The Promise of Palm Grove (20 page)

I
n the three days since the accident, Zack's house had turned into a big mess. Effie's doctors had suggested she stay home from school a few days. Since she was wearing a bulky cast, everyone in the family had agreed that was a good idea. They'd also been taking turns to be with her.

Even though Zack had said it was his job.

But what was funny was that everyone in the family—Effie included—had decided that he should definitely
not
be the person to stay by her side. It seemed everyone in the Kaufmann family was smitten with Leona and believed that he needed to spend every spare moment he could with her before she returned to Ohio.

And because he also wanted to be with Leona as much as he could, he'd given in gracefully.

There were consequences to this decision, however. Many hands got involved, as well as many Kaufmanns, each with particular ways of doing things.

Which meant schedules were changed.

And only
some
of the shopping got done.

Effie now had three different people offering to help her with her math, giving her three different ways to solve her division problems. She was getting hopelessly confused but was unsure of whom to ask for help.

Everyone had also decided to take turns in the kitchen, which would have been helpful if either Violet or Karl could actually cook a decent meal.

In addition, friends and neighbors stopped by at all hours of the day. They visited with Effie, dropped off casseroles, flowers, books, and cookies. In short, the house was overflowing with good efforts.

This was a blessing. It truly was.

But the chaos brought on by good intentions was not.

“Am I ever going to find my magazines again?” Zack heard his mother mutter as he walked through the living room. His mother had an inordinate fondness for
Better Homes and Gardens
Magazine. She stacked them neatly all year long then spent much of New Year's Day cutting out the previous year's favorite articles. No one in the family could quite understand her love for this, but to each his own, they guessed.

“Last time I saw them, they were on the bottom bookshelf.”

Eagerly, she looked in that direction. When she saw nothing but a blue spiral notebook, she gave an exasperated sigh. “Those magazines aren't here now.” Placing a hand on her hip, she muttered, “They're probably making friends with my missing sewing basket and favorite serving platter. I tell you, Zack, while I love having people over, I am beginning to wish they wouldn't try to help out quite so much.”

It was a struggle to keep a straight face. His mother was as guilty as anyone about making herself at home in other people's
kitchens. “Try not to let it bother you too much, Mamm. You know what they say about many hands and all that.”

“Too many hands in this house. Every time I get home from work, someone has helpfully rearranged my things.”

“At least Effie has been enjoying herself,” he pointed out.

“That she has.” Her eyes softened. “Have you noticed how many of her classmates have come over?”

“I have. Both boys and girls.” He was tempted to add that this was something new. Effie rarely talked about her friends at school. He couldn't remember her ever having more than one or two classmates stop by over the years. “She's seemed happy to see them.”

“I noticed that as well.” She paused. “Zack, I think something happened with one of the girls in her classroom.”

“Like what?”

She lowered her voice. “A couple of my friends heard one or two girls being a little uppity with her.”

“Kids tease, Mamm.”

“I know. But, I'm starting to wonder if one of them had something to do with her falling. Have you heard anything about that?”

“Some.” He shrugged. “But I don't think her problem with a girl had anything to do with her falling. She promises that the dog was just an overactive puppy and he merely got a bit rambunctious.”

“What if someone did hurt her feelings during the party? Should we try to get to the bottom of it?”

He shrugged. “Mamm, you know how private Effie is. She's not going to come out and tell us if something is wrong. Plus, there's always a chance we could make things worse if we get involved.”

“I know. I just want her to be happy.”

Thinking about some of the rumors he'd heard of a certain boy being especially kind to Effie, Zack smiled. “I think she's doing okay, Mamm. Let's worry about her leg and not her social life for now.”

“I suppose you're right.”

“I know I am.”

Focusing on him, she blinked, as if she'd suddenly realized that he had on fresh clothes. “Where are you off to?”

“I'm going to see Leona and her girlfriends. Maybe take them out for pizza.”

Her expression fell. “She's leaving today, isn't she?”

He nodded, not really trusting his voice, though he didn't know why. There wasn't anything to say.

“What are you two going to do?”

He knew she was talking about the future. “I don't know.”

“You haven't made plans?”

“Not really. Though, what could we say? It's not like we've made any promises to each other.”

His mother looked a little taken aback. “You two seemed like you meant more to each other than you're letting on. I've noticed the way she's looked at you . . . and the way you've looked at her.”

