Savory barbecue chicken . . . golden-crisp potatoes . . . and fresh-picked produce are just a few of the offerings at Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Green Valley Farmer’s Market—along with surprising opportunities to find forever friendships, comforting advice—and love’s most delicious possibilities . . .
Filled with faith, community, and sweet romance, USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good’s Surprised by Love novels are perfect for fans of Linda Byler, Amy Clipston, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Charlotte Hubbard.
Hard-working and caring, Anna Mary Zook does her level best to care for her depressed widowed mother and five siblings . . . all while working a new farmer’s market job. And coping with her longtime boyfriend falling for another girl. She couldn’t be more grateful when visitor Abe King helps lighten her load of responsibilities—and is there when she needs a friend. Even more surprising, he understands her better than anyone ever has. But what happens when his family commitments demand that he soon returns home . . . to stay?
Abe felt Anna Mary’s gentleness and determination was special from the moment they met. And with his own father needing help tending the King family farm in New York, he well knows the pressure she’s under. He’s more than willing to travel to Lancaster as often as possible to help Anna Mary, but she deserves so much more. Abe wouldn’t feel right asking her to uproot her family and life to marry him. But between faith and hope, can they somehow find a way to do right by their duties and their hearts?
Release date:
August 20, 2024
Publisher:
Zebra Books
Print pages:
352
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A leafy canopy overhead shielded Anna Mary Zook from the hot afternoon sunshine as she stumbled deeper into the woods. The sturdy trunks of majestic oaks offered strength, a strength she desperately needed and wished she could draw on right now.
Why, God, why?
The bracing aroma of the pines scattered among the broad-leafed trees normally soothed her frazzled nerves and calmed her spirit, but today it did little to quell the storm raging within.
Nothing like finding your boyfriend concealed behind a tree with the biggest flirt in the g’may. Humiliation washed over Anna Mary.
Over the past six months they’d been courting, she’d confided in him, told him many of her secrets, her heartaches, and her dreams—things she’d told no one, not even her best friend, Caroline. She’d shared some of her pain with him, and she’d leaned on him as she dealt with her mother’s depression, her family money worries, and the heavy responsibility of caring for four younger sisters without a daed. Caroline knew some of Anna Mary’s stresses over her homelife, but other than what she’d told her best friend and her boyfriend, Anna Mary bore all these burdens alone.
And now he’d betrayed her.
The last time they’d been at a Sunday singing, that flirt Rachel had been surrounded by a bevy of boys. Anna Mary had commented on it, and her boyfriend—at least she’d thought he was her boyfriend—had assured her he’d never be interested in Rachel. Less than a week later, he and Rachel were hidden in the woods, exchanging enamored smiles.
Then, instead of apologizing, he’d stalked off, accusing her of not trusting him. That had wounded her more than his flirting. He’d two-timed her, but somehow, he’d put her in the wrong. And instead of supporting and comforting her, he’d been more concerned with his own hurt feelings. Or had it been guilt?
Anna Mary tripped over a tree root and tumbled to the ground. She pulled herself to a sitting position, her back against the rough bark of an oak, and gave in to the tears.
Lord, please help me deal with this betrayal, with Mamm’s depression, with caring for my little sisters, and with all the work still left to do when I get home. You promised not to give us more than we can bear, but I’m at my breaking point.
After crying a little longer, Anna Mary stood up and brushed off her dress. She’d promised to ride home with her supposed boyfriend, but maybe she’d ask Caroline to take her instead. Unless he was waiting to apologize. Even if he did, Anna Mary wasn’t sure she could trust him.
She’d always sensed an underlying connection between him and Rachel, an unspoken bond, even though the two of them avoided looking at each other. That reluctance to look at Rachel hinted at a deeper connection, something hidden and meaningful. Anna Mary had never asked about his past. Maybe before her family moved here five years ago, something had happened between him and Rachel.
