The Betrayed Fiancée (4 page)

“You're more than welcome. Before you go home, I'll put it in a plastic bag so it doesn't get dirty.” Doris placed her hands on the back of the couch. “Now I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything. Anything at all.”

“I was wondering, if you have any influence over Joel, could you ask him to come visit more often?”

“Doesn't he do it now?”

“He rarely comes around, and when he does…” Doris's voice trailed off.

“Joel works long hours because of his business. There are times when we've had plans to do something together, and he ends up working instead.” Kristi didn't know why she felt the need to defend Joel. Working long hours was hardly an excuse for neglecting his family. “I'm sorry. I'll have a talk with Joel about coming to visit more often.” Kristi took out a pen and tablet from her purse. Then she wrote down her phone number and handed it to Doris. “If there's ever a time you can't reach Joel, please give me a call.”

“I appreciate it. I'll give you my number, too.” After Doris wrote her phone number down for Kristi, she gestured to the kitchen. “Why don't we go find Elsie and Arlene? I'd like them to get to know you better, too.”

As Joel wandered around the yard, trying to avoid certain people, he glanced toward the back of Dad's property. The tree house had been destroyed, but the heavily damaged section of the tree showed Joel where it had been. All that was left of the tree house were a few pieces of burned wood in a heap at the bottom of the tree. Even the steps, still nailed to the trunk, had been charred and blackened by the force of the lightning.

Joel stopped and stared at the giant maple. From the blown-away bark at the top of the tree, the lightning had made a visible path all the way down its trunk. Some long pieces of splintered maple lay scattered on the ground a few feet from the tree. Other fragments of wood clung to the trunk, curled back like a banana peel.

Stubborn man
. Joel grunted.
Can't figure out why he'd want to build a tree house. Going up there with a storm approaching was a dumb idea
.

He leaned against a fence post, reflecting on his childhood. He and Doris had spent many hours playing hide-and-seek in Dad's barn. They'd also climbed trees, taken turns on the swing, and chased after the cats.
Wish Dad would have built a tree house when I was a boy. I could have had a lot of fun playing in it and maybe even camped out during the hot summer months
.

Joel glanced to the top of the hill that overlooked his parents' farm. It wasn't as exciting as a tree house, but at least he'd had a special place up there. It was too late for any of that, though. Joel's childhood was over, and Dad was gone.

Joel watched as his aunt Verna visited on the porch with Arlene's two girls, Martha and Lillian. She was showing them how to master some techniques with a yo-yo. It was typical of Aunt Verna. She'd always had a way with children, even though she'd never had any of her own. Her yearning for children may have drawn her to them. Joel remembered one time when Aunt Verna came to his tenth birthday party and brought him a big jar of marbles. Joel had never expressed a desire to have a marble collection, but watching Aunt Verna get down on her knees to compete with him in a game of marbles got his attention. Surprisingly enough, she was good at it. Joel wondered if Aunt Verna and Dad had played with those same marbles when they were children. Although Joel's aunt wasn't a hoarder, like Dad, she did enjoy a few collections. Joel had to admit he liked to hang on to some things, himself. He'd even kept those marbles from long ago and had packed them away in one of his closets.

Glancing at his watch, Joel started for the house to find Kristi. He figured she was visiting with his sisters and could only imagine what they might be talking about.

Wouldn't be surprised if I'm the topic of their conversation. Sure hope no one has said anything negative about me
.

Joel had only made it halfway there when he spotted his ex-girlfriend, Anna Detweiler, heading in his direction. His heart raced as she came closer.
Oh, great. I wonder what she wants. If Kristi sees me talking to her, how will I explain? Anna is the last person I want to speak to right now
.

J
oel was almost to the porch when Anna stepped up to him. “Hello, Joel.”

He paused and turned to look at her, sweat trailing down his forehead. “Oh, hey Anna.”

“I—I wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss.” Anna's smile quivered. “I also wanted to let you know I'll be praying for your family.”

Joel noticed Anna was fidgeting with her hands and realized that the situation was as awkward for her as it was him, but he couldn't be rude. “Thanks, Anna. I appreciate your concern.” He shuffled his feet a few times. It felt strange speaking to her after all these years. Anna had matured and was as pretty as ever. With golden brown hair peeking out from her head covering and clear blue eyes, she was stunning. He noticed the pill-sized mole on her neck. “Uh, so how are you these days?” he stammered.

With her gaze fixed on him, Anna answered, “I'm doing all right. How about you?”

Joel wasn't about to admit his life was a train wreck, so he forced a smile and lifted his shoulders in a brief shrug. “I'm doin' great. I have my own business, and it keeps me plenty busy. What about you? Are you still teaching at the school in Farmerstown?”

She nodded. “Unless I get married someday, I'll probably keep on teaching.”

“I'll bet my nieces and nephews enjoy having you as their teacher.”

“I enjoy them, too.” Anna's face turned pink. “Did you hear that my folks moved to Indiana?”

He shook his head. “Why'd they move?”

“They wanted to be close to my sister Nancy. She recently had a baby.”

“I'm surprised you didn't go with them.”

Her cheek color deepened. “I like my job and the area here.”

