“The good Lord made us a resilient species.”
“He did. Emma, can I ask you a question?”
“Certainly.” She glanced at him shyly.
“Are you serious about Wayne?”
“Serious in what way?”
He stopped walking. “You know what I mean.”
She hooked her arm through his. Astonished by the move, he let her pull him along. “I am no longer seriously considering Wayne as a suitor. Does that answer your question?”
“Is there anyone else?”
“Ja, there is.”
His heart plunged to his boots. “Oh.”
They reached the covered bridge and walked into the shadowy interior of the walkway. She shot him a sidelong glance. “Aren’t you going to ask me who it is?”
He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. So this was goodbye, then. “Whoever he is, he is a fortunate man.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
She stopped walking and turned to look out over the river. Luke leaned on the railing. Snow-covered trees lined the riverbanks. Overhead, the moon shone down, making it almost as bright as day. The dark water below them hissed and gurgled as it rushed around the pylons. Moonlight glinted in the ripples.
Emma looked at Luke. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Have you ever told a woman that you love her?”
“Never. I did tell a girl once when I was a foolish kid, but I didn’t really know what those words meant. I’ve been wanting to say those words to one special woman. They burn in my heart.”
“Why haven’t you spoken of this?”
“Because I wasn’t sure my feelings were returned. I couldn’t imagine how they could be. The one I love deserves a much better man than I will ever be.”
“You’re not so bad. You have potential.”
He grinned. “I do?”
“This woman you admire, she has faults, too. I’m sure of it.”
“Only small ones.”
“She not very humble. She is bossy and prideful.”
“She is perfect because I only see her through the eyes of love. Don’t tease me anymore, Emma. I love you with my whole heart and with my soul. I will love you forever if you give me the chance.”
“That’s a lot of love.”
“Yes, it is.” He pulled her into his arms. “Tell me that you love me, too.”
* * *
Emma’s heart swelled with joy. She had wanted to be in his arms for so long that it was hard to believe it was really happening. The words she had kept inside for years slipped effortlessly from her lips on a soft breath. “I love you, Luke Bowman. I always have. I always will.”
“I don’t deserve your love, Emma, but I will do everything within my power to be worthy of it until the day I die.” He gently covered her lips with his own and Emma was swept away by the wonder of it.
Soft yet firm, the touch of his warm mouth against hers sent her mind reeling. The same wonderful feelings she remembered from her youth exploded in her chest, tempered by loss and honed by pain into an exquisite ache that made her press closer to him. All she wanted was to keep on kissing him. Her arms crept around his neck and he pulled her closer still.
He was the first to break away, drawing a deep unsteady breath that made her smile. He tucked her head beneath his chin. “I hate to be the practical one, but we should find somewhere warmer to continue this.”
In the shadow of the covered bridge with the cold, bright moonlight sparkling on the icy waters below, Emma had never been warmer in her life. “I’m fine.”
“I’m happy for you, but my toes are freezing.”
She laughed. He could always make her laugh, and she loved that about him along with everything else, even his past. “Let’s go to your house—it’s closer.”
He pulled her close again and kissed her. She didn’t resist. When he drew back, he cupped her cheek with his hand. “I don’t know why God chose to send us on such a roundabout journey to this moment.”
“To make it that much sweeter for us. So that we’ll never take our feelings for granted.”
“That’s what I think, too.” He bent and kissed her again.
She threaded her fingers through his hair and kept him close when he would have pulled away. “Your toes will thaw. We might not find this much time alone together for ages.”
“That is why I want you to marry me. I plan to spend a lot of time kissing you. Will you marry me, Emma?”
“Gladly. And I plan to spend a great deal of time kissing you back.” She smiled and did just that.
Epilogue
Alvin rushed into the kitchen. “I see them coming up the lane. They’re almost here.”
“Calm down.” Emma smiled as she pulled on her coat. “You act as if you have never gone caroling before.”
“I just want the people to like our songs and feel the happiness of the season.”
Roy strolled into the room. “I remember the time you were so nervous to sing in front of people that you threw up on Daed’s shoes.”
“I didn’t.”
“I believe that was you, Roy,” Emma teased. She was secretly as excited as Alvin at the prospect of traveling to the community of Litchfield. Ten of the kinder from Alvin’s school had been invited to sing at the nursing home there. Isaac Bowman was collecting some of the children and parents in his bobsled. They would meet up with the others at the retirement center and carol to various neighbors as they traveled home. And Luke would be with them. She couldn’t imagine being happier.
Emma hustled her brothers outside. Her father waved to them from the door. His store was ready to open the next morning but he didn’t want to leave it. Emma had seen him walking up and down the aisles, touching some of the items, straightening them and dusting others. He was as happy as he could be among his things displayed for everyone to see. She prayed he would enjoy his store for many years before the Lord called him home.
