With Ethan on her hip, Ellie went into the great room to grab the quilt that had been draped over a chair. Why was Reuben so determined not to accept her help? She understood that he was a man trying to come to grips with all of the changes in his life. But he was making things difficult for himself, and she didn’t understand why.
Back in the kitchen, she spread the quilt on the floor before settling Ethan close to Reuben. She’d cleaned the floor earlier, adding a layer of floor wax to smooth out the rough spots. She grabbed a wooden spoon from a drawer and handed it to the boy to play with.
She straightened and found Reuben watching her. He didn’t say a word about her choice of toy for Ethan. She was relieved when the odd level of awareness between them dissipated as he consumed his second bowl of soup.
There was still chowder left in the pan. She set it on a hot mat. When it cooled, she’d store the rest in the refrigerator. She knew the soup was good, as it was her mother’s recipe, rich in chicken, corn, noodles and vegetables. She recalled Sarah’s enjoyment in learning to cook. Thoughts of Reuben’s sister sparked her concern. Why hadn’t Sarah called as promised? What had happened that her dat needed to send for her?
She faced Reuben, who was eating a cracker. “There’s some soup left in the pan. Would you like more?”
He met her gaze. “Nay, I’ve had plenty. Danki. ’Tis gut.”
Ellie found herself lost in his light blue eyes. “You’ve enough left for a couple of meals.”
Reuben nodded but didn’t comment. She checked on Ethan as she retrieved Reuben’s empty bowl. She saw with a smile that the child was chewing on the tip of the wooden spoon. Aware of Reuben’s study, she met his gaze. “I’ll buy you another spoon.”
His lips quirked with amusement. “He won’t hurt it.”
She felt her heart skitter in her chest as she noted his tender expression as he watched his son. The man was a good father. Had he been a good husband? She imagined he had been kind and loving to his wife.
The dark circles under his eyes told her how tired he was. Would he be able to sleep with Ethan in the house? Dare she offer to take him home with her?
She drew a steadying breath. “Reuben.” When she encountered his gaze, she felt her attraction toward him like a shock to her system. “I don’t mean to interfere, but I was wondering...would you like me to take Ethan home tonight so that you can sleep?”
His features tightened. “He’s my son.”
He’d reacted as she feared he would. “Ja, I know,” she said quietly. She started to wash the dishes.
“Ellie.” His soft voice and presence behind her gave her a jolt. His hand settled gently on her shoulder and turned her to face him. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not trying to keep him from you,” she whispered. Her throat tightened and she fought tears. Her shoulder tingled where his fingers touched her.
“I know.” He released her suddenly as if he’d just realized that he’d been touching her. He ran a hand through his thick blond hair. “If you don’t mind taking him home with you for the night, I’d appreciate it.” He sighed heavily. “I’m well beyond tired.”
She eyed him with warmth. “Charlie can bring him home before you leave for work in the morning.”
Reuben nodded agreeably. “Danki.” His brow furrowed. “What time will you be done with work tomorrow?” he asked.
“About eleven,” she said. “Why?”
“I’m planning to work around the haus tomorrow. If Charlie doesn’t mind watching him at home, you can bring him here with you after you’ve finished work.”
“I’m sure Charlie won’t mind watching him,” Ellie said easily, but inside her heart raced wildly. He wanted her to bring him home? Why the sudden shift in attitude? “Depending on how the morning goes, I could be as late as one. Will you need me to stay and watch him?”
He inclined his head. “Ja. If you don’t mind.”
She flashed him a smile. “I don’t mind.” She grinned at Ethan, who played happily with his spoon. She looked up, met Reuben’s gaze with a lingering smile. She glanced away after she noted the man’s shuttered expression. “I’ll finish the dishes and then we’ll leave.” She bit her lip. “If you still want me to take Ethan.”
“Ja.”
She felt glad that he trusted her enough to take Ethan home. She took out the cold strawberry pie and spun to face him. “Would you like dessert?”
He grinned. “Ja, please.”
Ellie cut him a huge slice and placed it on a plate with a fork. His face lit up like a little boy’s when she set the dessert before him. “Enjoy.”
She bent, picked up Ethan—spoon still in the baby’s hand—then placed the boy on her hip. He fussed when she gently took away his spoon until she gave him a piece of mashed strawberry. “I’ll pack Ethan’s bag and then we’ll leave,” she said.
“Danki, Ellie.” The warm look in his eyes made her breath hitch.
