Martha was unable to sleep that night, so decided to take a walk around Eden to clear her head. The stars were shining brightly in the sky, and the moon was emanating a faint, haunting glow. The peaceful, serene surroundings that were now covered in darkness filled Martha with a feeling of calm. The crickets chirped away, creating music to help her with her thoughts.
Martha approached the large creek that rested beside the woods at the far edge of the property. The moonlight reflected from the water and created a beautiful scene. For only a moment, all her worries and pains evaporated into the night sky. She wasn’t sure what to think, and wondering whether James was truly feeling a connection with her was wearing on her emotions. Miriam was likely right about the whole thing, but the thought of Amos lying to her like that was surprising; not only was he hurting her if it was all a lie, but he was hurting his friend and coworker as well.
Days ago she had felt like her happiness was ripe for the picking, but now her heart was torn in various directions, all because she didn’t know what to believe or who to trust.
Martha gazed up at the stars that dotted the endless sky and smiled before letting out a long sigh. She made a promise to herself right then that she would no longer let the news of James’ girlfriend weigh on her heart, regardless of whatever the truth actually was. It felt like the only way to wipe away the worry and uncertainty that came along with Amos’ story.
All of a sudden, Martha heard the sound of twigs snapping. Was someone else out here, too? She turned, her eyes skimming the tree-line and then the vast fields. Nothing. It must have been a raccoon or something, she assumed. For several more minutes, she sat by the creek and just listened to the sounds of the night, which brought solace and consolation. When she rose to her feet to return home, she heard another rustling sound. This time it seemed closer.
The light from the moon was bright, but not nearly enough to illuminate the shadowy landscape. She searched the property with her eyes, but couldn’t see anything or anyone; only the silhouette of the B&B could be seen in the distance. As Martha began walking back to the house, the rustling sound intensified. It grew louder and louder until it was upon her. In a panic, she whipped her head around to see Amos standing there, equally surprised.
Startled by his sudden appearance, Martha stumbled backward and lost her footing. She crashed to the ground with a loud thud.
Amos ran to her. “Oh my! I’m so sorry!” As he approached, she watched him struggle to pull his backpack from his shoulders and toss it to the ground. Once he was finally able to free himself from it, he offered Martha his extended hand. She was annoyed, but gripped his hand and accepted the apology.
“What are you doing out here this late?” she asked. “And what is that?” She pointed to the large pack that he had thrown to the ground.
Amos looked over his shoulder. “Oh, that? It’s um, it’s my backpack for college.” He walked over and lifted it with both hands. “I go to the community college back in our town, so I keep most of my school books and belongings in it.”
“Are your books really that heavy? It sure looked like you were struggling to throw your pack down when you startled me,” Martha said. “Plus, it looked like you just had a hard time picking it back up too.”
“Have you seen the textbooks they give us in public schools nowadays? The things are like this thick,” he said, using his fingers to illustrate how thick they were.
Martha brushed off the dirt from her dress. “You never answered my first question,” she reminded him.
“Oh, I was actually just looking around to make sure there weren’t any more signs of vandals or their damage. I’ve already walked a large portion of the property, but I haven’t found anything yet,” said Amos.
“Oh, well that’s good at least,” Martha said. “It would be wonderful if they just stopped showing up. Whether it’s the rival B&B or treasure hunters, it all just needs to stop. There’s not really a lost treasure here in Eden.”
“But how do you know that?” he asked.
“Wouldn’t we have found it by now? Wouldn’t someone have?”
“Not it if was hidden really well. The family that went from rags to riches had to have discovered something to build that place.” Amos pointed at the B&B in as he spoke.
Martha shrugged and let out a sigh. “Do you really believe all that nonsense?”
“A lot of people talk about it, believe it or not,” he said.
Martha sighed once more. “So you think there’s really a treasure here too?”
Amos looked away briefly. “Actually, no,” he said, surprising her. “I’m just saying that I understand why people would believe the legend, but I think you’re right. You would have found some sort of evidence of its existence probably.”
