The Heartbreaker (Amish Country Brides)

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  He didn’t know what had come over him, except that he woke up to this beautiful form hovering over him. He could hardly help himself. It seemed like the perfect moment. A dream come true. He’d definitely been dreaming about her.

  He hoisted himself from the bed and reached for his crutch. Time to deal with damage control. He grasped his dirty dishes, tucked them in the crook of his cast, and hobbled toward the kitchen. When he came to the entrance, he stopped dead in his tracks.

  Miriam stood in front of the sink, her backside facing him. He eyed her lovely form, with curves in all the right places, and stifled a groan. Pure perfection, to his thinking.

  And right off the bat, he’d blown his chances with her. Idiot. It would be twice as difficult to get into her good graces now. He shook his head, frustrated with himself. He’d never been prized for his wisdom.

  “Hey.” He hoped she’d turn around. He attempted his most gentle tone. “About what just happened…I’m sorry, Miri.”

  She continued with her dishes, completely ignoring him.

  He hobbled closer and set his dishes on the counter next to her.

  “You can wash those yourself.” Well, at least she’d spoken to him. Not exactly the words he longed to hear, but it was better than the silent treatment.

  “I might need some assistance.” He admitted sheepishly.

  “Jah, vell, you’ll not get it from me.”

  “Come on, Miri. I said I was sorry.”

  “Jah, you’re sorry alright. Now, if you’d leave me in peace, I’d appreciate it. I have a job to do.”

  He sighed. Okay, he’d leave her alone. For now.

  ~

  Miriam fumed so intensely, she wondered if she had actual steam raging from her ears. Of all the nerve. Michael Eicher hadn’t changed one bit. He was still the cocky, insincere, selfish jerk that had left the community five years ago.

  And he’d had the audacity to call her Miri. He knew she’d always loved his nickname for her. How dare he use it to try to manipulate her into getting what he wanted. Well, it wouldn’t work this time. She was no longer the naïve eighteen-year-old she’d been when they’d courted.

  In spite of his irresistible smile and voice as smooth as molten dark chocolate, she would not fall for his charms again. She. Would. Not.

  SEVEN

  After Dawdi uttered the silent prayer and cleared his throat, Michael dug into the delicious supper Miriam had prepared for the two of them. The aromas had been tantalizing his senses all afternoon. As soon as the cheeseburger casserole hit his taste buds, he moaned.

  “She is a gut cook, ain’t so?”

  “She’s amazing.” In so many ways. “How on earth is she not married?” He hadn’t meant to utter that aloud in front of his grossdawdi, but he had nevertheless.

  “I suppose she hasn’t found the one Der Herr has planned for her. If He does have someone in mind for her.”

  “Any man would be lucky to have her as a fraa.”

  “Any man?”

  He shrugged. “Well, any Amish man. I don’t think she’d consider an Englischer.”

  “Nee. She would not.” Dawdi wiped his mouth. “How did you two get along while I was out?”

  Michael shook his head. “We didn’t. She refused to speak to me.”

  “And why’s that?”

  “’Cause I’m stupid. And don’t ask me to elaborate on that.”

  “No elaboration needed.” Dawdi chuckled.

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “So you do want to explain then?”

  “No. Let’s just leave it at that.”

  “Did you court Miriam in the past?”

  He took a sip of his water. “I did.”

  “And?”

  “And that was a long time ago. I don’t think she’d give me the time of day now.”

  “Probably just as well. She is Amish. You are not anymore.”

  “How often does she come over?”

  “A few times a week to help me out. But she checks in on me every day.”

  “Every day?”

  “She likely worries about me being alone here. Probably won’t stop by as often since you’re back.”

  “That’s too bad. I wouldn’t mind seeing her every day.”

  “Why?”

  “Have you seen her? She’s the hottest Amish woman in this district. Probably in the state. Which is why it baffles me that she’s unmarried.”

  “It’s not because of lack of interest on the part of the young men.” Dawdi eyed him carefully. “I’ve seen many an interested fellow look her way.”

  “Now, that I believe.”

  “Seems she’s been deeply hurt. Doesn’t trust easily.” Dawdi’s mien turned somber. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

  He swallowed. “I might.”

  “Ach, sohn. Consider your life. What type of legacy do you want to leave? If you would have died in that motorcycle accident, what do you think people would have said about you at your funeral? What would you want them to say? Or even more important, what will you say when you stand before Der Herr?”

  “That’s pretty morbid, Dawdi.” He frowned.

  “I want you to seriously think about it.” Dawdi bowed his head for the closing meal prayer and Michael followed suit.

  Michael pushed away from the table. “I’ll put the food away and the dishes in to soak.”

  “I’m sure Miriam will appreciate that. Denki.”

  ~

  “He drives me absolutely crazy!” Miriam unloaded on her best friend.

  Nora nodded. “What did he do?”

  “You don’t even want to know. And I don’t even want to say it.”

  “That bad, huh?”

  Miriam stomped her foot. “I don’t know how I’m going to put up with him. Seriously. It’s been one day and he’s already stretched my last nerve thin.”

