Beyond The Gray Mountains

  BIG SKY AMISH || BOOK ONE

  TRICIA GOYER

  Praise for Tricia Goyer

  "I can always count on Tricia Goyer to draw me into her story world. She deftly writes characters I can root for right to the very end. Treat yourself to a great Goyer read!"

  Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Even Forever and All She Ever Dreamed

  “Tricia Goyer once again has crafted a beautiful tale of sacrifice, hope, and second chances. Beyond the Gray Mountains swept me into the heart of Montana, and Ben and Marianna's story kept me turning pages far into the night. A riveting story of a musician, a woman struggling to find the balance between her Amish upbringing and her new freedom in Christ, and the God who makes all things new.”

  Tara Johnson, author of Engraved on the Heart, Where Dandelions Bloom, and All Through the Night

  “Tricia Goyer has a talent with creating characters that take you inside the Amish community in a unique way. Bridging the English and Amish world with a reality that is refreshing, you will enjoy this series.”

  Martha Artyomenko, Avid Readers of Christian Fiction

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  What’s next…

  On the Golden Cliffs Sneak Peek

  Acknowledgments

  Connect with Sunrise

  About the Author

  Other Big Sky Novels

  “The Lord your God is with you,

  the Mighty Warrior who saves.

  He will take great delight in you;

  in His love He will no longer rebuke you,

  but will rejoice over you with singing.”

  Zephaniah 3:17

  Chapter One

  Saturday, June 24, Kalispell, Montana

  “How hard can it be to plan one wedding?” Marianna Sommer mumbled to herself as she strode down Main Street in Kalispell toward the dress shop—the Englisch dress shop. The warm spring breeze blew softly, ruffling strands of light-brown hair that, for most of her life, had been neatly secured under her kapp.

  But no longer.

  On one side of Marianna paced her friend Annie Johnson, wearing her typical jeans, flannel shirt, and cowboy boots. In her mid-forties, Annie was the owner of the Kootenai Kraft and Grocery. Along with providing a location where one could buy anything from bulk flour and garden seeds to fencing and fishing supplies, Annie was also known to provide a listening ear and a boost of moral support. And this was why she’d offered to take Marianna and her mother dress shopping today.

  Marianna had never attended an Englisch wedding, much less planned one. Yet now that she was marrying Ben Stone—the handsome musician with his dark hair, bright blue eyes, and easy smile—many changes would be taking place.

  Starting with choosing a wedding dress.

  Mem padded on the other side of Marianna in a typical Amish dress, apron, and kapp. She walked with her head lowered and shoulders slumped. She crossed her arms over her chest and uncrossed them as if she didn’t know what to do with herself. It was partly because Mem didn’t have baby Joy on her hip. Yet Marianna also knew this wasn’t how Mem had planned her life. First, losing her oldest two daughters years ago in a buggy accident, and now, having Marianna marry an Englischer. Every Amish mother dreamed of her daughters growing up and following in her footsteps. For Mem, this wouldn’t be so.

  Lord, help me to get through this with peace…marrying the man I love yet also honoring my family and Amish friends. Was that even possible?

  “We’ve planned many weddings,” Mem said, answering Marianna’s musings. Mem quickened her pace just slightly to keep up with Marianna’s steps. “At least we can plan the same food…that’s something both the Amish and Englisch can agree on, ja? Who wouldn’t want fried chicken, potatoes, and pie? Surely no one would disagree about that.”

  A chuckle spilled out of Annie’s lips. “Has my vote.” Annie sniffed the air as they neared the dress shop on the corner. “And do you smell that? There’s a place just across the street that makes the best burgers…after we find the perfect wedding dress, of course.”

  A wedding dress…this is really happening.

  Had it only been a few months ago when the sweet realization blew in with the hints of spring that Marianna was truly loved by her Creator God not because she was Amish, but because she was His child?

  She’d opened her heart to so much more God had for her, including the gift of Ben Stone. She’d never dreamed of marrying an Englischer, much less an acclaimed music artist who was just as comfortable singing in front of tens of thousands of people as he was in the remote Montana community they both called home.

  More tourists than locals filled the sidewalk today. They’d come to visit Glacier National Park, hike on local trails, and camp. Many also liked to stroll the idyllic downtown of Kalispell with its false-front wooden-and-brick buildings, reminiscent of the Old West, cowboys, and cattle drives.

  Along the sidewalks of Main Street, families and couples walked by, snapping photos of the western brick storefronts, antique light posts, and large hanging flower baskets. The fragrant flowers filled the air with a sweet, floral aroma.

  One young couple pointed to Mem as they walked past. Marianna remembered the looks, yet now she wasn’t included in their inquisitive glances. Wearing a simple blouse, long skirt, and sandals, with her hair falling in soft brown waves over her shoulders, she no longer reflected her Amish roots.

