“Let’s talk about something else, shall we?” Joel maneuvered his car into the right-hand lane. “I don’t want to discuss this the whole way home.”
Figuring it would be best to comply, Kristi pointed to the plastic bags by her feet. “Before I tell you what’s in the bigger bag, Arlene gave us some chocolate-chip cookies in the smaller bag.”
“That’s nice. I’m sure they’ll be good.”
“And best of all…” Kristi pointed to the larger bag. “Doris gave me one of your mother’s beautiful quilted wall hangings.”
“Did she?”
Kristi opened the bag and pulled out one edge of the quilt so he could see the pattern and pretty colors. She didn’t want to risk getting it dirty if it touched the floor. “Yes. When I admired this and she found out I was your fiancée—”
“You told her?” Joel’s mouth twitched as he glanced her way.
“I figured she already knew.” Kristi’s spine stiffened. “Why didn’t you tell your family about me, Joel?” She folded the edge of the wall hanging so it was safely tucked inside the bag.
“I would have—eventually.” He looked back at the road.
“When? Would you have waited till we were married? After we had kids?” Her voice choked with tears, Kristi tugged at her jacket collar. “Would you have ever told them?”
His shoulders slumped. “Of course I was gonna tell them. I was simply waiting for the right time.”
“Why did there have to be a right time?” Kristi was beyond frustrated. “Your sisters were so kind and welcoming. I would have liked to have become acquainted with them from the time we started dating.” Her tone softened.
“Sorry, I thought….” He lifted one hand. “Oh, what does it matter? I can’t change the past. We need to focus on our future.”
Do we have a future? Kristi wondered, but she didn’t voice her question. Now wasn’t the time for them to get into a heated debate about this—especially since she wasn’t composed enough to reason with him.
Kristi observed Joel as he kept driving. She couldn’t begin to imagine what was going through his head. Yes, she was upset that he’d kept his heritage from her, but he had just lost his father. Kristi poked her tongue on the inside of her cheek. Was it fair to be irritated with him when he had so much on his shoulders right now? Joel needed a few days to work through the initial shock and grief over losing his father.
Charm
“I can’t believe the nerve of our bruder.” Arlene looked at Elsie and shook her head. “His insensitivity must have been embarrassing for Kristi. She seems like a sweet woman. I can only imagine what she thinks of our family.”
“Hopefully Kristi only thinks good thoughts. When she brought up the fact that she and Joel were planning to get married, I gave her one of Mama’s quilted wall hangings. It’s the one that was on the back of the couch.” Doris rested her hands on the back of a chair. “Kristi was admiring it, and she seemed quite happy when I gave it to her.”
“I’m glad you did. She got along well with everyone today,” Arlene commented. “I doubt she has any ill feelings toward us, but it makes me wonder why she got involved with Joel. He can be such a schtinker sometimes.”
“You took the words right out of my mouth.” Elsie motioned to the leftover desserts on the counter. “Joel and Kristi left in such a hurry I’m surprised you were able to get her to take the cookies before they went out the door.”
Frowning, Doris leaned against the kitchen sink with her arms folded. She probably knew Joel better than any of them, and yet she couldn’t figure him out. Just when, and why, had he become so desperate for money? Joel had his own business and should have been doing well with it by now. If he’d remained Amish and kept working with Dad, things would be better for everyone. Joel would be married to Anna, and maybe they’d have one or two children already. Instead, he was engaged to an English woman they knew little or nothing about. Even if Joel came around more often after they were married, Kristi would probably never fully understand the Amish way of life and might never fit in. But it would be best not to overthink things right now. It was better to take one day at a time. Perhaps everything would work out in the end.
“I wonder if Dad even made a will.” Arlene’s statement pushed Doris’s thoughts aside.
“I’m sure he did,” Elsie responded. “Once things have settled down a bit, we’ll look for it.” She walked over to the cups and saucers still left in the sink. “At the moment, we have more dishes to do.”
“While you two work on those, I’ll take the paper trash out to burn.” Doris scooped up two bags and headed behind the barn, where the burn barrel was located.
