Amish Second Loves Read online

  Amish Romance: Amish Second Loves

  Amish Brides Book 4

  Samantha Price

  Copyright © 2015 by Samantha Price

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press.

  This is a work of fiction. Any names or characters, businesses or places, events or incidents, are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Other books by Samantha Price:

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

  Psalm 16:11

  * * *

  For the past three weeks, Moira had been dealing with intense bouts of morning sickness. After a particularly bad bout of sickness, Selma overheard her moans and brought her a cup of warm tea with vinegar in it. Selma promised Moira that the drink would settle her stomach, and to Moira’s surprise it had worked. Moira’s stomach still felt comfortable, so she decided to make the breakfast to give Selma a break.

  Moira heard Selma in the spare bedroom humming to herself, so she slipped past her bedroom and hurried into the kitchen. Moira was happy that her young toddler, Millie, had taken to sleeping in until mid morning. Millie had been named after Selma’s late sister, and her good friend.

  As the house filled with the aroma of meat and eggs, Moira heard the sound of wheels scraping against the dirt outside. She hurried to the kitchen window and peered out to see old Michael Stutzman coming down the driveway in his buggy. The horse slowly clip clopped his way up the beaten path before Mr. Stutzman’s buggy came to a halt.

  Moira tried to make sense of why Mr. Stutzman would be visiting them that morning; he wasn’t someone known for showing up unexpectedly. It was odd to see him there.

  Just then, a voice called from behind Moira, breaking her concentration. “What’s all that noise?” She turned around to see Tom scratching his forehead. “What’s going on out there?”

  “I thought you’d left for work hours ago,” Moira said to her husband.

  “I was doing some repairs to the wagon out in the barn. I was just about to go and repair a fence.”

  Moira turned away from Tom and peered back out the window. “We have a visitor. Michael Stutzman has just pulled in. I was cooking some breakfast; I’ll set an extra place. Have you eaten?” Moira felt a little guilty that she hadn’t gotten up early to prepare breakfast for Tom, but he’d insisted that she stay in bed while she wasn’t feeling well.

  “I’ve eaten, but I can always eat again.” Tom grinned. “Strange that Michael’s here. Do you think it has something to do with Selma?” Tom asked.

  “I don’t know. Why don’t you go and bring him inside and then we might find out?” Moira said.

  “Who might be here for me?” Selma asked, seemingly emerging from nowhere.

  Moira whipped her head back around to see Selma while Tom slipped away. “You startled me,” Moira said. “I wasn’t speaking to you. Someone’s in the yard.”

  “Oh,” Selma replied. “Who is it, though?” she asked, running over to the front door.

  Selma pulled the door open, and Moira put down her spatula and chased the older woman out of the house. “Selma, what are you doing?”

  “Nothing,” she replied. She looked outside, and after she saw who the visitor was, she turned to Moira. “I just want Michael to know that I’m back in town for a while.” Selma stared at Mr. Stutzman.

  Moira’s mouth fell open as her eyebrows drooped. Moira pointed to the porch chair, and Selma sat down. “Act normal,” Moira said. “You’re acting like a child on the eve of a special day.” Moira looked around for Tom, who was nowhere to be seen, and then she watched Mr. Stutzman as he tied his horse to the post.

  Mr. Stutzman glanced over at the two ladies and gave a little wave before turning his attention back to his horse.

  “Wait! Stay here,” Selma hissed at Moira, before running down the steps toward their visitor.

  Caught off guard by Selma’s orders, Moira plopped back onto the porch chair and then leaned back. She watched carefully and listened into Selma and Michael’s conversation.

  Mr. Stutzman smiled broadly at Selma as she approached, and Moira shook her head in disbelief.

  “Hello there,” Mr. Stutzman said to Selma after clasping both her hands in his. “I’d heard that you might be back in town and I was hoping the rumors were true.”

  Moira couldn’t see his face clearly due to Selma’s head getting in the way, but from what she could tell, Mr. Stutzman looked mighty pleased to see Selma again. As confused thoughts raced through her mind, Moira tried once again to make sense of Mr. Stutzman’s visit.She knew that he’d met Selma a few times, and she also knew that Selma was looking for a husband. Did the older couple already spark a flame that nobody else had noticed?

  After he released her hands, Mr. Stutzman and Selma wandered off. Moira realized she should have been quicker to mention that breakfast was nearly ready, but she was more interested in hearing what they had to say to each other. Moira followed them, staying as close to them as she could without being noticed. All she could hear was a question that Mr. Stutzman asked Selma, which, she was certain, was, ‘Would you perhaps be available at all tomorrow?’

  “For what?” Moira mumbled to herself, making sure to be quiet enough not to bring attention to her murmurs.

  “I figured we might be able to spend the day together, or, however, much time you can afford. We can do anything you’d like if you just say yes,” Moira heard Mr. Stutzman say.

