by Becca Fisher
The Ultimate Amish Romance Boxed Set Collection
Becca Fisher
Table Of Contents
Heavenly Blessing
Heavenly Temptation
Heaven Sent
Heavenly Desire
I'll Be Waiting In Heaven
Heavenly Dreams
Heavenly Purpose
Born Again Amish
Heavenly Blessing
"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
Abigail Kaufman couldn't believe her ears. She had always believed such words were reserved for women far more captivating than her. Women that probably weren't adorned in a bonnet and apron. Being Amish, modesty didn't just come naturally, it was ingrained in every fiber of Abi's being. Yet an unmistakable hunk stood before her with no intent to retract his statement.
And what a fetching man Abi had caught the eye of. The man had a body that looked like it was a gift from God. Perfectly sculpted. Designed to make a woman's heart skip a beat. He had a warm, comforting smile. Dazzling deep blue eyes. And soft kissable lips.
Abigail was instantly smitten. She could tell that life would be a blessing with such a man in her life. That her days would be filled with wonder. And that her nights would never be short of passion. Such a find was nearly impossible in Amish country, so it came as no surprise that Abigail found her dream man while exploring the outer suburbs of Philadelphia.
Amazingly enough, the world had not collapsed with Abigail's departure from Lancaster county. She did not have a God shaped hole in her heart. Abi's life was still full of faith. She felt enriched. Like she was able to experience the world as it was intended to be.
Abi and the man laid in the grass, peering into each others eyes while holding one another. A brisk breeze gave Abigail goose bumps and gave her a good excuse to cozy up. The flowers were in bloom around them, adding an intoxicating perfume scent to the air. It was perfect.
"How many women have you seen?" Abigail joked.
"Enough to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you," the man answered. He had all the right answers.
"How lucky am I to have a man like you in my life?" Abi asked.
"Trust me. The pleasure is all mine," the man responded.
There was no keeping a smile off of Abi's face at that point. It was almost too good to be true. "Do you ever feel like you're living in a dream?"
"I am. Your dream," the man answered.
"What?" Abigail asked.
"Abi, this is all a dream," the man continued.
Before Abigail knew it, she awoke back at her parents farm in Lancaster with no dream man in sight. It was the most rude of awakenings. And reality hardly planned to take it easy on Abi.
***
Amish culture was based around living a plain and simple life. But there was nothing simple about the human heart. And Abigail Kaufman was finding out just how complicated things could get. Even as a child, even before she started dreaming about it, Abi wondered about life beyond Lancaster County. She wanted to know what the outside world had to offer. She wanted to explore more than just a tiny nook of God's kingdom. She wanted to fall in love for real.
Abi's yearnings were in complete contrast to her father's though. Samuel Kaufman had plans for his first child. There were expectations for Abi's future. She was to be groomed to eventually take over the families quilt shop. And if all went according to Samuel's plan, Abi would marry Nathan Jones.
Nathan came from a good family. He could provide Abi with security, stature, and all manner of things that did nothing to get a young woman's heart aflutter. But while Abi's father cared only for her to be wedded to a local man in good standing, Abi longed for a man that didn't bore her to tears. Nathan was not that man.
Abigail had no intention of marrying Nathan, although convincing others of that was more difficult a task than it seemed. It was almost a foregone conclusion that Abi was to wed the bore next door. Never mind that none of those plans took into account Abigail's feelings. Abigail hadn't been consulted in the slightest about her own future. It was as if her opinion was irrelevant. But all that was about to change.
***
"I'm not marrying Nathan," Abigail declared.
Dinner would never be the same. But Abi didn't care. She was tired of being a spectator in her own life. And if that meant unpleasantries at the kitchen table, so be it. Abigail's cavalier attitude did not extend to the rest of her family though. Abi's younger sisters Allison and Miriam both braced themselves for a doozy of a duel while Emma Kaufman looked over at her husband boiling over.
"Excuse me," Samuel replied, having trouble chewing on such a revelation.
"I refuse to marry a man I don't love," Abigail continued.
"There's more to marriage than love," Samuel insisted.
"Says the man who's more in love with his wife than anyone I've ever met," Abi fired back.
"I got lucky," Samuel replied. "But though you do not love Nathan now, perhaps you will grow to in the future."
"I thought the whole point of marriage was the union of two people that couldn't imagine spending the rest of their lives apart. Not two people trying to figure out how to pass the time together."
"Abigail, do you know how many woman in this village would count themselves as lucky to have Nathan's hand in marriage?" Emma chimed in.
"Then let them," Abi replied. "I want to marry a man that brings a smile to my face every time I see him."
"And what man does that for you in Lancaster?" Emma asked.
"There isn't one. Which is part of the reason I'm going to Philadelphia," Abigail admitted.
The bombs kept dropping, leaving the whole family aghast.
"Under who's authority?" Samuel asked.
"My own," Abi continued.
"Oh no you most certainly are not," Emma replied.
"I fully intend to return," Abigail insisted. "But you see, there's a whole world out there, and I'd be remiss in my heart were I not to explore it."
