John, Lizzy’s three-year-old, rushed inside for a glass of water, a trip to the potty, and a big hug from his maam. Yes, this was a remarkable place to live.
Would Esther ever have such a home of her own?
Taking a short break from baking, she whipped up three peanut butter sandwiches, milk, and some of the applesauce she’d brought. Making sure Lizzy stayed right where she was on the sofa by the fire, she’d set up a little picnic on the patio for the three kinnahs. They’d managed to pause their play with the new baby chicks and ducks long enough to eat.
“Do you have preserves in the fridge?” Esther asked once they were back inside, as she pulled out the last batch of cookies from the oven. “Or I can use the jar I brought from home. For the top of the cookies.”
Lizzy scrambled to sit up straight. “What kind did you bring?”
“Boysenberry,” she said, displaying the jar. “But I added some lemon zest to this batch.”
“Sounds wonderful,” Lizzy said. “I could probably eat the entire jar with a spoon.”
Esther smiled, loving the warmth of true appreciation. “Once you’re back on your feet, I can show you how to make it.”
“Sounds fun. I guess I should admit…” Lizzy’s voice dropped. “It has been difficult with the children—I can’t chase after them when I’m this big.” She placed her hands over her belly. “Jerry works so hard, and he’s great with them when he’s home, but he’s got a lot going on right now.” Esther watched as Lizzy began pulling at her index finger. “This was too much land to take on, but when Daed got sick… Well, I couldn’t imagine my folks selling the place. Jerry jumped right in, promised to keep the farm going. It’s been tough on him, I know, because we can’t afford extra help just now.”
Esther gazed out the window toward the two men who’d been working side by side for at least the two hours since she’d been there. If the other man wasn’t a hired hand, Esther couldn’t help wondering who he was.
“Lizzy,” Esther said, walking one of the warm cookies over, “I was being serious earlier when I said I’m here for as long as you want. See?” She pointed at her bag on a chair by the door. “I brought pj’s, my toothbrush, and fresh clothes. It would mean a lot if you let me stay a day or two. Allow me to really help.”
She waited while Lizzy took a bite of the cookie and chewed slowly. “It’s my worst flaw,” she finally said, “but I’ve got this pride thing.”
“I know,” Esther said.
“Hard to ask for help.”
“So I see.”
Lizzy exhaled a laugh. “Esther,” she said after pulling in a deep breath, “it would mean so much if you could stay until my mother is back tomorrow afternoon. Would you please take care of my family and me? Wait on me hand and foot? Cater to my every need?”
Esther burst out laughing. “Since you put it that way, how can I refuse?”
Lizzy reached out and took both of Esther’s hands. “You can’t,” she said. “Because that cookie was delicious and I want a hundred more, and because I’ve loved talking with you, and this will probably scare you to death, but I’m afraid you’re going to be one of my closest friends for the rest of my life.”
Esther couldn’t help smiling and feeling just a bit choked up. “I’m getting that same feeling,” she admitted, squeezing Lizzy’s hands.
“Now that that’s settled,” Lizzy said, sitting back, “what do you have in mind for supper?”
“I spied a sweet little fryer in the icebox.” Esther arched her eyebrows. “I’ll stuff it with citrus, season with garlic and rosemary, baste every twenty minutes.”
“And…?” Lizzy’s eyes widened.
“Yams from the cellar—prepared both savory and sweet. Corn bread, fresh green beans, and sun-ripened sliced tomatoes.”
Lizzy closed her eyes and moaned, rubbing her belly. “You’re reading my mind.”
Esther chuckled and returned to the kitchen, replacing her soiled apron with a fresh one from a drawer. It was pink and had a faint floral print. She examined it for a second, wondering where something so decorative had come from. It certainly didn’t fit in with the other plain clothes.
“Are you judging me?” Lizzy’s voice made Esther jump.
“Of course not,” she said, tying it on. “It’s just rare around here, that’s all. But it’s lovely.”
