Starting from Scratch

by Kate Lloyd

  I imagined Brandy cradling her newborn right now and felt a warm wave of tenderness. Eva was her first name. I’d never had a baby named after me, or at least with me in mind. I was determined to be an outstanding woman if a little girl was named after me, even if she was Englisch.

  I heard men’s voices in the kitchen and then the back door closing. Feeling a pang of guilt, I scurried back to the guest room.

  I recognized Stephen’s feet ascending the stairs. He poked his head in. “Wayne just dropped by to see how everything is going. I told him you’re sleeping up here, and I’m going to sack out in the living room.”

  “No, we can’t do that.”

  “Wayne agreed it’s best you aren’t out in the cabin in case Ralph shows up.” Stephen said. “Or in this house alone.”

  “But I can’t live in fear of Ralph forever—”

  “Being prudent for one night isn’t such a bad idea.” He massaged the back of his neck. “You can trust me, Evie. I won’t come upstairs during the night. Between me and the dogs downstairs, you’ll be safe. And with my pickup parked out back, I can’t imagine anyone would be dumb enough to try breaking in.”

  I descended the stairs to collect my belongings from the kitchen. When I returned, Stephen stood at the second-floor hall closet, gathering a blanket and pillow.

  “I just spoke to Beatrice on the phone,” he said, “who told me this arrangement is fine and that she should have thought of it herself.” He tilted his head. “I won’t come back upstairs unless you call me. Please do if you need anything. That’s why I’m here.” Then he turned away and trotted down the stairs.

  In the guest room, I changed into my nightgown and bathrobe. A painting with an ornate gold frame of Venice caught my eye. I wondered if Rose’s aunt, sister, or Beatrice had given it to the Yoders as a wedding present or if it were on loan from Beatrice. I’d seen photos of the intriguing city built on islands, the exquisite ancient architecture, and men guiding gondolas through the canals. Wouldn’t I adore riding in a long, slender boat, perhaps listening to the gondolier singing opera at the same time?

  I wondered if Beatrice had ever visited Venice. Would I rather go to Florence? Or would I prefer living a humdrum life in Lancaster County with a husband and children? And my parents close by. Most likely I’d choose the husband and at least one child. But at what cost? Did I have a choice? Olivia had wanted out and might skip town. I missed my cousin, but I understood I might never see her again. She could move to California, for all I knew. She’d always complained about our frigid winters.

  What about Stephen? If I continued to work in the café, I’d see him every day. We’d most likely grow closer unless he fell in love with someone else. He was not a man many women could resist. Maybe if his old flame heard he was sober, she’d want him back. I wondered if he still hoped she would, even though she was married and had a child. If he dreamed of her at night. Or did he dream of me?

  I took off my kapp, removed my hairpins, and allowed my tresses to cascade down over my shoulders. No makeup to remove, just me.

  Under the overhead light fixture, my hair glinted with hints of copper and gold. I looked stunning, catching myself off guard. All my life, I’d been saving the sight of my hair for my future husband. Only Jake had seen it once when I’d allowed him a chance. I wasn’t supposed to, but he’d talked me into removing my kapp. His fingers had combed through my hair, awakening all my senses. At least I hadn’t succumbed to his amorous advances as Brandy had to her boyfriend’s.

  I glanced at the clicking clock on the nightstand and admonished myself to go to sleep. It was past midnight. I pulled back the covers. The bed stood high, higher than any bed I’d ever slept in. I needed to climb to reach the surface. I slipped between the satiny sheets and sank into the softest of pillows and mattresses. Did all Englischers live with this luxury? My hunch was Rose had embellished this room for her sister, who must adore antiques. I thought about the term a woman’s touch and longed to own a home of my own someday. I’d want a garden, of course, and trees growing around it. And a view.

  A barking commotion erupted from downstairs. I heard knuckles thrumming on the kitchen door, and then Stephen speaking, followed by Jake. Their jagged voices were as loud as the dogs’. I stood at the top of the stairs until my patience ran out. I returned to the guest room and found a camel-colored woolen coat in the closet. I stuffed my arms into the sleeves and buttoned the front, and then I covered my head with my scarf.

  I padded down the stairs and found the two men yelling at each other.

