Her Pretend Amish Boyfriend

Book 5: Surprised by Love

by Rachel J. Good

Genres: Clean & Wholesome Romance

Synopsis

In this USA Today bestselling author’s sweetly romantic inspirational series, a bustling Green Valley Farmer’s Market in Pennsylvania is the perfect place for residents of nearby Amish communities to find the partner of their dreams—when, and how, they least expect it! Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Jennifer Beckstrand.
 
Hiding a painful secret, valley newcomer Noah Riehl is looking for a fresh start with few complications.  He hopes his job at the Farmer’s Market will give him the quiet life he craves. But light-hearted Caroline Hartzler has other ideas. She practically falls in love with him at first sight. And when she asks Noah for a not-so-simple favor—and won’t take no for answer—he finds himself reluctantly agreeing . . .
 
Caroline refuses to listen to the gossip that has followed Noah into the valley, or even to her own daed’s warnings. She’s taken with Noah and his gentle, generous spirit. In fact, he’s the perfect person to help her discourage an unwanted suitor—by pretending they’re courting. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Caroline must remind herself that their relationship is just a temporary ruse. But she’s not the only one struggling. . . . Secretly, Noah’s feelings for Caroline deepen more than he thought possible, helping him renew his faltering faith. But when rumors about his past threaten to ruin them both, they must pray that the truth leads them to the blessed union they long for . . .
 

Release date: June 27, 2023

Publisher: Zebra Books

Print pages: 352

Sample

As the spiked volleyball whizzed to the ground on the other side of the net, Caroline Hartzler whooped. They’d done it! They’d beaten the other team after tying the score twice. She high-fived the boy next to her, who’d made the final point.

“We did it!” She jumped into the air, arms spread overhead in victory.

“Caroline?” Anna Mary tugged at Caroline’s elbow and whispered, “Calm down. You’re the loudest one here.”

Her best friend’s words sloshed over Caroline like a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade. Once again, Caroline had let loose in her exuberance. She wilted and followed Anna Mary off the court.

“That’s better,” her friend said. “The whooping was a bit much.”

“But we won the whole tournament.” Caroline wiped the sweat trickling down her face. “Aren’t you excited?” They’d been playing all day under the hot sun against fierce competition from youth groups from other g’mays.

“I’d be more excited if you hadn’t done that pancake.”

Caroline reached for a cup of water. “If I hadn’t, we’d have lost the game.” Her dive and slide had kept the ball from hitting the ground. And it allowed her teammate to make the final spike. Too bad the pancake had dirtied the whole front of her apron. Mamm wouldn’t be happy. She’d warned Caroline to be careful before she left this morning.

Anna Mary sighed and shook her head. “I thought we agreed that you’d be quieter and less . . . less—”

“Of a show-off,” Caroline finished for her.

“That wasn’t what I planned to say,” Anna Mary protested.

“But it was what you meant.”

All around them players were shaking hands and congratulating each other. Caroline needed to get over there and tell the other team they’d played a good game. She gulped her water so fast she choked.

“Can’t you do anything slowly?” Anna Mary tucked a few loose strands of Caroline’s hair under her kapp.

Caroline drew in a long, deep breath. She loved her friend, but Anna Mary was starting to sound like Mamm. Be more ladylike, her mother warned all the time. Slow down. Be quiet, be gentle, be calm. Now Anna Mary was echoing all of Mamm’s warnings.

Nobody seemed to understand how hard that was for Caroline. To be fair, though, she had asked Anna Mary for reminders. Caroline tamped down her irritation. She shouldn’t complain—not even internally—about Anna Mary’s advice.

“I’ll try.” Caroline forced herself to stroll toward the other players rather than sprint. As usual, she complimented each opposing player for at least one or two of their best moves.

“Great shoulder roll,” she said to one.

He grinned. “Are you going to try it next time? If so, you’re welcome to play on my team.”

Two of his teammates smirked.

Caroline’s cheeks heated, and tears stung the back of her eyes. She couldn’t do that somersaulting move, not in a dress, and he knew it. He’d been trying to humiliate her, but she wouldn’t let him know he’d succeeded. She acted as if he’d been serious. “Danke so much for inviting me,” she said graciously, “but I’d prefer to play on a winning team.”

As they passed her, one of the boys dug an elbow into the cheeky one’s side. “She sure put you in your place.”

His other friend laughed. “Guess it’s not a good idea to tease a girl who’s willing to pancake. She’ll win every time.”

