Wistful in Wisconsin

curved her lips upward as she took the bait. “Please, ask. I have plenty of free time to do whatever you need.”
Just like that, she fell into his trap. “My brother’s wife, Myra, has four children and a new baby. She’s looked mighty tired. I wish someone would go out a couple times a week to help her.”
The woman twined her hands together, holding them in front of her in an almost prayerfully manner. “Your family! I would love to get to know your family better. When could I go see her?”
“I reckon any time right after dinner. That’s the noon meal, in case you didn’t know, city girl.” His teasing had her blushing as she batted her lashes at him.
Did she know, he wondered, that it looked like her eyes were chasing away flies? He found her sincere looks and low, sensual voice more alluring. Not that he would ever tell her that.
Oh, and her scent. He would definitely never tell her that!
He strained to hear the soft words. “But, I can’t just go out with no invitation.”
That pulled a quiet laugh from him. “I didn’t know you had a shy bone in your body. Go ahead and just tell her I sent you to help.” Then he whispered conspiratorially, “She could use a friend.”
Her eyes widened at that. “Doesn’t she have childhood friends to visit her?”
Shaking his head, Fred kept his voice low as he answered her. She was using a normal voice, and he didn’t want to break the spell.
“She’s like you. Someone who came here as an adult.” He couldn’t resist voicing the question. Leaning across the desk he watched her as he asked, “Why did you return to Idyll Wood? Especially after…”
His whispered words trailed off since his mind couldn’t summon up a euphemism for what she experienced. Watching Lilah closely, he caught a quick glimpse of torment. Anguish twisted her mouth briefly. In less time than it took to snap his fingers, she had that idiotic smile back in place.
Like a spring bounced her upward, she rose from her chair in front of his desk. She chirped her goodbye, fake voice and false smile in place. Lilah seemed to run out the door, basket swaying on her arm.
She was running from what? Him or his question? He’d asked that question before. Those times he’d never referred to the horror she’d lived through. Even so, she’d never answered it.
Why had she returned? Certainly not because she was in love with him. That was all hero worship because he’d rescued her from the brothel.
On the street in front of the jailhouse, Lilah Levitt breathed deeply. Cold air tickled her lungs. Tipping her face upward, she gloried in the weak Wisconsin sunshine that touched her. She was outside, safe and living near the man she loved.
She hurried along the boardwalk, resisting the urge to hug herself with joy. Darling Fred had asked about her. His voice had been so tender and caring. Truly, he’d shown her his love quite clearly today. She lived for those little glimpses.
Lilah knew she shouldn’t rush. People might think she was running from something. After all, she’d been trained to glide with a graceful stride at Miss Pomeroy’s Academy for Young Ladies. Before her first arrival in Idyll Wood, she walked that way. But, since Fred freed her from that place—
A shudder ran through her. For the briefest of moments, she felt rough female hands pinning her down. Suddenly, her feet took control. She was running to the mercantile, looking over her shoulder as if the brothel guards had found her.
She threw open the heavy wooden door, setting the bell above it ringing. Carl Sittig looked up with rounded eyes. When he recognized her, he only shook his head and called for his wife.
“Merrilee! Come out and help Miss Levitt, please.”
He nodded once in Lilah’s direction before returning to the open ledger on the long counter. Not waiting for kind Mrs. Sittig to help her, she moved to the back of the store and searched the shelves. Mr. Sittig kept a spot for home-canned foods. She studied the blue-tinged jars, looking for just the right—
She found them! Peaches. What man could resist a peach pie?
“Exactly right! I know my Carl loves peach pie.”
Lilah jumped. Truly, she didn’t know what startled her more, the woman’s unexpected approach or that she knew Lilah’s thoughts.
Without thinking first, Lilah blurted out her question. “How did you know I was planning a peach pie?”
Merrilee Sittig’s eyes widened. “Didn’t you know you were speaking out loud?” She folded her hands in front of her waist. “I am sorry if I intruded, Miss Levitt.”
Lilah quickly reassured the other woman. “No, of course not. And, no, I didn’t realize I’d picked up that habit.”
She let out a tsk. “I’ve only lived alone for two months. What will I be like in another two if Fred doesn’t—”
Her pale skin caught fire and burned. Lilah ducked her head, clenching her small hands. “Please, forget what I said a moment ago.”
Reaching out, Merrilee looped an arm through Lilah’s. She crooned her words. Her tone carried the fear that Lilah might burst into tears. “Come with me. We’ll have a cup of tea and talk.”
Willingly, Lilah followed her. She hadn’t had any invitations since coming back to Idyll Wood. Too many people knew what had happened to her. She’d never have returned to this tiny, unfriendly town if Fred wasn’t here.
Merrilee Sittig’s overture of friendship was certainly a God send. And not just because she was a member of Fred’s family. Lilah was lonely.
Lilah followed her around the counter and up a set of stairs set in a room behind the store. At the top, Merrilee opened a door and led her into a combination kitchen and dining room. It felt