  Moira listened for Selma’s reply, but it would never come. All she heard was the annoying sound of the older woman’s laugh as she giggled like a young girl. Moira sighed aloud and shook her head in disapproval. It was more than obvious that Selma and Michael Stutzman were keen on each other. The look on their faces was enough to confirm the truth of the situation. She must have agreed to see him tomorrow.

  The couple turned back around to walk to the house.

  Mr. Stutzman looked up and saw her. “Moira, how are you?”

  “I’m good. This is a nice surprise. Please, have breakfast with us?” Moira asked.

  “I’d love to stay for breakfast.” He looked around and then pushed his hat slightly back on his head. “Is Tom around?”

  “Jah.” Moira swiveled her head to find him. “Well, he was here a minute ago and said he was going to greet you, and now he’s gone. Maybe he’s in the haus somewhere.”

  Mr. Stutzman followed Moira into the house with Selma close by his side.

  Tom suddenly appeared from somewhere within the house.

  “Tom, where did you get to?” Moira snapped at her husband giving him a frown of disapproval.

  “I wasn’t too far away.” He looked at Mr. Stutzman. “Guder Marriye, Michael.”

  “Morning, Tom.”

  “Moira and I haven’t had a chance to have a good talk to you in some time. We’ve be
en meaning to have you to dinner,” Tom said.

  Mr. Stutzman rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Ach jah, it’s been a while, but work on the farm can be relentless and unforgiving, as I’m sure you know very well.”

  Moira smiled, nodded and pointed to the table. “Breakfast?”

  They sat down and then Selma and Moira hurried to place the food from the kitchen onto the center of the table. After they said their silent prayers of thanks for the food, Selma was the first to speak.

  “You’ve heard of Tom and Moira’s news? They’re steadily filling up this large haus,” Selma said to Michael.

  Mr. Stutzman said, “Jah, I heard that you’re expecting again, congratulations.”

  “Denke,” Moira said.

  “And where is little Millie?” Mr. Stutzman asked of the couple’s young daughter.

  “Asleep,” Selma said. “But not for long. She’s got so much energy; she’s like a tornado.”

  Moira gave a little giggle. “We do enjoy the quiet when she sleeps late.”

  “I hope you don’t mind me stopping by. I’d heard that Selma was visiting again and thought I might find a moment to steal her away from you.”

  “Certainly,” Tom said. “You hardly need to ask our permission to do that.”

  Mr. Stutzman smiled. “Gut. Selma has already agreed to spend some time with me tomorrow.”

  “So, is that all that brings you here today?” Moira asked, knowing that was the only reason Michael had for visiting.

  “I think we need kaffe.” Selma jumped up and disappeared around the corner into the kitchen.

  “Ach, well uh, I …,” he stuttered, pulling at the top of his shirt as if it were choking him. “I just had a few things to check on for some people,” he said. “I’m happy for both of you. You must both be excited about adding to your familye.”

  Moira could tell that his words at that moment were entirely honest. The joy in his eyes and the brightness of his smile showed just how pleased he was for her and Tom. “Why denke; that means so much to us,” she replied.

  Mr. Stutzman looked toward the kitchen where Selma was now bustling around fixing coffee. He leaned in toward Moira and spoke quietly. “You know, it’s been nearly three years since I lost my fraa, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss having her by my side. It gets a little easier every day, but there’s a loneliness in my heart that eats away at me.” His vivid blue eyes fixed on Moira and then Tom. Mr. Stutzman turned back to Moira and asked, “Could I ask you a question and get your honest response?”

  Reluctant to say ‘yes’ for what it might give way to, Moira looked down and spoke softly, “Jah.”

  “Then why do you look away when I ask?” Mr. Stutzman shot the question back at her.

  Looking up at him, Moira shook her head and sighed. “I was just thinking about Mrs. Stutzman and how much I miss her,” she said. “But, you can ask me anything. Go ahead.”

  “Do you consider it a crime for a man to long for affection after his first love has left this earth?”

  Seconds passed by as thoughts sped through Moira’s mind while Tom and Michael stared at her waiting for an answer. Was Michael confirming her suspicions about liking Selma, or was he speaking in general terms? Either way, Moira wasn’t sure how to reply, but she thought of the late Anna Stutzman, and Michael’s five boys who were now grown men. “I really don’t know how to answer that, Michael. If something were to happen to me long down the road, I would want Tom to be happy again, but at the same time, I would want him to do what is right for his familye. It’s what they think, which would be the important thing. Nee, the only thing that would matter to me.”

  Mr. Stutzman continued, “That’s where the dilemma starts. How does a man know what is right for his familye? Could his happiness possibly be a bad thing to his kinner?”

  Selma cleared her throat as she came back with the coffee. Moira looked at Selma and knew from the frown on her face that she’d heard some of their conversation and felt awkward. After Selma placed the coffee on the table, she said, “Maybe we need tea as well.” Selma hurried back to the stove.

  Chapter 2

  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

  Psalm 23:6

  * * *

  Knowing she had to speak quickly before Selma came back with the tea, Moira continued the conversation, “Michael, I think happiness is a fickle thing. What might make you feel good right now, might be the death of you later,” she said, hoping to get her point across.

