“I need to get this job done as soon as possible. I am not a thief and I must prove it. I am very thankful for all of the help I received from both of you. You are wonderful people. I am happy I have met you. I hope we will meet again. But with this, I need to bid you farewell for the moment,” he said and left without a moment’s delay.
“What a nice boy, isn’t he, Joshua?” I asked him when we were waving goodbye to Oliver.
“He is indeed, my dear. But now let’s go inside and have the dinner you just promised me,” he said and hugged me.
I felt safe again. I felt at home.
I cooked dinner and sang some traditional Amish songs for Joshua. He was interested in our culture, so, I thought it wouldn’t be wrong to let him hear me sing:
In the still isolation
You find my praise ready
Greatest God please answer me
For my heart is seeking you.
You're always here
Never still, though silent
You rule the yearly seasons
And you set them in order.
“You have a beautiful voice, Leah. I wish you would sing more for me,” Joshua said as he hugged me.
We had a very nice dinner, talked about everything, and took a walk in the evening. When we came back, I made hot kaffee for us. And then, we settled near the fireplace.
Samson came closer and fell asleep on the carpet, as we read a book to each other.
We continued to talk until midnight. I suggested Joshua to stay over at my place since it was already late, but he left anyway. After all, the elders of the church would never be happy if he stayed.
When I woke up in the morning, I was full of energy. I spent a couple of hours on the quilt for Mrs. Miller’s dochder and groom, and it was finally finished. It turned out even better than I expected. I felt so proud of myself.
I think I should take this to Mrs. Miller right away, I thought to myself and put on my shoes and coat.
Mrs. Miller invited me for a cup of tea but I had to refuse because I had a date in only an hour. Joshua was going to pick me up and we were going to spend the evening in a fancy restaurant. I put on the best of my Amish dresses and shoes. I braided my hair, carefully put on my kapp, and impatiently waited for Joshua to arrive.
Finally, the clock hit five o’clock and I heard a knock on my door. Samson ran to it and started wagging his tail. I was sure it was Joshua, so, I opened the door. It was him, indeed.
His eyes were piercing my soul and I felt my face was actually turning red. I felt like I was a teenage girl in her Rumspringa once again. Joshua wouldn’t stop looking at me, and he didn’t even say a word. I had to break the awkward silence.
“What is it? Is something wrong? Do you not like my dress? My hair? Or maybe I shouldn’t have worn these shoes? Why aren’t you saying anything, Joshua?”
“I... I honestly have no words. You are stunning, Leah, you are such a gorgeous woman, you should dress like this more often. You are beautiful, my love, a true angel in a human form.”
I giggled and blushed. Then he hugged and kissed me. I could feel his gentle lips on my mouth, and my head was filled with fuzzy and warm feelings in an instant.
I didn’t feel like I was betraying Amos anymore. My love for him was eternal, but I was finally able to overcome his death and let him go.
The dead should rest, I thought, and the living should continue their lives.
We bid Samson a goodbye as we closed the door. I was still afraid of buggies, but I decided to trust Joshua in everything. He rode us to an expensive and fancy restaurant.
We took our seats and spent the evening talking about how lucky both of us were that we met each other. I couldn’t even imagine my life without Joshua anymore.
“Joshua, mei lieb, I want to thank you. You are the most precious person in the world to me," I said sincerely.
I had lost the desire to live; I had lost the desire to do anything. Life was simply routine for me and a very boring one. My only joy were my books and Samson.
When I thought Samson was going to pass away, it felt like my whole world was going to crumble and fall. I am eternally thankful to you for saving him, and I am eternally thankful to Gott for bringing you to me. I love you very deeply.
Joshua held my hands.
“Leah, such words, you’re making me blush,” he uttered and smiled. “I love you, my sweet angel, and for you, I will go to all lengths imaginable. I have thought about this, and I have thought thoroughly. I know you are a stubborn woman, and I love you for that. I know you won’t give up on something once your mind is set on it. I realized I will have to get used to it if I want to be next to you. But that’s okay, I do not mind it. However, I have a condition, a one, and only condition. From now on, you will have to solve your mysteries together with me; I will not let you have all the joy and glory, mei lieb. It will be the three of us, Leah, Joshua and Samson, the mystery solvers. What do you think?” he added.
“Amazing! It’s absolutely amazing, Joshua! I couldn’t even ask for something better! With your detective skills, it will be easier for both of us to solve all the mysteries we get, don’t you think?” I giggled.
We spent the rest of the evening talking about our favorite mystery books. I told him I had this passion since early childhood; I didn’t even bat an eye when my parents told me to quit the weird interest. I was too fond of my hobby.
It turned out Joshua’s father used to be a police detective, and that's why he was both interested in mysteries and afraid of the possible dangers that might have threatened us.