The sour expression on the young man’s face told Caroline she’d made an enemy. Someone like that didn’t take kindly to being bested. And she’d not only won their verbal exchange, she’d also spiked the next-to-the-last point right at his feet.

“Looks like you upset him.” Anna Mary came up beside her and tilted her chin toward the grumbling boy.

“I didn’t mean to.” Caroline never wanted to hurt anyone. Sometimes her outspokenness got her in trouble. She dashed after him, ignoring Anna Mary calling her name. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Will you forgive me?”

From the tight line of his mouth, she’d only made things worse. And she’d put him on the spot. Now he’d have to agree.

His curt jah revealed his reluctance.

She waited a moment in case he wanted to apologize to her, but he didn’t reciprocate. She turned to go but couldn’t help overhearing his friends chuckling.

“Hurt your feelings? She thinks she hurt your feelings?”

Ach, why didn’t she think before she spoke? She should have just apologized, not let her tongue run away with her.

Anna Mary caught up with her. “I guess we’ll have to cross those three off the list of your dating possibilities.”

Did her friend need to rub it in? Anna Mary, who’d recently started courting, despaired of Caroline ever finding a boyfriend. All the boys at church picked Caroline first for volleyball and baseball teams, and they enjoyed the fun ideas she came up with for group activities, but none of them had ever asked her to ride home after a singing.

And the one time she’d thought she’d found the perfect man for her, it had ended in disaster. Nobody, not even her own family or Anna Mary, knew the truth about that. Caroline usually blabbed about every detail of her life, but she’d kept most of that a secret. And she always would.

According to Anna Mary, Caroline’s personality scared off possible dates. She was too outgoing, too open, too exuberant. Caroline understood her friend’s point, but changing herself seemed impossible. It wouldn’t be easy, but maybe she could find someone who’d appreciate her the way God made her.

Lord, I know that’s a huge request, but can You help me find the right man for me?

“Caroline?” Anna Mary jostled her elbow. “Don’t you have to get to work?”

Ach, she’d forgotten all about that. She’d promised her brother she’d be there as soon as the game ended. The Green Valley Farmer’s Market stayed open until seven on Fridays. If she hurried, she might make it before the after-school and after-work crowds arrived. “But what am I going to do about my apron?” She couldn’t work at the chicken barbecue stand with a dirt-smeared apron.

“Here.” Anna Mary unpinned her apron. “Trade with me. I’ll wash yours and give it back at church on Sunday.”

“I can’t let you do that.”

“You don’t have much choice, do you? Your brother needs you.” Anna Mary thrust her apron into Caroline’s hands. “That’s what friends are for. You’d do the same for me.”

“Of course I would, but you’d never slide across the ground.”

“Just give me your apron. I’m standing here without one.”

“I’m sorry.” Caroline rushed to remove her apron and give it to her friend. “I’ll make it up to you. And you don’t have to wash it.”

“Let’s get going. I need to get home to help Mamm with supper.”

Twenty minutes later, Anna Mary pulled her buggy into the auction parking lot. “Sorry for parking so far away from the market entrance, but I think it’ll be faster for you to get out here.”

“You’re right.”

A long line of cars waited to turn into the market parking lot. From this back parking lot, Caroline could cut through the auction storeroom and go through the side doors into the market. This heavy traffic meant the Friday rush had begun already. A lot of people picked up chicken for dinner on their way home. Her brother needed her. He’d be worried about her being so late.

She hopped out and waved. “Danke for dropping me off.” Then she barreled toward the nearest doors. Banged through them. And smacked into a hard chest.

Crash! Two crates hit the floor, sending little wooden pieces flying everywhere.

A man grasped her arms to keep her from falling. “Are you all right?”

“Ach, I’m fine.” Or she would be. The collision had knocked her dizzy. Or maybe being so close to a man, inhaling the laundry-fresh scent of his shirt . . . Caroline took two unsteady steps back.

He didn’t release his grip. “Are you sure? You look shaky.”

Caroline turned her attention away from his piercing blue eyes. All around them, small colored bits of wood lay scattered. Still breathless, she nodded toward the pieces with her chin. “Let me, um, help you clean up.” It would make her extra late for helping her brother, but she couldn’t leave this mess. Not when it had been her fault.

Noah stared down at the pretty blonde in his arms. He should let go, but she’d gut-punched him in more ways than one.

“I’m so sorry.” She bit her lip. “I seem to do nothing but cause problems today.”