Lizzy propped herself up on her elbows. “Lovely that I’m a terrible cook?”
“What?” Esther looked across the room at her. “I was talking about the…” She smoothed down the pretty apron. “Nothing. And I don’t think you’re a terrible cook.”
“You’ve never tasted my cooking.”
Esther laughed while removing the chicken from the fridge. “True, but your kinnahs look healthy. Pink cheeks and thick hair. That’s a sign of hale health in my book.”
“When I’m on my feet again, I’ll have you over for dinner. Then you’ll know the ugly truth.”
“I’ll consider myself warned,” Esther said, cutting up an orange, lemon, and a small lime, filling the kitchen with wonderful, uplifting smells. Perhaps a citrus-blend-scented soap would be in her next batch.
“Bring a date,” Lizzy added. “We’ll play games and make an evening of it.”
At the suggestion, Esther’s hand hovered over the cutting board. “I, uh, I don’t date. I mean, I haven’t since…” Not knowing how to explain or even finish the sentence, Esther stared down at the slices of fruit.
“You have to get over him.”
Esther was startled when Lizzy was suddenly at her side, barefooted with the blanket around her shoulders. She couldn’t help nodding. I know, she wanted to say. I know it’s a waste of time to even think about him in that way.
“It’s time,” Lizzy added, putting a hand on Esther’s arm. “Jacob’s been gone two years. It’s not healthy to be in mourning for so long.”
“Jacob?” Esther couldn’t help blurting, ashamed of the surprised tone in her voice.
Lizzy tilted her head to the side. “It’s easy to see you haven’t been the same since he went to heaven. Even now…” She cupped Esther’s chin. “I see heartache in your eyes. Jacob was one of the good ones, and we shall miss him forever, but don’t you want to fall in love again?”
Words flew around inside her head, making it impossible for Esther to reply. She did know, however, that this was definitely a discussion for a different time.
“I think so,” she said, wanting to be honest. “But I don’t know if I’m ready.” Before Lizzy could probe any further, Esther drew in a deep breath and put her hands on her hips. “Now, unless you need help with a trip to the bathroom, you are not supposed to be standing.”
“Bossy,” Lizzy muttered but then winked.
“Tell me,” Esther said as she returned to the kitchen, “why did Eliza Fisher say you need rest?”
Lizzy sighed and ran a hand down the blanket. “Apparently my blood pressure is high—that was enough for her to make the order.” She shook her head. “Truthfully, I thought it was all nonsense until I got a second opinion.”
“Same diagnosis?” Esther asked, rinsing out the cavity of the chicken at the sink.
“Jah,” Lizzy replied. “But I also have gestational diabetes. I have to prick my finger for a blood test every morning. It analyzes my sugar levels.”
Esther couldn’t help gaping at her. “Old Eliza Fisher told you to do that?”
Lizzy shook her head. “Oh, no. That was Luke.”
“Luke.” The word hung in the air as if it was one she’d never heard.
“Luke,” Lizzy repeated. “Jerry’s brother.”
Jerry’s brother…
The name and description would not connect in Esther’s mind. Quickly, she ran through all the names of the Brenneman siblings. Was there one she’d forgotten? For something in her brain would not
allow reality to set in.
“Maybe you don’t remember him.” Lizzy’s voice floated through the air. “He left home ten years ago. You were probably interested in Jacob by then anyway.”
“Yeah—yes, I know him—of him,” Esther said, feeling her eyebrows pull together in confusion. Last she knew, Lucas had no intention of seeing his family.
“One morning last week, Jerry ran into him just outside our property line. Course we were plenty shocked.” She paused to smile. “Words canna express how extraordinary it was to see him. We missed him so much. He’s been out there working with Jerry all morning. In fact…” Lizzy sat up straight and craned her neck to look out the window. “Yes, I thought I heard their voices.”
Esther’s stomach hit the floor.
