Chapter 26
H ENRY
Ellie beams at me the moment she steps into my house. “Your potholders sold, Henry!” I love that she’s so excited. It sure beats the looks of disdain I used to receive. I’m just happy that she’s finally mine.
I grin. “So, it was a good day?”
“The best ever! Some Englischer came in and bought up almost all my stuff. Can you believe that?”
An Englischer ? Was that what Missy told her or is she just assuming?
“That’s amazing,” I say. But all I can think of at the moment is that I better get all that merchandise boxed up and sent to the auctioneer. Because if Ellie were to discover it in my room, I’d be in deep trouble. She’d probably be livid and hand the money right back to me.
“I’m going to be so busy trying to replace everything he bought.”
My eyebrow arches. “He?”
She shrugs. “Or she. I didn’t ask Missy.”
“I see.”
“So, um, I was thinking…” Her lips twist like she’s trying to phrase the question I already know she’s planning to ask.
“Would you like my help?” I offer.
“ Ach , I think that would be wunderbaar .”
“If you want, I could take my mamm’s sewing machine to your place or I could bring yours here. Whichever you think would be best.”
“For real? You’d do that?”
“ Ach .” I step close and brush my fingers against her hair. Then I lean down and brush her lips with mine. “Ellie Petersheim, don’t you know I would do anything for you?”
“Henry.” At my name, tears spring to the surface of her eyes. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
I can’t take my eyes off her. This woman is everything to me. “I thought that was plain to see. I love you.”
Her watery eyes search mine. “You do?”
I put my hand on my chest. “With all my heart.”
I draw her into my embrace and kiss the top of her prayer kapp . I’d love to be able to ask for her hand in marriage, but I feel it’s too soon. The last thing I want to do is scare her off by being overeager. So instead, I just hold her for several moments.
“You’re too good to me. You know that?” She sniffles against my chest.
“I could never be too good. There’s so much I want to give you, Ellie. So much I’d love to do for you.” If only I could remove her burdens.
“I don’t deserve your kindness.”
I lift her chin and stare into her eyes. “Don’t ever say that. Ellie Petersheim, you deserve the best of everything. Always.”
Then I dip my head and claim the kiss I’ve been craving all day.
Jah , I need to have a chat with Daniel Petersheim, and soon. Because making Ellie my wife is nearly all I can think of.