"What have we done to make your heart so restless?" Emma asked, with hurt weighing heavy in her eyes.
"How could you betray our family in such a manner?" Samuel barked. "Do you not realize how hard your mother and I have worked to give you the best chance for success? All that we've sacrificed at your expense?"
"There's no need for your words to be so harsh," Abi insisted. "I fully intend to come back."
"And we intended to have you married and running the quilt shop. That's why intentions mean little. Behavior, or misbehavior is how our lives are truly judged," Samuel continued.
"True, but it should be the Lord doing the judging. And my faith has not wavered. I will not dishonor this family, nor my reputation in God's eyes just because I'm going to Philadelphia," Abi replied.
"I'm afraid my faith is not nearly as steadfast as yours when it comes to this matter," Emma added.
"No. This is not happening. I will not allow this to happen," Samuel continued.
"Father, I am at the age where I can make my own decisions," Abigail said. "And although I was hoping for your blessing, I do not need it. I'm going to Philadelphia. I shall return when my curiosity is satiated."
***
"Is it your wish to tear this family apart?" Allison asked.
Allison and Abigail were only two years apart in age, ensuring an endless sibling rivalry. But the rivalry was rather one-sided. Allison had always felt like a runner up around Abigail. Like she'd never gotten enough attention. Enough acclaim. Enough of the spotlight. Like she perpetually lived in the shadows. And if approaching full blown adulthood wasn't hard enough already, the sist
ers had raging hormones to contend with their already heated rivalry.
"I was certain you would be the most pleased with my news," Abigail remarked.
"Abigail, we have not been without our differences," Allison stated.
"Glaring differences--"
"But that does not mean I wish for our family to fracture," Allison continued.
"I do not wish that either. Which is I hope father would have been more understanding," Abi responded.
"Who could be understanding of betrayal?" Allison replied.
"Allison, have you never wondered what is beyond Lancaster?"
"All I wonder is how I can be of the best service to God."
"You don't have to be Amish to serve God," Abigail insisted. "Not everyone outside of this village is a heathen.
"But father has found you a husband. He's preparing you to run the quilt shop."
"I cannot do what does not feel right in my heart," Abigail explained.
Allison ramped up her disdain. "Your heart betrays you. Do you know how lucky you are to be chosen as inheritor of the quilt shop? To have father find a husband of stature for you?" Allison pleaded.
"If you like my life so much, it's yours."
"Much to my chagrin, you are father's favorite," Allison remarked. "I can never bring him the joy that you can, nor break his heart so thoroughly."
"There has been much talk of father's heart break, but what of my own?" Abigail asked. "I only wish to give my dreams a chance to come true. And yet my own parents treat me like I've committed some sin. Imagine how that makes me feel."
***
Everyone took Abigail's departure their own way. While Allison had made her disdain for the situation completely clear, Emma meanwhile had tempered her disapproval, letting her matronly instincts take hold. She gave her daughter a hug and the well wishes for a safe journey. Miriam meanwhile was the most vocal. As the youngest daughter, Miriam had no control over her emotions. The nine year old cried her eyes out, hugging Abigail uncontrollably.
"I don't want you to go," Miriam insisted.
"I have to," Abigail replied.
"But I don't understand."
"I just have to go away for a while is all."
"When will you be back?" Miriam asked.
"In a little bit."
"Are you sure?"
"I promise with all my heart."
"You better," Miriam said.
Still, there was one big no show at Abigail's send off.
"Is he really not going to say goodbye?" Abigail asked, looking back at the house for her father.
"Your father is wrestling with a lot of emotions," Emma explained.
Abigail had heard far too many excuses for her father. But there was no excusing not seeing off your own daughter. No amount of stewing that validated giving your family so cold of a shoulder. And no axe that needed that much grinding. At least that's what Abigail thought.
Then again, Abigail had planned on smoothing over the edges. To bury the hatchet that had divided them. But it was clear that wasn't going to happen. Abigail would have to carry her hurt with her.
"But I'm his daughter," Abigail pleaded.
***
The road to Philadelphia became like a museum of the past. Every landmark out of Lancaster was fraught with memories. But Abigail soldiered on, hoping the future would bring the spoils she had hoped for.
***
The world brought many surprises to Abigail's life. At first the clash of cultures seemed daunting, but Abi soon settled in to a rhythm. As always, God proved to be a timeless comfort. And just as Abigail suspected, the Lord's will could be done just fine even in Philadelphia.
Despite her father's rabid worries, the city had not turned Abigail into a Godless heathen. She had not indulged in any illicit affairs or sordid temptations that would shame her families name. Instead Abi found herself most at home with a local church group. And even more than South Street, Independence Hall, or the Liberty Bell, Abi's favorite attraction in Philadelphia was Isaac Jennings.
Isaac was the pastor's son at the local church and was eager to follow in his father's footsteps. But Isaac had more going for him than just his faith. Isaac was the rarest form of hunk. One who didn't realize just how weak he made women's knees. It was a breath of fresh air to meet a man so devoid of pretension. A man that made Abi feel like an old friend five minutes after first meeting her.
