“No,” she said. “I can’t.”
“The boys?” he asked.
“My heart!” Her gaze flashed fire. “Marriage is wonderful, but it’s hard work, too. I can’t imagine sharing so much with someone I didn’t love. Until I find a man I can truly love and trust with my boys, I’m not taking those vows again. When I was young, it was only my heart at stake. Now, it’s my boys’ hearts, too. I can manage.”
He waited until she took her seat, and then he sat, too.
“I didn’t mean to be flippant,” he said. “I do agree. I mean, I’ve had plenty of women introduced to me in hopes that I’d choose one, but...I couldn’t do it.”
“Is it hard to think of being married to someone other than your late wife?” she asked gently.
“A little.”
“It’s the same for me... It’s hard to imagine it.” She nodded. “But with time, it’s getting easier to start thinking about marriage again. But finding a man whom the boys will love, too...that’s the hard part!”
“Delia, you can afford to be picky,” he said earnestly. “I mean that. Don’t worry.”
In fact, he liked the idea of her waiting—not wasting herself on some man who’d gladly take over her farm. She was a woman who deserved the best, and somehow he’d feel better if she held out for just that.
“And by the way, this pie looks amazing,” he added.
Delia shot him a smile. “Danke. I did try—both with raising my boys and baking the pie.”
Elias laughed at her little joke, and Delia passed him a fork. He let his fingers linger over hers as he accepted the utensil.
“Are you really practicing on me?” she asked.
“Why? What am I doing wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing. You’re just...you’re a very sweet man, Elias. I don’t think you need practice at all. You’re charming.”
He felt some heat hit his own face then. She thought he was charming, did she? Hopefully that wouldn’t change! He turned his attention to the pie. They each took a bite, and for the next couple of minutes, Elias simply enjoyed the dessert. Flaky crust, sweet, tangy center, and tender apple slices.
“Do you think you could talk with Violet about...the Amish life, and the safety of staying here?” he asked. “She’s heard it all from me, but I have a feeling it will be different coming from you.”
“I’ll get her to help me do dishes in the morning,” Delia said. “I have a good excuse.” She held up her burned hand.
“Even I’d help you with dishes,” he said with a low laugh.
“That won’t give me time alone with Violet, though,” she said. “Leave it to me and Violet. Two women doing dishes get to talking. It’s just the way of things.”
Of all the women to help him and Violet through this difficult stage of getting used to the idea of romance again, Delia was absolutely perfect. She was kind and understanding, and he had a feeling that Violet’s young heart was perfectly safe in her keeping.
Chapter Six
It was after ten when the buggy came rattling up the drive, and the sound of boys’ laughter filtered through the night air and into the cozy kitchen where Delia and Elias sat with empty mugs in front of them.
Her hand hurt. The burn ached, and while she knew the burn cream would help, there would be a few painful days before it started to heal properly. She watched as Elias went to the window and shaded his eyes to look out into the darkness. She could tell the moment he spotted his daughter, because his shoulders relaxed. She stifled a smile.
This evening had been nice, even with the burn. Spending the evening with Elias—a strong, capable, gentle man—had been a treat. The other men she’d spent time with who’d been interested in courting her hadn’t been half as good company. She’d felt quizzed and judged as they tried to see if she measured up to their own personal requirements. Never mind her own needs in a husband!
“This was fun,” Delia agreed. “Maybe it’s just easier with no pressure.”
Elias seemed to understand, because he met her gaze and nodded slowly. “I think it must be.”
Moses came clattering up the stairs and he opened the side door. “Hi, Mamm! We’re back! I was on the team with the big kids!”
“I’d better head out,” Elias said, and he shot Moses a smile. “Good for you, Moses. Did you win?”
“No, we lost,” Moses said. “And we lost badly. It was probably because of me on the team, but they didn’t mind very much.”
“These things happen,” Elias said with a chuckle. “But they obviously enjoyed your company, Moses.”
“Do you think?” Moses asked.
“Yah. They let you play, and they didn’t mind about the points. I think they definitely liked having you there. You’re a likable kid.”
Moses’s ears grew pink, and Delia could see the battle going on inside him. Moses looked like he wasn’t sure if he should allow himself to be pleased with Elias or not.
“Help your mamm with chores tonight, okay?” Elias added. “She’s hurt her hand.”
“What happened to your hand, Mamm?” Moses came over to inspect Delia’s burn, and Elias met her gaze as her son looked over her hand.
“I burned it...” she said.
Elias winked at her, and it was Delia’s turn to feel her face grow warm. That Elias sure had a way with him! Then he headed for the door and slipped out.
A few minutes later, the other boys came inside, and they started rummaging through the kitchen for a snack.
