Elizabeth gripped her hands tightly to hide the trembling from David’s keen gaze. The fear she’d felt last night after being ruthlessly shoved to the ground had returned full force, the moment she’d seen Jacob striding toward her.
He may have been close to Adam, but he was no friend of hers.
She’d never cared for him even back when she and Adam had been married. The man had rarely smiled and his tone was always tense and authoritarian. Her disdain for him had only gotten worse after Jacob inappropriately approached her a mere two weeks after Adam’s death, bluntly stating he had chosen to court her. He hadn’t asked, or even hinted that her opinion mattered in the least. Irritated, she’d politely refused, but when he persisted, she’d taken her concerns to Bishop Bachman. The bishop was very understanding and had immediately spoken to Jacob, reminding him of the proper mourning period and that Elizabeth had the right to choose her suitor. Jacob had appeared angry about what she’d done, but he’d left her alone.
Until recently. The past couple of days he’d been pressing to spend time with her, hence these constant offers to drive her to and from the Amish Shoppe. It had been fine when the Amish elders had done so, because they performed the task out of respect for her status as a widow. But she didn’t trust Jacob’s intentions and had absolutely no interest in being on the receiving end of his attention.
Jacob had married his wife, Anna, several years before she and Adam had wed. Roughly nine months before Adam’s death, Anna and their son, Isaac, had died in a tragic buggy accident. There had been rumblings about Anna’s intent to leave her husband, since the buggy had been found far from their Amish community. And there had been whispers about Jacob’s tendency to lash out in anger.
Mammi Ruth spoke harshly against the gossip, supporting Jacob and Adam as good men of their Amish community. Elizabeth wasn’t convinced, at least as far as Adam was concerned, but held her tongue. Her relationship with Mammi Ruth was strained enough. There was no reason to make it worse.
“I wish you would trust me enough to confide your troubles.” David’s low, husky voice interrupted her thoughts. “I’m here for you, Elizabeth.”
His offer was sweet and she forced herself to shake off the impending sense of doom. The assault late last evening still bothered her, but she did her best to downplay the event. Surely if the attacker had wanted to hurt her, he would have done more than shove her to the ground. “Denke, but truly there’s nothing to worry about. Ach, here comes Leah with our breakfast.”
After Leah had set their plates on the table, David bowed his head. She was touched by the way David always included her in his prayers.
“Dear Lord, we ask You to bless this food You have provided for us. We also ask that You heal Elizabeth’s injures while keeping her safe in Your care, amen.”
“Amen,” she whispered.
The food was wonderful as always, and she watched beneath her lashes as David enjoyed his meal. He was handsome, kind and gentle. He was an Englischer, but one who valued the simple life of the Amish. Many tourists were curious about their lifestyle, but none had embraced it the way David McKay had. Each workday she looked forward to spending time with him. Unfortunately, the Amish Shoppe had shorter hours over the long winter months when tourism was scarce, which meant she saw him less often. On the days the shops were closed, she missed their time together, far more than she should.
She valued David’s friendship more than anything. Mayhap if things were different...
No, there was no point in yearning for something she couldn’t have. Mammi Ruth was difficult enough, adding an Englischer to the mix would make the situation unbearable. Besides, Elizabeth did not plan to marry, ever again.
“I can tell something is troubling you,” David said.
He was far too good at reading her moods. She finished her eggs and pushed her empty plate aside. “I’ve been trying to come up with a way to avoid returning home with Jacob. I know you offered to escort me today, but I sense he’ll only try again.”
“I’ll escort you home every night,” David said firmly. “No reason for you to ride with him.” There was a brief pause before he added, “It appears Jacob seeks to court you.”
She frowned. “I have made it clear I am not interested. Bishop Bachman has supported my decision.”
The tension around David’s mouth relaxed. “I understand, especially since you are still in mourning.”
“My marriage to Adam was not a love match.” The truth tumbled boldly from her lips, before she could stop it. It was a fact few people knew, and one of the reasons their bishop supported her decision to remain unmarried now.
“I see.” David’s frown indicated otherwise. “I appreciate you telling me.”
Her cheeks warmed. “I only mention it so you understand that my reluctance to see Jacob has nothing to do with mourning my husband. I don’t care for Jacob, it’s true, but I also have no interest in marrying again. Ever.”
