Joshua's Choice: Amish Romance (Seven Amish Bachelors Book 3)

by Samantha Price

  “Nobody is perfect and she’s not like that all the time,” Adeline said.

  “I suppose you think I’m mean now for saying all these things about Mary Lou, but she’s never been nice to me.”

  Adeline thought more about Mary Lou and Joshua. “Do you really think Mary Lou and Joshua will marry?”

  “I think they’ll be married by the end of the year.”

  Mrs. Miller walked into the kitchen. “Gut, you’ve got the kettle on.”

  Right then, the kettle whistled.

  “Would you like a cup of hot tea, Mamm?”

  “I’ll have a cup of kaffe, please, and I’ll sit in the living room for a bit, and then we’ll have to start preparing the evening meal.”

  From behind Nella, Mrs. Miller gave a look of disapproval before she walked out of the kitchen. After Adeline had made her friend and herself cups of hot tea, she took a cup of coffee out to her mother.

  “How long will she be here for?” her mother whispered.

  “Not long. She’s feeling a bit better now.” Adeline headed back to the kitchen. It was hard listening to her friend crying about the man that she was in love with, too.

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Nella said when Adeline sat back down in front of her.

  “I wish I could help you, but I’m no expert in love since I’ve never had a boyfriend.”

  “Neither have I,” said Nella. “Not a proper one. I’ve been on buggy rides, though and a date here and there. Joshua’s the only man I’ve ever felt like this about.”

  “Just wait and see what happens. Do you think he knows you like him now?”

  “Jah, and I’m so embarrassed. He said he doesn't like me that way. In fact, he wasn’t happy about the whole thing. I’ve ruined everything now by having Hazel send him to my onkel’s. You should’ve stopped me.”

  Adeline gulped. “I didn’t want to ask Hazel, if you remember. There’s something else I have to tell you.”

  “What?”

  “I ran into Jacob Fuller today and he told me off good for having Hazel send Joshua to your onkel’s. I guess it’s got around that it was a set-up.”

  “It just gets worse.”

  “For me too. They’re blaming me for saying something to Hazel. Everyone wants to protect Hazel and now they’re seeing me as some mean girl.”

  “I’m sorry, Adeline, I shouldn’t have gotten you involved. Why didn’t you tell me before about Jacob?”

  “It only happened today and this is the first time I’ve seen you. Anyway, Hazel must’ve told Joshua what she thought about it and then one of them must’ve said something to Jacob.” She sighed. “Mamm and I have just come back from visiting Hazel and her mother. Hazel and I sorted everything out. She isn't upset about it.” Adeline knew that Joshua was now even further away from her than ever.

  “I’m so embarrassed. I wish I’d never done it. He doesn’t like me at all, and now he never will. It’s just plain humiliating.” Nella heaved a sigh.

  Adeline had to agree with her, and silently added that now Joshua was also mad at her.

  She lifted the hot tea to her lips. It seemed everyone had problems. Hazel had problems with her mother, Catherine was sick, Nella and Mary Lou had problems with love. Was there anyone who didn’t have any problems?

  Chapter 14

  The next day was Sunday and it was the Fullers' turn to have the meeting at their house. Adeline sat down next to Nella on one of the several long wooden benches that had been moved into the house for the meeting. All the Fullers’ furniture had been moved out early that morning and replaced with the long wooden church benches.

  Adeline looked around the large living room where Joshua had been raised. The beamed ceiling was high and three large gas lamps hung low from the ceiling. Mrs. Fuller was bustling about in the kitchen with some of the other women. Adeline looked forward to the next Sunday meeting when Lucy would be back and she could sit with her. Today, Catherine was still sick and Adeline had traveled to the meeting alone with her parents.

  “Did you know that Timothy Fuller has gone on rumspringa?” Nella asked.

  “Nee, I didn’t.”

  “Jah, he’s gone.”

  “Oh.”

