Shelley Shepard Gray - The Protector: Families of Honor, Book Two

THE PROTECTOR

Families of Honor, Book Two

Shelley Shepard Gray

This book is dedicated with much appreciation to librarians. Thank you for what you do. For people like me, who love to read, a world without a library would be a very lonely place.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1 ( NIV )

Share your joys with others. It takes two to be glad.

Amish Proverb

Contents

Nine years ago

C ome on, Ella, Corrine said, grabbing her mitten-covered hand. If you walk much slower, were going to be the last to arrive.

That wouldnt be a bad thing, Ella murmured, though she clasped Corinnes hand and obediently followed her friend down the rocky incline toward Loyal Weavers house. Maybe we dont even need to go?

Corrine looked at her like shed just sprouted two heads. Of course we do! Loyal invited everyone over for his birthday. It would be rude not to show up.

Ella pushed the center of her glasses back up on the bridge of her nose and picked up her pace. Do you really think he meant everyone? she asked uncertainly. Maybe he didnt really mean that.

After all, through all their years together in school, Loyal had never gone out of his way to be her friend.

Of course he did. Corrine squeezed her hand. Come on, Ella, dont be so worried. It will be fun. You need to relax and smile more.

The Weavers house was now in view, its white two-story frame looking tall and majestic on the hill in front of them. Scattered across the snowy front lawn were dozens of kids. It looked like Corrine had been exactly right. No one from their school had decided to miss the party.

But that was how it was with Loyal Weaver, she mused. He was the most handsome boy in her grademaybe even in their school. But what was even more special than his looks was his attitude. Loyal was perpetually happy and chatty. He befriended everyone. It was rare to see him ever standing by himself.

Unlike her.

That had to be what happened when you were an only child, Ella mused. Her parents were naturally reticent and quiet. She was, too. But added to that was the feeling that she was never going to completely fit in like everyone else did. She wasnt super slim. She had glasses. And she had plain-old brown hair and brown eyes. In short, she was the complete opposite of smiling, golden-haired, blue-eyed Loyal Weaver.

Perhaps that was why she seemed to be the only person in their schoolhouse who didnt jump at the opportunity to visit him. They had nothing to say to each other.

Oh, theres Paul! And Mattie! And Peter, too. Dropping Ellas hand, Corrine quickened her pace. Do you think Peter will want to talk to me today?

Im sure he will. Corrine was pretty and sweet and had her own share of admirers. Ella smiled. I bet hell walk up to you first thing.

Maybe. Raising her voice, she called out, Hi, everyone. Sorry were late. Have we missed much?

Mattie ran up to meet them, followed by Peter and Loyal and four others.

All youve missed is Mrs. Weaver passing out hot cider and cookies.

Oh, Im sorry about that, Corrine smiled at Loyal. Your mamm is a wonderful- gut cook.

Theres plenty of treats inside, Corrine, Loyal said. Go on inside and help yourself. He grinned. But first, Im afraid youre gonna have to get by Peter. Hes been standing here like an oak, waiting for you to appear.

The other kids laughed. Beside her Corrine blushed, then was wrapped up in the circle of the group, everyone walking in unison to the house.

Ella slowed. Not a person had acknowledged her. Or said hello. Or was even waiting on her. As usual, it was like shed never even existed.

Suddenly, she knew she couldnt do it. She couldnt walk into the Weavers home and sip cider and pretend everyone there wasnt ignoring her. She didnt want to stand off to the side, smiling awkwardly, hoping no one would notice how she didnt have her own group of friends.

But most of all, she didnt want to look at Loyal Weaver and chance that hed see her watching him. Thinking how cute he was, how lucky the girl he chose to court would be. Even after all this time, it didnt even seem like he knew she existed.

She stopped, half waited for someone to call her name. Then, realized she was standing there by herself. Forgotten again.

There was only one thing to do. Ella Hostetler turned around and walked away.

N o matter how hard she tried, Ella Hostetler found it almost impossible to look away from the white canvas tent that covered the majority of her front yard.

She swallowed. Oh, it wasnt even her yard anymore. It, along with the house, barn, and most of the possessions inside, belonged to other people.

Now she had practically nothing.

Ella, please dont stand and stare any longer. Watching you makes my heart break, Corrine said, her voice turning more troubled by the second. Ach , but I knew I should have made you come over to my house today.

Corrine was a good friend. Her best friend in the world, next to Dorothy. But even good friends couldnt make difficult things go away. I had to be here, Ella said. Someone had to stay in case anyone bidding had a question. She tried to smile. And its not like there was anyone else to take my place.

Pure dismay entered Corrines eyes. Oh, but youve had such a time of it. First your father passed away, then you had to nurse your mother before she passed on, tooall while taking care of the house. All by yourself.

I am an only child, Corrine.

I know. But sometimes, I just feel so bad for you, having to sell everything.

Privately, Ella felt bad for herself, too. But hearing the doom and gloom in her girlfriends voice pushed her to try to sound positive. It will be a relief to not have so much to take care of, Ella said, almost believing it to be true. And the money earned today will guarantee my future.

Oh, Ella. You sound like you will never marry. You will.

Maybe. Or maybe not. Perhaps Ill just be like Dorothy. She seems to be doing fine on her own.

Something flickered in her best friends eyes. Was it distaste? Or distrust? You are not like Dorothy. Ive never met a crustier woman.

Shes not so bad.

Shes difficult and bitter. I wish you could have found a different person to move next to.

The other half of her duplex was empty. Plus, shes excited for me to live there. Were going to work together at the library, you know.

I know. Corrine pursed her lips. I just cant help but feel that youre about to lock yourself away from everyone all over again, Ella. You should be making plans to see more people. To laugh a little. Not work and live next to Dorothy Zook.

A burst of the auctioneers gavel sang through the air, preventing Ella from responding.

Casting another worried look her way, Corrine looped her arm through Ellas and pulled. Come on. Lets go sit down.

Though Ella let herself be led away from the crowd, she couldnt help but look over her shoulder. She could feel the knot in her throat expanding, making it almost too hard to continue talking. I... had no idea I had so many things.

We all have more than we need, jah ?

Ella flinched. Corrines words were true... to a point. Shed known auctioning off her familys farm would be difficult. But this was so much more than that.

First her land and the buildings on it had been bought. And now so many others were picking and choosing through what remained of her parents lives... putting a value on items that to her mother had been priceless.