Annie's Recipe Read online

  Also by Lisa Jones Baker

  THE HOPE CHEST OF DREAMS SERIES

  Rebecca’s Bouquet

  ANTHOLOGIES

  The Amish Christmas Kitchen

  (with Kelly Long

  and Jennifer Beckstrand)

  The Amish Christmas Candle

  (with Kelly Long

  and Jennifer Beckstrand)

  Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

  ANNIE’S RECIPE

  Lisa Jones Baker

  ZEBRA BOOKS

  KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

  http://www.kensingtonbooks.com

  All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

  ZEBRA BOOKS are published by

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  119 West 40th Street

  New York, NY 10018

  Copyright © 2017 by Lisa Jones Baker

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

  If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

  Zebra and the Z logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

  ISBN: 978-1-4201-4154-2

  eISBN-13: 978-1-4201-4155-9

  eISBN-10: 1-4201-4155-4

  VD1_1

  Table of Contents

  Also by Lisa Jones Baker

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  RECIPE

  Rebecca's Bouquet Teaser

  To John and Marcia Baker, my dearest friends

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I’m beholden to my Lord and Savior for blessing me with publication after twenty-four years of prayers to see my stories in print. My kind, loving mother, Marcia, former librarian and reading specialist, deserves tremendous credit for attentively listening to me read my novels out loud for over two decades. To Beth Zehr, sister extraordinaire: Thanks for taking on my numerous laptop and formatting challenges. Also, much appreciation to Doug Zehr, Gary Kerr, Brooke and Brittany for their important contributions. A special thank you to Bloomington Geek Squad expert Elizabeth Ray. Tons of gratitude to Amber Kauffman, former executive director, Illinois Amish Interpretive Center, for answering and clarifying numerous inquisitions. To the friendly, wonderful folks in the Arthur/Tuscola, Illinois, area who have graciously entertained my questions, shared special stories, and even allowed me inside their homes. Of course I can’t forget the Cheese Festival individuals and the Arthur Welcome Center. Many thanks to Steve Followell, Fire Chief at Weldon Community Fire Protection District.

  I’d like to extend special appreciation to writer Lisa Norato, true friend, critique partner, and writing confidante, and to hundreds of other authors, published and unpublished, who have evaluated my material through contests and in private. Immense gratitude to Joan Wester Anderson for endorsing my debut novel, Rebecca’s Bouquet, and for invaluable input.

  I’m indebted to my fabulous Amish go-to girl who prefers to remain anonymous while loyally reviewing my rough drafts, front to back. Your unique way of life has my full respect, appreciation, and admiration.

  Last, but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to my tenacious agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, who believed in me from the get-go; Kensington Books; and to my incredible editor, Selena James.

  Prologue

  Annie Mast tossed a rock into Pebble Creek and giggled. She clapped her hands as the small stone hit the water. Beside her, Levi Miller nodded his approval. Their contest was always who could make the bigger splash. Of course Levi usually won. But she guessed when her efforts trumped his, it was because he allowed it. After all, at eight years of age, it wasn’t easy competing with a twelve-year-old boy. Especially a boy much taller and stronger than she was.

  Levi joined in the applause. “If you keep throwing like that, I’ll have to practice.”

  Annie grinned. Automatically, they stepped side by side up the incline leading to their sitting spot. Hills were unusual in predominantly flat Illinois, but she was sure God had planned this particular elevation especially for her and Levi.

  Without talking, she claimed her stone at the same time he declared his. Not wasting a moment, Annie reached into the wicker basket between them for a sponge cake. Levi accepted the napkin-covered, sweet-smelling dessert with an appreciative grin. As he did so, she automatically took in the curve of his high cheekbones and determined jaw. Brightness lightened his autumn-brown hair a shade. As always, he waited to bite into the treat until she held hers between her fingers. Together, they ate while the late August sun caressed them. In her long Amish dress and apron, Annie quickly forgot the unusually hot temperature when Levi pointed to Old Sam Beachy’s barn.

  “You want to know a secret?”

  She lifted an inquisitive brow while anxiously awaiting the response.

  “One day you’ll be as good a cook as Esther.”

  Annie’s heart smiled. Everyone knew Sam’s wife made the best dishes around.

  Excitement edged Annie’s voice. “You really think so?”

  He took another bite before offering a quick, definitive nod and lowered his pitch to a whisper. She wondered why. There wasn’t anyone within hearing distance.

  “There’s no doubt in my mind.”

  Annie’s heart jumped with happiness. Even more than matching Esther’s baking skills, what really mattered was that she and her best friend were together. And as long as she was with Levi, how could life get better?

