Ezra remembered Ellen mentioning in the one letter she’d written him that she’d done some fun things while on Kauai with someone named Rob. But she hadn’t said anything about anyone named Rueben.
He finished dishing up, and walked toward the end of the line on the way back to his chair by the fire. As he strode past the young women, he heard Sadie say, “You shouldn’t have let yourself fall for him, Ellen. You should keep your focus here, not on someone you met on Kauai.”
Ezra hurried past, barely able to hang on to his plate. It wasn’t the cold causing his hands to tremble. Unless he was mistaken, Ellen was in love with this Rueben.
He took his seat and stared at the food on his paper plate, no longer hungry. Ezra picked up his soda can to take a drink and ended up sloshing it on his sleeve. How can Ellen be in love with Rueben? Why, the guy isn’t Amish, so how could it work?
Ezra wiped his sleeve with a napkin. Maybe I’ve been fooling myself, thinking I had a chance with Ellen. Truth is, she’s never given any indication that she has feelings for me. Could be it’s time to move on.
Ezra glanced in Ellen’s direction. Or maybe I ought to let Ellen know how I feel about her and see how she responds. After all, I’m here, and this fellow from Kauai is not.
CHAPTER 41
When Rueben’s vehicle drew closer to the address Mandy had given him for Ellen, his palms grew sweaty. He remembered during his phone conversation with Mandy, she had said she and Ken would pray for a good outcome. The Lord had been working in his life each day since he’d had the talk with Ken, and Rueben’s faith was growing.
Holding the steering wheel with one hand and wiping the other on his pant legs, Rueben began to fret. What if Ellen doesn’t want to see me? I hope I didn’t make a mistake coming here.
He drew a quick breath. But I’m here now, so I may as well see it through.
Rueben drove up the snow-covered driveway and parked his car near the barn. He got out quickly, before he lost his nerve, and sprinted for the house, unmindful of the slushy snow.
He stepped onto the porch and hesitated at the door before he knocked. A striped feline sauntered up to Rueben, meowing and pawing at his leg. Rueben looked down and chuckled. “Are you as cold as I am, kitty?”
When the door opened, a young Amish girl, who looked a lot like Ellen, greeted him. “Can I help you?”
“Umm … is this where Ellen Lambright lives?” Rueben’s mouth felt numb. He struggled to get his words out.
“Jah, but my sister’s not here right now.”
Rueben blew on his cold hands. “Would you mind telling me where she is? I need to speak with her.”
She tipped her head. “About what? Who are you anyway?”
“Oh, sorry. My name is Rueben Zook. I met Ellen in Hawaii.” He leaned against the door frame. “And who are you?”
“I’m Lenore.”
Rueben smiled. “Ah yes, she told me about you.”
Lenore stared up at him with a placid expression. “You must be from Hawaii all right, ‘cause your face is so tan.”
“Yes I am.” He glanced at the snowflakes drifting down, as though in slow motion. “Would you please tell me where your sister is?”
“She went to her friend Sadie’s place. There’s a young people’s gathering there tonight.” Lenore crossed her arms over her chest. “I wasn’t invited, ‘cause I’m only fifteen. The others who’ll be there are all courting age.”
“Can I have the address? I need to talk to Ellen right away.”
The girl’s jaw jutted out. “Guess it’s okay. I’ll be right back.” She stepped inside, leaving Rueben on the porch to shiver and wait. Through the slightly open door, he watched the contented tiger cat take a bath near the entrance table. At least the feline is allowed inside. But I’m a stranger to Ellen’s sister, so what can I expect?
Rueben blew on his hands again. He wished he’d thought to buy a heavier coat before he left Pennsylvania. And he didn’t have warm gloves either. The lightweight jacket Rueben wore did little to keep out the chill.
A few minutes later, Lenore returned and handed Rueben a slip of paper. “Here’s Sadie Kuhn’s address.”
“Thanks.” Rueben stepped off the porch and hurried back to his car. His stomach fluttered at the thought of seeing Ellen. He hoped this wasn’t a mistake.
