A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft (18 page)

“Do you really think that?”

She nodded, then moved to sit next to him on the couch. She didn't touch him but sat close enough to smell the fresh soap on his skin and see the longing mixed with doubt in his eyes.

After a moment, she said, “Peter, I accept your apology. What's more, I forgive you. Now, I have a favor to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

With a small smile, she held out her hand. “I'd like to be your friend.”

He simply stared at her hand. “You want to be friends with me?”

“I've learned this year that one can't have too many friends, you see.” Still staring at him intently, she said softly, “I know
I'm older. But I'm still nice. And I do make great cakes and pies. That has to count for something, don't you think?”

He nodded slowly. Then slipped his hand in hers.
“Danke
.
”

Squeezing his hand, which, she realized, was already bigger than hers, she said, “Thank you, Peter. Now finish your cake. And when you're ready to leave, I'll send the rest of it home with you.”

His eyes widened. “Are you sure you want me to have the rest of it?”

“Well, Josiah's going to need some.” She winked. “And then there are all those little girls to think about.”

For the first time since he arrived, Peter's expression lightened. “Lena, Mandy, and Annie would be mighty sad if Josiah got cake and they did not. Not to mention William.”

“We certainly can't have that. It is Christmas, you know.”

He grinned then.

And that smile was so beautiful, so meaningful, Beverly had to swallow hard so she wouldn't burst into tears.

She had been right. Long after she stopped baking cakes and looking after guests, long after she stopped being an innkeeper and started to look after her own
kinner
, she would always remember this moment.

This wonderful, beautiful moment when she realized that nothing mattered in the world but kindness.

Nothing at all.

E
ffie Kaufmann might have been only thirteen years old, but she was fairly sure that she would remember this Christmas as the best in her life. It was a beautiful, sunny day. As she stood with her family on the corner of Beneva, almost patiently waiting for the annual Christmas parade to start, she decided that she'd rarely been happier. So far, it had been a really special day.

After spending the morning listening to Daed read the nativity story from the Book of Luke, they'd exchanged gifts. Everyone had seemed to like the baskets she'd made. Effie had painted each basket white and filled it with things that each family member liked. For her mother, Effie had put in scented soaps. Daed received a basket of pink grapefruits and oranges.
Karl had received some peanut butter fudge she'd made, and Violet—who had recently taken up quilting—had received all kinds of prettily tied fabric remnants from the Quilt Haus. Zack and Leona's basket had made everyone laugh. In it, Effie had put six cans of cat food, in honor of the kitten she knew Zack had given Leona for Christmas.

She loved the gifts she'd received just as much. Her siblings had given her a little booklet of coupons for her to redeem. They offered everything from rides home from school with Violet to trips to Yoder's for pie and offers of helping with her always dreaded math homework. Mamm and Daed had given her some new dresses and a backpack she'd been pining over for months.

After opening gifts and eating her
mamm
's fresh banana pancakes, she, Violet, and Mamm had delivered blankets and food to the shelter in town and then spent the next couple of hours preparing lunch. Violet and her mother prepared a lasagna, roasted a chicken, and made a large dish of stuffing. And for the first time, Effie had been allowed to make most of the black forest cake they would serve for dessert.

Her parents were expecting twenty people for the meal. Karl was bringing his girlfriend; Violet was bringing her steady boyfriend, John; Zack and Leona were bringing Leona's parents; and several other neighbors and friends were coming over, too. All the guests were bringing side dishes. It was going to be wonderful.

But Effie thought the day was truly special because of the new sense of contentment that pervaded the family. Not only did everyone get along with one another, they seemed happy. Zack was
no longer restless. Now, he was obviously in love with Leona and had made peace with his many jobs throughout the community.

And Violet seemed relieved that their parents were no longer upset with her decision not to become baptized in the Amish faith.

Yes, it was as if they'd all agreed to put aside their differences and give thanks for their blessings.

Effie knew she had much to be grateful for this year as well. The leg she'd broken was healed and strong, and—thanks to all the walking she'd been doing to and from the bus—she could now go several hours without wearing braces on her legs.

But the most wonderful celebration was that Josiah and his brother were going to be all right. He and Peter seemed to be really happy living with the Hiltys. Neither of them had to worry about bills or clothes or when and if they were going to be able to eat.

