“You’re so sweet,” Elsie said when he finished, and reached out a hand to hold his, the way she used to when he courted her. A sign of support, she’d always said.
He grasped it and clung although he’d probably regret it later. Warmth spread up his arm, somehow calming him.
Abigail started crying. Again. Elsie must affect his sister’s tear ducts somehow. All that peppermint, maybe. Abigail must be allergic or something. He’d have another talk with Elsie about the smell. Possibly he should suggest a shower right before she came to work, although that might not go over so well. She probably sucked on the candy so much she was permanently scented.
Which meant his sister might be allergic to him if he held Elsie’s hand.
He quickly let go and took another bite of his now-cold food.
Not to mention he’d probably smell peppermint in his sleep.
And then kissing her would not only fill his thoughts, but also his dreams.
* * *
Working for the Wyses was educational. Elsie gathered up the dirty dishes after Levi left the house and carried them over to the sink, her thoughts spinning. Of course Levi would’ve mourned the loss of his family, but she’d never dreamed he’d cry over snowmen. It spoke volumes about how steeped in tradition he was. It was a good thing but so sad that he’d lost his whole family—except for Abigail—in one horrible moment.
And protecting Abigail the way he had by forbidding visitors—although the loud wailing seemed out of character for most Amish. They were usually more stoic when it came to death. “It was his or her time,” and that was the end of it. Unless they were crying over Abigail’s life hanging in the balance. For a while in there, the doctors had been rather grim about her chances of survival. Of course, after Levi forbid any visitors, Elsie had stopped getting any updates other than Levi’s rather cryptic “No change” on the rare occasion he came to take her out on a date. He’d been withdrawing even then. Until the day Abigail woke up. Levi had come over so excited to share the news, and that was when he’d invited her to his third cousin’s wedding—the wedding that had sounded the death knell for their relationship.
Elsie sighed as she ran hot water into the sink. Had something happened to Abigail that weekend—something bad enough to make him forget about her and everything and rush home to his sister?
She peeked over her shoulder. Abigail hummed as she wrote something on an index card. She’d said she was going to write a shopping list for Elsie while she did dishes. Elsie guessed she’d be doing the shopping in the morning and then helping Abigail deep clean the house to get ready for the taffy pull. Although, Levi would need to approve the list and give her the money.
They had a lot of work to do in a very short time, but it was a miracle, pure and simple, that Levi agreed to let her suggest it. And with his silence, he’d agreed for it to happen in just two days’ time.
She added a squirt of dish detergent to the hot water, stirred it in, and turned the faucet off. She’d have to see if Noah would take her to a few places to find a couple of chaperones, in addition to getting the word out about the frolic.
She’d mentioned chaperoning to Levi, but the truth was both he and she were single, and married couples acted as chaperones, not singles of courting age. Levi must’ve forgotten or else he would’ve flat out refused.
A flutter of excitement tickled her belly. Aware of it or not, Levi Wyse was about to be her date to the taffy pull. And with that in mind, Noah had to shoot down some mistletoe before Friday evening. Elsie’s future happiness was at stake.
Instantly guilt filled her. Helping Levi and Abigail heal was more important than conniving and manipulating to get him back.
Though wouldn’t being forced to be part of a twosome at a frolic be part of the healing process? And who better to be with than her. She was obviously the one he’d be most comfortable with, even if he didn’t like her anymore. It’d be better than having him hide in the barn the whole time.
Elsie finished washing the last dish, drained the water, and grabbed a towel to dry the dishes. As she wiped the first plate, she turned to Abigail. “What would you like me to do next?” It kind of hurt to ask. But Abigail was her employer and Elsie couldn’t just assume.
Abigail pursed her lips. “Sweep and scrub the kitchen floor. That’s a job I can’t do very well from a wheelchair, and I think the kitchen should be super clean for candy making. Besides, everyone will be judging me—and you—on our housecleaning skills, and I don’t want us to be found lacking.”