“Mamm, like I told ya, Leona was engaged to be married when she arrived here.” He held up a hand before she got the idea that he actually wanted to talk about that with his mother. “Granted, she had already begun to have doubts about the relationship before we met. But even if she had some misgivings, I don't imagine that she'll be ready to enter a new relationship with me so soon.”

“Or, maybe, you two already have started a relationship,” his mother softly suggested.

“I don't know how to respond to that.”

“You know what I mean, Zack. The Lord has already been working through you both. He might have already decided that the two of you need to enter a relationship, whether you think that's a wise thing to do or not.”

His mother had a point, but that didn't mean he was ready to embrace a romance with Leona that she wasn't ready to have. “How about I'll let you know what happens
if
something happens between us?”

She nodded. “I think that sounds like a fine idea. Now, in the meantime, I think I'll start looking for those magazines again.”

Zack chuckled to himself as he left the house and set off for the Orange Blossom Inn. When his grandmother was alive, she used to tease his
mamm,
saying that she always had been a bit absentminded.

Her heart was in the right place, though. He knew that she also made some good points. There had to be a reason the Lord had put him and Leona in each other's paths. Perhaps he should stop putting up obstacles and simply be open to letting things happen instead.

When he got closer to the bed-and-breakfast, Zack couldn't help but compare his lonely walk to the one that had taken place three nights before, when he'd offered to slip his jacket over her shoulders and her smile had made a difficult night so much better.

He'd felt such hope that night, but for once, he had also felt selfish and possessive. He'd wanted to claim the rest of Leona's time as his own. Had wanted to tell his family that no matter how much they needed him to pick up the slack, he was going to be unavailable until Leona left.

Of course, the ironic thing had been that he hadn't needed
to make such statements. His family had been more than eager to steer him toward Leona.

And, as a matter of fact, he had spent a lot of time with her. But it had never been alone, and they'd never discussed anything serious. That had been by her design, he realized. She'd needed to retain some space between them.

When the front porch came into view, he slowed, seeing that there was a woman sitting on the front steps. Then his heart started beating a little bit faster as he realized that it was Leona.

She smiled as he approached.

“Leona,” he said. “It's
gut
to see you.”

Her brown eyes warmed. Then she gave a somewhat wistful sounding sigh. “I feel the same way.”

He almost stumbled. From the time they first met, he'd felt as if he and Leona had been destined to meet. Then, from their visit at the restaurant to Pinecraft Park to Siesta Key to that party at his house . . . he'd seen a dozen reasons why his instincts had been correct.

There was something special about this woman. But more than that, there was something special about the way he felt about her. She'd been kind to his sister, firm with her ex, and adorable with her friends.

But only now was he able to put what had been happening between them to words. Right now, with Leona gazing at him with trust and tenderness, he knew.

In her eyes was the promise of everything he'd ever wished for and the fulfillment of everything he'd always wanted.

He'd found it, the very day she was leaving him.

T
o Leona's pleasure, Zack took a seat beside her on the steps. Immediately, she smelled the clean cotton scent of his clothes, noticed again the hard lines of his jaw, felt how solid and strong—and, well, how much bigger—he was compared to her.

He resonated with confidence and assurance. Yet, there was more to him than that. Kindness tinged his actions, whether it was caring for his sister, his behavior toward her girlfriends, or the way he held her hand.

She was drawn to that kindness as much as his looks or his confidence. To her, being around a man who so easily thought of others was mesmerizing.

“How is Effie?” she asked.

“She's recovering well. Anxious to return to school.”

“I bet. Staying home in bed always sounds more fun than it is. I'm sorry I didn't have time to see her yesterday.”

They'd planned to go by the Kaufmann's house but time had gotten away from them. She, Mattie, and Sara have been so busy buying souvenirs and going to all of their favorite places one last time.

He grinned. “If you had stopped by, it was likely that you wouldn't have been able to see her. It seems everyone we know has been visiting the house. My
mamm
has even had to limit my sister's visiting hours.”

“It's nice she has so many friends.”

“
Jah
.” Still gazing at her, he said, “So, are you ready to leave?”

“Well, my things are packed. But I'm not ready to leave Pinecraft.” She also wasn't ready to leave him, but she was too shy to tell him that. “It's going to be hard to go back to Ohio.”

