Blog Tour + Giveaway | Belonging (Temptation, #2) by Karen Ann Hopkins

            Rebecca was uncomfortable with the territory the pep talk had gone into and she took both my hands softly between hers. “I’m sure you’ll do fine.  But, please, please be good.”  There was almost a look of desperation on her face.

What was her angle? Was she worried if I got kicked out of the community that Noah would go with me—and what about the warning from Ruth about Martha?  Could my initial instinct about the woman be so wrong? Martha had clearly been on my side during the laying down of the law by the bishop.  I decided to file away Ruth’s words for safety.  But, I wasn’t going to count Martha as an enemy until she proved to be one.

“Noah looked like he wanted something—what was his deal?” I asked him mom, a little worried about what she’d say.

“Oh, yes…well, he wants to have a few minutes alone with you to discuss this matter.  Really it’s mine and Amos’ fault that we allowed him such free rein immediately after the accident; calling you on the telephone and behaving as if the two of you were already courting. Now though, things must be different.”

“Can I spend any time with him at all?” I hoped I didn’t sound as if I was whining, but the thought of being separated from him while I was learning to be Amish was almost too much to bear.

Before Rebecca could say a word, Ruth took over. “It’s not only up to Rebecca and Amos.  Now that you’re under mine and James’ authority, you’ll be looking to us about the rules you must live under in this household, which are the Church’s Ordnung, but not solely.”

I slouched down in my seat.  I knew a parental lockdown when I saw one coming.  Only, I also knew that Ruth wouldn’t be as easy to manipulate as Dad was.  I adjusted my voice to sound resigned, I needed both these women on my side.

“What are the rules?”

“After this evening you will not be allowed to spend time alone with Noah unless there is a chaperone present,” and for good measure, Ruth added, “and the two of you will not be acting like a couple either.  That is exactly the kind of thing that will get Abram’s beard in a tangle.”

My optimistic personality chose to hear only the part about after tonight.  “Do you mean I get to talk to Noah, tonight—in private?”

Rebecca answered, “Yes, but only tonight, until you’re officially a courting couple.  Ruth and I understand how things have changed suddenly from what you were prepared for and we feel it is best to let you do your talking with Noah now.  Hopefully, this will keep you from mischief later.” She held my eyes for a significant few seconds before pushing her chair out.

“I do believe Noah is waiting on the front porch for you.” Rebecca pointed towards the hallway.  “We’ll be out back on the deck.”

I caught Ruth’s wink from behind her glasses as she walked by.  One second of solitude and I was sprinting down the hallway.

I didn’t even have to touch the knob, for Noah had the door open just as I reached it.  We stood a few feet apart, both breathing deeply, and both waiting.

Maybe it was the dress and cap I wore that suddenly made me feel like I really was an Amish girl.  Or perhaps it was Noah’s eyes, wide with anticipation that raised the tingling waves of nervousness from my belly.

For the first time in a long while, I didn’t know what to do with Noah.