Elsie nodded, but she wasn’t sure the focus would be on judging housekeeping. She went to visit with friends and have fun and didn’t care whether the floor was clean enough to use for a plate. Of course, being an Amish home, the assumption that it was would be there.
“The cleaning supplies are in the mudroom.” Abigail pointed to the laundry room.
Elsie headed that way. There was another outside entrance and a direct entrance to the bathroom so a muddy farmer could strip in the laundry room and head straight for the bathroom and a shower without anyone seeing him or her. Convenient. She peeked out the small window on the back door and stifled a scream when her gaze locked on Levi’s serious gray eyes. She hadn’t expected him to be standing there.
Levi jerked open the door and stepped inside.
Elsie stumbled back a couple of steps.
“What are you doing?” he whispered.
Why was he whispering? “Looking for cleaning supplies,” she said just as quietly, opting to tell the truth.
Confusion crossed Levi’s face. “Outside? Through the window?”
Elsie frowned. “Oh. No. Just wondered where this door led. That’s all. You didn’t show me this room.”
“I didn’t think of it, but a mudroom is a mudroom.” He shrugged. “Cleaning supplies are in that cupboard.” He pointed but then edged closer. “It probably won’t do any good to tell you this, but I think Abigail is allergic to peppermint.”
“Why do you think that? And why wouldn’t it do any good to tell me?” Elsie tilted her head.
“I was going to suggest showering before you come, but then I figured that wouldn’t do any good because you probably eat so much peppermint you’re permanently scented. I think she’s allergic because I’ve never seen her cry so much. It must be making her eyes water.”
“Oh. She’s just happy.” Elsie reached out and patted his arm. The man must be an idiot to not realize her scent was due to more than simply eating peppermint. But maybe he was attempting to protect himself by using his sister’s needs.
“Happy? Why would she cry if she was happy? That makes no sense.” Levi moved a little closer. He smelled of sawdust. Of coffee. And of chocolate-covered peppermint patties. He gazed down into her eyes.
“Because you agreed to a taffy pull. Because you love her so much you tried to protect her when she was in a coma. Because you gave permission for her to start living like a normal teenager.”
“I never told her she couldn’t.” Levi frowned and moved closer still. Close enough she could rise up on tiptoes and kiss him. Close enough that if he were any other guy, he’d be violating her personal space. He’d lowered his voice even more so that it felt even more intimate and made her shiver. “But how is she going to get to all the teenage activities? I’m a working man and not available to lift her in and out of buggies regularly.” His gaze dipped to her lips. Rose. Then lowered again, lingering.
“We’ll figure it out.” Elsie’s breath hitched. She should move away, but the hungry desire in his eyes caught her and held her captive. “The reason you abandoned me at the wedding eighteen months ago—was it…had…um…Did it have something to do with Abigail?”
His hands rose and cupped each side of her face. His fingers slid over the curve of her cheeks. His eyes darkened. “Mm-hmm. She fell and had a major setback. The doctors didn’t think she’d survive.”
Elsie’s heart pounded out of control. The rough timbre of his voice combined wit
h the look in his eyes reeled her in. She moved a centimeter closer and raised her head to his, a silent invitation for his kiss. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
He groaned and lowered his head enough so his breath whispered across her lips. “You broke up with me before I could.”
So their breakup was truly her fault. Regret filled her. If only she could communicate her love still remained…
There was something mixed with the desire in his eyes. Heat. Something.
He groaned again. His thumb traced over her lips, igniting a fire deep inside. “Elle—”
She shivered and surged against him, her arms going around his neck as he backed her against the washing machine and pressed against her.
The next instant his lips were on hers. Teasing. Caressing. But holding back and not committing. Driving her mad.
Two could play that game. She whimpered, weaving her fingers into his hair and wiggling against him.
He made a growling sound deep in his throat. The next second she was seated on the washing machine, being held closer than he’d ever held her before, and his lips working some kind of magic that erased every thought from her mind except Levi and what he was doing to her.
