They both laughed, and he clutched his ribs, holding them until he stopped laughing.
“She means well,” Levinia defended her sister, even though she knew better.
She didn’t want Nate to think they were careless or would hurt him. She would have to keep a closer eye on her sister when she tended to him in her absence. But perhaps, she would have to engage Bethany in a few more chores to afford her a bigger window of time to care for Nate herself. It would be tricky to maneuver around her daed’s regular schedule. It was possible that she could give the excuse that she was only trying to give the girl more responsibility to teach her what she needed in order to find a husband. After all, the girl was almost of marrying age, and perhaps her father would appreciate her help in preparing Bethany for her future.
Nate patted her hand, sending a surge of warmth through her. “I’m sure you’re right, but I prefer your gentle touch to her rough treatment.”
Levinia smiled shyly. She knew he was only complimenting her first-aid skills, but she didn’t care.
A compliment was a compliment.
A warm evening breeze scented the loft with freshly mowed hay, and the cricket’s song added to the romance that thickened the air between them. Levinia wished she could hold onto this moment as long as she could, knowing she may never have another one like it as long as she lived. If it were up to her, Nate would fall in love with her, and bring happiness to her life again. Though nothing could fill the voids of her lost mother and twin brother, having a husband would help to heal the hurts that kept her sad. She already felt this man’s kindness. She didn’t need to know who he was to feel that Gott had brought him into her life for a reason. And she aimed to find out just what that reason was—if she could keep her father and sister from messing it up for her.
Levinia cleared her throat. “I can get you that stew now if you’re ready.”
Nate’s mouth began to water at the thought of it.
“I was born ready!”
“I won’t be but a minute. I hope you like lamb stew and buttermilk biscuits.”
“They are my favorite!”
Levinia was pleased to hear that it was his favorite. It was hers too!
Giggling like a young girl, Levinia left him, excitement filling her at the thought of feeding him her best cooking. She would serve him and dote on him as a fraa would, hoping he would give her the consideration she desired from him—even if he was an Englischer.
CHAPTER 5
“What are you doing, dochder?”
The deep rumble of her father’s voice startled Levinia so profoundly, she dropped the bowl of stew she’d dished up for Nate. The contents splattered onto the wood floor of the kitchen, while the large, ceramic bowl seemed to shatter into an endless splay of pieces.
Though the hot stew burned her ankles where it splattered onto her bare skin, she didn’t dare complain in front of her father. Instead, she scrambled to pick up the pieces of broken pottery and then mopped up the stew with a dishrag. All the while, she ignored her father’s question, hoping the distraction of the mess would allow her enough time to think of a reasonable answer.
Feigning distraction would not buy her much time, especially since she could see him tapping his boot impatiently on the wood floor. It was something he’d done to show his irritation since she was a child, and she knew her time against his patience was limited. Soon, she would have to give an answer whether she was ready for it not, and whether he was ready to accept it or not. Lately, he was not accepting of whatever she had to say, and so she didn’t think it would matter what she said—as long as she said something. Any answer was usually better than saying nothing.
She had tried avoiding answering only one time in her life, and it was not a lesson she would risk learning the hard way a second time. Even a lie at this point would be better received than ignoring him. If there was one thing her father did not permit from his kinner, it would have to be ignoring him.
“Why are you serving up supper this late? You should be washing the dishes and turning in after you finish. Why didn’t you take your meal with Bethany earlier?”
“I was too overheated from the day’s chores to eat earlier, so I thought I would have a little of the stew now before tucking away the rest for your afternoon meal tomorrow.”
Her voice cracked several times as she spouted off the lie to her father, and she hoped he was too tired to notice. It was her tell whenever she wasn’t being completely honest, and she’d been that way since she was a child. Instead of calling her on it, he merely grunted and turned toward the stairs. The sun had retired more than an hour ago, and he would retire now too so as to be well-rested to start his day early. He’d kept the same predictable schedule for as long as she could remember. He was a creature of habit, and she was grateful that he would stick to his routine now and leave her alone.
Truth be told, she had grown tired of his prying and disapproval of her every move in recent years—ever since Daniel’s death. Her twin’s parting from this world had changed her world in too many ways that caused her to despise her present life. There were even times when she’d thought her daed would have preferred if Gott would have chosen to take her instead.
It saddened her to think of her life with such disregard, but her daed had all but shunned her since that day. Her father blamed her for Daniel’s death. He’d said as much after the funeral when he’d told her he would never again be able to look upon her face as long as she lived. It had made her feel as though they should have put her in the ground right alongside her bruder because she’d become dead to her own father from that moment on.
Standing at the bottom of the stairwell, Levinia listened for her father’s bedroom door to close before she dared to dish up another bowl of stew for Nate. As soon as he’d finished in the bathroom and was seemingly tucked into bed, Levinia felt she could finally breathe easy. She didn’t know why she’d become so afraid of her father in recent years, but she supposed it had stemmed from him taking out his anger over Daniel’s death onto her. He had become selfishly filled with anger to the point it had destroyed his relationship with her. Levinia was in mourning too, but he didn’t seem to care about her loss. She and Daniel were connected, as all twins were, and she’d suffered the loss of a part of herself that she just couldn’t explain to anyone—especially when she didn’t even understand it herself.