His expression turned strained. “I'm sure you'll miss the warm weather.”

“I will, for sure. But . . . ah, I'm going to be missing the friends I've made, too.” Throwing caution to the wind, she added, “And there's the fact that I'm going to have to deal with everything in Walnut Creek.”

“Have you talked to your mother again?”

She nodded. “I talked to her again yesterday, but we didn't talk about anything of importance.” Remembering the wary tone in her mother's voice, Leona knew she was going to be having many conversations with her mother about what she'd done. Though she never doubted her parents' love, she knew they would have something to say about how she'd handled things with Edmund. “I have a feeling she's waiting to see me face-to-face to discuss things.”

“That's for the best, I bet.”

“I suppose.” She looked down at the rubber flip-flops on her feet and felt that they were a fine symbol of everything that was about to change. Gone would be the sun and the dazzling blue skies and the warmth and the freedom. In their place would be stockings and boots and snow and gray skies. Also her parents' watchful eyes and Edmund's resentment.

Zack rested his elbows on his knees. “Leona, I want to tell you something before everyone joins us.”

“Yes?”

“I . . . I hope that you will consider staying in contact with me.”

Though she was pleased about that, his somewhat stilted statement was a bit of a disappointment. “Oh.
Jah
. Yes, of course.”

He tilted his head, staring at her intently. “Of course?”

“
Jah
.”
What to say? What to say?
“I mean, I'd like to stay in contact with you.”

“I am going to miss you. A lot.” As if embarrassed, he looked down at his feet. “Even though we haven't known each other long, I want you to know that I've developed feelings for you.”

“You have?”

“Jah.”

“Ah.”

He nodded again, this time almost looking as if he was embarrassed by his admission. “Strong feelings.” He exhaled. “I wasn't going to do this, but I can't help myself.” With a sudden, forceful movement, he reached for her hand and clasped it between his. The way he held her hand, as if he was staking a claim, made her pulse beat a little faster. And right then and there, she knew. Zack was serious about her, serious about their relationship. So much so, he didn't want to let her go.

His next words proved her suspicions to be correct. “I want to see you again. Actually, I am dreading the thought of going weeks without seeing you.”

“I've been feeling the same way,” she admitted. “But, Zack, I can't make you any promises about the future until I get my life settled.”

“I understand. But may I write and call you?”

Her gaze warmed. “You better. I would be sad if you didn't.”

“We can't have you sad.”

“Please don't make me sad, Zack.” She smiled then, because their conversation made her so happy.

And because, if she didn't share a smile with him, she was going to be tempted to do something really stupid and lean closer to him . . . just as if he was going to share a kiss with her on the front stoop in broad daylight.

The worst part about that, of course, was what she knew her reaction to that would be. She knew if he made the first move, she wouldn't turn her head away. She wouldn't get mad at him, either.

Unfortunately, she had the terrible idea that she would no doubt be glad he kissed her.

She'd probably kiss him back, too.

She wouldn't care that they were sitting on the stoop of the inn in broad daylight.

She wouldn't care what her girlfriends would say—or her mother, when she found out.

“Leona,” Zack said as he brushed his fingers down her cheek. Along the edges of her mouth. Then, as she gave a little gasp, he leaned closer.

She tilted her chin up. He was going to do it. He was going to kiss her, right there on the front porch.

She had as much control over her ability to stop what was happening between them as she had over the weather.

Just then the door opened. “Zack, you're here!” Mattie called out. “You're just in time, too! I was telling Sara that I'm starving.”

Leona jerked away as Zack practically jumped to his feet, releasing her hand like her touch burned him.

Mattie stopped, looked from Leona to Zack and back
again. Then a rosy blush stained her cheeks. “Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt.”

“It was nothing,” Leona said quickly.

“Do you want me to step back inside for a few minutes?”

Leona could only imagine how embarrassed she'd feel then! “Of course not,” she said as she got to her feet. “Let's eat.” She smiled at Mattie, then motioned for Sara to come out and join them. “I'm starving, too.”

But when they started down the sidewalk, she wondered if she was ever going to be able to eat a thing again.

T
HAT FEELING ONLY
intensified as they watched their bus pull into the parking lot a few hours later.

“It's here,” Mattie said in a particularly un-Mattie-like way.