Now that Jay Hilty and Officer Roberts were working with Peter on reimbursing Beverly Overholt for all the damage he'd done, he no longer had to worry about being discovered or separated from his brother.

Every time Effie thought about that worried look she'd spied in Josiah's eyes, she gave thanks to God for helping to ease his fears.

Now, as everyone in town was getting settled for the annual parade, Effie suddenly caught sight of Josiah sitting next to Emma Hilty and one of her girls on the sidewalk. His elbows were resting on his knees and his expression was quietly shuttered. Just like usual.

But Effie also noticed that he looked far more relaxed than he had recently. He wasn't averting his eyes from the kids who walked by or looking especially worried. Instead, he looked much like the other people milling about; he was simply enjoying the warm weather, the beauty of a Christmas day in Sarasota, and the opportunity to relax.

She couldn't wait any longer to see him.

“Zack, I'm going to go over and say hi to Josiah, okay?”

“Sure, Ef,” he said. “I think we're going to sit in that open space on the next block. If you decide to stay here, don't forget to tell me where you're gonna be.”

“I won't.” She loved that she was old enough and strong enough to do things like a normal teenager. Walking haltingly through the crowds because her mother had asked that she wear her braces on account of the long day and the amount of walking involved, Effie slowly made her way over to Josiah.

When he saw her, he stood up. “Hey, Effie. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you,” she replied. Looking around him, she smiled at Emma Hilty and little Annie. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas to you, dear,” Emma said.

“Emma, do you mind if I talk to Effie for a second?”

Emma's eyes softened as she pointed to a grassy area behind them. “Why don't you two go over there for a bit? That way you can have a bit of privacy.”

“
Danke
,” Josiah said before looking at Effie a bit more directly. “Is that okay with you?”

“It's fine.” Of course, Effie would have eagerly agreed to whatever he wanted.

Josiah led the way through the crowds of people, pausing every couple of seconds to make sure Effie didn't need his help. When they got to the grassy area at last, Josiah grinned at her. “You did real
gut
, walking through the crowd, Ef.”

“
Danke
. I told ya, I'm getting stronger.”

“I'm proud of you.”

“
Danke
,” she said again, suddenly feeling shy. When she'd first seen him, she'd wanted to give him a hug and ask all about his stay at the Hiltys'. She wanted to ask how his brother was doing. How he was doing. But now she was afraid to bring any of it up. She would hate it if he started thinking that she was simply getting into his business. But she had to say something. He needed to know how much she cared about him. “Josiah, are you okay now?”

He shrugged. “I think so. I know things are better. That's a start, ain't so?”

“I hope so,” she said earnestly. “Is your
bruder
doing better, too?”

“Peter is doing much better,” he said with a smile. “He and Jay went over to Miss Beverly's last night and talked. He was really nervous about it, but she gave him a bunch of cake to bring home, so I guess it went all right.”

Perhaps the right thing to do would be to drop the subject and talk about the upcoming parade, but Effie couldn't pretend that she didn't genuinely care about everything he'd been going through. Even if it made them both uncomfortable, she was pretty sure that it was better to talk about things instead of pretending that nothing had happened.

“I'm really sorry about your
daed
,” she blurted.

“Me, too,” he said quietly. “Ever since my
mamm
went to
heaven, it's felt like I lost my
daed
, too. He, um, he never used to act the way he did when you came over.” He swallowed hard. “He left right after the social worker came and hasn't been back since. Officer Roberts said people are going to look for him but I kinda hope they don't find him anytime soon, you know?”

Effie nodded, not trusting her voice. It was a struggle to think of the right thing to say. But since no words were coming, she simply sighed instead.

Josiah stepped closer. “Don't worry about me, Effie. Everything will be all right.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so,” he said, circling back to her first question. “Emma and Jay Hilty are nice people. So far, they've acted like Peter and I are part of their family and we haven't been part of a family in a mighty long time.”

“At least you're with them today.” Feeling like she wasn't making herself very clear, she said, “I mean on Christmas. I mean, I'm
verra
glad you and Peter aren't home alone today,” she said at last.