The gray draft horses and large sled stopped in front of the house. Isaac had outfitted his sled with wagon sides and filled the interior with benches. There were already a dozen people aboard. The men and boys in dark coats and black hats marked the riders as members of the Amish faith. The women and girls wore dark coats and black bonnets with bright quilts spread over their laps.
Emma put out her arms to stop the boys from rushing down the steps. “Remember that you have been invited to share the joy of this season with people who may not have families to care for them or who may be too ill to be in their own homes. No rowdy behavior.”
“Ja, sister,” they said in unison.
With that, she stepped aside and watched them rush out. She settled her black traveling bonnet over her kapp and followed them. Luke was sitting in the driver’s seat. Her pulse jumped a notch higher.
He tipped his hat to her. “My father has a head cold and has chosen to stay home. I hope you don’t mind that I’m taking his place.”
“Of course not.” Spending an entire evening in Luke’s company was exactly what she wanted to do. She climbed up and took a seat beside him.
Hannah leaned in between them. Her bright eyes sparkled as she clapped her hands together. “I have new mittens. See?”
Emma dutifully inspected them. “They are very nice mittens.”
“Onkel Luke bought them for me for Christmas ’cause I lost my others.”
Emma smiled at him. “That was very nice of your onkel. You must be extra careful with them.”
“I will. Did you get something for Christmas?”
“I did. My brothers bought me material for a new dress. Isn’t that funny? Who would think of boys shopping for dress material? My father gave me a new set of dishes. They aren’t exactly new, but they are new to m
e. They have pretty pink flowers on them.”
“I like pink flowers.”
“You should sit down, Hannah,” Luke said. “The road is rough here and I don’t want you to fall.”
“Okay.” She returned to her mother’s side.
Emma shot him a sidelong glance. “The road is just as smooth here as anywhere else.”
“I see that now, but I was sure it would be bumpy. Besides, I wanted you all to myself.”
“I’d hardly think we can be alone with a sled full of people.”
He leaned toward her. “Maybe not, but I can pretend when you’re sitting beside me that we are the only two people in the world.”
His soft whisper sent shivers down her spine. “I like that. I shall pretend the same.” She inched a bit closer and settled in to enjoy the ride.
“God willing, we will ride many miles seated beside each other,” he said with a wink.
“God willing we will have a daughter like Hannah to occasionally come between us.”
“I think we will have boys. There are only sons in my family, after all. Eight sons, that’s what I predict.”
“Well, then, I shall predict eight girls to liven our lives.”
Hannah popped up between them again. “Mamm says everyone can hear you.”
Luke turned in his seat. “If everyone can hear me, I’d like to tell you that Emma has agreed to be my wife.”
A cheer rose from his brothers. So much for secrecy. She yanked on his coat to turn him back around, then she scooted to the end of the wagon seat, leaving plenty of room between them.
“We should warm up our voices before we get there,” Alvin suggested, and the others agreed. He led them in the scales and then started “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Everyone joined in. The horses picked up the pace and their bells jingled merrily. Luke grinned at her, reached out and pulled her close.
She settled happily beside him.
“What song next?” someone asked.
Hannah spoke up. “Alvin, will you sing ‘The First Noel’?”
As her brother’s beautiful voice rang out across the fields, Emma whispered to Luke, “What was Christmas like in the Englisch world?”
“Light, parties, they sing the same song and other silly ones. A plump fellow with a white beard gets all the credit for the holiday. I think there are people who truly don’t know the meaning of the day. They don’t know that God sent us the greatest gift in His only Son.”
“How sad. They need to experience an Amish Noel.”
Hannah leaned in between them again. “If all the Englisch came with us, this sled would be very crowded.”
Luke gently pushed her back with a hand on her head. “It already is.”
Hannah giggled and Emma scooted over to make room for her. Lifting the child to the front seat, Emma endured Luke’s scowl. She knew it was faked. “Christmas is about sharing our joy. There is no better messenger than a child to show us the way.”
Hannah looked at her. “I wasn’t the messenger. I was an angel.”
Luke hugged her and winked at Emma. “How right you are. Merry Christmas.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from GIFT-WRAPPED FAMILY by Lois Richer.
Dear Reader,
I hope you are enjoying my new series, The Amish Bachelors, as much as I am enjoying discovering what makes the Bowman brothers tick. In all honesty, Luke was my biggest challenge to date. He’s not a character that shares easily. I knew some of his history, but uncovering what made him tick was hard work. Helping him reunite with his former love was even harder. “Once burned, twice shy” was Emma’s motto where Luke was concerned. Emma had to learn to trust, and Luke had to learn to accept forgiveness and rely on the Lord. That’s hard for many people, especially those struggling with addiction.
