“Go on. I’ll take care of things down here. Do you have a quilt? I can sleep on the couch.”
“But that won’t be comfortable.”
“Of course, it will.”
“There’s a quilt in the sewing room,” Marlie said.
“Then I’m set. Go on up.”
Marlie gave her a quick hug. “Thank you, Leora.”
“Gut night Marlie.”
“Gut night.”
Leora went to the window and looked out. It looked like the firemen were putting up their hoses. The police car was already gone, and most of the men from their district were also gone. She saw Noah see the last of them off and then he turned to the house. She went to the front door to let him in.
“The fire is out,” he told her. He looked exhausted. His shoulders sagged, and he was covered with dirt and soot. “We were able to save a lot of the hay and some of Bart’s equipment. I’m afraid he lost some of his plowing equipment, though. Maybe he can buy new with emergency funds from the district.”
“I hope so.”
“So here’s another barn raising that’ll be needed.” He shook his head and gave a low whistle. “We’re being targeted, Leora.”
“I fear you’re right.”
He seemed to just notice that Marlie wasn’t around. “Where’s Marlie?”
“I sent her up to bed. I’m spending the rest of the night here.”
“Then, I’m staying, too.” He rubbed his forehead, smearing the soot. “I imagine Marlie is pretty shook up.”
“She is.” She touched his sleeve. “You don’t have to stay, Noah.”
“I reckon Marlie told you the same thing.”
Leora laughed softly. “That she did.”
“And it didn’t do any gut, did it?”
“Nee.”
“So, you telling me the same thing ain’t going to do any gut either. I’m staying. Let me see to my horse, and I’ll be right back in.”
“There’s no barn for the horse.”
“I know. I need to check on Marlie’s animals, too. I’ll see what I can do using the shed behind the house.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. He looked at her and something passed between them. When he broke their gaze, she felt a surge of warmth toward him as he walked back outside.
She went to the warming stove and put in an extra log. Then she took the lantern and went into the sewing room. She saw a stack of quilts and took two, trying to find the most worn ones as poor Noah was mighty dirty. She didn’t know if he’d want to shower in Marlie’s bathroom or not. He might want to simply fall asleep in the rocker. David used to do that often enough.
She went back to the front room and sat on the couch waiting for him. He could be some time, if he was seeing to all the animals. But it wasn’t long before he was back inside, rubbing his hands together.
“Ach, but it’s cold out there behind the house. Someone already secured most of the animals. I’m not sure we corralled all the chickens. I’ll check when it’s light out again.” He laughed. “Which won’t be that long from now.”
He gazed at her on the couch. “Go to sleep, Marlie. I’ll just sit up in the chair here.”
She smiled. “I brought a quilt in for you.”
He looked down at himself. “I’m a mess. I don’t want to dirty it.” He peered about. Is there a bathroom downstairs? Or is the only one upstairs?”
“There’s a bathroom off the kitchen. I don’t think it has a shower, though.”
“I can still wash my hands and face. I smell like a fire.”
“Not surprising.”
“Go to sleep. I’ll wash up and tiptoe back in here.” He smiled down at her and left the room.
She stifled a yawn. She was tired, but it was odd to go to sleep in the same room where Noah would be sitting. It felt funny to her. When he came back, she was still wide awake. He settled into the rocker next to the warming stove.
“You aren’t asleep,” he said quietly.
An air of intimacy filled the room, and she squirmed a bit, feeling even more uncomfortable.
“Marlie saw the person who started the fire.”
Noah’s eyes widened in the glow of the fire. “Did she?”
“It was someone wearing a sweatshirt with a hood.”
“So she couldn’t tell who it was.”
“Nee. She didn’t see his face. I don’t think she would have recognized him anyway.”
“Likely not.”
“Noah?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think he will come back?”
“Nee,” he said quickly—almost too quickly. “I’m sure he won’t. He’s long gone.”
“But won’t he want to come back and see the damage?”
“I don’t know, but it’s too dark to see anything out there anyway. If he wants to see what he’s done, he’d have to come in the daylight.”
Leora shuddered.
“Please don’t fret, Leora. I’m here. Everything will be all right. Go to sleep now.”
His voice was soft and comforting and the more he spoke, the safer she felt. Her eyes grew heavy, and she thought she’d just close them for a little while. Not really go to sleep, just rest for a minute or two.
But it didn’t go as planned, and she fell asleep almost immediately.
Chapter Fourteen
Noah rocked gently, staring at the fire through the small glass window in the warming stove’s door. It was mesmerizing. He couldn’t help but compare that contained flame to the raging inferno of the burning barn. Fire could be wonderful, or it could be disastrous. He stretched out his hands toward the stove, feeling the fire’s warmth seep into his skin.
The flames danced and sputtered, and the room was pleasant even without the quilt. He turned his gaze to Leora who was now sleeping soundly. Her chest rose gently on each breath and her face looked so peaceful. Seeing her there like that, he realized that she often wore a pinched look, as if she were in a constant state of worry.
Was she? He wondered. Living alone, she would have a lot of responsibilities. And then, she had her job on top of that. The thought of Bill Jeffreys filled his mind. Was he pursuing Leora? Noah got the distinct impression that he was, and it rankled him. Bill Jeffreys had no business chasing after an Amish woman.
