Joel ground his teeth as he headed straight for his truck, never bothering to look back. Struggling with his emotions, he drove out and stopped up at the top of the hill, where he parked and turned off the engine. His dad’s harsh voice still rang in his ears, drowning out the relentless chorus of the katydid’s rhythmic song, as he stared out the front window into the blackness of night.
He pounded the steering wheel until his hands ached. As Joel calmed down, he rested his arms and head on the wheel and berated himself. What did I think would happen tonight? I knew Dad would react like he did, but I had to try. He felt alone and defeated. Without help from Dad, how was he going to pay his subcontractors?
Joel peered down at the now-dark farmhouse. No doubt Dad was sleeping soundly, unconcerned about how he’d refused to help. “He’s probably snoring in ‘la-la’ land and not thinking anymore about me right now.” He pounded the steering wheel again, this time accidently honking the horn. “So what if I woke Dad up?” He winced. “I’m his only son. How can he do this to me?”
Joel agonized over his dilemma for a while, but realizing he needed to get home, he started up his truck. I do care about my family, he told himself. They—especially Dad—don’t really care about me.
As Joel headed down the road toward home, his thoughts ran wild, increasing his anger. Who does Dad think he is, treating me like that? If I had a son who came to me with a need, I’d give him whatever he wanted, no questions asked.
Joel turned on the radio, trying to drown out his thoughts, but it was no use. He could still hear Dad accusing him of being selfish.
As Joel approached the entrance to the freeway outside of Dover, a car coming from the opposite direction swerved into his lane. Before Joel could react, the vehicle slammed into his truck. The last thing Joel felt was searing pain. Then his world faded into blackness.
Wanda E. Brunstetter
New York Times bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Jean Brunstetter
Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach.
THE STORY OF THE AMISH MILLIONAIRE CONTINUES WITH…
The Stubborn Father, part two of The Amish Millionaire saga, widower Eustace Byler stands out in his Amish community for his eccentricity and his wealth. He mourns the loss of his son to the world like he mourns the physical loss of his wife. In the past, Eustace has freely loaned Joel money, perhaps hoping to entice him back home, but now Eustace is done and moving on to fulfill some of his own dreams.
DON’T MISS A SINGLE BOOK IN THIS EXCLUSIVE 6-BOOK SERIAL NOVEL
The Amish Millionaire: Part 1–The English Son
The Amish Millionaire: Part 2–The Stubborn Father
The Amish Millionaire: Part 3–The Betrayed Fiancée
The Amish Millionaire: Part 4–The Missing Will
The Amish Millionaire: Part 5–The Divided Family
The Amish Millionaire: Part 6–The Selfless Act
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The English Son Page 8