The Betrayed Fiancée Read Online Free Page B

around the yard, trying to avoid certain people, he glanced toward the back of Dad’s property. The tree house had been destroyed, but the heavily damaged section of the tree showed Joel where it had been. All that was left of the tree house were a few pieces of burned wood in a heap at the bottom of the tree. Even the steps, still nailed to the trunk, had been charred and blackened by the force of the lightning.
    Joel stopped and stared at the giant maple. From the blown-away bark at the top of the tree, the lightning had made a visible path all the way down its trunk. Some long pieces of splintered maple lay scattered on the ground a few feet from the tree. Other fragments of wood clung to the trunk, curled back like a banana peel.
    Stubborn man
. Joel grunted.
Can’t figure out why he’d want to build a tree house. Going up there with a storm approaching was a dumb idea
.
    He leaned against a fence post, reflecting on his childhood. He and Doris had spent many hours playing hide-and-seek in Dad’s barn. They’d also climbed trees, taken turns on the swing, and chased after the cats.
Wish Dad would have built a tree house when I was a boy. I could have had a lot of fun playing in it and maybe even camped out during the hot summer months
.
    Joel glanced to the top of the hill that overlooked his parents’ farm. It wasn’t as exciting as a tree house, but at least he’d had a special place up there. It was too late for any of that, though. Joel’s childhood was over, and Dad was gone.
    Joel watched as his aunt Verna visited on the porch with Arlene’s two girls, Martha and Lillian. She was showing them how to master some techniques with a yo-yo. It was typical of Aunt Verna. She’d always had a way with children, even though she’d never had any of her own. Her yearning for children may have drawn her to them. Joel remembered one time when Aunt Verna came to his tenth birthday party and brought him a big jar of marbles. Joel had never expressed a desire to have a marble collection, but watching Aunt Verna get down on her knees to compete with him in a game of marbles got his attention. Surprisingly enough, she was good at it. Joel wondered if Aunt Verna and Dad had played with those same marbles when they were children. Although Joel’s aunt wasn’t a hoarder, like Dad, she did enjoy a few collections. Joel had to admit he liked to hang on to some things, himself. He’d even kept those marbles from long ago and had packed them away in one of his closets.
    Glancing at his watch, Joel started for the house to find Kristi. He figured she was visiting with his sisters and could only imagine what they might be talking about.
    Wouldn’t be surprised if I’m the topic of their conversation. Sure hope no one has said anything negative about me
.
    Joel had only made it halfway there when he spotted his ex-girlfriend, Anna Detweiler, heading in his direction. His heart raced as she came closer.
Oh, great. I wonder what she wants. If Kristi sees me talking to her, how will I explain? Anna is the last person I want to speak to right now
.

C HAPTER 4
    J oel was almost to the porch when Anna stepped up to him. “Hello, Joel.”
    He paused and turned to look at her, sweat trailing down his forehead. “Oh, hey Anna.”
    â€œI—I wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss.” Anna’s smile quivered. “I also wanted to let you know I’ll be praying for your family.”
    Joel noticed Anna was fidgeting with her hands and realized that the situation was as awkward for her as it was him, but he couldn’t be rude. “Thanks, Anna. I appreciate your concern.” He shuffled his feet a few times. It felt strange speaking to her after all these years. Anna had matured and was as pretty as ever. With golden brown hair peeking out from her head covering and clear blue eyes, she was stunning. He noticed the pill-sized mole on her neck.