Free Cousin's Challenge by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page B

Montana, where he was accepted for the person he was and there were no painful memories from the past.
    Jake’s thoughts went to Loraine and Wayne. He hadn’t seen them since he’d returned to Montana over a year ago, but he’d kept in touch by phone a few times. At least no one could say he’d run off to do his own thing and forgotten about his family and friends, the way he’d done the first time he’d left Indiana. He could still see the look of sadness on Loraine’s face when he’d told her was leaving for Montana that first time, and his mind took him back to the past...
    ***
    â€œLoraine, there’s something I need to tell you.”
    â€œWhat is it, Jake? Why are you looking at me so seriously?”
    Jake directed his horse and buggy to the side of the road and reached for Loraine’s hand. “I-I’m planning to go away for a while.”
    â€œGo away?”
    He nodded. “My cousin Sam, who used to live in Illinois, moved to Montana a few months ago, and ... uh ... I thought I’d spend the summer with him.”
    â€œWhich Amish community in Montana did Sam move to?”
    â€œNone of them. Sam’s working on a ranch in Montana for an English man who raises horses.” Jake swallowed so hard that his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “I want to try out the English way of life for a while—before I make a decision about joining the church.” He paused and swiped his tongue across his lower lip. “The wages the man is offering per week are more than I can make working for my daed in a month, so I really can’t pass on this opportunity.”
    Loraine’s mouth hung slightly open. “What?”
    â€œI said—”
    â€œI heard what you said. I just can’t believe you said it.”
    â€œIt’s not like I’ll be gone forever. Probably just for the summer, that’s all.” He squeezed her fingers and smiled. “You’ll wait for me, won’t you?”
    Loraine sat, staring at him.
    â€œSay something, Loraine. Will you wait for me or not?”
    Tears welled in her eyes. “For how long, Jake?”
    â€œUntil I come back to Indiana.” Jake pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the mouth. “Just a few months, that’s all,” he whispered.
    Loraine drew in a shaky breath and nodded slowly. “Jah, Jake. I’ll wait for you.”
    ***
    As Jake’s mind snapped back to the present, he shook his head. He’d really blown it with Loraine by not coming back soon enough or staying in contact with her while he was in Montana. Truth was, he probably wouldn’t have returned to Indiana the first time if he hadn’t heard about the terrible accident Loraine and her cousins had been involved in.
    After he’d returned home, he’d tried to reestablish his relationship with Loraine, but when he finally realized she was in love with Wayne, he’d given them his blessing and returned to Montana. It hadn’t been easy for Jake to leave home the second time, but in his heart, he felt it was the right thing to do.
    After Jake had returned to Montana, it had taken several months for him to come to grips with the fact that Loraine would never be his. He’d told himself that he’d done the right thing by giving Loraine and Wayne his blessing, and in time, Jake’s broken heart had begun to heal. Any romantic feelings he’d had for Loraine were now just a pleasant memory. While Jake had no interest in anyone at the moment, he was prepared to follow his heart should the right woman come along.
    Jake’s thoughts shifted as his folks’ place came into view. He grimaced. I hope Dad’s going to be okay, and I hope he appreciates my coming home to help out and doesn’t criticize everything I do.
    He pulled his truck up near the barn, turned off the engine, and stepped out.
    When Jake entered the house, he found Mom in the