The tears shining in her green eyes made him want to comfort her. He couldn’t decide if he’d like the teardrops to keep shimmering on her lashes or if he’d rather they’d slide down her soft cheeks so he could wipe them away with his fingertips. His heart urged him to pull her closer. But his head won.

He dropped his hands to his sides and forced his gaze from hers. “Don’t worry about it. You’re in a hurry. I’ll clean up.” All he wanted to do was shoo her through the opposite door to wherever she’d been going.

“That’s not fair. I can’t leave you with all the work.” She squatted. “What are these?”

“Pieces to jigsaw puzzles.”

“But they’re wood. I’ve only ever seen cardboard ones this small.” Many Amish woodworkers made wooden children’s puzzles, but these seemed much too tiny for children.

“They’re from the early nineteen-hundreds.”

She scooped up a handful and dumped them into the closest crate. “They all have smooth or bumpy sides. Where are the little tabs to hook them together?”

“They don’t have any. The pieces just slide next to each other.” Although Noah should appreciate her help, she was sweeping all the pieces together. “Listen, it would be better if I do this to keep them from getting too mixed up. They each need to go back into a certain box.” Although they’d gotten jumbled, he could gather the ones closest to each box. That would make them easier to sort.

“And I’m only making it worse for you. I’m so sorry.”

The wetness shining in her eyes touched him. “It’s all right. I’ll just take these off the auction list for tonight. It’ll give me plenty of time to sort them later. Besides, you should go. Aren’t you late?” Noah fervently hoped her answer would be jah.

She sucked in a breath. “I forgot all about my brother. He’ll be swamped with customers.” Jumping to her feet, she said, “I’ll come back after closing and sort them into the correct boxes.”

“Don’t worry about it. I can do it.” He didn’t have anything else to do tonight except return to his lonely home—if you could call a rented RV a home. And he certainly didn’t need her around disturbing his peace of mind.

But as she rushed away, Noah couldn’t keep his eyes off her. The only sane thought he had was that he needed to stay as far away from her as he could. If he didn’t, she’d knock down all his carefully constructed defenses.

Caroline zigzagged through the crowds and skidded to a halt near her family’s stand. The line stretched from the center of the market around the aisle and out the door. Most of the people who’d been blocking her entrance stood waiting for chicken.

Her brother, Gideon, and their sister-in-law Nettie, were racing around trying to wait on people while Aidan lifted two French fry baskets from the oil at once. Caroline scurried in to help.

Gideon slid a whole chicken into a foil-lined bag. “Thank heavens you’re here. We really need you.”

“I’ll wash my hands and be right there.” She squeezed past Nettie, who was dipping out potato salad, and turned on the water at the sink.

As she soaped her hands, Caroline winced at her fingernails. After diving onto the ground and making that final volleyball save, she’d slid another few feet and dug her hands in the dirt to stop.

What had that auctioneer thought when she’d scooped up the puzzle pieces? Not only had she been mixing them up, making his work harder, but he must have been cringing at her filthy hands fingering the antiques. She scrubbed extra hard at her nails. Customers here at the stand wouldn’t appreciate someone waiting on them like that either. When she went back to help the auctioneer, she’d make sure her fingers and nails were spotless.

“What took you so long?” Gideon asked as she slipped into place at the cash register. He lowered the customer’s tray so she could see the items and ring them up.

“The tournament ran longer than usual. But we won!” Caroline reached for the cash the customer handed her and made change.

“Hey, that’s great.” Her brother flashed her a congratulatory grin.

“And then—” Caroline hesitated a second. Maybe she shouldn’t tell him about the puzzle accident.

Before she could decide, Gideon held up a hand. “I want to hear all about it, but let’s save it for after the rush.”

Once again, she’d been thinking only of herself. She wished she’d learn to think of others before she did things to bother them.

After that, she stuck to food-related conversations and moved customers through the line swiftly, but did it with a genuine smile and caring attitude. The remaining hours passed quickly in a blur of to-go orders and trays for customers who chose to eat at the small café tables near their stand. They ran out of chicken ten minutes before closing, disappointing several customers, who turned away. Others ordered salads to take home.

Caroline breathed a sigh of relief when Gideon slipped out to lock the market doors at seven. “Wait,” she called after him. She dashed to catch up. “I want to get out the side door to the auction.”

“I’ll open it for you later if you can’t go around to the employee exit. Nettie needs help cleaning up.”