After Doris lit a match to light the paper in the barrel, she made sure the flames took hold. She’d stay here until the fire turned to embers, to make sure it was safely out.
Doris turned her attention to the maple, where the remains of the tree house still clung. She could hardly look in the direction of the tree and tried to rethink the event, to tone down the harshness of Dad’s death. At least he died here at home and in a place he was happy.
Not everyone agreed with Dad building the tree house, but how could one deny his happiness? Dad’s face had lit up each time he announced he was doing it for their mother.
Gazing heavenward, Doris imagined her parents walking hand-in-hand. Mama and Dad had a special bond, and now they’re together.
As she looked closer at the wood scattered around the maple, Doris saw the sun reflect on something. It looked like a piece of metal lying among the splintered wood. She glanced in the barrel and stirred up the contents. Since the flames were at a low burn, Doris thought it was safe to go see what was there.
She picked up a board, then another, and discovered birdhouses attached to each one. While the wood they were nailed to was blackened from the force of the lightning, somehow the two birdhouses remained untouched.
I’ll bet, for Mama’s sake, Dad nailed these to the railing of the tree house. Doris remembered fondly how much her mother loved the birds. She looked at the small-framed houses, so meticulously made by her father. The tiny perch at the opening, the imitation windows with cute little shutters on both sides, and the tin roof to keep the baby birds dry showed the love Dad had for his wife and for the birds she’d cared so much about.
Doris walked through the debris, making sure nothing else was hidden under the pieces of wood. Then she spied her dad’s tool box. Incredibly, beside the open box, Doris found a third little house. It was as cute and undamaged as the first two, only shaped a bit differently. How it happened, she would never understand, since the toolbox and birdhouse were only a few feet from the tree.
Doris gathered the birdhouses and put them in the small wagon Dad had often used to carry supplies. In some ways, maybe these birdhouses would bring a bit of peace to her, as well as to Arlene and Elsie.
Doris stopped at the burn barrel to check it again. She was glad the paper products burned quickly, as she was anxious to take what she’d found back to her sisters. She stirred the ashes to make sure the fire was out and was satisfied when no more smoke wisped up.
Putting the lid back on the barrel, Doris pulled the wagon around the barn. When she came to the front, she heard a noise coming from inside and halted. She noticed the barn door slightly ajar. Was it the colt’s whinny, a cat’s meow, or something else she’d heard? Tilting her head to one side, Doris leaned forward and listened. It sounded like someone crying.
She dropped the handle of the wagon and slowly entered the barn. Doris let her eyes adjust to the dimness, with only the light coming through the windows. Slowly, she followed the soul-wrenching sobs. Hearing it made tears come to her eyes. Who is in so much pain?
As she rounded a stack of hay, Doris’s hands flew to her mouth. Lying on a bed of straw in an empty horse stall was Anna.
She ran quickly to her friend’s side, crouched down, and held Anna in her arms. “Are you okay? I thought you’d already left.”
&n
bsp; Sniffling and choking on sobs, Anna sat up. “I shouldn’t be blubbering like a boppli, but seeing Joel today with his fiancée upset me. I thought I’d gotten over him, but my feelings for Joel are still here.” Anna placed one hand against her heart. “I’ve kept them buried.”
Using the corner of her apron, Doris dried Anna’s tear-stained cheeks. Anna was a good person, and she hated to see her suffer this way.
Akron
After Joel dropped Kristi off at her condo that evening, he went straight home and got out the Corvette. Today had been stressful, and he needed some time alone. A few hours on the open road in his shiny black Vette might be what Joel needed to ease some of his tension.
He headed down the driveway and turned onto the highway with his high-beams on, always on the lookout for deer. The last thing he needed was to hit one of them tonight and total his priceless classic, not to mention hurt a deer.
Today didn’t go well with Kristi, Joel thought. She thinks it was terrible I brought up Dad’s will. If she realized how badly I need money, maybe she’d understand. But if I tell her I’m in debt up to my neck because I spent big bucks on a fancy car, she’ll be even more upset. He gripped the steering wheel and bit his lower lip. Not to mention how angry she’d be if she found out I took money from our joint account without her knowledge.
