But he was right about the pie. At one point Esther had promised to bring him pie for the rest of his life. The more she’dthought about it, the more unreasonable it seemed, especially since he’d bullied her into it. The man was already guaranteedlife in the cottage, and for minimal rent. So Esther had broken her promise and asked God to forgive her.
“I don’t know why everyone is making such a big deal about today.” He spat the words before he lowered his arm to his side.“That woman . . .” He pointed toward the larger of the motor homes. “She brought me a huge box of chocolates, said it didn’tseem like nearly enough, and then she hugged me for the second time today. I don’t need all that, Esther, but I reckon I’llbe traveling with them on their other shoots. People ain’t safe otherwise, because Brandon’s got a bunch of idiots workingfor him.”
Esther thought Gus could use hugs. “Saving a life is a big deal.” She turned to leave, too tired to carry on any more conversationwith him. She was also afraid she might slip about Mr. Clarkson having no intention of actually including Gus in his movie.It was a dishonorable thing the film producer was doing, but Esther was going to stay out of it. Maybe it was best that Guswas on-site with the crew. It did sound like danger had found them twice already. “Good night, Gus.”
“Wait. We need to talk about something else.” Gus set the pie on the chair on the porch and took a few steps toward her.
She hadn’t even made it to the bottom of the stairs. Looking up, she whispered, “Gott, give me strength.” This had been an exhausting day.
“I don’t know what kind of place you’re running over there . . .” He waved his hand toward the main house. “But it seems likeanother couple has taken to my fishing spot. First it was Naomi and Amos playing all smoochy-smooch on my bench. Now you gotBrandon’s kid and Evelyn Schrock down there playing kissy-face.”
Esther brought a hand to her chest. “Did you actually see them kissing, Gus?”
“Well, no. But that’s how it starts, romantic sunsets and all that other baloney. And it interferes with my fishing time.”He raised his chin, though his jowls hung low and sad.
Esther was one to keep her cool, even on her weariest of days, but Gus was about to push her over the edge, as he’d been knownto do in the past.
“Gus, you rent the cottage. You do not rent the entire property. The pond, the bench, and the sunset are for all to enjoy.”
“You and Lizzie are up to no good encouraging that Amish girl to get involved with that kid.” Gus puffed his chest out asif to make a bigger point. “I know how you two operate.”
“I assure you neither Lizzie nor I are playing matchmaker with Evelyn and Jayce. We foresee it as an explosive situation andare praying that they remain friends.” She turned to leave again, squeezing her eyes closed for a few seconds, fearing Guswould call out to her again.
But all he said was, “Thanks for the pie.”
Esther smiled. In a day consumed by obstacles, a small miracle had occurred. “You’re welcome,” she said without turning around.
Lizzie was in bed reading one of her romance books when Esther returned.
“Don’t say anything,” Esther said as she climbed into bed with her sister. She and Lizzie were good at reading each other’sminds. “Gus deserved the pie.”
“Whatever you say.” Lizzie already had her teeth out, but she pushed her gold-rimmed reading glasses up on her head, her longgray hair flowing well past her waist, the same as Esther’s once she pulled her scarf from her head. “But that old grump wouldhave let me drown.”
“I doubt that.” Esther yawned, fluffed her pillows, then lowered the flame of her lantern, just as Lizzie turned up the flameon her own. “Lizzie, I need sleep,” she mumbled.
“I know, and I’m tired too.” Lizzie sighed. “But what are we going to do about Rose?”
“We show patience and give her time to learn how we do things.” Esther snubbed out her lantern completely and hoped Lizziewould get the idea.
“How much time? She could have burned down the haus today. And she never stops talking. Never. And I’m telling you, there was something in those hens, the stuffing, that shouldn’thave been in there. I couldn’t even identify the ingredient.” Lizzie grumbled. “I’ve been a nervous Nellie all day today.Esther, the girl makes me feel on edge. I think mei blood pressure was off the charts today.”
“The hens were all right.” Esther cringed a bit. The birds were edible, but that was about it. “You think everything makes your blood pressure go up, and every time we’ve checked it, even during stressful situations, it’s fine. Go to sleep. Or go back to reading your nasty book.” Esther settled beneath the covers.
“I don’t read nasty books. They’re love stories. Speaking of . . . is something blossoming between Jayce and Evelyn? Theywere down at the pond. Alone.”
“Ya, I heard from Gus.” Esther yawned. “We will keep an eye on it. As I said before, we can’t get involved. Those two are notmeant for each other. Only heartache would follow.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
Esther heard Lizzie open the book. Finally, she could close her eyes and sleep. After she prayed about the events of the day.Unsure exactly what to ask for, she just prayed that God’s will would be done.
* * *
Evelyn was sitting on her bed brushing her hair when there was
