by Deb Kastner
“Oh, Simon,” she breathed as he kissed her again. Then she turned and picked up Hudson. “Did you hear that, little man? Uncle Simon is going to be your new daddy.”
“And you, sweet miss,” said Simon, swinging Harper into the air and then kissing her cheek several times until she giggled, “aren’t going to get to date until you’re thirty. I never played baseball, but I have a bat.”
“I say the same thing about my girls,” Mason said approvingly.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Charlotte exclaimed, embracing them in a big hug. “I’ve had a feeling about you two since the very beginning.”
Miranda didn’t know about the very beginning. Simon hadn’t even liked her then. But she was looking forward to seeing what the future would hold for the four of them.
“Our forever family,” she murmured.
Simon grinned and wrapped her and the twins in his big, strong arms, kissing each one of them in turn and lingering with Miranda.
“I like the sound of that,” he whispered over her lips. “Our forever family.”
* * * * *
If you enjoyed this story, try these books
by Deb Kastner!
THE COWBOY’S TWINS
MISTLETOE DADDY
Available now from Love Inspired!
* * *
And be sure to check out the other books in the CHRISTMAS TWINS series:
AMISH CHRISTMAS TWINS by Patricia Davids
and
SECRET CHRISTMAS TWINS by Lee Tobin McClain
Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com
Keep reading for an excerpt from HER AMISH CHRISTMAS SWEETHEART by Rebecca Kertz.
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Dear Reader,
Cowboys, twins, dogs and Christmas in Texas. Could there be a better or cuter combination?
Miranda Morgan has to change her whole lifestyle when she becomes the guardian of her sister’s twins, but it’s a change she’s ready and willing to make. Unfortunately, the twins’ godfather, Simon West, doesn’t believe people can change, and he doesn’t think Miranda is up to the task of becoming the twins’ new mother.
Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, two people clash, and this is the case for Simon and Miranda. They both want what is best for the twins, but they have opposite notions of how to get things done. It’s in learning to appreciate their differences that they can work together to accomplish their goals—and discover their dreams might not be so different after all.
If you enjoyed reading about Zig and Zag and the other dogs in Texas Christmas Twins, I encourage you to look into adopting a dog at your local shelter. There are so many great dogs looking for their Forever Family.
I’m always delighted to hear from you, dear readers, and I love to connect socially. You can find my website at www.debkastnerbooks.com. Come join me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/debkastnerbooks, and you can catch me on Twitter, @debkastner.
Please know that I pray for each and every one of you daily.
Love Courageously,
Deb Kastner
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Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart
by Rebecca Kertz
Chapter One
November, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The Adam Troyer barn was filled to capacity with Amish youth. Young people stood near or sat on benches on both sides of three long tables. Plates with leftovers, snacks and plastic cups with the remnants of iced tea or lemonade littered the tabletops. Meg Stoltzfus and her sister Ellie attended tonight’s singing with their friends, including one man from another church district, Reuben Miller, whom Meg had set her eye on from the first moment she met him, over two years ago.
“Ellie,” Meg whispered, “Reuben asked to take me home.”
“Again?” Ellie teased with a grin.
“Ja.” Meg glanced longingly at Reuben. She’d first met him when he and his sister attended a singing at her cousin Eli’s invitation, and she hadn’t seen him again until three weeks prior, when he’d sought her attention after an unexpected encounter in Whittier’s Store.
“Go,” Ellie urged, startling her from her thoughts. “You don’t want to keep him waiting.”
Meg nodded. “I’ll be home soon.” She turned with a smile, but her good humor vanished as she encountered Peter Zook. She had fallen for him when she was sixteen, and she’d thought they were friends. But she’d been wrong, and she’d found out the hard way after accidently eavesdropping on Peter and his brother. Peter had told Josiah that she was spoiled and in need of discipline. She’d been devastated. Every time she saw him now, she felt her hackles rise.
Determined not to allow him to get to her, Meg smiled politely. “Beautiful night, ja, Peter?”
“It’s supposed to rain,” he said.
She stiffened and turned. “Rain? Honestly, Peter? That’s all you have to say?” She fought irritation and won. Her smile became genuine. “Rain or not, I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.” Then she walked to where Reuben waited for her near the door, settling her gaze on him.
“Ready?” Reuben’s appreciative smile was a huge boost to her morale as she reached his side. The complete opposite of Peter Zook in looks, Reuben had blond hair and pale blue eyes. Peter, on the other hand, had dark hair and a gaze that was currently a stormy gray.
She froze, then berated herself. Why was she comparing the two men? Why think of Peter at all?
The night was balmy and pleasant as she and Reuben stepped outside. The stars were glistening points of light in a clear, dark sky. Rain, Meg thought. Huh!
Reuben helped her into his buggy, then climbed onto the seat next to her. She studied him as he picked up the leathers and steered the horse down the dirt lane and onto the main road.
