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

by Becca Fisher

"There's a question I need answered," Patricia said.

  "I think I should get back to the table."

  "Don't worry. This will only take a minute."

  ***

  Beth didn't like the idea of both Patricia and Thomas being away from the table at the same time. Before she knew it, her anxiety got the best of her and she ducked out of the dining room. What she found in the hallway though did not soothe the storm in her heart.

  Beth saw Patricia and Thomas talking privately at the end of the hall and couldn't resist the urge to butt in.

  "What's going on here?" Beth asked.

  Patricia and Thomas both looked awkwardly at Beth.

  "I was just asking Thomas a few questions," Patricia replied.

  "I'll bet you were," Beth said. "Well I have a few questions for you."

  Thomas could see there was much more going on between the sisters than he bargained for and immediately tried to clarify things. "She caught me coming out of the bathroom. I was just trying to make my way back to the table."

  "We'll talk later Thomas. Right now I need to have a few words with my sister," Beth said.

  Thomas tried to clarify things further, but he could tell by the look on Beth's face that she was in no mood to mess around. Thomas excused himself and left the ladies to themselves.

  Beth turned to Patricia and let her anxieties come out to play. "I can't believe you."

  Patricia looked confused. "I don't know what you think was happening, but--"

  "I know exactly what was happening. You got to see how wonderful Thomas is up close and couldn't resist putting the moves on him."

  "That could not be further from the truth. I was just asking him some questions."

  "I can just imagine the kind of questions you were asking him," Beth said, her mind full of tawdry possibilities.

  "Not unless you knew that I was contemplating a move to the city."

  Beth stop dead in her tracks. Now she was the one confused more than ever. Had she really just heard her sister right? "Did you just say--"

  "I'm thinking of leaving Amish country. And since Thomas has been to the city, I thought he could offer a unique insight," Patricia explained.

  "So you weren't trying to steal his heart?" Beth whimpered.

  "Is that really how little you think of me? That I would try to steal the boyfriend you've been searching for your whole life?"

  "Oh God, I'm so sorry. So foolish. Please accept my apology."

  "Don't worry. I couldn't steal Thomas away if I wanted to. He loves you with all of his heart."

  "I feel the same about him," Beth said. But suddenly Beth switched gears. "You're not seriously considering leaving, are you?"

  "I think God is telling me that my place is in the city," Patricia explained.

  "But you're Amish--"

  "I know it's hard for you to understand Beth, but that passion you feel in your heart is something I have not experienced here. No man has ever made me feel the way Thomas makes you feel."

  "I've waited eighteen years. If anything, I am proof that all you need is patience."

  "It's more than that. It's not just about a man. This is about my purpose in life. The Lord put us on Earth for a reason. To honor him. To make the world a better place. And I feel I can do that with my voice."

  "Oh my God. You're actually serious."

  "The Lord gave me a wonderful singing voice. But it's not meant to be heard just by the people in this town. I believe I can spread the word of our Lord and savior through the power of music. And so that is what I will do."

  "If this is what your heart is telling you, then know you will be missed dearly."

  "Don't worry. I'll come back to visit. I have a feeling there will be a number of special occasions you'll be inviting me to. Now go to Thomas," Patricia insisted. "I believe he has something special to tell you."

  ***

  "I just want to say I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions back there," Beth said.

  Thomas stared out at the immaculate sunset from the front porch of the house. He had a faraway look in his eyes. As if thoughts were weighing heavy on him. He turned to Beth.

  "If I thought a man was trying to win your love, I would probably react the same," Thomas said.

  "No man could win my love. It already belongs to you," Beth insisted.

  "I'm glad you said that. This makes what I'm about to do a lot easier."

  "Thomas, what are you talking about?"

  "Beth, there is nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life with you. The thought of making you my wife brings me nothing but pleasure. And so I want to ask for your hand in marriage."

