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

by Becca Fisher

  "I do not need much convincing on that front," Allison replied. "The question is, how do you plan to outdo yourself?"

  "You'll just have to find that out yourself," Joshua replied.

  "I'm looking forward to it," Allison said.

  ***

  It was a fabulous date. But even more than that, Allison hadn't smiled so much in a long time. So naturally, fate had to intervene. Or, just a sullen daughter.

  "Where have you been?" Patricia asked, waiting by the door.

  Allison thanked Hannah for babysitting, then braced for the raging hormones to come.

  "Thanks again," Allison said.

  "Of course," Hannah replied, before leaning in and whispering. "I want details tomorrow."

  Hannah had barely made it to her buggy when Patricia pushed her luck again.

  "Well, what were you doing all night?" Patricia remarked.

  "Shouldn't you be studying your bible?" Allison asked, in no mood for sass.

  "Who were you just with?" Patricia prodded.

  "I don't see how that's any business of yours," Allison answered, short on patience. "And surely that attitude of yours has to go if you have any intention of leaving your room again."

  "Did you spend the evening with a man?" Patricia asked, outraged.

  "Patricia, I am an adult, and sometimes I wish to do adult things. That is all there is to discuss."

  "I can't believe you. How could you go out with a guy?"

  "I said nothing of a man," Allison replied, her patience thinner than ever.

  "You wouldn't be so secretive if you were out with one of your women friends."

  "Go to your room Patricia. Your bible is waiting," Allison commanded.

  "Sending me to my room doesn't change what you did."

  "You mean have a good time?" Allison snapped. "Of course. Far be it for me to enjoy myself."

  ***

  While Patricia made her feelings undeniably clear, Beth was more subtle. Allison tucked her daughter in, hoping for no more flare ups.

  "Goodnight honey, and God bless," Allison said.

  "I'm not going to get a new daddy, am I?" Beth asked, afraid of the answer.

  "Honey, no one is getting married here. I just had a fun night out, all right?" Allison replied.

  "Good," Beth said, relieved.

  ***

  Hannah was anxious for details. But she did not expect the words that came out of Allison's mouth.

  "I've never had such a combination of bliss and belly aching in the same night," Allison admitted, pretending to quilt.

  "I would like to hear more about the bliss," Hannah insisted.

  "Are my kids ever going to accept a new man in their lives?" Allison wondered.

  "That does not sound like the bliss I asked for," Hannah joked.

  "No one is ever going to replace Lucas. And I wouldn't want anyone to. But the girls still need a father. But will they accept one?"

  "I don't know that they'll accept one, but they should respect your right to happiness. And if a man will bring you joy, they should let him."

  "With children, should and could are sometimes farther apart than you might think."

  "I guess the question becomes, is this man worth it?"

  "I think that's too early to tell," Allison answered. "But I'm eager to find out."

  ***

  "This is considerably early for a dinner date," Joshua said.

  "I figured we could have just as much fun over lunch," Allison replied.

  At least that was the reason Allison gave Joshua. The fact was, Allison could have a nice lunch date while her children were at school and none the wiser. The last thing Ali wanted was further disdain from her own offspring.

  "The way I figure it, as long as I'm with you, there's no limit to the amount of fun we can have," Joshua remarked.

  "I'm going to hold you to that."

  "I'm glad that expectations haven't spiraled wildly out of control."

  "You're right. That was a tad presumptuous of me. But there's a lot at stake putting my heart out there like this," Allison admitted.

  "I know. After the heartbreak we've been through, you never want anything like that to happen again."

  "Right. Of course," Allison answered.

  "Trust me, it's not just your heart at stake. So let's make putting ourselves out there more than worthwhile."

  ***

  Joshua took Allison to sights of great beauty. He gave her the good time she'd be longing for. But like all great dates, it was the company that was most intoxicating. And something as simple as laying in the grass surrounded by blooming flowers became magical.

  "Do you ever feel like God is trying to tell you something?" Allison asked.

