The Ultimate Amish Romance Boxed Set Collection (1-8)

by Becca Fisher

  "You've just met me. There's a lot of things you don't understand about me," Allison insisted.

  "I think I know enough to realize any man would be lucky to have you," Lucas continued.

  "Hasn't anyone ever told you not to flatter a woman unless you mean it?"

  "I would not say such words unless they were the truth," Lucas replied. "Do you truly not see how enthralling you are?"

  "That is not for me to decide. But no man has ever said those words to me."

  "That is their loss then. And I am honored to be the first to tell you just how beautiful you are."

  "Are you always this forward?" Allison asked, finding herself quite captivated as well.

  "Absolutely not. But I find my attraction to you hard to contain," Lucas admitted.

  Allison felt an attraction too, but she tried to bottle it up. The prospect of giving her heart to an outsider was terrifying, no matter how fetching he was. And Lucas was exceedingly handsome indeed. Still, Allison could picture the cold reception a relationship between herself and Lucas would bring within her family.

  "Perhaps it's best if we turn our attention back to quilt shopping," Allison suggested.

  "Perhaps. Still, I know if I don't ask you this, I'll surely regret it. So, would you do me the honor of agreeing to a date with me?"

  The Lord sure worked in mysterious ways. Allison had been praying for a dashing hunk to enter her life and sweep her off her feet. She just never thought that man would be an Englisher. Could she really see herself in the arms of an outsider? Allison wasn't sure. But one thing was certain above all--it could be a long time before a man as intoxicating as Lucas ever entered Allison's life again.

  "I'm not quite sure what to say," Allison admitted.

  "Your hesitation says plenty," Lucas replied, visibly disappointed. "Well, I guess when you ask out a beautiful woman, rejection should come as no surprise."

  "Wait. I didn't say no," Allison insisted.

  "True. But you did not say yes either."

  "Is it really in your nature to give up so easily?"

  "If I thought you could fall in love with me, I would do whatever it took to captivate your heart," Lucas replied. "I do not actively covet heart break though."

  "And what makes you think I'd be the one breaking your heart, instead of the other way around?" Allison asked.

  "I assure you, I do not take the task of devoting my heart to someone lightly."

  "Neither do I. So I warn you, do not think you can run afoul of my heart on this date," Allison said.

  "Wait a minute. Does that mean you're saying yes to the date?" Lucas asked.

  ***

  "Wow. This is quite a treat indeed," Allison remarked.

  Lucas knew that Allison was in no hurry to let the Amish world know that she was on a date with an outsider. So Lucas took Allison where few Amish dared to tread--the local touristy hotel restaurant on the other side of town.

  Most Amish ate their meals at the dinner table with their family. So the prospect of eating out when there was no holiday on the calendar was an incomparable treat. Not to mention Lucas spared no expense, spoiling Allison with all the menu had to offer. But Lucas had other things on his mind besides dinner.

  "You're the biggest treat of all," Lucas said, gazing into Allison's eyes. "It's amazing how gorgeous you are."

  "Lucas, I'm wearing an apron and a bonnet," Allison insisted.

  "It doesn't matter what you're wearing. Your beauty will always shine through."

  "Those words are quite kind. I'm not sure I can live up to that though," Allison replied.

  "Your modesty is amazing."

  "It's the Amish way."

  "And your gentle heart, is that just the Amish way as well?"

  "Lucas, is it your intention to flatter me to death?"

  "It's just refreshing to meet someone so free of pretension. Someone that understands the important things in life."

  "What do you consider to be the important things in life exactly?"

  "That's easy. Faith, family, love--"

  "I've never been in love," Allison admitted.

  "There's a first time for everything."

  "Very true. I never thought I'd find myself on a date with an outsider."

  "You know, you and I aren't that different," Lucas insisted.

  "How are we similar?"

  "We both want to live a simple life. To fall in love. To honor God in the best way we can."

  "Were you not able to do that in the city?"