  Beth couldn't believe what was happening. She had dreamed of such a moment all her life. But to see it unfold in front of her in reality was enough to bring tears of joy to her eyes.

  Beth pinched herself. "Tell me this isn't a dream."

  Thomas then got on one knee and pulled a ring from his pocket. "Beth Bieler, will you marry me?"

  And there it was. The moment of truth. And what a delightful truth it was. The time for dreaming was over. It was now time for Beth's dreams to become a reality. The answer could not have been easier for her.

  "Yes," Beth said. Like that, she knew her life would never be the same. And Beth couldn't have been happier.

  The End.

  Heavenly Purpose

  "Lord, I only wish to honor you."

  Patricia believed that life had a specific purpose. That God had endowed a unique talent in everyone. And that it was our responsibility to use our talents to make the world a better place.

  Patricia's talent was singing. She had the voice of an angel. But the Amish didn't believe in standing out. In being in the spotlight. In taking center stage. Even if it was in the name of the Lord. The idea of a music career was not one the Amish embraced. So Patricia reluctantly found herself leaving her home, her family, and her friends to do the Lord's work.

  The hustle and bustle of the big city left little time for quiet reflection. Which is why Patricia did most of her thinking in the shower. But when the weight of all she gave up for her dreams was too much to bare, Patricia sang.

  It was in singing that Patricia found herself at peace. Where she felt closest to God. Where her anxiety melted away. Little did Patricia know she had an audience.

  ***

  "You have such a beautiful voice," Eve said, serving breakfast as Patricia made her way to the kitchen table.

  "You heard me singing?" Patricia asked, self conscious.

  "I think the whole block heard you. But don't worry. You sounded great," Eve insisted.

  Patricia's move to the big city was not without bumps in the road. The culture shock was immediate. And doubt immediately crept into Patricia's mind whether she had made the right decision. The breakneck pace, the endless distractions, the emphasis on the superficial things in life were in direct conflict to Patricia's upbringing.

  Then she met Eve Smith at a church social. Eve and her husband Adam had grown up in Lancaster County. They had a plain and simple Amish childhood just like Patricia. And they had followed their dreams into the city. So when Patricia found out they had a room to rent in their house, she jumped on it. The irony of leaving a life of bonnets and aprons behind only to meet up with fellow ex Amish in the city was not lost on Patricia. But in a harsh new environment, comfort came first.

  "Well thank you," Patricia replied. "I hope a larger audience than just you hears it though."

  "I heard it too," Adam said. "Although I must say, there's never this much fanfare when I sing in the shower."

  "Please forgive my husband. He fancies himself a comedian," Eve said.

  "Truly, the only thing I fancy myself being is the love of your life. But if I can get a few laughs in along the way, why not?" Adam replied.

  "God help us if that's what's passing for humor these days," Eve chided.

  "Actually, I believe my singing voice is what passes for humor these days," Adam said.

/>   Eve couldn't help but laugh at how corny her husband's joke was. While Eve cracked a smile, Adam swept her up in his arms and gave her a kiss.

  It was quite a sight for Patricia to witness. To see a couple so in love after years of marriage. A couple that found joy in the small things. A couple that delighted each other so much that they sometimes forgot someone else was in the room with them. That was just the kind of love Patricia had been longing for. The kind that had eluded Patricia her young adult life.

  "Get a room," Patricia said.

  Adam and Eve pulled back from their embrace.

  "Hasn't anyone ever told you to respect your landlord?" Adam joked.

  "You mean respect my elders," Patricia corrected.

  "Only through the eyes of an eighteen year old would I look old," Adam replied, at the ripe old age of twenty-five.

  "No no, I didn't mean to imply that you're old--" Patricia said.

  "That's ok. With age comes wisdom," Adam boasted.

  "Even Patricia has known you long enough to realize that isn't true. You're not even wise enough to remember to put the toilet seat down," Eve cracked.