“We should probably take our things over there,” Sara added. But for once, not even their most organized member was in a hurry to move.

Sitting beside Zack, Leona felt tears prick her eyes. For the last two hours, she'd been doing her best to hold them at bay, but now that they were only minutes from boarding the bus, crying was inevitable.

“Hey, Mattie!” Danny called out from the parking lot. He was walking with several of the men and women they'd met at the beach and at Zack's house. “We came to see you off.”

Mattie immediately got to her feet. “I'm glad you did,” she said as she grabbed Sara's hand and pulled her, along with their suitcases, toward the crowd. “You two coming?”

“We'll be there in a minute,” Zack said.

“Take your time, Leona,” Sara said as she took hold of Leona's suitcase too. “I'll give this to the driver for ya.”

“Danke.”

As soon as they were sitting alone, Zack leaned closer. “If you start crying, I won't be able to let you go,” he teased.

“Then you'd be stuck with a crying woman.”

“I think she would be more than that,” he said softly.

His sweet words were her undoing. With a sigh, she let the tears fall. “I'm going to miss you so much, Zack. I'm going to miss you and your friends and your sisters and the sun and . . . and everything.”

He chuckled. “I know you will. And I'm going to miss you just as much.” His expression turned concerned as he watched her swipe away a tear, then he pulled a worn bandanna from his back pocket and dabbed at her cheeks. “Don't cry anymore, Leona. This separation won't be forever.”

“You sound so certain.”

“That's because I am,” he said, wiping her face. “Too much changed for us to drift apart. That's not going to happen.”

Everything he said made sense. Too overcome with emotion, she simply nodded.

Leaning closer, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Don't forget, we're going to write and call and make plans.”

“I won't forget,” she replied.

“
Gut
.” With a frown, he glanced toward the parking lot. “It's time, Leona,” he said as he got to his feet. “Come now. People are boarding.”

She let him pull her to her feet, then slowly walked by his side toward the crowd surrounding the bus. “We'll talk soon, I promise. Safe travels,” he murmured before they were surrounded by their friends.

“We thought we were going to have to drag you onto that bus,” Danny teased.

“You almost did,” Leona said, summoning up a smile for
Danny and the rest of Zack's friends. “This is a hard place to leave.”

“That just means you've got to come back again soon.”

“Everyone needs to board,” the driver announced.

“Bye, Zack,” Mattie said with a smile, leading the quick, chaotic process of everyone saying goodbye to everyone else.

Then, next thing she knew, Leona was boarding the bus and trying not to cry again. This time, Mattie and Sara were sitting together, and for now, Leona sat by herself.

As the bus started up, she peered through the glass at Zack, who was standing in the outskirts of the group.

Leona noticed that he had at last let his guard down. Now that he wasn't trying to look brave, he looked just as devastated as she felt.

With effort, Leona pushed away the fresh tears that were threatening to fall. She'd promised herself that she wouldn't cry until the bus was dark and everyone was asleep.

“Leona, do you see Miss Beverly?” Sara asked.

She scanned the crowd and saw Miss Beverly standing with a couple of ladies who the girls now knew were some of her best friends.

But Beverly's gaze was settled directly on Leona, and her expression seemed almost wistful. It made Leona realize that she and her friends had been as special to Beverly as she'd become to them.

“Don't you hope you end up as great as she is?” Mattie whispered. “She's so warm and friendly, but there's an elegance about her, too.”

Leona nodded. “She is elegant. But sometimes, when she doesn't think anyone is looking, I think she looks a little melancholy, too. I wonder if she's truly happy.”

“She seems like it. Do you think maybe she's not?”

“I don't know. I simply got the impression that there was lot more to her than most people cared to see.”

“Everyone is like that, though, don't you think?” Sara asked as the bus turned down Bahia Vista. “We all try to be the person the world wants us to be. But sometimes it's too exhausting.”

Leona glanced at Sara quickly, realizing that her friend had become a champion of doing just that. Keeping everything inside while hiding so much confusion.

“It can be very tiring,” she admitted. Then, much to her dismay, she felt tears fill her eyes yet again. And because it was so, so hard to hide her sadness any longer, she turned straight ahead, closed her eyes, and let the tears slide down her face.

Leona was so grateful that Mattie and Sara pretended not to notice.