Loving Isaac. Rebecca Kertz

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СКАЧАТЬ She turned, saw him staring and raised her eyebrows questioningly. He continued to watch her, unable to look away. Her cheeks turned bright pink and she averted her gaze.

      It seemed impossible that they’d known each other forever, but they had. He had to admit it had been a long time since they’d spent any time together like they used to. His fault, he knew, but he couldn’t undo the past. He’d chosen Nancy over Ellen.

      Isaac experienced a strange tingle of awareness of Ellen that he’d never felt before. “How is your head?”

      Ellen gingerly touched her forehead. “Not too painful.”

      He frowned, because he didn’t believe her. He stood. “I’ll get more ice.”

      “Nay, I’m fine.” She waved at him to sit down.

      He reluctantly resumed his seat. “When you’re ready to go, I’ll take you home.”

      “There’s no need—”

      “Let him, Ellen,” Mam said. “You just had an accident. You shouldn’t be driving home until you’re certain there are no other aftereffects.”

      “I’ll take you home,” Isaac said. “Jacob can give me a ride back.” It was an easy walk from Ellen’s house to Zook’s Blacksmithy, where his older brother Jacob worked.

      “I don’t want to be a bother.”

      “You’re not, Ellen,” he said, teasing her. “At least, not today.” He paused. “Finish your cake. You need to keep up your strength.”

      She arched her eyebrows. “I don’t need to eat. I’m strong enough.”

      “You don’t like my mam’s cake?” He laughed when he heard her inhale sharply, saw her expression fill with outrage.

      She glared at him, but he could see that she fought a smile.

      His mother had left the room. She returned within minutes with Ellen and her mother’s quilt squares, which he’d placed on top of their hall linen chest on their way through to the kitchen. Mam pulled the squares out of the bag. “These are lovely, Ellen.”

      Ellen smiled. “I’ll tell Mam that you said so.”

      “I see your work here. Your stitching is extraordinary.”

      Isaac was intrigued. “May I see?”

      His mother chose and then handed him two squares. Isaac examined them carefully and thought he knew which one was Ellen’s. “Your stitches are neat and even,” he murmured and then held up the one in his right hand. “This one is yours.”

      Ellen seemed stunned. “How did you know?”

      He shrugged. “I just did.” And his mother had said that Ellen’s work was extraordinary. He was unable to take his gaze off her, saw her blush. He returned the squares to his mother. “Who’s getting the quilt?”

      “Martha,” Mam said. “For the baby.”

      Isaac smiled. His older brother Eli and his wife, Martha, were expecting their first child. “Doesn’t Martha usually come to your quilting on Wednesdays?”

      Mam smiled. “Ja, but she told me that she can’t come this Wednesday. With hard work, we’ll get her quilt done in one day.”

      He smiled knowingly. “You told Eli.”

      “I had to,” Mam said defensively. “I couldn’t risk that Martha would change her mind and decide to come.” She rose to her feet. “I’ll put these upstairs. Martha could stop by for a visit.” She left with the squares and seconds later her footsteps could be heard on the stairs.

      Ellen stared into her teacup.

      He eyed her with concern. “You don’t look well. You should see a doctor.”

      “Nay.” She glanced up from her empty cup. “I’m fine.”

      He studied her with amusement. “You’re too quiet.”

      “Quiet?” She appeared offended.

      He laughed. “You were quiet.”

      She scowled, then winced as if in pain.

      “Your cheek hurts.” He clicked his tongue. “We have aspirin. I can get you some.”

      “Nay.”

      “Another cup of tea?” he asked.

      “Nay.” She shook her head and grimaced.

      “You need to stop shaking your head. It hurts you.” He stood. “Ellen—”

      She blinked up at him. “Ja?” Her expression suddenly turned wary.

      “You will let me drive you home,” he said, his voice firm. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.

      Ellen relented. “Oll recht,” she said, surprising him. “After your mudder comes back.”

      He inclined his head. His mam returned and he waited while the women discussed refreshments for their Wednesday quilting bee. Finally, Ellen turned to him. “I’m ready to go now.”

      “I’ll help you,” he said quietly.

      “I can manage on my own.”

      He frowned. He didn’t like her coloring. She looked too pale. He exchanged meaningful glances with his mother. “Mam, we’ll take the ice.”

      Mam nodded and handed the packs to Ellen.

      Ellen accepted the ice bags graciously. They walked outside together until they reached the buggy.

      “Ellen.” Isaac extended his hand toward her. “I don’t think we should take any chances.” She took it reluctantly. He felt a jolt as he felt the warmth of her fingers. He helped her onto the vehicle’s front passenger side. “Comfortable?” he asked huskily. He lingered, unable to withdraw his gaze.

      “Despite my headache, sore cheek and throbbing shoulder?” she answered saucily. “I’m wonderful.”

      Her smart answer made him smile. “Shoulder?” He puckered his brow. “You hurt your shoulder and didn’t tell me?”

      “’Tis nothing.”

      He didn’t believe her.

      Her expression softened. “It doesn’t hurt much.”

      Annoyed as well as concerned, Isaac rounded the vehicle, climbed in next to her, then grabbed the reins. As he drove silently down the dirt lane, then made a right onto the main road toward the Mast farm, Isaac found his thoughts fixed on the girl beside him.

      * * *

      Ellen stared out the side window as Isaac drove. Why Isaac? Why did he have to be the one who’d rescued her? She firmed СКАЧАТЬ