The Betrayed Fiancée (11 page)

As they ate, Kristi noticed how quiet it was. Except for her and Joel, no one was at this end of the park. Sitting there, with no noise except the chatter of a few birds, she almost felt Amish. No cars were in sight, since the parking lot was farther down the path. Everything in their presence was natural and seemed like a gift from God.

Don't be silly
. Kristi chided herself for feeling Amish.
You're living in a fantasy world
. She had to admit there was something about the Amish she found enchanting. She didn't want to idealize them, though. Like people from all walks of life, the Amish had their share of troubles, and none of them were perfect. Still, Kristi admired their values, love for their family, and dedication to a way of life that had been established hundreds of years ago. They worked hard, but their lives were simplified, without all the gadgets the English world seemed to need.

“A nickel for your thoughts.” Joel tweaked Kristi's nose.

“I was thinking about your Amish heritage and wishing I could incorporate more of their ways into my life.”

Joel's brows lowered. “Now don't tell me you've decided to start hanging your laundry out to dry or get rid of your computer and TV.”

She swatted his arm playfully. “I may not give them up, but there are other things I'd rather do than watch TV or hang out on the Internet reading posts on social media sites. Truthfully speaking, I believe I could live without either of them.”

“What would you like to do?”

Kristi held up her index finger. “For one thing, I'd like to learn some Pennsylvania Dutch words.” She leaned in closer to him and lowered her voice. “Would you teach me, Joel?”

His nose wrinkled. “What for? The Amish world is no longer part of my life. It's behind me.”

“No, it's not. You still have family who remained Amish. When they're speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, I'd like to understand what they're saying.”

Joel grunted. “You don't realize what you're asking. It would take years for you to learn the language well enough to grasp it.”

Unwilling to give in, Kristi folded her arms. “Could you at least teach me to say a few words?”

“I suppose, but I don't see much point in it.”

“You might be surprised what a quick learner I am.” She smiled. “Give me a couple of words and tell me their meaning.”

“What? Now?”

“Uh-huh. There's no time like the present.”

“Okay, here's an easy one. Jah. It means yes.”

“That's easy to remember. What else?”

“
Gut
is for good, and danki for thanks.”

“Jah, gut, danki,” Kristi repeated the words. “Now give me a sentence to learn.”

Joel rolled his eyes. “Okay, but then let's talk about something else.”

“That's fine.”

Speaking slowly, Joel pronounced each word clearly. “
Geld zwingt die welt
.”

“What does it mean?”

“Money rules the world.” He bobbed his head. “And I have to say it's true.”

“It doesn't have to be,” Kristi argued. “There are many things we should focus on rather than money—important things like our relationships with people.”

Joel folded his arms. “
Humph!
Some people I can't have a relationship with.”

“Are you thinking of anyone in particular?”

“My brother-in-law, for one.” Joel frowned. “John should have stayed out of Elsie's and my discussion the day of Dad's funeral. The subject of Dad's will was between her and me.”

“If you were married and someone talked to your wife the way you did Elsie, wouldn't you step in and say something?”

Joel shrugged his shoulders. “It all depends on what was being said. If it was something that didn't pertain to me, I'd keep quiet.” Joel grabbed his bottle of sparkling water and took a drink. “Okay, that's enough for now. Let's talk about something else.”

“Have you spoken to any of your family since the funeral?” Kristi asked.

He shook his head. “Got a message from Elsie, though. Said she'd let me know when they found Dad's will. It's been over a week since his funeral, and I haven't heard a thing.”

“They may not have found it yet, and they're most likely busy with other things.” Kristi repositioned herself on the blanket. “I wish you weren't putting so much emphasis on getting some of your father's money. Have you even grieved your loss? Don't you feel sad that he's gone?”

Joel set his bottle down and looked right at Kristi. “I'm sorry he died, but there was no love lost between me and my dad. He didn't give a hoot about me.”

Kristi's heart went out to Joel. She could see by his pained expression that he was miserable. Harboring ill feelings toward anyone, let alone a parent, could do nothing but tear a person down. If Joel didn't rise above his anger and forgive his father, he would never be at peace.

She touched his arm. “Have you prayed about this? Have you asked God to help you with your feelings of bitterness?”

Joel's face flamed like a bonfire being lit. “I don't need any lectures, Kristi. And I sure don't need you preaching at me.”

“I wasn't. I'm only trying to offer my support.”

“Support is fine. I don't appreciate being preached at, though.” He rubbed his hand against his cheek. “I got enough lectures from my dad to last a lifetime.” Grabbing the empty tub the chicken had been in, Joel tossed it into the wicker basket. “You know what, Kristi? We need to go. I have some things to do at home before I go to work tomorrow.”

All Kristi could do was nod. How could such a pleasant day have turned sour so quickly? Maybe she ought to give Joel some time to mull over the things they'd discussed. Surely after he'd had a chance to analyze his behavior he would realize he was wrong.

