at Megan, who nodded in agreement. “Why don’t you stay a little bit?”

  “Ach, I better not. I’m supposed to pick up Tabitha tonight. As a matter of fact, may I use your phone to call a driver?” Danny chuckled. “Unless I can take your bike?”

  “Won’t that get you into trouble?” Elam’s brow raised.

  Danny shook his head and a sly grin crept across his face. “No more than what I’m already in. And you’re already in the Bann, so…What do you say?”

  Megan looked back and forth at each of them, seemingly enjoying their banter.

  Elam sighed. “Why do I have a feeling I’m going to regret this?” He pointed to his brother. “No driving too fast, and I want you to wear the helmet.”

  “Seriously? You’ll let me take it?” His brother’s excitement reminded him of the first time he rode on a motorcycle.

  “When can you have it back to me?”

  “Friday?”

  Elam grimaced. He didn’t know if allowing his brother to have his motorcycle that long was the wisest idea. “Okay. But no giving rides.”

  “You’re kidding. Not even Tabitha?”

  “Especially not Tabitha.”

  “Aw, man.”

  Elam shrugged and handed him his phone. “Fine, then call your driver.”

  Dann
y pushed the phone back to him. “Okay, no rides.”

  “Promise me.”

  “I promise.” Danny shook his head and looked at Megan. “Is he always like this?”

  She shared a gaze with Elam. “Caring? Yes.”

  “I better get going before this mother hen lays down any more rules.” Danny looked at Elam. “Key?”

  He reached into his pocket. “Have a care now.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” He snatched the keys from Elam’s hand and jogged into the garage. “See ya Friday.”

  “You better.” He watched as his brother removed his hat and put the helmet on his head.

  “What am I going to do with this thing?” Danny held up his Amish hat.

  “Do you have an extra one at home?”

  “Not a good one.”

  “Turn around.”

  Danny did as told. Elam took his hat and placed it under the suspenders on his back.

  “Will that hold?”

  Elam shrugged. “It should.”

  Megan chimed in. “Do you have a backpack?”

  Elam leaned over and kissed her. “That is a great idea. Hold on a second, brother.”

  A few minutes later, Elam and Megan watched as Danny pulled out of the driveway and headed down the road on Elam’s motorcycle.

  Elam sent up a brief prayer. Please don’t let me live to regret this.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Elam pulled a nail from his toolbelt and hammered it into the structure that would eventually become a playhouse for some lucky little girl. The customer had insisted the mini cottage be painted pink with white trim and a porch that wrapped all the way around.

  Elam laughed to himself. The lengths Englischers went to just to make their kinner happy. He thought about his own sisters and the things they will have accomplished by the time they step into womanhood. They’d be capable of running an entire household before they reached their mid-teens.

  His cell phone vibrated in his pocket, distracting him from his musings.

  “Hello?” he answered, expecting Megan or Zach to be on the other line.

  A timid voice answered back. “Hallo, is this Elam?”

  He had no doubt it was an Amish woman. “Yes, this is Elam speaking.” He answered in their native tongue. “Who is this?”