Secret at Pebble Creek Read online

“What carving would you have wanted on the lid?”

  The question made Jessica think. As she considered Eli’s inquiry, she strummed her fingers against the bench and breathed in the pleasant scent of oak. Finally, she lifted her chin and sat up straighter, meeting Eli’s gaze with a newfound confidence.

  She grinned. “A house.”

  Eli pressed his lips together. “A house?”

  She offered an eager nod as he claimed the seat across from her and leaned forward. “What kind?”

  She looked off in the distance as she tried to picture it. Her dream home. Finally, she drew in a breath and folded her hands in her lap.

  “A place where I don’t need dead bolts. Where nothing bad will happen to me if I forget to lock up.” After a slight pause, she continued. “I suppose you could say that my childhood wasn’t stable. I grew up never knowing what the days would bring. My father … he was an alcoholic. When he drank, he became a different person. I was afraid for so long, I developed anxiety from it. I take medicine to help.”

  After taking a breath, she went on. “Right now, I have a long, stressful drive through the city to get to my job, which doesn’t help. Buying a place close to work will be a tremendous relief, not to mention that I’ll be in a much safer neighborhood.”

  She took in the thoughtful expression on Eli’s face. Finally, he said, “I’m sorry, Jessica. I had no idea …”

  She offered a wide smile. “Things will be better after this place sells.”

  As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she noted the way the corners of Eli’s lips dropped several disappointed notches.

  A loud, unexpected bang made her jump up out of her chair. She shouted in fear. “Oh!”

  She turned at the sound and saw that a sudden gust of wind had blown the heavy doors closed. She drew in a deep breath and clasped her hands over her chest in relief. Her pulse zoomed at a wild beat.

  “Hey, it’s okay.” Eli’s large hand on her arm was firm, yet gentle at the same time. He’d been extremely quick to make his way around the bench to her. In both gratitude and fear, she looked up at him. There’s no need to worry. You’re safe here. Forget the past. That was a long time ago.

  “Are you all right?” Deep concern edged his voice. She was quick to note how his hands steadied her. His gentle fingers offered her a sense of reassurance. That everything would be okay.

  To avoid further discussion about her past, she offered a confident nod. “I feel silly. I mean, letting something so harmless like that scare me.”

  Without thinking, she interlaced her hands in front of her and forced a half smile. But she shook. Inside, her heart beat at a fast pace that she was sure would win any race.

  He moved his hand up her arm to her shoulder. “Are you sure?” Before she could answer, he went on. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”

  She tried to compose herself. “I’m fine. Really.”

  Inside, she knew she’d lied. She definitely wasn’t okay. But to her surprise, what disturbed her most wasn’t the doors slamming. The real crux of her shaking and pounding heart was Eli’s gentle, comforting touch combined with the softness in his low voice.

  What’s wrong with me? When she stepped back, he dropped his arm. But when he did, she immediately missed his warmth. She forced a laugh and tried to make light of what she considered to be a dire situation.

  “I apologize for touching you, Jessica. But you were so afraid …”

  “It’s okay, Eli. That I’m a bit out of my comfort zone might be an understatement.” She rolled her eyes. “For goodness’ sake, what were we talking about?”

  As she pressed a finger to her lips and looked down, it came to her. She snapped her fingers and lifted her chin. “Old Sam. And what my hope-chest lid would be, if he’d made me one.”

  She dropped back into her great-uncle’s chair and focused on the work he’d started. She breathed in decisively and met Eli’s uncertain gaze with determination to stay calm.

  “I’m sure Old Sam would have done his best work for you. And more importantly, I know without a doubt that he’d want you safe and sound.”

  He took the hand-carved board on the workbench and studied it with interest. As she watched him, she couldn’t help but wonder how such strong, callused hands could provide so much tenderness and assurance.

  Eli’s confident statement tugged at her emotions because she’d never felt so protected in her life. And although she didn’t understand the sensation, she relished it. But why was she comforted by his words? Was it because of this unexpected change in her life?

