Sweeping across the floor, she pulled her mother’s needing hands from the dough and wrapped her arms tightly around her. The press of her bones through her gown silently confessed that her mother was not taking care of herself.
Blinking back her own tears, Larissa found the basket of eggs and lit the stove. “Let me help with the morning meal while we catch up. I’m sure there’s plenty of happy news to discuss. How is Adam’s new wife?”
Larissa busied herself at the cook stove while Gracie chattered about Annalise and Adam’s marriage, their expected son, and how well Annalise was adapting to Amish life. Her mother set the dough to rise in the covered trough but didn’t contribute much to the conversation.
Larissa was overjoyed at the thought of having a nephew. Gracie was certain the baby was a male. She imagined he would have silver-blue eyes just like Adam.
They broke their fast while chatting about the chilly weather, the price of fabric, and, again, what items they could make for Adam’s son. Annalise wasn’t expected to deliver until early spring, so Larissa had plenty of time to stitch something special.
Her mother barely touched her food, though she did manage a few meager bites. Larissa could only console her worry by reminding herself that had she not prepared breakfast, her mother might not have eaten at all.
“Tell me about Bishop King,” her mother requested, her gaze downcast as if to avoid making an unnecessary assumption.
Larissa’s chest warmed at the thought of her mate, but before she could announce her news, Gracie blurted, “Ugh, must we speak of that old codger?”
“Grace!”
At Larissa’s sharp reprimand, her sister shrugged. “What? You know he’s an old goat.”
“Eleazar is not an old goat!”
“Eleazar? If he hears you call him by his Christian name—and I have no doubt that old fossil can hear an acorn fall from a million miles away—you will find yourself in trouble.”
“Stop that, Gracie! You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Wow, he must have chastised you at some length when he found you.”
“He did not chastise me!”
Gracie fought a smirk and held her hands up in surrender. “My apologies. I had no idea you were so fond of antiques.”
“For someone so fearful of him overhearing, you sure have a loose tongue,” Larissa snapped. “Do be quiet.”
Her sister cocked her head, and Larissa sensed the delicate brush of her mind trying to intrude on her thoughts, which she only met with a scowl.
“What’s gotten into you? He’s a grumpy old rooster. Since when do you care what we say about him?”
“He is not as grumpy as everyone thinks. And stop trying to read my thoughts.”
“Something’s different,” Gracie finally said. “You’re different.”
Her mother also studied her. Their twin stares caused Larissa to fidget with uncertainty.
“Larissa, where is Silus?” her mother asked.
She screwed her lips together then mumbled, “The Council has agreed to give me an annulment.”
“I see,” her mother said as Gracie drew back in shock.
“No…” Her sister shook her head. “Who is it?”
Her news, after all the name calling, no longer carried the same level of excitement. “What does it matter so long as I’m rid of Silus.”
Her mother reached for her hand. “So, it’s true then? Your father has claimed as much, but I didn’t believe him. Have you been called?”
She couldn’t deny her smile. “Yes. I’m bonded.”
Her mother’s smile was perhaps the greatest mating gift anyone could have offered. “I’m so very happy for you, Larissa.”
“Wait. Who is it?” Gracie demanded.
Apparently, Larissa was getting very good at hiding her thoughts. She smirked. “It’s the bishop.”
She laughed as her sister’s jaw appeared to unhinge. She sputtered and, for once, words failed her.
“Are you happy?” her mother asked.
She met her curious stare with a genuine smile. “I’m very, very happy.”
“Then I’m happy for you.”
Gracie finally recovered. “Why can I not have one fun brother-in-law?”
“Grace, hush,” Abilene chided. “I imagine he’s quite different when you two are alone.”
Blood rushed to her cheeks. “He is. He’s decent and honorable. I know he can be rigid, but he protects me. He’s gentle and kind when I need him to be.”
Gracie frowned. “He must be overbearing and difficult. “
“He’s complex, but I find him refreshingly flexible in a way Silus never was. Eleazar cares about my comforts and wants to see me happy.” Hearing herself come to his defense only proved how much she had come to care for him in such a short time. “We make sense together. He’s helping me repair my confidence.”
It needed no explanation that her marriage to Silus had changed her in ways that were not good. Like a beaten down dog, she had learned to cower and hide quietly rather than make any sort of fuss. Eleazar didn’t want a silent mate. He wanted to hear her voice and know every desire.