“I can’t.” She darted past her brother. “I have to fix a mess I made at the auction. Besides, I covered for Nettie yesterday.”

“Caroline!” Gideon’s voice trailed after her, but she ignored his call and rushed through the door. Outside, people packed the auction tent, waiting in breathless anticipation for the next item. The auctioneer’s patter began, one word sliding into the next in an unbroken rhythm of beautiful up-and-down trills. Caroline always admired the way they spoke so rapidly, yet they managed to make themselves understood. And they built the crowd’s eagerness into a frenzy. A frenzy that raised bids, again and again, convincing even reluctant tightwads to go higher and higher.

She stopped in her tracks. This auctioneer not only had the best patter she’d ever heard, he also held the audience spellbound. And while he mesmerized those inside the tent, he also attracted Caroline’s full attention. The man she’d run into earlier had been attractive up close, and he didn’t lose any of that appeal on the stage.

Even as her pulse pitter-pattered, her brain sent out a warning. She’d made a fool of herself before over an auctioneer. Never again would she make that mistake.

To avoid him, she’d sneak into the building, sort the puzzle pieces, and leave before he finished. He still had quite a few goods lined up to auction, so he’d probably be occupied for a while. She’d finish as much as possible and slip out the far door before he returned.

Caroline hurried past the tent and eased open the storeroom door so she didn’t bump into anyone. But the room appeared empty. She had no idea where to find the puzzles. She checked row after row of shelves filled with crates like the ones she’d spilled, but none held loose puzzle pieces.

“What are you doing in here?” a loud voice barked behind her.

She whirled around. Fred Evans, the assistant manager of the auction, stood, hands planted on his hips, glaring at her.

“I, um—” Would the auctioneer get in trouble if she mentioned the spilled crates? Like Fred’s older brother, Russell, who used to manage the market before he got hauled off to jail, Fred had an explosive temper.

“Don’t tell me.” His mocking tone matched his sarcastic expression. “You’re here to chase after another auctioneer.”

Caroline bit her lip and tried not to show how much his words hurt. That relationship had humiliated her enough. And Fred knew it. He didn’t have to be cruel and rub it in. “No, I’m not.”

“Somehow, I don’t quite believe you.” A calculating look lit his eyes. “Oh-ho, just so happens we have a brand-new auctioneer. You’re here to see Noah Riehl, aren’t you?”

“Nooo.” Her hesitant answer didn’t sound convincing. But it was true. She wasn’t planning to see Noah.

Fred laughed. “You’re not a very good liar. I want you out of here before he gets done.”

That wouldn’t be a problem. She intended to avoid Noah.

“And stay away from my building. If I catch you in here again, I won’t hesitate to call the police to report an intruder.”

Straightening her back, Caroline added tartness to her voice. “I’m not an intruder, and you know it. I work at the market.” Her brother Gideon managed the market now, and he’d vouch for her. “I only came in here to fix something.”

“Fix something? What would you be fixing in here?” He loomed over her and leaned in close.

Caroline shivered inside. His brother had gone to jail. For all she knew, Fred might be a criminal too.

The door banged open. Noah stopped in the doorway, his attention fixed on her. “What are you doing here?” His question didn’t sound as mean as Fred’s had. He just seemed confused.

“That’s what I asked her,” Fred said.

“I told you I’d take care of it.” Noah met her eyes, and Caroline’s heart bumped against her ribs.

She averted her gaze and hoped Fred couldn’t hear the thumping. Fred stepped back a little as Noah approached.

“That’s not fair.” Caroline didn’t feel right making Noah sort out the spill. “It was my fault.”

“But—” He shot a wary glance at Fred, whose attention ping-ponged between them.

“And just what does she think you need her for?”

Noah, who stood more than a head taller than Fred, glanced down at him. “A project she offered to help with.”

Fred turned to Caroline. “Well, he’s made it clear he doesn’t need you, and I’ve already told you to get out, so what are you waiting for?”

Shocked, Noah stared at Fred. “I didn’t say that. And there’s no need to be rude.” Noah sent an apologetic glance to Caroline.

Fury blazing in his eyes, Fred turned on Noah. “I don’t want you fraternizing with other employees. Women employees.”

“I have no intention of doing that.” Noah frosted his words with ice.

“Good thing. Because it can get messy. If you don’t believe me, ask Caroline here.” Fred gestured toward her. “I lost a good employee, and it’s all her fault.”

