Page 77 of A Secret Heart
Rebekah’s eyes shot up to find Ed’s searching for hers. They locked, allowing unspoken words to pass between them. As if he were reassuring her that her secret was safe with him. The echo of Tillie’s and Jo’s murmurs could be heard from above, where they’d run off to play.
“I never answered any other letters. Rebekah’s were the only ones that mattered to me.” His eyes never left hers. “The last time I saw the letters, I shoved them at the bottom of the kindlin’ box in the kitchen. I’m done meddling in Isaac’s life.”
“I second that.” Nick frowned, a silent reminder he’d never agreed with the plan in the first place.
“I’ve no interest in answering any other letter now, but at least our plan worked to get one of my brothers a wife.” Drew winked at Ed.
Kaitlyn rose from the table, circling it to stand beside them. She bent to embrace Rebekah in a hug. “We are so glad you joined the family. I can’t think of a better sister to have.”
Drew slapped his knees, then rose from the table. “Let’s all move to the other room for some games and singing.”
It wasn’t long before the children rejoined them. As the evening wore on, Ed slipped beside Rebekah, weaving his arm around her waist. He leaned close to whisper in her ear.
“Are you ready to go home?”
She turned her face to his, so close she could kiss him, and the memory of their first kiss flashed across her mind. There would be many more. Her lips turned into a grin as she nodded. With the family engrossed in singing, he led her by the hand to the kitchen and out the back door.
Ed playfully bumped his shoulder against hers. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”
Rebekah held back from asking what it was, relishing the secrecy of it.
With her hand looped in Ed’s as they cut across the field, she let their arms swing together in time with their steps, occasionally brushing up against one another. This was her husband. Joy bubbled up in her, mixed with a tingle of anticipation as he gave her hand a squeeze.
“Think you’ll be happy here?” He shot a questioning glance at her as they drew closer to his cabin, their steps slowing.
Butterflies danced in her stomach double time.
“I will.” A flush rose up her neck as she leaned closer to him, sliding her hand out of his and looping it around his arm. “I’m sorry about all the extra work with you caring for my aunt and uncle’s place until they return.”
He ducked his head closer. “It’s not a burden. You know I’d do anything for you.”
Rebekah lifted up her face in time to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. A gentle breeze swept over the surrounding field, bringing with it the promise of a summer shower.
As they neared the porch, Ed moved to walk backward in front of her. “Once we’re on the porch, I want you to close your eyes.”
“You what?” She couldn’t keep the grin off her face.
“The surprise is inside.” He took her hand to lead her up the familiar steps to his front porch, leaving tingles flowing through her fingertips. Then he placed his broad shoulders between her and the door. “Ready?”
She closed her eyes as she tilted her head, letting out a giggle. “I’d follow you anywhere you lead, Ed McGraw.”
His shirt rustled as he brushed past her and stepped behind, placing one hand over her eyes. She could make out a bit of what was in front of her as he reached around to open the door, but her attempts at peeking were cut short when his other hand fell over her eyes as well.
His warm breath tickled her ear as he moved closer to her. “Take a step. Another.”
She shifted her feet in time with his commands, completely trusting him to guide her. Inside the cabin, he spun her back toward the fading light in the doorway. It was all she could do not to turn back around and look. What could he be planning to surprise her with?
“Don’t turn around while I light the lamp.”
The sounds of him lighting up the lamp were followed by the whiff of burning kerosene.
“Can I look?” Her own voice sounded giddy as it hitched up an octave.
His hands covered her eyes again as he spun her around, then lifted. “Now.”
In the middle of his freshly swept cabin stood a bookcase. Her breath caught. She’d never seen such fine workmanship.
“How did you ever find time for this?” The words tumbled out of her as she took a step forward. The light from the lamp glowed across the newly sealed wood. With slow steps, she wound her way around the bookcase, her hand running along its smooth surface.
