Read Online A Perfect Match by Kathleen Fuller - Free Book Online

did.”
    â€¢â€¢â€¢
    When Zeke and Naomi entered the Pantry, she saw Rose sitting at the table in the back corner of the restaurant, sipping a cup of tea and talking to her aenti Tabby.
    â€œBefore we sit down, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
    â€œSure.”
    He followed her as she went to Rose’s table. Rose smiled at her and gave Zeke a welcoming nod.
    â€œRose, this is Zeke. Chester’s cousin. From Middlefield, Ohio.”
    â€œNice to meet you,” Zeke said.
    â€œNice to meet you too. Are you enjoying your time in Paradise?”
    Zeke looked at Naomi and grinned. “Very much.”
    Against her will, Naomi’s face reddened. Hopefully Rose and her aunt didn’t notice.
    Zeke glanced over his shoulder at an empty table behind them. “Why don’t I find us a seat, Naomi?”
    As soon as he was gone, Rose’s smile widened. “You’re blushing.”
    â€œIt’s a little warm in the restaurant.” Naomi pressed her teeth against her bottom lip.
    â€œI don’t think it’s warm. Do you, Aenti ?”
    Aenti Tabby shook her head. “Not at all.”
    Rose gestured for Naomi to lean toward her. When she did, Rose said, “I approve.”
    â€œIt’s not what you think. We’re just having supper.”
    â€œIf that’s what you want to call it, fine by me.” Rose sat back. Her gaze went to Zeke, who had found a table. She nodded. “He’s waiting for you.”
    â€œBecause he’s hungry.”
    â€œWhatever you say, Naomi.” Rose smiled again, then hid it behind her menu.
    Naomi shook her head and joined Zeke at the table.
    A few seconds later the waitress, a young Englisch girl wearing several silver bangles, showed up. She pulled a pencil and pad out of the pocket of her apron. “What can I get for you two today?”
    Zeke flipped open the menu. He scanned it, then looked at the waitress. “I have no idea. What do you recommend?”
    Naomi hid her frown behind her menu as Zeke flashed the waitress a charming smile. Both she and Margaret had been on the receiving end of that same smile. The man could charm a hungry horse out of its oats. The waitress’s shy smile and pink cheeks testified to that. Now Naomi wished she had stood firm and not gone with him. She already felt like she was betraying Margaret.
    The waitress leaned over Zeke’s shoulder and pointed at the menu with the eraser end of her pencil. “If you’re really hungry, I suggest the meat loaf platter. It’s a Pantry specialty.”
    â€œThen that’s what I’ll get.” He shut the menu and handed it to the young woman. Then he looked at Naomi. “Have you decided?”
    â€œI’ll just have a piece of cherry pie. With ice cream.” She looked up to see the waitress still looking at Zeke, even though his eyes were trained on Naomi. When she didn’t respond, Naomi cleared her throat.
    â€œOh, sorry.” The young woman scribbled on her pad. “Peach pie and whipped cream. Got it.”
    â€œNo, I said cherry pie and ice cream. Two scoops.” Suddenly she was craving something sweet, and a lot of it. She handed the waitress the menu.
    â€œI’ll bring your drinks and bread out in a minute,” she said, looking at Zeke again.
    When the waitress left, Naomi glanced down at her lap, disappointed with herself. After what happened with David, she worked hard to keep jealous thoughts at bay. She’d been thrilled at Hannah’s marriage. She’d brought Chester and Priscilla together. But in the course of a few days Zeke Lapp, whom she barely knew, made her practically teem with jealousy. Lord, for give me .
    â€œNaomi? Is something wrong?”
    She looked at him, seeing the concern in his eyes. Genuine concern, which broke through her envy like a stone tossed into a still pond. “ Nee , there’s nothing wrong. I’m fine. Just ready for