  "God speaks to us all, but not everyone listens," Joshua replied.

  "I've been listening, but the message is unclear."

  "Maybe I can help you."

  "You see, you've been coming a lot to me in my prayers," Allison explained.

  "You've been coming to me mostly in my dreams," Joshua replied.

  "That is most flattering. But I still find myself with a head full of worries. I can't help but wonder if you're in my prayers as a welcome or a warning."

  "I think you know my feeling on that."

  "I know what I want the answer to be, but the truth may be far from it. There is a storm cloud coming. And I'm not sure if the Lord is telling me to just weather it or flee for cover."

  Joshua looked deep into Allison's eyes. "I see nothing but sunny skies over the horizon."

  "How can you be so sure about me?" Allison asked.

  "I've been praying a lot too," Joshua said. "And you are the answer to all my prayers."

  ***

  "I must say, when I'm around you, I find it nearly impossible to resist temptations of the flesh," Joshua insisted.

  "You are not the only one," Allison replied. "But just because we have urges does not mean we should indulge them."

  "Maybe I shouldn't yearn to taste your lips, but I can't help it. I'm powerless around you," Joshua declared.

  As Joshua spoke, he moved closer and closer to Allison. She couldn't help but be tempted. It took all her energy to resist. Joshua's mere presence fanned the flames of Allison's desire.

  On the inside, Allison was consumed by wild cravings. A longing for Joshua's lips. An insatiable yearning for Joshua's touch. Allison's mind raced as her body tingled. But on the outside, Allison kept up her calm demeanor. She just didn't know how much longer she could hold out.

  "If you keep talking like that, I fear that I'll be helpless to resist you," Allison said.

  "I like the sound of that," Joshua replied.

  "I'm serious. You know temptation is to be resisted. That we musn't let our cravings get the best of us."

  "So you have cravings then?"

  "I cannot say that I haven't," Allison admitted.

  "I must say that pleases me to no end."

  "Have you listened to a word I've said?"

  "I have. But some have been more arousing than others."

  "I think it would be best if we called it a day," Allison insisted.

  "I'm sorry if my torrid passion offended you."

  "That's not it. I'm afraid if I stay here with you any longer that my urges will get the better of me."

  "Oh." Joshua gazed deeply into Allison's eyes, almost baiting her with the possibility of a kiss. But realizing how important staying chaste was to her, he instead just smiled wide.

  ***

  It wasn't long before Allison and Joshua were completely enthralled by each other. They found themselves longing for each others company with every passing moment. Their love was unexpected, and yet satisfying to no end.

  Allison was shocked at her devotion. How much her desire had been reignited. How wild her dreams had become. But although Allison had found love once again, there was one key difference. Allison's daughters still didn't know about Joshua. But all that was about to change.

  "Jos
hua, how much do you love me?" Allison asked, laying in the grass.

  "I love you with all of my heart," Joshua replied. "I love you enough to keep me up at night just thinking about how amazing you are. I love you so much that I can't imagine my life without you in it."

  Those were just the words Allison wanted to hear. A reinforcement of her own feelings. A reassurance of her own love. And an admission of desire that emboldened Allison.

  "Why?" Joshua asked.

  "Because I think it might be time for you to meet my children," Allison replied.

  Joshua paused, leaving Allison to fret. She had dreaded Joshua's response, fearing her kids would come between them. That perhaps he was reluctant to take on two hormonal daughters that weren't his own. That perhaps after the loss of his wife, Joshua wanted to live as plain and simple a life as possible. That maybe putting her heart out there was a big mistake.

  "I was wondering why you hadn't gotten around to that already," Joshua said.

  Allison had not expected that. But she couldn't imagine a better answer.

  "I was protecting you...protecting us."

  "From what?"

  "Pubescence. I'm not quite sure my children are ready for a new father," Allison explained. "And I feared that they could spell disaster to a love that had yet to bloom."

