The Betrayed Fiancée Read Online Free

were Elsie and Arlene’s daughters, wept openly. Kristi had a difficult time, herself, as she swallowed around the lump in her throat. She thought about how Joel and his family must feel right now. Since she hadn’t met any of them until today, Kristi could only try to put herself in their shoes.
    She’d always been emotional when it came to these types of situations. Even when it was a joyous occasion, she could cry at the drop of a hat. Whenever Kristi heard “Taps” or a sentimental song on the radio, her eyes would well up with tears. As soon as she heard the “Wedding March” in a marriage scene in a movie, her tears flowed. But right now, Kristi wanted to be strong for Joel.
    Taking a deep breath, she fought for control and reached for Joel’s hand—not only to give herself comfort, but to offer him reassurance, as well. She glanced at him, unable to read his stoic expression. Throughout the funeral service held in his father’s home, Joel hadn’t shed a single tear. Nor had he cried when the family filed up to the coffin to view the deceased’s body. Even on the night Joel learned of his father’s death, he had shown little emotion—at least not in Kristi’s presence. Perhaps he had done his crying privately or yesterday at the viewing. She hoped it was the case, because holding one’s feelings in was not a good thing.
    While Kristi never had the opportunity to meet Eustace Byler, her heart went out to his family as they huddled together. Joel had been right when he’d told her what to expect today. This was not the typical funeral she’d attended in the past.
    A slight wind blew, scattering golden leaves across the cemetery and filling the air with a damp, musty aroma. Dismal gray clouds covered the sky, but at least it wasn’t raining. In the distance, Kristi noticed a tree giving off hints of an autumn blush. It stood vivid against the drab, colorless sky.
    Turning her head to the left, Kristi noticed a young woman with golden-brown hair glance in her direction, then look quickly away. Was she part of Joel’s family—someone she hadn’t met? Or perhaps she was a member of Joel’s father’s church. The woman appeared to be around Joel’s age. She was pretty, even though her blue eyes were puffy from crying. It appeared the young woman had come alone, for she stood off to one side by herself.
    Since Joel and Kristi were the only people dressed in English clothes, others were probably curious about them. Of course, many of them knew Joel personally. But since he’d left the Amish faith so many years ago, some might not realize who he was.
    Before long, the four pallbearers, each bearing a shovel, began taking dirt from the pile near the grave and covering up the coffin. While the grave was being filled in, a men’s group sang a hymn. Without the aid of any instruments, their voices filled the air with the sobering music. Once again, Kristi had to blink rapidly in an attempt to keep her eyes dry. At the conclusion of the graveside service, the bishop asked the people to pray the Lord’s Prayer silently.
    â€œI’m expected to go back to the house now for a meal and to visit awhile,” Joel whispered to Kristi. “Are you okay with it?”
    She gave an affirmative nod. In addition to doing the right thing, she was eager to become more familiar with Joel’s family. Those Kristi had been introduced to so far seemed kind. How could Joel keep from mentioning such a wonderful family to her all this time?

    After the simple funeral dinner, many people lingered. While Joel was outside visiting, Kristi went into the house to talk to his sisters.
    â€œWhat a beautiful piece. Did someone in your family make it?” Kristi asked Doris, when she noticed a lovely blue-and-pink quilted wall hanging with a star-pattern draped across the back of the couch.
    Doris’s eyes mirrored an inner glow as she