She climbed the steps to Ethan’s room and packed his bag before she returned to the kitchen. Her cell phone rang, jarring the silence, as Ellie entered the room. Her gaze met Reuben’s briefly. She gave him Ethan before she answered it. “Hallo?”
“Ellie?”
She immediately recognized Reuben’s sister. “Sarah!” Reuben straightened and stared. “How are things in Ohio? We’ve been worried while waiting for you to call. What happened?”
Reuben stood and approached. “May I talk with her?” he mouthed.
She nodded. “Sarah? Reuben is here. I’ll put him on.”
“Danki, Ellie,” he said as she handed him the phone. He flashed her a grateful smile.
“Sarah? What happened? Are Dat and Mam oll recht?”
Ellie tried not to eavesdrop during his conversation with his sister, but she couldn’t help herself. She was curious and more than a little concerned. She reached for Ethan, and Reuben handed her his son without hesitation. She smiled at the little boy and took a seat at the table with Ethan on her lap. She waited patiently for Reuben to finish his call. Finally, he ended the conversation and handed back her phone.
“What happened?”
Reuben ran his fingers raggedly through his blond hair. “My mudder fell. She broke her arm and sprained her ankle. There is no one but Sarah to help her while she’s recovering. It could be weeks before Sarah can come home.” He hesitated. “My sister told my eldre that you’re watching Ethan.” His smile was apologetic. “I’m sorry, Ellie. ’Tis not right to impose on you. I’ll look for someone to watch him for me.”
“Why?” she said evenly. “I like spending time with Ethan—and so does Charlie. ’Tis no imposition to care for your son. Don’t be in such a hurry to find another babysitter. I love spending time with him.”
Warmth flickered in his light blue eyes. “Ellie...”
“Honestly, Reuben. ’Tis fine. Please don’t worry about this.” She stood and shifted Ethan to her hip before she retrieved the bag of the child’s belongings from the table. “Do you want anything else to eat?”
“I’m stuffed.” The warmth left his features, which suddenly became unreadable.
Ellie ignored his expression. “There are muffins in the pantry,” she said. “I made them this afternoon so they’ll still be fresh in the morning.” She paused and attempted to gauge his thoughts. “I’ll bring Ethan when I’m done. Or if you’d rather, Charlie can bring him first thing.”
“Nay, after you’ve finished work is fine.” He followed her toward the door. “I owe you, Ellie.”
She stared, then scowled at him. “You owe me nothing, Reuben, so get that idea out of your head right now.” Irritated, she swung open the door.
“Elizabeth,” he murmured. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She froze and saw regret on his face. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said softly. “Get some rest. You look like you need it.”
His lips twitched. “Is that a polite way of telling me I look awful?”
“Maybe.” She returned his smile. He would never look terrible, she thought. He was too handsome and way too attractive to ever look bad to her. Shocked by her musings, she still managed to keep her expression neutral. “Sleep well, Reuben.” Then she left and was conscious of his regard as he stood in the doorway while she climbed into her buggy and settled his son on her lap. With a wave, she led the horses out of the driveway and headed home.
Ethan was a sweet-natured baby. That night he settled in easily in the crib in her room, for which Ellie was grateful. After checking with her sister about watching Ethan in the morning, she decided to read awhile before getting ready for bed.
Early the next morning Ellie received a call from the client she was to clean for that day. Anita Moss had unexpected company for the week. Would Ellie clean for her after her guests left, next Thursday or Friday? Ellie told her she’d call to confirm the date after she checked her schedule. Then she gathered Ethan, who’d clung to her since he awakened, fed him, then started the drive back to the house.
Reuben woke at dawn after a good night’s sleep, ate breakfast, then began to paint the interior walls of the first-floor rooms. After two hours he’d finished two coats on the kitchen and smaller rooms, then he moved on to work in the great room. The freshly painted walls made a difference, and he was pleased with the effect. A short time later, he eyed his handiwork in the second room with satisfaction. Ellie wasn’t due to arrive yet with his son. The smell of paint would be nearly gone by the time they came. Next, he would tackle the bedrooms upstairs.
Reuben opened the kitchen windows before taking a breather outside with a glass of iced tea. He sat on the steps and studied the yard as he sipped from his glass. There was still so much junk in the back of the house. His stomach tightened as he envisioned the work entailed in getting rid of it—a rusted hollowed-out shell of an automobile. Two metal barrels that looked worse than the car, and too many other items in the back of the barn as well as inside.