  It’s not right to yearn for his touch when we’ve just met. After all, I don’t even know this man. My circumstances are making me crave security even more than usual.

  Eli’s voice pulled her from her reverie. “He’d just started this one.”

  She redirected her attention to the carving, thankful to divert attention from her out-of-control thoughts.

  “It was for a woman who helps run the local nursing home.” He paused to arch his brow. “They’re wonderful, by the way. I mean, the folks who work at the home. In fact, Amish and Mennonites often stay there after surgery. Englischers, too. It’s so much easier to do rehabilitation without going by car or buggy to therapy every day.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “Anyway, she has three young daughters. All under the age of ten. And a year ago, all three planted acorns at the same time. Apparently, a contest started to see whose tree would grow the tallest.”

  He reclaimed the chair on the opposite side, moved it closer to the bench, and strummed his fingers against the edge, extending his legs.

  A laugh escaped Jessica’s throat. Eli chuckled. “You know how kids are.”

  “What did their mom tell them? I mean, a lot plays into how a tree grows. Weather, and …” She shrugged. “Well, I don’t know what else, but there must be other things.”

  His expression turned serious. “God has control over everything that grows, including us.”

  She took in the sincerity of his words. They hit her with such ferocity, their power nearly took her breath away. It wasn’t because she believed them; rather, it was the genuine conviction with which they came out. She waited for him to continue.

  “Anyway, their maemm requested a hope chest with three oak trees of different heights. And in ten years, the tallest would win.”

  “And the prize for the winner?” Before he responded, she cut in with the snap of her fingers. “The hope chest.”

  *

  Behind Jessica, Eli carried the large fan as they traversed the long, winding path that led to the house. While Eli reflected on their interesting conversation that had taken place in the barn, he took advantage of the opportunity to more carefully study her.

  He took note of the confident way she carried herself. It was as if she didn’t have a care in the world. She held her head high. Her long hair was tousled by the warm breeze. The sunlight on her hair lightened it a notch, as if the sun had kissed it. A pleasant fragrance followed her. He couldn’t pinpoint the scent, but it reminded him of a fresh basket of peaches.

  She glanced back at him, and he returned her contagious smile.

  “Eli?”

  “Jah?”

  “Thanks for talking to me.”

  “I didn’t do much.”

  She nodded before turning where the path curved. “Yes, you did. You just don’t realize it.”

  He considered what she’d just said. He wasn’t actually sure what he’d done, besides listen. But it must have been significant for her to draw attention to it.

  As they walked, he acknowledged that this was the strangest job he’d ever had. In fact, so far, everything about working for Jessica Beachy was off the charts largely because she was the great-niece of Old Sam. He’d never known anyone who’d had such a tumultuous upbringing.

  And of course, now that he’d learned that Jessica wasn’t a Christian, he knew in his heart that leading her to the Lord was more
important than this job or anything he’d ever do. But how?

  As he switched the fan and the cord to his other hand, his gaze slid down to her heels. He arched a curious brow, wondering how she could walk in them. To him, they looked uncomfortable, but she seemed to move with ease. Like she was used to them. Without thinking, he found himself imagining how she would look with her hair tied back and tucked under a kapp. With a long dress and apron.

  It will never happen. As he considered the beautiful girl, an unexpected sadness hit him. How can a person exist without believing in God? He contemplated how different his own life would be if he didn’t count on his Heavenly Father to get him through the day.

  Everything he did revolved around his faith and his belief that Jesus had died on the cross for his sins and had risen. If a person doesn’t believe that, how can they get out of bed in the morning?

  An ache filled his chest as he wondered. Suddenly, he realized the severity of his responsibility. He didn’t know what God had planned for him, but what if He’d brought Jessica here to turn her life around?

  The more he considered this unusual set of circumstances, the more Eli acknowledged the huge responsibility that now fell on his shoulders. How different being a Christian would make in her life.