  "I just needed a break from the frantic pace of the world. To decompress. To find happiness once again. So when my aunt offered me a job at the hotel here, it sounded like a nice change of pace."

  "By the way, how does your aunt like the quilts you picked out for the guest rooms?"

  "She likes them just fine--thanks to you. How about you, what's your story?"

  "It's just like you said. I'm trying to honor God. To fall in love. And to live a simple life."

  "I've found that love is a lot of things, but simple isn't one of them," Lucas remarked.

  "Maybe you just haven't found the right person yet," Allison insisted.

  Lucas then looked deep into Allison's eyes and smiled. "Or maybe I finally have."

  ***

  The rooftop of the hotel had a spectacular view. But neither Allison nor Lucas was focused on much else but each other.

  "When I look into your eyes, I feel like I can see God smiling back at me," Lucas said.

  "I'm not sure the Lord would appreciate his name being used in such a manner," Allison deflected.

  "Allison, God's beauty is all around us. His blessings are abundant. And to truly appreciate the Lord is to see the grace and brilliance in all of his creations."

  "Well, you are easy enough on the eyes. It would be a shame not to appreciate your grace and brilliance," Allison replied.

  "You know, I'm not usually so easily taken by a woman. But I find myself completely drawn to you."

  "I assure you, the feeling is mutual," Allison replied.

  "I suddenly find myself wanting to do nothing else but kiss you," Lucas admitted.

  Allison's lips agreed, even if her beliefs did not. But temptation was persistent beyond belief. Lustful thoughts refused to leave Allison's brain. And if she wasn't careful, she'd find herself indulging in her deepest desires.

  Allison quickly looked away. "The sunset sure is beautiful tonight, isn't it?"

  Lucas reluctantly played along, even as his mind was on fire. "It is pretty amazing the scenery you are blessed with every day out here."

  Allison kept her eyes focused on the pinkish hue glistening off the rolling hills. "You'd be surprised how many people take it for granted. Their minds wander off to the city, the skyscrapers, the allure of a faster paced life."

  "And yet you're still here, even as so many of your friends find themselves elsewhere."

  "I do not need to go to Philadelphia to find myself. I just need to follow the Lord's path for me."

  "Aren't you ever curious what's beyond those hills?"

  "The Yoder's farm, of course," Allison remarked. "All joking aside, I know what's out there. Distraction. Ungodly pursuits. And all manner of temptation."

  "True, but temptation has found us quite easily here as well," Lucas countered.

  "Keep your eyes on the horizon."

  "You know, God has plenty of devotees in the city as well."

  "Perhaps. But I know the path the Lord wants me to walk. And it is right before me."

  "It's quite admirable of you to be so sure of yourself at such a young age. Are you as sure about what you're looking for in a man as well?" Lucas asked.

  "You mean do I think that man is you?" Allison countered.

  "I can't say that thought hasn't crossed my mind tonight."

  "Well, I can honestly say I've never met a man quite like you," Allison replied.

  "I'm not sure whether I should be delighted or disturbed by that answer," Lucas said.
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  Allison just turned to Lucas and smiled. "Do I look disturbed to you?"

  ***

  "Oh God, I don't want this night to end," Lucas admitted.

  "My parents will be wondering where I am," Allison insisted.

  "Can I see you tomorrow?"

  "I'm still not sure how good of an idea it is for me to be taking up with an Englisher."

  "Then don't think of me as an outsider. Think of me as a man that showed you a great time tonight and is eager to do it tomorrow as well."

  "You certainly have an intoxicating way about you," Allison insisted.

  "Does that mean you're saying yes?"

  ***

  "How was your youth group?" Samuel asked, not even looking up from reading his Bible.

  Allison had always been the second child, but ever since Abigail left, Samuel was going through the motions more than ever. Samuel seemed to be checking up on Allison out of fatherly obligation more than any actual interest in her activities. Allison had become like background scenery, and she knew it.

  "It was all right," Allison answered.