  Chapter One

  If not for the strong arm that reached out to break her fall, Annie Mast would have ended up on the ground. As she balanced herself, two kids playing tag uttered a quick apology. Shaking her head at their boisterous play, Annie turned to thank her rescuer and locked gazes with a hazel-eyed man and froze. He was English, and there weren’t many Englishers at the Amish wedding. But that wasn’t what made the words catch in her throat.

  “Annie?”

  She gasped. “Levi?” Levi Miller? Could it be? In her mind she saw the Amish boy, her one and only best childhood friend. Her confidant until that terrible day.

  He gently released his hold on her. But they continued to regard each other, taking in how more than ten years had changed their appearances. Even though he’d taken his hand from her arm, his warmth still penetrated her skin and traveled up to her shoulder.

  A man’s touch wasn’t proper, but he’d rescued her. All the same, the result was reassuring, and she was sure she would never forget the comforting sensation. For an awkward moment they regarded each other with curiosity. The sudden lack of words took her by surprise, but then, they hadn’t crossed paths for nearly a decade.

  Still, it didn�
�t matter. Directly in front of her stood the dear boy she’d trusted years ago, and even though circumstances had changed, their strong bond hadn’t.

  “I’ve missed you, Annie.”

  Annie swallowed an emotional knot as she took in the words that mimicked her own thoughts. Suddenly recalling why they were both there, Annie tried to put a damper on her excitement at seeing Levi and changed the subject to the first thing she could think of. “It’s a nice day, isn’t it?”

  Before he could respond, she threw her hands in the air and raised the pitch of her voice to be heard over the crowd. “I’ve never seen your cousin Jeremiah look so happy. Katie’s good for him.”

  Levi offered a nod of agreement. “It’s wonderful seeing them together. And you’re right about the weather. But . . .”

  He took in a deep breath before donning a full-blown grin. “I forgot how long Amish weddings are! It’s nice to finally stand.” He stretched a pair of strong-looking arms in front of him and interlaced his fingers. The gesture was followed by a sigh of relief.

  He laughed and she joined him. The sun brightened a notch, and she blinked in reaction. A mélange of happy voices floated around her, morphing into one solid sound. The tent was packed.

  A long queue of black buggies and brown-haired horses loomed nearby, behind a couple of large refrigeration vehicles. The enticing aroma of homemade dishes filled her nostrils, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten for hours.

  But she barely paid attention to anything other than Levi’s full-grown, head-to-toe appearance. His boyish looks had matured. Of course she shouldn’t be shocked.

  Parted at the side, autumn-brown hair that met the tops of his ears had taken on a slightly darker shade, almost matching the hue of his skin. The confident curve of his lips echoed high, proud cheekbones. With a swift motion, he shoved some rebellious strands of hair off his forehead.

  She covered her mouth with her fingers as a giggle edged with sudden nervousness escaped her mouth. “You’re so . . . tall!”

  The sunlight landed on his eyes, and they sparkled. “Mom’s the same ol’ good cook she always was. But you, Annie . . .”

  His expression filled with approval. “You’ve changed a little. You’ve still got that contagious laugh.” He gave a slight nod. “You’ve thinned up. And you’re taller.” He winked and lowered the pitch of his voice. “But I see that mischievous sparkle in your eyes I remember all too well. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to.”

  At the same time, they stepped aside to allow a group of men who transported a wooden bench to pass.

  Warmth from a nearby gas heater floated up Annie’s back. In reaction, she breathed in delight. The month of October had brought a sudden drop in temperature.

  But her attention lingered on Levi and their conversation. Annie was fully aware that she had gradually dropped weight over the years and supposed that was partly due to her growth spurt. She wasn’t thin by any means but never worried about it.

  “Remember when we used to plan a trip together to Six Flags during Rumspringa?”

  She nodded and lowered her voice to a more confidential, eager tone. “Surely we can talk?”

  Annie was determined not to lose him again without having caught up. But she was fully aware that all eyes would be on her spending time with someone “English.” So be it. The Amish weren’t by any means exclusive in conversations; it was just that they tried to avoid close relationships with outsiders to keep away from temptations they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. However, nothing could stop her from spending as much time as she could with Levi.

  “How long will you be here?”

  “A few days. Dad needs me at work.”

  Her heart sank. But what had she expected? He no longer lived in Arthur, Illinois. And because his father had been shunned, she guessed she was fortunate to see him this once.

  A short silence ensued. “The rest of the day’s pretty much spoken for.” He paused and his eyes widened with reassurance. “You know I wouldn’t leave town without talking to my Annie. You free tomorrow?”

  She gave an eager nod, suddenly remembering she was supposed to be a food server in the tent.

  “How about we meet at Pebble Creek?”

  * * *

  Later that day, Levi scooted up the front seat of his uncle’s buggy to allow Cousin Jake into the back. Levi helped hoist the five-year-old up into the two metal foot holders until his narrow hips landed on the bench. The youngster smiled at him with large brown, hopeful eyes.

