The Innkeeper's Bride

by Kathleen Fuller

  Jackson was staring at his coffee mug, the paper ignored. “I’m sorry that took so long,” she said. “Here you go.”

  He folded the paper and moved it aside to make room. “Looks great,” he said as she put the food in front of him.

  She also placed a set of small salt and pepper shakers on the table, along with one of the cloth napkins Levi had given her. “Can I get you anything else? We have both orange and apple juice. I can bring you a glass if you’d like.”

  “I think I’m good.” He looked up at her and then back down at the breakfast. He let out a low whistle. “This is quite a spread.”

  “Delilah is a good cook.”

  “I really enjoyed the cabbage stew last night.” He grinned. “I could get used to eating like this. What are orange twists, by the way?”

  “They’re a type of pastry. The orange flavored dough is twisted and then baked. Sometimes there’s chocolate drizzle on them. Would you like one?”

  “Sure. I’m game to try anything.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  When she returned, Levi was talking with Jackson. She stilled. She couldn’t go back into the kitchen when Jackson was expecting his twist. Avoiding Levi was getting harder and harder. She took in a deep breath and then walked over to them and placed the twist on the table.

  “Breakfast looks good.” Levi turned to Selah. “Nice job.”

  His words set her teeth on edge. Was he being condescending? As if she’d done something monumental by serving breakfast?

  “Best breakfast I ever had,” Jackson said.

  Levi nodded. “That’s what we like to hear. Do you need anything else?”

  Selah clenched her jaw. It was her job to ask Jackson if he needed anything else.

  “I was going to get more coffee—”

  “I’ll get it.” Selah grabbed his mug off the table and stormed to the beverage station. She filled it to the brim and then nearly slammed it on his table. Hot coffee sloshed everywhere, which brought her to her senses. “Oh nee,” she said, grabbing his napkin and wiping up the coffee. “Did I get any on you?”

  Jackson shook his head. “Uh, no.”

  “I’m so sorry.” She began to wipe furiously. “I’m really sorry.”

  “It’s fine, Selah,” he said.

  But it wasn’t fine. She had lost her temper over something stupid, and now she’d made an idiot of herself in front of Jackson and Levi. She couldn’t look at either of them as she ran off to the kitchen.

  * * *

  “If Noah calls me one more time . . .” Cevilla snapped shut the flip phone and placed it on the kitchen counter. The argument had gone on for a long time, but she’d finally agreed to not just take the phone her nephew had given her but to keep it in the house, something she really hadn’t wanted to do. Yet on days like this, when the snow was up past her knees, it was nice not to have to trudge out to the barn to check voice mail every two or three hours because her nephew was a worrywart and would panic if he didn’t get a return call. It was also true that a woman her age could easily slip and fall in conditions like this, but she hated to admit that.

  “He cares about you.” Richard examined the puzzle piece in his hand, squinted, and then placed it in the correct spot. He and Cevilla had been working on the puzzle since after breakfast, and they would have made more progress if they hadn’t spent so much time talking and laughing—about the past, of course. They discussed very little about the present, and nothing about the future.

  “I know. He says he’ll be over as soon as the snow eases up so he can dig us out. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yoder boys showed up too.”

  Richard nodded and picked up another piece. “Hope you told Noah there was no need to rush.”

  Cevilla smiled. She’d admitted to Noah that Richard had spent the night—on the couch. The admission embarrassed her a little, as though she’d been caught doing something improper, which, of course, wasn’t true. It didn’t help when Noah laughed and said, “Just make sure you two lovebirds stay out of trouble.”

  She frowned. Her nephew could be irritating at times. Wonder where he got that?

  Richard’s cell phone rang. He fished it out of his pants pocket and tapped the screen. Unlike her, he had a fancy smartphone. The flip phone was more than enough for her. “Hi, Meghan,” he said, grinning. “Wonderful to hear from you . . . Yes, I miss you too. It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”

  Cevilla saw the light in his eyes as he talked to his granddaughter. They had always been close, and she’d been with him when he showed up on Cevilla’s doorstep last year. She took her cane and stood, mouthing the words I’ll get more tea. He nodded and continued to talk.