Every second we spent together, we learned more and more about each other. I felt happy in his company, I felt alive, and I felt full of energy and enthusiasm.
When it was time to pay the check and leave, the unexpected happened. Somebody else had paid the bill in the restaurant for us.
Joshua asked the waiter who did it, and he pointed at a gentleman sitting in the far corner of the hall. The gentleman noticed we were looking at him, so, he nodded with a smile.
“Who is he? I don’t think I know him,” I said to Joshua.
“That, my dear Leah, is Peter Smith, the owner of the gem you found,” he answered, grinning.
Ach, who would have thought!
He turned out to be a very generous man, and he treated us to a delicious meal. Both Joshua and I were touched and thanked him.
As we left, Joshua gave me a ride home.
When it was time to say mach’s gut, I was trying to find an excuse to keep him at my place for a bit longer.
“Why don’t you come in and have a cup of kaffee with me, Joshua? Like when we first met?”
“Oh with pleasure! A cup of kaffee is exactly what I need right now,” he exclaimed, and kissed my forehead.
It was already late; we were sitting near the fireplace and as usual, we were drinking kaffee. I was also reading a book, and Joshua was playing with Samson. Joshua cleared his throat, looked at me and suddenly kneeled down in front of me. He took my hands in his and said: “Leah, I have fallen for you. Will you marry me?”
It was then when a very sudden and unexpected knock came at the door. Joshua went to get it.
It was John, Rebecca’s cousin. He came in without saying a word.
He was pale, out of breath and had a very troubled look on his face. Clearly, he was very agitated. This was the first time I had seen him with such an expression.
“What happened?!” we both asked simultaneously.
“I am very sorry. I didn’t know what to do... I am extremely sorry to disturb your peaceful evening. My dearest friends, please help me... It is Princess… she went missing. I need your help!”
***TO BE CONTINUED***
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List of Amish Words
Daed - Dad
Familye - Family
grank—sick
Kumme - come
Koppweh - headache
die Eldere - parents
Mamm/Mammi - Mom
Vadder - Father
Mudder - Mother
Danke - Thank you
Fraa - wife or woman
Mann - man
Menner - men
Kinner - children
Kinskind - grandchild
Kinskinner - grandchildren
Boppli - baby
bensel= silly child
Lappich buwe - silly boy
Sohn - son
Dochder - daughter
Gaul - horse
Maedel - girl
die Grosseldere - grandparents
Grossdaadi - grandfather
Grossmammi - grandmother
Bruder - brother
Schweschder - sister
Brieder - brothers
Schweschdere - sisters
Aent - Aunt
Onkel - Uncle
gut - good
Ich - I
Lieb - love
Ich lieb Dich - I love you
Jah - yes
Nee - no
Mei Lieb - My love
Guder Mariye - good morning
Wie bischt Du - how are you
Ich bin gut - I am well
Ich bin schlecht - I am not doing well
Ich bin zimmlich gut - I am doing pretty well
Ich bin zimmlich schlecht - I am doing not very well
Guder Daag- Hello, Good day.
Guder Mariye - Good morning
Guder Nummidaag - Good afternoon
Guder Owed - Good evening
Guti Nacht - Good night
Mach’s gut - Good-bye
Sehn dich schpeeder - See you later
Du bischt gscheit - You are smart
Du bischt awwer gscheit - Aren’t you smart!
Gott - God
Pannekuche -pancake
Rumspringa - Teenagers Freedom time
Gott, wir Danken Dir - God we thank you
Ordnung - Rules of the Amish
Kapp - Hat for Woman
Schul - school
More Books By Rebecca Byler
50 SHADES OF AMISH LOVE
The Amish Painter, Book 1
Love Me Love My Horse, Book 2
The Pianist, Book 3
My Village Doctor, Book 4
Amish Widower, Book 5
Blue Eyes Angel Book 6
Jilted Amish Bride, Book 7
Dawn Of Memories, Book 8
Love Me Love Me Not, Book 9
Young Amish Widow, Book 10
Forbidden Fruit, Book 11
Amish Soldier, Book 12
Second Chance for Amish Love, Book 13
Amish Arranged Marriage, Book 14
Amish Love Rivalry, Book 15
True Love Never Dies, Book 16
An Amish Christmas With An English Twist, Book 17
AMISH ROMANCE MYSTERY SUSPENSE
Amish Witness
Amish Abduction
Falsely Accused (The Cooper Brothers, Book 1)
Secrets Revealed (The Cooper Brothers, Book 2)
EVERLASTING AMISH LOVE
Emma & Benjamin, Book 1
Gloria & Samuel, an Englischer Valentine’s Day, Book 2
AMISH TEN COMMANDMENTS SERIES
No Other Gods Before Me, Book 1
You Shall Not Make Idols, Book 2
The Name Of The Lord, Book 3
Remember The Sabbath Day, Book 4
Honor Your Father& Mother, Book 5
You Shall Not Murder, Book 6
You Shall Not Commit Adultery, Book 7
You Shall Not Steal, Book 8
You Shall Not Bear False Witness, Book 9
You Shall Not Covet, Book 10
Bonus Chapter: The Stolzfus Sisters, Book 1
Chapter 1
Prologue
"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13 (NIV)
Chapter One
Sarah gripped the armrests in fright as the plane shook to and fro. She’d heard of turbulence but never thought she’d actually be in a plane when it struck. While she prayed silently for God to spare her, Anna was happily chomping on free cashews.