  “You and Evie are sleeping together?” Jake’s face twisted with anger.

  “Buddy, you’re on private property,” Stephen said. “How dare you force your way in here!”

  Jake caught sight of me. “Then it’s true? You and Stephen are together alone in this house?”

  “How dare you accuse me of anything?” My hands planted themselves on my hips.

  “Jake, what are you doing here?” Stephen took hold of Heath’s collar as the dog lunged toward Jake, who seemed unconcerned.

  “I came to see Evie. On the way, I spotted Ralph skulking around by the new barn. When I went to Evie’s cabin, she didn’t answer her door. Naturally, I was worried about her.”

  “Didn’t Beatrice tell you I was sleeping in the main house?” I said. “Not that I owe you an explanation. You’re the one who has some explaining to do.”

  “Yeah, I’d say so. Are you a father now?” Stephen let go of Heath.

  Jake kneed Heath to keep him from jumping on him. “None of your business. Get off my case, and keep away from my girl.” He turned to leave. “I’m going over to see what Ralph is up to before he burns down that new barn.”

  “Maybe he’s just going in there to sleep,” I said. “Shouldn’t you call the police?” If Ralph were Amish, I wouldn’t suggest such a thing. “Please let Wayne handle it, or whoever’s on duty.”

  Both men narrowed their eyes at me.

  “No straw to use as a bed.” Jake yanked the door open.

  “You don’t know that. If he’s drunk enough, he won’t care.” Stephen dove into his jacket. “He might have a blanket or sleeping bag he keeps stashed somewhere. I’d better come with you.” Stephen zipped up his jacket, grabbed a flashlight, and clipped on Heath’s leash.

  “Evie, keep the doors locked,” he said before disappearing into the darkness with Jake and the dog.

  FORTY-FOUR

  When had I ever felt more helpless? I double bolted the door. Missy and Minnie stood side by side, both peering through the door’s glass panes. I was happy to have them here with me, but I felt utterly baffled. How could two men, who despised each other, go off as a search party to locate Ralph? My only option was to wait around to find out what happened. No, I wouldn’t do it.

  I called 9-1-1. “Is Wayne working tonight?”

  “Is this an emergency, ma’am?” The female operator’s voice was terse.

  “It might be if no one comes to help. Stephen Troyer asked Wayne or whoever is on duty tonight to cruise through the Yoder Nursery.”

  “There’s a problem?”

  “Someone said they saw Ralph Hastings near the Schmuckers’ newly built barn.”

  “I can see by your telephone number that you’re calling from Glenn Yoder’s home.”

  She could view that information on her end of the call?

  “Yes, this is Eva Lapp, an employee and a guest in the house tonight. Beatrice Valenti gave me permission to stay here.”

  “Remain on the line, will you, ma’am?”

  I pressed the receiver to my ear and waited. Missy and Minnie both whined and pawed at the door.

  A bullet’s twang spun through the air.

  The image of a man sprawled on the road with a gunshot wound in his chest made me woozy. Jake or Stephen? “Please, Lord, protect them.”

  I should have prayed before they left the house. I should’ve called 9-1-1 before they left. All those should-haves meant nothin
g now.

  I blurted out, “I just heard a gun go off from the direction of Jeremiah and Hannah Schmuckers’. Please send someone right away!”

  No reply. I was on hold, speaking to a dead line.

  Finally, the operator returned, and I repeated myself. “I heard a gunshot.”

  “You sure of that? Not just a car backfiring?”

  “I grew up on a farm, and I know what a gunshot sounds like.” My mouth flooded with a rusty taste.

  “Wayne’s in the area, ma’am. I’ll send him right over there. In the meantime, stay in the house.”

  But I had to go out and see what was going on even if I received a reprimand. If Jake or Stephen were wounded or lay dying, I needed to offer my comfort.

  I was already wearing a coat and my head was covered. I stepped into a pair of what must be Beatrice’s clogs and fetched the house key where I left it on the windowsill. Minnie and Missy were looking up at me expectantly.

  “You two hunds better stay home and defend the house.” I found a flashlight and headed out the door. Ach, how could this be happening? I couldn’t stand it if Jake or Stephen had been shot. Or Heath. Or even Ralph. All my life I’d been taught to be nonresistant, to never take another person’s life. Only the Lord Almighty made those decisions.