Deciding she should wait until her father fell asleep, Levinia listened carefully for the soft snoring that would let her know her father was down for the night. As the whistles and sputters began to resonate through the house, she relaxed. Only now would she feel safe leaving the haus and entering the loft to feed the handsome Englischer. Thankfully, Bethany would soon be gone, and would not return until the wee hours of the morning, leaving Levinia alone with Nate.
Giddiness rose up in her causing her to tremble lightly at the thought of spending time alone with the handsome stranger. She had to admit, though, that if he wasn’t injured the way he was, and incapable of overpowering her, she certainly would not spend any time alone with him. In his current state, as an injured man, his dependence on her made him somehow seem safer in her eyes. Her father would certainly disagree if he knew about Nate’s presence in their home, but if she could help it, he would never discover her secret.
Trusting Bethany with the secret was a whole other story, and she was not ready to face that fight that was sure to rear its ugly head soon enough. For now, she would enjoy some time with Nate without the threat of her sister betraying her.
Levinia balanced the tray with a large bowl of stew and extra buttermilk biscuits, along with a pitcher of fresh lemonade as she climbed the stairs to the loft. Before she even reached the top step, she could hear her sister giggling and flirting with Nate. She steadied the tray and listened for a moment. She was not happy to hear that her sister was alone with the Englischer.
Jealousy rose up in her. Why must she compete with her younger sister for everything? It just wasn�
��t fair. Bethany came by her beauty honestly; she was the lucky one that closely resembled their mother. Levinia, on the other hand, could pass for her brother if she donned a pair of trousers and a straw hat, and cut her hair. She just didn’t stand a chance if her sister got in her way.
It would seem Bethany intended to do just that.
“I hope you don’t think I’m rude,” Nate said. “But I’m too tired for company tonight.”
You tell her, Nate!
“I promise I won’t stay long,” Bethany begged.
Can’t you take a hint, dear schweschder?
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to get some rest so I don’t have to burden your family for too long.”
“You’re not a burden at all, Nate. In fact, I’m glad you’re here. You’re a refreshing change from the immature boys in the community.”
Stop throwing yourself at him so shamelessly, little schweschder!
“Please, Miss…”
“Bethany. Mei name is Bethany.”
Levinia couldn’t help but giggle at her sister’s tone. She was obviously irritated he’d forgotten her name.
“Surely you understand, Bethany, that I need my rest so I can be up and on my feet as soon as possible. I have a job waiting for me that I am unable to do unless I get the rest I need to heal. If I can’t work, I won’t be able to support myself.”
“N-Nee,” Bethany stuttered. “I understand. Do you need anything before I go?”
Please say no, please say no!
“Uh, no. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, then.”
“Goodnight, uh…”
“Bethany!”
“Right. Goodnight, Bethany.”
Good night dear schweschder!
Bethany nearly ran Levinia over as she exited the screen door. She clenched the tray to keep from wearing the contents as Bethany brushed by her without saying a word. She stomped down each step angrily, while Levinia suppressed the urge to laugh at her sister’s tantrum. She was obviously put out by Nate rejecting her offer to keep him company.
To Bethany, it was a crisis, but to Levinia, it was an opportunity.
CHAPTER 6
Levinia stood outside the screen door, trying to work up the nerve to enter the loft after overhearing Nate ask her sister to leave. For a moment, she debated whether she should enter or not, but then she remembered he’d asked for the stew. She regretted taking so long in getting his supper to him—perhaps he was now too tired to eat it.
If he’s not up to having company, I’ll leave the tray with him and go home then.
Anticipating the squeak of the screen door before she opened it, she tried pulling slowly on the handle, but that only made it worse.
“Who’s there?” Nate called from the bedroom.
“I’m bringing your supper,” Levinia said as she stepped inside the small kitchen. “May I come in?”
“Please do,” he begged. “I’m starving!”
Levinia was happy to hear that at least her stew was welcome. Time would tell if Nate would welcome her company for any longer than it took to serve him the stew. As she entered the small bedroom, Nate tried to sit himself up in the bed, but was failing miserably.
“Smells heavenly, but I’m afraid you might have to stay and help me eat it. I’m not sure if I can sit up enough to feed myself!”
Levinia’s heart did a somersault behind her ribcage. She relished the idea of spoon-feeding this man more than she probably ought to. She set the tray on the bedside table while she took note of Nate’s struggle to gain a semi-sitting position without hurting himself.
“Let me help you,” she offered.
He took the hand she offered. “Thank you, Levinia.”
Her gaze locked with his only for a moment, but it was long enough to see kindness in his eyes. But there was something else. Something that drew her into them. Something that resembled love.
He remembered mei name!
