She shrugged. “I went to school.”
Yet Azalea didn’t seem to be lifted up by pride. Not to him, anyway. “Jah, then. Maybe I should take that test.”
She smiled. “I can get all the info on it for you if you’d like. Do you have a library card?”
“No.”
“Okay, here’s what we’ll do. Are you free after work today?”
“Michael usually gives me a ride home.”
“You don’t have a car?”
“No license.”
“Aye, Jonah. Okay. First, let’s work on getting you a driver’s license. Then, we can see about studying for the GED.”
He frowned. “I don’t know if I’ll have time for all that. Michael said the crew will be moving on in a few weeks.”
“Do you have to go with them? I could ask my dad to hire you on full time.”
He smiled. “That’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t have a car, remember? I don’t know how I’d get from here to home and back. I’m kind of at the mercy of Michael.”
She frowned. “You’ll keep in touch then, right? Give me your phone number.”
“I don’t have one.”
“You don’t have a phone either?” Her voice screeched. “How do you even live, Jonah?”
He chuckled. “I live simply. A phone is extra cost and I really don’t have anyone to call.”
“Well, you do now.” She winked. “So, tell me what it was like growing up Amish.”
He shrugged. “Normal for me, I guess. I didn’t really know any other way. We used a horse and buggy for transportation. I probably rode my first horse when I was about two. With Dat’s help, of course.”
“Is it true that you guys don’t have electricity?”
“Yep.”
“So, what did you do in the summertime? You had no air conditioning, right?”
“In the evening, we’d open the windows to let the nice breeze in. We’d leave them open until morning before it started getting warm, then we closed them up. Sometimes it was even a little chilly in the mornings. Then, if the house stayed closed, it usually kept cool. You’d be surprised.”
“But don’t the Amish use woodstoves to cook on?”
“We had a summer kitchen. In the summertime, Mamm or my sister would cook out there.”
“Was it in a separate building or a separate room?”
“The Amish do it either way. It’s best if it’s in a completely separate building, though. That’s how ours was.”
“So, did you just move the stove back and forth then?”
“We had two, but some only have one and move it. There are usually two separate chimneys, so they just connect the pipes. I’m glad we had two separate ones, though, because those things are very heavy and a pain to move.”
“I can imagine.”
“Enough about me. Tell me about you.”
She shrugged. “Not much to tell, really.”
“What do you do all day?”
“Whatever I want. I’m trying to hone my photography skills, so I take a lot of photos.”
“Really? Of what?”
She shrugged. “You know, this and that. Flowers, horses, sunsets… you.”
His brow shot up. “Me?”
Her cheeks blossomed with color. “Uh…yeah.”
“Why?”
Her eyes surveyed him from head to toe and she lifted a brow. “Why not? Jonah, you’re…”
He shook his head. “Oh, no. You go ahead and finish that sentence. I wanna hear it.” He chuckled.
She blew out a breath. “To put it succinctly, you’re hot.”
“Everyone is out in this heat,” he teased. “I think Juan sweats more than I do. You can probably get some good pictures of him.”
She punched his upper arm and grinned. “I know you know what that means.”
“So, you’re a stalker, huh?” He laughed.
“Only when it comes to hot guys working on my father’s farm.”
“Oh, so I’m not the first then?” He feigned offense.
She laughed and mischief twinkled in her eye. “I’ll never tell.”
“Now I’m going to be self-conscious while I’m working, knowing you might be taking photos of me.” He glanced up at the sun. “Speaking of work, it looks like I should be heading back now.”
“I’d think that being from an Amish background, you’d be used to random people taking pictures of you.”
“You’d think so, huh? But we lived out in the boonies. That sort of thing was more common in the larger communities closer to big towns. I didn’t get off the farm all that often.”
They began packing up the blanket and fragments of food.
“Thank you for lunch, Azalea.”
“Thanks for coming with me.”
“I had a good time. You’re better company than the guys are.”
She laughed. “Well, that’s good to know.”
He mounted his steed. “So, swimming tomorrow?”
“Yes. But let’s save it for after work. I’ll take you home.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yep. Positive. You just remember to bring your swim trunks.” She took off in a cloud of dust.
“I will.” Joseph happily followed behind.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Joseph waded into the lake, the cool water momentarily stealing his breath away. But it was nothing compared to the pounding in his heart the first time he’d seen Azalea in her swimsuit two weeks ago, and each time they’d gone to the lake since then. He tried not to notice how wonderful she looked, but it was nearly impossible. He supposed her attire was probably modest compared to the bathing suits he’d seen on some of the mannequins at the store.
However, growing up with mostly brothers and not being involved in youth activities meant his interaction with young women had been minimal. In fact, he’d never seen a woman who hadn’t been fully clothed. But Azalea…he’d had to look away and try to keep his focus on other things. Otherwise his mind raced to places it shouldn’t go. God, help me keep my thoughts pure.