  I stepped outside and locked the door. Chill evening air surrounded me, and I shivered. As I made my way to the barn, I saw the flashing blue light of a police car. I heard the muffled sound of men arguing. I crept closer, hoping to be unnoticed, but Stephen stepped out in front of me.

  “What on earth are you doing here?” Though Heath was trying to get free, Stephen gripped the leash firmly.

  “I heard a gunshot. Was anyone hurt?” Obviously not Stephen, leaving Jake. But no, I saw him up ahead, raising a hand and motioning me to keep away.

  “Wayne was on his way to cruise through the nursery’s parking lot when Ralph came out of the barn brandishing his gun. Ralph shot at him.” Stephen moved between Ralph and me, blocking my view.

  I peeked around him to see Ralph standing on shaky legs, his limp arm holding a gun at his side, the barrel tipped down. Judging by his face, illuminated by Wayne’s headlights, he hadn’t shaved or changed his clothes for days.

  His posture rigid, Jake inched toward me. “Evie, be careful. Ralph blasted a hole in the side of the vehicle, but he missed Wayne, praise God.”

  In a swift movement, Wayne pulled out his firearm, held it with both hands, and aimed it at Ralph. “Give me that gun, you knucklehead.” Moments passed. “Come on, Ralph. Don’t make me shoot you.”

  “Okay. Okay.” Ralph tossed his weapon a few feet away.

  “Where’d you get the gun?” Wayne roughly cuffed Ralph and checked his pockets.

  “It was my dad’s.” His words were once again garbled. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything. I was just trying to scare you away.”

  “Are you crazy? You could have killed me.” Wayne frisked Ralph and then shoved him into the back of his squad car and slammed the door. Wayne turned to Stephen. “I’m glad he missed me, but I’ll never hear the end of it back at the station. The car just got out of the body shop…thanks to Eva.”

  My cheeks filled with heat. Why had I let Jake talk me into that immature stunt? Because I’d been in search of adventure. Well, this was more adventure than I’d anticipated or ever wanted to experience again.

  “I’m glad you’re okay, Wayne.” I turned to Stephen and Jake. “You too, of course.”

  Both men sent me aggravated expressions. But I noticed fear lurking in the depths of their eyes.

  Buggies and cars slowed or stopped by the side of the road. Wayne holstered his gun and waved them on. “No barn fires tonight, folks. Nothing to see here.”

  He turned toward us. “I’ll be right back. I’d better have a look around.” Flashlight in hand, Wayne entered the barn.

  Mark piloted his buggy to the side of the road. He disembarked and secured his horse to a railing. I shrank back as his gaze assessed the situation, including me in my Englisch coat and scarf.

  “What brings you out so late, Mark?” Jake asked him. “Paying a visit on Evie?”

  Jake frowned at me.

  “You got it all wrong.” The corners of Mark’s mouth lifted into a smug grin. “Nee, I’m seeing someone. Eva and I have never been more than friends.”

  “Whom are you seeing?”

  “None of your business.” I guessed he’d paid a call on Sadie.

  Mark turned to Stephen. “What’s going on?”

  “Looks like Ralph was planning to spend the night in the barn again. The idiot shot a hole in Wayne’s squad car.”

  “Praise the Lord he missed Wayne,” I said, but no one acknowledged me except Heath, who snuffled and licked my hand.

  Wayne lumbered out of the barn and over to us. “I didn’t find any evidence of planned arson. Although Ralph had a Bic lighter in his pocket along with cigarettes and a flask.” He glanced over at his squad car. “I’ll take him into the station. This time he’s in a little more trouble. If he weren’t such a lousy shot, I could be dead.”

  Minutes later, Wayne jetted off down the road toward town. My heart was full of thankfulness, but I could tell Jake and Stephen were both angry. At Ralph, me, or each other?

  Stephen spoke to Jake. “Hadn’t you better mosey on home and take care of your parents and new baby?”

  “The baby is not mine, but she’s a darling little boppli.”

  I moved closer. “Did you really deliver her? Right in your car?”