She frowned. What was the matter with her? Reuben was handsome, kind and good-humored. Yet her joyful mood had dimmed.
Because of Peter Zook. Peter had stolen the fun from her evening.
Meg released a calming breath as she studied the hands that held the reins. She’d felt the calluses on Reuben’s fingers when he’d helped her onto the seat. He’d told her recently that he’d been working with a construction company. Strong, hardworking hands. Hands that could belong to a working husband.
Silence surrounded them as Reuben drove the buggy down the dark, deserted road. The only sounds were the clip-clop of horse hooves and the sound of carriage wheels on pavement.
Should she start a conversation? Meg wondered, uneasy with th
e silence.
“You’re quiet,” Reuben said softly.
“So are you,” she replied with a light laugh.
He turned to regard her with curious eyes. “Did you enjoy the singing?”
“Ja. Did you?” She met his light blue eyes, then looked away from the intensity of the gaze.
“I did because you were there.”
“That’s kind of you to say.”
“’Tis the truth.” He smiled. She met his eyes again and managed to smile back. “Meg?”
“Ja, Reuben?”
“I hope one day soon you’ll allow me to court you.”
She caught her breath. “You want to court me?” It was what she’d longed for, wasn’t it?
“Ja.” His lips curved. “I know it’s been only a few weeks since we started seeing each other, but I care about you. I can see us having a family together.”
She kept silent, unsure what to say. This is what I wanted. Yet despite his willingness to wait, she felt as if he was rushing her into a serious relationship. The image of Peter Zook entered her mind, and she fought to banish it.
“What do you think, Meg? Can you see me in your future? Can you see us marrying and having children together?” He steered his horse into a right turn off the main road.
“This isn’t the way to my haus,” she said, feeling vaguely uneasy.
“Ja, I know. I thought I’d take you home the long way.” He regarded her warmly as he touched her cheek. “I’m not ready for tonight to end. I want to spend more time with you.”
Meg struggled to breathe. “Reuben—”
“Don’t worry. I won’t pressure you.”
She relaxed. “Why me? Why now?”
“I’ve been working to save money, Meg. I wasn’t ready before for a wife and family.” He flashed her a tender smile. “I am now. And when I saw you again, I remembered the one evening we spent together, and I just knew. I want you as my wife.”
Meg hid her shock. She didn’t know how to respond to him. He seemed determined to marry her. And hadn’t she always wanted to marry and have children? To prove to her parents that she was strong and would make someone a good wife? And she’d been fixated on Reuben for a long time.
“I’m a patient man,” he said softly. “I can wait until you’re ready.”
As if their wedding were a foregone conclusion. Meg looked out the window, watching the passing scenery. Reuben’s confidence bothered her when she should be flattered. She liked him. He was a nice man. But he wasn’t what she’d expected.
This is all Peter’s fault, she thought bitterly. She’d been trying to recover from her unrequited love for Peter. She’d been foolish enough to be convinced that Reuben was the one, despite the fact that she barely knew him. She’d been obsessed with finding him again. Now that he was in her life, she shouldn’t be surprised that her feelings for him weren’t exactly what she had expected—or hoped for. She should tell him. It wouldn’t be right to allow him to hope in vain.
But how would she know that he wasn’t the right man for her if she didn’t give him a chance?
Clouds in the distance blanketed the sky, covering the stars. It started to drizzle. She scowled. Peter was right. But how could he have possibly known? Within minutes, the drizzle became a mist that coated the roadway and covered the buggy’s windshield.
“Is something wrong?” Reuben asked.
She bit her lip. Should she explain how she was feeling? Give him a chance. “Nay, but I—” A car came around a corner too fast and sideswiped the buggy, forcing the horse off the road. “Reuben!” she screamed.
Meg anticipated her death as the animal reared up on its hind legs and then bolted, dragging the vehicle down an embankment. Pain reverberated in her head as it slammed against the carriage’s sidewall. She felt a jerk, then the buggy tilted and rolled. Her body lurched painfully as it continued to tumble down the hill.
The pitching stopped suddenly with a splash. Searing agony and cold wetness enveloped her just before she blacked out.
* * *
Peter watched Meg leave with a sick heart. Even after all these years, he couldn’t forget what she’d said to him after she’d overheard him talking with his brother about her. He’d been mortified to realize that she’d heard him speak of his feelings for her—and she’d been upset by it. He’d thought they were friends, and he’d hoped for more. Even if she hadn’t returned his love, she could have let him down gently, he thought bitterly. Instead, she’d been angry and spoken scathingly to him.
“I overheard what you told your bruder, Peter Zook!” she’d snapped. “You have some nerve. I thought I knew you, but I was wrong. From now on, stay away from me! Just leave me alone!”
