Becky tried to keep the tears from falling, but every now and then, one crept out of the corner of her eye, ran down her cheek, and dripped off her chin. Jah, Jacob was on the rebound. He didn’t say it, but then, he didn’t have to. He’d answered her question with a question. And she couldn’t answer him without betraying her heart. Jacob engaged the brake and hopped down from the buggy, coming around to her side before she had a chance to gather her skirts enough to turn sideways. The next thing she knew, he had lifted her down and pulled her into his arms. His strong hug felt comforting. Warm. Safe. His chest rose as he drew in a breath. “Bex, I’m sorry. Susie and I…I mean, I…um, nein. It didn’t bother me when Susie asked for a break. I planned to ask her for one, anyway, and I…well, as far as I’m concerned, Susie and I are over. And now I’m wondering whether I ever loved her. I think not. After all, would I be here courting you if I’d been in love with her? Nein, I’d be hopping on a bus back home and trying to win her back, ain’t so?”