Joel felt like he was walking a tightrope with no net under him. One wrong move and he could lose his balance, falling straight to his death.
I’ve got to find out soon if Dad has a will, and if so, how much of his money I’m entitled to. I’ll wait till the middle of next week, and then I’m calling Elsie. If Dad left each of us a fourth of his assets, my sisters and I will have all the money we need. And I, for one, need it bad.
CHAPTER 6
You look tired, honey. Did you and Joel get back from his father’s funeral late last night?” Kristi’s mother asked when Kristi stopped by the following morning on her way to work. She was working Saturday to complete the trade she’d made with a coworker so she could go to the funeral.
“Not too late. I’m tired because I didn’t get much sleep.” Kristi went over to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup, making sure it didn’t overflow. After refilling the water reservoir on her parents’ coffeemaker, she picked up her mug and took a seat at the kitchen table. “I stopped by to give you a treat and fill you in on a few things.” She placed a bag of chocolate-chip cookies on the table. “One of Joel’s sisters sent these home with us yesterday, and I wanted to share some with you.”
Mom sat across from Kristi. “That was thoughtful. So why didn’t you get much sleep last night?”
Kristi sighed. “Because I was, and still am, deeply troubled.” When she’d learned about the death of Joel’s father, Kristi had called her parents to let them know she would be traveling to the funeral with Joel.
“About Joel?” Mom took a cookie and also a napkin.
“Yes.” Kristi’s stomach tensed as she explained about Joel’s Amish background.
“How long have you known this, Kristi?”
“I didn’t know anything until yesterday. As we were driving to his dad’s place in Charm, where the funeral was held, Joel blurted out his family was Amish. And get this—Joel left the faith seven years ago.”
“Oh my!” Mom touched her parted lips. She seemed at a loss for words.
“I don’t have anything against his Amish heritage, but I was hurt by his deception.”
“And well you should be. Given all this time you’ve been dating Joel, he should have told you about his family long before now.” Mom’s gaze flicked upward. “I’ve always thought it a bit strange that he’d never introduced you to his family. It’s not normal, Kristi. Not in a healthy, loving relationship.”
Staring into her coffee cup, Kristi could only nod.
“Did you feel out of place at the funeral?”
“A little.” Kristi brought her mug to her lips, but the coffee seemed to lack any taste when the warm liquid touched her tongue.
“Was Joel’s family accepting of you?”
“They seemed to be. His sister Doris gave me one of her mother’s quilted wall hangings.” Kristi smiled. “It’s so beautiful, Mom. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
“Oh, how nice. Was Mrs. Byler okay with her daughter giving away one of her quilts?”
“Joel’s mother is also deceased.”
“How sad. Does Joel have any other brothers or sisters?” Mom asked.
“Besides Doris, he has two other sisters. Joel’s the youngest. Doris, Elsie, and Arlene all seemed so nice. I’m looking forward to knowing them better.” Kristi wiped her mouth on a napkin and rested her elbows on the table. “I felt a sense of peace when I was with them—at least, I did until Joel caused some tension.”
Mom’s eyes blinked rapidly. “What happened?”
Kristi recounted the details of what had transpired when Joel asked about his father’s will. “It was so embarrassing. I couldn’t believe he would be insensitive enough to bring it up on the day of his dad’s funeral, when everyone was grieving.”
Mom’s mouth opened, as though about to respond, but she allowed Kristi to keep talking.
“What’s more puzzling is he didn’t shed a single tear during the funeral or graveside service.”
Mom placed her hand gently on Kristi’s arm. “It sounds like Joel has some serious issues he needs to deal with, Kristi. Do you see now why I’ve been concerned about your relationship?”
