Betrothed

By Emily Taylor

Thomas an Amish young man who is devoted to his Anabelle and prepare to become married. They both turn of age and go on their traditional Rumspringa, getting a taste of the "wicked" life outside they venture to New York City. Neither he or she like the city but she meets another young man in a coffee shop, a more sophisticated and artsy than her Amish boyfriend. Will Anabelle succumb to temptation or remain betrothed?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trellis Publishing
• Release date: Jul 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201094041

Book preview

1.

Standing by the wood pile, Thomas took the handkerchief out of his back pocket, tilted the brim of his hat up and wiped the sweat from his brow.  The sun  mercilessly beat down upon him as he struggled to finish his task of chopping wood for the winter communal pile.  The menfolk worked in steady rotation on it throughout the summer and fall, to ensure that there was enough wood to heat everyone's homes in the harshest of winters.  He paused and took a few deep breaths then drank some water from the well. 

No more breaks, he thought before swinging the ax down again. His mind wandered to thoughts of Annabelle. He wanted to ask her to the dance after the barn raising on Saturday. Thomas fell hard for the pretty red-haired girl ever since they attended a Bible study together back when they were teenagers. He saw her glance over at him, smiling shyly and felt his heart skip a beat.

He had that feeling that it was God's will that they be joined together. They were both approaching the time for their outing to see the outside world.  Thomas wanted to ask for her hand in marriage before then. 

He worked diligently until the rest of the logs were split. Hurrying home, he washed up quickly.

It was near dusk when he went into his house and washed up quickly.  If he hurried, he could still go speak with Anabelle before supper started.  He walked across the field and saw her up by the clothesline pulling down the last few sheets from the wire.

There was something about the way she pulled down the sheets, putting the clothespins in her pockets. She took her time, folding the sheet  delicately between her fingers and then rolling it down, making sure the seams were straight. 

Chores, chores, chores, he said as she turned around.

Thomas, she smiled.

Anabelle!  It's good to see you this fair day.  How have you been?

It's good to see you, she said moving the last sheet from the line. I didn't think you'd be finished with the wood pile by this time.  My day was busy as usual, but it was abnormally busy today because Mrs. Johnson was under the weather and couldn't teach the children's sermon at lunchtime, so I substituted.  They were definitely full of energy today.

Well, you can remember when we were that age, we could go nonstop and still not be ready for bed by sundown.  I wish I had that kind of energy back now.

Anabelle chuckled and put her last piece of laundry in the basket to be taken inside and placed in the communal laundry chest.  As do I, Thomas.  Here we are now, almost fully grown, and wishing for simpler times.  We are acting much older than what we are.

Yes, that's true, but the years do wear on the body, don't they?

They certainly do. 

Before you go inside, I have something of a private matter I wanted to speak with you about.  Do you have a moment?

Anabelle brushed a stray hair out of her eyes and raised her hand to her forehead to block out the glare from the sun.  She could see a serious expression creeping up on his face and knew that this moment was important to her dear friend.  Of course I do.  What's on your mind, Thomas?

Thomas stepped forward closing the gap in distance between them and gently touched her shoulder.  Anabelle, you know that I have harbored the sweetest of feelings for you since boyhood.  Everyone knows as do you, this is no secret.  With that said, I was hoping we could announce our courtship and faithfulness, by attending the dance together this Saturday.  Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?

Anabelle considered for a moment.  He was the one man who had never strayed from her sight all throughout their teenage years.  He was strong, steadfast and dependable.  She knew in her heart that Thomas was a good man, and felt he was worthy of her attention.  He certainly didn't have any competition from any other suitors.  "Oh, Thomas.  Of course, I will.  You have always been in my life,