That's exactly what he did to Abigail without even realizing it. Abi was instantly smitten. Her heart swooned. It was the kind of experience Amish country had never brought to her. A sensation she had only felt in her dreams. Only it was real--at least for Abi.
Isaac's feelings were harder to gauge. He was nice to everyone. And Abigail was not the only girl whose mind was filled with thoughts of Isaac. But as Abi found her eyes constantly drifting Isaac's way during their youth group, she knew her feelings couldn't stay bottled up any longer.
Abi needed to know if his soft lips would ever press against hers. If she'd ever be able to run her hands down his hard body, his bulging biceps, his amazing abs. If Isaac's deep blue eyes would ever smolder with desire for her. And for better or for worse, Abi was about to find out.
"It's amazing to think that some people don't believe in God," Isaac remarked, looking up at the sky.
It was a warm day with a slight breeze outside the church as the youth group started making their way to the parking lot. But Isaac had stayed behind, transfixed by the pillowy clouds that seemed to dance across the sky.
"He's right there in the sky smiling down on us. He's given us this blessed day. He's in your smile."
Abi started to blush. "My smile?"
"Of course. You have an amazing smile," Isaac replied.
Isaac had a way of effortlessly complimenting someone. It was quite exquisite, especially when you were the beneficiary. But Isaac wasn't done.
"By the way Abi, I've been meaning to talk to you," Isaac continued.
Abigail was beyond intrigued. She couldn't remember saying anything terribly remarkable in the past that begged for further discussion. If anything, it was Isaac who was the enchanting one.
"Really? About what?" Abi asked.
"About how you're adjusting to life in the city. I can imagine things are quite different here then they were in Lancaster," Isaac continued.
"True. But it's also very exciting. My mind has not stopped racing since I met you--" Uh oh. Did Abi really say that aloud? Judging by Isaac's red face, she certainly did. Abigail quickly corrected herself.
"I meant since I came to town."
"Well, I know my mind hasn't stopped racing since you came to town," Isaac admitted, with no retraction in sight.
Abigail's mind was on fire more than ever. The line between dream and reality was quickly evaporating.
"Isaac, you have no idea how much I'm praying that you weren't joking," Abigail responded.
"I find nothing funny about my feelings for you. Abi, I find myself wanting to spend a great deal more time with you. And if you are interested, I'd like to take you out to dinner."
Sweeter words Abi had not heard. But Abi's smile was all the answer Isaac needed.
***
"Oh my God, they're so beautiful," Abigail said, looking at the flowers Isaac had shown up with.
Abigail had never been given flowers before. Of course, she'd never gone on a date with a boy from the outside world either. Abi was liking all the new firsts in her life.
"Not as beautiful as you," Isaac insisted.
Flattery seemed to come naturally to Isaac, although accepting it did not come naturally to Abi. After spending her whole life dressing as plain and simply as possible, Abi had taken the better part of an hour to try and find an outfit that best suited her date. But apparently all her fussing had paid off. Isaac seemed to love Abigail's dress.
Tasteful apparel soon took a backseat to the weak in the knees realization that Abigail was really going on a date with Isaac. It was one thing to da
ydream about the man, but having him smile at her in person was quite another.
"Isaac, why do I get the feeling that this is going to be a date I'll never forget?" Abigail replied.
"I sure hope I can live up to those expectations," Isaac remarked.
"Trust me. Whatever expectations I had have far been exceeded," Abigail replied.
"Then let us create some new expectations," Isaac said with a smile.
***
So much of Amish life was based around the family dinner table that eating out felt like such a special occasion. Making Abi feel special was becoming quite a habit for Isaac though. He took her to a local Italian restaurant. But the food itself was only an appetizer. Getting to know Isaac better was the main course.
One thing was clear--Isaac was a great listener. Whereas so many people just waited for their turn to talk, Isaac focused intently on every word Abigail had to say. He made her feel like the most important woman in the room. Like she was the center of his universe. And growing up in a family of five, that was a luxury Abigail could never tire of.
"I'm just dying to know. How did you find yourself wanting to leave Amish country for Philadelphia?" Isaac asked.
"There has always been a curiosity in my heart," Abigail explained. "To explore God's kingdom. A yearning to know what else was out there."
"And now that you're here, do you regret your decision?" Isaac asked.
"If I did, I wouldn't be on this date with you, would I?"
"You know, there's far more to the world than a dinner date with me."
"True. But do you really believe now is the time to be selling yourself short?" Abi countered.
"Abi, do you know why I'm so attracted to you?" Isaac asked.
"That, I'm dying to know," Abi replied.
"What the Amish call living plain and simply is what I call knowing what's important. Faith and family are everything. Not everyone realizes that. But you do."
"Is that the only reason you're attracted to me?" Abi asked.
"Of course there's the fact that you're the prettiest girl I've ever seen," Isaac added.
Abigail couldn't stop blushing. "That is certainly the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me."
"It's the God's honest truth though," Isaac continued. "It brings great joy to my heart just being around you."