By the time Rueben reached the address Lenore gave him, the snow was coming down harder. He pulled onto the driveway and parked his car near several black-topped buggies. Thanks to the glow of the bonfire on one side of the yard, he had no trouble seeing where the carriages were parked. The Indiana buggies were different from those in Lancaster County, where the tops and sides were gray.
Rueben got out of the car, and was about to head toward the group of people sitting around the fire, when he spotted Ellen. She stood next to one of the buggies, talking to a young Amish fellow. The man stood close to Ellen. His head was mere inches from hers.
Heart pounding, Rueben stepped into the shadows and watched. He wasn’t close enough to understand what they said, but his throat tightened when the man put his hand on Ellen’s shoulder.
I’m too late. Ellen already has a suitor. Who knows—maybe they’d been courting before Ellen went to Kauai. She had never mentioned having a steady boyfriend, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t being courted.
Rueben rubbed his arms as he made his way back to the car. The icy chill he felt had nothing to do with the wintry snow drifting down from the sky. He should have made things right with Ellen before she left Kauai, and now it was too late. Rueben would find a place to stay the night and then leave for Pennsylvania in the morning. He’d spend a week or so with his family before returning to Kauai. Without Ellen in his life, there was nothing here for him.
As a car backed down the Kuhns’ driveway, with its headlights shining in her face, Ellen shielded her eyes and stepped away from Ezra’s buggy. She couldn’t make out the driver but wondered if he or she was an English neighbor or perhaps someone who was lost and had used this driveway to turn around. Of course, the vehicle hadn’t actually turned around—it had backed down the driveway, going faster than it should, especially in the snow.
“I wonder who that was,” Ezra commented.
Ellen shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Well, whoever it was, they nearly blinded us with their bright lights.” Ezra spoke in a high-pitched tone.
Ellen glanced at her friends by the bonfire. “We should get back. Sadie’s probably wondering where I went.”
“Okay, but there’s one more thing I want to say.” Ezra shuffled his feet, making a horseshoe design in the snow. “I’m glad you came out to your sister’s buggy to get your gloves. It gave me a chance to speak with you alone, but I didn’t get everything said.”
Ellen stirred restlessly, shivering as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She could hardly feel her toes, as the cold seeped into her shoes. Ezra had already asked if he could court her, and Ellen had told him that she was sorry, but she didn’t see him as anything more than a friend. She hoped he didn’t think he could change her mind. “What else did you want to say, Ezra?”
He reached out his hand, like he might touch her arm, but then let it drop to his side. “Earlier, I heard you tell Sadie about some other fellow.”
All Ellen could do was nod.
“Well, after thinking it over, I realized you and I are not meant to be together. So I wanted you to know that there are no hard feelings. I want you to be happy, and if it’s not with me, then I hope you find someone else.”
Ellen smiled. “Danki, Ezra. I wish the same for you as well.”
“Okay, then. Now that we have that settled, let’s go roast some marshmallows.”
Hobbling on near-frozen feet, Ellen followed Ezra back to the bonfire. She was glad they’d had this opportunity to chat. The one thing that puzzled her, though, was why, if he was interested in her, he’d been so bossy when they’d worked at Dad’s store together.
It was nice of Ezra to say he hoped I would find someone else, but the man I love lives in Hawaii. I wish now I’d never met Rueben or discovered his past.
When Ellen and Darla arrived home from Sadie’s that evening, Ellen said she was tired and headed for her room. She was almost to the door, when Lenore stepped into the hall from her bedroom. “How’d the gathering go this evening?”
“It was nice.” Ellen smoothed her sister’s long hair away from her face. “I’m surprised you’re still up. The house was dark when Darla and I came in, so I figured everyone had gone to bed.”
“I waited up for you.”
“How come?”
“Wanted to find out what the tan fellow from Hawaii said when he saw you.”
Ellen’s brows drew inward. “What are you talking about?”
