The Protective One

by Shelley Shepard Gray

“You are right. We do have some really good employees. But as much as I believe in everyone, your success isn’t based on mere chance, Will. Your example and leadership have played a part in this.”

  Not sure how else to respond, Will simply stared at him.

  “What I need to know is how you feel about taking on this new position. It would mean a lot of changes. Changes to your schedule, to your teams, even to your personal life. You’d be giving up a lot of things.” He leaned back. “Now, of course, we’ll be wanting to compensate you. If you accept, it means a sizable raise.”

  “What figure are you talking about?”

  Mr. Kerrigan pushed over a sheet of paper.

  Reading it closely, Will was impressed. It was a big raise: over 20 percent. Though he didn’t want to only be financially motivated, he was already imagining the changes that money could make in his life.

  It was certainly more than enough for him to move out and live on his own. Or, perhaps, with a wife.

  No, not with just a wife. With Elizabeth Anne. After last Saturday night, there was no doubt about their future anymore. At least, not for him.

  Mr. Kerrigan was watching him closely. “I don’t want to rush you, but I would like to know if you want to consider this. Do you need time to think about it?”

  “I am interested, but I do want to think about it. Giving up my evenings would be a big change. And I’m not sure how many people would also be willing to move to a different shift.”

  “I know. After we find a shift manager, I’m going to hold a meeting. Then I think we’ll get to see what the response is.”

  “If I do decide to do this, could I pick my team?”

  “Of course. I know having the right team is going to make all the difference.”

  Will stood up. Though he was excited about the opportunity, he didn’t want to make a hasty decision. “May I let you know tomorrow?”

  “Yes. Tomorrow is fine.” Mr. Kerrigan smiled, looking relieved. “I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly.”

  “If that call you were on is any indication, we don’t have time to waste.”

  “We don’t. But it can get done.” Getting up to show Will out, his boss waved a hand. “I never imagined we’d have a plant like this. I figure if we can grow to a factory of this size after starting it in my barn, we can get through this hurdle, too.”

  “I’m thinking you’re right. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Mr. Kerrigan held out his hand. “Yep. I’ll see you then. And thank you.”

  “Thank you, sir.” After shaking hands, Will went back to work. Two hours later, he retrieved his lunch cooler, and started heading home.

  It was early enough that the sun was still bright. He welcomed the warmth of the sun on his face, feeling like the brightness was a fitting companion to his spirits.

  He had much to think about. And, yes, he had much rejoicing to do as well.

  Mr. Kerrigan and the Lord had just answered his prayers. So had Elizabeth Anne. What a difference a month could bring!

  It seemed he was in a rut no more.

  TWENTY−ONE

  “Well, between the mice, the screams, and well … all of us, things got a bit out of control. That was when the principal turned the lights on and stopped the whole dance.”

  David had found her again. Rather, David had found a way to invade her space again.

  Sitting in her living room in the most uncomfortable chair in the world—the spindly, cane-backed chair that didn’t seem to fit anyone over eighty pounds—Elizabeth Anne watched the clock on the wall slowly creep along.

  It was only a quarter after eight, and David and his parents had now been there for forty-three minutes. Her mother, after a brief hesitation, had graciously invited them inside and offered refreshments … and had given E.A. a look that could not be misinterpreted. She was expected to put on her company manners and join them.

  And so E.A. had, though she’d done little but bite her tongue and watch the hands on her mother’s beautiful grandfather clock slowly move in a circle.

  Elizabeth Anne had no idea how much longer their unexpected guests intended to linger. Probably until she started acting a lot happier to see them, she mused, somewhat sarcastically. If that was the case, she figured they would be there all night.

  Or, perhaps, when Mr. and Mrs. Brennan finally got tired of bragging about David’s newfound woodworking skills.

  “Jah, David’s new carvings have gained a lot of attention,” Faith Brennan said. “For sure and for certain. Two stores in Millersburg are considering carrying them. Isn’t that something?”

