Brush of Angel's Wings by Ruth Reid Page B

watched in gratitude. His kindness to her tonight was undeserved and unexpected. Had jealousy of his relationship with her father skewed her view of him?
    She took the empty dish to the sink and tapped Naomi on the shoulder. “If you get some water warming on the stove, I’ll wash the dishes.”
    â€œ Ach, nay . I’ll do them after everyone is gone.”
    Peter brought his dish and came up beside them. “Rachel, would you like to get some fresh air out on the porch?”
    Rachel wiped her hands on the sides of her dress, but they weren’t wet. No one had ever requested to talk to her alone on the porch.
    Jordan squared his shoulders, glanced sideways at them, then continued eating.
    â€œ Jah , Peter, I’d like that.” Rachel walked with him to the door, took her cape and bonnet from the hook, and strolled with him into the cool night air. Several couples hushed their conversations as Peter led the way to a vacant section on the wraparound porch. They stood next to the railing, both silent.
    Peter’s lanky frame shifted. “The sky is thick with stars tonight.”
    â€œ Jah , the moon is full too.” She fiddled with the side seam of her cape and discovered a loose thread to twist around her finger.
    The fresh scent of apple blossoms filled the air. She loved it when the trees bloomed in April.
    Several minutes passed before Peter turned sideways and faced her. “I haven’t seen you at a singing before.” He stepped closer. “Would your parents object if I escorted you home?”
    â€œJah.” Jordan’s abrupt reply startled Rachel, and Peter flinched at his appearance.
    Jordan folded his arms across his broad chest.
    Rachel bristled at his possessive stance. Jordan was out of bounds. She wasn’t under his authority. “I think Peter was asking me the question.”
    He cast a brief glance at Peter but steadied his eyes on Rachel. “It doesn’t matter.” He turned to Peter. “I brought her, and I intend to see that she gets home.”
    Peter raised his hands. “I didn’t mean to—”
    â€œYou didn’t.” Jordan reached for Rachel’s elbow. “I promised your daed I’d have you home early.”
    â€œPerhaps I’ll meet you after you get the buggy,” Rachel said.
    â€œI’ll wait.” Jordan took two steps backward and waited next to the house. Even after her steely glare, he merely shifted his stance and displayed a lopsided grin.
    â€œMaybe another time, Peter?” She felt she should apologize but couldn’t with Jordan standing right there.
    Peter glanced sideways at Jordan, then turned back to her. “Sure.”
    â€œI’d like that.”
    Jordan moved closer to them. “Okay, now that you’ve made your plans, we should be going.” He stepped between her and Peter and reached for her elbow. “I don’t want your daed upset with me for not returning you early.”
    She twirled around to get away from him and shot off the porch in the direction of the buggy.
    With a few long strides, Jordan reached her. “If you had a bruder , you would understand.”
    She gasped. If James were alive, he wouldn’t have interfered. “You’re not my keeper.”
    â€œI am for the evening.” He opened the buggy door and reached for her elbow. “Do you need help getting in?”
    Rachel jerked her arm free. “I forgot. I have to get my dish and say good-bye to Naomi.” When she flitted to the house, he kept her pace.
    â€œBoth Esther’s and Anne’s bruders were there and neither one hovered over their sister,” she said.
    â€œ Jah , and both Jacob and Enos had interests other than their sisters. I’m only interested in you—keeping you safe.”
    â€œ Nett necessary.”
    Once inside the house, she found her dish on the counter.
    â€œI wish you could stay longer.” Naomi squeezed