  "Good, good. Your mother left some corn and scalloped potatoes on the stove for you if you're hungry."

  Things couldn't have been more different with Abigail. When rumspringa came, so did the yelling. Tempers flared. Feelings were hurt. And instantly regrettable things were said. Although the concept of rumspringa was for young adults to find themselves before joining the Amish church officially, Samuel seemed to have a different take on it.

  He had no interest in his daughter bending, no less breaking the rules he had laid out before her. He didn't want Abigail to run around and sow whatever wild oats she desired. Samuel had a plan for his favorite daughter. And when she did not follow that plan, Samuel became broken seemingly beyond repair.

  In the wake of such a falling out, Samuel seemed in no mood to tighten the reins. Allison could practically do whatever she wanted and Samuel would barely even notice. But the greatest irony of all was that Allison was doing no such running around. Instead Allison was living a plain and simple life. And Samuel couldn't even be bothered to notice.

  "I think I'll just call it a night," Allison insisted.

  "All right. Sleep tight," Samuel responded, still without looking up.

  ***

  But Allison wasn't really going to call it a night. Her mind was too aflutter to let her head hit the pillow just yet. Besides, how could she possibly sleep after that date? Allison had never wanted to kiss someone more in her life. Temptation proved harder to resist than she ever could have imagined. But while Allison's lips hadn't pressed against Lucas' in real life, her fantasies were a different story entirely.

  She pictured being in his arms. Exploring his body. Being able to have him any time she wanted him. It was an exquisite proposition. But as delightful as Allison's daydream was, reality painted a different picture.

  Lucas was an outsider. And unlike her sister, Allison had no intention of ever moving to Philadelphia. It seemed like a difficult decision was imminent. But despite the turmoil that appeared to be looming, Allison's heart had been set aflame like never before. She was smitten. Enchanted. And feelings like that were not so easily dismissed.

  ***

  "I must say, I haven't been able to get you off my mind since we last parted," Lucas admitted.

  "You have popped into my head from time to time as well," Allison remarked, tempering her enthusiasm.

  If it were up to Lucas, the couple would be enjoying a nice night on the town. But Allison wanted to keep things more discreet. She preferred to meet him at his aunt's hotel. Allison said it was to better keep away from prying eyes. Lucas was not as convinced.

  "Ms. Allison, are you ashamed to be going out with me?" Lucas asked.

  "I would not say it's as simple as that," Allison answered.

  "Just how complicated is it then?"

  "Complicated enough to find ourselves confined to this hotel."

  "And what if I were to insist on taking you away from the Amish village for a proper good time?"

  "Lucas, you don't understand what it's like to be Amish," Allison insisted.

  "Maybe not. But I do understand what it's like to be smitten. Do you?"

  Allison could sense Lucas needing some affirmation. That he needed to know his feelings were reciprocated. And they most certainly were. So Allison let her enthusiasm shine through. "I do now--thanks to you."

  "That is probably the sweetest music my ears have ever heard," Lucas admitted, utterly relieved. "I do know a little about the Amish though."

  "Oh really?" Allison asked.

  "Yes. I was reading about rumspringa last night."

  Allison immediately tensed up. "Don't believe everything you read."

  "Isn't this time in your life about exploring all the world has to offer? To discover who you really are? To find out what you want out of life?"

  "Rumspringa means different things to different people."

  "What does it mean to you?" Lucas asked.

  "I'm comfortable with who I am. And I know what I want. Rumspringa is not an excuse to throw caution to the wind."

  "I'm not saying we should light the world on fire. I'm just saying there might be more avenues to happiness that are worth exploring."

  "Lucas, do you know what a woman's number one fantasy is?" Allison asked. "To be loved for who she is."

  "Allison, I am absolutely enamored with you. I want nothing more than to bring joy to your life. The question is, will you let me?"

  ***

  The view was spectacular. One of a kind. Lucas had found a secluded place far away from the prying eyes of locals, but yet dazzling beyond belief. A place where the sun dappled through the trees, where single beams of light poked through, where if you looked up at the sky, it appeared that God was shining directly down on you. And suddenly it was clear why Lucas had taken Allison there.