  “I think—”

  “And it wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t so…so…gorgeous.” She clenched her fists and closed her eyes. “Ugh…why can’t his looks match his personality?”

  “There once was a time you liked his personality.”

  “He was different then. At least, I thought he was.” He’d been so sweet and attentive and caring. Wonderful, in fact. But it had all been a ruse. Some sick joke to him.

  “He’s a fake if I’ve ever seen one.”

  She pointed at Nora. “Don’t ever let me fall for him again.”

  “You say that like there’s a possibility of it.” Nora’s pointed look hit its mark.

  “There isn’t. But you know how persuasive he can be. If I’m around him day after day, he’s going to try to wear down my defenses.”

  “Well, at least you recognize that. You’re a lot wiser than you were back when he was courting you.”

  “About that…”

  “You know what? He did that to every girl. You realize that, right? He only wanted one thing, and since he could wave his smiling wand and put an instant love spell on the girls, he probably got it more often than not.”

  “And I thought I’d broken the spell. Instead, he only held me under it longer. I was such a fool.”

  “No. He’s the fool. He missed out on a good thing with you, Miriam. And you deserve someone who is going to love and cherish you. Don’t ever settle for less.”

  “I don’t know if I’ll ever find that.” The realization cut deep. Because, honestly, she longed for someone special. Someone who would cherish her for who she was. Someone who would love her. Her, not her looks or her body, but her. She abruptly turned and wiped away the pesky tear that escaped. She needed to rein in her emotions. No need to let her best friend see her cry.

  “You will, if it is what Gott has planned for you. You can trust Him and His timing.” Nora’s eyes livened with mischief. “Who knows? Mr. Right could charge into town on a white stallion tomorrow and sweep you off your feet.”

  Miriam giggled. “You always know how to put me in a better mood.
”

  “That’s what friends are for, ain’t so?”

  “Jah. Denki.” She pulled her friend into an embrace before heading home for the evening. Who knew what tomorrow would hold?

  EIGHT

  Michael’s gaze fixated on the words on the page. Although he’d heard these stories growing up, he never really considered that they might possibly be true. But…now? They were nothing short of amazing. He’d taken Dawdi’s advice and began jotting down notes. He stared at the words in his notebook now.

  The concept of God’s love—of Jesus—baffled him. These people hated Him to the point of killing Him, yet He loved them anyway. Surely God, being who He is, knew this would happen to His Son. Surely Jesus knew as well. Yet, He came to earth anyway.

  Moisture pricked his eyes unbidden. How…? Why…? He, above all people, was undeserving of this love, and he knew it. He’d messed up so badly, probably even more than he realized. He’d left Miri broken and hurt. So much so that she refused to speak to him. How could God just look past all the wrong he’d done and offer him forgiveness? It just didn’t seem possible.

  “Breakfast is ready, if you are.” Dawdi called from the entrance to his room.

  “Jah, okay. I’ll be right there.” He left his Bible on the desk and joined Dawdi in the kitchen.

  As he sat there, staring off into space, he sensed Dawdi’s eyes boring into him. “Everything all right?”

  “Jah. I’ve been reading, taking your advice.”

  “And? Something you want to talk about?”

  He blew out a breath. Might as well get this off is chest. If anyone could help him, Dawdi could. “God wouldn’t ever forgive someone like me, would He? I’ve messed up too much. I’ve ruined lives. I’ve been a complete idiot.”

  “Have you tortured and killed an innocent person?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Well, do you remember what Christ told those who’d crucified Him?”

  “Jah. Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.” He quoted by heart.

  “Exactly. I think that if God can forgive those who nailed His Son to a tree, who caused Him extreme pain and rejected Him, then He has ample forgiveness for you too. His word says that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

  “But how can He do that?”

  Dawdi chuckled. “If you’re asking me how Der Herr’s mind works, I’m afraid I can’t answer that. His thoughts are not my thoughts. I don’t know how Gott works, I chust know He does. He desires fellowship with His creation. Sin stands in the way of our relationship with Him. If we receive His forgiveness, the barrier between us is removed and we can freely enjoy fellowship with Him.”

  Michael thought on Dawdi’s words. It was interesting that the same thing that prevented his relationship with Der Herr was preventing his relationship with Miri. Perhaps if he fixed his relationship with God, his relationship with Miri would begin to heal as well.

  “Do you think Der Herr can help me make things right with Miri?”

  Dawdi smiled. “I believe He can.”

  He’d definitely be praying for it.

  ~

  “Miri, can we talk?”

  Miriam cringed just hearing Michael’s voice. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “I think there is.”

  She took Sammy’s shirt out of the wash basin and fed it through the double rollers. “I’m kind of working right now.”

  Michael moved near. He plunged his uninjured hand into the water and pulled up another shirt, then handed it to her.

  She stared at him. “I don’t need your help.”

  “I want to help. This is something I can actually do. You don’t know what it’s like being cooped up in my grossdawdi’s house and not being able to do much of anything. I’m going crazy.”

  “I thought you were already crazy.” Why was she teasing him? She shouldn’t let him draw her into his net. She had to resist his charms.

  “It’s been said.” And there was his million-dollar smile. The one she couldn’t help but reciprocate.

