Elijah And The Widow

The Widow’s Second Chance

Martha King has been a widow for only a few months, but already the community wants her to remarry. But after her childless marriage, she isn’t in a rush to give her heart to another man—until Elijah Lapp. The handsome—and younger—Eli hires on at Martha’s farm to earn extra money to fund his dream of owning a carriage shop. But the more time Eli spends with Martha, the more he realizes his life should also include a wife. Can Eli convince the Amish beauty to overcome their age difference and accept a future with him?

Eli stepped out of his vehicle and tied up his horse.

She blushed. The two-wheeled carriage he’d driven resembled the type used for courting. He grinned when he saw her standing a few yards away.

“Martha! Guder mariye!” He looked glad to see her.

“Gut morning, Eli. Working alone today?”

“Ja. Isaac is helping Dat on the farm.”

“Why aren’t you helping your vadder?”

“He says he doesn’t need my help. I’d rather be here. You pay me to work.” His smile held pure masculine appreciation.

Was Eli flirting with her?

“What are you planning to do today?” she asked as he continued to smile at her.

“Finish a few items on Dat’s list.” He studied her for a long moment. His smile disappeared. “I’ll get to work.”

As she pinned up some towels on the clothesline, she flashed a look in Eli’s direction. What is it about this man that makes me unable to ignore him? She recalled the two men in her life who had hurt her.

Not again. It wouldn’t happen a third time. Not with anyone.

REBECCA KERTZ was first introduced to the Amish when her husband took a job with an Amish construction crew. She enjoyed watching the Amish foreman’s children at play and swapping recipes with his wife. Rebecca resides in Delaware with her husband and dog. She has a strong faith in God and feels blessed to have family nearby. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, doing crafts and visiting Lancaster County.

Elijah and

the Widow

Rebecca Kertz

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

—Philippians 2:2

For Melissa Endlich, Editor Extraordinaire, for her kind patience, understanding and expertise. Thank you.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Happiness, Lancaster County,

Pennsylvania Spring

The winter had been fierce with heavy snowstorms and time spent huddled near the woodstoves in the gathering room and in the kitchen. Elijah Lapp was glad to see the bitter cold weather end. He stood on the edge of the family farm, lifted his face toward the sun and closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply and smiled. The warm breeze felt good against his skin, and he enjoyed the scents of spring blossoms and freshly tilled dirt, a clear reminder of nature’s rebirth.

The sound of distant male voices had him opening his eyes. Dat and his younger brothers headed in his direction. His father handled the reins to the four big chestnut Belgians that pulled the plow while Isaac walked alongside the horses, ready to help maneuver them as they reached the end of the field. Daniel and Joseph, the youngest, trailed behind. He heard laughter as Daniel jostled Joseph teasingly. Dat scolded the two boys, and they grinned at each other as they returned to work.

Eli chuckled and shook his head. He remembered when Jacob and he were learning farmwork. They had walked with Dat and listened as their father had explained how to get the most from the soil. He smiled as he recalled how excited he’d been when Dat had given him the leathers for the first time. To be allowed to operate the farm equipment had made him feel like a man.

He watched as Dat steered the plow to the end of a field before Isaac grabbed hold of the gear to lead the horses in the opposite direction. He should be working with them today, but Noah had asked for assistance with his furniture business, and Dat said Eli could go because he had enough help for the day’s planned work.

His father acknowledged him with a nod when he saw him. Eli waved as Samuel Lapp slowed the horses to within a few yards of where he stood. The large draft horses halted on command, and Dat turned to him with a smile.

“Dat, I’ll be leaving now. Are you sure you don’t need me to stay?”

Samuel took off his straw hat and wiped his brow with his shirtsleeve. “Ja, but I’ll need your help tomorrow.”

“I wouldn’t go today, but Noah is eager to catch up with his work orders.”

His father settled his hat back onto his head. “You’re becoming skilled as a cabinetmaker in your own right,” he said, sounding pleased.

Eli smiled. He enjoyed working with his hands, and he was thankful that his brother had given him the opportunity to craft a few wooden chairs and a number of tables. “The only things I’ll be making for him today are deliveries.”