  "Wow, you two are truly perfect for each other," Patricia said, recalling the endless amusement she was being provided with. "I just hope that one day I'll be lucky enough to meet my match."

  "You'd be surprised what can happen if you pray enough," Adam said.

  "Yeah. God sent me the love of my life," Eve said.

  "Which surprisingly enough happened to be little old me," Adam said. "See, anything can happen."

  ***

  Patricia wanted to believe that anything could happen. Especially when she was around Mark Hodges. He seemed to be the answer to Patricia's prayers. Handsome beyond words, with a kind smile, and a faith that shone through. Mark was also one of the first people Patricia had met in the city. He was a volunteer at the local church, ushering the older devotees to the pews. And yet he had found time to welcome her to the congregation. Patricia couldn't believe her luck, finding a dreamy hunk on her first day in the big city. Ever since then, Patricia had tried to find reasons to make small talk after each service, dropping hints of her interest.

  Seeing Mark at the front of the church that day though, Patricia felt like more than small talk was on tap. Mark had a sizable grin on his face and daydream filled eyes as Patricia approached.

  "Wow, someone seems happy," Patricia said.

  Mark pulled himself from his daydream and turned to Patricia.

  "Yeah. Some days just seem to be blessings from God," Mark said.

  "They sure do. I love Sunday," Patricia replied.

  "Isn't it great to be filled with the Lord's wisdom?"

  "It is. But Sunday is also the day I get to see you."

  Mark's demeanor completely changed. First went the grin, followed by the sense of wonderment in his eyes. A critical look took hold on his face. Almost like Mark was looking at Patricia in a brand new light. Patricia wasn't sure if it was a good or bad light though. Sweaty palms were all new to Patricia. She was used to men getting nervous talking to her. But maybe that's why Mark was special. Because he brought knots to her stomach. He made her feel a wild rush whenever they shared company. But maybe he didn't feel the same about her. Or maybe he did. Suddenly the smile came back to Mark's face.

  "I enjoy your company as well," Mark said.

  "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that," Patricia replied. Not to mention relieved. Finally, the moment Patricia had been waiting for. Both of their feelings were out in the open. All that was left was for Mark to ask Patricia out. And yet he didn't. Instead he went in a completely different direction.

  "You will be delighted to hear the sermon today as well. It's supposed to be life changing."

  "I was actually hoping that this conversation could be life changing."

  Mark looked confused. He was not the only one. Patricia's dream date scenario was quickly frittering away. Then things completely unraveled.

  "All freshened up," Valerie Jenkins said, coming out of the ladies restroom.

  Valerie then gave Mark a kiss, prompting Patricia's jaw to hit the floor.

  "Oh, hi Patricia," Valerie said, with the warmth of a icicle.

  "Valerie. Wow. What a surprise," Patricia mustered.

  "It shouldn't be." Valerie then turned to Mark. "We should go in. Otherwise we won't get good seats."

  "Anyway, it was nice talking to you," Mark said. But it was little consolation to Patricia.

  ***

  "Not bad," Valerie said, after hearing Patricia warm up before choir practice. Intentional or not, Valerie had a way of making everything come across as sarcasm.

  Patricia's voice was nothing to laugh at though. Singing about the Lord's glory was one of the few utter joys in Patricia's life. It was her way of spreading God's message and having a little fun too. It brought an unmistakable rush to Patricia when she saw how one of her hymns stirred up a crowd. But today the delight Patricia felt soon melted away once she belted out her hymn.

  Valerie was a constant reminder of how difficult Patricia's journey really was. Back in Amish country, Patricia was the prettiest girl in town. She had the best voice at church service. And she got all the attention she could handle.

  The outside world was different though. Patricia only had to go was to go church to realize she no longer stood out. There were lots of pretty faces. Lots of amazing singing voices. But Valerie provided the greatest humility of all. Val had a leg up on Patricia in almost every regard, and wasn't afraid to remind Patricia of that.