  She had to get rid of him. “Listen, I appreciate the help. But I can get this done quicker on my own.”

  “Ach.” He placed his good hand over his heart. “You wound me.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “Why is it that you’re not married?”

  She stopped what she was doing, shut off the agitator, then turned and walked out of the wash room.

  “Miri, I’m serious.”

  Did he think she was actually going to respond to that? She ignored him and made a beeline for the house.

  The sound of him hobbling behind her didn’t escape her notice. Did he intend to follow her around all day? Because, if that was the case, she would have to quit coming over. This was something she could not, would not do.

  “Will you please stop?” His voice sounded desperate. She didn’t remember ever hearing anything but confidence in his tone in the past. Where was this coming from? Or was it part of his act?

  She spun around. “What do you want from me?”

  His eyes sparkled. “That is such a loaded question. A very dangerous one.”

  “You know what? Just stop. Stop following me around. I have work to do here.”

  “I will. After you talk to me. I promise.”

  “I know what your promises are worth.” She retorted, continuing toward the house. Was there something she could do for Sammy that didn’t include having a conversation with his grandson? She needed to find a room and lock herself in it. Or lock Michael out.

  “Okay.” He held up his one good hand. “I deserved that. Forget I said promise. But will you please just let me have a few minutes of your time?”

  “Why?”

  “Tell me what to do. I want to fix what’s wrong between us. I want to be your friend.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut. Boy, was he good at testing her patience. “I don’t need a friend.”

  “Maybe I do.”

  “I can’t be your friend, Michael.”

  “Why not?”

  “You know why.”

  A burdened breath escaped his lips. “Miri, I messed up. Big time.”

  “Jah, you did.”

  “Can I have a do-over? Can we just forget about the past and start from scratch?”

  Seriously?

  “You’re joking, right?” How on earth did he expect her to just forget about the past? It wasn’t even a remote possibility.

  “No, I’m not. I want to start over with you, Miri.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I like you.”

  “No, Michael. You do not like me. You like yourself.”

  “Ouch. That’s not a nice thing to say.”

  “It’s the truth. You’ve only ever cared about yourself.”

  His face darkened and he frowned. “You know what? You are absolutely correct.”

  “You’re admitting that you only care about yourself?”

  “Yes. That was true in the past.”

  “In the past?” She refrained from snorting.

  “Can we be friends? Please?”

  “I can’t just be friends with you, Michael.”

  “Then be more.” He reached for her hand, but she yanked it away.

  “No!” Her lashes prevented the wetness from rolling down her cheeks. “I’m not going to fall for this again. Just leave me alone, Michael.” She flew out of the house. She might as well go home. There was nothing more she could do for Sammy today. Not with his grandson insisting on trailing her every move.

  She headed down the road as quickly as her feet would reasonably carry her, without breaking into a jog.

  “Where are you going?” Michael hollered after her.

  “Home.”

  “What about the laundry? You left the washer full.”

  Arguing with him from a hundred yards away was ridiculous. She glanced over her shoulder. “I’m su
re you can figure out a way to finish it up. I’m leaving.”

  She left off in a sprint. By God’s mercy, he wouldn’t follow her home. She could only stand so much of Michael Eicher in one day. If only he’d go back to his Englischer world and stop terrorizing her heart.

  ~

  Miriam pinned a dress to the clothesline while stewing as she thought about her day at Sammy’s. She felt terrible about leaving the laundry undone, but she needed to retain her sanity. And doing that with Michael at her side seemed like an impossibility.

  The creaking of buggy wheels and horse hooves drew her attention. The rig belonged to Sammy. Oh, no. If it was Michael…

  “Hello.” Sammy’s friendly face peeked from the side of the buggy.

  Miriam sighed in relief when she discovered he’d come alone. “Hi, Sammy.”

  His smile disappeared. He gestured to Mamm’s bench that graced the edge of her garden. “Kumm, maedel. Let’s talk about what is on your mind.”

  She left the remaining clothes in the basket and joined him in the garden. “I’m having a hard time, Sammy.”

  “Because of mei gross sohn, ain’t so? He’s been bothering you?”

  “Jah.”

  “I can find somebody else to help me out if you wish, although I’d miss you terribly.”

  Miriam covered his aged hand with hers. “I won’t leave you, Sammy. Even if I have to put up with Michael.”

  “He told me you two used to be sweethearts?” His brow lifted slightly.

  “It is something I regret. I thought he loved me. But it turned out that he only loves himself. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s the truth of the matter. I…I would have married him if we’d stayed together. But then he left…” And her world was turned upside down.

  “I am sorry, Miriam.” Sadness filled his features. “Have you prayed for him?’

  Sammy’s words hit her like a brick in the face. Shame filled her. No, she hadn’t prayed for him. Not really. At least, not a heartfelt prayer. She’d been too upset. It hadn’t even entered her mind to really pray for Michael, actually.

  She shook her head. “Nee.”

  “Maybe it’s time to start then.”

  “Jah. I will.”

  “And I will assign my gross sohn extra chores when you come over. He can drive the buggy yet, so I will send him on errands when I can.”