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

by Becca Fisher

  The rude awakening usually involved Allison's children arguing. The one upping and finger pointing was constant. And that day was no different.

  "Mama, mama. Which one do you like better?" Patricia asked, as she and her sister both held up crayon drawings.

  Allison had learned over time that having children meant that answering questions was a careful negotiation of her daughters feelings. The truth was optional. All that mattered was that neither child left the room crying with their head in their hands. In such an environment, it was no mystery that a life of unparalleled romance was over.

  "I like them both equally," Allison answered.

  Patricia was not content with that answer. Then again, she wasn't content with any scenario that didn't involve her coming out on top. Patricia had the first child syndrome. The belief that she was the best when it came to everything.

  "What if you had to chose just one?" Patricia continued.

  Allison would not take the bait though. "They're both very good."

  But it wasn't just Patricia that was unsatisfied with the answer. Beth wanted nothing more than to top her sister at anything, no matter how small or insignificant the affair. It was the second child in her. The expectations of her sisters achievements informed her every move. And she craved to carve out her own identity.

  "How could one not be better than the other?" Beth asked.

  "Girls, shouldn't you be getting dressed for school?" Allison deflected.

  "Yes mother," the girls both answered.

  But just because Allison had spoken didn't mean her girls were listening. Allison heard the debate continue as Beth and Patricia left the bedroom.

  "Well, I know mine is better," Patricia insisted.

  "Nah uh," Beth snapped back.

  "Uh huh. Mother just didn't want to hurt your feelings," Patricia added.

  No one cared about Allison's feelings though. But so few praises were sung when you were a Mother.

  Allison looked out the window at Lucas plowing the field and tried to resume her interrupted fantasy, but had no luck.

  ***

  Samuel and Emma Kaufman were approaching their fortieth year of marriage. A celebration was certainly in order for an achievement such as that. And with Miriam finally married, the Kaufman’s had their home all to themselves. An empty nest did not necessarily mean a quiet nest though.

  Emma could not walk around her home without memories trailing her every step. They were mostly joyous memories. Happy reminders of a successful marriage. Visions of her daughters achievements that brought a swell of pride to her heart. But they were just memories.

  The present tense had a new story to tell. Emma had hoped that being alone with her husband for the first time in decades would spur a romantic renaissance. That they would make up for lost lust. There seemed to be a third wheel to all their conversations though--regret.

  Samuel's mind was so often preoccupied. He tried to hide whatever it was. To tuck it into the back of his thoughts. But to someone who knew him as well as Emma, Samuel could do little to hide anything.

  Emma was worried that health may be a factor. They had both reached an age where there were far more years in their past than they had left to live in their future. Whatever the reason for his hands off approach, Emma was anxious for Samuel to put his hands on her. And Emma was not shy to spur Samuel on.

  "Did you ever think we'd be married for forty years?" Emma asked, as they ate breakfast at the kitchen table.

  "It's not forty years yet," Samuel replied.

  "That's funny. I don't recall inviting superstition into this conversation," Emma remarked.

  "You're right. It has been quite a journey, speed bumps and all," Samuel said.

  "Are there any speed bumps in particular you have on your mind?"

  "I'm not quite sure where that question came from."

  "You're welcome to wonder where the question came from all you like. I'm more concerned with the answer," Emma insisted.

  "It's nothing. I just have a lot on my mind. As you know, there's always work to be done."

  "Let work not get in the way of play though."

  Suddenly Samuel's interest was peaked. "What sort of play did you have in mind?"

  "Here we are with a house to ourselves and an anniversary on the horizon. If your imagination is not running wild, then it has failed you."

  Samuel smiled at Emma wider than he had in some time. "A lot of things have failed me, but imagination is not one of them."

  ***

  Abigail tried not to let her thoughts wander to her Amish childhood. There was pain in her past. Scabs that had finally healed. Still, her childhood would always stay with her, no matter how it turned out.

  "What troubles your thoughts?" Isaac asked.

  Isaac was almost as in tune with his wife as he was with the Lord. And it wasn't like Abigail to find herself lost so deeply in thought when work at the ministry awaited.

  "Sometimes the past catches up with you when you least expect it. Don't worry, I know how to brush such things to the side," Abigail explained.

  "Dear, you know you can tell me anything," Isaac said.

  "And I will, if I feel the need," Abigail explained.

  "If I can't help you, turn to the Lord."

  "I have. Many times. But he's yet to answer."

  Isaac could see the pain in Abigail's eyes and felt hopeless knowing there was nothing he could do to make her feel better.

  Work always soothed Abigail's soul. Though she no longer lived among the Amish, she'd learned she could serve the Lord just fine from the suburbs of Philadelphia. Charity work suited Abigail well, especially as she saw the happiness her efforts brought to the faces of the needy. Whenever she felt down, Abigail only had to look across the room at how blessed she truly was.

  A man smiled at Abigail with immense gratitude as he took his food to a table.

  "You never get tired of bringing a smile to someone's face," Abigail said to herself.

  Delilah looked out at table upon table of men and women with starving mouths.

