Page 100 of Unforgiven

Her whole body tensed, even though Peter’s best friend had never done anything to harm her. Though, he did know that she tried to avoid him whenever their paths crossed.

“What are you doing?” she hissed.

“Do you mean I should be doing something other than waiting to see who is crowned this year’s Miss Crittenden County?”

“Come on. You don’t care about such things.”

“How would you know, Bethanne? It ain’t like you’ve given me more than a few minutes of your time in years.”

Even though his words were true—and even sounded innocuous—they still hurt. Everything about him made her hurt. Though tempted to stay silent, she couldn’t. “You know why I haven’t talked to you.”

“Of course I know.” His voice softened. “But that doesn’t mean it’s okay with me, Bethanne. We were once friends.”

Were they? She didn’t remember much about their interactions beyond the obvious—he’d been best friends with Peter and she’d had hopes to be Peter’s girlfriend.

“I don’t want to talk about you and me. Or our past. Ever.”

“Fine. Let’s talk about the beauty pageant.” He waggled his eyebrows. “I know you’re rooting for your cousin, but who else do you think has a chance?”

Jay was as Amish as she was. “Why are you so interested? Are you hoping to take one of the girls out?”

“Of course not.”

“Then?”

He pulled at the collar of his white shirt. “You know putting me on the spot isn’t fair.”

“No, I know you choosing this moment to speak to me isn’t fair.” If she got up and left before the winner was announced, she’d feel terrible.

“Come on. I’ve been trying to talk to you for a year. Longer, even.” Frustration filled his tone. “But . . . every time I come around, you run away like I’ve got the plague.”

“I’ve hardly been that bad.”

“Close, though.” Gentling his voice, he said, “Bethanne, please. Won’t you let me be your friend again?”

“Why?”

Blue eyes blinked. “Why?”

“Jah. Why do you want to be my friend so badly? Why do you keep trying even though I keep pushing you away?” She stared at him, silently willing Jay to speak the truth. To share what was in his heart.

“Because you’re worth it.”

Her pulse seemed to slow. “Worth what?”

“Everything.”

Jay had almost whispered that one word. She turned to stare at him. “Jay?”

“The decision’s been made!” the announcer said over the loudspeaker. “Everyone, get on your feet and welcome these beautiful ladies back onstage!”

Bethanne had never been so happy to hear the roar of a crowd.

• • • •

Only by sheer force of will did Jay remain where he was while Bethanne scooted down the aisle of chairs and hurried toward the stage where her cousin Candace was getting her picture taken.

Candace Weaver now had a white satin banner arranged over her gown and a silver and rhinestone tiara perched on the top of her dark blond hair. She was pretty, there was no denying that. She looked like the beauty queen she now was.

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