The Betrayed Fiancée Read Online Free PDF

and dabbed at the tears on her wrinkled cheeks. “I’m gonna miss your daed so much. He was the best bruder. We always had such fun together.”
    Joel listened while his aunt reminisced about some of the things she and Dad had done while growing up. Then she told him about her last visit and how excited Dad had been when he was building the tree house. “He did it in memory of your mamm.” Tears trickled down her cheeks as she spoke. “Eustace told me Effie had always wanted a tree house.”
    â€œReally? I didn’t realize that.” He raised his eyebrows. “I don’t recall it ever being mentioned when I was a boy.”
    Aunt Verna shook her head. “I don’t think Effie brought it up till you were grown and had left the Amish faith.”
    â€œOh, I see. After all these years, guess there’s a lot I don’t know.” Joel glanced at the house, wondering why Kristi hadn’t come out. She’d been in there quite a while.

    Kristi stood at the kitchen window, watching Joel visit with an elderly woman. But that wasn’t what had initially drawn her attention to the window. She’d seen him talking to the young Amish woman she’d noticed during the graveside service. Kristi wondered, yet again, about the woman and was tempted to ask one of Joel’s sisters who she was, but she didn’t want to appear nosey. Kristi felt vulnerable being around so many people she didn’t know and who spoke a different language when they conversed with one another. Thankfully, Joel’s sisters were warm and friendly and had made her feel welcome. She felt drawn to their quiet demeanor and plain lifestyle. Kristi wondered what it would be like to live a simpler life without the distractions of TV, computers, and cell phones. Not that those things were bad. But most people seemed to focus on electronic gadgets instead of concentrating on developing good relationships with others. Kristi wasn’t sure she could give up all her modern conveniences, but she longed for an unpretentious way of life.
    â€œWe believe in putting God first, and our family second,” Doris had told Kristi a few minutes ago, when she’d commented on the caring attitude she’d sensed in the people who had come to the funeral.
    Earlier, Kristi had noticed an older man who had his dog with him. When she and Joel ended up sitting on the same bench in the yard after their meal, he’d introduced himself as Eustace’s good friend Henry. He was a real gentleman and even introduced his dog. It seemed strange that someone would bring a dog to this somber occasion, but Henry had kept Peaches in her cage until they’d eaten. Kristi thought the dog was cute, and the cocker spaniel seemed to like her. While Kristi had listened to Henry talk, Peaches had curled up beside her feet. Kristi could tell Henry hurt from losing his best friend, and he’d recalled nothing but good things about Eustace. Henry even had Kristi laughing at times, which felt good on this sobering day. No wonder he’d been Eustace’s good friend.
    After talking with Henry, and hearing Arlene mention how many people helped set things up for the service, as well as the meal, was it any wonder these people were so closely knit? Helping out during times of need seemed to be a normal occurrence among the Amish.
We English could learn a lesson from them
, Kristi thought.
    A light tap on her arm caused Kristi to turn away from the window. She’d been so caught up in her thoughts she hadn’t realized Elsie stood beside her.
    â€œYou look tired.” Elsie slipped her arm around Kristi’s waist.
    Kristi nodded, stifling a yawn. “I am a bit. It’s been a long day. Joel and I got up early so we could be here on time.”
    â€œWould you like to lie down in the guest room awhile?” Arlene offered.
    â€œNo. Thank you, though. Joel will probably want to go soon