“Here they come now.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
It had been a long time since Lucas had spent this many hours working outdoors. Years since he’d used a tractor, backhoe, or even harvested autumn corn. But being in the fresh air, toiling side by side with his brother in the rich Pennsylvania soil, was more soothing to the soul than any Western psychotherapy.
After spending time with Tanner and David at the Hershey Medical Center, Lucas was ready to give his mind a rest. Especially since it would still be another week until the test results from the bone marrow biopsy would be ready.
“Time for a break?” Jeremiah asked, pulling off his gloves. “I’ll be dead on my feet if I don’t have some water.”
“Already worn out, brother?” Lucas grinned. “Assumed you’d have more stamina than me. I’m the one stuck in an office all day.”
“Hilarious.” Jeremiah waved him off. “Some of the girls from church have been helping Lizzy all week. I was promised they’d provide us with fresh baked snacks.”
“She’s been taking it easy?” Lucas asked as the two men walked toward the house.
“I think so. I’ve told her to.” He sighed. “But you know how she is. She thinks she knows what’s best for everyone. Stubborn woman.”
Lucas couldn’t help chuckling, his spirits so high thanks to the time he’d spent with his family. That first morning when he’d seen Jeremiah had been a complete shock. But the warmth and kindness he’d received had been almost overwhelming. And when Elizabeth had invited him inside, in a matter of minutes, awkwardness from the past had evaporated like steam.
Even now, gratitude swam through his body, making his heart beat stronger than ever. He had his brother back. Lizzy and the kinnahs. He had a family again, and he’d never felt so blessed.
None of it would have happened were it not for Esther, he reminded himself as they neared the house. Silly Peanut and the broken buggy wheel…
His heart beat even stronger when he thought of Esther. In fact, his heart felt almost whole.
“Something smells incredible,” Jeremiah said as he opened the front door, removing his muddy work boots before entering the house. Still halfway lost in thought, Lucas followed the example. “Have you been baking, woman?”
While stepping out of his second boot, Lucas heard Lizzy laugh. “If it smells incredible, do you really think it’s me who’s been baking?”
Lucas entered the house to find Elizabeth obediently on the sofa, and it did actually appear she’d been sitting and had not rushed there when she’d heard them enter. Jerry was right—she could be stubborn.
“How ya feeling, my little shoofly pie?” Jerry knelt down to give his wife a kiss.
“I feel good,” Lizzy replied.
“I’ll be the judge of that,” said Lucas, taking her brother’s place before Lizzy. He checked her pulse—which was strong and steady. No visible fever or swelling of the feet. “Give it here,” he said, knowing she knew he needed to take her blood pressure.
After a groan, Lizzy straightened her arm, allowing Lucas to attach the mechanical strap around her wrist.
“Rest it across your heart.”
“I know, I know,” Lizzy said. Her irritation made him chuckle. “How does it look?”
“Better,” Lucas said after taking note of the reading. “Now, show me the tracker.” He held out his open hand.
At first, Lizzy glanced away, but then she exhaled and removed it from under her blanket.
Lucas pressed buttons to read the last few results. Her blood sugar levels were finally looking more normal. Though he knew she’d definitely have the condition until after she gave birth.
“Good girl,” he said with a smile. “Maybe you can have a cookie tonight.”
Lizzy huffed. “I just had one—and it was worth it.”
Lucas chuckled and stood up. “Is that the wonderful smell in the air?” He looked down at his sister-in-law. “Don’t tell me you’ve been in the kitchen?”
“Not me. Esther’s been here since before lunch.”
After blinking in confusion, Lucas turned his gaze toward the kitchen.
Almost like a vision, Esther stood by the oven, not moving. Then suddenly, like she’d been shocked, she flinched and bent over the counter, pushing pieces of orange inside a chicken.
“Do you remember Esther Miller?” Lizzy continued. “She says she doesn’t remember you.”
“I did not say that.” Esther’s voice was quiet but firm.
“I, um, I do. Hallo.” His pulse paused momentarily as he waited for Esther to look at him. The chicken, however, was getting all her attention.
