Amish Romance: Losing Ariel (Nancy's Story Book 2) Read online




  Losing Ariel

  Brenda Maxfield

  Contents

  Personal Word from the Author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Continue Reading…

  Thank you for Reading

  More Hollybrook Amish Romances for You

  About the Author

  Personal Word from the Author

  Dearest Readers,

  Thank you so much for reading one of my books! Your kinds words and loving readership make my day. As a thank you, I would like to give you a simple gift of my two favorite Amish recipes and keep you up-to-date with new releases and special offers.

  Click Here To Get Your Free Recipes

  Copyright © 2017 by Tica House Publishing LLC

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Chapter One

  Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.

  Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV

  Nancy stood near the front door, her suitcase at her feet. Two-year-old Debbie hung onto her leg with blubbering tears dripping down her face. Nancy scooped her up and hugged her close.

  “I’ll come back one day. I promise,” she said, near tears herself.

  Her cousin Irene sat perched on the edge of the rocker, holding baby Zeke. “I can never thank you enough for being my mother’s helper,” she said to Nancy, smoothing Zeke’s fluffy hair with her palm. “You’ve been a wonderful gut helper. Debbie’s going to miss you. We all are.”

  We all are…

  Did that include Luke Rupp?

  Nancy swallowed past the growing lump in her throat. She didn’t want to go back home. She didn’t. But her mother had begged her to return, saying that her father wanted to see her. He’d been unwell, and he wanted her home.

  Home to Linnow Creek. For months, Linnow Creek had meant the place where her beau had betrayed her by taking up with her sister. Nancy had worked hard to forgive them both. She thought she’d been fairly successful, too, but that didn’t mean she wanted to return and be reminded of the painful situation over and over again.

  While most of the Linnow Creek district hadn’t been aware of the courting between her and Mark, it was enough to make Nancy uncomfortable. She saw the pitying looks before she’d escaped to Hollybrook, and she was in no hurry to go back to them.

  And then there was Luke. She inhaled sharply, remembering their last conversation the night before. She had been out on the porch, and he’d come around front from the daadi haus where he was now staying.

  “So, it’s true,” he said. He stood tall on the bottom step, his eyes searching hers.

  “It’s true,” she whispered.

  He took the steps two at a time and sat beside her on the porch swing. She’d long before stopped fussing about how inappropriate it was for him to sit so close to her. Luke had spent a great deal of time with the Englisch before returning to Hollybrook, and it had influenced him—more than it should have.

  His clear blue eyes were intense. “And you want to go?”

  She shifted, and the swing creaked. “Nee.”

  “Then, why go?”

  “I came here to be a mother’s helper. Irene doesn’t really need me anymore. Truth is…” Nancy’s voice faded, and she looked down at her hands. “Truth is, she didn’t need me all that much in the first place. She was being kind. She knew how much I wanted to leave Linnow Creek.”

  Luke touched her arm. “Then, why go back?”

  “It’s time. And my dat wants me home.”

  He looked at her a long time, so long that she began to fidget. She knew he would miss her. They’d become good friends. But more than that? She didn’t know. He had the perfect chance to say something to her at that moment. To declare himself in some way. She was nearly dizzy with the possibility of it, but he’d said nothing. His eyes just continued to stare into hers as if searching for something.

  Thinking about it all again—the memory of that conversation with Luke—left Nancy bereft, out of sorts.

  A muffled cry behind her startled her back to the present.

  Irene jumped from her chair. “Take him!” she cried, thrusting Zeke into Nancy’s arms. “Quick!”

  Irene slapped her hand over her mouth and ran from the room toward the bathroom down the hall. Her outburst startled little Debbie into silence, but set Zeke to wailing.

  “There, there,” Nancy patted the baby’s back. “It’s all right. Mama just needed the bathroom.”

  She frowned. Was Irene sick? And right when she was leaving Hollybrook and couldn’t help? She calmed Zeke and coaxed Debbie into the front room with her and the baby.

  A couple minutes later, a pale Irene joined them. Nancy looked at her questioningly. “Irene? You sick?”

  “That’s not how I’d phrase it…” She gave Nancy a sheepish look.

  Nancy’s mouth fell open. “Nee… Really?”

  Irene nodded with a sigh of resignation. “I know you have to go home now. You need to see your dat. But, I don’t know how I’m going to manage. You know my mamm ain’t well enough to help me…”

  Nancy nodded her head, determination and relief filling her. “Don’t you worry, Irene. I’ll be back. I’ll help you through the rest of the nine months and beyond.”

  Irene began to cry. “I never expected this… Not so soon…” Her voice softened, and she gave Nancy a smile. “But it’s gut news, jah? Ain’t it always gut news?”

  Nancy returned her smile. “Jah. Gut news, indeed.” She worked to stifle the envy that crept up her throat.

  Irene reached for Zeke, and Nancy gave him up.

  “Your ride should be here soon,” Irene said. “Ach, I’m going to miss you.”

