Free An Amish Man of Ice Mountain (The Amish of Ice Mountain Series Book 2) by Kelly Long Page B

beautiful and Priscilla wondered idly if all of Joseph’s family were so gifted with good looks.
    “There,” Mary said, moving to press against Joseph’s side once more. She clearly loved and had missed her brother, and Joseph returned the affection openly. “Your daughter’s playing with little apple-pie pans and some leftover dough at the kitchen table. Jude should be home any minute. He’s the local school teacher. Ach , please sit down.”
    Mary gestured to the comfortable-looking couch, then took a place near Priscilla while Joseph eased into a rocking chair beside the open fireplace.
    “When are you due?” Priscilla asked softly, casting about for something to say in the sudden quiet of the room.
    Mary smiled brightly. “About another two months. Then Joseph here will be Oom Joseph. I only wish Edward might kumme home soon too.” Priscilla watched the siblings exchange glances and wondered what it must be like to have grown up with brothers or a sister. It might have made a difference in my life, yet Hollie will be an only child too, and . . .
    She looked up to find Joseph’s beautiful eyes looking over at her, and she flushed at her thoughts . The way I was kissing him in the ER, he probably thinks I’m looking for another man. Not that Heath was ever a true man, not one of honor or decency or hope.
    Mary laid a cool hand over the fingers Priscilla clenched tightly together in her lap.
    “Priscilla, don’t be anxious. I know Jude will agree with the bishop. We will be so glad to welcome you into our home, both you and Hollie.”
    Priscilla swallowed and wet her lips. “ Danki , but you all will want to be alone soon with the baby and I don’t even know how long we’ll stay and—”
    “And,” Joseph rumbled gently, “stop worrying. You’ll stay here if Jude agrees, which I think he will do too. Let tomorrow’s worries take care of themselves.”
    The front door eased open as Joseph finished speaking and Priscilla looked up with some anxiety at the tall, broad-shouldered man who entered. But she realized she needn’t have worried when Mary ran to meet him and he caught her close, then moved to pull Joseph into a back-slapping hug.
    “You must be Priscilla.” He turned to her and held out an easy hand.
    She shook hands, noticing he spoke with a different accent from his wife and brother-in-law. He must have read her thoughts because he grinned.
    “I’m from Atlanta originally. These Amisch were gut enough to have mercy on me and take me in.”
    “Like me?” Priscilla bit her lip, regretting her quick words. But Jude shrugged with good humor.
    “If you’ll have us all, yes,” Jude said.
    Priscilla’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, I’m sorry. Of course, I’ll have you. Thank you so much.”
    Joseph cleared his throat. “Where’s Bear, by the way?”
    “You have a bear?” Priscilla asked in surprise and not a little dismay.
    Jude laughed. “Something like that. He’s at your dat’s. Abner’s been a bit lonesome, it seems. It’s gut you’re back, Joe.”
    Priscilla saw the concern in Joseph’s face.
    “I’d better go see him then.” He glanced at Priscilla. “Tell Hollie I said good-bye.”
    “Oh—are you—I mean. Will I see you soon?” She didn’t want to admit it, but she felt as if her lifeline was about to leave.
    Joseph paused for a moment, his hand on the door latch. “ Jah , soon. I forgot to tell you, the bishop made me your prayer partner.”
    Something tight and harsh seemed to mask his face and she stared at him in consternation . Maybe he wants to have nothing to do with me now that he feels he’s done his duty or something . . . “Oh, okay.”
    He nodded and slipped out of the door, leaving Priscilla to lay her worries aside and be warmly welcomed into her new home.

Chapter Twelve
    Joseph trod the mountain path with familiar confidence, letting his fingertips trail over the odd bush or tree branch with the feeling of greeting auld friends. He found