  Their words were interrupted by Selma, bringing the tea. “Tom, could you get the milk? It’s standing near the stove,” Selma asked.

  “Certainly,” Tom said jumping to his feet.

  Placing the tea down, Selma said, “I’m so sorry if it took me an eternity.”

  “This all looks wunderbaar,” Tom said as he sat the milk on the table.

  “How’s the farm been, Tom?” Mr. Stutzman asked.

  “It’s been going well, but a hole was spotted along the fence on the far end of the property, so that’s just one of many fixes I need to get done today. I’m heading out there now to mend that one spot, but I was also thinking about riding around the perimeter to check for more,” Tom explained.

  Mr. Stutzman leaned forward and asked, “Would you like some help?”

  Moira noticed a sullen look on Selma’s face. Just then, however, Tom’s response quickly replaced Selma’s sour look with one more pleasant.

  “Denke, but I can handle it, it’s not a big job. It might keep me busy for a few hours, and I don’t want to hold you up for something so easy to fix.” A short while and a few mouthfuls of food later, Tom asked,“I hope you all don’t mind if I leave now? I’m already behind where I wanted to be by now.”

  “Please yourself,” Moira said.

  “What a hard working fellow,” Mr. Stutzman said as he sat back in his chair after Tom left.

  Moira watched as Mr. Stutzman and Selma exchanged glances. Not long after that, she noticed that a loving stare sat locked between the two. Not wanting to see such things with Anna Stutzman’s loss still fresh in her heart, Moira decided to leave them alone. “I think I heard Millie wake up. I’ll go and see to her.”

  Selma sprang to her feet. “I’ll go, Moira. You sit and rest.”

  “Nonsense, you stay here and entertain Michael. I might even lay down for a time.”

  “I should probably get going anyway,” Mr. Stutzman replied, standing up from his chair.

  “Nee,” Moira replied, “You can stay as long as you wish. Finish up the tea,” she added, looking directly at Selma.

  Selma smiled at her and Moira forced a smile at Mr. Stutzman before she disappeared up the stairs. While she didn’t care to see their affections right in front of her, she was anxious to know what was developing between them.

  Moira peeked in at Millie, who was still fast asleep. Moira went to her own bedroom and lay down on her bed. She noticed that she could hear the voices of Selma and Mr. Stutzman. They must have decided to take their tea out to the porch, she thought. Moira’s bedroom was positioned directly above the porch.

  Moira wasn’t quite sure what she might overhear, but her heart had to find out if they were seriously interested in one another. Why does he get to be happy? Is he ready to replace Anna already? It didn’t seem fair to Moira. It was as though Anna Stutzman had never existed.

  Moira listened hard and heard Mr. Stutzman say to Selma, “You never actually got the chance to tell me about your late husband.”

  Then, Selma’s voice invaded Moira’s ears as she spilled her story to the man on the porch. “It’s been a long, difficult road since I lost my dearest, Bob. He was taken away much too young and was never truly given the chance to shine the way I knew he would’ve. We never even had an opportunity to start a family and have a child, which was something I’ve always regretted. That’s why I love helping Moira with Millie and I’m so blessed that
she’s having another little one for me to love and care for.”

  Moira felt a pang of guilt over begrudging a possible relationship between the pair, but she shrugged it off just as quickly. Selma had a sad story, and she’d become a close friend of Moira’s, but that didn’t take away from anything that Moira believed to be proper. She thought about Mr. Stutzman’s boys and how they would react when they found out their father was fond of Selma. Would the Stutzman boys blame Moira for bringing Selma into their community? After all, she was the one who introduced the pair. If it weren’t for her connection with Selma’s late sister, Millie, then Selma would’ve never come to Earltown. Moira listened again to hear what else they might have to say.

  “I thoroughly understand,” Moira heard Mr. Stutzman reply to Selma. “If I didn’t have my five boys and my grosskinner, I don’t know if, or how, I would have dealt with my dear fraa’s passing. I miss her every single day, and it’s not just that I feel lonely all the time; sometimes I miss simple things about her, such as her smile and her loving personality. The only thing that makes me feel peace is when I tell myself that she’s at home with the Lord, and she’s happy.”

  His words hit Moira hard and she remembered the happy Mrs. Stutzman and a time when life wasn’t so dreary and unforgiving. Her youth was filled with joyful days of her sister, Hazel and herself having fun with Anna as they sewed quilts nearly every single day. No one could replace Anna in Moira’s heart. Tears stung behind Moira’s eyes and she blinked rapidly to force them away.

  Just then, Selma’s voice rose up through Moira’s open window. “I know it’s difficult, but, as I’ve had to learn, it gets easier with time.”

  Moira shook her head and clenched her teeth. No, time wouldn’t make losing someone like Mrs. Stutzman easier. And even if it could get easier, Moira wasn’t sure that she wanted it to. She never wanted to forget how much she loved and the amazing Anna Stutzman.