Fortunately, she was covered by the water now. “You coming in?” Her baby blues sparkled, now reflecting the cerulean lake. It was interesting how the lake took on the sky’s hues, then in turn, replicated in Azalea’s eyes.
“I’m making my way.”
“Are you going to come out more than a few feet this time?”
“Uh…we’ll see.”
She frowned. “You do know how to swim, don’t you?”
“Let’s just say I know how to keep from drowning.” He grinned.
“You mean dog paddling. Swimming is a lot less taxing on the body. I’d be happy to teach you.”
“Ah, no.” He waded in up to his chest. Far enough.
She splashed water in his direction. “What are you afraid of, Jonah? I promise I won’t let you be swallowed by a whale.”
He splashed water back at her and smirked. “Oh, you won’t, huh?”
She shook her head.
“You’re a strong woman, but I highly doubt you’re a match for a whale.”
He watched as she disappeared under the water. Where did she go? The water was too murky to see through and the sun’s reflection even made it worse. He turned a circle, squinting, attempting to see under the water.
He suddenly felt water pouring over his head and down his neck and gasped. He turned around, expecting to find Azalea but she’d disappeared back into the water. He moved around trying to feel for her in the water, to no avail.
He then felt something clasp around one of his ankles and tug at him, attempting to knock him off balance. He laughed out loud. “You want to play, huh?” Not that she could hear him underwater.
He held his breath and dipped his head underwater. He reached down to where he thought she might be and finally caught hold of her. He guessed it was her arm. He quickly found her waist and pulled her up out of the water.
“Jonah!” She laughed, struggling to break free of his hold.
“Thought you could get me, huh? I may not be a great swimmer, but I’m quite a bit stronger than you.”
She stopped struggling and turned in his arms. Her wet hair sent droplets of water down the sides of her face. She was just as attractive as ever, if not more so. He couldn’t even imagine a situation where she wouldn’t look beautiful.
His sucked in a ragged breath, realizing her closeness. He searched her eyes and a longing like he’d never known coursed through his entire being. What would it be like to kiss a woman? To press his lips to hers and unleash this desire that kindled so strongly in his soul. He lifted his hand to caress her cheek but suddenly stopped. No, he couldn’t touch her. What was he doing? He shouldn’t be holding her in his arms like this. That was a husband’s privilege, and a husband’s privilege only.
He wouldn’t do it. He couldn’t. Der Herr said it was good for a man not to touch a woman, save they be married. And they were not. But someday. Lord willing.
Someday.
It took everything in him to fight off this temptation that had taken ahold of him. He reluctantly released her and took a step back. He didn’t miss the disappointment that crossed her features. Had she wanted the same thing?
But no. She wasn’t his for the taking. And judging by their stations in life, would never be. God, give me strength.
“I should go.” He made his way toward the shore, briefly glancing back.
“Jonah.” She huffed and thrust her palms upward, bringing water with them. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head, but didn’t look in her direction again. “Everything. I—I’ve got to go.”
“Did I do something wrong?” He heard her making her way out of the lake as well. “Jonah, talk to me.”
She came and stood in front of him. Thankfully she’d wrapped a towel around her body.
“I can’t do this, Azalea.”
“Do what?” She frowned.
“I can’t be here. With you. Like this.”
“Why not?” Her voice shook. He hoped he wouldn’t make her cry.
“No, it’s not…” He blew out a pent-up breath. “Azalea, you’re too much of a temptation for me.”
A half-smile tugged her mouth upward. “Is that why…?”
He lifted a hand to her cheek and gazed into her eyes. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
A full smile now blossomed on her face. “You are?”
He nodded and let his hand drop to a safe place.
“Good.”
His brow shot up. “Good?”
“Yeah.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
“You mean, you…?” He could hardly believe it. Could Azalea really be the one? The thought made his spirit soar.
She nodded. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Jonah. You’re…well…perfect.”
He laughed. “I’m definitely not that.”
“You are to me. I feel like I could spend every minute with you and not get bored. I want to be part of your life.”
He swallowed. “You are.”
“I want to be more. I want to spend time with you. I want to know everything about you.”
“I feel the same way about you.” He gulped.
“Do you think that maybe God orchestrated our meeting? That maybe it might be His will that the two of us be together?”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“You were?” Her brow shot upward.
He nodded. “I want to kiss you so badly.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“I don’t know.” He shook his head. “I guess I’ve always felt that that was a husband’s privilege.”
“You know what, Jonah Millerton? You are too good to be true.” She raised her hand to his cheek and the action warmed his entire being. Did she have any idea how much her touch affected him? “But honestly, I can’t see us waiting until we’re married to kiss. Not when I want to kiss you right now.”
“You do?” His voice rose an octave.
“If I do, are you going to try to stop me?”
He shook his head as his gaze caressed her lips. “I’m not sure I possess that kind of strength.”
