Page 39 of In Just a Year
Eve shot her a look, the first time Esther had been on the receiving end of one of Eve Pearlers’ placid but darting stare-downs. “To whom?”
“Ben.”
“Oh, hello, Esther.” Caleb walked in, little Miriam in his arms. “Hello Hannah. Eve, Lizzie asked me to bring her to you.”
Esther sighed. Great, Ben’s big brother, exactly what she’d needed. Caleb had been married to Lizzie Pearler for a while. They’d been in love forever.
On second thought, he might be exactly who she needed.
Hannah blinked at Caleb. Then at Eve. When she looked at Esther again, Eve broke into a smile. “Have you heard the news, Caleb?” Caleb and Hannah exchanged a glance, and Eve smirked. “Ben is getting married.”
“My little brother Ben?” Caleb crossed his arms and took a wide stance. Tall and muscular, he’d be intimidating if Esther didn’t know he’d ferociously defend any member of his family. Wasn’t she like family? Almost? Caleb was married to Lizzie, whose cousin was Arnold, who was Esther’s brother-in-law? It was confusing at best but clear if you were one of the bunch. If Esther married Ben, the circle would be complete.
If she survived Hannah’s strict stare, Esther could call Caleb along and the four other Klonimus brothers, Gideon, Raphi, Aaron, and Nati, her brothers-in-law. Pavel and Chawa would be … oh dear, this was real now, and Ben wasn’t with her. Somehow, their relationship had continued even though they were so far apart.
“I just found out. Isn’t it marvelous?” Eve lead the others as if directing a stage play, nudging the actors to follow her example and improvise.
Caleb’s Adam’s apple bobbed. Esther knew he’d been there when she’d kissed Ben good bye, so he already knew. He might even have told Lizzie. But Caleb didn’t betray his thoughts and looked at the children who were now rummaging around the toy crate. Eve had set up toys in every room in the house, yet the crates were so elegantly blended with the furnishings that they were barely noticable. Except, of course, when all the toys were lying around the room. Like now.
Hannah set her teacup on the table and folded her hands. “It appears Esther is planning a wedding.”
“With Ben,” Eve added.
“For whom?” Caleb’s eyes shot from Eve to Hannah.
Hannah’s gaze widened and landed on Esther.
“Esther and Ben, you mean with each other?” Caleb seemed to choose his words carefully and avoided Esther’s gaze. Discretion was one of his strengths along with discipline and control. Most people attributed it to his kung fu training, but Esther knew it was in his nature. He seemed careful not to say more than he knew if it wasn’t his place and yet he’d told Arnold about their kiss when Ben left. No matter, it was official now.
Another moment of awkward silence washed over the room.
Ester rubbed her thighs nervously and pulled at her dress, the friction briefly distracting the pulsating horror in her mind. This was embarrassing and not at all as she’d imagined this conversation would play out.
Caleb half shook his head, but Eve gave him a stare. He gulped like a tamed puppy and sat on the empty armchair.
“Esther, tell me everything, please,” Eve said.
“I’m in love with Ben.”
“But he’s in India,” Eve said.
“Yes, I know.”
“Are you—” Caleb shot Hannah a glance for help and then returned his scrutinizing gaze to Esther’s belly.
“I don’t think it’s come to that, Caleb,” Hannah said.
He narrowed his brows. “When did he propose?”
“Today. Well, I received the letter today. It’s dated three weeks ago.”
Hannah squinted. “Ben proposed in writing and you accepted?”
“Oh, how romantic!” Eve interjected. “I’ve heard of marriages by proxy, but an engagement?” That was exactly what Tate had said.
“Oh dear!” Esther shot up and rushed to the escritoire. “Eve, may I, please?”
“Anything you need.”