“Oh, I see.” Joel shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. He was tempted to ask if Anna had a suitor but thought better of it. It wasn't his business, and she might think he had regrets about breaking up with her.

“Who's the auburn-haired woman who came with you today? Is she your wife?”

Anna's question caused Joel to stumble back a step. “What? Uh, no, but Kristi and I are planning to be married. We haven't picked a date yet.”

Anna lowered her gaze. “Well, she's beautiful.”

“Yes. Yes, she is. However, Kristi's beauty is more than skin-deep.” Joel slid his hands out of his pockets and fiddled with his shirt collar. “She's the most amazing woman I've ever met.”

Anna lifted her gaze to meet his again and blinked several times. “You once told me the same thing.”

A surge of heat shot up the back of Joel's neck and spread quickly to his face. His body felt like it was encased in concrete. Anna was right, of course. When they had been courting, he'd often told her how special she was. Back then, she was everything to him. But things changed once Joel made the decision to leave the Amish faith.

Unsure of how to respond to Anna's statement or whether he should say anything at all, Joel awkwardly touched the side of her elbow. “It's been nice seeing you again, but I'd better go check on Kristi.” Without waiting for Anna's response, he hurried up the stairs onto the porch. He was about to open the door when a hand rested on his shoulder. He twisted his head to see who had touched him.

“Well, for goodness' sake. If it isn't my favorite nephew.” Aunt Verna held out her arms and gave him a hug.

He patted her back tenderly. “Nice to see you, too.” As Joel hugged his aunt, he couldn't help noticing how abruptly Anna turned and headed toward the backyard.

“I missed seeing you the last time I was here, but Elsie explained you were busy with work and couldn't come for a visit.” Aunt Verna motioned for them to take a seat in two empty chairs on the porch.

When Joel sat down to face her, he noticed her sorrowful expression. He felt bad seeing his aunt like this, but he couldn't tell her that he'd missed seeing her during her last visit because his dad wouldn't appreciate his presence. After the last encounter they'd had, Joel was sure his dad never wanted to see him again.
I needed money from Dad
. Joel pinned his arms against his stomach.
Sure wish things had played out differently. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten so irritated with him. But he was the one who got mad first, and for no good reason
.

“I'm sorry I couldn't be here then, but it's good to see you now, Aunt Verna.” He reached over and patted her hand.

“I know. I only wish it could be under more pleasant circumstances.” She sniffed and dabbed at the tears on her wrinkled cheeks. “I'm gonna miss your daed so much. He was the best bruder. We always had such fun together.”

Joel listened while his aunt reminisced about some of the things she and Dad had done while growing up. Then she told him about her last visit and how excited Dad had been when he was building the tree house. “He did it in memory of your mamm.” Tears trickled down her cheeks as she spoke. “Eustace told me Effie had always wanted a tree house.”

“Really? I didn't realize that.” He raised his eyebrows. “I don't recall it ever being mentioned when I was a boy.”

Aunt Verna shook her head. “I don't think Effie brought it up till you were grown and had left the Amish faith.”

“Oh, I see. After all these years, guess there's a lot I don't know.” Joel glanced at the house, wondering why Kristi hadn't come out. She'd been in there quite a while.

Kristi stood at the kitchen window, watching Joel visit with an elderly woman. But that wasn't what had initially drawn her attention to the window. She'd seen him talking to the young Amish woman she'd noticed during the graveside service. Kristi wondered, yet again, about the woman and was tempted to ask one of Joel's sisters who she was, but she didn't want to appear nosey. Kristi felt vulnerable being around so many people she didn't know and who spoke a different language when they conversed with one another. Thankfully, Joel's sisters were warm and friendly and had made her feel welcome. She felt drawn to their quiet demeanor and plain lifestyle. Kristi wondered what it would be like to live a simpler life without the distractions of TV, computers, and cell phones. Not that those things were bad. But most people seemed to focus on electronic gadgets instead of concentrating on developing good relationships with others. Kristi wasn't sure she could give up all her modern conveniences, but she longed for an unpretentious way of life.

“We believe in putting God first, and our family second,” Doris had told Kristi a few minutes ago, when she'd commented on the caring attitude she'd sensed in the people who had come to the funeral.

Earlier, Kristi had noticed an older man who had his dog with him. When she and Joel ended up sitting on the same bench in the yard after their meal, he'd introduced himself as Eustace's good friend Henry. He was a real gentleman and even introduced his dog. It seemed strange that someone would bring a dog to this somber occasion, but Henry had kept Peaches in her cage until they'd eaten. Kristi thought the dog was cute, and the cocker spaniel seemed to like her. While Kristi had listened to Henry talk, Peaches had curled up beside her feet. Kristi could tell Henry hurt from losing his best friend, and he'd recalled nothing but good things about Eustace. Henry even had Kristi laughing at times, which felt good on this sobering day. No wonder he'd been Eustace's good friend.

After talking with Henry, and hearing Arlene mention how many people helped set things up for the service, as well as the meal, was it any wonder these people were so closely knit? Helping out during times of need seemed to be a normal occurrence among the Amish.
We English could learn a lesson from them
, Kristi thought.

A light tap on her arm caused Kristi to turn away from the window. She'd been so caught up in her thoughts she hadn't realized Elsie stood beside her.