  Annie paused at the bridal shop. With a broad smile, she opened the door and ushered Marianna inside. Marianna turned to welcome her mother in. Mem paused her steps, frowned and glanced up and down the sidewalk as if checking to make sure no other Amish person spotted her, and then she tentatively followed inside. Seeing Mem’s hesitation caused Marianna’s heart to pinch, and all the uncertainties about the wedding swirled around in her mind again.

  They entered the shop, and she immediately noticed the large chandelier that cast glimmering beams of light on the dress racks running down both walls and along the back. Beautiful gowns hung neatly, each covered with lace, pearls, and sequins. Romantic guitar music played on overhead speakers, reminding Marianna of the moving melody Ben had played the first time she’d heard him at the Kraft and Grocery. Soft and lilting, romantic and captivating.

  The store smelled of lavender and vanilla from a candle burning, and while the mood was set for customers to enjoy the moment, heat rose to her cheeks as she imagined Ben playing more songs like this for her in their home as they started their life together. I’m really doing this. I’m marrying Ben Stone.

  “Well, well, look who we have here!” A voice broke through Marianna’s thoughts, and a woman with a crown of blonde curls hurried toward Marianna, taking both hands and offering a squeeze. “Marianna Sommer, right? I’m Julie, the owner of this shop.” She looked to Annie and then to Mem. “And from what I hear, this will be an extraordinary wedding.”

  “Yes, that’s correct,” Marianna responded, her one phrase answering both questions.

  Julie tilted her head and narrowed her gaze. “Beautiful brown hair, gray eyes. A classic beauty.” She released Marianna’s hands. “I have some dresses I think will fit perfectly. Let me grab some and set up a dressing room.”

  The woman moved toward a rack near the back of the store. Within a minute, Julie had returned with five or six dresses slung over her arm. Marianna’s jaw dropped at the number of them and the shine of the fabric and pile of ruffles.

  “Ai, yi, yi.” Mem shook her head as she looked around. “Such a fancy shop with so many trappings of the world. I know you are Englisch now, but do you think you will find something here? I mean, just look at that one. No sleeves?” Mem pointed to another with a low-cut sweeping neckline. “Do they want to attract nursing babies to their wedding? Who would wear such a thing?”

  “Mem, please.” Heat again rose to Marianna’s cheeks. “You’re right. I’m Englisch now, but it’s not as if I’d wear something like that.”

  “I’m sorry, Marianna. It’s just that I did not realize these are the choices we have. Maybe there is another shop?”

  Placing a hand to her neck and releasing the sigh she’d been holding in, Marianna glanced over at Annie. “I don’t want to try on too many dresses. And nothing too fancy or revealing. But of course, you know that.”

  Annie placed a hand on Marianna’s shoulder. “I mentioned that on the phone, but I’ll tell Julie again just in case.”

  With hurried steps, Annie approached the shop owner. They talked for a moment, and then Annie motioned to a simple white satin dress on a dress form.

  Julie frowned slightly, but then she
nodded. “Let me just hang these dresses in the dressing room, and I’ll get that one off the form.”

  Julie moved to the fitting rooms, and Marianna shook her head and took a step back. Then she glanced at her friend. “I don’t know, Annie. I’m not sure I can do this.”

  Even though she was no longer wearing Amish clothes, she still felt Amish. Would she ever be able to face a day when she knew the right thing to do? How to act? How to be?

  Marianna looked at Mem. Her lips were pressed tight, and her face was pale. Mem moved to sit in a plush chair. Seeing the way Mem clenched her hands on her lap caused anxiety to tighten Marianna’s chest. Marianna took another step away from the dressing room, unsure if she could try on those dresses.

  Annie rushed to her side. “It’s all right. You don’t have to try on any dresses you don’t want to, but I think you should at least try one on,” Annie’s voice cooed, more maternal than Marianna had ever heard it. “Just see what it looks like. Check to be sure you don’t want to wear an Amish dress after all.”

  “I don’t.” The words spouted from Marianna’s mouth, yet she spoke with more conviction than she felt.

  Annie pulled her into a side hug and gently led her to the dressing room area. “I know it’s hard now, but just think about what this is all about. You’re marrying Ben. You’re going to be his bride. God has brought you together. A few changes are to be expected.”

  A few changes?

  Taking a deep breath, Marianna motioned for Mem to follow, and then she took tentative steps forward. Even as she followed Annie to the dressing room, Marianna wondered if she’d ever get used to the changes. As far as she was concerned, her marriage would distance her even more from the Amish world she knew as she started a new life with Ben. As long as she wasn’t asked to go on the road with him or get too involved with his music or fans, things would work out fine.

  Reaching the dressing room, Marianna realized that Mem hadn’t followed.

  “Mem, are you coming?” Marianna looked back over her shoulder.