  She paused in front of the kitchen stove. Once again she was struck by the fact that Richard was giving up a lot to be with her. And what was she giving up? Nothing—unless she counted no longer spending most of her days on her own. Otherwise, he was making all the changes. Was that fair? Was it even right?

  She’d been so focused on her own feelings that she hadn’t thought about how difficult it must have been for Richard to leave everything he knew behind. He was considering not only changing his address permanently but changing his entire life—for her.

  A stab of pain went through her heart as she realized how lopsided their relationship was.

  When she pushed the tea cart back to the living room, Richard was still talking. He looked at Cevilla as she put the cups on the puzzle table. “Cevilla’s brought our tea, sweetheart, so I’ll let you go for now. I’m glad to hear everything is going well. Tell your mother I said hello . . . and that she could give me a call every once in a while.”

  Cevilla winced.

  “Love you, Meghan . . . I’ll tell her . . . All right. Bye.” Richard swiped his finger across the screen and placed the phone back in his pocket. “Meghan sends her love,” he said, picking up his cup of tea.

  Cevilla was silent for a moment. “When was the last time you heard from Sharon?” she asked.

  Richard frowned. “Been awhile.” He shrugged, and after taking a sip of tea, he put the cup back down. “I’m sure she’s busy with whatever she busies herself with.” He smiled at her. “Meghan said she might come out for a visit soon.”

  “That would be nice.” She saw how excited he was at the prospect, which sent off another twinge in her heart.

  “You’ve become quiet all of a sudden,” he said.

  “I have?” Cevilla waved him off, trying to force a smile.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. I do have my quiet moments, you know.”

  “Not very often.” He peered at her over his glasses. “Sure everything is still okay?”

  “Ya,” she said, managing to brighten a little. They had just overcome their first major argument, and she didn’t want him to worry that they were going to fight again. “Everything is right as rain—or snow, considering today’s forecast.”

  “Good.” He looked at her with an endearing gaze for a long moment. “I’m glad we got back on track, Cevilla. I don’t want that to ever happen to us again.”

  She nodded, watching him pick up one of the puzzle pieces and search for its place, her heart filling with love. Neither do I.

  Chapter 13

  After Selah fled to the kitchen, Levi turned to Jackson. “Sorry about that.”

  He waved his hand. “It’s no problem. She must not be feeling well again.”

  Levi glanced at the kitchen door. “Yeah,” he mumbled. “I’m sure that’s it.”

  Jackson calmly sipped his coffee as if Selah hadn’t just splashed it all over the table. He picked up his orange twist. “This looks amazing.”

  If all their guests were as easygoing as Jackson, running the inn would be a breeze. “Let me know if you need anything else.” Jackson gave him a thumbs-up, and then Levi went to the kitchen, making sure to open the door slowly. Selah’s back was to him, but he could tell she was covering her face with her h
ands. “Selah?” He walked up behind her. When she didn’t say anything, he touched her shoulder.

  “Don’t.” She shrugged him off.

  He took a step back, knowing he’d crossed a line. “Sorry.”

  Her shoulders slumped, and then she turned around. “Don’t apologize, either. This is all mei fault.” She looked up at him, pain in her eyes. “I’ll get myself together, I promise.”

  “Selah, I . . .” He wasn’t sure how to respond. To say she was touchy was an understatement, but she also seemed confused. “Whatever is going on, you can talk to me. I won’t break yer confidence.”

  “Somehow I believe that.”

  “Because it’s true.”

  She backed up from him until she was against the counter. He took another step away from her, not wanting her to think she was trapped. “I think I’m just tired,” she said. “I get a little short-tempered when I don’t get enough sleep.”

  Levi didn’t buy her excuse, but he nodded anyway. “Take the rest of the day off.”

