Sarasota Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page B

meet you, Mary.” David nodded to Mary and grinned at Abe. “Buckle up, and we’ll be on our way.”
    They were at the beach ten minutes later. Abe helped Mary out of the van and handed David some money.
    “What time do you want me to pick you up? The wife has plans for us tonight, so I’ll need to be home by seven.”
    “We won’t be that late. I’ll call you.”
    “My evening will just be getting started.” David gestured toward Mary. “See you two soon.”
    Abe and Mary stood on the sidewalk and watched David drive off before Abe turned toward her. “David is a good man.”
    “Yes, he seems to be.” Mary shielded her eyes from the western sun. “There sure are a lot of people out today.”
    “That’s because it’s nice out.” Abe wasn’t sure what to do next, so he reached for her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. “Let’s enjoy ourselves this afternoon, okay?” For a moment, he thought she might remove her hand, but when she didn’t right away, he relaxed a little.
    They took a few steps on the sidewalk, then stopped to remove their shoes. It was easier for Mary because all she wore was a pair of clogs. Abe had to remove his shoes and socks, then turned to Mary in time to see the grin form on her lips.
    “So what is this all about?” she asked once they resumed walking on the sidewalk beside the road. “Why have you been so adamant about hanging around me lately?”
    “I—” Abe was interrupted by the honking of a horn.
    “Hey, Abe! What are you doing with her? Taking a walk on the wild side?”
    “Who was that?” Mary asked.
    Abe narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. “That’s Jeremiah Yoder.”
    “Oh yeah, I remember him. I heard he left the church.”
    “He did,” Abe replied. “He never came back after his rumspringa.”
    “That happens to a lot of people, doesn’t it?”
    “Ya. I s’pose once some folks get a taste of the wild life, some of them have trouble finding pleasure in plain, simple living.” He shrugged. “But I think most have the sense to come back.” As soon as those words left his mouth, he regretted it. Abe never wanted Mary to think he was judging her for something she had no control over.
    “Yeah, it must be hard.” Her voice was laced with pain and defensiveness.
    Abe stopped and turned Mary around to face him. “I am so sorry, Mary. I never should have said that.”
    “No big deal. Don’t worry about it.”

Chapter 3
    M ary tried her best to hide the lump in her throat. What Abe just described was exactly what had happened to her mother. He continued shaking his head. “I would never want to say mean things to you, even when you aren’t nice to me. I understand—”
    She reached up and gently touched his lips. “Don’t.”
    Before she had a chance to retract her hand, he reached for her wrist and held her fingers to his lips. Her heart hammered as he kissed her fingertips, one by one, until her knees almost buckled beneath her.
    Abe’s expression was tender as he looked down at her. Mary’s dry mouth prevented her from speaking at first. She yanked her hand back and covered it with her other hand.
    “I’m sorry, Mary.” He grimaced then shook his head. “No, I’m not. I take that back. I’m not sorry in the least.”
    Mary managed to find her voice. “So what was that all about, Abe? Were you trying to distract me? Or are you in cahoots with Jeremiah and his buddies?”
    “No. Never. I have nothing to do with Jeremiah.”
    “I don’t think that’s so good either.” Mary shoved her fist on her hip and leaned away from Abe.
    “What? Did I say something wrong?”
    “So you believe in shunning people who leave the church?”
    “Don’t be so touchy, Mary.” Abe widened his eyes as he took a step closer to her. Before she had a chance to react, he reached out and closed his fingers around her wrist again. “I never said that I believe in shunning. What I do believe in is doing what is right and standing up for