Page 463 of Conveniently Wed
Josiah was not prepared. The dress, the upswept hair—Katie’s dazzling beauty sent him reeling. But her smile downright undid him. He hadn’t experienced her genuine smile in so many long, cold months, and when she directed it at him like she was doing now, it felt like a hammer slamming into his frozen heart.
They sat in the formal dining area, and Abe, Ruby, Annie, Katie, and Delilah all looked as if they shared a secret he wasn’t privy to. “What’s the occasion. Did I miss a birthday?”
“No occasion,” Katie said. “I’ve just made a new rule. Starting today, all those living under this roof will eat together. We’re supposed to be a family, and it’s time we start acting like one.”
Was she so afraid he would throw her out that she was trying to resurrect a sense of family?
“As it should be.” Abe nodded.
“Hallelujah,” Delilah echoed. “And no more special meals kept warming on the stove. You don’t show up for dinner, you don’t eat.”
Even Annie and Ruby’s heads bobbed.
“I can see when I’m outnumbered.” Josiah raised an eyebrow but kept his mouth shut. Whatever was going on, it was a change for the better. Anything that got Katherine out of her bedroom and brought life into her expression was worth the effort. “I’ll have to make some adjustments in my schedule.”
“Your bad habits, you mean,” Abe said.
“Working like a crazy man has got to stop,” said Delilah. They all nodded again like a bunch of puppets on the same string.
“This means every supper.” Katie hit him with a dazzling look of tenderness that made his heart lurch. What was he to do withthe wild thumping of his lonely heart? Make a good excuse…and fast.
“There’s an awful lot to do with Colby gone, and with you no longer doing the bookkeeping?—”
“I’ll gladly start back up. I’ve missed that work.”
Oh, great. That hadn’t gone the way he’d planned. He didn’t want to be thrust working closely together with her, discussing the finances. He’d been glad when, months earlier, she’d refused to carry on with the bookkeeping. Suddenly, she wanted the job back. What was she up to? Why the sudden change of heart?
“Would that be a help?” she asked, her voice and eyes speaking both kindness and hope.
He nodded, but everything within him wanted to run. Weariness sank through him. How in the world would he keep a safe distance?
But why…? Understanding dawned in his tight chest. She hadn’t expected Colby to become a Christian. His sudden bout of conscience and consequent departure had spoiled her plans. She no longer had a future wrapped up with Colby, so Josiah had become the default.
No, thanks. Sure, he had messed up, he was willing to admit his part. But he doubted he could ever trust her again or open his heart up to love. And he certainly didn’t want to be second best.
She drove him stark raving mad, and he had to protect himself. He stood from the supper table with determination. “Supper’s over. Back to work I go.” He walked out without a backward glance.
Katie winced when the back door slammed as Josiah once again disappeared after supper, as he’d done for a week now. Delilahshook her head, and Katie sighed. “He simply cannot contain the joy he feels in our company.”
Delilah harrumphed as she walked by with a stack of dirty dishes. “Dear Jesus, help me. ’Cause I’ve plumb near run out of patience. I’m thinking a switch to his behind might be just what he needs.”
Katie laughed. “If anyone could do it, you could.”
“You run along to your pa’s. Annie and I will finish up. That nightly Bible study is giving you the patience of a saint, and with him”—she cocked her head toward the door—“you’re going to need it.”
Katie sobered. “That’s as much my fault as his. I’m truly sorry for all I’ve done to bring about this mess. I wish?—”
“No wishing. You just pray, and he’ll come around. And ask your pa to study First Corinthians chapter thirteen with you. It will help.”
“Thank you.” Katie planted a kiss on Delilah’s chubby cheek and moved toward the door. “I’m learning so much, and now, Ma is even listening in. She keeps busy but is always within hearing range.”
“That’s how it happens, and the good news is spread.”
Katie threw on a shawl and headed out. She loved her evening walk through the orchard in the fresh air. The only downside was that, every night, the memory of her first real kiss, of Josiah’s arms around her, reminded her of all she’d lost. A longing to start over with Josiah as a Christian woman overwhelmed her.
You can start over,the Spirit whispered in her heart.I am the God of second chances.
“Time for dessert.” Pa slapped the Bible shut and rose from his chair in the parlor. “The girls have been waiting to spend a little time with you. They sure love that you’re visiting more.”