Later in the day after Joel dropped Kristi off at her condo, he'd gone home and taken the Corvette out of his shop. Since he'd washed the car the day before, Joel wanted to get a fresh coat of wax on so it would shine even more.

As Joel began working on the hood, he thought about the things Kristi said to him at the park. She'd meant well when she suggested he pray about his bitterness, but Joel didn't put much stock in prayer.
I shouldn't have gotten so upset with her. She probably thinks I'm mad. I'll give her a call as soon as I'm done with the car and try to smooth things over
.

Joel moved to the back of the car and was almost finished waxing when he heard a car coming up his driveway. As soon as he realized it was Kristi, he panicked.
I can't let her see the Vette. If she sees the car, I'll have some explaining to do
.

Joel reached in his pocket and fumbled with his keys. But he couldn't get them out quickly enough, let alone get in the car and start it up. Kristi had already seen him.

“What are you doing with Tom's car?” she asked after she'd parked her car and gotten out. “Is he here? Did you two have something planned for today? Is that why you wanted to leave the park in such a hurry?” Kristi glanced around.

Tom's car? Why would she think it's his Corvette
? Then Joel remembered Kristi had seen him and Tom together with the car one night several weeks ago. He couldn't say Tom was here. She might want to talk to him. Then what? Joel needed to come up with some excuse as to why he was waxing the car Kristi thought belonged to Tom, without him being present. Or he could come right out and tell her the truth. Kristi had made it clear she didn't appreciate being lied to, so maybe it would be best to admit the Corvette was his. First, though, he needed to find out why she was here.

“I'm surprised to see you. Why'd you come by?” he asked, avoiding her question.

“I left my cell phone in your car.”

“Oh, I'll get it for you right now.” Joel left the chamois on the Corvette's hood and raced into the garage. When he returned with Kristi's cell phone, he found her staring at the Vette. “This looks like an expensive car. Tom must be making good money.”

Joel's face heated. “Actually, the car's not Tom's.”

“Oh? Who owns it then?”

“I do.”

Kristi's posture stiffened. “This is your car?”

“Yeah.”

“But I thought…” Her eyes blinked rapidly. “How come you let me believe it was Tom's?”

Sweat beaded on Joel's forehead and dripped onto his cheeks. “The thing is…I got the car at an auction back in August, and I paid a hefty price for it.”

“Is that why you took money from our account—to pay for this?” Kristi's voice quivered as she pointed at the car.

Joel shook his head forcefully. “I used money I'd gotten from a big job for the car—money I'd planned to use to pay my subcontractors.”

Her mouth twisted. “How could you do something like that, Joel?”

“Figured I could make up the money when I got paid for another job I'd bid on.” Joel grimaced. “Unfortunately, I didn't get the second job, which left me in a bind. So in order to pay some of the men who'd worked for me, I borrowed money from our savings account.”

Kristi's hand shook as she motioned to the Corvette. “So all this time, you've had the car and never said a word to me about it?”

Joel's face tightened as he lowered his head. “Sorry, Kristi. Guess I haven't been thinking straight lately.”

“You're right, you haven't! I can't believe you would be so deceitful.” She choked on her words. “Don't you care about anyone but yourself?”

Joel moved toward Kristi and grasped her wrist. “I care about you.”

“Let go of me!” She pulled her arm toward herself, but Joel gripped it tighter.

“No, Kristi, I need you to listen to me.”

“Do you really care, Joel? If you did, you wouldn't sneak around behind my back and do whatever you pleased.” Kristi's chin quivered as tears pooled in her eyes. “I looked past you taking money from our account and not telling me about your Amish heritage until your father died, but another deception is too much.”

“What are you saying?”

Kristi turned her head away from him, remaining silent for a few minutes. She sniffled before speaking again. “It…it's time for us to go our separate ways.”

“You can't mean it, Kristi.” Desperation welled in Joel's chest. “You're angry right now. Please give me another chance and let me explain a little more.”

“You've already explained. There's nothing more to be said. You've kept too many things hidden from me.” Using her free hand, she pried Joel's fingers loose. “Without honesty, our relationship will never work. I'm sorry, Joel, but we're done.”

A sense of panic welled in his soul as he watched Kristi get into her car. “Kristi, please wait!”

After she slammed her door shut, Joel could do nothing but watch Kristi back out of his driveway. He fell to his knees, his body hunched over, as he tried to choke down a sob.
Why? Why
? His nails bit into his palms. Heat flushed through his body, and he pounded his fists against the gravel.
Haven't I had enough to deal with
? He glared up at the sky. “Well, haven't I?”

Once Joel calmed down a bit, he headed up to his trailer house. His hand trembled as he reached for the doorknob.
It can't end like this. I need to get her back. There has to be a way
.

Wanda E. Brunstetter

New York Times
bestselling award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda's ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the Amish people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.