The Luckiest Amish Girl

By Vanessa Carlson

Two shy Amish men, John and Luke, fall in love with a visiting teacher. All of the women in the community are jealous of her beauty and undercut their efforts. But the teacher herself is hiding a dark secret. Can she find redemption in the Amish community?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trellis Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201176198

Book preview

THE LUCKIEST AMISH GIRL

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VANESSA CARLSON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE LUCKIEST AMISH GIRL

THE CRADLE

AMISH GROVE

AMISH ANGELS

AMISH SUNSET

THE PAINTED LAKE

Chapter 1

John was covered with sweat. After a long day of toil in the workshop, he felt he deserved a moment of relaxation. The shade offered by the oak tree was a refreshing one. He leaned his head back, resting it against the trunk, and closed his eyes. Above him, a few of the local sparrows chirped away.

Mind if I join you?

He didn’t bother to open his eyes. John knew that voice well enough to know it in his sleep. Go ahead, he answered. We share a workshop; we might as well share the shade.

Luke sat beside his friend, hugging one knee to his chest while the other leg remained stretched. As was his habit, he began picking at the grass.

You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.

What’s that?

What did the grass ever do to you? John considered Luke, waiting for an answer. Every time you’re near God’s good creation, you seek to destroy it.

Luke felt his face start to flame. He pulled his hand from the grass as if it had suddenly caused him physical pain. I do not realize that I am doing it. My fingers just find their way to the blades and I pull at them.

John opened his mouth to say something in response, but his mind was wiped blank by the sight of her. Leah... he whispered under his breath.

Luke echoed his whisper with one of his own. He leaned forward, hoping the wind might carry over some of her scent but he was met with no such luck. Instead, he had to settle for watching the wind play with the few wisps of hair that had escaped her head covering. They framed her face with golden streaks of caramel. Oh, isn’t she lovely? he said to himself. For a fleeting moment, he thought of approaching her, but he couldn’t bring himself to move. It was like the oak tree had rooted him into place.

The visiting schoolteacher disappeared beyond the bend, leaving the two men with a hollowness inside their hearts. She isn’t like the other women, is she? commented John.

No, she is far more beautiful, said Luke without a moment’s thought.

It was then that John came to realize something. You fancy her, don’t you? John accused, his eyes narrowed and pointed with suspicion.

I reckon I do.

John rose to his feet. You cannot have her.

And why not? Luke was the shorter of the two men but still, he held his ground, squaring off against his friend. She is not married and from all the talk I’ve heard, she’s yet to be courted. What should stop me from having her?

Me.

There was a pause. Even the wind came to a halt. Both men were staring daggers at one another. You fancy her, too, don’t you?

I do.

Luke felt his fingers tighten into a fist. He would never use violence against one of his brothers, but the temptation was there as the feeling of betrayal caused his blood to boil.

I suppose we will have to see which of us is the better man for surely that is the one she will choose to be her husband. John pulled out a coin from his pocket. I say we flip for which of us gets to approach her first.

So, you haven’t spoken to her either? This made Luke feel better for he knew he would stand little chance against John had already laid down the field with her.

I haven’t. It seems we have only pined after her from afar. John placed the coin on the tip of his thumb. Pick your side.

Heads.

John nodded his head in acknowledgment before flicking the coin into the air. He caught it in his palm and flipped it over onto his forearm. A grin flashed across his face. It looks like I’m going first.

Luke tasted the bitterness of defeat, but he couldn’t argue with the results. Fair was fair. Alright, he conceded. But do try not to make her like you too much.

John laughed. Nice try.

***

The following day, John made it a point to intercept her while she was on her way to the variety store. He wanted her to think that he was on his way there, too. So, he carried a basket on the crook of his arm and proceeded very slowly. Occasionally, he would look over his shoulder to see if she was coming.

He frowned. Maybe she liked to do her groceries on another day.

But then, just as he was going to give up hope, he spotted her. Quickly, he looked away, trying to act natural. His posture, however, was rather stiff and his gait was all wrong. There were beads of sweat coming down his forehead. What would he say to her? All the confidence he had felt vanished in an instant.

Good day, said Leah as she walked by.

G-Good day! John stammered in response. He tried to smile but the muscles of his face were no longer working properly. Uh, I was wondering whether we were going in the same direction?

Oh? Leah stopped. John nearly crashed into her but managed to stop himself just in time. As a result, their bodies were close to the point of touching. The sweat was starting to soak through his shirt. This whole venture was a mistake. There was no way that he could land himself such a woman, even if he had all the charm in the world. Where are you headed to?