He looked at her intently. “I'm thinking being surrounded by nice people and good friends on Christmas Day is the best thing of all.”

Her insides warmed as she realized he was speaking about her. That he was thankful for their relationship. “Me, too, Josiah. Being with good friends is important.”

He smiled. “Want to sit with me and Emma and her family?”

She couldn't think of anything she'd rather do. “
Jah
. Sure.”

“
Gut
. Let's go tell your
bruder
, then we'll get our spots. The parade is about to start and I, for one, intend to get lots of candy.”

As Effie walked by his side to do just that, she noticed more than one girl from their class watch her with a bit of envy in their eyes. She lifted her chin, feeling more than a little bit of pride to be seen walking next to the most popular boy in their class. But her smile came from her heart. Yes, Josiah was cute and popular, but what mattered the most was that he was now her friend.

It was such a
wonderful-gut
day. Such a
wonderful-gut
Christmas Day.

W
hen she heard footsteps on the stairs, Beverly quickly pulled her white cotton nightgown and thick terry cloth robe more closely around her legs. Ack! She should have known better than to be lounging about in her nightclothes when there were guests around.

But just as she was wondering how to sneak across the sitting room to the kitchen, she realized the interloper was Eric. He was wearing baggy gray sweatpants and a faded T-shirt that fit him snugly. As usual, his feet were bare. His hair was damp, too. It was obvious he'd just gotten out of the shower.

“Hi,” she said, attempting to ignore the warm feeling flowing through her at the sight of him. She really needed to stop noticing how attractive he was.

“Hi yourself,” he teased as he crossed the room. “I didn't expect to see you here. It's late. What are you still doing awake?”

“I don't usually go to sleep this early, actually,” she countered with a smile. “Did you need something?”

“I came down for a sandwich. It's been a couple of hours since we've eaten.”

“Indeed. Probably at least four.” After they'd come home from the parade, she, Eric, and Jack had pulled out the leftovers from their early lunch. Well, she'd had a small salad. The brothers had constructed hearty ham sandwiches and cut slices from the key lime pie she'd made earlier that morning.

Eric didn't look the least bit sheepish about late-night munching. “Four hours is a lot when your stomach is growling.”

“To be sure,” she teased. “Is Jack coming down, too?” If so, she was thinking she should go put on a dress. Eric and she were good enough friends to be around each other in nightclothes, but she would never feel as comfortable in front of another man.

“Nope. I think this quick trip has finally caught up with him. He's out like a light.” But instead of making his way directly to the kitchen, Eric eyed her carefully. “You sure you're okay?”

“Jah
.
”
She pointed at their Christmas tree. “I would never tell my mother, but I've been enjoying this tree. I like the fresh pine smell and I love looking at the lights at night.”

He leaned back against the wall and smiled. “Most people do.” After another moment, he said slowly, “Bev, you sure you're only thinking about Christmas lights?”

“I was just thinking about a lot of things, if you want to know the truth.”

“Let me guess. You were thinking about a certain pair of boys?”

“Maybe.”

“I'm not surprised,” he said as he settled down next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I've been thinking about them, too.”

Enjoying his comforting presence, Beverly allowed herself to lean into him. He responded by cupping her shoulder with his palm and bringing her closer. “I looked for them at the parade but I didn't see them. I had hoped to say hello.”

“There were a lot of people there. I'm surprised you found anyone you recognized.”

She shrugged. “But, still . . .” She let her voice drift off. It was probably for the best that they hadn't intruded on the boys' day, but she had wanted to see for herself that they were doing all right.

“Bev, you and I know Emma and Jay real well. If anyone can help those two boys start healing, it's them.” He gave her a little squeeze.

“And Frankie! We canna forget him!”

He laughed. “Who could ever forget that crazy, hungry beagle?”

“No one who's attempted to enjoy a slice of pizza in peace,” she joked. The Hiltys' dog had a terrible habit of losing all his manners whenever food was involved. Most everyone in Pinecraft had a story about Frankie and his never-ending quest for food that he shouldn't have.

“If you want, maybe we can stop over to see them in a couple of days,” Eric offered. “You can bring a casserole or something.”

Liking that they were making plans, Beverly nodded. “I would like that.”

