The first day of the Potato Blossom Festival was a whirlwind of excitement. There was a parade, a carnival, games, livestock shows and children everywhere. Esther took a moment between customers in Gabe’s booth to gaze at him and wonder what their children would look like. Hopefully like him. He had the most beautiful mouth.
He waved his hand in front of her face. “Where are you?”
“Admiring the man I love.”
“Talk like that and I’ll start kissing you.”
“I’m okay with that.”
She was a little disappointed he didn’t make good on his promise. Instead he pointed to a nearby booth. “I see Seth and Pamela.”
Esther sighed. “They look so happy. I’m glad she said yes when he proposed.”
“That’s two engagements this summer. I reckon Mamm and Waneta’s plan worked out pretty well after all.”
Esther grinned at him. “In spite of our resistance to their matchmaking.”
He smiled. “Thankfully we both had a change of heart. Are we out of purses?”
“We have one left in the box in back. I’ll get it.” Gabe had been taking care of the customers while Esther kept the display case and shelves stocked.
She stepped out to the counter with the last pink rose-embossed purse when she saw who the customer was.
“Heather. How are you?”
“In need of your help,” she signed.
“What can I do?”
“I need a nanny-slash-tutor for my children. Please tell me you are available.”
Esther couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her only regret about her upcoming marriage to Gabe was that she would have to give up her position in the special-needs school back home. “Let me ask Gabe.”
Since Amish women rarely worked outside the home after marrying, she wanted to be sure he was okay with it. Not that she wouldn’t take the job. She wasn’t married yet.
Heather grinned. “I already spoke to him. He agreed it would be a fine idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. Randy and I will pick you up and take you home so you don’t have to worry about driving a buggy so far. The kids love the idea.”
So did Esther. “Where is Gabe?”
Heather pointed toward the side of the booth. “He stepped out to talk to a man I don’t know.”
Esther leaned over the counter and saw Gabe with Mr. Jefferson. The two men shook hands. Jefferson walked away, and Gabe came into the booth with a huge grin on his face.
“What did he want?” she asked, not sure she wanted to hear anything about the man.
“It seems none of the other harness makers in the area can beat my prices. He had to eat crow, but it wasn’t as painful for him as having to part with an extra thousand dollars. I’ve got an order for an eight-horse full parade hitch.”
She clasped her hands together. “Gabe, that’s wonderful. I take back all my bad thoughts about the man.”
“Me, too. At least until his check clears the bank.” He gave her a sheepish look. “I shouldn’t have said that. I have forgiven him. Are you going to work for Heather?”
“I am. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“You are free to do as you please within the rules of our church. That obey thing with me won’t kick in until November.”
She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I can hardly wait.”
“You haven’t seen northern Maine in winter. We can get up to five feet of snow. You may regret your choice.”
She winked at him. “Snowbound with my new husband. However will I manage?”
“Very well, I think,” he said as he pulled her into the back of the booth where they wouldn’t be seen and proceeded to kiss her breathless.
Keep reading for an excerpt from Her Forbidden Amish Love by Jocelyn McClay.