The Hope of Eden

Unexpected Curiosity

1921
Lynchburg, Virginia

She could only nod.

The warmth of his smile startled her.

Dr. Slater was such an oddity.

But he was not a predator.

"Excellent," He sounded. "Go ahead of me to the living room. I will bring everything to you."

She swallowed her unsettling nerves and nodded again.

Words were lost.

He didn't seem to mind.

More reasons to consider him odd.

As Eden walked ahead of him down the stairs, Carmen smiled to himself.

Such a turn of events.

A confession he didn't think would come.

It was heartbreaking and infuriating at once.

An absent father for Rosalie and an abusive figure called Father, whose true identity was yet to be revealed.

He didn't want to be inquisitive.

He didn't want to pry.

But it was a concerning matter.

Still, he glorified God for their freedom from those men. He prayed they would never have to go back.

"Ms. Eden," He called from the kitchen. "Please, don't get up," He added upon hearing her move. "Will you need a blanket?"

Before she could respond, he tsked.

"I do believe you will, but it will be wise of me to start the fireplace," He figured.

"O-okay, thank you."

As he was the only one but God who could read his thoughts, he confessed to finding delight in Eden's voice.

Even in trepidation, her voice was settling.

He imagined her voice to be that of a doe if one could speak.

Soft, gentle, but with a quiet strength.

She wasn't brash, defensive, or mean-spirited as a woman with her past could be.

Her skepticism was warranted, but she was never rude about him.

He recognized her kindness wasn't a fearful thing, but a hesitant respect she had for him.

He hoped one day it would turn to more than respect as her employer, but as a man who'd proved himself worthy.

"Will ich?" (Am I wanting?)

He shook his head shamefully.

Was he to blame himself for the respectful attraction he had for Eden?

It was natural.

And nothing would come out of it.

"Forgive me for taking my time," He announced as he walked into the living room where Eden sat gripping a pillow. "I will get to it,"

He sat beside the fireplace and opened the cupboard with his supplies.

As he worked on the fire, he could feel Eden's gaze on his back.

Something like pride and hope grew inside him.

Things could progress if only she didn't look at his face. She didn't seem to mind his back.

A chuckle left him and he cleared his throat.

"Dr. Slater," Eden murmured.

He hummed, forcing himself to stay facing the fireplace.