Free Accused (Amish Romance Mystery) (Amish Secret Widows' Society #3) by Samantha Price

silently reprimanded herself for her blunt question. She might have been better off to remain silent after all.
    “I’d like nothing more to have a fraa and kinner, but I need to get Jacob settled first. I’ve taken on Jacob as my responsibility. I’d like to clear his daed’s name and then I would feel free to live my life and find a fraa .”
    “I understand. Jacob’s very blessed to have someone who cares for him so deeply.” They sat next to each other in silence as the buggy clip clopped through the winding, narrow roads. Angela was at peace in Robert’s company. There was something about being with Robert that made her feel safe. As well as his obvious physical strength, she sensed that he also had an inner strength.
    “I’m taking you to my favorite place,” Robert said.
    “Where’s that?”
    Robert laughed. “There’s an old stone bridge not far up here. I used to play underneath the bridge when I was a child. I would fish from the top of it as well. I haven’t been there in a long time.”
    “I’d love to see it.”
    Robert pulled the buggy off the road and tied the horse in the shade. “It’s just down here.”
    Robert held Angela’s hand and helped her through the undergrowth. They walked a little further until the bridge came into view.
    “Is that it, Robert? It’s beautiful.”
    “That’s it all right.” As soon as they were on the bridge, Robert said, “It’s called a kissing bridge.” He glanced at Angela. “Don’t look worried. That’s what they’re called, but I didn’t know that until recently.”
    “Why’s it called a kissing bridge?”
    Robert looked over the edge of the bridge. “They’re romantic places to go, I’d guess.”
    Angela looked at the reflective surface of the water as it rippled its way underneath the bridge. The birds chirping and the rustle of the wind in the treetops made a perfect melody for their special time alone.
    It’s a perfect place for a first kiss, Angela thought . I wonder if that’s why he brought me here. She looked up at Robert. He took his eyes off the horizon and looked deeply into her eyes. He moved his body so it was directly in front of hers. He caressed the side of her face with his fingertips. Her body shuddered at his touch, however she did not move away.
    “Your skin is so smooth.” Robert’s words were whispered.
    She smiled at his compliment, but words escaped her. All she could think on was what his mouth would feel like against hers. Angela had never desired to be kissed by a man until that very moment.
    As if he sensed her longing, his gaze fell to her mouth. He lowered his head until his lips lingered over hers. Was he asking for her permission to touch her lips? She arched her back and moved her lips just a fraction until their lips met.
    All feeling left Angela’s body and her head began to swim. She was not aware that blackness had engulfed her until she woke with her body on the hard ground and her head cradled in Robert’s manly arms. She made to move.
    “ Nee , stay still. You’ve fainted; it must be the heat.”
    Angela obeyed his command, closed her eyes and enjoyed being close to him, inhaling his manly aroma.
    Angela was aware that it was a hot day, but was that why she fainted? Surely it was the closeness of Robert’s hard, body and his soft lips against hers that caused her to loose consciousness. “I’m alright.”
    He lifted her head up a little.
    “I don’t know what happened,” Angela said.
    “Have you been unwell?”
    “ Nee , I’m always in gut health.”
    “It’s a hot day. Stay here. I’ve got some water in the buggy.” Robert helped position Angela’s back against the side of the bridge.
    While Robert fetched the water, Angela recalled that she had not drank any water the entire day, when normally she drank quite a few glasses by this time of the day. Angela admired how caring and attentive Robert was. She touched her lips softly with her fingertips as she remembered their