  “I’m glad Joshua didn’t go,” Nella said.

  “None of the other Fuller boys went did they? I know Levi never went.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  Both Adeline and Nella fell silent when Mary Lou walked into the house wearing a new dress, dark grape in color and her apron and white prayer kapp stood out in stark contrast. Mary Lou had never worn that shade before and that was how Adeline knew the dress had to be new.

  Mary Lou smiled and waved at them and made her way to them. Adeline was more than a little surprised when she sat down on the other side of her. Adeline was stuck between Mary Lou and Nella. She knew the two girls didn’t really get along and now she was stuck between the two of them, like a piece of ham in a sandwich.

  Adeline turned and asked Mary Lou. “How have you been?”

  “Good, and you?”

  “Great.”

  Mary Lou leaned across Adeline and said hello to Nella. Nella smiled and said hello back as though they didn’t have a problem with one another whatsoever. Even though both girls were smiling, Adeline could feel the tension thick in the air.

  Then Joshua, Jacob, Samuel and Benjamin came down the stairs. The three girls had a good view of them, as the stairs ended in the center of the living room. Adeline’s gaze was solely fixed on Joshua as the four Fuller boys shook hands with the other men as they made their way through the living room. Without even looking at them, Adeline knew who the girls on either side of her were looking at Joshua too.

  Casually, Joshua turned his head in their direction and smiled. The brothers sat down on the men’s side of the room, and pretty soon all the benches were full. The meeting began as soon as one of the deacons stood and opened it in prayer.

  The bishop then preached on preferring other people over oneself. Adeline felt as though God was talking directly to her. She should step back and allow her friends a chance with Joshua even though she liked him too. It was only fair, as Mary Lou and Nella were both older than she.

  When the meeting was coming to a close, she saw someone else who seemed to be staring at Joshua. It was Becky Stoltzfus. Adeline was certain that Becky was looking at Joshua rather than any of his brothers.

  Joshua wasn’t happy about Adeline being friends with Mary Lou and Nella. He hoped they weren’t saying anything negative about him. He’d had awkward encounters with both of them, and he just couldn’t let them think he was interested in them. He’d done the best he could to discourage them without hurting their feelings, so he might have no choice but to be blunt.

  He turned around to look at Adeline and all he saw was Becky Stoltzfus. She was blocking his view of Adeline and smiling at him. The only thing he could do was give a tiny nod and turn back to face the front.

  Joshua was pleased when the meeting was over, but not because he didn’t enjoy it. He was miserable because the room was far too hot. His mother felt the cold more than other people and she had insisted on keeping the fire going throughout the meeting.

  He made his way through people, who were forming groups and greeting each other, and stepped out onto the porch. Breathing in the fresh air, he looked up at the puffy clouds, glad to be out of the stuffy living room. The day was overcast and gray, and the humidity was high.

  “Hello, Joshua,” said a small voice from behind him.

  His heart leaped and he hoped it was Adeline’s voice. He knew it wasn’t Mary Lou’s and he was certain it wasn’t Nella’s. He turned to see Becky and quickly hid the disappointment on his face the best he could.

  “Hello, Becky.”

  “I hear your bruder has gone on rumspringa at the same time as my bruder.”

  “That’s right and let’s hope they can keep each other out of trouble,” he joked.

  “We can
pray about it,” she said with not a hint of a smile around her thin serious lips.

  “I’ve got no worries about Timothy. He’ll be okay.”

  “Does that mean you have worries about John?” she asked, stepping closer.

  “Nee, not at all. I just know Timothy much better, that's all. I’ve got no worries about anyone.”

  “Have you heard anything from Levi and Lucy?”

  “Nee, but I think they’re due to return in a few days.”

  “And they’ll be living here for a while?”

  Joshua nodded. “Only for a few days, I've been told. They’ve rented a little house not far away.”

  “That’s nice. I guess your Mamm’s pleased that her oldest boys are married now.”

