The Wonder of Your Love - By Beth Wiseman Page 0,17

Eli’s face brightened as he mentioned his wife’s name.

Katie Ann bit her bottom lip. Why couldn’t Ivan have loved me like that? “I’m sure you did a wonderful job raising them all. Jonas has sure taken a fancy to you.”

Eli gently lifted the baby and handed him to Katie Ann. “Ach, I don’t know about that.” He avoided meeting her eyes.

He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “I do feel like I’ve earned a bit of a vacation, so to speak. All mei kinner have made fine homes for themselves, and I plan to travel some.” He raised his brows. “Of course, I’ll still farm. My love of the land won’t change. But I plan to enjoy some time to myself.” He looked hard into Katie Ann’s eyes. “Do you think that’s selfish?”

She was surprised by the question. “Nee. I don’t. I know how much time and energy it takes to take care of one small boppli. I can’t imagine you raising six kinner on your own. Very admirable.” She smiled. “I think you’ve earned some time to yourself. Where do you plan to travel?”

Eli stood up, walked to the fire, and gave it a poke. “Ach, I have a long list.” He turned to her and smiled as he stowed the fireplace tool. “But I’m starting here in Colorado. Maybe you can tell me some nice spots to visit while I’m here?”

Katie Ann cradled Jonas in her arms and rocked him back and forth. “I’m probably not a gut person to ask. Since we’ve lived here, I’ve either been pregnant or with a newborn. I’m afraid I haven’t had a chance to travel much farther than Monte Vista, the nearest town.”

Eli sat down beside her, took a sip of his coffee, and stared at her for a moment. “You do know that several of the folks around here are trying to play matchmaker between us, no?”

Katie Ann pulled her eyes from his, again feeling a blush in her cheeks. “I—I, uh . . .”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I just felt it was best to clear the air. I’m planning to stay for a short while to do some sightseeing, so I’m sure we will be seeing each other, but I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me.”

She lowered her head and rubbed her forehead. “I’m in mourning, and it would be inappropriate to . . . to . . .”

Eli ran a hand the length of his beard and shook his head. “No worries. I know you recently lost your husband, and we . . . well, we’re in two different places in life.” He shrugged. “But we could sure give them all something to talk about.” He grinned. “You said you haven’t seen much of the area. Would you and Jonas like to spend the day doing some sightseeing with me?”

Katie Ann was shaking her head before he even finished his sentence. “Nee, nee. I’m not going to fuel gossip. And besides, it’s much too cold for Jonas to take a buggy trip anywhere.”

Eli chuckled. “It must be different here than where I come from. Gossip might be frowned upon, but it’s plentiful just the same.”

Katie Ann started to agree, but Eli went on. “And no buggy ride for me. I’m going to hire a driver. You should take advantage of my offer and see some sights while I’m here visiting.” He grinned. “And providing a ride with a heater.”

It was a tempting offer, but inappropriate. “Danki. But I think not.”

“Why?”

Katie adjusted Jonas in her arms and stiffened. “Because I just can’t shuck my chores around here and go on a frivolous outing with you.”

“Why?”

She narrowed her brows. “Because I just can’t.”

Eli drank up the last of his coffee. “Okay. I just thought it might be nice for two friends to share a sightseeing trip together.”

He stood up as if preparing to leave. Finally. She rose from the couch, too, and allowed herself a few moments to dream about seeing more of the San Luis Valley, maybe even the sand dunes. She’d heard about the massive mounds just an hour away. “Where are you planning to go?”

Eli chuckled. “Aha. You are interested, just a little?”

Katie Ann shrugged one shoulder. “Maybe.” She had felt a bit claustrophobic as of late. And she’d never admit it, but it would be fun to see Vera, Lillian, and especially Martha’s reaction to her spending time with Eli. And besides, Eli’s plans for his future