Read Online Gay Amish 03 - A Way Home by Keira Andrews - Free Book Online

She’d texted David to ask if he was okay and if the breathing exercises were helping. Her concern made him want to smile even when there was such little to smile about.
    “Part of me wishes I could do that.” Aaron nodded in the direction of the house. “Put on my old Amish clothes so I could see them.”
    As hard as it was for him and Isaac to come back, David could only imagine what it was like to be shunned. The ache of it rang through him like a bell. “I’m sorry.” He shifted in his old clothing. “You could borrow something if you wanted. My clothes would fit you fine.”
    Aaron’s jaw tightened, “No. When I left Red Hills I swore it was for good. I wasn’t going to be one of those runners who couldn’t make it stick. I promised myself I’d never put on those clothes again.”
    “All right. I understand.”
    He sighed. “But thank you for offering. I appreciate it.” He stared at the muddy laneway. “I never lived here, but it still feels like coming to a home I’ll never have again. Stupid, I know.”
    “Not stupid.” He paused. “I know why Isaac and I left. But why did you?”
    Aaron’s sad smile was wistful. “I wasn’t cut out for this life. I remember when I was little, and I’d go with Dad to deliver the milk to the dairy. All the trucks and machines and bustle. Everyone seemed busy and important, and I thought, One day I’ll be one of those people. I never wanted to be a farmer. It was always too quiet at home. So much work to do when I knew there were English inventions that made it easy. It just never made sense to me. I couldn’t understand it. I guess I still can’t. Maybe I just don’t want to.”
    David didn’t know what to say. He nodded, even though Aaron’s eyes were still on the horizon, where the pink sky was darkening to an orangey red.
    “Is being gay the only reason you left?” Aaron asked.
    “I don’t know. I don’t think so. No. I guess I’m still trying to figure it out. But even if I couldn’t be with Isaac, I could never stay. I told myself I had to. I’d resigned myself to it. But I was miserable. I want…more. You know what I mean?”
    He smiled. “I know exactly what you mean, David. You should go on now before it gets too dark.”
    “I guess I should.” He ran a hand over his hair, wishing he’d been able to shower, but he’d been so anxious to see Isaac. And now that Isaac was at the end of the drive, he still hadn’t opened the car door. He could hear his heart beating like it was stuck in his ears.
    “Are you sure you don’t want to wait until morning? Not that I don’t want you to see Isaac now. I just know you won’t be walking into an easy situation.”
    “I’m sure. He doesn’t have his phone, and if I don’t come he might think I don’t care. Or that I don’t want to see him after all.”
    Aaron shook his head. “He won’t think that.” He traced his fingers over the smooth leather of the steering wheel and cleared his throat. “So, Isaac told me a little about what happened with Clark. I’m going to have some choice words for Clark when we get home. I love him, but this was not okay. I’m sorry he hit on you like that, and I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt that you didn’t want any of it.”
    David’s mouth went dry. “I didn’t. I swear.” He met Aaron’s gaze. “I would never.”
    “I believe you.” He smiled softly. “I know how much you care about Isaac.”
    The relief was a warm rush, and David exhaled. “Thank you.” He shifted on the squeaky leather seat. “I probably should have realized. Isaac never seemed to like him much, and now I know why.”
    “Isaac should have told you about what he overheard. He should have told you it upset him, and that Clark’s intentions were…fucked up.” He shook his head. “I believe that Clark feels really bad now, but Jesus. He shouldn’t have messed with you.”
    “He said he was sorry. I think he really meant it. It seemed like he did. I forgave