  "It's so heart breaking to think these people don't have families to go home to," Delilah said.

  "Or maybe their families won't let them come home," Abigail replied.

  "I'm sure if their families knew how much they needed them, they would lend whatever hand they could," Delilah remarked.

  "Some families are a little more complicated than that." Abigail was visibly flustered, but pulled herself together. "Being here does remind me it's important to appreciate what I have instead of lingering on what I don't though."

  "But Abi, you have a wonderful husband and a fulfilling job. What is it that you don't have?" Delilah wondered.

  "We should get back to work," Abigail insisted.

  ***

  "So, do you two have any big plans for your fortieth anniversary?" Miriam asked, at the dinner table.

  It was a full house once again, which meant it was time for everyone in the family to get into each others business. But Samuel had a way of deflecting unwanted questions like an absolute professional.

  "It's clear that you have some ideas for us Miriam, so why don't you share them?" Samuel said.

  "I was just thinking the occasion calls for a party," Miriam suggested.

  Samuel immediately tensed up, preferring to shy away from all manner of spotlight.

  "Don't worry father. This is not an attack on your modesty. I figured it could be family only," Miriam suggested.

  While Samuel did not immediately warm to the idea, Emma was practically bursting with excitement.

  "Well I'm certainly not one to turn down a party," Emma replied.

  "Good. Now just sit back and relax. Allison and I will do all the planning," Miriam continued.

  Allison meanwhile looked just as surprised as anyone. "Please do watch the words coming out of your mouth when you're speaking for me."

  "Allison, how often do our dear parents celebrate forty years of holy matrimony?" Mi
riam argued.

  "That sentence comes far easier out of the mouth of someone that doesn't have two young children at home," Allison insisted.

  "Girls, if it's too much of a burden, feel free to retract the offer," Emma joined in.

  "Yes, we wouldn't want to burden you," Samuel added.

  "Don't waste another word suggesting this party is ill suited to my time. You deserve a celebration, and I will give it to you," Miriam said.

  Samuel finally gave in. "I insist that only family come though."

  Two

  "What scheme has your mind devised?" Allison asked, as she pulled Miriam aside.

  "Ally, you've made it perfectly clear that your daughters are keeping your hands full so I'll do all the planning myself," Miriam assured.

  "That's curiously not an answer to my question," Allison replied.

  "Surely you can agree that a successful marriage is worthy of acknowledgement."

  "And?"

  "And what better way to celebrate than with family?"

  "And?"

  "And nothing."

  Maybe easy explanations would have fooled someone else, but Miriam was far from putting one over on Allison. There was a sisterly instinct that could sniff out ulterior motives and Allison was on the scent. Finally Miriam caved.

  "And so I figured it would be a good time to invite the whole family back."

  "Does this include a certain former sister?"

  "She's still our sister," Miriam remarked.

  "Of course...if we chose to visit her in Philadelphia. But at our parents anniversary party, she's the elephant in the room."

  "This should make for one interesting party then."

  Allison saw that there was no trace of sarcasm on her sisters face. Her heart dropped. "Oh God, you've invited her, haven't you?"

  "She should get the invitation in the mail tomorrow," Miriam admitted.

  "Heaven help you. What ever were you thinking?"

  "My whole life I've been brought up on faith and family. But how can I have faith in a family that wants nothing to do with one of its daughters just because she fell in love with an outsider?"

  "Miriam, I miss Abigail too. I miss her dearly. But you cannot will two people to get along when their hearts refuse. You have only to look at my daughters to see that."

  "This conversation is perfect proof that sisters can disagree. But imagine a better anniversary gift than our family finally reconciling."

  "That would be quite a sight," Allison admitted. "Let's just hope the demons of the past don't ruin our future."

  ***

  Emma loved a good party. But before she could revel, she had to get one question answered.

  "If not for the party, then what did you have planned for our anniversary?" Emma asked.

  All it took was Samuel's slightest hesitation to cast a pall on the conversation. "I uh, I had planned a more subdue celebration. A dinner, then a walk at sunset."

  "That sounds quite familiar," Emma replied.

  "But you love sunsets--"

  "I remember when we first fell in love you used to delight in finding all new ways to bring romance to our relationship. Now it just feels more like obligation."

  "Emma, I love you as much now as I ever have. I love you enough to spend forty years of my life with you. The fact that I don't have a regret in my heart should say something to you."

  "Sometimes the words need to be said aloud. Love is not something to be kept inside."

  "I'm sorry if the appreciation I've given you of late has been under my breath. I truly am," Samuel explained.

  But it was Emma that had the last words. "I'm sorry as well, but age should not get in the way of your passion. After all, you love God as well, but does that mean he doesn't deserve your devotion every Sunday?"

  ***

  Allison could scarcely believe the passion Lucas had returned home with. But all she had to do was look into his eyes to see how desire had overcome him. And with the kids safely asleep in bed, Allison and Lucas were free to bring the fire back into their long dormant sex life.

  There was a lot of making up to do, but Lucas seemed poised to redeem himself all at once.

  "I have neglected your love for too long," Lucas insisted.

