I imagined Brandy cradling her newborn right now and felt a warm wave of tenderness. Eva was her first name. I’d never had a baby named after me, or at least with me in mind. I was determined to be an outstanding woman if a little girl was named after me, even if she was Englisch.
I heard men’s voices in the kitchen and then the back door closing. Feeling a pang of guilt, I scurried back to the guest room.
I recognized Stephen’s feet ascending the stairs. He poked his head in. “Wayne just dropped by to see how everything is going. I told him you’re sleeping up here, and I’m going to sack out in the living room.”
“No, we can’t do that.”
“Wayne agreed it’s best you aren’t out in the cabin in case Ralph shows up.” Stephen said. “Or in this house alone.”
“But I can’t live in fear of Ralph forever—”
“Being prudent for one night isn’t such a bad idea.” He massaged the back of his neck. “You can trust me, Evie. I won’t come upstairs during the night. Between me and the dogs downstairs, you’ll be safe. And with my pickup parked out back, I can’t imagine anyone would be dumb enough to try breaking in.”
I descended the stairs to collect my belongings from the kitchen. When I returned, Stephen stood at the second-floor hall closet, gathering a blanket and pillow.
“I just spoke to Beatrice on the phone,” he said, “who told me this arrangement is fine and that she should have thought of it herself.” He tilted his head. “I won’t come back upstairs unless you call me. Please do if you need anything. That’s why I’m here.” Then he turned away and trotted down the stairs.
In the guest room, I changed into my nightgown and bathrobe. A painting with an ornate gold frame of Venice caught my eye. I wondered if Rose’s aunt, sister, or Beatrice had given it to the Yoders as a wedding present or if it were on loan from Beatrice. I’d seen photos of the intriguing city built on islands, the exquisite ancient architecture, and men guiding gondolas through the canals. Wouldn’t I adore riding in a long, slender boat, perhaps listening to the gondolier singing opera at the same time?
I wondered if Beatrice had ever visited Venice. Would I rather go to Florence? Or would I prefer living a humdrum life in Lancaster County with a husband and children? And my parents close by. Most likely I’d choose the husband and at least one child. But at what cost? Did I have a choice? Olivia had wanted out and might skip town. I missed my cousin, but I understood I might never see her again. She could move to California, for all I knew. She’d always complained about our frigid winters.
What about Stephen? If I continued to work in the café, I’d see him every day. We’d most likely grow closer unless he fell in love with someone else. He was not a man many women could resist. Maybe if his old flame heard he was sober, she’d want him back. I wondered if he still hoped she would, even though she was married and had a child. If he dreamed of her at night. Or did he dream of me?
I took off my kapp, removed my hairpins, and allowed my tresses to cascade down over my shoulders. No makeup to remove, just me.
Under the overhead light fixture, my hair glinted with hints of copper and gold. I looked stunning, catching myself off guard. All my life, I’d been saving the sight of my hair for my future husband. Only Jake had seen it once when I’d allowed him a chance. I wasn’t supposed to, but he’d talked me into removing my kapp. His fingers had combed through my hair, awakening all my senses. At least I hadn’t succumbed to his amorous advances as Brandy had to her boyfriend’s.
I glanced at the clicking clock on the nightstand and admonished myself to go to sleep. It was past midnight. I pulled back the covers. The bed stood high, higher than any bed I’d ever slept in. I needed to climb to reach the surface. I slipped between the satiny sheets and sank into the softest of pillows and mattresses. Did all Englischers live with this luxury? My hunch was Rose had embellished this room for her sister, who must adore antiques. I thought about the term a woman’s touch and longed to own a home of my own someday. I’d want a garden, of course, and trees growing around it. And a view.
A barking commotion erupted from downstairs. I heard knuckles thrumming on the kitchen door, and then Stephen speaking, followed by Jake. Their jagged voices were as loud as the dogs’. I stood at the top of the stairs until my patience ran out. I returned to the guest room and found a camel-colored woolen coat in the closet. I stuffed my arms into the sleeves and buttoned the front, and then I covered my head with my scarf.
I padded down the stairs and found the two men yelling at each other.
“You and Evie are sleeping together?” Jake’s face twisted with anger.
“Buddy, you’re on private property,” Stephen said. “How dare you force your way in here!”
Jake caught sight of me. “Then it’s true? You and Stephen are together alone in this house?”
“How dare you accuse me of anything?” My hands planted themselves on my hips.
“Jake, what are you doing here?” Stephen took hold of Heath’s collar as the dog lunged toward Jake, who seemed unconcerned.
“I came to see Evie. On the way, I spotted Ralph skulking around by the new barn. When I went to Evie’s cabin, she didn’t answer her door. Naturally, I was worried about her.”
“Didn’t Beatrice