The variety store, he answered. There are a few things that I need.

Then it looks like we’re both headed to the same place. Her smile was enough to light up the entire world. John was drawn by the brightness, stepping forward so that he now stood chest to chest with the woman.

She flushed in response but found she did not want to pull away. Her heart was racing and there was this tingling sensation playing on her lips.

Shall we? John said, remembering himself.

Chapter 2

Ding!

The door to the variety store swung open. John and Leah walked inside, exchanging meaningful looks. Leah had rally brushed her hand against his when reaching for the handle at the same time. What followed was a burst of excitement that traveled through every inch of her skin.

Welcome. The woman behind the counter greeted. She was no fool to the look John wore on his face. He was smitten with the schoolteacher, just like every other man. It was infuriating. What did Leah have that she didn’t?

Leah laughed at something John had said. The sound was penetrating for Sarah. It was like someone had repeatedly plunged a dagger into her skull. Honestly, it wasn’t fair. Leah was an outsider. What right did she have to the community’s men?

Perhaps I could make you something. The couple was close enough to the counter where Sarah could hear them. An end table or something of the sort.

Oh no, I wouldn’t want to burden you with unnecessary work. I’m sure you have plenty on your plate –

I insist, interrupted John. It wouldn’t be a burden by any means. Their faces were dangerously close. Their eyes were bright as they smiled. Consider it a welcoming gift. It can’t be easy trying to adjust to a brand new community.

All of a sudden, Leah’s whole demeanor changed. She straightened, posture rigid. An unexplained darkness crept across her face.

John frowned, thinking he had said something wrong. I’m sorry –

Sarah cleared her throat, coming between the two. I don’t mean to interrupt but I would just like to bring your attention to the current sale items. I wouldn’t hesitate in getting them because they are quite the bargain. She led them toward the display. Quietly, she slipped a note into Leah’s basket, inviting her to dinner. Sarah understood that the best way to stagnate Leah’s romantic endeavors was to get inside her mind.

***

Leah left the store. She tried to make her getaway, but John tailed after her. Leah! he called. When she did not answer, he acted impulsively and grabbed her wrist. Again, that feeling of excitement greeted her. This time, it was concentrated inside her heart, threatening to burst through the chambers. Looking into his eyes only intensified the feeling. She lowered her gaze and focused on her breathing.

Do not let yourself get too close, came an inner voice of warning. For this man will not want you if he knows the truth.

Did I say something to upset you? John had yet to release her wrist. He was studying her face, looking for clues but her expression was guarded and hard to read. I’m sorry if I did.

No. She shook her head. It’s only that I do not like talking about the past. The future is much more interesting, do you not agree?

I do, he said. In his mind, Leah was his future. He could see her as his wife – the woman that would greet him every morning and fill it with a ray of radiant sunshine. I don’t mean to keep you if you are busy, but I know that you are new in town and I would love to show you around.

Oh... Once again, her gaze was directed toward the ground. Being much too polite to reject his offer, she gave a small nod.

Excellent. I think our first stop should be the cherry trees. You came at the right time of year for the flowers are in full bloom. John thought about holding her hand. In fact, his fingers itched with the desire to lock with hers but at the last moment, he decided against it. Since they were not yet courted, it would be unseemly for their reputations should anyone happen to see them together. It would be better to wait and let things take their natural course. John could only hope that the course pointed his way.

After a short walk, they reached the grove. The cherry trees were lined up and down the field with pink flowers dancing in the wind. Runaway petals floated toward the ground.

It’s so beautiful, she gasped. I’ve never seen anything quite like it before.

Truly a sight to behold, said Leah as he watched the young schoolteacher walk between the row of threes. He could not keep his eyes off of her.

She stopped somewhere in the middle and turned around to face her escort. Thank you for bringing me here. It has been a blessing. The smile she wore was enough to make John think that he had jumped over the moon.

It has been my pleasure. He took the back of her hand and gently grazed her knuckles with a kiss. But I fear that it is getting late and that I should bring you home.

Leah wanted to stay a little longer but what he was saying was true. Soon, it would be dark. Yes, you’re right.

And so, together they walked home. Leah felt lighter in spirit as if an invisible weight had been lifted from her soul. She wanted to believe that she was making progress in the right direction but, she feared that everything would change once the truth was revealed. All she needed to do was take off her head covering, and John would cease to look at her with those adoring eyes.

Well, it has been an unforgettable day, said John. "I hope we can do it