After the children have been fed and tucked in, Anika walks out to the side porch. It has a swing which she loves to relax in. Tonight, she desperately needs to be outside. The blanket should keep her warm enough, that and the thought of his kiss. Her attraction to Glenn has only grown stronger with the passing of time. It's only been two months, she tells herself. They barely know each other, and she is wishing for things she shouldn't hope for.
Glenn watches her walk past his study and decides to follow her. Anika walks into the small porch and draws the blanket around her shoulders.
“Can I join you?”
Anika jumps at the sound of his deep voice. “Of course, it’s your home.” She sits and swings softly laying her head back on the wooden swing. It creaks beneath his weight and instantly she wishes she’d said no. The heat radiating from his body is tempting, and she struggles with how to talk to him. They swing in silence for a moment before she draws in a deep breath and gets her speech over with.
“Glenn, I owe you an apology for today, I was way out of line. If you wish to find someone else to care for the boys, I will understand.”
Glenn stops swinging and turns to look at her in complete surprise. “What are you apologizing for?”
“You know why,” she hisses.
“Anika, it was just a kiss,” he runs a hand over his face while she interrupts.
“Two kisses.”
“Exactly,” two amazing kisses he thinks. “The point is that you were upset, and I was trying to distract you.” The lie falls easily from his lips, and she stares at him in embarrassment.
“Distract me?” Shame has her head dropping, “That is one way to do it, I suppose,” she murmurs. “I’m sorry you had to witness my break down.” Anika stands and wraps the blanket protectively around herself. “I’m embarrassed. Saul thought it was funny to torment me in varied ways.” Images flash, running through her mind and she closes her eyes against the onslaught. “Sometimes he would lock me in closets if I was lucky.”
“If you weren’t lucky, what did he do?” Glenn asks gruffly.
“Games, he called them.” Her eyes open and she glances at the dark land in front of her, not able to bring herself to meet his stare. “It doesn't matter, does it? He's dead, and I'm free of him… I thought I was free, but I think that maybe I'm still broken.”
A Bible verse strikes his heart and he is surprised by it. “God can restore what is broken and change it into something amazing. All you need is faith.” He quotes the verse given to him from Joel 2:25.
Anika stares at him in surprise. “I hope so, Glenn.”
Glenn stands up and forces himself to leave her, stopping at the door, he glances back at her. “I’m broken too, Anika.” He takes a deep breath and gives her the truth she deserves. “This shared attraction between us can’t go anywhere. I can’t give you what I wish I could. It wouldn’t be fair to any of us. You deserve a whole man, not a shell of one.” He leaves her staring after him in confusion.
Chapter 12
“This is going to be the best harvest we’ve had in some time,” Allen boasts proudly.
“I should hope so, you all have been working nonstop these last six weeks. Did the last shipment make it out on time?” Daisy asks, handing him a fresh cup of black coffee.
“It did. Glenn’s suggestion of using this new Rivers refrigerated shipping method was genius,” Allen tries to steal a cookie only to have his hand slapped.
Anika laughs at the sad look on Allen’s face. “Don’t give me that look, Allen Ward these are for the bake sale. As well as those two pies cooling on the table.”
“Don't worry, Allen, I'm taking over the kitchen tonight, and I promise to save some treats for you,” Anika says.
“I knew I liked you.” Allen steals a kiss from his wife and swipes a cookie from the unprotected side with a laugh.
Anika giggles, drawing a satisfied smile from Daisy. Her health has rebounded, and the color has returned to her cheeks. “Is Glenn still working?” Anika asks as she begins gathering her supplies for the deserts she'll be making.
“He is. Hopefully, now that picking season is slowing down, he will rest.” Allen says with a worried glance at his wife. “I'm sorry you've had to postpone the bake sale and quilting bee until after Harvest, but now that we have finished up, we should have a great turn out.”
“October is my favorite time of year.” Daisy turns to Allen, “This apple harvest has been amazing, and we finished early. Once we get through the bake sale and Quilting bee, we can enjoy the holidays with our family.” Daisy grips her husband’s arm.
“The boys are sleeping, and Delaney is down for the night. Why don’t you two go spend some time together?” Anika suggests.
“I think she wants the kitchen to herself, wife.”
“No, it’s just that...”
“He's teasing you, Anika. If I'm honest, I could use a rest.” Daisy stifles a yawn and takes her husband's hand. Before she gets to the door, she turns, “Savannah is listening for the boys, while she works in her room. She'll come get you if you are needed. Enjoy the quiet.”
“Thank you.” Envy fills her heart as she watches them leave together. Three months spent with them has taught her that the love they share runs deep, and they are well suited. Her parents loved each other too. She is so thankful that Delaney gets to see this kind of love in action. It’s a surprise to find