  He smiled, thinking about his recent conversation with his mother. She might be pleased that her two oldest boys were married, but she certainly didn’t approve of their choices of wives. He slowly nodded. He loosened the shirt around his neck, suddenly feeling another wave of heat come over him.

  “Have you ever thought about being married?” she asked.

  “I have,” he said, tugging harder at his collar as he nearly choked.

  “Do you think you would ever be interested in a woman like me?”

  He’d never felt more awkward in his whole life. “I don’t think I’m ready yet.”

  Her face fell. “Oh. When you are ready I’d like you to consider me.”

  “Denke. That’s very flattering.” He was distracted by Adeline coming out of the house and was disappointed when he saw Mary Lou and Nella accompanied her.

  Becky glanced around to see where he was looking. Then she looked back at him. “I know I’m not the prettiest girl in the community, but sometimes the plainest make the best fraas.”

  He opened his mouth to say something and then could think of no reply. He wasn’t the type of man to be influenced by somebody’s looks, but the more he thought about it, he realized in the back of his mind, it made a difference. When Becky stayed there staring at him intently, he knew he had to reply. “I appreciate you saying what you did. I know it couldn’t have been an easy thing to do.”

  “I thought I should say something because I have nothing to lose.” She shrugged her shoulders and then left him standing there on the porch.

  He was glad she hadn’t invited him for an evening meal with her family. He'd been certain she was going to ask that. Looking down at the crowd of people now milling in his yard, he searched for Adeline. He saw her helping herself to a cup of soda. Alone. Now was his chance.

  Chapter 15

  Adeline heaved a sigh of relief when Nella and Mary Lou walked off to have a private talk with one another. She was glad they weren’t involving her in any way and was certain they were talking to clear the air between them.

  Then she glanced over at Joshua and saw him talking with Becky. It seemed every time she looked at him, he was talking to a different girl. Remembering the bishop’s words, she did her best to ignore the pang of jealousy that tore through her, and headed to the refreshment table.

  Just as she finished pouring herself a glass, she felt someone beside her. In her heart, she knew it was Joshua.

  “Guder mayrie, Adeline.”

  She turned slightly and faced him. “Hi, Joshua.” Now was her chance to make amends. If Jacob knew about what happened with Nella, then he had to have been told by Joshua. “I’ve been wanting to speak to you about something.”

  His mouth twitched at the corners. “What’s that?”

  After she had swallowed hard, she continued, “I need to apologize to you about speaking to Hazel.”

  “Ach, that.”

  “Jah. I shouldn’t have done it and I’m sorry now that I didn’t. I mean, that I did—did it. That I didn't say no.”

  He smiled at her stumbling over her words. “It’s just that it put Hazel in a very difficult position and she’s new to our community.”

  Adeline couldn’t bear being reprimanded again, and especially not by the man she loved. She just wanted to run away and hide somewhere. “I know that. We’ve since talked and everything is okay between us.”

  “Between who?”

  “Between me and Hazel.”

  He frowned. “I didn’t know the two of you had a problem with one another.”

  “Nee we didn’t, we don’t. I just didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings between Hazel and myself.”

  “I only have one question about it.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Why did you do it? Do you think it’s Nella that I like?”

  “I … I …” she tried to speak and all she could do was stutter. Why did the man make her so nervous? “I don’t know,” she finally managed to say.

  “It’s not Nella.”

  He would’ve only told her that if he liked her. He was about to say something else, but then his attention was taken by something behind her. “Here come your friends. Can we talk about this another time?”

  She nodded, and then he was gone. She turned around to see Nella and Mary Lou walking toward her. They didn’t look too happy to see Joshua striding off in the other direction.

  “Where is he going so quickly, Adeline?” Nella asked.

  “What did you say to him?” Mary Lou added.

  They’d both ruined what could’ve been a very special moment. “I barely said two words to him,” Adeline said.

  Suddenly, Mary Lou announced, “I’m going to help Mrs. Fuller with the food, okay?”