  It was more than just a little piece of heaven on Earth. It was proof to Allison that sometimes stepping out of her comfort zone could pay off. That although she scorned the city, there was joy to be had outside of Lancaster. So Lucas and Allison laid beside each other in the grass watching the sun turn the sky the most beautiful pink hue they had ever seen.

  "I know it's not quite the hotel lobby, but the view here isn't half bad," Lucas joked.

  "I do say, if your goal was to make me fall in love with you, success is nearly yours," Allison admitted.

  "It is the Lord you should thank for this magnificent scenery," Lucas insisted.

  "You know, I asked God about you last night."

  "That's funny. I just thanked God last night for creating you. What did the Lord have to say to you, by the way?"

  "I felt a great sense of peace wash over me when I prayed about you. Almost as if God was reassuring me that I had chosen the right path."

  "You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that."

  "I guess the question I have is, now that you have me, are you sure that you still want me?"

  Lucas looked deep into Allison's eyes. "I've never wanted anything more."

  ***

  Love came quickly to Allison. In the span of barely over a month, Allison had gone from contemplating spinsterhood to a full fledged love affair. And she was falling deeper every day. She wanted to spend every moment with Lucas. To have and to hold him. To love, honor, and cherish him. To build a life with him.

  It was almost as if she'd been saving up love her whole life, then gave it to Lucas all at once. But while their relationship remained chaste, Allison's fantasies did not. She found that desire had quickly overcome her. That temptation was nearly impossible to resist. And that her dreams were begging to come true. For once in Allison's life, it seemed like things could not get better.

  ***

  "Can you believe Claire Yoder ran off with an Englisher?" Samuel said, with fiery outrage.

  After Abigail's departure, there were few things that could set Samuel off. But English
ers were one. Maybe it was misplaced anger that he couldn't express to his daughter, or maybe he was tired of keeping his feelings bottled up, but whenever an outsider was mentioned, Samuel was just as passionate as ever.

  Emma and little Miriam knew to abstain from such rantings at the dinner table. Allison usually just waited for the grumblings to blow over as well, but with her heart tangled up with an Englisher of her own, she suddenly felt a vested interest in the proceedings.

  "If they're in love, I don't see what the problem is," Allison remarked.

  "We could ask your sister, if only she were here," Samuel barked.

  "Perhaps Claire Yoder's journey took an unexpected twist. Perhaps she fully intended to fall in love with an Amish boy, but maybe none were to her liking," Allison insisted.

  "Allison, you know the Amish way--"

  "And I love the Amish way. But sometimes life has intentions of its own for you. Sometimes love makes its own rules."

  "The rules of the Amish are not meant to be broken. If this man loved Claire, he could have become Amish for her. They could have had a proper marriage. The plain and simple life that all Amish fathers want for their daughters."

  "Father, not everyone wants to be Amish."

  "If a man truly loves a woman, there is no limit to what he will do for her."

  ***

  "Who's the guy?" Emma asked, pulling Allison aside after dinner.

  Allison was startled, still chewing on the food for thought that her father had laid out.

  "What do you mean?" Allison asked.

  "You never stand up to your father."

  "Maybe some of Abigail has rubbed off on me after all."

  "I fear it's more than just Abigail's stubbornness though. Tell me you have not taken up with an Englisher as well," Emma pleaded.

  "Mother, whatever would make you think that?" Allison deflected.

  "Child, look into my eyes," Emma insisted.

  But Allison tried to keep from direct eye contact. Emma fixed her gaze though.

  "Oh dear," Emma bemoaned.

  "He's a kind man. A loving man. A devout man," Allison remarked.

  "Why does such drama keep befalling our family?" Emma asked herself.

  "Please don't tell father."

  "Oh, I will not," Emma responded. "That responsibility rests with you. And God bless. You'll certainly need the Lord by your side on this one."