  Her gaze shot to his. “I don’t have to do that. I need to clear breakfast. I’ll be fine.”

  “I know you’ll be fine, but you’re still taking the day off. Geh upstairs or back to Nina’s room and get some rest. I’ll take care of the food and dishes.”

  “But—”

  He crossed his arms. “Did you forget I’m yer boss?”

  Her gaze averted, hiding her eyes. “Nee.”

  “Then why are you arguing with me?” When she started to speak, he held up his hand. “Don’t apologize again. I think we’re all tired and out of sorts. Except for Jackson. He seems to be really enjoying his stay.”

  “Thanks to yer familye.”

  “And thanks to you. I know I said breakfast looks good out there, but it looks really gut. It takes a team effort to keep this place going, even if there’s only one guest. Don’t discount yer contribution.”

  She nodded. “I won’t.”

  “Now, you have yer duty schedule for the day.” He opened the door to the mudroom, giving her what he hoped was an encouraging smile. He didn’t want to be that stern with her, but he knew if he wasn’t, she’d continue arguing with him. “Hop to it.”

  Selah paused, the lines of strain around her mouth lessening. Then they both stepped into the mudroom, where she took her coat from a peg before leaving. Just to make sure she complied, he watched out a window until he saw her going into the house. At the same time, Nina was coming from the barn. Levi held the door open for his sister, shivering a little from the cold.

  “Where’s Selah going?” Nina said as he closed the mudroom door.

  “To take a nap. In yer room, I think. Is that okay?”

  “More than okay.” Nina leaned over and whispered, “She’s a little crabby this morning.”

  Levi didn’t acknowledge her words, but he hoped whatever was going on with Selah was a onetime thing. If not, he had another problem to deal with. But he couldn’t stand the thought of firing her. He shoved that thought away. They would work things out, somehow.

  “Levi?” Nina said as they walked into the kitchen.

  “What?”

  “Good grief, now you sound out of sorts. I was just going to ask you if you wanted to play a game of Dutch Blitz. Grossmutter is in the living room working on a crossword puzzle, so she’s keeping an eye on Daed. I don’t think he needs anyone to wait on him all the time, and naturally he agrees. But you know Grossmutter.”

  “Ya. She gets her way sooner or later.” He looked at her. “I don’t want to play, but maybe you could ask Jackson.”

  “Think he knows how?”

  “You could teach him. I think he’s still eating in the lobby.”

  Her eyes lit up. “All right. I’ll ask him, and when he’s finished, I’ll clean up breakfast.”

  “I’ll help.”

  “You will?” She tilted her head. “Where’s mei bruder and what have you done with him?”

  “C’mon, I’ve washed dishes before.”

  “I know.” She laughed. “You’re just too fun to tease.” Then she went into the lobby.

  Levi began filling the sink with water, his mind on Selah again. In a short time, he’d grown to care for her, and it didn’t make much sense. He’d known women his age all his life and had never experienced a spark of attraction. But from the moment he met Selah, he’d felt something, and it wasn’t just curiosity. He recognized that now. Leave it to him to fall for a complicated woman.

  Shutting off the tap, he closed his eyes. Lord, I don’t know what to do other than pray for Selah. Whatever she’s dealing with, please help her. And you can help me, too, while you’re at it. I’m gonna need it.

  * * *

  Selah lay in Nina’s bed, unable to sleep even though she’d been given marching orders to do so. After she’d left the inn, she’d entered the house through the mudroom and taken off her coat. Then she’d passed Loren and Delilah in the living room, where they were reading separate sections of the paper, a pencil behind Delilah’s ear. “Everything all right, dear?” Delilah asked as Selah moved toward the staircase.

  Hearing Delilah’s caring voice nearly undid her. She bit her lip and nodded. “I’m just a little tired. Levi suggested I take a nap.”

  Her graying brow lifted. “He did?”

  “Ya. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

  “A nap is an excellent idea.” Loren set down the paper and folded his hands over his waist. “This feels a little bit like a Sunday since we’re limited in what we can do.”