It was a surreal moment—but so many moments in the last few weeks had felt surreal—seeing Esther in his brother’s kitchen. It didn’t make sense in his mind. Had they found out? Had Esther come looking for him and told Elizabeth everything?
But why would she do that? At this point, Lucas had nothing to lose by their secret being discovered. While Esther… If anyone found out, she’d have everything to lose.
“Hallo,” she replied. “Of course I remember you.”
He could only smile as a familiar warmth whooshed through his veins. Only minutes ago, he’d been wondering when he’d see her again. Be in the same room. And here they were. He didn’t bother speculating over the how or why; he was too glad to care.
“She’s been an enormous help,” his sister-in-law said. “And we’ve had a fun afternoon, haven’t we, Es?”
“Surely,” Esther replied, finally a pretty smile brightening her face.
“Will you take me upstairs before you eat?” Lizzy asked, reaching for her husband.
“Anything you say.” Jeremiah grinned. “Though I have been sweating like a pig.”
“You think I care?”
Silently, he picked up his wife in his arms and disappeared up the stairs, leaving behind a longing in Lucas’s heart for something he couldn’t even name.
Until he looked at Esther.
Blue eyes, pink cheeks, the kindest heart he’d ever known, smiling at him from across the room.
“Can I help?” he asked, joining her in the kitchen.
“Wash your hands first,” Esther requested, pointing her chin to the sink. “Scrub them clean.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, feeling a silly grin coming on. After giving his hands a scrubbing fit for surgery, he stood at her side—not too close.
“Is this one of those things you were going to tell me the other day?”
“Perhaps,” he replied, unable to keep from grinning at her teasing tone.
“How did this happen?” she whispered. “How are you here?”
“It’s a long story.”
“Pull me off some rosemary,” Esther said, sliding the bushy plant in front of him. “That will give you something to do while you tell me.”
His shoulders shook with a silent laugh. “That morning I returned your buggy, we ran into each other—Jerry and me. He was out early working the farm and he…he just called out to me like it was perfectly normal.” Simply by speaki
ng the words, Lucas heard his voice strain as his throat tightened.
Esther became still. “What happened?”
“We talked,” Lucas replied, snipping off a small branch of rosemary, bringing its strong fragrance into the air. “Then he…”
Slowly, Esther turned to him. “What?”
Lucas had to swallow first—the sweet memory still too tender in his mind. “He invited me inside with Elizabeth and the children. They weren’t ashamed for me to meet my nephews. We talked for an hour, I helped him tend to the crops, and for a while, it felt like old times, like nothing’s changed.”
“Lucas.” Her voice was hushed. “I’m so happy for you.”
The air around him was warm and so soothing, he couldn’t help but breathe it in, exhaling all the tension. “Thank you. I never imagined it could happen so naturally. I never allowed myself to even hope.” He met her gaze. “I find myself hoping for many impossible things now.”
A slam against the window behind them made Esther jump. Lucas turned to see Holmes, his eight-year-old nephew, left arm resting in a blue sling, laughing and running from the house, leaving behind a chunk of mud sliding down the glass.
“They’ve been playing with the chicks all day,” Esther explained. “They’re probably ready for some adult attention.”
“I’ll give him that, all right,” Lucas said, grinning and pointing at Holmes through the window. “But first, why are you here today?”
“Very long story,” Esther said, sprinkling salt and pepper over the chicken. “Well, not so long.” She exhaled a soft chuckle. “I actually didn’t know Lizzy was on bed rest. Maam asked me to drop off some tarts and canned goods. I did her one better and told Lizzy I’m staying with her until her folks return.”
“I didn’t realize you and Lizzy were close.”
Esther shrugged. “We’re not—we weren’t. Not until today.” She began rubbing the seasoning into the skin of the chicken. “I came by to help and…” She paused to smile. “We get along well. She’s just lovely, Lucas, and the kinnahs are so well-behaved. They even ate my peanut butter sandwiches.”
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