Yet despite her hurtful words, he’d been foolish enough to hope things between them would eventually change, so he’d been prepared to wait. After all, she’d been only sixteen. He’d hoped that with maturity they would come to an understanding, and he’d have a chance at winning her heart. But it would never happen now. Meg finally had the man she wanted—and it wasn’t and would never be him. What was it about her that wouldn’t let him move on and forget her?
Peter scowled. He knew she’d obsessed over Reuben, but he’d figured it was only a matter of time before Meg realized that she’d been infatuated with a memory. But now everything had changed, with Reuben’s return to Meg’s life. The man obviously reciprocated her affection.
His stomach clenched painfully. He couldn’t stand seeing her with Reuben. He should have tried harder to become friends with her again, but he’d hoped that if he stood back, watched and waited, she’d eventually soften toward him.
I’ve been too patient. I’ve waited too long. Years before that awful day she’d spurned his love, he should have tried to woo her.
She wants nothing to do with me. He needed to forget about her and move on. He needed to wed soon. His father was getting too old to farm, and with Josiah married and living elsewhere, it was up to Peter to take over the family farmhouse. Once he married, his parents would move into the dawdi haus on the property where Grandfather and Grandmother Hershberger had lived before they’d passed on. His father had mentioned several times in the last month wanting to move. An accident years ago had left his dat with a severely broken leg, which still pained him on occasion.
Peter wanted his parents to be happy. He knew they were upset because his sister Barbara hadn’t been home in over a year. Knowing his father would be delighted by the plan, Peter firmed his resolve to find a woman to marry before November of next year, the time for Amish weddings.
There were other girls within his community. Nice girls. Young women who seemed to like him. He would find a new love to marry. Someone like his good friend Agnes Beiler. Lately he’d glimpsed something in her gaze that hinted she was open to more than friendship with him.
Unfortunately, he would be working with Meg Stoltzfus in the coming weeks till Christmas, whether he wanted to or not. This morning his father had approached him and asked that he help with a surprise party for his mother. His mam’s birthday was on Christmas Day—and so was Meg’s father’s. His dat and Meg’s mam wanted the two of them to plan a joint surprise birthday party. He once would have looked forward to spending time with her, when he’d still had hopes of winning her heart. But not now. Planning a party with her was the last thing he wanted—or needed.
Perhaps he worried needlessly. Meg might refuse to work with him, and he’d be off the hook.
Yet how could he deny his mother a birthday party? His mam’s father—his grossdaddi—had died several months ago, and Grossmammi had followed him to the grave less than a week later. It had been a terrible time for his mam and family. While his mother had a strong belief that her parents were with the Lord, Mam still felt the pain of her loss.
So he would work with Meg if it
meant bringing a glimmer of happiness into his mother’s life. Mam was a wonderful wife and mother, and Peter would not fail in the task his father had assigned him. Whether or not Meg wanted it, they would plan a party together that neither parent would forget.
Forcing Meg from his thoughts, he approached his friend. Agnes Beiler was a kind girl with an inherent sweetness. With the singing over, he decided to offer her a ride home. Although Agnes lived in the next church district, he figured he could manage the distance from the Troyer farm to the Beiler residence in a reasonable amount of time before heading home. Peter studied her, enjoying the view, anticipating taking their friendship to the next level. It just made solid sense to fall for a good friend. Friendship was a good basis for marriage.
He leaned close and softly asked, “Agnes, may I take you and your sister home?”
She beamed at him. “Ja. That would be wunderbor, Peter. Just let me tell Alice.”
He watched her approach her sister, who briefly glanced in his direction and then nodded. He saw Agnes move to her younger brother, who had brought the girls. The sisters then headed in his direction, clearly delighted for him to take them home. A mental image of Meg intruded, but he banished it. Agnes was just the person to get her out of his thoughts—and his heart.
The young women reached him. He grinned. “All set?”
“Ja. Are you sure you don’t mind?” Agnes had likely suspected his feelings for Meg, and her eyes were sympathetic as she gazed at him.
“Nay, I’m more than happy to take you.” He regarded her with warmth, and was pleased to see Agnes’s eyes light up and her lips curve with pleasure. He assisted the sisters into the open buggy and then steered the horse toward the Joshua Beiler farm. The ride went quickly. It started to drizzle as he helped the sisters from the vehicle.
“I’ll see you again soon.” Agnes hurried toward the house after her sister, then waved from the front stoop.
As he headed for home, Peter brightened at the possibility of a new, meaningful relationship with Agnes. There were no streetlights and the road was dark. Rain, which began as a mist, fell in earnest, and he had to watch carefully. The family buggy would have offered him some protection from the rain, but his parents had taken it to his sister Annie’s for a light supper. Unfortunately, he’d forgotten to put back the umbrella usually stored under the wagon seat after Annie had returned it last week.