And Ethan needed a high chair. He was ashamed that he hadn’t thought of getting one before now. Sarah had fed Ethan while holding him. It was true his son was getting older, but did he have the money that would allow for the purchase of the chair? He had no idea how much one cost, but the last thing he wanted was to accept charity from the Stoltzfuses.
The sun felt warm but not overly so this morning. He finished his tea, set his glass aside, then leaned back on his arms and closed his eyes. A light breeze caressed his skin, and he could hear the sounds of nature. A bird in a nearby tree. The rustle of leaves. The sound of his own even breathing.
The spin of buggy wheels on his driveway had him opening his eyes. Charlie Stoltzfus steered the vehicle to a stop a few feet from where he sat. He stood as Ellie climbed out with Ethan in her arms. He saw Ellie lean into the carriage to talk briefly with her sister before she straightened and turned in his direction.
“Hallo, Reuben!” Charlie called with a wave and a smile. Then she left, leaving Ellie at the house without a way to get home.
He watched her approach. Ellie met his gaze and the smile left her face as she hesitated. “Reuben,” she said cautiously.
“You’re here early,” he replied without emotion. He wasn’t ready to see her. He’d wanted to finish inside the house before she and Ethan arrived.
“Ja,” she murmured. “I didn’t have to work today.”
“I didn’t expect you until later.”
Her mouth tightened. “Is there a problem?” she asked tartly.
Before he could explain, Ethan squealed with delight and extended his arms toward his father. His expression softening, Reuben reached for his son, and Ellie handed him the baby.
She stepped back to allow them time together. As he cuddled Ethan, he shifted his gaze to the woman who’d cared for his child during the night. She looked as if she felt she shouldn’t be there.
“How was he through the night?” he asked, surprised by the huskiness of his voice.
Appearing to relax, Ellie smiled as she studied Ethan. “He was a gut boy. Fell asleep immediately when it was time for bed and slept through the night.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “Did you sleep well?”
Reuben nodded. He had slept once he finally stopped thinking. He’d gotten up early to paint, but it had been worth it. He wondered how Ellie would react to the change. She stood a few feet away, looking uncertain. He shifted his son’s weight to one arm.
“We’ll have to stay outside for a little while,” he told her.
She frowned. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I painted the downstairs rooms this morning. I’d like them to air out a bit longer before we bring Ethan inside.”
“Oh.” Ellie looked relieved. “Are you pleased with how everything looks?”
“Ja, the rooms are white and clean.”
“And you no longer need someone to come in to scrub them,” she muttered.
He shot her a glance. “’Tis not about you, Ellie. ’Tis part of fixing up the haus. Painting is a part of the renovations. I need to replace the floor, as well.”
She held his gaze silently as if to gauge his measure, then finally gave a nod. He moved on the step, giving her enough room to sit. Ellie hesitated, then took a seat next to him. They were silent. Reuben was aware of her clean scent and the warmth of her close proximity. He tried to concentrate on Ethan, but then his son reached for Ellie, drawing his attention back to the woman next to him. Reuben released him into her care. The sight of Ethan’s chubby arms around Ellie’s neck got to him, made him feel things he didn’t want to feel. He stood abruptly. “Paint smell should be gone,” he said.
He waited for Ellie to stand, then reached to open the door, letting Ellie and Ethan enter ahead of him.
She gasped as she caught sight of the room. “It looks beautiful. The bright walls make the kitchen look bigger.” She shifted Ethan in her arms. “Did you say you did all of the first floor?”
He nodded. “The gathering room and the bathroom. I even painted the mudroom.”
“You got a lot done.” Her gaze narrowed. “I thought you said you slept.”
Reuben grinned. He couldn’t help himself. “I did, until right before dawn when I got up and decided this morning would be a good time to paint.” He studied Ellie as she took in her surroundings. Today she wore a purple dress that brightened her pretty blue eyes. Her blond hair, more golden in color than his, was neatly pinned beneath her prayer kapp.
“I’d like to start painting upstairs this afternoon,” he said. “Can you manage with staying downstairs with Ethan?”
Her lips firmed. “Ja.”
He inclined his head. “Gut.” He went to the refrigerator and looked inside. “Are you hungry? There is soup left.”
“I wouldn’t mind a small bowl.” She handed Ethan back to him. “I’ll fix lunch.”
Reuben wanted to object. Ellie was already doing too much for him and Ethan, but he knew he would only upset her if he insisted on preparing the meal, so instead he sat on a kitchen chair and settled Ethan in his lap. His son smelled like baby powder and sunshine. He studied him a moment before focusing his gaze on Ellie. She’d taken good care of Ethan and he appreciated it. As much as it pained him to accept help, he knew he couldn’t manage on his own. And she seemed to enjoy watching his boy...at least until Sarah returned. He frowned. If his sister returned.