* * *
He was out of control.
Somewhere in the hidden recesses of Levi’s mind he recognized that fact, but he didn’t want to acknowledge it. He mentally slapped the blaring alarms silent, his fevered kisses moving from her lips to her ears, down her neck, his hands cupping her hips and urging her off the machine, completely into his arms, her legs wrapping around him, and…and…
What. Was. He. Doing?
Oh, good Lord, have mercy.
He redeposited Elsie on the washing machine and wrenched himself away, his eyes burning. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Her sweet lips parted, swollen and probably bruised. She reached out as if to tug him back into her embrace, but he stumbled backward, then veered toward the door. What had he returned to the house for anyway? He couldn’t remember. All he knew was…
Oh, good Lord…
“This changes nothing. Nothing.” He grasped the doorknob and with a twist wrenched the door open. “I still can’t marry.”
“Can’t,” she repeated. Her eyes glistened as if she were about to cry.
He wanted to cry with her.
“Why can’t?” Her voice broke.
He gave a mute headshake and…
And…
In what could only be lousy—or perfect—timing, Abigail wheeled into view. Partially. He saw her feet as she propelled her chair.
He motioned in that direction, and as Elsie slid off the washing machine, he slipped out the door. A tear or two escaped and ran down his cheeks.
Lord, help.
How could he continue to have Elsie work for them?
But how could he not?
Chapter 13
On Thursday, Elsie deep cleaned the entire house per Abigail’s directions, though she really didn’t think some of it was necessary. Who would check for dust above door frames? Even when church services were held in homes every other Sunday, Elsie had never seen anyone reaching up high to check for dust. And ever since the terrible tornadoes that almost destroyed Hidden Springs, the bishop and preachers decided to build a common meetinghouse for services instead of having them in homes. Apparently several other districts were doing the same thing. And who dusted door frames in a church?
The house smelled of lemon-scented bleach when the door opened and Noah strode inside carrying the empty leftover dish. He’d been kept late at work Wednesday evening and Elsie’s brother Sam had picked up Elsie, full of talk about Chicago and how he’d rented a two-bedroom apartment for them starting January first. They could move in sooner; the landlord was painting now. Elsie guessed she’d share a room with two-year-old Sammy. The clock was ticking. She didn’t have much time left with the rest of her family and friends.
“The baked oatmeal was just as good as I imagined. You’ll make a good wife someday.” Noah winked at Abigail, who was sitting at the table slicing carrots and celery sticks to eat raw for part of supper.
She put down the knife and blushed. “Danki. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Noah set the dish on the table and sniffed. “Smells like you’ve been cleaning.”
“Elsie has. I wrote out a shopping list for her yesterday.” Abigail nodded at Elsie on the other side of the table.
“I’ll be ready to go as soon as I finish preparing meatloaf sandwiches.” Elsie smeared mustard on the already sliced bread.
Noah shrugged. “Take your time. I’m not in any hurry to leave.” He pulled out a chair and sat next to Abigail.
Elsie tried to not be obvious about studying them. She should have known about this long before now. She certainly had plenty of questions for Noah during their ride home. Starting with why he never brought her along when he visited Abigail.
“Can you and Elsie stay for supper?” Abigail asked.
Noah raised his eyebrows as he glanced at Elsie before answering. She gave a slight shake of her head. She’d love to and their parents wouldn’t mind, but Levi probably had enough of her. He’d been gone when she arrived this morning and still hadn’t made an appearance. Besides, he was sure to be uncomfortable after kissing her the way he had yesterday. It kind of embarrassed her, too. He’d never been so passionate when they were dating. It was almost as if he couldn’t get enough. Maybe he sensed, as she did, that time was running out and all restraint was gone.
As if he was refilling his…thoughts, memories, something…before they parted again. Permanently this time. Because she’d be heading to Chicago with Sam and Sammy.
Oh, that hurt. Especially because she’d likely be shunned.