  "But now you feel secure enough with me to weather whatever storm awaits?"

  "I don't welcome any storm, but if we were to encounter one, I believe our love is strong enough to see us through."

  "Are you sure?" Joshua asked.

  "I am. The question is, are you prepared for what may be in store?"

  "Of course. I love you."

  Allison smiled. "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear those words."

  ***

  Just because Allison was prepared for the worst, didn't mean she embraced it. After all, she was an optimist. She hoped Patricia and Beth would both welcome Joshua with open arms. But Allison knew the likelihood of that happening was slim.

  As the time approached though, Allison's nerves were getting the best of her. She had so much riding on a single dinner. And after all the grief she'd been through, the last thing Allison wanted was more strife. So Allison did the only thing she could. She prayed. The question became, what would God's answer be?

  ***

  "Mother, why are there four place settings?" Patricia asked, looking at the dinner table.

  "Because we're having a guest over," Allison answered.

  "What kind of guest?" Patricia continued.

  "One that is very important to me."

  "If they're so important, then why is this the first I've heard of them?"

  "My, aren't we terribly nosy today?"

  "That does not answer the question," Patricia prodded.

  "I suggest you do not let your hormones get the better of you. I am your mother, and I ask the questions around here. Now, please do be on your best behavior tonight," Allison insisted.

  "You've invited a man over, haven't you?" Patricia continued.

  "I have. And he means the world to me, so I expect you to treat him with the respect he deserves."

  "I can't believe you. How could you bring a man into this house?"

  "Patricia Marie Bieler, you will not speak to me in that manner," Allison declared.

  Unbeknownst to both Allison and Patricia, Beth had found her way to the dining room.

  "You have a new man in your life?" Beth said, full of trepidation.

  "He is full of kindness," Allison responded. "You will like him."

  "Will not," Patricia replied, surly as ever.

  Patricia then stormed to her room.

  "I have every right to happiness," Allison said.

  But Patricia slammed the door shut.

  Allison was left with her anxiety as Beth just stood in shock.

  "Does he make you happy?" Beth asked.

  "More than I've been in a long time," Allison answered.

  Beth remained quiet, but her mind did not.

  ***

  "Hello," Joshua said with spunk, unaware of the looming conflict.

  "My, you sure have brought pluck, haven't you?" Allison replied, opening the door for Joshua.

  "Why wouldn't I? Nothing makes me happier than being with you."

  "We'll see about that after tonight," Allison said, letting anxiety get the better of her.

  "I have faith that everything will work out just fine," Joshua replied.

  "Why don't you do some praying for the both of us at the dinner table?" Allison suggested. "Patricia is refusing to come out of her room."

  While Allison went to retrieve her daughter, Joshua stopped her.

  "Allison, I love you. And our love will carry us through," Joshua said.

  As Allison looked into Joshua's eyes, she was reminded why she had fallen so deeply for him. He had such a sweet way about him. A gentle heart. And a gracious soul. Suddenly Allison felt renewed as she moved down the hallway to get Patricia.

  "Our guest is here," Allison said, receiving no response from Patricia.

  But Allison wasn't about to stand for insubordinance. She flung the door open.

  "Patricia, you're needed at the dinner table," Allison insisted.

  But Patricia just sat on her bed with folded arms and a sneer on her face.

  "I'm not hungry," Patricia snapped.

  "I don't care. You may choose not to eat, but you will join us for dinner nonetheless."

  "Will not," Patricia added.

  "Patricia, I will not let you stay in your room. Now come to the table and bring your manners."

  "You are unbelievable. Did you ever think that I don't want there to be a new man in your life? That I was happy the way things were?"

  "Did it ever occur to you that maybe I want to be happy?"

  Judging by Patricia's silence, it clearly hadn't occurred to her.

  "Joshua is not trying to replace your father," Allison explained.

  "Good, because he can't," Patricia snapped.

  "I know that. He is just trying to bring joy to my life. And if you let him, to your life as well," Allison continued.

