Page 1 of Unforgotten

1

July

Wonders never ceased. Bethanne Hostetler had seen a lot of things and had even experienced some pretty good 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 amphitheater’s stage, stood her cousin Candace. Her dark blond hair hung in curls down her back and shone in the sunlight. Eyeliner and mascara accentuated her hazel eyes, and tinted gloss stained her lips, making her naturally lovely face even more beautiful. As the crowd clapped, Candace stood as still as a department store mannequin, her scoop-necked, emerald-green satin gown hugging her hips before flowing softly around her legs. 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 during holiday get-togethers years ago.

Honestly, some folks might even say that Candace Evanswas the complete opposite of her Amish cousin Bethanne Hostetler.

They might be right too.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give these ladies one final round of applause while they exit the stage,” the announcer called out on his microphone. “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. In response, all seven women on the stage moved to stand side by side. They held hands and smiled.

Every one of them was pretty and graceful. There was no doubt about that. But as Bethanne gazed at each one, she couldn’t help but think that not a one could hold a candle to Candace. Not only was she gorgeous, she was as sweet as spun sugar.

When Candace caught her eye, Bethanne waved and smiled. Her brother, Lott, whistled from his place next to her. Candace’s beaming smile widened.

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

Bethanne shrugged. “About as good as anyone else’s, I reckon.”

He frowned. “Really?”

As the girls exited the stage in preparation for the judge’s final vote, Bethanne faced him. “Lott, you know this is the first beauty pageant I’ve ever been to. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that my English cousin is up on the fairground’s stage wearing makeup and high heels. How would I know about her chances?”

“True. Candace sure is pretty, though.”

“Jah.” Bethanne smiled, though a part of her felt a pinch of melancholy. Once, she, too, had found comfort in thegifts the Lord had given her. Even though her brown hair and matching eyes weren’t as eye-catching as her cousin’s, she’d always thought they suited her well enough. Now she believed her pleasing appearance hadn’t served her very well.

Then again, maybe what had happened seven years ago had more to do with her actions than her appearance. One impulsive decision on her part had changed her life. Everyone might still say she was a victim, but Bethanne refused to believe that anymore.

Hating the dark thoughts that now threatened her happy mood, she rubbed the back of her neck.Stay in the moment, she reminded herself.Stay right here, right now.

Unfortunately, her counselor’s words didn’t do the trick. She sighed.

Lott noticed. “Do you have a headache again?”

“Nee, I’m just a little stiff,” she fibbed. “I guess I’ve been sitting for too long.”

“Jah. Me too.” He glanced around for a few moments. “Hey, are you going to stay here for a little while?”

“Probably. At least until the winner’s announced. Why?”

“No reason.”

She knew better than that. “Lott.”

“Fine. Melonie is here, and I wanted to walk around with her for a bit. You’re welcome to join us, of course.”

Bethanne smiled. Lott and his fiancée were a good match. He’d really changed his ways so Melonie Zimmerman—and her family—would allow their courtship. Now both families were waiting for them to decide on a wedding day.

Bethanne loved her brother and was very fond of Mel. But did that mean she wanted to walk around the fairgrounds with them, feeling like the third wheel? No. No, she did not. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”

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