“Sorry, we can’t stay.” Noah sounded regretful. “Maybe another time.”
Elsie didn’t want to come between Noah and Abigail, either. But…
Abigail sucked in a breath. “Levi said we can have a taffy pull tomorrow,” she blurted; then her cheeks flared red.
Elsie cringed. The poor dear. Abigail’s crush on Noah was almost painful to watch. But maybe they felt the same about her obvious feelings for Levi.
Of course, her feelings were painful to experience, too. How should she react to a man who seemed to want her physically but not in any of the other ways that mattered in a forever romance—er, relationship? One that included marriage and a happy ever after.
There was no forever in their extended relationship forecast. And if she were smart, she wouldn’t let him steal any more kisses—not that he stole them. She gave them away willingly. They should be saved for her future husband.
Not that anyone was lining up to court her. She had dates. Dates! Sometimes two…never three. Seemed as if her lack of longevity at jobs extended to relationships, too.
What was wrong with her?
Maybe that’d change in the Englisch world, too.
She mentally shook her head and focused on her brother, who gazed at Abigail as if she were the only woman in the world.
“Friday is short notice,” Noah said, “but we’ll make it work. My big concern is the weather forecast. When we were talking at work, I heard we’re supposed to get a bad ice storm with enough accumulation to down power lines followed by a blizzard with several feet of snow on top of the ice. The grocery stores are sold out of the necessities.”
Brow furrowed, Abigail went to retrieve her shopping list and skimmed it. Then she shrugged. “Get what you can.” She shoved it nearer to Elsie.
Elsie glanced at it. “Most of it is for candy making anyway and snacks for the frolic. You should be fine except for milk. And we have enough to spare at our house. I’ll bring a gallon in the morning.”
“Oh, I haven’t had real milk fresh from the cow in forever. The whole milk from the grocery store just doesn’t taste the same. Danki. When is that storm forecasted for?” Abigail turned to Noah. “Levi said he heard it was stalled over the Dakotas.”
“I
t was.” Noah shrugged. “And they still aren’t sure which way it will go. If it tracks our way, it’ll arrive late Friday night or early Saturday morning. So the taffy-making frolic shouldn’t be affected. Everyone should be home by the time it starts. I think.” He eyed Elsie’s stack of meatloaf sandwiches. “I’m going to head out to the barn and say hi to Levi; then I’ll be ready to go.” He winked at Abigail again.
She looked down, her cheeks flaring red again. So sweet.
“I’ll meet you at the buggy,” Elsie said, then looked at Abigail as Noah stood and left the house. “I think I made plenty.” She motioned toward the stack of sandwiches that used up all the leftover meatloaf. “But whatever is left you can set out at the frolic.”
“Danki for all your help.” Abigail picked up the knife again. “I’m so happy you and Levi are back together. You complete him. I can’t wait until we’re sisters.”
Elsie paused in putting the lid on the mustard jar. She stared down at it. “We’re not back together. Probably never will be.” There was no probably about it. “I didn’t mean to give you that impression. He’s my boss and that’s all.” She couldn’t even claim to be his friend. He’d be shunning her with all the rest.
Abigail frowned. “But Levi said he kissed you. He’d never do that if he wasn’t in love with you.”
If only that were true. And it rather hurt that Levi kissed and told, as if she were some kind of conquest. Elsie forced a shrug that she hoped looked nonchalant. “Levi can’t stand me and the only reason he hired me was because of you. He said so.”
Abigail scoffed. “Then why’d he kiss you?”
Peppermint. He’d told her so. But Elsie lifted her shoulders again. “We’re history. The most we’ll ever be in the future is friends.” And that was stretching it.
“Think what you will. He’s my brother and I know for a fact that he’s still in love with you.”
Whatever. But did Abigail know why Levi said he “can’t” marry? Maybe she could ask Abigail. But not today when her emotional roller coaster had already taken her for a ride.
The Amish Christmas Gift Page 11