The task went smoothly. Charlie enjoyed herself as she worked to finish the back section of Abram Peachy’s farm. Time flew by and she realized that she’d been out longer than she’d expected. She stabled the horses and left the mower right where she’d found it.
There was no sign of her buggy in the yard as she headed back to the house. Her relief was short-lived as she became concerned about Jacob. The brothers had been gone a long while. Was Jacob that badly hurt?
Charlie put on the teakettle then set the table with the pie in the center. She made a fresh pot of coffee with the hope that the brothers would return soon enough to enjoy a hot cup. When she was done, she stepped outside. As the buggy pulled into the yard and parked near the house, she descended the porch steps.
“How is he?” she asked as Nate climbed out of the vehicle.
“He broke his foot,” Nate told her. “There’s a nice-size slice in it, too, which the doc stitched up.” He reached in to lift Jacob into his arms. “He’s been advised to stay off the foot for a while.” His brother looked groggy as Nate carried him toward the house.
Charlie raced ahead to open the door. She made a sound of concern at Jacob’s pallor.
“The doctor gave him a shot of pain medication,” Nate explained as he carried Jacob inside.
“Do you need help?”
“I can manage.” He shifted Jacob within his arms and brought him into the kitchen.
When she saw Nate looking for a place to set Jacob down, she rushed to pull out a chair. “Unless you want to take him into the great room.”
“I’d like to sit here a bit,” Jacob murmured sleepily. “Do I smell coffee? And what about that pie you promised us?”
She fretted as she studied him. “Jake, you don’t look good. Wouldn’t you rather lie down?”
“Nay. I will soon, though.” Jacob frowned up at his older brother, who stepped back after setting him down. “I’ll be of no help to you for a while, I’m afraid.”
“I’ll manage,” Nate assured him.
Charlie felt her throat tighten as she went to the stove. “Nate, do you want coffee, too?” she asked easily, pretending that she wasn’t upset by the morning’s events.
“Ja, please.” Nate took the chair next to his brother, as if he wanted to keep a close eye on him.
She could feel Nate’s gaze as she poured two cups of hot coffee then set one before each man. “Apple pie, or do you want a sandwich first?”
Nate’s study of her made her self-conscious. “Pie will do.”
Her lips curved slightly as she nodded. Charlie cut two large slices of apple pie.
“Aren’t you having any? Or do you have to leave?” Nate asked as she pushed a plate in his direction.
“I should go,” she said, stung by the question. “But I won’t until after I have some pie.” He looked amused when she gave him a false smile.
It was quiet as they ate. Glad when Nate didn’t make a smart remark, Charlie glanced from her plate to Jacob, who slumped in his chair. She was about to express her worry to Nate then caught him studying his brother with a frown.
“Time to rest, bruder,” Nate said gently. “Let’s get you into the other room where you’ll be more comfortable.”
While they were absent, Charlie quickly cleaned up the kitchen. She covered the remainder of the pie with plastic wrap and left it on the counter for them to finish later. She washed the dishes but left the coffeepot on the stove in case Nate wanted another cup.
She felt his presence as Nate reentered the room and sensed him watching while she put away the last dish.
“He settled in?” she asked, turning to face him.
“Ja, he’s already asleep.”
“I’m going to head out. I need to pick up a few things at the store for my mudder.”
He eyed her with consternation. “We’ve kept you a long time.”
“’Tis fine. Mam doesn’t expect me home yet. She’ll think that I decided to spend the day with Leah.”
“You had an unusual day today,” he said.
She chuckled. “That’s for sure.”
He sobered. “It wasn’t fair to ask you to stay.”
“I didn’t mind.”
He seemed relieved. He followed her as she headed toward the door. “Charlie? May I ask you one more favor?”
She halted and faced him. “Ja, of course.” He seemed to have difficulty choosing his words.
“What do you need, Nate?” By the look on his face, she figured out what he wanted to ask. “Shall I come to stay with Jacob tomorrow while you cut hay?”
Nate released a sharp breath. “You wouldn’t mind?”
She paused near the threshold. “Not at all.”
Warmth entered his blue eyes. “Are you sure?”
Feigning annoyance, she tapped her foot and crossed her arms. “I’m absolutely sure, Nate.”
“Danki.” His expression became serious. “But I need you to promise that you won’t tell anyone what happened,” he said. “You know that our neighbors like to natter.” His lips firmed. “Especially Alta Hershberger. If she or anyone finds out, word could get back to my eldre, and Dat will insist on cutting short their trip.” He paused. “He’s been waiting a long time to visit my grandparents. I don’t want to ruin his plans.”
“I understand,” she murmured. “If anyone asks why I’m here, I’ll tell them I’m cleaning house for you while you work in the fields.”
“Doesn’t your sister Ellie clean houses?”
“Ja, but I’ve spent enough time in your house helping your mam that it makes sense that I be the one to do it.”
His expression was unreadable. “Appreciate it.”
“I’d do the same for any neighbor,” she assured him.
He accompanied her outside. “Drive safely, Charlie,” he said sternly.
Annoyed, she nodded before she climbed into her buggy and drove away. She didn’t mind coming back the next day. Nate would be busy and she wouldn’t have to see or talk with him for long. She would be there for Jacob, the easygoing, much younger and friendlier Peachy brother.
Still, as she drove toward Whittier’s Store to buy the items on her mother’s list, she couldn’t help but think about Nate and wonder why she felt so drawn to the man. At times he treated her like a child, and she hated it. But then there were those other occasions when he studied her differently, as if he saw her as a woman, an attractive woman he found fascinating.
Charlie sighed as she stored the bought groceries onto the seat next to her. She was imagining things. Nate didn’t find her attractive or pretty or anything good.
She would get through tomorrow then concentrate on getting hired on as the new teacher for their Happiness School. Better to focus on that than on her disturbing fascination with Nathaniel Peachy.
Charlie stared at the cups and dishes that she’d left