A Joyful Break (Dreams of Plain Daughters) by Diane Craver Read Free Book Online

district, the bishop gave permission to business owners to have cell phones to use to conduct their business. He said to charge them at the English neighbors’ houses. I’ve thought of getting a cell phone because that way if one of us has a medical emergency, I’ll have the means to call to get help instantly.” She put the empty thermos cup on the buggy seat.
    His eyes narrowed. “I like landline phones better. It’s easier to keep the phone separate from the home when there’s a phone shanty or a phone in the barn. If teenagers have cell phones, they might be tempted to use them too often. Cell phones invade our Amish home life.”
    “That’s true, but I’d use the cell phone just for emergencies.” She grinned. “And I’m not a teenage girl.”
    “No, you’re a beautiful woman.” He tossed his cup into a bag and took her hand in his. “I hope you decide to join the church. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
    “That’s a big concern of mine because if I decide to become English, I’ll lose you. I know you can’t marry me if I’m not Amish.” Would Samuel leave his Amish faith if I decide not to accept the rules of the Ordnung? His family and friends would have to shun him if he did. But I can’t see him doing this even though, he loves me. Losing Samuel would break my heart, but I can’t commit until I experience living in the English world.
    “God will direct your decision. It’s good you’re taking time to pray about why you can’t move on with your life and join the church. I’ll admit I’m a bit worried you might decide not to get baptized this spring. I keep thinking how your aenti became English.”
    She hated seeing the worried look on Samuel’s face. “I’m sorry I’m difficult. Our situation’s not the same as my Aunt Carrie’s. She met Scott while living in our world. If she hadn’t met him, I’m sure she would’ve taken instructions and joined our church.”
    “Exactly. You haven’t met an English man who makes you question your way of life.”
    “Instead, it’s an Amish man who causes me to doubt.”
    “I wish your daed had installed a phone in his barn or built a shanty, but if you become my wife, we’ll have a phone. I’ll take you to an English doctor whenever you’re ill. I’ll be a gut husband.”
    She squeezed his hand. “I know. You’re perfect for me.” Had her mamm thought her daed was perfect before she married him? People changed sometimes during marriage. Maybe in her daed’s case he had too many responsibilities and couldn’t do everything a husband should for his wife. The Amish life was filled with hard work but shouldn’t her daed have paid more attention to the most important woman in his life?
    “Enough talking.” He gently embraced her and kissed her with urgency.
    When he broke their kiss, she murmured, “I’ll miss kissing you.”
    “Kissing you is the best part of my day.”
    “You say the nicest things, Samuel.”
    “Remember that when you’re on the beach.”
    She couldn’t resist kidding him a bit. “I’m sure I’ll have a few thoughts of you while I’m in Florida.”
    Susie snorted.
    Samuel laughed. “I don’t think Susie believes your comment.”

Chapter Five
    “ Daed , I’ll write the family.” Rachel thought her father’s eyes looked moist, but she couldn’t honor his request and write to him alone. She’d write a family letter and probably individual ones to her siblings. He was the main reason she felt a need to leave home. How could a loving husband ignore his wife’s request to see a doctor? Resentment also existed toward him for assuming she’d take her mamm’s place. He’d expected her to quit her job at the bakery to take care of their family. He didn’t expect as much from Judith, and she knew why. Judith was his favorite daughter. Why couldn’t Judith have made any sacrifices after their mamm died? She did appreciate her sister helping at home now so she could leave, but still for