Love Inspired November 2013 #2 by Emma Miller, Virginia Carmichael, Renee Andrews Page A

and began cutting the pie. “Ice cream on top?”
    Caleb groaned an assent, and in what seemed like seconds, he’d shrugged out of his jacket and a large slice of pie covered in a mound of vanilla ice cream had appeared in front of him.
    Rebecca picked up a ball of yarn and two knitting needles and settled into a rocking chair near the window. She didn’t speak, and the only sounds in the kitchen were the warm crackle from the woodstove, the tick of a mantel clock and the click of her needles. She didn’t launch into chatter as she usually did mornings and evenings at his house, but only rocked and concentrated on the scarf she was constructing.
    The chair Caleb sat in at the head of the table was big and comfortable. The coffee was strong, and the pie the best he’d ever tasted. He hadn’t sat down all day, and it felt good to relax in this warm, cozy kitchen, knowing that he’d put in a good day’s work. If next week went as well, he was certain he could finish the contract on time.
    Caleb pushed a forkful of pie into his mouth, thinking he shouldn’t stay long. “Is Amelia ready?”
    Rebecca looked up and smiled. “She’s asleep. I tucked her in with Johanna’s Katy, who is spending the night. The two girls had a great time putting together a puzzle and playing Go Fish. That was all right, wasn’t it? To let her play the card game?” Old Amish didn’t play adult card games that involved betting, but in most families, simple games were acceptable.
    â€œGo Fish.” He shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”
    â€œI can go get Amelia if you’d like, but I was hoping you’d let her sleep over tonight. She wanted me to ask you. Johanna and Roland are picking Katy up in the morning after breakfast and they could drop Amelia off with you. Or I could take her with me to Ruth’s. We’re going to make applesauce. That way, if you want to go to the shop for a few hours...”
    Caleb considered. He usually worked around the farm on Saturday, but an extra half day would certainly make his deadline more doable. “If you’re sure that it’s no trouble,” he said. “I’ll pay you extra.”
    â€œNe.” Rebecca shook her head and rose gracefully from the chair. “I invited her. Another slice of pie?”
    He glanced down, surprised to see that only crumbs remained on the plate. He went to hand it to Rebecca just as she reached for it, and their fingers accidently brushed each other. A tremor of sensation ran up his forearm and he inhaled sharply. Instantly he felt his throat flush. “No need,” he stammered.
    But she was already across the room and cutting more pie. Had she even noticed his touch? Caleb picked up the mug and downed a swallow of coffee to cover his confusion. He couldn’t decide if this was way too comfortable or too uncomfortable. Somehow, he felt an invisible line had been crossed.
    â€œAmelia can spend the night—since she’s already asleep.” He rose, feeling awkward. “I’ll be on my way.”
    â€œBut your pie?” She indicated the slice she’d just cut.
    â€œI’ve had plenty.” He grabbed his jacket and started for the door. “It was good. The pie. Thanks.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” She followed him to the porch.
    â€œSend Amelia home with Roland and Johanna. No need for you to care for her on your weekend.”
    â€œAs you like,” Rebecca answered from the back door. “But I wish you’d take part of this pie home for breakfast.”
    â€œI told you,” he said from the porch. “I’ve had enough.”
    â€œGood night, Caleb.”
    He heard the door close behind him and went down the steps. In the middle of the dark farmyard, he stopped and took a deep breath. It had been nice sitting in the warm, cozy kitchen with Rebecca, having pie, listening to her knitting needles