  "All that matters is how much you love me now," Allison replied, her heart already aflutter.

  "No, no. I've been remiss in my duties as a husband," Lucas insisted.

  "I know just the remedy," Allison replied.

  Lucas cracked a smile. "Why do I get the feeling your thoughts have a naughtiness about them?"

  "Because maybe you feel a bit of naughtiness stirring in your soul."

  "I can't believe I've made you suffer so long without romance. But I assure you, that will change this instant."

  Lucas joined Allison on the bed and gazed upon her with renewed vigor. As Allison looked at her husband, it was clear his desire would not be dormant for long. Lucas gave Allison the kind of deep kiss she'd been craving for months.

  It was undeniably worth the wait. Lucas' lips were so soft and tender. His touch sent a rush through Allison's entire body. And Allison didn't want it to end.

  "That's quite a start," Allison insisted.

  "Wait until the finale," Lucas remarked.

  Allison couldn't wait. "I want you so much right now. You have no idea."

  "I promise never to let you down again," Lucas said.

  "I don't even know how you could."

  Lucas kissed Allison again, nearly taking her breath away. There was nothing that could tear Allison away from her fantasy being finally fulfilled. Nothing--but reality.

  "Well, I finally got the kids to sleep," Lucas remarked from the doorway, pulling Allison out of her daydream. And what a delicious daydream to have interrupted. Allison was hoping for a little dejavu. That maybe torrid desire didn't have to stay tucked away in her dreams.

  Apparently Lucas had different ideas. "God, what I'd give for a good nights sleep right now," he said, crawling into bed. And although Lucas was ragged around the edges, so was Allison's patience.

  "Lucas, the children are sound asleep and all you can think of is shutting your eyes as well?" Allison asked.

  "Of course. It's been such a long day. Why, what were you thinking?"

  "Darling, you're alone in bed with your wife. Have you really forgotten all that's possible?"

  Lucas' eyes grew as wide as saucers. "I'll never forget what's possible with you."

  "I could use a reminder myself," Allison remarked.

  Lucas looked at his wife and saw the quiet desperation in her eyes. "Has it really been that long?" he asked.

  "It's been long enough. I'm not accustomed to being jealous of my younger sister, but seeing how fiery the passion was in Miriam's eyes today made me realize just how the opposite was true for us."

  "Allison, I love you as much now as I did when we first married" Lucas explained.

  "A reminder never hurts."

  "You're right," Lucas admitted. "You know, I could offer you a number of excuses--"

  "As can I. The kids, work, family obligations. Life can always get in the way if you let it--"

  "But excuses are just that. Nothing should have torn me away from expressing my love for you," Lucas said.

  "I'm guilty of it as well. But let us cast those excuses to the side," Allison suggested.

  "I could not agree more." Lucas then put on a familiar smile. Allison had just seen it in her daydream. But as Lucas kissed Allison, she realized her dream was about to become a reality.

  ***

  Miriam and Daniel were in bed as well after a frisky encounter between the sheets. The honeymoon phase was far from over, and Miriam could not have been more delighted. After a courtship of no kisses or cuddling, Miriam couldn't seem to keep her hands off Daniel. But just because their bodies were overactive didn't mean their minds were idle.

  Doubt still came naturally to Miriam, and she turned to Daniel for soothing.

  "Do you ev
er worry about our passion fading?" Miriam asked.

  "That's an interesting question considering the throes of desire we just found ourselves in."

  "I know. It's just that every time I look at my sister I can't help but wonder how things went awry."

  "And I think the best place for your head is right here in the present."

  "I know this may seem silly to you, but the only reason I worry about the future is because the present is so amazing. I don't want to lose what we have."

  "I wouldn't worry about that. I can't imagine tiring of you," Daniel insisted.

  Only a man as handsome as Daniel could make a line like that sound believable. Then again being charming was Daniel's specialty. Suddenly Miriam found herself more comforted.

  "I wonder what went wrong with my sister then," Allison said.

  "Who says that there's anything wrong?"

  "I do. You should have seen her before. She was so vibrant. Hotter than us even."

  "Hotter than us, really?"

  "Even before she started having kids I sensed a shift. Like they started going through the motions."

  "Passion is like a fire. Sometimes it needs rekindling. But if you keep stoking the flame, you'll be rewarded generously," Daniel explained.

  "So I guess the question is, how good are you with fire?" Miriam asked.

  Daniel smiled. "Let's just say I wouldn't worry about our flame going out anytime soon."

  Three

  Abigail returned home from work with her head significantly more clear of doubt. Charity work had a way of tearing out the weeds in her mind and leaving what was only the most important. She gave Isaac a big hug, delighting him to no end.

  "Well, someone is in a significantly better mood than this morning," Isaac said, giving Abigail a kiss.

  "What can I say? I've realized what's important," Abigail said.

  "And what's that?"

  "You."

  "I just want to say, I could definitely get used to this kind of homecoming. Do you mind me asking what brought on the sudden change of heart?"

  "Does it ever just hit you how lucky we truly are?"

  "Every day I get to spend with you," Isaac replied.