  “I didn’t have much choice. The baby came so quickly, there was nothing I could do but help Brandy as best I was able. I’m glad I had that towel and a blanket in the backseat. I drove her to the hospital, and the ER staff took over. They said it was fine I hadn’t cut the umbilical cord. No hurry there.”

  “Were you afraid?” I asked.

  “Yah, but I remembered all the calves I’d helped my dat deliver. I told myself I could do it, even though Brandy was writhing in pain.” He looked as though he might cry, but straightened himself and stood tall. “She said she wants me to be her godfather.”

  “Oh yeah?” Stephen said. “Sure you’re not the baby’s father?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. If I must submit to a DNA test to prove I’m not the child’s father, I will.”

  “Not such a bad idea,” Stephen said.

  “I don’t like your insinuations.” Jake crossed his arms.

  “What color hair does she have?” I asked. An innocent enough question. Yet I knew I was testing him.

  The corners of Jake’s mouth twitched back. “Black, and a lot of it. And skin the color of milk chocolate. Isn’t that proof enough?”

  “If you say so,” Stephen said.

  “I do say so.” Jake’s gaze focused on me. “Don’t turn against me because Stephen’s attempting to make me look like a liar.” His voice came out a growl that got Heath barking.

  I stared back into his indignant face.

  Stephen chortled, further enraging Jake. As Stephen pivoted toward the house, Heath tugged, causing Stephen’s elbow to knock into Jake’s arm.

  “Is that what you want?” Jake’s expression grew fierce, his eyes bulging. “You want to steal my girl?”

  “Hey, fellas, trying to make a spectacle of yourself?” Mark strode over to us.

  Both Jake and Stephen stiffened, as if they’d forgotten Mark was there. They gave each other another contentious glare and moved apart.

  “I can understand your frustration,” Mark said, “but control your tempers.” A buggy rolled by, and Mark lifted a hand and then watched the buggy recede into the darkness. For the youngest man present, he was acting the most maturely.

  “Jake has no business coming to the nursery.” Stephen folded his arms across his chest. “Who does he think he is?”

  “Under the circumstances, I doubt you’ll get anywhere with that,” Jake said.

  “Jake, why don’t you go home where you’re needed?”
I said. “I can take care of myself.”

  Jake and Stephen both shot me a look of disapproval, as if a reminder I should have stayed in the house.

  “Jake, please go home,” I said. “I want to keep my job at the nursery. Don’t make big troubles for me.”

  Jake kicked a rock, sending it spinning across the road. “Yah, okay. I’ll leave. I’ll go home and tell my mamm you’re spending the night in the house with Stephen. Then let’s see what she thinks of you, Miss Goody-Goody.”

  Jake stalked off in a huff without bidding me farewell.

  “I’m headed home, Stephen.” Mark’s gaze skimmed past me. “Unless you want me to stay for any reason.”

  “Thanks for the offer,” Stephen said, “but you might as well get home and get some rest. We have a busy day ahead of us.”

  Mark gathered up his reins and climbed into his buggy. I truly hoped he was courting Sadie on the sly, but I could keep their secret.

  Stephen and I waited for several cars to cruise past us, and then we crossed the road with Heath tugging on his leash toward the nursery.

  Stephen’s pace slowed. “Maybe I shouldn’t sleep in the main house tonight after all. I’m thinking of your reputation, Evie.”

  I lagged behind him. “In that case, maybe I should just sleep in my cabin. Ralph isn’t a threat. Not tonight, anyway.”

  We approached the back door to the main house. I did want to sleep in that plush bedroom just once in my life.

  Stephen fished his keys out of his pocket. “No, you stay here with the three dogs. It’s all arranged with Beatrice. I’ll give her a call and let her know our plan.” He wrangled the key into the lock. “Please promise to call me if anything happens. Anything at all. And don’t open the door to anyone, including Jake. He can wait another day to see you.”

  “Yah, okay. I’ll open the door only if you or Beatrice come back.”

  “I’m going to make a quick walk-through of the house to make sure no one entered while we were over at the barn.”

  Stephen still wore his jacket. I got the feeling he was delaying his departure as he paced through the entire interior. I even heard him climb the second set of stairs to Beatrice’s room. Once he was back on the first floor, he rechecked the dead bolt on the front door and finally returned to the kitchen.