Noah wondered at the state of Leora’s finances. She had to work, that was certain. But he wondered if she struggled from month to month. Most folks thought she’d sold her farm and bought the small house she lived in, but he knew better. Leora rented that house, which meant she hadn’t made much of anything from the sale of her farm.
Had David Fisher been in debt? Noah frowned. If he had been, then Leora was carrying that worry, too.
She shifted slightly in her sleep and he watched her. He wanted to ease some of her burden; he wanted to see that look of peace on her face all the time. She was a good woman—special. He found himself yearning to be near her, even at the oddest times of day. In truth, if he had his way, he’d be with her all the time.
His face grew warm with the thought. He wanted to court her, but when he’d hinted at it the other day, he hadn’t gotten the response he’d hoped for. Maybe it was too soon. She’d only been a widow a little over a year. And she had no children to support, so maybe she was in no hurry.
Would she ever be interested in another man? Or would she remain single as David’s widow forever? The thought was distasteful, and he shoved it from his mind.
“Leora,” he whispered. “Leora, you’re a fine woman.”
He drew in a long breath and closed his eyes. He could probably catch a few winks of sleep before it was time to get up.
* * *
Leora stirred and stretched. She opened her eyes and glanced around quickly, completely disoriented. And then she remembered. She was at Marlie’s, and Noah…
Noah was gone. She sat up and stretched again. She needed to get breakfast started for everyone. She heard some stirring upstairs and figured that Marlie was likely w
ith the baby. She folded the quilt and picked it up along with the one that Noah hadn’t used and took them both back to the sewing room.
The kitchen was well-stocked. There was a bowl of eggs on the counter, probably gathered the day before. She set about making a large skillet full of scrambled eggs. She found some bacon in the refrigerator and put in on the griddle. She sliced up one of the loaves of bread she’d brought and placed the slices on a baking sheet to toast in the cook stove.
There was a distinct chill in the air, and she realized she hadn’t built up the fire. Well, she’d get to that after the eggs were cooked. The side door opened and a whoosh of cold air swept through the house.
“Gut morning,” Noah greeted her, coming into the kitchen.
“Gut morning, Noah,” she returned the greeting. “I’ll have breakfast on the table right quick.”
He grinned. “Sounds fine. I’ll stir up the fire in a minute. I’ve checked on the animals and managed to find a few more chickens.”
“I imagine they weren’t too happy,” she commented.
He laughed. “Nee.” He strode to the kitchen window over the sink and peered out. “It’s a right mess out there.”
She joined him at the window. “It breaks my heart.”
“They’ll find him,” Noah said.
“But when? And is someone else’s barn in danger tonight? And what if he starts in on Amish homes?”
He put his hand on her arm and she felt his touch to her very core. “Don’t think such things, Leora. That won’t happen. We’re all praying.”
She shook her head. “Right. Of course, you’re right. Gott is watching over us.”
“He is,” Noah said softly.
“Ach, Noah!” Marlie cried, entering the kitchen with her baby on her hip. “When did you get here?”
“He never left,” Leora told her.
“You spent the night?”
Noah nodded. “I did. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have a man around.”
Marlie’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re both so kind. Thank you.” She shifted the baby from one hip to the other. “I need to get to the shanty and leave a message for Bart.”
“I can do that for you,” Noah said. “Just give me the number.”
“It’s written on the notepad right over there,” Marlie said, indicating the pad with a nod of her head. She bit her lip. “Have you looked at the damage?” she asked, her voice faltering.
“Your barn is gone,” Leora told her softly. “Completely gone.”
Marlie sucked in a breath, and Leora could see her gather her courage to approach the window. She moved slowly to the sink and looked outside. She made a small gasp and covered her mouth with her free hand.
“It can be rebuilt,” Noah said, his voice gentle. “You let the district worry about that.”
Marlie shook her head over and over and didn’t say a word. Then she looked at Noah. “And the animals? They’re still all right?”
“They’re fine. I’ve already been out to check on them. I put some of them in the shed. I can clear out more of the shed to have room for a few others tonight. The chickens are mostly gathered now. But I’ll have to fix the coop.”
“But you have your own work…” Marlie said.
“That I do. But I’m glad to help. Bart will be back soon, but there are things I can do before he arrives. Right now, I’ll get the fire going. There’s a bit of a chill in here.”
Tears were slipping down Marlie’s cheeks now. “Thank you,” she eked out.
“Breakfast is about ready,” Leora announced, putting some brightness in her tone. “Shall I wake the kinner?”
Marlie blinked and sniffed. “I’ll get them.” She walked to Leora and grabbed her hand. “Thank you,” she murmured and then left the room to fetch the children.
Noah returned to the kitchen as the eggs finished cooking so Leora scooped them into a bowl. “I need to set the table,” she said, looking for the plates in the cupboard.
“Let me help,” Noah told her. “I’m not entirely useless in the kitchen.”
She smiled at him with gratitude. “All right, then. You can prove it to me.”
He laughed and tweaked the string of her kapp before reaching past her into the cupboard.
