Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Patrice Lewis (i read book txt) 📖

whole life.” Eliza smiled through tears. “If I can keep even one person from making a bad decision, then it will make me happy. If you love this woman, don’t let her get away.”

* * *

Jane rattled around her aunt and uncle’s store, restocking shelves and trying not to obsess about what was happening in the Struder home. Would Eliza want to care for her own baby? Jane assumed she would. If that was the case, she certainly was out of a job.

She realized there was something she could do: pack.

She would ask Uncle Peter to take her to the train station tomorrow. She had told Levy she would stay until the farmer’s market season ended at the end of October, but things had changed now that Eliza was home. If she left, she wouldn’t have to bear the pain of watching Mercy back with her mother. Nor would she have to see Levy, who could now concentrate on rebuilding his family. Yes, it was better if she left.

“So you’re serious about going home, then?” asked Aunt Catherine that evening as Jane helped wash the supper dishes.

“Ja, I think it best.”

“Is it Eliza?”

Jane nodded. “I assume she wants to raise her own baby, in which case I’d only be in the way.”

“You could work with us in the store.”

“And see Mercy on Church Sundays but know she’s not mine?” Pain shot through her at the thought. “And you know how I feel about Levy. I… I can’t bear to be around either of them if…” Her voice trailed off and she blinked back tears.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out, liebling.”

At her aunt’s gentle tone, a single tear rolled down Jane’s cheek. She wiped it away and dried another plate. “It seems Gott hasn’t decided what to do with me yet. Maybe I’ll find the answer back home in Ohio.”

“I know you don’t want to hear this, Jane, but I think you should talk things over with Levy before you go.”

“Why? What can he possibly say? ‘Stay because you’re useful’? No. I won’t have it.”

“So you intend to just leave without explanation?”

“It sounds rude, but I think it’s best. I can always send him a letter later on, but for now, I don’t want to see him. Or Eliza.”

“I think you might be turning Eliza into a bigger problem than she really is.”

“She’s Mercy’s mother. That’s not a problem, that’s a fact. I’m not needed anymore.” She spoke in a tight, controlled voice.

“You’re always needed, Jane.” Catherine’s voice was gentle.

Jane felt ashamed. She leaned over and kissed her aunt on the cheek. “You and Onkel Peter have been so good to me. I honestly didn’t expect to fall in love with anyone while here in Grand Creek, but that’s what happened. But Levy never looked at me as a woman. Even his offer of marriage was based purely on his need for a permanent nanny. Everything has changed with Eliza’s return, and I can’t stay here when I’d be seeing Levy daily and knowing I’m not even useful to him anymore.”

Catherine sighed. “Well if you’re sure, I’ll let Peter know. I’m sure he can take you to the train station tomorrow.”

“Danke, Tante Catherine.” Jane put away the last dish. “I’ll go finish packing.”

* * *

Wednesday dawned bright and sunny, with a hint of a breeze and a promise of a beautiful autumn day. Levy bent over the tomato plants in the field, trying not to wonder where Jane was. He worked methodically, filling baskets with ripe tomatoes. He would transfer the tomatoes to crates and stack them in the cool dark basement until the Saturday market.

Jane’s absence preyed on his mind. With Eliza home, it was obvious Jane was staying away. He told his sister she was probably working at her aunt and uncle’s store.

Eliza had walked over to talk with the bishop. She also told him she wanted to visit the Troyers’ store to meet and thank Jane.

He looked up as Eliza came walking through the garden rows, carrying Mercy over one shoulder. “How did your meeting with the bishop go?”

“It went well. Better than I hoped, in fact. I told him everything that happened since I left Grand Creek.” She patted the baby’s back. “In some ways I think he was relieved to know about the circumstances around Mercy’s birth. Most importantly, he’s going to put up the possibility of my baptism to a church vote. If the decision is unanimous, I’ll start classes toward baptism.”

“Ach, that’s gut. The bishop is a fair man. I’m glad he’s working with you on this.”

“Also, I stopped by the Troyers’ store and had a talk with Catherine Troyer. She’s willing to have me work in the store if I can figure out who can take care of Mercy.”

“Won’t Jane do it? I have a feeling she’d be more than happy to continue caring for her.”

“Jane’s gone. Catherine said Peter is taking her to the train station—”

“What!” Levy jerked upright and the basket tipped over. Crimson tomatoes rolled away. “What did you say? Jane’s gone?”

“Ja. I wanted to thank her for taking care of Mercy, but Catherine said Peter had left about an hour before. I guess she’s returning to Ohio.”

Levy stood frozen, frantic thoughts racing through his mind. He felt stunned by the loss.

“Levy, what’s the matter?”

“She can’t go. She can’t.” His lips felt cold, his hands numb. The thought of not having Jane nearby made him realize just how much she meant to him. Why had he never said anything to her? Why had he left her in doubt as to his feelings? Without question she felt he’d just moved beyond needing her now that Eliza was home. “She can’t go,” he repeated in shock.

“But she’s on her way home. Levy…” Eliza reached out and touched his arm. “Are you that much in love with her?”

“Ja.” He refused to admit how close to tears he felt. “Why did she leave so quickly? Why didn’t she let me know she planned to