by Amy Clipston
“Ya, that’s right. He said his daed is from here, but his mamm is from Maryland. After his parents married, they moved to Maryland to be by her family.” Janie began drying another dish. “He came to spend some time with his grandparents. He said he loves coming here and working since they don’t have much contact with tourists in Maryland.” She considered sharing the story about his ex-girlfriend, but she felt it wasn’t her place to share something so personal.
Mamm studied her for a moment. “Did I hear you say you took a romantic buggy ride with him?”
The tips of Janie’s ears blazed with embarrassment. “We did. He took me on the route where he used to take the tourists. He’s very respectful and friendly. I want you to meet him.”
“When is he going back to Maryland?” Mamm frowned.
“In late November.” Janie placed the dish on the counter and grabbed a handful of utensils to dry.
“You know you shouldn’t get attached to him, Janie.” Mamm’s voice held a hint of warning. “He’s already planning to go back to Maryland, and you don’t know when you’ll see him again.”
“But what if he decides to stay?” Marie suddenly chimed in. “He may fall in love with Janie and decide to stay here. He could build a haus near his grandparents and ask Janie to marry him.”
Janie’s pulse fluttered at the thought, but her mother’s skeptical look brought her back to reality.
“I think you should take it one step at a time,” Mamm said gently. “Jonathan might decide to stay, but you should prepare yourself in case he doesn’t. Just enjoy being his freind for now and see what the future brings.”
“Ya.” Janie nodded. “I’d like to have him over for supper one night so you all can meet him. He already said he’d like to come sometime.”
Mamm began to sweep the kitchen floor. “Ya, we’ll see. Maybe when things slow down some at the shop. You know orders at the shop pick up again during the harvest season. Between that and the farm, your dat is very busy right now. Maybe in a couple of weeks we can have him over.”
“All right.” Janie couldn’t wait for her family to meet Jonathan, but her mother’s warning echoed in the back of her mind. Would Jonathan return to Maryland and forget all about her?
The next two weeks flew by as quickly as the autumn leaves blew from the trees. Janie and Jonathan ate lunch together every day and discussed everything from the cooler temperatures to their favorite foods. When Janie finally invited him over for supper, he accepted her invitation, and she almost jumped with joy.
Janie rushed home from work on Wednesday evening during the last week in September. The day had finally come for Jonathan to come over, and excitement skittered through her as she fluttered around the kitchen.
Marie appeared in the doorway. “Need some help?”
“Ya,” Janie said as she mixed the meat loaf. “Would you please set the table and then mix up the brownies?”
“Ya,” Marie said with a grin. “You’re awfully naerfich. You really like him, don’t you?”
“You already know the answer to that question.” Janie frowned. “I just hope Dat likes him.”
“What are you worried about? The age difference?”
Janie nodded and looked down at the meat-loaf mix. “I’m worried he won’t approve and won’t let me date Jonathan. He’s the first man who has ever shown an interest in me, and I’ll just be devastated if Dat doesn’t approve.”
Marie placed her hand on Janie’s shoulder. “Have faith that it will work out well tonight.”
“Danki.” Janie prayed Marie was right.
At six o’clock, the warm aromas of meat loaf and brownies permeated the kitchen and the table was set. Janie smoothed her hands down her favorite green dress and black apron and touched her prayer covering, hoping it was straight.
“You look schee,” Marie whispered. “Everything will be fine.”
“Danki,” Janie whispered in return as she stared out the window above the kitchen sink and watched for Jonathan’s driver.
When the crunch of tires sounded on the rock driveway, Janie’s stomach lurched. A combination of joy and anxiety rioted inside of her.
“I think he’s here,” Mamm said, entering the kitchen from the family room. “What can I do to help?”
“We’re all set,” Marie announced. “Janie is very naerfich.”
“No, I’m not,” Janie said, clearly fibbing. “I’m fine. Where’s Dat?”
“He’s in the barn. Do you want me to go get him?” Marie offered.
“He’ll come in when he hears the car,” Mamm said, patting Janie’s shoulder. “Relax, mei liewe. Dinner will be appeditlich. Your meat loaf is always wunderbaar.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Janie turned to face her mother. “What if you and Dat don’t like Jonathan?”
Mamm touched Janie’s cheek. “If you like him, then we will like him too.”
Janie turned her attention back to the window and saw Jonathan climbing from the burgundy van. He looked handsome clad in clean black trousers, a tan shirt, and black suspenders. He said something to his driver and then waved as the van drove away.