“How can you eat at a time like this?” Sarah demanded. “We’re going down in flames, and you’re pigging out on free nuts!”
Anna Stoltzfus eyed her identical twin schweschder in exasperation. “You're melodramatic, Sarah. The plane isn’t going to crash. It’s the safest way to travel.”
Sarah opened an eye and peered out her window. “You’ve been speaking to those Englischers again!” she choked. “Aren’t you the least bit afraid?”
“Nee,” Anna replied confidently. “It would be cruel to die on Rumspringa.”
“Says who?” Sarah muttered miserably.
Anna shrugged. “Mamm would say so.”
“I thought Mamm and you weren’t speaking.”
“She’s not speaking. I tried to say goodbye.”
The plane leveled out, and Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s because you wouldn’t bring your Bible.”
Anna wrinkled her pert nose in distaste. “Who brings their Bible on Rumspringa?” she demanded. Her green eyes roamed over her schweschder and she grimaced. “Oh, I forgot. You did.”
“There’s nothing wrong with bringing your Bible!” Sarah hissed. “And you seem to forget that Rumspringa isn’t a time to forget you’re Amish!”
Her sister sighed and unbuckled her seatbelt once the pilot gave permission to do so. “Oh, yes it is! You’re hopeless, Sarah. I’ve always thought so.”
“Where are you going?” Sarah asked, eyeing her schweschder in dismay as she retrieved her backpack from the overhead compartment. “They’ll be bringing lunch soon.”
“If you want me, I’ll be in the restroom.” Anna hauled it down and slung it over her shoulder.
Sarah shrugged and put her earphones on. The in-flight movie was a peculiar testament to ninja turtles, and she was in for a disappointment as there would be no lunch. Since it was a short flight, economy class ended up with a snack box containing fish-shaped cheese crackers; a Peppercorn Parmesan cheese spread; thin wheat crackers; jellied fruit snacks; salami slices; chocolate sandwich cookies; and a mint. The drink was a complimentary cranberry apple cocktail.
The movie ended, and Sarah busied herself with reading a guidebook about New York. The first thing she wanted to see was the Empire State Building. The Richardsons’ had invited them to spend their Rumspringa in New York and to help with their fabric business.
Abram and Katie Stoltzfus owned their very own quilt shop so it wouldn’t be that much different
as Sarah and Anna had been helping as soon as they could walk. The Richardsons’ took great care to supply only the best fabric for Mamm’s quilts, and she trusted them to take care of her girls.
“They are good people,” Mamm said at the airport. “Angela and Michelle are around your age and will show you around.”
Daed nodded his assent, but Sarah sensed he didn’t want them to go. “Jah,” he said. “You’ll go and forget all about your Daed.”
“I won’t,” Sarah promised. Anna stood nearby glowering at Mamm. They’d had an awful row the night before about Anna not bringing her Bible. Anna had stormed off to her room while Mamm wept softly in the kitchen. Sarah tried to comfort her mother as best she could, but the damage was already done.
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself!” Sarah scolded Anna that morning. “She cried all night! Daed told me. Go and apologize.”
“I will not!” Anna snapped, shaking her head stubbornly. “She thinks she knows everything. Always telling me to do this, to do that! I’m sick of it.”
“She’s your mother!” Sarah cried. “Don’t leave this way. Say you’re sorry.”
Anna’s green eyes darkened. “Don’t you start with me!” she muttered, shoving her clothes into a suitcase. “This is Rumspringa. I will do what I want. With whomever I want. I may even cut my hair.” She reached up and held a golden braid away from her in disgust. “I hate my hair. It’s too long. Who wears their hair like this anyway?”
Sarah smoothed her braids self-consciously. “We’ve always worn it this way. There’s nothing wrong with long hair, Anna. Just think how proud your husband will be when you take it down for him.”
Anna snorted at this. “Marry? I’m never getting married!”
“Don’t you want a husband and babies?”
“No,” Anna said truthfully. “I think I will be an old maid. Maybe I’ll meet an Englischer, and he’ll sweep me off my feet!” Her eyes gleamed at the thought. “Maybe he’ll be rich.”
“Is that all you can think about? Money?” Sarah sighed. “There’s more to life than what is in your bank account.”
The Secret of the Medaillon Page 7