A flash of emotion darkened David’s blue gaze, but it was gone so quickly she assumed she’d imagined it. “That certainly clarifies things,” he said quietly.
Leah returned to clear their plates. David quickly paid Leah for their meals, shaking his head when Elizabeth offered to pay her own way.
He walked with her to the quilt shop located right next to his furniture store. She’d been blessed to have the ability to showcase some of her quilts in his woodworking shop. David had confessed that his baby cradle was now his bestselling item, and she was pleased to have played a role in that.
The same way her baby quilts and marriage quilts had become her highest-selling items. Two things that were sought after by many, but not her.
A family of her own was not part of God’s plan for her.
“I will see you later, Elizabeth.”
“Sehr gut,” she murmured in agreement, watching as he turned away.
She’d recently made several quilts with a cheery Christmas theme of reds and greens, though nothing showy, as that wasn’t their way. The customers loved them. As the day progressed, her limp became more pronounced due to the swelling in her left knee. Just as she was beginning to close her shop, she noticed that Shauna and Liam had come by to visit David. Liam was her cousin—their mothers were sisters—but Liam’s parents had left the Amish community when he was young. Yet family was important and she was grateful to see him on a regular basis. She locked her door, wincing at the realization that walking home with her sore knee would be a challenge.
Still, she’d rather walk with David than ride with Jacob.
She hovered near David’s door, watching as Liam, Shauna and David spoke. Whatever the conversation was about, it seemed rather intense. It might be something important, and she didn’t want to intrude. After another five minutes passed, she told herself not to be foolish. She headed outside, breathing a sigh of relief that Jacob wasn’t already there waiting for her.
God was watching over her, she thought. Setting out at a brisk pace while ignoring the pain in her knee, she hoped Jacob had gotten tied up with his chores taking care of the livestock. She was certain she could make it all the way home before he came looking for her. Knowing him, he’d assume she’d wait.
Mayhap she would wait for David, but never for Jacob.
The clippety-clop of hooves on pavement brought a wave of dread. She could see the buggy approaching along the road, and her entire body tensed when she recognized Jacob as the buggy driver. She almost groaned out loud.
Ignoring him, she continued walking. Even when the buggy pulled alongside her, she didn’t turn to look at him.
“Stop, Elizabeth. I’m here to drive you home,” Jacob said in that arrogant, bossy tone she despised.
She shook her head, avoiding his direct gaze. “Denke, but I prefer to walk. It’s better to sustain health, ain’t so?”
“Don’t be foolish, it’s too cold to walk.” His tone was dismissive. She ground her teeth, not caring for his attitude.
“I’m fine.”
“Get in,” Jacob said firmly. “I came all this way for you.”
As if she’d asked him to. Her scowl deepened. This stretch of road was deserted, making her feel isolated and vulnerable. She wished now that she had waited for David to accompany her. Elizabeth quickened her pace, which didn’t help since the horse could easily outrun her.
“Elizabeth? Wait up, you forgot your scarf.” David’s voice came from behind her. Overwhelmed with relief, she looked back to see him running along the side of the road to catch up. In his hand, he carried a length of fabric that must have fallen out of her pocket at one point. It wasn’t a scarf, but she was tempted to smile as Jacob wouldn’t know the difference.
“Denke.” She took several steps forward, meeting him halfway. The concern in his eyes warmed her heart.
“Elizabeth, there’s a customer back at the Amish Shoppe requesting to speak to you about one of your quilts. I know we’re officially closed, but she was very insistent.”
Lying was a sin, but she played along. “Ach, of course I should meet with her.”
“I’ll be happy to escort you back to the Amish Shoppe,” David offered.
“I’ll drive you,” Jacob said loudly from the buggy.
“Ach, no, I couldn’t trouble you so, Jacob. Best that you return home to take care of the animals, ja?” She barely looked at him.
“Do not just walk away from me,” Jacob said in a low voice.
The implied threat spurred her ire. She spun to face him, locking her gaze on his. “Or what? You’ll do me harm? Mayhap push me to the ground? Or something worse?”
Anger flashed in his eyes, but then he looked concerned. “What? No. Of course, not. I would never hurt you.”
“Sehr gut.” She turned back toward David, who warily watched the exchange. “Komm. We must hurry.”