Her stomach clenched. Why did he have to embarrass her like this? At least she’d already decided to stay away from Noah. Fred exposing her painful secret made it even more important to avoid Noah.

Caroline lifted her chin and did her best to maintain her dignity. “As long as you don’t need me, I’ll be going. I have plenty of work back at the stand.”

Surprise flashed in Noah’s eyes along with a hint of admiration. Then she flounced toward the door. She wouldn’t let Fred get the better of her.

Noah couldn’t let her walk off like that without an apology. If Fred wouldn’t do it, Noah would do it for both of them.

“Wait,” he called, and hurried to catch up to her. “Sorry. I don’t want you to think—” He lifted his hands and shoulders in a shrug. “You know.” He tilted his head slightly in Fred’s direction. “Danke for coming to help. That was kind of you.”

“You’re welcome. I’d still like to fix the, um, problem.”

He shook his head. “No need.”

“If you’re sure?”

Jah, he was sure. Very sure. Having her around would be too much of a distraction. “I have it all under control.” Cleaning up puzzle pieces, that is. He couldn’t say the same about his emotions.

“Very touching.” Fred sneered. “What are you doing back here anyway? You should be out there working. I’ll be docking your pay for this time.”

“I’m on my fifteen-minute break, and Butch wanted a turn with the mic. I came back here to see what I could prep for tomorrow.”

Butch, Fred’s spoiled eighteen-year-old son, loved to be in the spotlight even though he’d never really gotten the hang of the patter or coaxing an audience to buy, so they didn’t make nearly as much money when he sold the goods.

Fred looked apoplectic. “Get out there now and take that mic away from him.”

“If you say so.”

“I do. Butch is not supposed to be onstage on Friday nights or Saturdays when we have our largest audiences. Go tell him I have an appointment, so he needs to lock up tonight.” Fred fired a nasty look past Noah. “And you get out of here before I call the police.”

Noah froze. The police? But Fred had focused on Caroline. What had she done?

“I didn’t do anything, and you know it,” she shot back.

Impressed by her spunk, Noah smiled at her. Fred intimidated most of the workers here at the auction. It was nice to see someone stand up to his bullying.

When her wide, generous mouth curved upward, sickness curled in his stomach. He’d let his admiration show, and she’d responded in kind. He’d made a terrible mistake.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t come in here to chase another auctioneer, Caroline Hartzler. That was an outright lie.”

Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. “It was not.”

Fred snickered. “Then why are the two of you standing there staring at each other like a pair of lovesick teenagers?”

That sobered Noah. He’d let down his guard. Much too dangerous.

Caroline stood there with a stricken look on her face, and Noah’s heart went out to her.

“Just ignore him,” Noah whispered. “Come on. Let’s go. I’ll walk you out.”

She glanced up at him, gratitude in her eyes. That look could easily melt a man’s resolve. Noah steeled himself.

Caroline had the most expressive face he’d ever seen. A real contrast to him. He tried never to let his emotions show. Openness like that made her appealing. And spelled trouble. Big trouble.

As Noah opened the door and ushered Caroline toward the market, Fred banged out the exit on the opposite side.

Caroline slowed her steps. “Once Fred’s gone, I can work on sorting out the puzzles.”

“Neh.” The word exploded from Noah’s lips. “You can’t take that chance. He threatened to call the police.”

She tossed her head. “I’m not afraid of the police. I wouldn’t be doing anything wrong.”

A strange expression crossed Noah’s face, and his lips twisted into a wry smile. “Sometimes that doesn’t matter. Besides, Fred told you to stay out, so you’d be trespassing.”

“I have as much right to be in there as Fred does. My brother is in charge of Green Valley Market, so he has some say. And Mrs. Vandenberg’s the real owner. She’ll put Fred in his place.” After she blurted out the words, Caroline wished she could take back her gloating tone. She’d only meant to defend herself, not to brag.

“You may have plenty of people to protect you, but you never know what the police might do.” Noah stared off into the distance. “They might arrest you.”

“I doubt it.” Caroline was certain about that. “Fred will never call the cops. They hauled his brother off to jail several months ago. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out Fred’s a criminal too.”

Noah stiffened and turned away from her to concentrate on Butch. “Ach, he cut that off way too soon. He could have kept that bidding going. Both of those women would have gone higher, and that man over there had been considering a bid. You can see his disappointment.”

Caroline followed Noah’s gesture toward the rear of the tent, where the man was muttering something to the person next to him. “You’re really good at this.”

“I should be. . .