Only moments ago, he’d forgotten her sister’s name—or had he? Had he forgotten as a means to get rid of her? Levinia certainly hoped it was so.
She couldn’t help but smile as she continued to gaze into Nate’s eyes.
He cleared his throat. “I’m ready.”
Levinia felt warmth radiating from her spine to her cheeks. She was certain her face had turned several shades of red as embarrassment coursed through her.
“I’m sorry. Um—I’ll just—well, here. Let me put this napkin under your—chin.”
Levinia fumbled with the linen trying to place it in the vicinity of his neckline without touching him. She didn’t understand how she could suddenly be so terrified to touch him. She wanted desperately to crawl into the crook of his arm and sink into him, but the fear of rejection eclipsed her desire.
Nate gently pulled her hand into his, guiding her shaky fingers to set the linen napkin into place. Her hand fit nicely in his, and she allowed his grasp to linger over hers.
“Is something troubling you?”
His question startled her, causing her to yank her hand away.
“Nee—no. I’m just a little tired is all.”
She would never admit to the sudden tension she felt around him that stemmed from attraction to him.
“I think I detect a little worry in your beautiful, green eyes.”
What? He thinks I have beautiful eyes!
Deep down, Levinia knew better than to put any stock in such prideful compliments. Ach, she suddenly didn’t care. Being humble and proper hadn’t gotten her anywhere in life except lonely and alone. If this Englischer wanted to take her away from all that, even if only for the duration of his stay in the loft, she would gladly encourage him!
“Nee, not worry, but perhaps a little apprehension. You are an Englischer, and you speak more boldly than I’m used to.”
She thinks I’m an Englischer! Should I tell her the truth?
“Don’t tell me none of your other boyfriends ever paid you a compliment.”
“I’ve not had time for dating. Mei mamm passed away just before mei tenth birthday. Mei schweschder--sister, Bethany was only four at the time. I’ve been like a momma to her, and I’ve taken care of mei daed and twin bruder—brother up until he died two years ago.”
Levinia hung her head with sadness at the mention of Daniel.
Nate put his fingers under her chin and lifted until her eyes locked on his adoring gaze. “It seems to me it’s time to start taking care of you.”
“Amish are not the same as Englischers. We take familye responsibility very serious. I have a duty to mei daed and schweschder.”
“Seems to me your sister is grown, and a bit selfish and immature, if I may speak boldly. As for your dad, he isn’t incapable of caring for his own needs. What would they do if you married?”
“I don’t think that would ever happen. But in those situations, an Amish husband would help me to care for mei familye.”
“What if I wanted to marry you?”
Levinia felt her heart slam against her ribs. “I assume you ask that for the sake of argument?”
Nate shrugged. “What if I was serious?”
Levinia reached up and prodded the knot on his head. “Perhaps you hit your head harder than I originally thought. You must be suffering from a concussion. How is your vision? Is it blurry?”
“There is nothing wrong with my vision—but I wouldn’t mind seeing double. Two of you would be quite nice!”
Levinia sighed playfully. “Will you be serious for just a minute?”
“I am being serious!” he scoffed. “Life is too short to hold your tongue when you have something important to say. I’d consider myself lucky to be able to marry a woman like you.”
“A woman like me? What do you mean by that?”
He reached up and stroked her cheek. “The sort of woman who is beautiful—inside and out.”
Levinia tucked her chin shyly, but Nate lifted it with his fingers until her gaze met his again.
“Why would you want to marry me? We are from two different worlds. Besides, you’ve only just met me!”
“We aren’t so different, you and me. But first, answer something for me; what do you suppose your family would do without you here to serve them?”
Levinia giggled as she pondered his question. “I suppose they would probably starve to death wearing dirty clothes!”
“That is exactly my point. Don’t you think you should teach them to fend for themselves? You can’t be a servant to them for the rest of their lives. You deserve to have a life too.”
“By marrying you?” she asked jokingly.
He took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. “Why not?”
She snatched her hand away. “Because unless you’re Amish, then mei daed will never allow it.”
He used her hand to draw her close to him.
“What about what you want?”
She splayed her hand over his chest, enjoying the feel of his warm skin and the curly hairs beneath her fingers just before she pushed away from him. “It doesn’t matter what I want. It only matters that I follow the rules of the Ordnung.”
Nate crossed his arms over his chest defiantly.
“That is exactly why I left.”
“What’s exactly…” she paused to look him over once more before finishing her sentence. “Wait—you’re Amish, aren’t you?”
“Jah,” he admitted. “But until I met you, I knew exactly what I was going to do.”
Levinia wasn’t certain if she was overjoyed that he was indeed Amish, or angry that he’d kept the truth from her. She supposed all that mattered was that he finally told her.
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“I was planning on hiding out at mei cousin, Adam’s, farm until the harvest was over. I figured that would give me enough time to see if I was ready for the baptismal classes—to make a decision if I was going to stay or go to live among the Englisch.”
Amish Brides of Willow Creek 1-4 Omnibus Page 3