He couldn’t have dated Rachel, because, back then, none of them had been baptized yet. Still, maybe he’d had a crush on her and she’d broken his heart, the way she did with so many of the buwe at church. Worse yet, maybe he harbored deep feelings for Rachel and would never get over her.
Anna Mary glanced around. She’d been walking for a while but hadn’t reached the volleyball field. Was she even walking in the right direction?
She sent up another prayer. Lord, please show me the right path. In the woods and in life.
Abe King chided his cousin Tim. “You shouldn’t have been so mean to that girl Caroline from the other team.”
A sullen look on his face, Tim growled, “I already said I forgave her. Now will you let it drop?”
“You should have apologized to her too.”
“Me apologize to Caroline? After all she’s done to me? You’ve got to be kidding.”
Abe prayed for patience. “What exactly has she done to you? Besides winning the volleyball games?”
“And gloating about it,” Tim groused. “Next time, she won’t be bragging about winning the game.”
Gritting his teeth, Abe tried to talk some sense into his cousin. Tim, with his petty feuds and hair-trigger temper, always tried to pay people back for what he saw as insults.
Although Abe agreed Caroline showed off whenever she made winning shots, she’d fallen in a mud puddle trying to save her team’s final point. And she’d set it up for a teammate. Tim had been laughing so hard at her predicament, he’d muffed the return. Abe had tried to save it, but the ball had grazed the top of the net and dropped on their side.
Tim walked toward the parking lot, kicking pebbles and grumbling. “Instead of Caroline, why don’t we talk about you losing that final point?”
As usual, Tim blamed everyone but himself. Abe didn’t want to argue, so he didn’t point out that Tim could have spiked the ball if he hadn’t been mocking Caroline. “Jah, sorry about that.”
“You should be. We could have beaten them. And we will next time. Sooner or later, I’m going to beat that girl.”
Abe had his doubts. Tim was a skillful player, but Caroline had a natural ability Tim lacked. Abe kept those thoughts to himself. “You know, if you dropped your rivalry with Caroline, you might play better.”
Tim stopped walking and snarled, “Are you saying I played poorly?”
“Neh, I didn’t say that at all. You’re the best player on the team. But sometimes your temper gets in the way of your better judgment.”
“At least I don’t hit weak shots into the net.”
“True.” Abe didn’t want this to escalate into a full-blown argument. “I’m sure you’ll be glad when I head back to New York.”
They’d reached the parking lot, and Tim scuffed the toe of his sneaker in the gravel. “Naw, I’m not. I’ll miss you.”
Tim’s honesty surprised Abe. Usually, his cousin bluffed and pretended not to care about anything.
Warmth filled Abe. “That’s nice to know.”
Tim went on as if he hadn’t heard. “You’re the only one who listens to me. I don’t really have any friends.”
“But your teammates follow you around.”
“Mostly just to see what I’ll do. They like that I’m not afraid to do things they’re too scared to try.”
Abe’s heart went out to his cousin. “Maybe you could find other ways to lead.”
Tim stomped toward the buggy. “You sound like Onkel Myron. I don’t need people telling me what to do.”
Abe sighed. The moment of closeness had vanished. He should have kept his mouth shut. He gave advice when he should keep it to himself. Tim liked to spout off, and all he wanted right now was a listening ear.
A rustling in the trees to his left startled Abe. From all the twigs snapping underfoot, it sounded like a lumbering bear. He froze. Snuffling? Bears snuffled, didn’t they? Did the Pennsylvania woods have bears?
Loud voices penetrated the woodsy silence, broken only by birds tweeting and small animals scampering in the bushes. Someone was arguing.
“Danke, Lord,” Anna Mary whispered.
Sniffling, she headed toward the noise. It seemed to be fading. She had to find her way out. She crashed through the undergrowth and emerged near the parking lot.
Grateful to be out of the trees, she’d forgive anyone and everything. Including Josh. Was that him waiting there for her?
