d="u1c952245-0e93-5ba7-8f30-c3f4b6d29132">
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
MILLS & BOON
Before you start reading, why not sign up?
Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!
Or simply visit
Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.
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
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
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