An Undeniable Secret (Amish Secrets--Book 4)

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  <><><>

  “William,” Pastor Rob’s cheerful voice greeted him. “It was so good to see your uncle here.”

  Will looked to his uncle, who stood chatting with a couple of other men in the church. “Yes. It was an answer to prayer.” He hesitated. “Pastor, do you have a couple of minutes?”

  “Certainly. Let’s go sit in the front pew.”

  Will nodded and followed Pastor Rob to the front of the church auditorium.

  “What’s on your mind? I haven’t seen you around in a while.”

  Will covered his face then looked up at the pastor. “I’ve been going through quite a bit lately, and, honestly, I’ve been depressed. My life’s been kind of crazy.”

  Pastor Rob nodded. “I can relate to that.”

  “It mostly has to do with Sally.”

  “Ah, I remember. The Amish girl who worked for us for a couple of weeks.”

  “She’s the one.”

  “Your girlfriend, right?”

  “Ex.” Will frowned.

  “Oh.”

  “That’s kind of the reason I wanted to talk to you. Are there any rules in the Bible about who you marry, besides being equally yoked?” Will rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, like about marrying relatives and such.”

  “Relatives?”

  Will grimaced. “Well, I learned that Sally is my sister. Sort of. She’s my adopted half-sister.”

  “Adopted half-sister?” Pastor Rob stared at the wall, as though trying to figure out the relation in his head.

  “It’s a long story. Basically, my mother and biological father had me, divorced, he remarried an Amish woman, and they adopted Sally.”

  “So she isn’t blood-related in any way?”

  “Not that I know of.” Will shrugged. “I mean, aren’t we all related in one way or another if you go back far enough?”

  “Basically. We all came from Adam and Eve.” Pastor Rob sighed then leveled his gaze at Will. “I’ve got to tell you, William, things like this are typically taboo as far as society is concerned. Have you discussed the possible legal implications with your uncle?”

  Will swallowed. “Legal implications? I didn’t even think about that. Do you think the two of us marrying might be illegal?” The thought sounded ludicrous. He hadn’t even known Sally existed a year ago.

  “I don’t know. However, I do know that marrying siblings and first cousins is against the law.”

  “But I thought that was because of possible medical and genetic problems. If Sally and I aren’t blood-related, I don’t see how there could be a problem.”

  “I honestly can’t advise you regarding this, William. I’m not an expert in the law.”

  “Okay. I’ll have to talk to my uncle about it then. I’m guessing that he must not have seen an issue with it, because he hasn’t said anything.” Will glanced around in search of his uncle. “Well, thank you for your time, Pastor.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t advise you further.”

  “I understand. Between you and me, how do you feel about this? Would you be willing to marry Sally and me?”

  “If there’s no law against it, I don’t have a problem with it.”

  Will smiled and shook Pastor Rob’s hand. “Thanks, Pastor.”

  Chapter 29

  Elam approached Saloma before the singing began and asked if he could take her home this evening. They hadn’t been on a buggy ride since she’d returned from Pennsylvania, and a bit of nervousness fluttered in her stomach.

  “Jah, Elam. I will ride with you,” she’d said.

  They’d only had one conversation since Thanksgiving and she’d told him all about finding out about her adoption. Elam’s enthusiasm seemed to dampen when she’d revealed this detail. Had he thought about the possibility of she and Will getting back together?

  Now that the singing was over and they sat side by side, Saloma’s thoughts drifted to her time with Will. She’d been so upset with him, she didn’t even bid him a proper goodbye.

  “Other than finding out about your adoption, how did your visit home go? You didn’t really tell me about that. Did you see Will?”

  “I’d rather not discuss it.” She huffed.

  “I think you should. I can tell you want to,” Elam coaxed, lifting an eyebrow.

  “Well, first of all, Will was acting like some lovesick puppy.”

  “I would too.” He grinned.

  “Yeah, well, when you’re related to someone, there are limits.”

  “I agree.” Elam nodded.

  “Well, then he accuses me of lying to him about being adopted! I hadn’t even known I was adopted. He knew before I did.” She threw her hands in the air.

  “Did you talk to your mother about that?”

  “Of course. She said she and Dat never said anything to me about it because they didn’t feel it was necessary.”

  “Do you think they should have told you? Would you have wanted to know?”

  “I don’t know. I grew up in a good home. What more could I ask for?”

  “Nothin’, I guess. But wouldn’t you like to meet your birth mother?”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged.

  “So…what are you planning to do?”

  Sally reached into her pocket and grasped the ring Will had given her. “I don’t know. I’m still angry with Will right now.”

  “Saloma, you’re in love with him. If not, you wouldn’t be this upset.”

  She shook her head. “It can never work out between us.”

  “I don’t believe that any more than you do, Saloma.”

  “I’m happy courting you.” Did her voice sound as unconvincing to Elam as it did to her own ears?