Lenore motioned for Ellen to come to her room and shut the door. “He said his name was Rueben, and that he’d met you in Hawaii. When I said you weren’t here, he asked where you’d gone.” Lenore took a seat on the edge of her bed. “Wasn’t sure if I should tell him, but I ended up giving him Sadie’s address, ‘cause he said he needed to talk to you.”
Ellen collapsed on the bed beside her sister. She never expected Rueben would show up here. But there was no reason Lenore would make up such a story.
“So did he get to Sadie’s? And did he tell you what he wanted?” Lenore tugged on Ellen’s dress sleeve.
“No, I never saw Rueben.” Ellen brought her hands up to her face. Could Rueben have been driving the car that came into the Kuhns’ yard? But if it was him, why’d he leave without looking for me? Ellen jumped up and raced for the door.
“Where ya goin’?”
Ellen looked back at her sister. “Out to the phone shack to make a call.”
“At this hour?” Lenore yawned and stretched her arms out to the sides. “Nobody we know will be in their phone shack to check for messages this late at night. Don’t you think you ought to wait till morning?”
“The phone call I’ll make is to Mandy. It’ll be early evening on Kauai—not close to midnight, like it is here.”
“How come you’re callin’ her?”
“To ask for Rueben’s cell number. I’m sure either she, Ken, or Vickie must have it.” Ellen didn’t wait for her sister’s response. She grabbed the flashlight from Lenore’s dresser and hurried from the room. If Rueben had shown up at Sadie’s house, she needed to find out what he wanted.
CHAPTER 42
When Rueben woke up the following morning, he felt as though his head had been stuffed with cotton. He didn’t know if it was from jetlag or not getting enough sleep the night before. After returning to the Pleasant View Bed-and-Breakfast, where he’d booked a room in Middlebury, he’d lain awake for several hours.
As he lay there, looking around his room, Rueben compared the B&B to the one on Kauai. This place had a country vibe, with its rustic furniture and dried flowers, unlike the Palms Bed-and-Breakfast, which featured tropical décor and wicker furniture. There was a brightness to the Hawaiian B&B and a scent of flowers when the windows were open, allowing the warm breezes to come in.
Rueben sat up in bed, stretching his arms over his head, then plopped back down in the warm sheets. He had asked God’s forgiveness, as well as Arie’s parents’, and was certain he’d been forgiven. One would think that should be enough, but it wasn’t. Rueben had prayed about things last night and come to the conclusion that he needed to speak to Ellen before returning to Kauai. If there was even a chance she might choose him over the man he’d seen her with, he had to take it. He was determined to let her know how he felt, and it was worth the risk of rejection just to see her one more time. If Ellen sent him away, he’d have to come to grips with it, because more than anything, Rueben wanted her to be happy.
Since it was nine o’clock, Rueben figured Ellen would be in church with her family. So he’d hang around the B&B all morning and go back to Ellen’s house this afternoon when she would likely be home. He had paid for one more night here and didn’t have to check out until Monday morning, at which time he would head for Pennsylvania.
Rueben arrived at the Lambrights’ home shortly before four that afternoon.
Sure hope Ellen’s here this time and I can speak with her face to face.
His steps were solid as he made his way through the snow and up to the porch. After two knocks, the front door opened.
“Oh, it’s you again.” Ellen’s youngest sister, Lenore, looked up at him with a curious expression. “If you came to see Ellen, she’s not here.”
“Again?” He frowned. “Where is she this time?”
“Ellen went to visit some of her friends, and I’m not sure where she is right now or when she’ll get home.”
“Can I speak to one of your parents? I’d like to leave a message for Ellen.” Rueben didn’t trust the girl to give her sister a message.
Lenore shook her head. “My folks aren’t here either. They’re also out visiting.”
Rueben groaned inwardly. This conversation wasn’t taking him anywhere.
“If you have a piece of paper I can write on, I’ll leave my number for Ellen.”
“Okay, I’ll go to the kitchen and get a notepad.”
Lenore disappeared, and Rueben stepped into the entryway. He wasn’t going to remain in the cold this time.