  Patricia wished that Valerie was all bluster. Full of confidence, but with nothing to back it up. Patricia knew that just wasn't the case though. Val had already captured Mark's heart. She wanted to enrapture the whole congregation next.

  Patricia had to give Valerie credit though. Val had a heck of a voice. It was a multiple octave wonder. The kind of pipes that didn't need backup vocals or instruments to prop them up. And she did it effortlessly. It was truly a thing to behold. Listening to Valerie sing in the church choir, it was almost a foregone conclusion that she would one day have a music career.

  "Mine was better," Valerie bragged, before leaving Patricia in her dust.

  Some people might have tucked tail and run when faced with such daunting competition. Patricia wasn't a quitter though. She didn't move a hundred miles away from her friends and family to have her dreams dashed. Instead Patricia became more resolved. That she had just hit a bump in the road. And if she could overcome the odds, that success would become even sweeter.

  ***

  "Oh no, it's that time again," Patricia bemoaned.

  Working as a singing waitress was hardly the path Patricia only had mapped out for her success. And yet she found herself singing do wop classics in a 1950's diner every half hour with the rest of the staff between serving burgers and shakes. The customers loved it, even if the poodle skirts left Patricia longing for her old bonnet and apron. Ironically, it was singing the sock hop classics of yore in front of hungry tourists that garnered Patricia's voice praise. The diner patrons regularly paid Patricia compliments, saying she should give a music career a try, not realizing that was exactly what she was doing.

  One day everything changed though. Patricia had just finished her latest ditty when her manager pulled her aside to meet David Miller. David was a new hire who Patricia was supposed to train, but burgers and fries took an immediate backseat to David's hunky body. David was as handsome as can be. He had the deepest blue eyes and a smile that could light up a room. Patricia found herself immediately taken by him.

  "I love your voice," David said.

  "Please. Now is not the time for sarcasm," Patricia insisted.

  "Good. Because I wasn't being sarcastic. I found your voice to be almost as pretty as you."

  "Is it your intention to make me blush uncontrollably?"

  "I was hoping just to bring a smile to your face. Everything else is just a bonus."

  "God know
s what you would say if you were actually trying to make me blush then."

  "Maybe one day you'll find out."

  "I think maybe we should get to our training," Patricia insisted.

  "I'd prefer to listen to you sing again."

  "You're welcome to see me at St. Mary's Church any time you like. My question is, how's your voice?"

  "Not bad for a future veterinarian."

  "That bad, huh?"

  "My voice scares stray cats. I do have other redeeming qualities though."

  "Like what?" Patricia asked.

  "I'm still waiting to hear back from the Lord on that one. But with amount I've been praying, it's bound to be good."

  Even if he didn't admit it, humor seemed to be David's specialty. And with stress weighing heavily on Patricia's mind, it was nice to let off some steam with a good chuckle.

  "While you're waiting, why don't we start with our training?" Patricia said.

  ***

  "If you beg enough, I might make you one of my back up singers when I get a record contract," Valerie said, before the church choir started performing.

  "Do you really think the best way to honor God is to conduct this petty rivalry in his place of worship?" Patricia replied, wanting nothing more than a quiet and peaceful service.

  "You're just saying that because I make you look bad."

  Luckily, the time for singing was upon them, allowing Patricia to focus on the Lord. But soon Patricia found herself turning her attention elsewhere, as David unexpectedly greeted her coming out of service.

  "You were great today," David insisted.

  "There are twenty people in that chorus," Patricia said.

  "True, but you're the one I came specifically to see."

  "And here I thought you would have come to worship the Lord," said Patricia.

  "You need not be at church to worship God. You do that every day through your actions. Church is the final blessing after a week well lived."

  "You are truly a unique soul," Patricia admitted.

  "By the way, I must say you look completely different when you're not wearing a poodle skirt."

  "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

  "I'd need to see you in a sweater set before I could answer that for sure," David joked.