  E.A.’s mother beamed. “That really is. Imagine that, David! Why, you’ll be able to share your unusual gift with the world soon.”

  E.A. darted a look at her father. Though he was an awfully big fan of David’s, she could tell that even he thought her former boyfriend’s wood carvings were rather ugly. But to his credit, he still looked mildly impressed.

  “Let us know when your carvings are in one of those stores,” Daed said at last. “I’d like to see one in person.”

  “There’s no need to wait,” David said modestly. “I have one right here.”

  And then, to E.A.’s horror, he pulled out a piece-in-progress.

  “Oh, my. Look at that. Why, it’s die katz,” Mamm said. “It is very detailed.”

  “Danke, Mrs. Schmidt.” Smiling fondly at the figure in his hand, David continued, “I figured everyone loves cats, so it would be a good idea to carve some pretty felines.”

  Pretty felines. Whoever even said that? Just as E.A. smiled politely, more than ready to return to her clock watching, she caught a closer look at the figurine. It seemed to be on its hind legs. “I see that it is a cat, but I don’t understand how it is positioned.”

  “You don’t, Elizabeth Anne? Well, you see, it’s like this.” David balanced the piece of wood on his hand.

  From what E.A. could tell, the feline was on its hind legs and its top paws were shorter and curved. Honestly, if the figure didn’t have pointy ears and whiskers, she’d think it looked rather like a Tyrannosaurus rex.

  David continued, “Arrow here is in a fight stance.”

  Some of her mother’s peppy smile faded. “It’s fighting?”

  And her daed? Well, he sat up and stared at it intently. “Did you just call it Arrow?”

  “Jah.” David nodded. “I name my carvings.” Rubbing a finger along the side of the cat, he added, “I thought his name was mighty fitting.”

  She was now staring at the cat intently, too. “Did you name it that because he’s, um, standing so straight?”

  “Oh, nee. It is because he is so lethal.”

  Her mother’s eyebrows rose. “Lethal, you say?”

  “Oh, jah,” David said rather earnestly. “I envisioned this cat to be a fighter, you see. He’s getting ready to defend his territory.”

  “Isn’t that something?” David’s mother mused. “David gives each of his creations so much personality. Why, they practically leap off the shelves, they’re so lifelike.”

  E.A. could hardly keep a straight face. It was times like this when she really, really missed Andy Warner. He would be laughing right about now and whispering all kinds of comments to her under his breath.

  When she noticed her father tilting his head, as if to envision a cat on its haunches, she couldn’t keep her mouth shut. “Come now. Do cats even fight like boxers?”

  “Elizabeth,” her mother murmured.

  But no way was she going to take that back. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be rude, but I’ve never seen a cat in that position. I thought when cats brawled, they scratched each other or something.”

  “That’s because you haven’t been around them very much,” David said. “If you had, you would understand that each cat has his own way of defending his space.”

  “He is right,” David’s father interjected. “Cats are unique creatures. And my son? Well, he has a unique way with ears and whiskers
.”

  “And with fighting cats, it seems,” Daed said. When he traded an amused look with Elizabeth Anne, she felt her insides warm. At least she wasn’t alone in thinking David’s creations were peculiar.

  As was this whole inane conversation.

  Preening now, David leaned forward. “My father is very kind. But I do think these cats hidden in the sticks of wood are calling me. All I do is make their forms come alive.”

  “We get scraps from the lumberyard, you see,” Mr. Brennan added.

  “As a matter of fact, I just began another carving this morning. It’s going to be Arrow’s opponent.”

  “It’s another fighting cat?” she asked.

  “Oh, jah. I think they’ll be quite popular in the stores.”

  Elizabeth Anne couldn’t help herself anymore. Just the thought of two fighting wooden cats on some store shelf was cringe-worthy. She covered her mouth to prevent a snort, but it did no good. A burst of laughter escaped.

  She slapped a hand over her mouth.

  But it was too late as more laughter shot forth. She was now laughing so hard, she couldn’t stop if she’d had to.

