Chapter 33

He'd come over again.

Standing next to the window of her living room, Tabitha watched Seth take a bag of salt from the back of his truck and sprinkle it on her walkway. It was December now and the weather reflected it. Last night they'd gotten a light layer of snow and ice. The sugar maple's branches glistened in the afternoon sun, and the worn cement path leading up to the door fairly gleamed. It was treacherous to walk on, though—especially for someone with a cast on her arm.

Ever since she'd gotten home from the hospital, Tabitha's life had felt different. Gone was the constant grip of fear that surrounded her. In its place was a sense of peace. Leon was in jail awaiting trial and therefore no longer a threat. Ironically, his latest attack had seemed to remove the last bits of reticence from the community. Tabitha supposed, if she had a mind to do it, she could possibly become Amish again. Sure, it would involve a lot of conversations with the bishop and a lot of prayers, but it could happen.

She didn't think she'd be able to do that, though. As much as she loved the Lord and found many, many things about the Amish way of life comforting, there were too many bad memories of striving to be Leon's gut frau mixed in. It was better for her to move on.

Tabitha liked to think the Lord was okay with her decision too. She was closer than ever to her family. Why, Mary, Roy, and the boys had even come over for supper the other night. Melonie and her parents had stopped over as well. And then there was Seth, who seemed determined to follow through on his promise of loving her enough for the both of them.

Still watching him from the window, Tabitha smiled. No matter how busy he was, he stopped by to see her at least once a day. Sometimes they shared a meal. Sometimes they sat in front of the fire and chatted. And every so often, he helped her climb into his truck and they went for a drive. Once they even went to St. Louis so she could see her baskets displayed in a fancy shop. That had been incredible.

But then, so was Seth.

Tired of being so far from him, she opened the door and stepped out. "Seth, come on in!"

He turned to her. Then scowled. "Tabitha, get inside. You don't even have shoes on your feet."

"They're fine. I have on socks."

"They're not fine. You could slip. I'll be in as soon as I'm done."

"Soon?"

His expression softened. "Soon."

Needing something to do, she added, "I'll make coffee."

"Sounds good."

Pleased to have a job, she hurried back inside and started a new pot on the stove. Then she heated up some drop biscuits she'd made early that morning and pulled out jam too.

When Seth came inside a little while later, bringing with him the slight scent of snow and evergreens, butterflies flitted in her stomach. No longer worried about her reaction to him, Tabitha appreciated every sign. It was as if her body had believed in their love before her heart or mind had.

"What's that smile for?" he asked.

"I'm just glad to see you."

He pulled her into his arms. "I like seeing you watching me out the window." He winked. "It reminds me of old times."

She supposed it did, though her actions then had been more those of a scared rabbit than those of the woman she was now. "I couldn't help myself."

"No?"

"No." She smiled, telling him that at long last, she was sure of her heart. "I love you, Seth Zimmerman."

Warmth filled his gaze as he ran a hand along her cheek. "Does this mean you'll marry me?"

"Seth! Are you being serious?"

Looking put upon, he stepped back. "I suppose I should do this right, hmm?"

She gaped as he reached in his jeans pocket, pulled out a small cloth bag, and got down on one knee. "Seth?"

"Tabitha Yoder, I've loved you for years. Ever since we were both teenagers. Even when we were both Amish. And then not Amish. I loved you even when you were afraid and I didn't think I was good enough."

"Even when I was too afraid to speak to you?"

He nodded. "Even then." Carefully, he opened the pouch in his hands and pulled out a ring. A white gold band with one perfect diamond. He held it out toward her. "Please say yes."

"You ... where did you get this?"

"I bought it, honey."

Still stunned, she shook her head. "I mean, when? How come it was in your pocket?"

"I've been carrying it around for two weeks, Tabby."

"Really?" It was hard to imagine.

"Yep." Looking right proud of himself, he smirked. "I've been holding it for you since that day we talked in the hospital."

"You should have said something."

"I didn't mind waiting. I knew one day the time would be right." Studying her face, he murmured, "This seems like the perfect moment."

She looked down at him, feeling the way his lovely, lovely words affected her. "I ... I guess it is."

"So what do you say?"

She laughed. "Yes. Yes, of course! But you have to stand up to give the ring to me. With my wrist, I'm afraid to join you down there on my knees."

With a look of triumph Seth rose to his feet, reached for her left hand, and then slid the ring onto her fourth finger. It looked perfect.

Gazing down at the glistening diamond gracing her hand, she murmured, "I never thought I'd ever wear a ring, but I like how it feels."

"I like how it looks on you."

"I won't ever take it off." She wrapped her good arm around him and kissed him with all her heart.

Seth held her close, telling her how pleased he was without words. When they finally broke apart, Tabitha had to lean against him to catch her breath.

It seemed Seth Zimmerman had taken her breath away.

Yet again.