Page 98 of Unforgiven

“Me too.”

Melonie stood up. “The sun has set. I think we should all get ready to watch the fireworks.”

Lott chuckled. “You’re right, Mel. Let’s think about brighter things.”

Right away, they all got busy. Tabitha and the other women put the empty containers in the picnic baskets while the men gathered their trash and put it in the garbage bag they’d brought.

And then the first burst of fireworks lit up the sky.

“Come here, Tab,” Seth said as he stretched out on the tablecloth.

As Chance shifted again, she lay down on her back beside him as Melonie, Lott, and Bethanne got situated too. Then there was only silence. Everything was dark and so still.

Seth reached for her hand. For a second, Tabitha felt as if they were alone. No, more than that. As if she and Seth were the only two people in Crittenden County. Only them, the warm air, and the solid ground beneath them.

But then a huge red and gold starburst lit up the sky.

All five of them gasped.

It was beautiful and so vibrant.

Amazing.

But as the starburst slowly fizzled into golden dots and then vanished from sight, it became just a memory.

Just another memory to hold on to while darkness surrounded her again.

No, that wasn’t right. She was surrounded by friends and holding her husband’s hand on a piece of land that she’d fought hard to keep. Her stomach was full and her heart was fuller.

But even more importantly, her focus was on the sky above.

Just waiting for the next glorious thing to appear.

Anticipating it.

She reckoned that was a fitting metaphor for life. For everything.

AUGUST

Wonders never ceased. Bethanne Hostetler had seen a lot of things and had even experienced some surprises. That said, the scene playing out in front of her was like nothing she’d ever imagined. For sure and for certain.

Right there, up on the fairground’s amphitheater stage, stood her cousin Candace. Her dark blond hair was curled and shiny and flowing down her back. Eyeliner accentuated her hazel eyes and red gloss stained her lips, making her lovely face even more beautiful.

As the crowd clapped, Candace stood as still as a department store mannequin. Her satin gown had a sweetheart neckline, hugged her curves, and skimmed the stage’s wooden floor. The toe of one of her silver high-heeled sandals peeked out whenever a faint breeze caught the dress’s hem.

All in all, Candace looked nothing like the little girl who used to follow Bethanne around at holiday get-togethers years ago. Honestly, some folks might even say that Candace Weaver was the complete opposite of her Amish cousin Bethanne Hostetler.

They might be right too.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give these ladies one more final round of applause while they exit the stage,” the announcer said over the loudspeaker. “But don’t y’all go anywhere. We’ll announce this year’s Miss Crittenden County in just a few minutes!”

Applause and cheers rang out from all around her. Just like they had for every entrant from the preteen to the “Mrs.” category. In response, all seven women on the stage moved to stand side by side. They linked hands and smiled.

Every one of them was pretty and graceful. There was no doubt about that. But as Bethanne gazed at the line of ladies, she couldn’t help but think that not a one of the others could hold a candle to Candace. She was graceful and gorgeous. Even better, she was as sweet as spun sugar.

When Candace caught her eye, Bethanne waved and smiled while her brother Lott whistled. Candace’s beatific smile widened.

“What do you think her chances are?” Lott asked as the applause started to die down.

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