David took her hand in his, and despite the way they were both wearing gloves, the warmth of his palm shimmered all the way up her arm.
They’d gone several yards before the horse’s hooves pounded the pavement as Jacob finally gave up and headed home.
“I don’t like his persistence.” David broke the silence between them once the buggy was out of sight.
“Ja, I feel the same.” There was no reason to believe Jacob had been the one lurking near her house, hiding in the barn and then assaulting her. It didn’t make any sense for him to do those things if he indeed wanted to court her.
Somehow, she couldn’t shake the idea that Jacob was a potential source of danger.
A man she needed to avoid at all costs.
Twice now, David had had to rein in his temper when it came to Jacob’s interactions with Elizabeth.
Not good.
He had prayed all day for patience and perseverance. That God would continue guiding him down His chosen path. Granting David the peace and forgiveness he sought.
Yet just hearing the way Jacob spoke to Elizabeth set his teeth on edge. The man was too high-handed, a trait he rarely encountered during his interactions with other Amish men within the community.
He wished Jacob was the gunman, since he’d like nothing more than to send Liam after him, but Jacob was much taller than the attacker he’d chased off.
“Denke, David. Sehr gut of you to come for me.”
“You should have waited,” he chided gently. “I promised to escort you home.”
She nodded. “Ja, I waited a bit, but I didn’t want to interrupt your time with Shauna and Liam.”
“It wasn’t family time, Elizabeth.” He hesitated, then decided she should know the truth. “There was an incident last night in the Amish Shoppe that I needed to discuss with Liam.”
“What kind of incident?”
“A man picked the lock on the front door and was moving around inside. When I called out to him, he ran, stopping just long enough to shoot at me.” He kept his voice even. “The bullet is lodged in the baby cradle I’d just finished. Liam took the bullet remnant away for evidence.”
“No!” She turned to stare at him. “He shot at you. That’s terrible! Who would do such a thing?”
“I don’t know. But it’s possible he intended to steal items or cash.” He shrugged. “The gunman was shorter than Jacob, so I don’t believe he’s involved. But we must be on alert for anything suspicious.”
“I understand,” she murmured.
He held her hand as they made a circle in the road to head toward her house. Thankfully, Jacob’s buggy was now out of sight. “Liam is going to see if there have been any other reports of armed robberies in the area.” He hesitated, then added, “You need to take care, Elizabeth. No more leaving on your own without me. Walking home alone in the dark isn’t smart.” Especially not with a man like Jacob lurking nearby, he thought grimly.
“Ja, I agree.” She tightened her grip on his hand. “Well, there are only two more days left to work, Friday and Saturday. After that, the shops will be closed until the following Wednesday. I won’t be on the road, then, ja?”
“Yes.” The shorter workweek was due to the lack of tourists coming to Green Lake this time of year. He tried to use the extra time to build his inventory, but he truly missed seeing Elizabeth for those days the shops were closed. “Will you be okay at home alone?”
She didn’t answer, her gaze seemingly focused on something off in the distance. He tried to see what had captured her attention, but it was only her house.
“Elizabeth?” he prompted.
“What? Ach, yes. I shall be fine.” The words were meant to reassure, yet her voice lacked conviction.
They continued walking. From here, he could see a light shining from one of the windows of her home. “How are things going with your mother-in-law?”
She shrugged. “The same. She grieves the loss of her son.”
That wasn’t a reason to treat Elizabeth poorly, but he didn’t voice his opinion. Elizabeth would not be swayed from doing her duty, caring for her mother-in-law even after working all day at the quilt shop.
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Upon reaching her front door, he released her hand and stepped back. “Good night, Elizabeth.”
She used her key to unlock the door, then suddenly turned to him. “David, would you care to stay for dinner?”
Her invitation was so unexpected he could only gape at her. “I—uh, thought your mother-in-law wouldn’t approve?”
“Mayhap that is true, but I should still like you to stay. I have leftover beef roast and butternut squash soup,” she added with a grin.
His stomach growled with anticipation. “I would love to join you, as long as my doing so doesn’t cause more trouble for you.”
“It won’t.” Again, her tone lacked conviction. David had escorted Elizabeth home on many occasions but had never stepped foot inside her house. He did so now, glancing around with curiosity. To his surprise the stark interior was warmly inviting. There was a hint of cinnamon in the air, a scent he often associated with her.