  The whole room quieted—even her father, who had almost been on her side.

  “E.A., halt,” Mamm whispered.

  At last she caught her breath. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I just started thinking about a pair of fighting cats on a store shelf. The idea struck me as funny.”

  “I don’t see why,” Faith said.

  “You’re right,” she said quickly. “I must be tired.”

  David snatched his carving from the coffee table and slipped it back into his pocket. “I don’t think that’s it at all,” he said in a dark voice. “I think you’ve been losing the sweetness that used to be inside of you, Elizabeth Anne.”

  “I’m still sweet.”

  Okay, she might not have ever been that sweet, but she hadn’t lost anything.

  “Are you? I beg to disagree. You really have lost your way, Elizabeth Anne.”

  “David, my name is E.A.!” she bit out. “Stop calling me Elizabeth Anne.”

  David folded his arms across his chest. “You see? This is exactly what I’m talking about.”

  She’d had enough. “Once again, you are overreacting. All I did was laugh at your figurines. And I apologized for my rudeness.”

  David crossed his legs. “I wanted to marry you, but now I don’t know if you’ll ever be ready to be someone’s wife. I think that’s why all of your best friends have paired off with each other but you’re left alone.”

  Daed set down the coffee cup he’d been holding in his hands. “I don’t think such a thing is either necessary or correct to say, David. In fact, you are being mighty unkind.”

  “I must agree,” her mother said, her expression cool.

  “And … no one has paired off without me,” E.A. said. “My friends fell in love.”

  David lifted his chin. “Jah. With other people.”

  “David is only speaking from his heart,” Faith said. “He can’t help but share his feelings.”

  “He is sensitive,” his father said. “I’ve always thought he was more sensitive than most men.”

  “I’m starting to think a lot of things about him,” Daed said simply.

  David nodded. “I would have liked to have helped you, Elizabeth Anne. I confess I had even hoped that we could have straightened things out tonight. However, I’m afraid that time has passed. Now, I only feel sorry for you.”

  E.A. was just about to stand up and ask them to leave when there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” she called out, anxious to escape.

  And when she opened the door, she couldn’t help but smile.

  Because there was Will. Looking handsome, freshly showered, and oh, so normal.

  Hearing everyone approaching the entryway, she blurted, “I’m going to hug you. Do me a favor and hug me back.”

  “Uh, say again?”

  “I promise, this is important. Please, Will?”

  His eyebrows rose but he complied. With a grin, he stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and then pressed her close. Though she’d asked Will to hug her in order to prove to David that she certainly was desirable, the minute she relaxed against him, nothing else mattered.

  She was wrapped up in Will Kurtz’s arms. Will, who was so handsome and so kind. When she shifted and snuggled closer, enjoying the way his waist felt under her hands, he pressed his lips to the top of her head. And then she couldn’t help herself. She smiled.

  “Elizabeth Anne?” her mother said around a gasp. “What is going on?”

  E.A. ignored her. Ignored the gasp that David’s mamm released.

  Even pretended that this hug wasn’t just for show. Because right now, at that moment, she could feel Will’s strong muscles, smell the soap on his skin, and knew without looking that he was absolutely perfect.

  Perfect for her. She was so thankful that things between them had changed. She didn’t need Will just to protect her from annoying David: she simply needed him in her life.

  TWENTY−TWO

  “I’m afraid I didn’t make things much better when I announced rather loudly that we were all there to rescue Marie.”

  Will was holding the pretty, slightly awkward, and very smart Elizabeth Anne in his arms again. Yes, because she’d asked him to, but Will knew that if they’d been alone he would have done it anyway.

  “Well, now. Look who has stopped by,” Mary Jean Schmidt said in an overly forced, bright tone. “Will Kurtz. Out of the blue.”

  “I’m so sorry. I know this feels odd,” E.A. murmured into his neck. “Just, um, get ready.” She pulled away before he could say that having her in his arms didn’t feel odd at all.