Martha smiled. “I don’t know the actual answer to whether or not the whole treasure myth is true or not, but I just wish it would be found if it were. That way nobody would have a reason to bother us anymore. Well, the looters would stay away at least.”
“Are you heading back?” he asked.
“Actually, yes. It’s getting late, and I just needed to clear my mind for a bit.”
Amos smiled. “Mind if I join you for the short walk back? I think I’m going to just call it a night, but let me walk you back first. I’m sure the vandals won’t be bothering us tonight.” His words sounded so sincere, almost like he was certain they wouldn’t be returning that night.
“All right.”
As they made their way toward the house, they spoke about random things, like the renovations, the guests, Miriam, and even James. Once the conversation steered in that direction however, Martha couldn’t help but think of asking him the truth. She needed to know if it was all a lie, or if James really did have a girlfriend.
“Amos, may I please ask you a question?”
He stopped immediately and turned to her. “Of course. What’s wrong?”
Martha looked down briefly. “What you told me about James; was it all true? Does he really have an Englischer girlfriend that he’s keeping hidden?”
Amos looked bothered. “I’m so sorry, Martha. I don’t know why I said that.”
Irritation bubbled in the pit of her stomach. “So it was all just a lie?”
Amos looked at the ground, clearly embarrassed. “I’m attracted to you. You’re a beautiful girl, and I’ve seen the way James looks at you. I see the way you look back as well. I know it was wrong to lie about him being in a relationship, but I wanted you to think it so I could have a chance.”
“A chance?” Martha was disgusted.
“A chance to make you like me,” he clarified.
Unsure whether she should be upset or relieved that it was all a lie, Martha stood in silence, contemplating what to say next. Finding the words, she looked at him and spoke in a calm tone. “Did he really come home late that night, or was that a lie as well?”
Amos let out a deep breath. “No. He was out cold by the time I got back to the cottage,” he admitted.
“Please, never lie about such things again. I understand why you did it, and you clearly accept that you were wrong in doing so, but it’s still difficult to accept.”
Amos frowned. “I promise, Martha. I’m sorry; I never meant to upset you; I just didn’t think about the consequences that my actions would have on you. I’m truly sorry.” His voice sounded sincere. “One question for you if I may,” he added.
“Of course,” she replied.
“Are you going to tell James about the lie? I don’t think he’ll be too happy to find out, and we have to work together here for quite some time still,” he said with a loud sigh.
Martha was unsure how to react. She frowned and looked off into the sky once more. “I won’t tell him tomorrow, but I can’t promise I won’t tell him at some point.”
Amos smiled. “Thank you, so much. I really appreciate that.”
Martha felt confident that things were only going to get better from that point onward. They continued on again, chatting away in the dark as they walked along the property together. When they were finally getting close to the front door, he asked for to stop. “Wait!” he whispered.
Martha turned. “What is it?”
“If James was out of the picture, would you ever consider dating someone like me?”
The question made her stomach turn. “What do you mean by that?” she said.
“Oh, I just meant if he did really have a girlfriend, or if he wasn’t interested in you or something. Would I have a chance then?”
She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but other than acknowledging that he was cute, she had never thought of him as more than someone working with Jonas and James on the B&B. She had never considered him as someone she’d want to marry. “I’m sorry, Amos, but no. I’m Amish, obviously, and you’re not.”
Amos stepped closer to her, his nose just inches from hers. “You can trust me,” he said.
Martha looked at him carefully. “I don’t know if I can,” she confessed.
“You can. I swear it on my life. Let me show you how much I care about you,” he said.
Unsure of what to expect next, Martha stood there waiting for him to finish his sentence. Without another word, he leaned forward, pursing his lips together for a kiss. Horrified and in shock, Martha threw her hands up, pushing him away with all her strength. Amos stumbled into the darkness and she turned away, running the last few steps toward the house.
Martha pushed the cabin door shut, locked it, and held her breath. To her relief, Amos did not come after her and knock. After a few tense moments, she pushed the door open, and looked out to see nothing but the peaceful night she had been appreciating before she had bumped into Amos.