  “I’ll be back. I promise. Mamm and Dat will understand.”

  Debbie puckered up again and started to cry. “Hush now,” Irene scolded her. “You heard Nancy. She’ll be back. Come on. Give your mamm a smile now.”

  Nancy heard the side door of the house shut, and she looked up to see Luke walk in through the dining area. His eyes sought her out, and he smiled. “Is your ride here?”

  “Not yet. Any minute, I’m thinking.”

  “Maybe, he’ll be late.”

  Nancy shrugged. “Maybe.”

  “You go on out to the porch, Nancy. It’s a beautiful day, and we’ve said our good-byes.” Irene sat in a rocker, and little Debbie laid her head on her mother’s knees.

  Nancy bit her bottom lip and fought back her tears. It was strange how Hollybrook now felt more like home to her than Linnow Creek, but it was true. Now that Irene was with child again and feeling poorly, she had the perfect excuse to come back. The real impact of it dawned on her like the morning sun. If she came back, she would be able to see Luke again.

  She could see him every day, just like the past months.

  “I’ll wait with you,” Luke said, going to the front screen and pushing it open. Nancy followed him outside.

  Chapter Two

  Nancy sat on the swing and was surprised when Luke remained standing.

>   “Nancy…?”

  “Jah?”

  He looked down at her, his blue eyes intense. “I’m wishing you weren’t going. Linnow Creek is much too far away.”

  Nancy’s heart leapt, and her palms began to sweat. “Not so far…” she murmured.

  “If I still was driving a car, it wouldn’t be far at all. But in a buggy or with a bicycle, it’s pretty much impossible.”

  Nancy smiled ruefully. “I can just see you pedaling your way to Linnow Creek.”

  “I would.”

  “I don’t think Philip’s old bike would make it.”

  Luke chuckled. “I don’t think so, either.” He sobered. “Truly, I’ll miss you.”

  Nancy pressed her hands to her chest. Should she tell him she was planning to return? He’d wonder why, and it wasn’t her place to divulge Irene’s news. Better to remain silent until he heard it from Irene or Philip.

  “I’ll miss you, too,” she said, and her heart pained her. What if her parents said no? What if they didn’t allow her to return? Was this to be the end with Luke? Would their friendship die? She was accustomed to seeing him every day. She loved his smile and his teasing. She loved the way he phrased things. And lately, more often than not, she sought out his opinion on matters. Being apart from him was going to create a big hole in her life.

  Luke leaned toward her. “I’ve been thinking seriously about joining church.”

  Her eyes widened. “You’re going to be baptized?”

  “Perhaps. I’m still not certain. But I wanted you to know I was thinking on it. And praying on it, too.”

  He wanted her to know? Why? Her mind whirled, and her thoughts raced to a conclusion that warmed her heart. If he was baptized, wouldn’t that mean he was planning to marry and settle down? Was that why he wanted her to know? She felt heat rise up her neck as her mind cradled the thought.

  “We’ve spoken about it a time or two, so I thought you should know.”

  Nancy wilted. Was that the only reason why? Because they’d spoken about it? Her dreams came to crashing halt. She was a fool. If he wanted to court her outright, he’d have made some sort of move. While she’d thought he would two months ago, he hadn’t. He’d been content to keep their relationship on a friendship-only level.

  Embarrassment filled her. How had she let her thoughts jump to such conclusions? Wasn’t it enough that her previous beau had left her for her sister? Did she have to set herself up again for heartache?

  “Thank you for telling me,” she said. She blanched at how stiff and formal she sounded.

  Luke raised his eyebrows and stepped back. She saw the questions in his eyes, but she carefully straightened her shoulders and kept her facial expression blank. She couldn’t bear the thought of another romantic disappointment.

  “May I write?” he asked.

  “If it suits,” she responded.

  “If it suits…?” His voice resonated with annoyance. He slapped his hand on his thigh and frowned at her. “What’s the mat—”

  But his words were cut off by the sound of a van turning into the drive. Nancy jumped up and ran for her suitcase which was right inside the door. Without another word, she hurried down the steps just in time to meet the van as it pulled up to the house. Before the driver could even get out, she opened the back door and jumped in with her suitcase.

  “I’m ready, Abraham,” she told him.

  Abraham twisted around and looked at her. “All right. If you’re ready, we’ll head out. Nice to see you again, Nancy.”

  “You too, Abraham.”

  Abraham put the van into gear and headed out to the main road. Nancy slouched back in the seat, feeling foolish. She’d put on quite a show, hadn’t she? She pressed her lips together with regret. She’d gone too far. Now, Luke probably wouldn’t write her at all. Why in the world had she pretended she didn’t care? She could hardly care more. She wanted him to write. Why hadn’t she just said so?

  Well, it was too late now. And she could hardly be so forward as to write him first. She was a fool. A silly, senseless fool.

  It took just over two hours to reach Linnow Creek. When Abraham turned into her family farm, Nancy felt only sad. She didn’t belong here anymore. Her heart and mind were back in Hollybrook.

