The Wonder of Your Love - By Beth Wiseman Page 0,44

you didn’t get to do any more sightseeing. And you’re leaving day after tomorrow. Maybe you’ll come back for another visit? There’s lots to see and do around here.” She paused. “Maybe in the springtime, when it’s warmer.”

“I’d like that. Despite the fall, I’ve enjoyed my time here. I wouldn’t have missed David and Emily’s wedding, and I enjoyed seeing the sand dunes.”

“And spending time with Katie Ann?” Vera bit her bottom lip. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”

“Vera . . .” Eli sighed. “We talked about this. And I know you’re still trying to play matchmaker.”

She batted her lashes playfully. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Uh, if I didn’t already know, I think Betsy just confirmed it.” He chuckled. “But a reminder . . . Katie Ann and I are in two different places in our lives. She’s just starting out with a new baby. And, Vera . . . I’ve done all that. Six times.”

He waited for a response, but Vera just lowered her head a bit. “But Katie Ann and I are friends, and I expect us to stay that way.”

Vera stood up from the couch, put her hands on her hips, and stared down at him. “Well . . . as a reminder, you just never know what the Lord has planned for your future. ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’” She gave him a smug smile and headed toward the kitchen.

Eli knew exactly what the Lord had planned for his future, and it didn’t include raising a new family. And he was starting to resent the butterflies that danced in his stomach at the very mention of Katie Ann’s name. He sat taller, knowing he needed to keep his priorities intact. He’d be leaving in two days.

KATIE ANN KNOCKED on the Detweilers’ door with Jonas cradled in one arm and a plastic bag in the other hand. She was glad she could remember where she stored the travel guide, the one she’d picked up years ago when she thought Ivan might take her to Florida or one of the other beach destinations described in the book. Her people didn’t usually fly on a plane unless it was an emergency, but most of the places listed could be reached by bus. She certainly didn’t have any use for the book anymore. Maybe Eli would enjoy it, possibly travel to one of the locations pictured within the covers. Perhaps even send her a postcard?

“Hello, Katie Ann.” Elam stepped aside so that Katie Ann could enter, and she gave him a nod.

Eli stood up from the couch when he saw her. She walked toward him and held out the bag as Elam left the room.

“It’s a gift for you because I feel so bad about what happened.”

Eli smiled. “Katie Ann, you didn’t have to do that. It was just an accident.” He opened the bag and took a peek inside.

“I thought it might be helpful for your travels.” She paused while he pulled out the guide and flipped through the pages. “Although it’s mostly beach locations, so I don’t know if—”

“It’s wonderful. Danki.” His eyes were fixated on a page for a moment, then he closed the book. “Where did you get this?”

“I’ve had it for a long time, and I don’t see where I’ll be needing it anytime soon.” She repositioned Jonas in her arms, smiling. “Ach, and I sent your tools with Elam. Vera told me at worship that you have a concussion.”

Eli grimaced. “Please tell me that you didn’t climb up on the roof to get them?”

“No.” She chuckled. “They slid off the roof at some point.”

He sighed. “Gut.”

“Because of your fall, you didn’t get to do any more sightseeing as you’d planned. I’m so sorry about that.”

“I have one day left. Tomorrow.” He reached out his arms.

“May I?”

Katie Ann handed Jonas to Eli, and Eli sat down on the couch. He laid Jonas faceup in his lap, and once again he talked to her son in baby talk. It was endearing, and she still couldn’t recall seeing another Amish man carry on that way about a baby.

“Are you up for another day of sightseeing tomorrow?”

Eli raised an eyebrow. “I was thinking about taking a trip to Alamosa, since it’s only about twenty minutes from here by car.

That would be easy on our boy here.” He gently ran the back of his hand along Jonas’s cheek, and Katie