A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston Page A

really sad. I think she’s carrying around some regret and unresolved feelings for you too.”
    He raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “You actually feel sorry for her? Are you serious, Beth Anne? She left me. Don’t you remember how it happened? We had plans.” He gestured around the kitchen. “I built this house for us. We were supposed to live here together and raise a family, but she left me. She went to Indiana to move in with her boyfriend and become a nurse.” His eyes narrowed to slits as anger boiled through his veins. “How could you feel sorry for her when
she
was the one who ruined it all?”
    “I didn’t say I felt sorry for her.” Beth Anne held her hands up in defense. “I’m just saying I think she needs to talk to you too.”
    He couldn’t stop the questions that bubbled up to his lips. “What did she say to you?”
    “Not much. I do know she’s not married, and she didn’t finish nursing school because she ran out of money. She’s sharing an apartment with Abby and working in a pediatrician’s office.”
    “Did she ask about me?” He wished he could take the question back after he asked it. Baring his soul made him uncomfortable.
    “No, but I think she wanted to.”
    “She wanted to, ya?” He snorted with sarcasm. “Just like she wanted to marry me and have a family. It’s all false. She’s a liar.” Leaning over, he plucked the fork from the floor and then grabbed the empty plates from the table. “It’s getting late. I’m sure Paul and the
kinner
are expecting you home.
Danki
for the
appeditlich
pie.”
    He carried the dishes and utensils to the sink, and she followed with the remaining pie and mugs.
    “I didn’t mean to upset you,” she said while he washed the dishes and set them in the drain. “I just want you to be
froh.”
    “I am happy. I have a job I love and my own little house. What more could I want?”
    “Someone to love who loves you in return. It’s what we all want.” She touched his arm. “I think you’ll find that once you let your feelings for Miriam go. Talk to her and let her explain why she left. Then you can concentrate on building a life with Naomi.”
    Timothy blew out a deep sigh. He knew his sister wasn’t going to drop it until he agreed. “Fine. I will.”
    “Danki.”
She gave him a quick hug. “I best get home. Will I see you at the funeral Thursday?”
    Facing her, he leaned against the counter and wiped his hands on a rag. “Ya. Naomi asked me to go with her.”
    “Gut.”
Beth Anne followed him to the door. “Maybe you and Miriam can chat there.”
    He pursed his lips. “I don’t think her mother’s funeral is an appropriate place to discuss our broken relationship.”
    Beth Anne nodded. “You’re right. Perhaps you can go visit her at her
aenti’s
and speak alone.”
    He frowned. “Don’t push it. I said I would talk to her, but I’m not going to make any promises about when or where.”
    “Fair enough.” Beth Anne smiled. “See you later.”
    “Gut nacht.”
He watched her hurry down to her buggy, and then he closed the door.
    Timothy returned to his easy chair but couldn’t concentrate on his devotions. Instead, his mind was flooded with thoughts of Miriam and Beth Anne’s insistence that he needed to speak with her in order to let go of the past. The idea seemed utterly preposterous, but then why did he find himself considering it?
    After a quick shower, Timothy climbed into bed and stared at the ceiling. He knew Beth Anne was correct when she said he was stringing Naomi along, but he couldn’t bring himself to make a commitment to her. Whenever he considered broaching the subject of their future, the words would remain lodged in his throat. Perhaps Beth Anne was on to something.
    Groaning, Timothy rolled onto his side. He didn’t want to go down this road with Miriam. Talking to her would bring back so much —good and bad. He couldn’t help but remember what she looked like —her deep brown eyes, her long