Page 52 of Unforgotten

“Mom, he was stalking me before I even competed in the pageant. He’s going to continue following me around no matter what.”

“I don’t like this.”

“I don’t either,” Candace said.

“I think your father and I need to speak with the police,”Aunt Dora said. “And I’m just warning you, your dad might insist that you stop the appearances for a while.”

Candace’s chin lifted. “I’m not going to stop, Mom,” she said in a firm tone. “Ryan’s accompanying me. He said he’s going to watch out for me, and I believe him.”

But her mother kept talking. Just as if she hadn’t said a word. “Best intentions are all well and good, but things can happen,” her mom said with a nod. “The more I think about it, the more I believe you’ll be safest here at home.”

“Nee,” Bethanne said.

Candace turned to her, a look of surprise on her face.

“Don’t make her do that,” she continued. “It’s ... it’s miserable being a captive in your own home.”

Dora’s expression softened. “Honey, I understand where you’re coming from, but Candace’s situation is very different than yours.”

“I know. But not living your life is an awful existence. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Candace reached for her hands and clasped them tightly. “You’re right, Bethy. If I stay home, all I’m going to do is let fear get the best of me.”

“And fear is a terrible thing to live with,” Bethanne said.

It was almost as bad as the memories.

17

Deciding to take Bethanne at her word, when Jay got off work, he went home, showered, and then headed over to the Hostetlers’ house. As he drove the horse and buggy down the back streets, he gave himself a pep talk. He wanted to expect the best from Bethanne, but experience had shown him that even her best intentions for moving forward had to battle with the old insecurities that seemed to always take over.

He’d wanted her to be his girl for most of his life. He was pretty sure he was in love with her. But he also realized that he was just a man who wanted a wife and a family. If Bethanne pulled away from him again, he didn’t know how much longer he could wait.

Seth Zimmerman’s words of wisdom about being patient had merit. But his experience with Tabitha had been different. Tabitha had been abused. But despite all of that, she’d slowly gotten to know Seth and wanted to overcome her fears and be with him. Bethanne, on the other hand, might want to move forward but not with Jay.

After he parked the buggy in the front drive, he climbed out, settled the horse’s leads around the hitching post, andthen turned toward the front door. It was time to come calling again. He hoped and prayed it went well.

“Wilkum, Jay,” Martha Hostetler said as she ushered him into the house. “How are you this evening?”

“I’m well, danke. And you?”

“We’re the same.” She gave him a tired smile. “I don’t know why this weather always seems to bring out the worst in me. Even though the trees in the yard keep most of the house nice and cool, it never feels cool enough.”

“Mei mamm says the same.”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one hoping for a short summer.”

He smiled. “You’re not the only one, I’m certain of that. It’s so hot at the lumber mill. Between the heat and humidity, I sometimes go through several shirts a day.”

“In any case, we’re glad you stopped by. As soon as Bethanne spied your buggy on the drive, she ran up to her room to change.”

He took that as a good sign. “She didn’t have to do that.”

“I think she wanted to. She was gone all day and only came home a while ago.”

“Really?”

“I know. It’s hard to get used to, ain’t so? I’m ashamed to say that I’ve gotten so used to her always being here, I sometimes don’t know what to do when she lets me know that she won’t be home for hours.”

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