Anna Mary charged in that direction, but it wasn’t Josh. That tall boy from the other team stared at her wide-eyed. Tim’s cousin Abe.
He laughed. “Am I ever glad to see you! I thought a bear was about to attack.”
Her face reddened. Had she thrashed around like a bear? She couldn’t look him in the eye. “Sorry. I got lost in the woods and raced toward the sound of voices.”
“I’m glad you found us. We’re the last buggy in the parking lot. I’d hate to think of you spending the night alone in the woods.”
“The last buggy? Everyone’s gone?”
Abe nodded. “Jah, only Tim and I are still here.” Panic filled Anna Mary. Where was Josh? Caroline? Were they both so upset they’d left without her? How would she get home? She could walk the eight miles, but she needed to start supper, and she shouldn’t leave Mamm alone any longer.
“Are you all right?” Abe studied her with concern.
“I—I, um . . .” How could she answer that? Her eyes stung, and she blinked to prevent tears from falling.
“Were you planning to walk home?” he asked gently. “Or did you miss your ride?”
Josh was supposed to drive her home, but . . . “I think he left without me.”
“Oh, you’re dating that good volleyball player. Josh?”
“I was. I’m not so sure if I am anymore,” Anna Mary blurted out. “W-we had an argument.”
“It’s not your fault,” she mumbled. “I got upset.” Now that she was over her scare of being stuck in the woods, Josh’s smile at Rachel seemed a small and petty thing to fight over.
“So he left without you?” Abe sounded indignant.
“I guess so.” It didn’t seem like Josh to be so unkind, but he had stalked off when she’d said she couldn’t trust him. She shouldn’t have said that. She’d blurted it out in anger.
“Come on.” Abe beckoned to her. “I’m sure my cousin will drive you home.”
“Your cousin?” Anna Mary’s stomach curdled. Ride with Tim? She’d rather walk the eight miles.
“He’s not a bad guy once you get to know him.”
Anna Mary hesitated. A guy who mocked her best friend every chance he got? One who made vicious shots on purpose?
“It’s all right. Besides, we can’t leave you here. How far away do you live?”
“Eight miles.”
“You’re coming with us. I’ll make sure Tim drives carefully and minds his manners.” Abe’s lips curved into a rueful expression. “At least I’ll try.”
Anna Mary laughed. “I don’t think Tim likes taking advice.”
“You’re right. But he wouldn’t leave anyone stranded.”
“I hope not.” Although Tim was the last person she wanted to ride with, she needed to get home as soon as possible. And for some reason, this Abe intrigued her. She’d like to get to know him better.
They walked in companionable silence to the buggy.
Tim’s eyes bugged out. “You poached someone else’s girlfriend? Does she know you’re heading back to New York soon?”
“Relax. She missed her ride, and I told her my cousin’s a gentleman who’d be happy to take her home.”
Fleeting expressions crossed Tim’s face—annoyance, uncertainty, pride, then resignation.
Anna Mary almost fled, but Abe’s presence steadied her.
“Jah, come on. We don’t have anything better to do.”
To Anna Mary’s surprise, Tim didn’t poke fun at her for getting left behind by her boyfriend. In fact, once they pulled out of the parking lot, he participated in the getting-to-know-you conversation Abe began.
She found out about Abe’s family in New York State, and she told him a little about her family, leaving out Mamm’s troubles.
“Is it hard for your mamm being widowed twice? My daed’s struggled with loneliness since Mamm died two years ago.”
Something about the understanding in Abe’s eyes as he turned his head to look at her gave Anna Mary the courage to be honest. “Ever since my stepfather died, some days she’s so depressed she can’t get out of bed.”
“That’s too bad. It must be hard on you. I guess you have to take care of everyone.”
“Jah.” The empathy in his eyes almost made her cry.
Tim cleared his throat. “At least both of you have a parent.”
That brought Anna Mary up short. Should she ask what he meant? Did he want to talk about it? “I’m sorry, Tim.”
