Page 3 of Unforgotten

Jay was as Amish as she was. Yet, here he was, wearing a straw hat over his light brown hair, blue trousers, and a short-sleeved white shirt, acting like he cared one whit aboutsuch things. “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 shirt. “You know putting me on the spot isn’t fair.” He exhaled. “Why is everything so difficult between us?”

“Because it is.”

“That’s not a reason.”

“Jay, please.”

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

“I’ve hardly been that bad.”

“Close, though.” Gentling his tone, he said, “Bethanne, please. I just want to be your friend again.”

“Why?”

His blue eyes blinked. “Why?”

“Jah. Why do you want to be my friend so badly? Why do you keep trying?” She stared at him, silently willing Jay to speak the truth. To give her something to use as ammunition against him. She needed it so she wouldn’t continue to think about how charming he was.

“Because you’re worth it.”

Her pulse seemed to slow. “Worth what?”

“Everything.”

Everything?She wanted to fume. To remind herself that she did not want to have anything to do with Jay. But her traitorous body disagreed. A flutter stirred deep inside her, but instead of being scary, it felt warm. Soothing. What did that even mean? In spite of her efforts to remain impervious, her guard fell.

And then, there she was, staring at him. No, gazing into his eyes.

A tiny look of triumph appeared in their depths. “See?” he whispered. “I’m not so—”

“Ladies and gentlemen, the judges have come to a decision!” the announcer called out. “Everyone, get on your feet and welcome these beautiful ladies back on stage!”

Bethanne stood, never so happy for the roar of a crowd.

2

Only by sheer force of will did Jay remain where he stood while Bethanne scooted down the aisle of chairs. What he wanted to do was follow her. Maybe press his hand on the small of her back so both she—and anyone around—would know that she was taken. Then he’d stand out of the way while she raced up the metal stairs to the stage to congratulate her cousin.

That was what hewantedto do. The reality was that Bethanne would probably slap his face or scream if he put his hand on her without permission. So Jay stayed where he was and watched from a distance.

Candace Evans now had a white satin banner arranged over her gown and a rhinestone tiara sitting on top of her head. She was fetching, there was no denying that. And she looked like the beauty queen she now was.

But he only had eyes for Bethanne.

She stood off to the side of the stage, looking as perfect as she always did. Her skin was smooth and creamy, a touch of pink colored her cheeks, and her dark hair was neatly arranged under a white kapp. Even her light blue dress wasspotless, which was a minor miracle considering the dirt, grass, and gravel on the fairground.

But that was Bethanne, at least by his estimation. She’d always managed to seem serene and in control of herself and her surroundings. Most people had thought she always did the right thing. And she did. Until the time she’d agreed to take a walk in the woods with Peter. Jay knew that better than most, he reckoned.

Peter Miller, his best friend growing up, had always been smitten with her. When they were young, Peter would tease and joke around with Bethanne, doing the most outlandish things just to make her smile or laugh. He’d once told Jay that he liked pushing Bethanne out of her comfort zone. Jay hadn’t liked that but didn’t say anything. Maybe he should’ve.

After they’d all graduated eighth grade and begun apprenticing or working, Bethanne started showing interest in Peter. He ate it up but never officially made her his girlfriend, even after they turned sixteen. He’d liked the idea of stringing her along.

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