  That’s what he thought, anyway. To live without depending on God for guidance and strength was too much for him to even try to imagine.

  Eli wasn’t fooled by the confidence the girl appeared to exude. He frowned, recalling her reaction to the loud bang as the barn door had slammed shut. The startled look in her eyes. The light rose color in her cheeks had disappeared the moment it happened. For a few moments, her face had blanched. And he could understand why. The poor girl had been traumatized.

  He’d never forget how she’d reacted to his hand on her shoulder. He was fully aware that touching a single woman wasn’t proper, but he’d had to do something to ease her fear. And he’d done the right thing because she’d calmed down and had thanked him.

  But for some reason, touching her had brought on a strange, uncharted new awareness inside of him. He had sensed a bond with her from the moment they met.

  And a large part of it had to do with his need to protect Old Sam’s great-niece. I’m only here to help her. So stop making it more than it is.

  As the bright sun slipped behind a large fluffy cloud, Eli pressed his lips together pensively. Between the barn and the house, he frowned. He didn’t know this girl well, but even so, he was certain he wanted to help her. For some reason, this vulnerable girl brings out my protective nature.

  While he took in her long legs and narrow shoulders, he considered her comment about having a safe home. The more he thought about it, the more he considered it an odd one. Not because it wasn’t a believable, legitimate want, it was. But what she’d mentioned was something he’d always taken for granted. Because he’d always had it.

  As Pebble Creek loomed in the distance, two things made his pulse beat at a disturbed pace. The first was that she obviously didn’t have a safe place to call home. Secondly was her doubt that God existed.

  The cord got away from him, and he stopped, set the fan down, and took a moment to wind the white piece loosely around his wrist. Shortly after, Jessica stopped, too, and turned around to face him.

  “Eli, I’m happy to help carry that.”

  He smiled.

  As if reading his mind, she lifted a brow and hugged her hands to her hips, squaring her shoulders while giving him a challenging expression. “You don’t think I can lift it, do you?”

  Without responding, he began walking again. She took a step back to be alongside him.

  “I’m sure you can. But I’m the chivalrous type.” He swatted a dragonfly away from his nose. “What do you think of that?”

  She glanced up at him. He noticed that she didn’t look directly into his eyes. Her lashes were lowered, an obvious sign of shyness.

  Again, his protective instinct took over. There was something about her that made him want to look out for her. At times, she seemed so … vulnerable.

  She spoke again in a low voice. “I noticed that right away about you, Eli. When you motioned me into the barn. And inside the house when you held out my chair before I sat down. And of course, when you insisted on carrying the fan.”

  She looked up at him and he met her look with a serious curiosity. Why did he have this strong need to take care of her? Several seconds later, he still wasn’t sure.

  *

  Inside the Beachy home, Eli proceeded to the hall closet. Several seconds later, he gave the door a light shove to close it and muttered, “No battery. Next trip over, I’ll bring one.”

  “Thank you, Eli.” As if remembering something, she straightened, put her hands on her hips, and glanced at Wayne before shifting her attention to Eli. “Would either of you care for more sun tea?”

  “That would be nice,” Eli replied.

  “Denki,” Wayne added.

  While Jessica stepped away, Eli contemplated the girl who’d inherited this special place and the changes in lifestyle that must seem drastic to her. He considered the changes to be made and the hours involved.

  But most of all, he thought seriously about the question she’d asked him about God. Her curiosity had Eli thinking. How could he offer her proof that his Savior existed?

  While Eli and Wayne discussed Jessica’s plans for the house, Eli’s thoughts stayed on Old Sam’s great-niece. She will have to adjust to a house without electricity. I’ll get her fan going as soon as I get a battery. That will make things nicer for her.

  Of course, I can only do so much, but I’ll try my best to make her feel at home. He smiled a little. She’ll see how friendly everyone here is.