  “Are you really?” Elam’s honest eyes pierced hers. “Saloma, you said we were free to court, but you’ve never been free to love. Your heart is locked in a cage and only one person holds the key. And it’s not me. I’d hoped and prayed that things could work out between the two of us, but it’s plain to see that you’re still in love with him. And he’s crazy for you. Literally.” Elam laughed, then held Saloma’s gaze. “Now that there’s no good reason for the two of you not to be together, I need to let you go. If I let you go, you will be free to love. I’d be a fool to step in and hinder the plans God has for you. Go to Will, Saloma. You have my blessing.”

  Saloma broke down in tears. Elam had been nothing but good and kind and understanding. It pained her to break his heart.

  “Don’t worry about me. I have other options,” he winked, but she heard the disappointment in his tone.

  “Denki, Elam. Thank you for understanding.”

  “Hey, what are friends for?”

  “Elam, if Will and I weren’t–”

  “Don’t say it, Saloma. Just go, okay.” He gently wiped her tears with the pads of his thumbs. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”

  She nodded and scurried out of Elam’s buggy.

  <><><>

  Uncle George took a sip of his water. “William, I’d like to thank you for inviting me to church. I can’t tell you how good it felt. I haven’t been this energized in years.”

  Will smiled at his uncle. “I’m so glad. Does this mean you’ll be attending with me more often?”

  “Definitely. I feel like a fire has been kindled in my soul.” He dabbed his chin with the cloth napkin.

  Will had never seen his uncle so content. It thrilled his heart more than words could say. “That’s wonderful.”

  “I saw you talking with the pastor this morning.”

  Will sighed. “Uncle George, do you think there are any laws forbidding Sally and me to marry?”

  His uncle set his fork down. “Are you and Saloma that serious? I thought she’d gone back to Kentucky.”

  “You’re right, she did. I was just thinking, if there was a chance for us.”

  “I hadn’t thought about it. Honestly, I’d hoped you’d find someone else, William. With all that your mother went through, I’d hate to see you have a similar experience
.”

  “Just because that happened with my parents doesn’t mean it will happen with us.”

  “That’s true. But there’s so much risk involved. William, if you could just find someone else…”

  “Uncle George, I love Sally. And I’m quite certain she loves me too. Now that I know we’re not blood-related, I’m hoping beyond hope there’s a chance for us.”

  His uncle rubbed his forehead. “Are you really sure you want to pursue this, William?”

  “I’m absolutely positive. I can’t stand the thought of living without Sally. Have you ever loved anyone that much, Uncle George?”

  “I can’t say I have.”

  “Will you please consider looking into this for me?”

  “If that’s what you’d like, William.”

  “Thank you, Uncle.”

  <><><>

  Saloma agreed to stay on at the school until they could find a replacement for her. They’d implied it would be good if she could at least stay until Christmas break. The leaders and parents expressed their disappointment at seeing her go. She would surely miss her students and the wonderful people here in her aunt’s Kentucky Amish community, but she knew she’d miss kind Elam more than anyone, for sure and certain.

  Elam had already begun courting another girl, according to her cousin Rebecca. Saloma decided not to attend any more of the singings while she was here. If she was to eventually become Englisch, she’d have to learn to do without all the customs she’d grown up with.

  But she was certain that loving Will, and receiving his love in return, would be worth it all.

  <><><>

  Will stared at the papers on Uncle George’s desk. This can’t be right.

  “I really am sorry, William.”

  He knew his uncle had spoken, but he couldn’t understand the words.

  The only words he could hear were the ones inside his head. No, this can’t be true. Sally and I can’t marry? This was not acceptable. Not acceptable at all.

  “What…I don’t see…” he couldn’t even put together a protest.

  “You marrying Saloma would be illegal,” Uncle George spelled it out.

  “No.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I can’t accept this.”

  Uncle George placed a hand on Will’s shoulder. “We have to, William. It’s the law.”

  “It’s none of their business who I marry!”

  His uncle sighed. “Even so…”

  “We don’t have to tell them, right? We could just marry and not say anything.” Will didn’t care if he sounded desperate. He had a chance to be with Sally and, now, the one chance, that one thread of hope, was being snatched right from his hand. “Who would tell? How would they know?”

  “You’d be breaking the law, William. You could go to prison.”

  Prison? Why, God?

  He shot up from the table. “This is stupid! We didn’t even grow up in the same household. I could see if we were related by blood, but we’re not. We’re virtually strangers. We didn’t even know each other existed, for Pete’s sake! How can they do this? I don’t understand how they think it’s their right to define who I choose to marry.”

  “I don’t know what to tell you, William. I cannot change the laws.”

  Will paced the floor. There had to be another way. There had to be. “Could we marry somewhere else? Is this illegal everywhere?”

  “I don’t know. I can look into it for you.”

  “Please, Uncle George?”

  “Sure. If that’s what you’d like. I’ll help you any way I can, son.”

  Chapter 30

  Saloma smiled to herself as she glanced over the seat at her driver. Wouldn’t Will be surprised! She still hadn’t contacted him at all. The last time they’d seen each other was on Thanksgiving Day, almost a month ago. Now, it was just a few days before Christmas, and Sally thought this would be a good time to surprise her beloved.