Janie held her breath as her father appeared from the barn and walked over to Jonathan. When they both smiled, Janie’s shoulders relaxed and a smile spread across her face. Mamm and Marie are right; everything is going to be fine.
After talking for a few minutes, Jonathan and Dat walked up the short path toward the house. Janie crossed the kitchen to the doorway leading to the mudroom. The back door opened, and Dat stepped into the mudroom with Jonathan close behind him.
“Hi, Jonathan,” Janie said, her voice a little higher and more excited than she’d hoped.
Jonathan gave her a breathtaking smile, and her heart raced. “Hi, Janie.”
Her father washed his hands at the sink as Jonathan stepped into the kitchen.
“Mamm, Marie, this is Jonathan.” Janie gestured between Jonathan and her sister and mother.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Mamm said. “I’m Sylvia, and I see you’ve met Timothy. Please have a seat.”
“We’re so froh you could come today,” Marie said. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”
Janie swallowed a gasp.
“Danki.” Jonathan met Janie’s stare. “I’m glad to meet you all too. Where would you like me to sit?”
“Sit here,” Marie said, putting her hand on the back of a chair. “You’ll be next to Janie.”
Jonathan sat down on the chair, and Dat sat to his right at the head of the table.
“So,” Dat began, “what kind of business do you have in Maryland?”
“I’m a carpenter,” Jonathan said. “I work with mei dat and bruder making furniture. We fill a lot of custom orders for bedroom suites and dining room sets.”
“Oh.” Dat nodded and fingered his beard. “So you’re only here to visit your grandparents?”
“That’s right,” Jonathan said, running his finger over the gray tablecloth.
“How long are you planning to stay?” Dat asked.
While Dat and Jonathan got acquainted, Janie, Marie, and Mamm began placing the platters and bowls of food on the table. Once the meal was delivered, they took their seats and bowed their heads in silent prayer.
After the prayer the sound of utensils scraping the dishes overtook the kitchen. They filled their plates with meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
“Everything smells appeditlich,” Jonathan said, dropping a spoonful of mashed potatoes onto his plate.
“Janie did the cooking,” Marie announced. “I helped a little.”
Janie gave Jonathan a shy smile. “It wasn’t difficult. Meat loaf is easy to make.”
“How do you like working at Lancaster Buggy Rides and Souvenirs?” Marie asked.
“I like it,” Jonathan said. “I miss giving the buggy rides, but I enjoy working in the stables. I love visiting Lancaster.” Then he took a bite of meat loaf.
“Is it much differ
ent from where you live in Maryland?” Mamm asked.
Jonathan nodded and swallowed. “We’re more conservative in Maryland and don’t have much contact with Englishers.”
All through supper, Janie’s parents and sister peppered Jonathan with questions, continuing as they ate brownies and drank coffee. But Jonathan didn’t seem to mind sharing stories about his life in Maryland.
Once they finished dessert, Janie carried mugs to the sink and Marie collected the rest of the dishes. Now Dat was talking to Jonathan about his work at Bird-in-Hand Builders too.
Mamm stepped over to the counter and touched Janie’s arm. “Marie and I will clean up. Why don’t you go sit on the porch with Jonathan?”
Janie glanced over her shoulder to where Dat was telling Jonathan about his business. Jonathan nodded politely as if he was hanging on his every word.
“Save him,” Mamm said with a smile. “I’m sure he’d rather talk to you than hear your dat talk about our store.”
“Go on,” Marie chimed in as she filled the sink with frothy water. “We’ll handle this. Go enjoy your guest until his driver comes to pick him up.”
Janie smiled. “Danki.” She stepped over toward Jonathan and he gave her a sideways glance as her father continued talking about the items they created and sold at the store. He was detailing the wishing wells, planters, swings, lighthouses, and other lawn ornaments. When Dat paused to take a breath, she grabbed the opportunity to jump in.
“Jonathan,” she began, “would you like to sit on the porch and talk while you wait for your driver to come for you?”
“That would be nice.” Jonathan looked at her father as if awaiting his permission.
Dat nodded. “That’s a gut idea. Go and enjoy the night. I don’t think it’s too cold out there yet, but the cold weather is coming soon.”
Jonathan stood. “Danki for supper. I had a great time.”
After saying good-bye, Jonathan followed Janie into the mudroom, where he retrieved his hat and jacket, and she grabbed her wrap.