  He immediately felt her absence and found six pairs of eyes staring at him. “Hello, everyone.”

  “Ah. Hello, Will,” Mr. Schmidt murmured. “I didn’t know you were stopping by this evening.”

  “I didn’t tell E.A.” He took a deep breath. “I had some news today that I—”

  “I can’t believe that you tossed me over for him, Elizabeth Anne,” David interrupted. “I would’ve thought you had more pride.”

  All of them stared at David. Will thought that even David’s parents looked shocked by his rudeness. As such, he couldn’t resist saying something. “I’m not real fond of you speaking to E.A. in that way.”

  “It’s okay.” Elizabeth Anne pressed a hand on his arm. He knew she was trying to defuse the situation, but he didn’t like that she was the one trying to do it. Was everyone else simply used to David being so obnoxious?

  “Nee, it isn’t right,” Will said. “I don’t like David speaking to you in that tone.” Turning to E.A.’s parents, he asked, “Is that how he always speaks to her?”

  “No. This is new,” Mr. Schmidt said.

  “I am sure David is just shocked,” David’s mother said.

  “Shocked by what?” E.A. asked.

  “Come now. You two were just plastered together in front of the world. God, too.”

  David nodded.

  “I could be wrong, but I don’t think our Lord was that shocked.” Will lifted his chin and looked David in the eye. “I don’t appreciate you acting like there is something wrong with me, either. What is it about me that you find offensive?”

  Mr. Brennan raised his hands in the air. “I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it.”

  “He’s a grown man. I’m sure he did,” Will countered.

  “I can speak for myself,” David said. “However, there is nothing more to say.” And with that, David strode out the door, brushing past Will and E.A. on his way. The screen door slammed shut behind him.

  Mrs. Schmidt inhaled sharply. Even Faith, David’s mother, gave a little moan.

  Will couldn’t help but gape. David’s actions were worse than an angry fifteen-year-old’s.

  “I think we had better leave,” David’s father said.

  “Jah. I think it is time yo
u did,” Mr. Schmidt agreed.

  David’s mother turned to the group. “You know this isn’t normal for him.” Casting a dark look at E.A., she added, “He’s obviously upset.”

  Before Will could say anything in E.A.’s defense, Mrs. Schmidt walked to the screen door and pushed it open. “Faith, we’ve been friends for two decades, but you know as well as I do that your son went too far. Gut nacht.”

  Without another word, Mr. Brennan reached for his wife’s hand and tugged her out.

  The four of them silently watched the pair walk down the sidewalk. When they were out of sight, Mr. Schmidt closed the door. Then, after taking a deep breath, he turned to face them. “Would either of you care to tell me what that embrace was all about?”

  “It was my idea,” E.A. said. “I asked Will to hug me.”

  “Oh, E.A.,” her mother murmured.

  “Mamm, you can’t blame me. David drives me crazy! He hasn’t been taking no for an answer, and his parents? They are almost worse. I know they are your good friends, but they’ve been far too pushy. I really don’t like how they’ve put all the blame on me, either. It’s like their son is perfect.”

  Will was glad she’d had her say, but he wasn’t going to let E.A. take all the blame. “For what it’s worth, I think it’s obvious that I like having E.A. in my arms. We’ve become close.”

  The silence was so thick Will could have cut it with a knife. But then, to his surprise, Mrs. Schmidt started giggling.

  “What a night. I couldn’t have dreamed this up even if I tried.” She looked up at her husband. “First that talk about fighting cats and now this?” She held up her hands. “I’m going to make some peppermint tea for myself and my husband. You two go sit and talk.”

  Mr. Schmidt looked like he was trying not to smile. “Jah. We’ll see ya later, Will.”

  As her parents headed toward the kitchen, E.A. linked her fingers with Will’s and guided him to the living room.

  “Do I even want to know why you’ve been talking about fighting cats?” He chuckled.

  “Oh, Will. I’m afraid if I told you I would start laughing until I couldn’t stop. I’d much rather hear your news.”