  “It’s right up here,” she informed the driver. She couldn’t help the enthusiasm in her voice.

  It would be wonderful to see Will again and bring a smile to his handsome face. The last time she’d seen him, he seemed so downtrodden. Now, she imagined him taking her into his arms and kissing her full on the mouth, the way they had before she’d first gone to Kentucky. She glanced down at Will’s promise ring on her finger, and her smile brightened. This would be a brand new start for the both of them, and she couldn’t wait.

  The driver pulled into the driveway of Will’s uncle’s home. Saloma handed him the monies due and clutched her bag.

  She took a calming breath and walked to the home’s entrance. The scent of pine emanated from the wreath on the door, reminding her that Christmas was just around the corner. Her family had never used wreaths; they’d always decorated simply with just a small table for gifts and maybe a pine bough or two.

  A chilly breeze blew when Will’s housekeeper opened the door. “You are Sally.” Marita smiled.

  “Yes. I’m here to see Will.” Saloma tried to tamper her grin, but failed miserably.

  “He is in his room. Come.” They stepped into the cozy home and Sally noticed the large, brightly-decorated Christmas tree. Soft music played and a euphoric warmth filled her being. Marita led the way through the foyer, past the family room, and down the hallway. She smiled and nodded, leaving Saloma standing at the door alone.

  Saloma hesitantly knocked. Maybe surprising him wasn’t such a good idea. What if he wasn’t dressed properly? What if he was in the shower? What if–

  “Sally?” Will frowned. “What are you doing here?”

  Saloma’s excitement immediately dwindled. “You…you are not happy to see me?” She glanced down at the ring on her finger and felt like a fool.

  Will’s eyes went to her finger as well. He lifted a brief half smile. “You’re wearing my ring,” he said flatly.

  “Yes, I…I wanted to surprise you. I am home now.”

  “Sally, I don’t know what to say.” He stepped out of his room. “Let’s go talk in the library, okay?”

  Why was Will acting so strangely? Why hadn’t he engulfed her in a hug? Why hadn’t he kissed her lips? He didn’t even seem pleased to see her.

  The confidence she previously had melted away like a crayon in the afternoon sun, leaving only a dark spot as evidence to where it had once been. Instead of the warmth of the sun, she now only felt a chill.

  “I thought you’d be glad to see me.” Tears pricked her eyes.

  William sighed. “I’m sorry, Sally, but you and I can’t be together. It’s not possible.”

  “What do you mean?” One of the tears escaped her eyelashes and trailed her cheek, its saltiness meeting the corner of her mouth.

  “In order for us to marry, we would have to break the law.”

  Could Will’s words be true? “I don’t understand. How?”

  “We’re siblings, according to the law. Siblings can’t marry – under any circumstance.”

  “But we are not really brother and sister.” She frowned.

  Will’s hands clenched his hair, as though he wanted to pull it out. “I know that and you know that. But it doesn’t matter to the government, Sally.”

  “That’s not right.”

  “I know it’s not right, but there’s nothing we can do.” He grimaced and turned away. “You would have been better off staying in Kentucky.”

  Saloma’s body shook with a sob. What was she going to do now?

  <><><>

  Will wished with all his might that he could take Sally into his arms and hold her close until the daylight faded into night. If only he could kiss her tears away. When she’d arrived, she’d seemed so excited. He hated being the one to snatch away her joy.

  He glanced down at her hand. She was wearing his ring! Did this mean she’d decided to become his? Was she ready to take the next step and accept his proposal?

  He’d marry her today if he could. If only he could…

  Why, God? I don’
t understand.

  He looked at Sally, who stood crying. His voice was gentle. “I’m sorry, Sally. I’ve been praying…hoping for a miracle.” He shook his head. “I don’t know what God is doing. I’m really having a difficult time with this. I’m trying to trust Him.”

  She sucked in a breath and swiped at a tear. “Do you think He doesn’t want us to be married?”

  “Maybe there’s something really bad in our future. Maybe we’ll end up like my parents.”

  Her chin quivered. “I wouldn’t ever leave you, Will.”

  He reached over and caressed her cheek. “I feel the same way. To me, marriage isn’t something you can get out of. It’s not even an option. It’s for better or worse. It’s for a lifetime. I guess my parents didn’t see it that way.

  “The way I see it, it would not only be a covenant between us, but with God as well. The Bible says that a strand of three cords is not easily broken. I think that’s what’s missing in a lot of marriages – the God strand. It’s nearly impossible when you try to do it without God.”

  Oh, how he wanted to hold her. Just to feel her in his arms…Stop it! he chided himself.

  “I wish there was a way. I did ask my uncle to see if perhaps we could marry in another state. We might have to move…”

  Her eyes widened. “Move?”

  “Would you be willing to? I mean, if it’s the only way? We could visit Pennsylvania as often as we wanted to.”

  “Do you think it’s possible?” He heard the hope in Sally’s voice.

  “Oh, I hope so. Will you pray with me, Sally? Will you pray that God will make a way for us?”

  “Jah. I will pray for certain.”

  “Good.” He smiled gently. “Let’s not lose hope, okay?”