  “Speak for yerself,” Delilah said.

  “I told you I could start doing things around here. Like get mei own lunch.”

  “And risk hurting yer leg when you’re just starting to feel better? Humph.” She looked at Selah. “Enjoy yer rest.”

  Loren nodded, closing his eyes. “We’ll make sure to keep the noise down. Right, Mutter? You’re usually the main culprit.”

  She gave him a pointed look, which he didn’t see, and then she fluttered her hand in the direction of the stairs.

  Now Selah was underneath the warm covers, trying to fall asleep. But all she could do was fret over the disasters that had happened ever since Christian told her to stay with the Stolls. Between her panic attack and getting angry over nothing—which ended up affecting their first guest—she worried she wouldn’t have a job anymore despite Levi’s amiability. She might have blown this opportunity in less than a week. That had to be a record.

  Her insides churned. Anger, irritation, sadness—these were familiar enemies, and they wouldn’t let her go. And something else worried her. Was it possible that missing one pill would set her so far back? There had to be another reason. The prospect that something else was wrong with her escalated her anxiety.

  A soft knock sounded at the door. Before she could respond, the door opened a crack and a hand poked through to set a plate on the floor. “I’m awake,” Selah said. “You can come in.”

  Delilah opened the door, looking sheepish. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I brought you a snack for when you wake up.”

  One thing about Delilah, she made sure no one went hungry. “Danki.”

  “Having trouble sleeping?”

  “A little.”

  “How about some chamomile tea?”

  A lump formed in Selah’s throat. “Nee . . . thank you.” Then she burst into tears.

  “Oh mei goodness.” Delilah went to her and sat on the edge of the bed.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” She tried to stem their flow, but the tears kept coming.

  Delilah didn’t say anything. She just held her until she was able to stop, and then she took a handkerchief out of her apron pocket. The Stolls seemed prepared for everything. “Here,” she said, handing it to her.

  Selah wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she said again.

  “Selah, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

  She looked at Delilah, who
was the last person she ever thought she would open up to. The taskmaster, the stubborn woman who always got her way, the one Levi said could be a tyrant. But she was also caring, and Selah had never felt so cared for than in this moment. Except when I’m with Levi. But she couldn’t tell Delilah the truth. Then she would really be out of a job, not to mention possibly ostracized by this family. She couldn’t take that chance right now.

  Delilah patted Selah’s knee. “I shouldn’t have pried,” she said. “I’ll get you that tea.” She rose from the bed. “It will help you sleep.”

  “Danki,” Selah whispered.

  Her heart started to hammer in her chest again. Levi wouldn’t be here to rescue her this time. She got on her knees and prayed harder than she ever had, not stopping until her heartbeat slowed again.

  It will be okay.

  Those words had to come from the Lord, because in her mind, nothing was okay.

  * * *

  Levi spent all of lunch and most of the afternoon in his office, except when he took a break to get an orange twist from the kitchen and a cup of coffee. Nina and Jackson had played Dutch Blitz for a couple of hours, and she’d made sure he got some lunch. His sister was a pretty good hostess, he had to admit. But taking care of one guest was much different than caring for multiple ones. God willing, they would have more soon.

  Despite holing up in the office, he didn’t get much work done. He hoped Selah had been able to rest. Around four, he emerged from the office and stood by the front door. The snow had finally stopped, and the sun appeared through the mass of gray clouds, illuminating the sparkling landscape. About three feet of the stuff was in the parking lot and on the road, but only four inches or so on the front porch. There wouldn’t be much daylight left, so he needed to get busy clearing the parking lot.

  He turned as Jackson came down the stairs and said, “Finally, some sunshine.”

  “Nina and I will dig out your car,” Levi told him.

  “You don’t have to do that today. The plows aren’t out yet, and I’m not leaving until the morning.”

  “We have church tomorrow, so we can’t do it then.”

  Jackson frowned and then nodded. “No work on Sunday?”