Chapter Fifteen
Marlie’s kinner were solemn during breakfast. Noah had eaten quickly and gone to the shanty to make a call to Linder Creek. Leora bustled about cleaning up the dishes and putting the butter and jam away.
“Hopefully, Bart will get the message right away,” Marlie said. “If someone else checks the phone shanty, they’ll likely tell Bart’s cousin there’s a message for him.”
“I have a feeling he’ll be here by tonight, Marlie.” Leora picked up the pitcher of milk. “I can stay the day if you like.”
“You’ve already done so much. I’m sure you’re needing to get home,” she said, adding, “to your chickens, at least.”
Leora smiled. “They can peck at the ground till I get there. But you’re right. Shall I come over later?”
Marlie shook her head. “I imagine I’ll have visitors today.”
“If Bart doesn’t come home today, I’ll stay the night again.”
“Leora, nee. You’ve done enough.”
Leora shook her head. “I don’t mind, Marlie. Truly, I don’t.”
Marlie bit her lip. “All right. If Bart isn’t home, I’d appreciate you staying.”
Leora took the milk and put it in the refrigerator. Just then, Noah returned. “Message delivered,” he told Marlie.
“Thank you, Noah.”
Noah turned to Leora. “Are you ready to go home?”
She nodded. “But if Bart doesn’t arrive today, I’ll be returning for the night again.”
Noah nodded. “I think that’s a gut idea. Marlie, I’ll come by this afternoon to clear out the shed and see to your animals. You should know by then if Bart is coming. If not, I’ll swing by and get Leora and bring her over.”
“Thank you,” Marlie said once again.
“Give me a minute to get the buggy hitched,” Noah told Leora. “Then come on out, and I’ll take you home.”
He winked at Marlie’s children and then went back outside. Marlie looked at Leora. “Well?” she asked.
“Well, what?”
“Are you and Noah courting?” Marlie had lowered her voice. Then she smiled. “I don’t know why I’m whispering. It’s not like my kinner are going to rush about with the news.”
Leora had a sudden wish that they were courting, but she pressed it down. It was too early yet. She needed to grieve David’s passing longer, didn’t she? And the holidays were coming. Thanksgiving had almost arrived. She knew the holidays were going to be hard for her without him, and she wasn’t of a mind to have anyone close enough to see her pain.
“Nee,” she said. “Noah is just helping me with transportation since I don’t have a buggy, and it’s getting right cold for my bicycle.”
Marlie frowned. “Why did you sell your buggy? Didn’t you and David have a nice one?”
Leora shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “We did, but at the time, I thought my bicycle was sufficient.” And I needed the money.
“You could get a new one,” Marlie suggested. “And isn’t there an outbuilding behind your house where you could stable a horse?”
“I’ll think on it,” Leora said, hoping to bring the discussion to an end.
“I think Pete Miller has a pony for sale.”
Leora stifled a sigh. “Thank you, Marlie,” she said, forcing a smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I just don’t like the idea of you freezing every time you go anywhere,” Marlie continued.
“I think Noah will be ready for me now,” Leora interrupted, putting on her cape and mittens and scarf. “Maybe I’ll see you this evening.”
“Thank you for everything.”
“You’re more than welcome,” Leora said. She walked to where Marlie’s children were s
played on the large rag rug, playing. She bent over and tousled their hair. “Bye, kinner. You be gut for your mamm.”
They grinned up at her, and she left to their waves of farewell.
Noah was just bringing the buggy around. She wasted no time in getting in.
“Marlie really appreciated you staying the night,” he told her.
“And you, too.”
He tipped his head. “I was glad to do it.” He frowned. “I’m not really excited about you being alone these nights.”
“I’ll be fine.” She folded her hands in her lap. “I’m used to it, and I’m locking my doors. And I don’t have a barn, remember?”
“You have that building out back.”
“It wouldn’t be a very exciting fire,” she said, trying to inject some levity into the conversation, but it didn’t work. It didn’t work at all.
Noah looked at her. “It’s not a joking matter.”
“I know. Sorry.”
“I like the idea of you staying with Marlie.”
“I’ll be happy to if Bart doesn’t return.”
“And I’ll stay again, too.”
Leora was surprised at that. She understood him staying with them the night of the fire, but how would it look if he camped out there again with her and Marlie? She scowled, disgusted with herself. Sometimes public appearances weren’t that important, were they? She nearly scoffed out loud. Of course, they were. Public appearances were of utmost concern in their district.
Still, she couldn’t control what Noah did, and she quite liked the thought of his presence during the night. She shuddered. What would she do if she saw a hooded person lurking around? Would she have the nerve to leave her house and try to make it to the phone shanty? What if it was pitch dark? Would she go then?
“What are you thinking?” Noah asked, studying her face as he gently snapped the reins.
“Um, nothing.”
“Are you worried?”
“I was thinking about what I’d do if I saw the hooded person.”
He grimaced. “Pray,” he said. “The whole district should be praying right now.”
“I’m sure everybody is. Do you think the bishop will call a special prayer meeting?”
Thanksgiving In Hollybrook (Hollybrook Holiday Amish Romance) Page 9