His brittleness returned. “I’m not. Sometimes you’re better off without them. And who wants siblings?” Despite his bravado, his voice shook a little, and Anna Mary detected a deep loneliness underneath.
Abe changed the subject. “Do you enjoy other sports besides volleyball?”
Anna Mary admired his tact and his consideration for his cousin’s feelings. “Well, I’m not very good at volleyball. Not like Tim and you.”
Tim’s self-satisfied smile returned. Although his attitude grated on Anna Mary, she was glad to see the droopy lines around his mouth disappear, and his eyes no longer held the faraway sadness. She shifted on the back seat so she had a better view of Abe.
“I’m a little better with baseball.”
Abe turned to smile at her. “I prefer baseball too. I wish I could stay longer so we could set up a game.”
Disappointment snaked through Anna Mary, surprising her. She’d only just met Abe, but she didn’t want him to go. Her conscience jagged her. You shouldn’t be feeling this way about another man. You already have a boyfriend.
But did she?
“What about Caroline?” Tim broke into her thoughts. “She have a boyfriend? What about that guy that came to watch the game?”
Anna Mary shrugged. As far as she knew, Caroline had never gone on a date with anyone, but Anna Mary worried about Tim being interested in her best friend. Better not to give him any encouragement. He bugged Caroline with his taunts and bragging.
“We beat her in the second game today,” he boasted. “And next time, we’ll win all three.”
“She’s a good player,” Abe admitted. “And so’s your, um, boyfriend.”
Anna Mary winced. Josh might be her ex-boyfriend after today. She shook her head. Neh, Josh would do the right thing. He’d apologize and ask for forgiveness. And she’d do the same. They’d make things right.
“Does Caroline live near you?” Tim asked.
She hesitated. Why did Tim want to know? Did he plan to play a prank on her? He’d been furious she’d beaten him at volleyball. “Um, she doesn’t live too far away.”
“Not going to tell me where?” Tim shot her an annoyed look.
Anna Mary wished he’d keep his eyes on the road. He was already driving faster than she liked.
Abe laughed. “Anna Mary might wonder what you plan to do to her friend.”
“Someone needs to take her down a peg or two,” Tim snapped. “She thinks she’s such a great volleyball player.”
“Well, she is,” Abe said mildly.
“But she doesn’t have to brag about it all the time. She’s insufferable.”
“She’s really very sweet and caring.” Anna Mary wouldn’t let him criticize her best friend. Caroline might be mouthy at times, but she’d do anything for people.
“Wish she’d show that side to me,” Tim grumbled.
“She might if you were kinder to her,” Abe pointed out.
Tim lapsed into sullen silence.
They had several more miles to get to her house, and Anna Mary didn’t want to sit in uncomfortable silence, so she addressed a question to Abe. “What do you think of Lancaster?”
“I like it. I come here whenever I can.” Abe tilted his head toward Tim and tried to send a message to Anna Mary with his eyes. “I need to check up on my cousin from time to time.”
“Neh, you don’t,” Tim growled. “You just want to get out of all your work at home.”
Anna Mary wasn’t sure she’d interpreted Abe’s meaning correctly, but it seemed he was concerned about Tim. Did it have anything to do with Tim not having parents? She didn’t want to ask after seeing how upset Tim had gotten about that subject earlier.
“What do you do, Abe?” From what she’d seen of Abe, Anna Mary didn’t believe Tim’s dig about Abe avoiding work.
Tim harrumphed. He liked to be the center of attention. Had she hurt his feelings by talking to Abe? She’d have to include him in the conversation more, even though she only wanted to find out about Abe.
“We have a dairy farm, so it’s hard on Daed when I come to Lancaster for visits.”
“Abe’s lucky.” Envy laced Tim’s words. “He’s the youngest, so he’ll run the family business someday.”
“You know you can always come to New York and join me. I’m happy to share the business.”
What a generous offer! The more Anna Mary got to know Abe, the more he impressed her.
