Chapter 1 #2
Patti pointed to an open calendar. “We could either agree to meet here or I could give you a call and remind you to mail that check.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not. It’s my job.”
Beth tucked her head as she pretended not to notice how deep Junior’s voice was. It sounded a little husky, and like it was touched with sandpaper. She liked it.
And then there was his grin. That smile tugged at her insides. Made her think about things she didn’t want to think about. Such as Kiran and the night she couldn’t wait to forget.
Or the way her brother Martin’s eyes always sought out Patti when she was near. How his yearning for her was almost palpable. And how she, herself, had never felt anything close to that.
You’re being a fool, she reminded herself. Junior Lambright was at Patti’s house for work. She’d come over uninvited.
She was eating cherry strudel while they worked. Not only did that feel rude, but she was pretty sure that staring at the guy while he talked about his personal finances was rude, too.
So how come she kept stealing glances at him?
Shouldn’t a man’s smile be the last thing on earth she should be thinking about? Hadn’t the last two months taught her anything?
Stabbing a wayward cherry on her plate, she frowned.
“Ah, Beth? Beth?”
She started. Lifted her head. “Yes?”
“Are you all right?”
“Of course. Why?”
“You were stabbing that pastry like it had personally offended you.”
Beth dropped her fork. “Sorry about that.”
Patti continued to look concerned. “Does it not taste good to you?”
“It tastes fine, Beth,” Junior blurted.
“Nee. I mean, um, I’ve heard that sometimes foods taste different when one . . .” Obviously embarrassed, she cut herself off.
She might wish she had done things differently in her life, but Beth knew she was long past the point of pretending that her pregnancy didn’t exist. “When one is pregnant?”
“Jah.”
“I suppose that might be true, but my attitude has nothing to do with the baby.” Standing up, she collected her plate and undrunk tea. “I don’t think I’m the best company today. I’m sorry to not have your tea, but I think it’s best if I head on home.”
Patti’s brown eyes filled with worry. “But your cloak is still wet and it’s still raining.”
“I’ll be fine. Our houses are close.”
Junior’s chair scraped against Patti’s wooden floor, no doubt scuffing it. “I’ll take you.”
“There’s no need.”
“I think differently.” His voice was firm. It was obvious he wasn’t going to accept her pushing him away. Or, perhaps, burdening Patti.
There was only one way to respond. With as much grace as she could muster. “Thank you.”
Ten minutes later, she had her grandmother’s cloak back on and was sitting next to Junior in his buggy.
His horse was a sturdy gelding named Arthur, of all things.
He’d glanced at Beth when Junior had helped her into the buggy and then seemed to stomp a hoof.
She wondered if he was anxious to go or wasn’t real pleased to have yet another person to cart around.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Sure.”
“All right, then.” He clicked. Arthur, obviously eager to be on his way, pulled the buggy forward with a lurch and then off they went.
Needing to break the silence, she said, “How long has Patti been your bookkeeper?”
“Not long.”
“My brother said she’s very good at accounting.”
“Is he a client, too?”
“No, he’s more of a friend to her.” She bit her bottom lip so she wouldn’t add that Martin was a special friend.
“How are you settling in at your grandparents?”
“Well enough.”
“That’s gut.”
“I think so, too.”
Still looking straight in front of him, he blurted, “What about your man?”
Her man? “Who might that be?” she asked sarcastically. Junior might be giving her a ride home, but her personal business wasn’t his.
“The father of your unborn baby.”
Well, she supposed one couldn’t get much more specific than that.
But did she appreciate the question? No.
No, she did not. Though it was tempting to say that the father was none of his business, Beth knew that he was going to be one of many folks who would either ask outright or reach out to someone in her family for more information.
Her grandparents did not deserve that. “I don’t have a man.
This baby is a product of a foolish night. ”
“Wow. That must have been some night.”
She was about to be offended . . . until she saw the hint of a smile on his lips. “Are you joking?”
“I am.”
Beth didn’t know whether she should be mad or not. Deciding that keeping her mouth shut was the better idea, she grunted.
“Are you upset? I’m sorry. I suppose my joke was in poor taste.
” Before she could respond, he added, “It’s just that my cousin and her husband had to try for months for their first baby.
Here, you got pregnant in one night.” Twin splotches of color appeared on his cheeks.
“And, I’ve just become very aware that my teasing was not only rude, but I’ve gone on about it far too long. I’m sorry.”
“No . . . I mean, it’s okay.” She shook her head, not sure what to say but needing to say something. “I . . . well, this pregnancy caught me off guard, too. And the guy I was with.”
About a dozen thoughts seemed to roll around in his head, but he remained silent.
And then he was setting the parking brake. “Stay put. I’ll come around and help you down.”
“I can get myself out.”
“I’d prefer to help you.” Those eyes that seemed to see far too much settled on her. “If you wouldn’t mind, that is.”
Beth didn’t reply. She also didn’t move until he opened the buggy’s door and held out a hand.
Accepting his help, she pretended she didn’t notice the way his left hand curved around her waist and his right hand’s fingers were slightly rough.
Or that he smelled faintly of oranges, like he’d eaten one that morning.
“Thank you for the ride,” she said.
“Anytime.” Glancing behind her, he nodded his head before climbing into the buggy, clicking the reins, and driving off.
Wondering who he’d seen, she turned to see Martin in the doorway.
Immediately, her heart lifted. Her brother was here. Now, at the very least, she wouldn’t feel quite so alone and out of place.