  Jessica refilled their glasses with the brown-colored beverage, stepped to the table and set the drinks on the oak surface. “Here you go.” Quick steps took her back to the small countertop, where she picked up a third glass for herself.

  After taking a swig, Eli nodded satisfaction and smiled. “This hits the spot.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Thanks. I drink tea all day. There’s nothing like good ol’ Lipton.”

  Eli shoved his chair back and stood. He turned his attention to Jessica. “If you’re in a rush to get this place fixed up, we’d better get busy.” He grinned, and she returned the smile.

  Without saying anything, Wayne made his way to the entryway. The door made a clicking sound as it closed. From the window, Eli could see him looking for something in the buggy.

  “Eli …”

  He looked at her to continue.

  She blushed a little and lowered her chin so she wasn’t looking directly at him. “Thank you.”

  He laughed. “For what?”

  “You’ve reassured me. In a way.”

  He lifted a brow. “I’m not sure what you mean, but I’m glad I could help.”

  “You have. To be honest, I’m still a little unsettled about all of this. You know, being away from the city for the first time … and knowing that someone who didn’t even know me, cared enough about me to leave me this.” She extended her hands. “It’s overwhelming.”

  After a brief pause, she went on. “At the same time, I have a huge responsibility to myself to fix this up and get a good price so I can live close to work and where it’s safe.”

  She shrugged. “I’ll stop jabbering. But I wanted you to know that you’ve made me feel welcome. Thank you.”

  She reclaimed her seat at the table and finished her tea. When Wayne was back in the house, he and Eli talked between themselves, using a handheld calculator, a pen, and a notepad.

  Finally, Eli sat down opposite her and leaned forward. “Here’s a rough estimate.”

  He handed her the paper while his brother went to the kitchen and began putting things back into his work box. Her fingers brushed Eli’s, but he quickly acknowledged that the excited jump of his pulse didn’t have anything to do with Jessica’s heart or soul.

  As far as he could
recall, his reaction was something he’d never experienced. At the same time, he was certain that it didn’t mean anything. But could he blame himself for what his pulse did? If he could push a button to slow down its speed, he would.

  Satisfied that he’d acknowledged his feelings, that he was merely reacting to a vulnerable female, a girl who needed him, he studied her again while she contemplated the numbers in front of her.

  Ei and Wayne talked about how to accomplish what needed to be done. Jessica disappeared to another room while they did so. But her light, flowery perfume lingered in the room. As she stepped away, he could hear the light click of her heels against the wood floor.

  The shade of her hair reminded him of leaves turning color in the fall. Her long bangs nearly touched her dark, thick lashes, and her creamy skin was flawless. As he considered Old Sam’s great-niece, he wondered why Sam hadn’t mentioned her. Jessica Beachy had never once set foot in this town, let alone in this house, while Old Sam had been alive. Eli frowned.

  Obviously, she meant something to him if he’d left her all that he owned. Even if she was the only living descendant.

  She rejoined them and nodded. “This seems reasonable enough. But you two won’t be doing it alone, right? Isn’t there a crew?”

  Her question prompted the corners of his lips to drop a notch and he shook his head. “Just us two and our driver, Chuck. Of course, he’s not here today ’cause we came by buggy.”

  Eli rubbed his chin, considering her question. “I understand why you’re in a hurry to get everything done. That you’re taking off work, and that time is of the essence. And if you’d like, there’s a large crew I could recommend … they’d have the jobs done in much less—”

  Before he could finish, she leaned forward and held up a hand to stop him. “I’d prefer you and your brother, since you were so highly recommended.”

  He nodded.

  She poured herself another drink and returned her glass to the table. As she met his look with a smile, her voice took on a much more serious tone. “You knew my great-uncle.” She hesitated. “Already, I feel bonded to you for that, Eli.”

  He lifted a brow.

  She gestured with her hands. “You said something earlier. That he recommended you take your time to do quality workmanship.”