“Easy to say when you know I’ll never leave Lancaster.”
She wondered why. Tim didn’t have family here or seem happy in Lancaster. And she could tell Abe meant what he said.
“Where do you work, Tim?” Anna Mary hoped it might distract him.
“I’m stuck inside a prison. All blank walls and no windows. Doing stupid, repetitive work every day.”
“He works at a factory that manufactures farm machinery,” Abe explained. “He alternates between the different shifts, including the night shift sometimes.”
“I see.” Maybe losing sleep at night caused Tim’s grumpiness. Anna Mary felt sorry for him. No parents, an unpleasant job, a challenging work schedule, and losing volleyball games. Maybe she could convince Caroline to be kinder to him.
The buggy approached Rachel’s house. Anna Mary intended to glance away, but a familiar head of brown hair caught her eye. She sucked in a breath. Her stomach clenched. NEH!
There on Rachel’s front porch, Josh sat laughing and talking with Rachel. They both glanced at the buggy, but Josh didn’t even bother to wave. He must be too caught up in their conversation.
Abe’s head whipped around. “What’s wrong?”
Tim had noticed and slowed the horse. “Well, lookie there. Seems like your boyfriend is having fun with another woman. Don’t blame him. She’s real pretty, ain’t she? I wouldn’t mind—”
“Tim!” Abe’s short, shocked exclamation cut off whatever else his cousin had planned to say.
Anna Mary snapped her head forward so she didn’t have to watch Josh enjoying that flirt’s company. Anna Mary’s eyes stung, and she pinched her lips tight. It was bad enough Josh had humiliated her like this, but having Tim see it and spread the news . . .
Even more embarrassing, Abe had just seen her rejected by her boyfriend. What must he think?
“Ach, Anna Mary, I’m so sorry.” Abe’s soothing voice sounded as if he really cared.
As much as she appreciated his kindness, being jilted stung. And Rachel?
“She’s such a flirt,” Anna Mary muttered.
“Wish she’d flirt with me.” Tim sighed dreamily.
Abe poked his cousin. “Would you stop? This is hard enough for Anna Mary, and you’re only making it worse.”
Anna Mary loved how Abe stood up for her. Maybe if Josh was moving on, she should too. But even as she thought it, her heart ached. Josh had told her he’d never be interested in Rachel. He’d lied.
“Oh,” Anna Mary exclaimed, “that’s the turnoff to my house.” They’d almost driven past it. She should have been paying attention.
Tim jerked on the reins, and they came to an abrupt stop. Anna Mary pitched forward. Abe threw out a protective hand, and she banged into his strong, tanned forearm.
“Did I hurt you?” he asked when the buggy stopped shuddering.
“I’m all right.” But she wasn’t. She hadn’t hit too hard, but she rubbed the place that had made contact. If she hadn’t been thrown backward so quickly, she might have let her face rest against—
Anna Mary Zook, what are you thinking? You have no business letting your mind go in that direction. Besides, you have a boyfriend.
But did she? Even if she didn’t, she shouldn’t be longing to touch a man she’d just met. Or any man, for that matter. Even if he was tall and handsome and very, very nice.
She dropped her fingers to her lap, but she couldn’t slow the rapid pattering of her pulse. She’d been angry at seeing Josh with that flirt, but what was she doing?
Shame heated her cheeks. She had no right to condemn Josh if she did the same thing.
To prevent another accidental bump, Anna Mary kept a close eye out the window so she could direct Tim before they reached the turns. “My house is the light gray one after this cornfield.” She pointed to the right.
When they pulled into her driveway, she couldn’t wait to hop out and run inside. To get away from her embarrassment and her roiling feelings. Abe slid the door open and got out so he could pull the seat forward.
He gave her a gentle smile. “Will you be all right?”
She gulped and nodded. His flushed cheeks and the slight sheen on his face revealed he was still overheated from the game. She should be hospitable.
“It’s hot out here. Would you both like to come in for some lemonade and cool down a little before you start back?”
