Plain Sanctuary

by Alison Stone

  “You go first,” Zach said, smiling.

  Heather cleared her throat and she grew light-headed. “Okay, I’m just going to say this because about thirty minutes ago I thought I had bought the farm. Well, I had bought the farm, but...you know what I mean.”

  Zach nodded, a light glowing in his eyes. He seemed to be enjoying this. “Go on...” he encouraged her.

  “Anyway... I should know that life and a future are not guaranteed for anyone. And—” she lifted a shoulder, feeling so far out of her element she wanted to run into the cornfields and hide “—is this thing between us going to lead anywhere?”

  * * *

  Heather was standing in front of him pouring her heart out. All of a sudden, her face flushed red and she threw up her hands. “Just... I don’t know. Forget it. I need to go help them clean up.” She spun around.

  Zach reached out and touched her arm. “Heather. Wait.”

  She stopped with her back to him and paused a minute before turning around. When she did, she had tears in her eyes. Without saying anything, he stepped toward her and pulled her into an embrace. He ran his hand over her head, feeling her silky smooth hair and breathing in the fresh scent of her cucumber shampoo.

  “I’ve faced a lot of bad guys in my career. Been put in a ton of hairy situations. But I have never been more frightened than when I found out you were in danger today.” He pulled away slightly and cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips against hers. After a long moment, he pulled away. “I don’t know what I would have done if I had lost you.”

  Heather smiled and a tear trailed down her cheek.

  “I should have never let you out of my sight,” Zach said.

  She swallowed hard. “You have your job in Buffalo. I have the bed-and-breakfast here in Quail Hollow.”

  “Those are jobs. You’re more important to me than a job.”

  A small line creased her forehead, indecision flashing in her eyes. “But I’ve worked so hard on the bed-and-breakfast. I wanted to honor my family.”

  A small pool of dread gathered in his stomach. Didn’t she feel the same way? He dropped his hands and stepped away. He needed her to understand exactly how he felt, then he’d walk away if that was what she really wanted.

  He met her gaze. “I think I’m falling in love with you, Heather.”

  She reached out and took his hand in hers. “You’re such a sweet man. But I can’t give up everything here for you. I know you’re nothing like Brian, but I need to be independent. Not cave to the wishes of a boyfriend.”

  Zach tried to process everything that she was saying to him while not showing the disappointment on his face. “I wouldn’t ask you to leave Quail Hollow. We can work something out. Buffalo’s not that far. I could commute. Or find a new job. They need law enforcement here, too.”

  It was Heather’s turn to touch his cheek. “I care for you a lot, Zach. But my heart needs to heal. I’ve been through so much that I don’t trust myself.”

  “I understand. And I’ll wait for you.”

  EPILOGUE

  A year later...

  Heather handed Ruthie the last dish. Her Amish friend dried it and put it away in the cabinet. The Quail Hollow Bed & Breakfast was booked solid this weekend. The fall foliage was at its peak, the sun was shining and a big event was happening in their very backyard. The tourists who’d happened to book this weekend were in for a very big treat.

  “I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” Heather said, drying her hand on a dish towel.

  “No need. The members of the Amish community are experts at barn raising.”

  Heather touched her hair, trying to remember if she had even combed it this morning. “Do you think we have enough food?”

  “Of course. And don’t forget many of the wives will be coming with picnic baskets, too.”

  Heather let out a long breath. Through the kitchen window, she noticed her neighbors starting to arrive and strolling over to the foundation that had been set last week in preparation for the walls and roof. “I suppose we should get out there.”

  Ruthie smiled and held out her hand as if to say, After you.

  Heather stepped outside in her jeans and T-shirt, surprisingly not needing a sweater in October.

  Ruthie came up beside her. “Um, you realize you can’t help rebuild the barn, right? The men do the work.”

  A row of buggies were lined up along the property. The men had unhitched the horses and let them graze in the fenced-off area. Heather couldn’t wait to have her own horse there.

  “Oh, I know. I’m afraid of heights anyway.”

  “Do you think they’ll let me help?” Zach strode through the gathering crowd of Amish workmen on the lawn and stuffed a broad-brimmed hat on his head. “Like my hat? Sloppy Sam let me borrow it.”

  Heather couldn’t help but smile. “You made it!” She and Zach had been carrying on a long-distance relationship for the past year with Zach coming to visit Quail Hollow when he could. And Heather visiting Buffalo during the quiet season. They had also spent some time together during the subsequent trials. The woman who had helped Brian escape from prison was serving a minimum of seven years in prison. Fiona had received a much harsher sentence for killing Brian and kidnapping Heather, Maryann and Ruthie. Fiona would never likely see the light of day again. Heather was satisfied that the impressionable young woman wouldn’t be bothering her anymore, but she couldn’t help but feel sad that Brian Fox had destroyed yet another life.