  Before they could say anything, Mary Lou was charging toward the house.

  Nella’s mouth fell open. “Mary Lou wasn’t even on the roster for today.”

  Adeline nodded. “Mrs. Fuller will like that.”

  “And that’s the only reason she’d be doing it. When has Mary Lou ever helped with anything when she doesn’t have to?”

  Adeline shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”

  “Maybe I should go too. They might need more help today.”

  “Nee, that would be far too obvious if you help too. Mrs. Fuller would know something’s up.”

  “You’re right. If only I had thought of it first,” Nella said.

  “Do you want a soda?”

  “Nee. I’m not thirsty.”

  Both girls moved away from the refreshments table when more people came over.

  “Did you have a talk with Mary Lou?” Adeline asked.

  “We had a really good talk.”

  “And?”

  “Nothing was resolved, not really. The thing is that she likes Joshua and I love Joshua so I don’t know what’s gonna happen now. We’re probably not the only ones who like him too.”

  Adeline nodded, thinking of herself and also Becky. “That’s more than likely true.”

  “I wish he’d choose someone soon, and I hope it’s me. Otherwise, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

  "You'll wait for Gott to send the man He's chosen for you, that's what."

  It was Monday afternoon, and when the Fuller boys arrived home from work they found that Levi and Lucy were back.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to get back.”

  “You missed me?”

  “A little. I figure a group of us will help you move in on Saturday and after that we’ll have a get together with the young people.”

  “I don’t know. We’re a bit tired after all the traveling.”

  Joshua hoped he could change his mind. “It’ll be done in no time at all and then we can all relax afterward.”

  “I’ll ask Lucy.” He chuckled. “Is there a reason why you want to do this so bad?”

  “Jah, there is, but I can’t tell you.”

  “Fair enough. I think I can guess.”

  “Well, keep the answer to yourself. Let me know what Lucy says. If she says no, I’ll have to think something else up.”

  “If it means that much to you, I’ll talk Lucy into it and at least it will mean that we’ll get some help moving in.”

&nbs
p; “Exactly. Denke for that.”

  On Monday afternoon, Adeline and her mother were preparing the evening meal when they heard a horse and buggy outside their house.

  Then they heard Catherine squeal from the living room, “It’s Lucy!”

  Their mother raced to the kitchen window and looked out. “She’s alone. Levi isn’t with her.”

  Adeline and Catherine both raced outside to see her, anxious to hear all the stories of her travels around the different communities. Lucy jumped down from the buggy and the three sisters hugged.

  “Where’s Levi?” Catherine asked.

  “He’s home. He’s really tired, so he stayed at his parents’ house. I couldn’t stay. I had to come and see you all.” Levi and Lucy were staying at the Fullers' house while they got their small rental home ready to move into.

  Their mother appeared on the porch and called out, “Are you staying for dinner?”

  “I don’t think so, nee. I think the Fullers expect me to have dinner over there tonight since I’m staying there now.”

  Their mother nodded. “I suppose that makes sense since you’re one of them now. Come in and tell us all your news.”

  Because she still wasn’t feeling that well, Catherine got to sit at the table with Lucy while Mrs. Miller and Adeline continued preparing the evening meal.

  “What’s it like to be married?” Catherine asked.

  “Wunderbaar. I feel safe and protected.” Lucy giggled. “I love being married.”

  “Didn’t you feel like that before—safe and protected?” their mother asked looking down her nose as she rolled out the pastry for the apple pie.

  “Jah, but it’s different. I was part of this family when I was a child and now that I'm grown, I’ll have my own family and be the mudder. I can’t wait.”

  “It’ll happen soon enough,” their mother said.

  “I hope so, then I’ll have dozens of nieces running around,” Catherine said.

  “Not dozens,” Adeline said, “and what about nephews?”

  “Nee, I just want Lucy to have girls.” Catherine giggled.