Sure, Anna Mary. You just feel sorry for them.
“That sounds nice,” Abe said.
Tim ducked his head so he could stare out the passenger door. “You got any sisters?”
“Four of them.”
“What are we waiting for?” Tim hopped out and tied the horse to a post. “Where are your sisters?” he asked eagerly as they headed for the door.
As the other two trailed Tim across the overgrown lawn, Abe leaned closer and whispered, “Your sisters are younger than you, aren’t they?”
Anna Mary nodded. “Sarah, the closest in age to me, is twelve. The other three are five, three, and two.”
“Tim’s going to be disappointed.”
“I know.” Anna Mary couldn’t keep the note of satisfaction from her voice. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said it that way.”
“It’s all right. Tim’s my cousin, and I love him. But I can see he annoys people. He’s had a rough life, and he’s always trying for the attention he never got.”
Tim bounced impatiently on the front porch. “What’s taking you two so long? I want to meet your sisters.” Then his eyes narrowed. “Ach, Abe, you trying to move in on a girl whose boyfriend dumped her?”
Abe winced, and so did Anna Mary, inwardly. She’d forgotten about Josh until Tim brought it up. Now it hit her full force. She sucked in a breath. Josh and Rachel. He’d looked happier than she’d ever seen him.
“I’m sorry, Anna Mary.” Abe’s soft, understanding voice seemed to come from a distance.
She struggled to pull herself back from the shame of being cheated on and the fears of life without Josh. Until now, she hadn’t realized how much she’d depended on him for emotional support. Caroline helped as much as she could, but she was a talker, rather than a listener. And Anna Mary often needed a listening ear.
Abe must have sensed her worries. “Will you be all right?”
“I-I’m not sure,” she admitted honestly. “It’s not easy handling everything on my own.”
His expression softened. “I wish I could be here for you.”
Anna Mary almost blurted out, I wish you could too, but she caught herself in time.
Suppose Josh regretted what he’d done and came to apologize. She’d have to forgive him. Better for her not to give in to the feelings Abe stirred in her. Maybe she was only drawn to Abe because he offered sympathy and understanding. Or because she was so hurt by Josh’s betrayal.
But Josh wasn’t here now, and Abe was. And he’d said something kind and caring. She needed to respond. Ducking her head so he couldn’t see how his words affected her, Anna Mary choked out a danke.
Tim hopped from one foot to the other. “Are you two going to stand there the rest of the day staring into each other’s eyes? It’s not like you’re going to be around here long, Abe. Flirting with her is a waste of time.”
Heat flashed into Abe’s face. Did Anna Mary think he’d been flirting? He’d only intended to be kind. She seemed so troubled, and he wanted to lift some of the burdens weighing her down.
“I didn’t—I wasn’t—” Abe stuttered out.
“I know,” Anna Mary said softly. “I try to ignore most of what Tim says.”
Relief washed over Abe. “A wise idea.”
He didn’t want Anna Mary to think he’d try to take advantage of her situation. She’d looked so devastated to see her boyfriend enjoying someone else’s company, anyone would have wanted to comfort her.
But if he were honest with himself, he had to admit he’d been drawn to her before he knew about her boyfriend. That attraction had only increased the more time he spent around her. And learning about all she had to cope with had brought a strong desire to care for her.
“I wish I could do something to help you,” he blurted out before thinking.
She stared up at him with such appreciation, his heart almost stopped beating.
He reminded himself he’d be headed back to New York soon. Even if she wasn’t courting someone, he’d have no chance. He lived too far away, the dairy business required long hours, and he couldn’t visit very often. Anna Mary needed someone who’d support her day in and day out, someone who could be here in person.
Tim yelled from the porch again. They had to get over there before he broadcast more embarrassing comments to the neighborhood.
“We’d better not get him too upset.” With his eyes, Abe begged Anna Mary to hurry.
She must have gotten his message, because she rush. . .
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