He hoped Sarah would call soon to bring him up to date on his mother’s injuries. Maybe he should have moved with his parents to Ohio, but Lancaster County had always been his home, and he hadn’t wanted to leave it. He’d already suffered too many changes in his life. And with this house, there was a promise of a better future.
He watched Ellie dump the soup into a pan and set it on the stove. She didn’t glance back as she turned on the gas burner and waited for the chowder to heat. Stirring the soup, she stared into the pot, obviously lost in thought.
“Ellie.”
She startled, then faced him. “Ja?”
“I didn’t mean to be rude this morning.”
Her lips twitched. “You can’t help yourself, I know.”
He was shocked when he heard himself laugh. To his delight, Ellie chuckled. They shared a moment of amusement, but when it dissipated, awareness cropped up between them. Conscious of his attraction to her, he rose with Ethan, eager to escape her presence if but for a moment, and went into the great room to check on the drying paint. As he studied his handiwork, Reuben felt immense satisfaction for the way the paint had transformed the room’s appearance.
Ethan patted his cheek, demanding his attention. Reuben gasped with exaggeration and his son giggled. He grew soft as he gazed at the little boy he and Susanna had made together. Life could have been near perfect, but her death had been like a kick in the teeth, which had made him reevaluate his circumstances. He blinked as emotion threatened to overwhelm him.
“Reuben, the soup’s hot,” Ellie called from the doorway and he turned. He heard her inhale sharply, her gaze intent on his features. “I’ll take Ethan for you,” she murmured softly. Then she left, as if she wanted to give him a few moments alone to compose himself.
Perceptive woman, he thought with a little smile as the dark sense of loss left him. Still, he didn’t return to the kitchen immediately. He crossed the room to peer out the window, absently touching light fingers to the wall next to him and noticing that it was completely dry. He stared out into the front yard. The view was decent. He couldn’t see the junk in the yard from here. Maybe he needed to tackle cleaning up the grounds next so Ethan could have a place to play. He’d build him a swing set. There were bills to be paid, but eventually he’d have enough money to buy the materials he’d need for swings.
His stomach growled, a reminder that he’d skipped breakfast. After a calming breath, Reuben felt peace settle over him. He entered the kitchen to see Ellie placing soup bowls on the table. Ethan sat on a quilt on the floor, playing with a wooden spoon. He studied his son and became amused when Ethan grinned at him, waved the spoon in the air, then put the tip of it in his mouth.
“It smells gut,” Reuben said as he took his seat.
With a small smile, Ellie joined him at the table. “Ach nay, I forgot the crackers.” She sprang to her feet.
He reached to stop her with a gentle hand on her arm. “No need to get them,” he said quietly. “Unless you want some for yourself.”
She shook her head. “We need drinks, though. Iced tea?”
He nodded. Their gazes locked and he became conscious that he held her arm. Her skin was soft and silky to the touch. Startled, he released her and focused on eating his soup. Ellie was silent as she poured two glasses of iced tea. He took a sip from the one she handed him.
“This tea is gut,” he said with surprise. He drank more.
Ellie flushed with pleasure. “’Tis sun tea. The tea steeped in a large gallon jar I found in your pantry. I just filled it with water and some tea bags, then put it out in the sun to heat.”
Reuben studied his glass before meeting her gaze. “It tastes sweet and has lemon in it.”
She smiled. “While the tea was still hot from the sun, I added sugar and lemon.”
“You know your way around a kitchen,” he said with a smile.
Looking uncomfortable with his praise, she averted her glance. “Spent a lot of time in one.”
Reuben watched her silently as she continued to eat. Eventually Ethan grew fussy.
Ellie jumped from her seat and scooped Ethan into her arms, and the wooden spoon fell to the floor. “What’s wrong, little man, did you hit yourself with the spoon?” she murmured soothingly to him. “I’ll rub it better for you.” She smiled as she stroked the reddened area on his left leg. The child stopped crying and gave her a watery smile. “Are you hungry?”
“You’d make a gut mother,” Reuben praised. He regretted the observation as soon as he caught her expression. “What I mean,” he quickly added, “is that Ethan responds well to you.” He’d instantly regretted his words. While Ellie might be the perfect mother for his son, his unwanted attraction to her compounded with his love for his late wife reminded him it was foolish to consider Ellie.