  At the reins, Uncle Marlin leaned forward, extending his arms in front of him. At the moment, the most peaceful, familiar sensation swept through Levi’s body. The rush of unexpected happiness swept down his back and landed in his feet. He recalled how his uncle used buggy time to reflect on the day.

  “Nice wedding.”

  Levi agreed and moved slightly as the horse pulled forward. Bullet threw his head up, gave it a quick shake, and whinnied. Hooves against blacktop was the only noise besides an occasional sniffle from Jake. The poor kid had a bad case of allergies.

  The uneven clop-clopping resonated through the cool fall air. While the queue of horses took off down the country road, an unexpected warmth tugged at Levi’s heart.

  Above, the sun set in the west. As the round, orange light dimmed, a kaleidoscope of colors loomed miraculously around it, as if a painter had spilled several different shades onto a canvas.

  From his peripheral vision, he glimpsed Jake glancing out of the small side window. Without warning, Annie’s happy face popped into Levi’s mind. A sigh of complete satisfaction escaped him. When they had spoken, their long-lost friendship had flooded his entire body like a much-needed rain. He gave a slow, uncertain shake of his head. Where had the past ten years gone?

  As their buggy traversed the bumpy road, details about Annie floated through his mind until he could see her perfectly clearly.

  He’d noted everything, from the enthusiastic sparkle in her eyes that was a unique combination of mischievousness and fun to the energetic tone he’d never been able to say no to. He’d always loved the light, eager pitch that edged her voice and her full, generous smile. Even today, the energy in her eyes had made him think of embarking on a new adventure with her.

  He pressed his lips together with unexpected interest while considering her soft blond hair parted in the middle. The thick mass pulled tightly under a covering had turned to a light honey color. The shade made her flawless skin take on a creamier appearance.

  He tapped his foot nervously as her breathtaking features carefully etched their striking details into his mind. What fascinated him most were her clear aquamarine eyes. To his astonishment, the piercing blue-green reminded him of beautiful pictures of the Pacific Ocean he’d glimpsed in the AAA travel agency window. She’d always had them of course. But for some reason he had taken special notice today.

  He pushed out a lazy breath and rested a firm hand on his hip. If he gazed into the predominantly blue depths long enough, surely he would drown with contentment.

  The small brown freckle under her right eye that he’d teased her about as a kid had developed into something of a beauty mark. It belonged there. To his dismay, his pulse picked up speed. He wanted more time with her. She was of Rumspringa age, so she could do non-Amish things. But that would only be for a couple of years, not forever.

  Behind them, Aunt Abigail followed in a separate buggy with Aidan and Elijah. As Levi glanced back at Jake, the kid responded with a big grin. To Levi’s surprise, an unexpected appreciation for the ambience in the buggy, often referred to as the fiberglass box, welled in his chest. He sat back as the horses stepped it up.

  Automatically, Levi looked down. There wasn’t a trace of dirt on the beautiful navy velvet cushion that softened the hard bench. He remembered when his mother had used a lint brush to clean their buggy. On the sides were two small viewing windows and one in the back. A blue homemade quilt was rolled up and slightly draped over the backseat.
He’d forgotten what it was like being in a means of transportation with no seat belts or radio. Levi missed the music. He was used to driving his dad’s truck and had traversed country roads long before he’d gotten his license a few years before.

  As they traveled, Levi glanced back to smile at little Jake. The response was a large toothless grin and eyes wide with excitement. Levi knew the child was dying to spend time with him.

  Levi had nearly decided not to come today. Even though there had been no mention of the shunning, everyone knew it had happened. He had never discussed it with anyone. He and Annie had shared everything when they were young. And despite their unbreakable bond, she was still Amish.

  I’ve got to stop thinking about her.

  * * *

  The sound of wind knocking long evergreen branches against the siding made Annie glance at her bedroom window. She thought back over the day and pushed out a satisfied sigh. A yawn escaped her, and she automatically pressed her palm over her lips.

  She’d witnessed wonderful blessings: a wedding, family and friends who celebrated Katie and Jeremiah’s new beginning together, Levi . . .

  The very thought of him caused her pulse to pick up to a happy speed. She didn’t want to forget him.

  With one swift motion, she jumped up from her sitting position on her oak-framed bed and proceeded to the hope chest Old Sam had made just for her. With great concentration, she traced her finger over the design of a sponge cake recipe on the oak wood lid and smiled.

  She loved the widower and looked after him with two friends, Rebecca and Rachel. She had been close to his wife. Esther had made sponge cakes for practically everyone around. After her death, Annie had adopted a motherly attitude toward the old man, who treated her like a granddaughter.