  The screen door opened, and her sister Linda and her mother came hurrying out onto the porch.

  “Looks like you have a welcoming committee,” Abraham said with a chuckle.

  “Looks like it,” Nancy agreed. She steeled herself for the meeting, wondering how she would find her father’s health.

  Abraham stopped the van, and Nancy got out.

  “Nancy!” Linda cried. “You’re finally home!”

  Nancy gave her younger sister a big hug. “Ach, it’s gut to see you, Linda.”

  “And what about your old mother?” Harriet Slagel asked, holding out her arms.

  Nancy went to her, letting her mother fold her in a quick embrace.

  “Mamm, it’s gut to be home.” The words slipped from Nancy’s lips without a thought. Inwardly, she balked. Was she to be a liar, now?

  “Come in, child. Your dat is waiting in the front room.” Harriet paused and looked at Abraham. “Come in, too. I have some fresh cookies and lemonade all ready.”

  Abraham held up his hand. “I’d love to, but the wife is waiting for me. Forgive me if I leave right away.”

  Harriet flourished her arm through the air. “You go on home, then. But come by another time, and I’ll feed you.”

  Abraham touched his fingers to his forehead in a gentle salute. “Will do, Harriet. Will do.”

  Linda grabbed Nancy’s suitcase and headed inside. Nancy and her mother followed.

  Chapter Three

  Luke stood on the porch and watched the van take off with Nancy in it. If he was a cursing man… He let out his breath in a heavy sigh. What had just happened? He thought she would appreciate him telling her that he was getting closer to joining church. Instead, she’d turned on him like a tiger.

  It made no sense.

  He tromped down the steps and headed back into the fields. Philip would be wondering about his absence. He kicked at an old pail that sat next to the spigot. It clanged and flew to the side. He chased it and righted it again, irritation surging through him.

  He thought Nancy fancied him. She’d acted like it more than once. But now... It didn’t appear that she even wanted him to write to her. If it suits? What a thing to say.

  Evidently, it didn’t suit her.

  He had a sudden urge to grab up a fishing pole and head to Edmund’s Pond. He needed to sit in the sun and clear his head. But what excuse could he give Philip? None that made any sense. So instead, Luke shoved all thoughts of Nancy from his mind and strode out to the east field, where he spotted Philip.

  Supper that evening was a solemn affair. Only Debbie’s constant prattling broke the silence. Luke concentrated on his food, still avoiding any thoughts of Nancy. He could feel Irene’s eyes on him, and he regretted not taking his own meal in the daadi haus. Even though he usually ate with the Benders, Irene’s scrutiny was making his food lump up in his throat.

  “There’s something I have to say,” Irene interrupted the quiet.

  Everyone’s eyes went to her. She coughed lightly. “I may as well share it with you now, Luke. You’ll be seeing it soon enough.”

  Luke’s forehead creased. He had no idea what she was talking about.

  “I’m in the family way again. There will be another little mouth to feed in about seven months.”

  Luke set his fork down. He hadn’t expected that kind of news. He glanced at Philip, who was beaming at Irene.

  “That’s gut. Wonderful gut,” Luke said quickly. “Congratulations.”

  Irene flushed. “I’m feeling a bit poorly, so I figured you should know why.”

  Luke reached across the table and patted Irene’s hand. “I’m happy for you.”

  Irene gave him a knowing look. “So, the Good Lord willing, Nancy
will be back soon.”

  Luke’s breath caught. He hesitated, and then slowly said, “Will she now?”

  “Jah, she will.” Irene continued giving him that look, as if she could see directly inside of him. “And don’t pretend you’re not glad about it.”

  Luke raised his brow. This was mighty frank talk for an Amish woman. “I’m not pretending anything,” he said.

  “I see how you look at her.” Irene plucked her napkin from her lap and folded it carefully. She set it to the left of her plate. “I’m thinking this pregnancy is gut news for all of us around here.”

  Luke ducked his head and studied his mashed potatoes. Had Nancy known about this when she left? Why hadn’t she said anything? The woman was a puzzle, and it aggravated him something fierce that he couldn’t figure her out.

  “Nancy needs to be home for a spell,” Irene went on. “But she’ll be back. Truth be told, I’ll need her help more than ever now.”

  Philip still had the goofy smile on his face. Luke stared at him and felt an unexpected pang of longing. He wondered what it would feel like to be married and have his wife carrying his child. He looked over at Zeke, who was asleep in the corner bassinet. He was a bonny lad, and when he smiled at Luke, more often than not, Luke wanted to grab him up and hold him.

  Which he rarely did. Somehow, it didn’t seem fitting. But the yearning was there. What would his own child look like? Would he inherit his blue eyes and long legs?

  Nancy’s image came to his mind then. Her quiet, graceful manner when she was about her chores. Her snappy conversation when they’d talk in the evenings out on the porch. He’d miss that.

 
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