“I understand, but—”
“He’s been keeping things from you, and that’s never good. It’s a shame Joel didn’t attend the marriage seminar with you. If he’d heard what our speaker taught us, he might realize the importance of honesty between a couple.” Mom leaned slightly forward. “For that matter, we should be honest with everyone. It’s the Christian way. But since I’m not sure Joel is a Christian…”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to go.” Kristi glanced at the clock on the wall. “I don’t want to be late for work.” A tingly sensation shot up Kristi’s spine as she pushed her chair aside and stood. She said a quick goodbye to Mom and hurried out the door.
As she stood on the porch, rubbing her temples, Kristi wished she hadn’t told her mother Joel had asked about his father’s will—although she couldn’t keep the truth about his Amish heritage from her folks. If I hadn’t told Mom about Joel’s family being Amish, she would have fainted in shock when she saw them at our wedding. Dad may have been surprised, too. No, she’d done the right thing sharing with Mom about Joel’s family being Amish. But she wished she had kept quiet about what went on after the funeral dinner.
I’ll give Joel a little more time to work through things, Kristi told herself as she got in the car and headed to work. But I’m not giving up on him, no matter what Mom thinks.
Charm
Doris’s boss had given her a week off to deal with the funeral and other issues, so despite exhaustion and queasiness, Doris had gotten up early to help her sisters clean their dad’s place. She’d just walked her horse into the corral and closed the latch when she heard Aunt Verna and Uncle Lester in the barn.
“Now, Lester, don’t overdo. You could hurt yourself bending too far and end up straining your back.”
“Aw, Verna, you worry too much. The horses’ stalls need to be cleaned, and someone has to do it.”
“Speak up, Lester. You’re mumbling.”
Uncle Lester repeated himself.
“It can wait till one of the younger men or boys comes over,” she retorted.
“Are you sayin’ I’m old?”
“I didn’t say anything about you being cold.”
“Old, not cold.” His voice rose. “You should quit being so stubborn and get a hearing aide.”
“Guder mariye, Aunt Verna and Uncle Lester.” Doris entered the barn.
“Morning, Doris,” they answered in unison. Aunt Verna gave her a hug.
“I’ll help you clean the stalls, as we
ll as feed and water the horses, Uncle Lester.” Doris rubbed the mane of Dad’s buggy horse. It saddened her to think he would never drive this horse again.
“It’s nice of you to offer.” Uncle Lester leaned on his pitchfork. “I still need to let the mare and her colt out to run.”
“I’ll take care of it before I begin cleaning,” Doris offered. “We’ll get this work done in no time at all.”
“Would you like a cup of coffee, Doris?” Aunt Verna plucked a piece of hay off her dress.
Doris nodded. “Jah, please.”
“What did you say, dear?”
“She said ‘jah.’ And would you bring me a cup, too?” Uncle Lester spoke loudly.
“Okay, will do.” Aunt Verna shuffled out of the barn.
Doris wondered if her aunt’s hearing was steadily getting worse. She could see Uncle Lester working as hard as he could, but he moved a bit slow, no doubt due to the pain and stiffness caused by his arthritis. Doris hoped Elsie and Arlene would arrive soon to help with things in the house.
A short time later, a rig pulled into the yard. Doris ran out and waved at Elsie.
Uncle Lester stuck his head out to check what was happening. “I see your sister’s here.” His brows furrowed. “I wonder where our coffee is.”
“I bet Aunt Verna got sidetracked.” Doris watched Elsie unhitch her horse and take him to the corral. When she finished, they walked together to the barn.
“How’s it going?” Elsie asked.
“We’re cleaning the horses’ stalls, but we could sure use some coffee.” Uncle Lester grunted. “Don’t know what your aunt’s up to. Would you go in and remind her that we’re still waiting?”
Elsie nodded. “I’ll get your coffees. Maybe Aunt Verna is busy with something.”
When Elsie returned a few minutes later holding cups of steaming coffee, she smiled and said, “Aunt Verna was sitting in the living room, reading. I didn’t mean to, but I made her jump, because she hadn’t heard me come in. I gave her a hug and then mentioned the coffee.”
“What’d she say?” Uncle Lester cocked his head.
The Betrayed Fiancée Page 4