“Then that's what we'll have to do.”

She practically melted against him, his words were so sweet. “
Danke
, Eric. Thank you for understanding.”

“You're welcome,” he said lightly. “I want to see them, too. And, well, I figure I'd better keep you smiling so you'll have some happy memories of our first Christmas together.”

“You don't have to worry about that.”

“Why not?”

How could she tell him how much this day had meant to her? For the first time in years she wasn't a guest in one of her friends' homes for Christmas. She hadn't been that proverbial third wheel. She'd had Eric by her side. And Jack, too!

Turning her head, she realized that Eric, too, was needing reassurance about how things were going between them. “You don't have to worry because it's been a wonderful day. The best.”

He shifted so they were almost facing each other. His arm dropped from around her shoulders but then he caught her hand in his. Looking at their linked fingers, he nodded. “It has been a great day. I'll never forget it.”

She loved the gentle way he touched her. Never would she take for granted Eric's easy affection. “So, did you enjoy the parade?”

“I did. I don't know what I expected, but what we saw wasn't it.”

Beverly knew what he meant. It was a hodgepodge of Amish, Mennonite, English, and kitschy floats. People rode bicycles, cars, flatbed trucks, and everything in between. Local businesses decorated their entries. Why, even the Pioneer Trails bus had a
sign. Through it all, everyone chatted to one another, tossed and ate candy, and wished each other Merry Christmas. Everyone said that they couldn't imagine such a parade ever existing anywhere but in Pinecraft.

Beverly sincerely hoped that was true.

Still playing with her fingers, Eric chuckled. “I really enjoyed watching Jack take everything in.”

“He seemed to enjoy himself.”

“I think he definitely did. He told me a number of times that he liked the area and that he could understand why I was deciding to move here.”

“Pinecraft is mighty special.”

“It is, but I think he realized that for me its appeal has less to do with quaint restaurants and shops and more to do with one pretty green-eyed lady.”

She smiled softly. Eric had a way of making her feel pretty and wanted without feeling overwhelmed or unsure. In fact, she had become accustomed to looking forward to more than just his conversation. She liked the way he looked at her, as if there were no other person in the room. She enjoyed the way he frequently touched her, pressing a palm to her back when they walked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face when they sat together in the kitchen. Just that morning, he'd pressed one of her hands between his when he was making a point. She'd never thought she was the type of woman who would crave contact like that . . . but she certainly craved his.

When he leaned back, propping one bare foot on the opposite knee, and seemed content to simply gaze at the tree, Beverly let her mind drift. It seemed daydreaming about Eric had become
one of her favorite activities. She couldn't help it, though. From the moment she'd run into him in the public library last spring he'd been steadily infiltrating her thoughts.

It was no surprise, though; he treated her differently from anyone else in her life. From flying out to Sarasota the day after the robbery to calling the Kaufmanns' to ask them to look after her, to now—when he was making sure she was taking a few hours for herself—Eric always seemed ready to put her needs ahead of his own.

Though she'd always had her family's love, she couldn't remember another person who had gone to such great lengths to see to her happiness. She wished she knew how to convey what he meant to her without making him uncomfortable. The last thing she ever wanted to do was scare him away.

So she made do with generalities. “Eric, today was really special. A beautiful day. Wonderful.” Goodness. She'd now told him it was special, beautiful, and wonderful.

Oh, brother!

“I hope next year is just as nice.”

“Me, too.” She glanced at his face before turning back to the tree, though it no longer held the same appeal as the man beside her. Thinking about next year and wondering if they were simply destined to be friends, if she could ever be attractive enough to capture his interest, she added with false brightness, “I hope the weather will cooperate next year, too.”

He smiled. “Yes. Let's hope so.”

He was teasing her. She knew it. And why wouldn't he be teasing her? She was going on and on about the weather. And then going on about it some more!

“Sorry,” she blurted. “I seem to be rambling. I, ah, must be more tired than I thought.”

When he glanced at her again, this time with true concern in his eyes, she inwardly winced. Her voice had trembled and he'd heard it.

“Hey, Bev?”

“Jah?”

“When you think about next year, when you are making plans and such . . . are you only thinking about the weather?”

What could she say?
“Jah.”