“Good.” She lifted on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him close.
Joseph didn’t resist as her soft lips pressed against his own. He savored every second as he returned her kiss, learning as he went along. He wished it would never end.
She pulled back and her eyes twinkled. “I love you, Jonah Millerton.”
~
Yep, today had officially been the second-best day of his life! The very best day had been at the shelter, when he’d given his life to Christ. It was peculiar how his best days only occurred after being expelled from his community. Had it been necessary for him to separate from his family in order to receive all God had for him? It sure seemed like it.
Now he felt like dancing in public. Running around the block a hundred times. Doing a million jumping jacks. Even if he did, though, he doubted this feeling of exhilaration would ease up. Azalea loved him! She’d kissed him! His first kiss. Ever.
He was certain he wouldn’t get a wink of sleep tonight as he rested his head on his pillow.
The Englisch life couldn’t get much better than this, could it?
Nah, he doubted it.
He was quite certain that Azalea was the one his father had told him would come along. The one who’d steal his heart. The one who would occupy all his thoughts. The one whom he’d desire to spend the rest of his life with. He couldn’t imagine feeling the same about any other woman. She owned his heart.
But he couldn’t get ahead of himself. Right now, to consider her anything more than just a friend would be presumptuous. And foolish. He was tempted to dream, though. After all, she had declared her love.
Nee, he wouldn’t count his hay bales until they’d been harvested. No telling when a storm might come along and ruin his entire crop. He’d learned that all too well.
He now prayed for his family as he did every evening, but sent up a special prayer of thanksgiving to God for the blessings He’d bestowed upon him.
Would Azalea someday become his fraa? If only it were so!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Joseph sat next to Azalea on a blanket under the shade of the trees. His gaze turned from the shining water to the beauty beside him. “Tell me about your life. I want to know everything about you.”
“Everything? There’s not much to tell. I’ve lived a pretty boring life.”
“Boring?” He highly doubted being the daughter of a wealthy farmer was boring. He laughed. “Well if you think that your life has been boring, I can’t imagine what you’d think about my life.”
“I want to hear your story first.”
He grimaced. Maybe he shouldn’t have brought himself up. Could he tell her about his former life without giving away too many details?
“Hmm…okay. Um, well, I grew up in Southern Indiana. Lived there pretty much my whole life. Wait a minute. You already know about me.”
“Some, but not all of it.”
“I don’t know if I can ever explain all of it.” He laughed, albeit a bit nervously. If she only knew the entire truth of his past. Would she still care for him after finding out what a nuisance his brothers believed him to be? Or would her opinion of him change?
“What was it like growing up in an Amish home?”
“Truthfully? A lot of work.”
She nodded. “The Amish are known for their strong work ethic. I can see that’s true when I watch you work. You put everything you have into it. As a matter of fact, it seems like you put everything you have into all you do.”
“I try. God says that whatsoever our hands find to do, that we should do it with all our might—as if we’re doing it for the Lord.”
“That’s one of the things I love about you, Jonah. You’re so good. Pure. Honest.”
What
would she think if she knew the entire truth of his past? The hidden part that he never wanted to disclose to anyone. Surely, she’d think differently about him. He shook his head. “No. I fail often.”
“I understand. You’re not perfect. But you strive to be. I appreciate that.”
“I’m afraid you lift me up too much. That can only lead to disappointment.”
“I can’t see you ever disappointing me, Jonah.”
And there it was. She believed him to be honest, when in fact, she didn’t even know his real name.
“Don’t say that. I will. I’m human. I will disappoint you. I will fail. Trust me. I know my own thoughts.” He sighed. “I don’t want to talk about me anymore.”
“Wait.” She laid her hand on his forearm, sending his temperature up another notch. How did she do that, anyway? “Don’t shut me out. Please.”
“Okay. What else do you want to know?”
Her tone gentled. “How old were you when your mother died?
“It was when my little brother was born, so eight.”
“Only eight?” Her hand splayed over her chest.
“Yeah. It was most difficult on my dad. And probably my sister too. All the household chores fell on her shoulders after that. It’s not easy taking care of ten males.”
“Ten?” She screeched.
He could have kicked himself for sharing so much unnecessary information with her.
“Poor girl. How old was she?”
Azalea had no idea of the gravity of Dinah’s situation. What would she think if she knew about all his sister had gone through? About his brothers and the evil they’d done? If Azalea’s father wasn’t against him now, he’d have plenty of reason to be if his true identity were to ever be revealed. That was precisely why she could never, ever know. Besides, he’d promised Dat he’d never tell anyone about their family’s secret past. And he’d never break his promise to Dat. Not even for Azalea.
“She’s quite a bit older than me. My father married young. After his first wife passed away, he married my mom.”
“So, how many children did your mom have?”
“Just two. My brother and me.”
“That’s crazy. I can’t even imagine growing up in a household that large.”
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