“I need to check on Mammi Ruth.” Elizabeth hung her cloak on a peg, then slid off her boots. “Please make yourself comfortable.”
The embers were low in the woodburning stove. “I’ll feed the fire.”
She smiled at his offer, then hurried off. Listening to the muted voices coming from the second floor, he took a moment to add wood to the stove, hoping the conversation wasn’t too contentious. When that was finished, he headed back outside to the woodpile to bring in more firewood. He stacked the wood as high as he could, hoping to provide enough to last her over the next several days.
He told himself not to get used to performing these sorts of tasks for Elizabeth, as this invitation wasn’t likely to be repeated anytime soon. Especially knowing her mother-in-law disapproved.
By the time he’d finished stacking wood, Elizabeth had warmed up their meal. Her mother-in-law was seated at the kitchen table, glaring at Elizabeth as she moved around the kitchen.
“Mammi Ruth, I would like you to meet my friend David McKay. He is a furniture maker and sells his goods in the store next to my quilt shop.” Elizabeth forced a smile. “David, this is Mammi Ruth Walton.”
“Pleased to meet you,” David said.
“Bah, Englischer,” she spat. His gaze widened as Ruth continued in Pennsylvania Dutch, a language he only partially understood. By the flicker of anger in Elizabeth’s eyes it was obvious her comments were not very nice.
“David was kind enough to walk me home and to stack firewood for us. Sharing our dinner is the least I can do,” Elizabeth said firmly. “Now please, allow me to say grace.”
He bowed his head and listened intently. Elizabeth recited the prayer in Pennsylvania Dutch for Mammi Ruth’s benefit, then repeated it in English. The elder woman didn’t look happy, but she accepted the basket of bread Elizabeth handed to her, reluctantly passing it along to him.
Despite the strained atmosphere, the food was delicious. When Elizabeth’s mother-in-law was finished eating, Elizabeth jumped up to escort her back to her room. The older woman didn’t bother to bid him good-night.
While they were gone, David quickly stacked the dirty dishes in the sink. He was about to begin washing them when he glimpsed movement through the kitchen window.
Was someone out there?
The memory of the gunman turning to fire at him flashed in his mind. David quickly crossed to the door. He took a moment to shrug into his coat before heading outside. The wind wasn’t as brisk as the night before, but the single-digit temperatures stole his breath.
He stayed close to the side of the house, only detouring around the cellar doors, hoping to blend into the shadows. As he went around the corner, he frowned when he saw partially filled footprints in the snow.
Remembering how Elizabeth had mentioned slipping and falling, he relaxed, realizing they were hers.
Only they weren’t. Upon closer inspection, he found two sets of footprints, a large pair and a small pair.
A man and a woman? A shaft of anger hit hard. It was all too easy to imagine Jacob being out there, stalking Elizabeth.
He flexed his fingers, reminding himself that violence didn’t solve anything. He’d learned his lesson, had sought God’s love and understanding to prevent himself from allowing anger to overwhelm him ever again.
As he continued moving around the house, he noticed the dual sets of footprints leading all the way to the barn. He found that odd, considering Elizabeth had told him a few months ago she didn’t house any livestock.
There was also a large area of disturbed snow halfway between the house and the barn. From that location, the smaller set of footprints crossed the yard away from the barn, heading to the house. Interesting. Elizabeth must have fallen here, then headed back inside.
The area didn’t look particularly icy, though. A fact that gave him pause.
His gaze swept around the area again, landing on the open barn door. He quickly strode toward it. If nothing else, he would close it up tight to prevent animals like coyotes, raccoons and other scavengers from getting inside.
As he poked his head through the doorway, the musty scent made him sneeze. He couldn’t see much of anything through the darkness, which was why he was caught off guard when a rough hand grabbed his coat and dragged him forward into the dark interior.
His old fighting instincts rose to the surface. He lashed out with his foot, causing the person to grunt in pain as he hit something solid. He swung with his fist but found nothing but air.
Where was the assailant? In his mind’s eye David imagined Jacob hiding inside, determined to take him out of the picture.
Something hard crashed against his head. Blinding pain reverberated through his temple, sending him down to the floor in a crumpled heap.
Then there was nothing but darkness.