After Matt finally took Jane back to his mother’s in the mid-afternoon, he went straight to Lanie’s house and banged on the door.
She opened it, staring at him. “What’s wrong?”
He pushed right on past her into the house. “Our plan is not working. She's got this new man, Isaac. Now she’s informed me, she has a second man back home.” He turned around to face her, his skin flushed scarlet. “And she wants me to help her choose between them. ME!” He pointed to himself. “Our plan has backfired badly.”
“I met Isaac and he seems to be a lovely man.”
“So, can you see my concern? If they're in love, I won't stand in the way of her happiness.”
“I don't think that's a problem.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Leave it with me. I'll find out exactly how he feels about her.”
“And how would you do that? Have you gotten close enough to Jane in the short amount of time she's been back? I can't see her telling you how she really feels. She's very closed off with people she doesn't know. She's quite a shy woman. Or maybe 'reserved' is a better word.”
“Just trust me. I'll find out.”
He took off his hat and ran a hand through his dark hair. “I regret doing this now. I pulled her all the way over here for nothing. I’ve embarrassed myself. I’m sure she thinks I’m a fool. A big fool.”
“Just give it a chance. Don't give up just yet.”
He swallowed hard. “Are you sure you can find out? What am I thinking? He chased her all the way over here. I should’ve been man enough to do that myself years ago.”
“I'm positive I can find out what I need from him.” Lanie felt the burden of the foolish plan to rid his mind of Jane. Now she knew how sick he was over the possibility of losing her, and she realized how deep his love was. There was no way she could compete. The whole 'Jane choosing his bride' had been her idea even though Matt was trying to take responsibility for it. It had seemed perfect when they’d first talked about it, but now she could see it hadn't been a great idea. Not even a mediocre one. “Leave it with me. I’ll let you know.”
Early the next day, Lanie stopped by the bishop’s house hoping to see Isaac.
She had no idea what she was going to say, but she knew she had to say something. She was sure there was a spark between herself and this man, and if there was, she couldn't allow him to marry Jane. What were the chances of two men she liked being in love with Jane?
Debra, the bishop's wife opened the door after Lanie knocked. “Lanie, how nice to see you. Where’s Mary-Lee?”
“I just dropped her off with my mother.”
“I always enjoy seeing her. Come in.”
She walked through the doorway. “Well, denke, but I'm actually here to see Isaac if he’s in.”
“Isaac's helping mend one of our boundary fences. I overheard the men say it was two hundred yards up on the northern side.”
“Do you mind if I go and talk to him?”
“If you wish.”
“Okay thanks. I'll go see him.”
The bishop's wife shut the door and Lanie walked along the fence line, looking between the trees to see if she could catch sight of him. When she walked up a slight rise, she saw him, working by himself, and another man working another fifty yards away. She hurried to Isaac, seizing the opportunity to talk to him by himself.
He looked up and saw her approaching. Then he straightened up and smiled. “Hello, Lanie. What are you doing out this way?”
“I was just taking a walk.”
“Is that right? Taking a walk on the bishop’s property?”
“Guilty,” she said fluttering her dark eyelashes. “I did want to talk to you.”
He put the hammer down on the ground and his hands dropped by his sides. “About what?”
“I want to let you know that I've enjoyed our conversations.” She could see when he smiled that he wasn't totally focused on Jane above all other women. Unlike Matt who’d never once looked at her the way Isaac was right now. “It would be nice if you could visit this community more often.”
He crossed his arms over his chest looking slightly embarrassed. “I would if I had a reason. It's not easy for me to get away from my goats.”
“I just love goats.”
“Yes, you mentioned that before. I remembered.”
“I hope you found someone good to look after them in the end.”
“I did. My sister’s husband. He’d offered many times to look after them. He helps me a few hours a week so he knows what to do. He's really the only one I’d trust.”
“Sounds like you’re a very tough man when it comes to giving someone your trust.”
He smiled. “Sometimes. I’m glad I came here.”
“Things are working out for you here?”
He gave a lopsided grin. “They’re looking better.”
She giggled. “How so?” She touched the fence and he grabbed her hand.
“Careful, I haven’t fixed that yet.” His fingers lingered, curled around her hand, before he slowly released it.
His caress was so caring, so gentle. She looked into his eyes, and something passed between them. Something unknown, unspoken, and what’s more, they both knew that the other knew it.
“If I hadn’t come I never would’ve met you, Lanie.”
“You feel that way?” she asked breathlessly.
“I sure do.” He glanced over his shoulder at the other man working on the fence. Then he turned his attention back to Lanie. “How can I see more of you while I’m here?”
“I’m glad you said that.” She had a quick decision to make. She’d fought her attraction to him because she knew he’d only come there for Jane. “Is there any chance you’ll be home tonight at the bishop’s haus? I’ll be there for the quilting bee. We go every Tuesday.”
“I’ll make sure I’m there. The bishop hasn’t mentioned that he’s wanted me to do anything tonight.”
“Good. The men usually stay in the kitchen while we take over the living room, but we’ll have a chance to talk over a late supper.”
“Will we?” he asked.
“We will.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
“As will I. I’ll see you tonight then, Isaac.”
“I’ll be there, waiting.”
Lanie walked away, feeling like she’d never felt before. Was there a chance for her? A chance for her daughter to have a father in Isaac? A sister in his daughter Rosalee?