Free Rebecca's Return by Jerry S. Eicher

grew, surprising John with its strength.
    “You didn’t call,” he said, hoping none of his anger was showing.
    “I know. That was thoughtless of me, but I would have had to go to the schoolhouse. Leona doesn’t have a phone shack close,” she said, sounding concerned.
    “I was worried,” he said into the darkness, a glad perverseness running through him that she cared, but hoping those feelings didn’t show either.
    “You didn’t have to be—I was taking care of the baby,” she said. “It’s hard to plan things around babies.”
    “I know,” he heard himself say, tying the rope, the lights from the house now in his eyes. “A little jumpy,” he added, allowing a chuckle.
    Rebecca approached. Coming close her fingers found John’s in the darkness. She pulled on his hand, turning him so the light played softly on his face. “You are a dear, John,” she said softly, her voice gentle. “I’m back now.”
    “Yes,” he said, letting go of her fingers. “I just had to come and see—make sure.”
    “A sure maker.” She now smiled, her voice vibrating against the side of his buggy and bouncing back. The sound seemed more alive than when it left her mouth.
    “I think so—but not a good one,” he said, trying to sound lighthearted to cover his surging feelings.
    “Why don’t you come in?” she asked him. “Catch up on the news. It’s more comfortable on the couch.”
    “Your family still up?” he asked, not certain that all the things he wanted to know could be asked in front of them.
    “Sure,” Rebecca said. “They’ve heard the story. It won’t bother them.”
    So there was nothing to do but agree. John sighed, wishing they could talk outside.
    “You were worried,” she said, finding his fingers again.
    “You didn’t see anyone else?” he blurted out, regretting the words but unable to help himself.
    Her laughter sounded softly beside him. “You are silly, John. Of course I didn’t see anyone—not how you mean.”
    “Is there someone to see?” he asked, the question bursting out.
    “Not in that way,” Rebecca said, after a slight pause.
    Her statement caused his fears to leap forward, demanding an answer. “So there was someone?”
    “Don’t you trust me?” Rebecca’s face was now in the shadows. “I really do love you.”
    John felt like stumbling, clawing the air with his hands, her question wrenching at his heart. Trust her? Yes. But blind trust? That’s what she seemed to be asking of him. Demanding that he close his eyes to his fears and simply follow her around—whatever she chose to do.
    What if she is hiding something I need to know about? The fears danced around in his head, mocking him.
    “I love you too,” he replied, trying to keep a lighthearted tone. “And trust you? Of course, I do.”
    “You sure? Another boyfriend?” Her voice didn’t sound as soft as before. “You really think I would?”
    “No,” he said, the thought seeming to shrivel away in the light of exposure. “Just checking.”
    “You didn’t have to check.” Her voice was soft again. “I like you.”
    “Oh,” John said quietly, standing at the door, not wanting to say more. Their words could now easily be heard inside.
    Rebecca stepped in front of him, reaching to open the door. As the light from the lantern on the living room ceiling caught her face, John saw the smile of welcome. The softness warmed his heart.
    “It’s John!” Mattie’s voice came from the couch. “Just as Rebecca thought. We heard the buggy coming up the driveway.”
    “Heard the news already?” Lester asked, chuckling in the recliner. “Had to get right over?”
    John nodded, then corrected himself. “I didn’t really know—that she was back. Just thought I’d stop by and see.”
    “Make yourself at home then.” Lester straightened up his recliner. “This might call for popcorn, don’t you think?”
    Popcorn was the last thing on his mind, but John didn’t feel like saying so. He wished