  "You can't make me like him. I'm never going to like him," Patricia insisted.

  "You haven't even met him yet. You haven't given him a chance," Allison argued.

  "And I won't. Not now. Not ever," Patricia snapped again.

  The situation seemed hopeless. The nightmare scenario was upon Allison. And she was about to blow her top. Patricia was going to sit at that dinner table whether she liked it or not. But her snarl would cast a terrible pall over the evening.

  Allison needed a miracle. And suddenly she got one from the least likely of places.

  Beth let out a big laugh from the dining room, leaving Allison and Patricia to stop dead in their tracks. They couldn't believe their ears. Beth was the silent daughter. And when she did open her mouth, it was usually to express sadness.

  So to hear her being happy was almost impossible to believe. She never laughed. Not since her father had died. She could barely even crack a smile anymore. And yet Beth's laugh was unmistakable. Like a ray of sunshine that could pierce through in the most overcast sky.

  Allison and Patricia both poked their heads into the hallway to see it for themselves. They couldn't believe their eyes. Beth sat at the dinner table with Joshua and was in complete stitches.

  Joshua kept quipping with her, making Beth laugh even more. It was amazing. Beth was completely enraptured. Captivated. And having a thoroughly great time. But while Allison was in shock seeing her solemn daughter happy once again, Patricia moved to the table to investigate.

  The stranger couldn't possibly be that entertaining. That effortlessly likable, could he? And yet as Patricia approached, Joshua immediately paid her a compliment. And then another.

  Allison stood in the hallway transfixed as Patricia's defenses were down. Joshua then told another joke. And although Patricia used all of her might not to crack a smile, she couldn't he
lp it.

  It was amazing to watch. For Allison to see both of her daughters free of scowls for once. Allison realized then that Joshua was more than just the man she loved. He was a Godsend.

  But while Allison tried to piece together everything that was happening, Beth, Patricia, and Joshua all turned to her.

  "Well, what are you waiting for?" Joshua asked.

  "Yeah," Patricia added. "Aren't you going to join us?"

  Allison stood in the hallway, realizing that prayers did get answered. That faith was rewarded when you needed it the most. That miracles did happen. And with that knowledge, Allison thanked God. The Lord had saved Allison, and she could not have been more grateful.

  Allison smiled wide, her anxiety finally falling by the wayside. Knowing that everything would be all right. And that joy had returned to her life once again. "Nothing would please me more."

  The End.

  Heavenly Dreams

  "I didn't know what love was until I met you."

  Beth had never heard anything so sweet in her life. And for those words to be coming from the mouth of such a handsome man was like something out of a dream. Yet there Elizabeth's soul mate was, swooning uncontrollably. Beth meanwhile was nearly speechless. The praise was far from over though.

  "I can't imagine my life without you," the man continued.

  "You sure do have a way with words," Beth replied, her face as red as the sunset over the horizon.

  "And yet there aren't enough words to describe how beautiful you are."

  "I can't say that I agree, but I'm flattered nonetheless."

  "I know that modesty comes naturally when you're Amish, but you are far more than just a plain and simple woman. You are exquisite beyond words," the man gushed. "And I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you."

  Beth was absolutely smitten. She was overcome with a joy that wouldn't fade. A feeling that her entire life had been building up to that one moment.

  Beth put on a big smile and looked deep into the man's eyes. "This seems almost too good to be true."

  "That's because it is," the man replied.

  Beth was confused. "What?"

  "Elizabeth, I'm nothing but a figment of your imagination," the man explained.

  ***

  Beth woke up in a cold sweat with her heart beating uncontrollably. She managed to calm down with a few deep breaths, but her mind was still racing. The dream was over though. Beth was back to facing her all too plain reality. One where she didn't have a man in her life, no less one that lived to please her. She still had God though, and Beth prayed every night that her life would be blessed with a man that appreciated her. Being a dreamer came naturally to Beth. It was a trait that had been passed down by her mother.