An Unlikely Match

a woman into anything.” Jayce fought a surge of anger, feeling insulted again.
“I believe that. I’m just letting you know these people are very chaste.” He scratched his chin. “I’m surprised she agreedto go out with you. As I said, they usually don’t date outsiders.”
“I’ll treat her with the utmost respect.” Jayce was considerate to women. Billy would be surprised to know he wasn’t the romantic conqueror most people probably assumed.
Billy smiled. “I believe that too. I just thought you should have a little background.” He put the car in gear and headedtoward the inn.
It hadn’t been all that long since Jayce had eaten, but his stomach was already growling. He wondered what the sisters hadon the menu for tonight.
*  *  *
Esther finished glazing the ham and put it in the oven to keep warm, along with a pot of twice-baked potatoes and pinto beans.The salad was made and in the refrigerator. Two loaves of freshly baked bread sat on the counter. She’d prepared enough forten people—the six guests, she and Lizzie, and extra in case anyone changed their mind about dining with them. The young man,Jayce, could put away a lot of food. She loved watching people enjoy a meal. It was her reward for the effort and a reminderof the many ways the Lord provided for them.
She was pleased when Quinn and three gentlemen entered the dining room. Hal, Giovanni, and Jesse, if she remembered theirnames correctly. She suggested everyone be seated while she and Lizzie finished setting the table. Naomi had walked over earlierin the day to help, but Esther assured her that she and Lizzie could finish up.
They needed to hire a new girl who could manage most of the cooking and cleaning. Naomi still helped when she could, but now that she was married and pregnant with twins, her time was mostly devoted to running her own household, as it should be.
Esther was still getting used to the sound of the generators running on the motor homes. She was surprised Gus hadn’t returnedto complain some more. As she placed the ham in the middle of the table, Mr. Clarkson entered the room. Everyone seemed tosit a little taller. He greeted Lizzie and Esther, then the group fell into a conversation about their plans for tomorrow.If she’d heard correctly, they were going to Bluespring Caverns for part of the day.
Jayce came into the room, smiling, until he saw his father. His expression fell and he took the seat farthest away from Mr. Clarkson.Esther’s heart hurt for the poor boy. He’d boldly taken on Gus, which no one ever did except Lizzie. Jayce had actually gottenGus to leave. Lizzie only fired up an already smoldering situation when she confronted their renter. No good ever came fromencounters between the two.
“I believe that’s everything,” Esther said as she placed a loaf of warm bread on the table. She and Lizzie had already decidedthey would eat in the kitchen. Occasionally they joined their guests for a meal, but only by request. This group barely noticedwhen they left the room—only Quinn threw a quick thank-you after them.
“See, it’s not so bad,” Lizzie said as she bowed her head. After they prayed silently, she began to cut her ham. They’d eachmade a plate to leave in the kitchen before setting out the meal for their guests. “They’re nice enough.”
“There’s just so many of them.” Esther glanced out the window. “And I must admit, the generators are rather loud. I’m surprised Gus hasn’t come back over.”
Lizzie chuckled. “He’s probably afraid of that boy.”
Esther wasn’t sure Gus was afraid of anything, but he had clearly backed down when Jayce confronted him.
“And that boy is right.” Lizzie gave a taut nod of her head. “We shouldn’t let him talk to us that way.”
Esther frowned. “You are as forthright as Gus when it comes to the two of you arguing, minus the terrible language.”
“He starts it,” Lizzie said, rolling her lip under.
Esther sighed. It wasn’t true. Lizzie sometimes instigated the run-ins with Gus. But she was too tired to argue.
They both looked up when they heard footsteps.
“Got room for one more?” Jayce stood in the kitchen holding his plate.
“Ya, ya.” Esther nodded to the two empty chairs at the kitchen table, wondering if he left the others because of his father.
Lizzie instantly resembled a lovestruck teenager as she batted her eyes at Jayce, asking if she could get him anything. Esthercouldn’t help but look away and roll her eyes. If Lizzie knew how silly she looked, perhaps she’d act her age. But anyonewho stood up to Grumpy Gus Owens was a hero in Lizzie’s book.
“Nah, I don’t need anything,” he said as he slipped into the chair across from Esther, with Lizzie sitting between them. “Ijust didn’t want to listen to the plans for tomorrow anymore. I’m terrified enough.”
Esther and Lizzie exchanged glances, then waited for him to explain.
“I don’t like enclosed spaces,” he finally said. “I didn’t realize until Evelyn told me that this particular cave is only accessible by boat.” He sighed. “Meaning I can’t run out if I need to.”
“Evelyn?” Esther asked, ignoring his concerns about the cave. They only had one Evelyn in their community, but the name wasalso common to the English. “Is that someone in your group?”
“No.” Jayce took a sip of tea before he continued. “When I left earlier, I needed some air and to get away from my dad. SoI took off walking. A woman’s horse had stepped on a piece of glass, so I helped her. Her name was Evelyn.” He grinned. “Thewoman, that is. The horse was Millie.” Pausing, he focused on Esther. “I’m really sorry about my behavior today. I just couldn’tstand to see that man speak to you that way. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
Lizzie was beaming, flashing her pearly white dentures. She was clearly smitten with this young lad. It was almost embarrassing.
“I’ve waited a long time for someone”—she glared briefly at Esther—“someone besides me to stand up to that grumpy old man.”
Esther was more curious about