I think I’m going to share Timothy’s story next. In fact, I know I am. He clearly likes Teacher Lillian, but what is keeping her from returning his affections? I have an idea, but I will have to write the book and see what she reveals to me. Writing for me is always like Christmas shopping. I think I know what I want to get my friends or my family, but when I’m in the store, the perfect gift idea will pop into my head and I’m off to find it. I’m a last-minute shopper. Planning ahead takes the fun out of it for me. I plan my books, but my characters always pull me in a new direction.
I hope you are planning to have a joyous Christmas holiday. As you browse among the glittering lights and ornate decorations, take a minute to have an Amish Christmas Moment. An Amish Christmas Moment is taking a few seconds to close your eyes and give thanks for the gifts our Father has bestowed on you. To remember your family and your neighbors with kindness in your heart and strength in your soul. Life isn’t easy. It wasn’t meant to be, but moments of joy sprinkle all our lives with grace.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and don’t forget to take an Amish Christmas Moment at least once in your busy day.
Blessings,
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
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Gift-Wrapped Family
by Lois Richer
Chapter One
“This can’t be the place.”
Lawyer Caleb Grant matched the address on the paper in his hand with the crooked numbers on a small bungalow that had seen better days in this Canadian neighborhood of Calgary, Alberta, and grimaced.
“Are you sure you gave me the correct address?” he asked into his phone. Having confirmed his location, he opened the rickety gate.
The serious disrepair of the house contrasted with the garden in front, which bloomed in a riot of color. Mia Granger must be a dab hand with plants. How could a woman with this tender gift for gardening ignore his plea to help a bereaved child?
Before Caleb could reach the end of the cobbled path, the weathered front door opened. A slim woman with masses of strawberry blonde hair tumbling around her shoulders stepped outside and reached for the mailbox. Her hand stilled when she saw him.
“C-can I help you?” she asked in a voice so quiet he barely heard it.
“I’m looking for Mia Granger. Does she live here?” Caleb watched her ivory skin pale.
“I’m Mia. Are you another bill collector?” she said in a breathless voice. “I’m sorry but—”
“I’m a lawyer with Family Ties. It’s an adoption agency in Buffalo Gap.” He saw no recognition on her face. “Someone called you about me.”
“No one called,” she murmured in a scared voice, golden-red hair shivering in the wash of sunlight sneaking through a few dappled leaves left on a towering poplar tree.
“They should have.” Caleb frowned. Mayor Marsha had talked him into coming here. She’d also promised she’d notify widow Granger of his arrival. When a flicker of worry widened Mia’s emerald eyes, he decided he could deal with Marsha later. “I’m here about Lily.”
“Who?” As hard as Caleb searched her puzzled face, he saw no sign that she was prevaricating. “I think you must have the wrong—”
“She’s the five-year-old daughter of your husband, Harlan Granger, and his mistress, Reba Jones.” Though Caleb hated to be so blunt, there was no easy way to do this. “Lily lost both her parents in the car accident that took your husband two weeks ago.”
“How dare yo
u?” Mia Granger gasped. One hand grabbed onto the shaky wrought iron railing.
“Are you all right?” Troubled by her ashen face, Caleb reached out to steady her, but the woman backed away.
“You’ve got everything wrong,” she insisted in a tearful voice. “Reba was Harlan’s secretary. They certainly didn’t have a child together. Please leave.” She turned away.
“I’m so sorry to trouble you.” Caleb’s instincts told him he couldn’t leave now. He had to reach this woman’s heart, for Lily’s sake.
“Then, don’t.” Her pale, pinched face implored him to leave her alone. But Caleb couldn’t do that.
“I’ve checked the birth records,” he said softly. “Lily is their child.”
Mia paled even more. She shook her head.
“It’s true. Please, may I please come inside and talk to you?”
Her distrust of him showed in the gold sparks that changed her emerald eyes to hazel. Given the deceitful husband she’d married, Caleb didn’t blame her for that. But he was also curious. Torn between trying to believe she was truly bewildered but feeling suspicious that she was trying to avoid him as she had his phone calls, Caleb pressed harder.
“I truly do not want to add to your pain.” He employed the calming tone he often used with a skittery witness on the stand. “I only want to help this little girl.” He pulled a picture from his chest pocket and held it out. “Lily Jones.”
Mia looked at the photo. When her eyes widened and her trembling lips parted in a gasp, Caleb knew he was making up lost ground. But then he saw something puzzling in her gaze—yearning?
“She’s a beautiful child, isn’t she?” Caleb hated causing this gentle woman more grief, but he was determined she understand that Lily’s future was at stake.
“The eyes—they’re quite startling.” Mia’s gaze remained riveted on the picture.
“The same color as Harlan Granger’s.”
“Many people have dark blue eyes.” Mia finally handed him the photo with a sigh. “I suppose you’d better come in,” she said in obvious resignation. She allowed him through and then closed the door. “This way.”
An Amish Noel Page 19