“Really?” He looked disappointed.

“Well, um,
nee
. I mean, yes.” Now he was staring at her as if she needed medication or something. She pursed her lips together, deciding it would be better for the both of them if she simply stopped talking.

He tilted his head to one side. “You're starting to speak Pennsylvania Dutch again. What has you so flustered?”

It was time to simply be honest. “Eric, I, um, I'm not sure what you expect me to say.”

“Wait here a sec, Bev. Okay?”

Confused, she nodded, then bit her bottom lip as she watched him go up the stairs. What could he possibly need to do up there? Two minutes later he returned, now wearing a loose sweatshirt.

“Did you get cold, Eric?” she asked.

“Not really. I, uh, well, I have something for you. I've had it for quite some time,” he said as he sat back down beside her.

“Another Christmas present?”

“Not exactly.” He pulled out a small box from the pocket of his sweatshirt and held it tightly in his hand. “Beverly, I want
you to know how I feel about you. I want you to know that my intentions toward you are pure.”

Unable to do anything besides stare at the small box in his hand, her mind spun. What was he talking about? What kind of pure intentions did he have? “Is that some kind of Philadelphia saying?”

He shook his head. Then, to her surprise, flushed. “This is probably why we've had more than our fair share of ups and downs. I'm not all that good at sharing my feelings.” He frowned. “And I pretty much stink at surprises.”

She yearned to shake him. He was flustering her! “You stink at speeches, too. Eric, you need to be far clearer. What in the world are you talking about?”

He held up the box in a death grip. “I, um, bought you a ring.” After looking at the box again, he kind of thrust it at her.

She took it. Held it in her hands carefully, like it might explode. “A ring?”

“Yeah.” Staring at her intently, he added, “Beverly, I bought you a ring. It's, um, like an engagement ring.”

She was so stunned, she kept staring at the box. “
Like
an engagement ring?”

And as each second passed, he looked more nervous. “Um, I know you grew up Amish. And the Amish don't wear jewelry. But, well, I've always imagined buying you a ring, so I did.”

Her heart felt like it was beating a thousand times a minute. “Eric,” she whispered. “Are you . . . are you proposing marriage to me?”

“Well, yeah. Aren't you going to open the box?” He paused,
looking even more unsure. “Or are you offended? Do you really not want to wear my ring?”

Oh, she wanted to. She wanted to wear that ring and launch herself into his arms! She wanted to smile and cry and maybe even shout. But first she wanted to hear the words from him that she'd secretly been dreaming about.

Carefully, she set the box on her lap. Then looked directly at him. “Aren't you going to ask me a question?”

His gaze flickered to hers before he nodded. “Yeah.” A second later, he shook his head. “I mean, yes, Beverly, I am going to ask you a question.”

Before she could ask what he intended to do now, Eric stood up, took a deep breath, and knelt at her feet.

Looking into his handsome face, seeing how earnest he was, Beverly had to remind herself to breathe. This was it! Suddenly, everything around her became brighter, more vivid, more pronounced. She smelled the pine in the room, noticed the glow from the red candles she'd lit over an hour before. Noticed a faint chill in the air.

Realized that everything she'd ever imagined happening was a pale substitute for the bright reality of this moment.

Eric reached for her hand. “Beverly, I don't even know when I fell in love with you. Maybe it was when you knocked into me at the library. Maybe it was when we had our first argument and I realized that you were just as stubborn as I am.” Glancing down at their intertwined fingers, he smiled softly. “Who knows? Maybe it was when I realized that you have the prettiest green eyes I've ever seen. As well as the most generous
heart I've ever known.” Meeting her gaze again, he said, “All I do know is that I want to be your husband. Forever. So, will you marry me?”

“Forever,” she repeated.

His eyes lit. “Yeah. I'm not going to want to ever let you go.” The faint smile playing at the corners of his lips broadened. “Come on, Bev. Please say you'll marry me. Say you'll be my Christmas bride.”

A Christmas bride.

Eric's Christmas bride. Could she have ever imagined anything more romantic? More perfect?

The tension between them tightened. Eric's broad smile dimmed as he waited.

“Yes,” she finally replied after struggling to think of something just as perfect and beautiful to say back to him.