The Amish Marriage Bargain. Marie E. Bast
and all farmers who work hard from sunrise to sunset and beyond.
Also, to Melissa, my superhero editor, who has a keen eye, a fierce red pen and spot-on guidance; the Harlequin publishing team (my white knights); and Scribes202: Laura H., Linda M., Linda H., Heidi, Christy, Kathy and Julie. I love you all.
And to Cyle Young, my agent, who gives subtle, awe-inspiring nuggets of advice.
Last, but certainly not least, Kayla Caudle, who mentioned she lived by a dairy farm...
Contents
Note to Readers
Washington County, Iowa
May Bender had made her decision, but how could she possibly tell him?
Conjuring up the strength of a Goliath, she readied herself for battle. But first, she set dinner on the table, lifted her year-old niece, Leah, into her high chair and handed her a piece of bread smeared with jelly. Leah tilted her head and gifted aentie with a very toothy smile.
She was going to miss this little pumpkin. May wrestled a tear from her cheek with the tip of her finger.
Tucking that sad thought away, she eased onto the chair across the table from Thad and bowed her head for silent prayer. After the blessing, she took potatoes for her and Leah’s plate, then handed the bowl to Thad. His hand glided over hers as he grabbed the bowl. She jerked her hand back as a tingle shot up her arm.
Thad, toting a farmer’s appetite, loaded his plate and took a bite of pork chop. “Mmm, gut.”
The compliment stunned her. He didn’t often hand them out. In fact, they didn’t often talk much at all. “Danki, it was just a little seasoning. That reminds me, the door on the spice cupboard sticks and a couple of the others are swollen from humidity.”
Without raising his head, Thad nodded. “I’ll take care of them on the next rainy day.”
May took a slice of bread, buttered it and pushed a few crumbs off the table, watching them drop to the floor like pieces of her life. Her faith taught her to forgive, but how could she forget April and Thad’s betrayal when he sat across the table from her every day?
Leah picked up a few peas with her index finger and thumb. Dropping a couple, she managed to shove a few in her mouth, giggling at her achievement. She smacked her lips and handed her soggy bread to Aent May. “Mamm, Mamm, Mamm...”
“Oh, danki for sharing, but you can keep it, sweetie.”
Pushing her hand in her pocket, May touched the letter, to draw encouragement. “Thad, my aent in Indiana has offered me a job. She wants me to help run her café and bake shop in Shipshewana and take it over when she retires. Edna has given me three months to make up my mind.”
He took another bite of food but didn’t respond.
May didn’t need twelve weeks to think it over; she just needed to box up all her belongings and make the arrangements. It was time she moved. Time she got away from Thad Hochstetler, her brother-in-law.