  Her mother still sat in the chair and forced a timid smile. “Go ahead. See if there is anything you like yet. If so, then come and show me.”

  “Of course.” Marianna returned to the dressing room and her breath caught. Her shoulders tensed and the skin on the back of her neck prickled. It’s just a dress, she told herself. And just a marriage to an Englischer to follow.

  Saturday, June 24, South Bend, Indiana

  Ben Stone tried not to squint at the lights as he looked at the lunch crowd across the small auditorium, which wasn’t too far from where he’d visited Marianna in Shipshewana where she’d grown up. He strummed his guitar, thankful it was a small venue today. One more show to mark off the list. He’d be on to the next thing on his agenda after just a few more songs to play.

  Dozens of phones were fixed on him, recording his performance. His heart ached as he sang, thinking of his bride-to-be, Marianna.

  You’re nothing alone. You’re everything together.

  Aches all fade when someone helps you weather the hard times,

  Come fill my heart, come fill my life—

  Every warm cabin

  Needs a good wife.

  My granddaddy told me, ‘If you wanna be whole,

  Son, find a good woman who fills up your soul.

  Whose smile brings sunshine, whose laughter rings true—

  ’Cuz son, life ain’t nothin’ ’til you do.’

  Then came the day I looked into your eyes,

  I knew Granddad’s words were heartfelt and wise.

  Your smile, your laughter proved my granddad knew

  A thing or two about life.

  Ben closed his eyes as he strummed and pictured Marianna. Soon he’d be home. Soon she’d be his bride, and they wouldn’t have to worry about living two separate lives anymore. His heart swelled with longing, thinking of her maybe even coming on the road with him. It would be mighty fine to look out in the audience and see Marianna’s face. Her smile.

  Once the set was finished, the applause rose, and Ben gave one last quick wave before he stepped off the stage. His manager, Roy Knight, waited with a broad smile, along with a man Ben didn’t recognize. Yet from the man’s perfectly tailored designer suit, shined dress shoes, and air of confidence, Ben knew this wasn’t a typical groupie who waited in hopes of getting a selfie, handshake, and autograph.

  “Ben, I’d like you to meet Mitch Chapman. Mitch is that tour promoter I was telling you about. He flew in today to hear you sing—”

  “And you didn’t disappoint.” Mitch stretched out his hand.

  Ben quickly shook it, forcing his brightest smile as a truckload of boulders settled on his chest. He hadn’t mentioned the possible tour to Marianna yet, thinking it best to bring it up when he was back home. “Glad you enjoyed the show, Mr. Chapman—”

  The man’s handshake was firm and confident. “Please call me Mitch.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the show, Mitch. But I thought we already had a meeting set up in a few months.” After the wedding. And after he’d had a chance to break the news to Marianna about going on the road next year.

  Mitch’s eyebrows arched, and he shrugged. “You know what they say. ‘Nothing is more expensive than a wasted opportunity.’”

  Ben laughed. “Yes, I’ve also heard the phrase ‘Happy wife, happy life.’ You know I’m getting married in three months, right?” He narrowed his gaze at Roy, even though his words were directed at Mitch. “Marianna isn’t one I picture wanting to be on the road with me full-time.” Ben rubbed his brow and laughed. “She’d hate the fame, the attention…and I want our first year of marriage to be special.”

  “Of course, who wouldn’t want that?” Mitch reached forward and squeezed Ben’s shoulder. “And you don’t have to worry. It’s all been explained to me. The best songs are written by those in love or those facing heartbreak. Let’s go for the man in love, don’t you think? I’m looking at no more than twenty locations. I’m sure your new wife won’t have a problem with that. She does know she’s marrying a rock star after all, right?”

  Chapter Two

  Saturday, June 24, Kalispell, Montana

  “I don’t know, Annie. I’m not sure I can do this.” Marianna’s stomach twisted in knots as she stepped into the dress, letting its silky, cool fabric slide over her frame. For someone who’d been told all her life that God forsakes the proud, putting on this fancy dress went against everything she’d known to be true.

  “Can’t do what? All you’re doing is trying on a dress, right? It’s not like you’re roping a calf.” Annie chuckled and winked. “Now, that I’d like to see.”

  Once the dress was on and she glanced in the mirror, Marianna sucked in a breath. She’d never considered herself an exquisite beauty—it would be wrong to do so—but tears filled her eyes as she eyed her reflection.

  The creamy, smooth fabric fit her perfectly. The high collar and long sleeves were exactly what Marianna wanted. And even though Ben had said he’d marry her if she wore a gunny sack, she imagined the sparkle in Ben’s eyes when he saw her wearing this dress.

  It wasn’t too tight or loose, but it highlighted her thin waist and reminded her of an elegant swan. The style was simple and timeless. She felt beautiful, truly beautiful, for the first time in her life.