  “I wouldn’t miss this barn raising for the world,” Zach said. “The Amish could teach us a thing or two about getting things done.” He took a few steps and studied the construction zone. “I see they already laid the foundation.” He turned around and smiled at Heather, a smile that melted her heart. “A strong foundation is key.”

  Heather crossed her arms as a warm tingle raced down her spine. “A strong foundation is very important.”

  “Hey, I thought you wanted to help,” Sloppy Sam hollered as he pulled a ladder from the back of his wagon.

  Zach tipped his hat. “Duty calls.”

  Heather smiled and watched Zach jog over to offer a hand.

  Ruthie leaned over and whispered into Heather’s ear. “He looks very handsome.”

  “You’re never going to stop, are you?”

  Ruthie playfully tugged on the strings of her bonnet. “Neh. Everyone needs their happily-ever-after.”

  * * *

  Zach put in a full day’s work unlike any he had ever had. Despite being active and physically fit, every single muscle in his body ached. All the Amish neighbors had left for the day, with a handful promising to return tomorrow for some finishing touches.

  Zach stepped back and admired the structure that had gone up quickly by the well-timed work of the Amish. He considered himself blessed to have experienced such teamwork. Such community. It was heartwarming.

  Running the back of his hand across his forehead, he let out a long breath. The sky behind the barn—a barn that hadn’t existed just twelve hours ago—was gorgeous, a mix of deep purple, orange and red.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

  Zach turned around to find Heather walking across the lawn, dressed in jeans, a T-shirt and a light jacket. Her long brown hair was twirled into a loose bun. “Yes, beautiful.” But he wasn’t referring to the barn or the sky behind it.

  A light twinkled in her eyes and she tipped her head shyly. “I can’t believe how quickly it went up. I love it.”

  “The community has really embraced you.”

  Heather pressed her hands to her chest. “I’m blessed.” A hint of nostalgia tinged her tone. “I feel like the new barn is like a rebirth. No longer a reminder of the tragedy that was, but rather hope for the future.” She dragged a finger across her lower lip. “I think I’ve made peace with my mother’s death, despite
the unanswered questions. I’ve found forgiveness and I know the man who took her from us will be judged in the end.”

  She drew in a deep breath and smiled despite watery eyes. “Come spring, I’ll house my own horse in the barn. I’d love to ride.”

  “Sounds like a great plan.” Watching her intently, Zach took off his hat and tossed it on the grass. “I also have plans for the spring.”

  “Oh?”

  Zach had a hard time reading her expression. Dread? Excitement? Anticipation?

  He slid his fingers into his back pocket and eased out a diamond ring. He must have touched it a million times during the workday, assuring himself it was still there. Assuring himself that Heather also felt the same way about him.

  Her gaze dropped to the ring pinched between his fingers. Her eyes flared bright. He dropped to one knee. “Miss Heather Miller, will you marry me?”

  * * *

  The ground under Heather’s feet shifted as Zach’s words took a minute to hit their intended mark.

  Will you marry me?

  Zach watched her, anticipation etched on his handsome features.

  “But your job in Buffalo...” She turned around and flung her hand awkwardly toward the bed-and-breakfast, completely refinished, as if to say, And my work.

  The new barn... Her plans for a horse.

  Her mind swirled...

  “We can work around that. A job is a job. But I can’t live my life without you. That I know for sure. I’ve missed you over this past year. I don’t want to do long distance anymore.”

  Hope, excitement and love blossomed in her heart.

  Heather leaned over and cupped his cheeks in her hands, drawing him to his feet and pulling him into an embrace. She loved the feel of his solid chest, his firm grip, his warm lips on hers.

  He pulled back and looked at her, a question in his kind eyes. “You never answered me.”

  “Yes, yes, I’ll marry you.” Butterflies flitted in her stomach and she could feel the joy radiating from her soul.

  He stepped back and took her hand and slid the ring on her finger.

  “I love you, Heather.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Zach lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.

  “So, you finally did it.”

  Heather spun around at the sound of Ruthie’s voice.

  “You knew?” Heather asked.

  “It was simply a matter of time. I think everyone knew you two were destined for each other, except you.”

  Heather took a step back and Zach hugged her from behind. She tilted her head back to rest on his solid chest. He ran his knuckles gently up and down her arm.

  “I’m thrilled for you guys. But does this mean I’m out of a job? I heard Marshal Walker’s a great cook,” Ruthie joked.