As he waited for Lenore to return, Rueben peeked into the living room. He saw a fireplace with two chairs on either side. At the other end of the room sat a large couch, recliner, and a rocking chair. The room had a warm, inviting feel. He fought the temptation to take a seat by the fire to warm his gloveless hands. This must be where Ellen’s family gathers after their holiday meals, he thought, remembering what Ellen had described.
A few minutes later, Lenore came back with a pen and tablet. “Here ya go.” She handed them to Rueben.
Holding the tablet steady in one hand, he wrote the number where Ellen could reach him and handed the tablet back to Lenore. “Would you please give this to her when she comes home?”
“I’ll let her know.” Lenore nodded and closed the door.
Rueben hoped the young girl would follow through. At the rate things were going, he wondered if he’d ever connect with Ellen.
By the time Ellen returned home, it was late and the house was dark. She figured her parents and sisters were all in bed. It has been a long day, but she’d enjoyed her time with Sadie and their friend Barbara.
Ellen smiled, thinking about Gideon and what a good husband he was for Barbara. He had volunteered to watch their daughter, Mary Jane, so his wife could spend time with Ellen and Sadie.
The time Ellen spent today with two good friends was enjoyable, but she wished Mandy could have joined them, like she used to before moving to Kauai.
As Ellen stood in the hallway with her flashlight, she noticed a familiar aroma. It smelled like the musky aftershave Rueben wore. Could he have been here again? If he did stop by, surely someone would have left me a note.
She hurried to the kitchen, and looked on the table. No note there. Nothing on the counter or roll-top desk either.
Ellen tucked in her upper lip. This is silly. If Rueben came by, someone would have told me. What I need now is a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow morning I’ll do some shopping and continue my search for a job.
Ellen’s mind shifted gears, remembering how she’d called Mandy to get Rueben’s cell phone number. After their short but meaningful talk, Ellen had tried calling Rueben. All she got was his voice mail. Before coming into the house, she’d stopped by the phone shack to check for messages. There were none. If Rueben had come by to talk to her, why hadn’t he answered her call? Should she try calling him again in the morning?
CHAPTER 43
Rueben took a seat at the dining-room table, where several plates had been set out. Apparently, he wasn’t the only one staying at this bed-and-breakfast.
Glancing at the clock on the far wall, he thought about the cell phone h
e’d accidentally left at his folks’ in Pennsylvania. In addition to using it for calls, he relied on the phone to check the time.
“Hi, I’m Tom. Where you from?” A tall, bald man entered the room and reached out to shake Rueben’s hand.
“My name’s Rueben. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, but my current home is the Island of Kauai.”
The man’s brows lifted as he took a seat across the table. “What brings you to Indiana?”
“Umm … Guess you might call it business.”
“What kind of business?” Tom leaned against the chair, cupping his chin with one hand.
“It’s of a personal nature.” Rueben felt as if he were being interrogated. He wished their B&B hostess would bring on the food so he could eat and be on his way. He’d learned earlier that he hadn’t received any phone calls, so he assumed Ellen either didn’t want to talk to him or hadn’t received his message.
I’ll give it one more try before I head out of town, Rueben told himself.
When Rueben arrived at the Lambrights’ place, he spotted a young Amish woman coming out of the barn. It wasn’t Lenore this time, but she had the same hair color. He figured she was one of Ellen’s other sisters.
“Hello. My name is Rueben Zook.” He approached the girl. “Ellen and I worked together in Hawaii. Is she at home?”
She looked at him strangely and tilted her head. “Ellen went to the shoe store to give Ezra Bontrager something he left when he was at our house last week.
Rueben reached under the baseball cap he’d bought the other day, and scratched his head. “Who’s Ezra?”
“He works for our dad. He and Ellen went to school together, and a few days ago he asked if he could court her, but … Achoo!” She pulled a tissue from her jacket pocket and wiped her nose. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to get back in the house. Do you have a message for Ellen? I’ll give it to her when she gets home.”
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