Elijah And The Widow. Rebecca Kertz

her eyes. “No need. Jacob said that he would be home early.”

      “Rest. I shouldn’t have stopped.” Martha placed the small quilt at the end of the bed over Annie.

      “Nay,” her friend murmured. “I enjoyed your company.”

      EJ’s bedroom was in the next room. If the toddler woke up, his mother would hear him. “I’ll lock the doors on my way out.”

      “Danki,” Anne whispered.

      As she stepped outside, Martha was surprised to see Jacob and Eli ending a discussion. Jacob headed toward Zook’s Blacksmithy while Eli walked to his vehicle with a tool belt draped over his arm. She was surprised to see his buggy alongside hers.

      As if sensing her presence, Eli glanced in her direction. “Martha,” he greeted her with a respectful nod. “I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

      “Eli.” She couldn’t help notice that the blue of his eyes matched the azure sky above. “Just stopped to check on Annie. Mae made Snitz pie, and I thought to share it.”

      He smiled. “That was kind of you.”

      “Annie is my friend.”

      “Still I’m sure she appreciated your thoughtfulness.” He reached up as if to climb into his vehicle.

      “May I speak with you?” Martha asked before she could change her mind. It was the perfect opportunity to see if he was interested in doing her house repairs.

      “Ja.” He faced her with eyes filled with curiosity.

      “I know that you, your vadder and your bruders are skilled carpenters. I’d like to hire you to do some work on my haus, if you’re interested.” She didn’t know why she suddenly felt jittery inside. She would have to get used to hiring people and taking care of the things that her late husband had handled in the past.

      His blue gaze brightened. She saw that she’d piqued his interest. “We can stop by if you’d like,” he said pleasantly. “Give you an estimate.”

      She felt relieved. “That would be wonderful. Danki.”

      “May we come tomorrow?” he asked when she turned to leave.

      Martha faced him. “Morning?”

      His expression filled with warmth. “What time?”

      “Come anytime. I’ll be there all morning.” She felt her heart beating wildly as she turned back to her buggy and reached for a handhold. Eli was suddenly beside her, silently offering his assistance. Their gazes locked. His features held only polite indifference. Relieved, she allowed him to help her into her vehicle. After he released her fingers, she could still feel the warmth of his firm, gentle grasp. She opened her mouth but was suddenly at a loss for words.

      “I’ll see you tomorrow, Martha.”

      She didn’t answer him, which bothered her as she sat a moment and watched while he sprang up into his wagon. Their gazes met, held, until he touched the brim of his hat and dipped his head.

      Martha watched him leave before she followed the same path toward the road. The memory of their brief encounter stayed with her as she drove toward the market, while she shopped, paid for her groceries, then drove home.

      Later that evening she scolded herself for worrying needlessly about her reaction to Eli Lapp. She finally put things into perspective. He was her friend’s son, and he’d been kind to her. Gratitude. That was all it was.