  “He is a great cook, but you’ve got official bed-and-breakfast duty.”

  “Sounds perfect,” Zach said.

  Heather looked up at Zach and he kissed her on the nose. “It is perfect,” Heather said.

  “The kitchen’s all cleaned up. Sloppy Sam’s going to give me a ride home.” Ruthie took a step backward.

  “Oh, really?” Heather said playfully.

  “Knock it off,” Ruthie said. “I think we’ve had enough lovey-dovey stuff for a while.”

  “You never know,” Heather said. “You never know.”

  Ruthie waved her hand in dismissal. Heather thought she heard her giggling as she strolled away and hopped up into Sam’s wagon.

  Zach threaded his fingers with hers. “I should probably call my father and share the good news. He was convinced you’d find yourself a nice Amish guy if I didn’t make my move soon.”

  Heather leaned over and grabbed the broad-brimmed hat from the grass and stuffed it on Zach’s head. She leaned up on her tippy-toes and planted a kiss on his lips. “As much as I love you, you’d never pass for Amish.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from THE SEAL’S SECRET CHILD by Elisabeth Rees.

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  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed Plain Sanctuary. This book was my sixth Amish story written for Love Inspired Suspense, but my first set in the new fictional town of Quail Hollow, New York. I decided the sleepy Amish town of Apple Creek needed a little break from the murder and mayhem. I wanted my characters there to enjoy their happily-ever-afters—for a little while. But I’m sure the characters living there will start whispering in my ear, forcing me to eventually tell their stories.

  I love receiving reader letters telling me how much you’ve enjoyed my stories and how you want to hear more about a certain character. I’m thrilled when I can respond that that character’s story is already in the next book! I also have hopes of writing more stories set in Quail Hollow, too. The reader desire for Amish stories appears strong, and as long as that’s true, I’ll be plotting a way to be a part of it. Thank you for loving these stories.

  During my research, I’ve learned that New York State has a growing Amish population. The Amish have left other settlements in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states to come to New York for a number of reasons, including seeking farmland, disagreeing with previous settlements over rules, or perhaps because they’re trying to escape state laws that would impact their daily life. Because of this, I felt comfortable creating Quail Hollow as a not-too-distant settlement from Apple Creek, which is loosely based on one of the oldest settlements of Amish in Western New York. I’ve also received many letters from readers who currently live (or previously lived) in Western New York and they love the Buffalo-area connection. I hope you do, too, even if you’re not from the area. It’s a beautiful part of the country.

  As always, I love to hear from my readers. If you’d like to stay abreast of all my releases, please go to my website, www.AlisonStone.com, and sign up for my digital newsletter. Feel free to email me at Alison@AlisonStone.com or mail a letter to me at PO Box 333, Buffalo, NY 14051.

  Sincerely,

  Alison Stone

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  The SEAL's Secret Child

  by Elisabeth Rees

  ONE

  Josie Bishop took a deep breath, knelt to the carpet in her son’s bedroom and groped around underneath his bed. She was searching for discarded socks and underwear, but instead she found an old orange peel, sticky candy, half-eaten sandwiches and all manner of other unpleasant items that lurk in the depths of a six-year-old boy’s bedroom.

  Her fingers came to rest on something soft, squishy and furry. She yanked her hand out.

  “Archie!” she yelled out. “What are you keeping under your bed?”

  The noise woke up Sherbet, Archie’s blue parakeet, sitting on a perch in his cage next to the bed.

  “Pretty boy. Pretty boy,” the budgie squawked, making a bowing motion with his head.

  Josie jumped. Sherbet always had a habit of scaring her when she was off guard.

  “Be quiet, Sherbet,” she muttered, steeling herself to retrieve the furry object beneath the bed. Pulling out her hand slowly, she found herself staring at a moldy peach, collapsed like a popped balloon. It seemed to sum up how Josie felt: deflated, empty and way past her sell-by date.

  The bird chirruped.

  “What do you want, Sherbet?” she asked, looking for some scrap paper on which to place the soggy fruit.

  The budgie picked up his empty food bowl in his beak and banged it against the bars.

  “You want food?” Josie asked, gingerly holding the peach in one hand and reaching for the birdseed with another. “I’m sorry I’m grumpy, but I’m jittery.” She poked some seeds through the bars. “And I must also be crazy, because I’m talking to a bird.”

  Josie nervously peered through the window to see a uniformed officer standing guard outside her home in Sedgwick, Kansas. He had been there for the past five days, ever since a series of threatening phone calls culminated in someone trying to run her off the road on her way home from work. It had been a terrifying experience.