The Betrayed Fiancée Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Uh, so how are you these days?” he stammered.
    With her gaze fixed on him, Anna answered, “I’m doing all right. How about you?”
    Joel wasn’t about to admit his life was a train wreck, so he forced a smile and lifted his shoulders in a brief shrug. “I’m doin’ great. I have my own business, and it keeps me plenty busy. What about you? Are you still teaching at the school in Farmerstown?”
    She nodded. “Unless I get married someday, I’ll probably keep on teaching.”
    â€œI’ll bet my nieces and nephews enjoy having you as their teacher.”
    â€œI enjoy them, too.” Anna’s face turned pink. “Did you hear that my folks moved to Indiana?”
    He shook his head. “Why’d they move?”
    â€œThey wanted to be close to my sister Nancy. She recently had a baby.”
    â€œI’m surprised you didn’t go with them.”
    Her cheek color deepened. “I like my job and the area here.”
    â€œOh, I see.” Joel shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. He was tempted to ask if Anna had a suitor but thought better of it. It wasn’t his business, and she might think he had regrets about breaking up with her.
    â€œWho’s the auburn-haired woman who came with you today? Is she your wife?”
    Anna’s question caused Joel to stumble back a step. “What? Uh, no, but Kristi and I are planning to be married. We haven’t picked a date yet.”
    Anna lowered her gaze. “Well, she’s beautiful.”
    â€œYes. Yes, she is. However, Kristi’s beauty is more than skin-deep.” Joel slid his hands out of his pockets and fiddled with his shirt collar. “She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
    Anna lifted her gaze to meet his again and blinked several times. “You once told me the same thing.”
    A surge of heat shot up the back of Joel’s neck and spread quickly to his face. His body felt like it was encased in concrete. Anna was right, of course. When they had been courting, he’d often told her how special she was. Back then, she was everything to him. But things changed once Joel made the decision to leave the Amish faith.
    Unsure of how to respond to Anna’s statement or whether he should say anything at all, Joel awkwardly touched the side of her elbow. “It’s been nice seeing you again, but I’d better go check on Kristi.” Without waiting for Anna’s response, he hurried up the stairs onto the porch. He was about to open the door when a hand rested on his shoulder. He twisted his head to see who had touched him.
    â€œWell, for goodness’ sake. If it isn’t my favorite nephew.” Aunt Verna held out her arms and gave him a hug.
    He patted her back tenderly. “Nice to see you, too.” As Joel hugged his aunt, he couldn’t help noticing how abruptly Anna turned and headed toward the backyard.
    â€œI missed seeing you the last time I was here, but Elsie explained you were busy with work and couldn’t come for a visit.” Aunt Verna motioned for them to take a seat in two empty chairs on the porch.
    When Joel sat down to face her, he noticed her sorrowful expression. He felt bad seeing his aunt like this, but he couldn’t tell her that he’d missed seeing her during her last visit because his dad wouldn’t appreciate his presence. After the last encounter they’d had, Joel was sure his dad never wanted to see him again.
I needed money from Dad
. Joel pinned his arms against his stomach.
Sure wish things had played out differently. Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten so irritated with him. But he was the one who got mad first, and for no good reason
.
    â€œI’m sorry I couldn’t be here then, but it’s good to see you now, Aunt Verna.” He reached over and patted her hand.
    â€œI know. I only wish it could be under more pleasant circumstances.” She sniffed