“Do you need to call your driver?” Janie asked as they stepped onto the back porch. She hugged her wrap around her.
“Ya, I do.” Jonathan jammed his thumb toward the small shed next to the barn. “Is that your phone shanty?”
“Ya,” Janie said. “Go right ahead and use it.”
As Jonathan hustled down the porch steps, Janie sank onto the porch swing and glanced up at the sunset, which sent streaks of yellow, orange, purple, and pink across the sky. She hugged her wrap closer and smiled, recalling how Jonathan had fit in with her family during supper. Her parents and sister seemed to like him, and her heart warmed at the thought.
Jonathan’s footsteps startled Janie back to the present.
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said as he crossed the porch. “You looked as if you were lost in thought.”
“It’s fine.” She scooted to the other side of the swing and patted the bench beside her. “Have a seat.” Looking up at his face, she saw the gash on his forehead was healing and barely noticeable.
“Thanks.” He sank down beside her, his long legs stretched out in front of him. “Your family is great.”
“Danki.” She gave the swing a little push, and it gently moved them back and forth. “I think they liked you.”
“I hope so.” He turned toward her. “I just have a question for you.”
“What’s that?”
“Your mamm’s hair is light brown, and your dat and schweschder are brunettes.” A smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Where did you get that schee hair of yours?”
Janie’s cheeks heated as his warm eyes remained focused on her. “Mei mamm told me her mammi had red hair. She thinks I inherited it from her.”
He looked up at the sky. “Your hair reminds me of the sunset.” He pointed. “See that orange there? That’s almost the same color.”
Janie gaped. No one had ever described her hair that way. “Danki,” she said softly, marveling inside at the unexpected compliment.
“That was what I thought the first time I saw you.” His fingers brushed her shoulders, sending chills dancing up her spine as he rested his arm on the back of the swing. “I immediately thought your hair was the color of a sunset. I’d never seen a maedel with hair like yours. It’s unique and schee.”
“Danki,” she repeated, not knowing what else to say.
“September is flying by quickly.” Jonathan turned his attention back to the sky. “I can’t believe it will be October next week.”
“I know.” Janie wanted to ask him to stay in Pennsylvania, but she didn’t want to be too forward.
“We’ll have to make the most of the next two months.” He turned back toward her. “It’s nice to spend time together.”
“I agree.”
“Great,” he said.
It seemed as though the rest of their conversation had barely begun when the hum of an engine and the reflection of headlights on the side of her father’s large barn drew Janie’s focus to the driveway. Her smile faded. She dreaded the idea of saying good night to Jonathan.
“I guess it’s time for me to go.” Jonathan’s frown mirrored her mood. “But I’ll see you tomorrow.”
They both stood and he held out his hand. She took it, and warmth zipped through her body. As they walked toward the waiting van, Janie relished the feeling of walking by his side. She felt as if she belonged there. Did he feel it too?
“Thank you for supper,” Jonathan said when they reached the passenger side door. “I had a great time.”
“I did too.” Janie smiled up at him. “I’m glad you came.”
Jonathan was silent as he gazed down into her face. She longed to know what he was thinking. He brushed his fingers over her cheek, and she sucked in a breath.
“Gut nacht,” he finally said.
“Gut nacht.”
He climbed into the passenger seat, and Janie waved as the van backed down the driveway. As it disappeared down the road, Janie closed her eyes and silently asked God to help Jonathan decide to stay in Pennsylvania.
Chapter Five
Jonathan paid the driver and then walked past his uncle’s house and down the path to his grandparents’ cottage. His gait was as light as if he were walking on clouds after spending the evening with Janie and her family. Her father had asked a lot of questions, but it didn’t bother Jonathan. Her mother and sister had made him feel welcome.
The best part of the evening, however, had been sitting on the porch with Janie. Jonathan was so comfortable with her. It was as if he could tell her anything. She was attentive, much more attentive than his ex-girlfriend Grace had ever been. Janie was the maedel he’d waited for his whole life.
But this is wrong! I have to go back to Maryland in November!
The warning rang out from deep in his soul, and it choked the happiness that had been brewing inside of him all evening.
With a sigh, Jonathan climbed the front steps and entered the cottage, stepping into the small family room. As he hung up his coat, he saw his grandmother sitting in her favorite chair, reading a devotional by the light of the propane lamp. His grandfather snored quietly in his wing chair on the other side of the room.
“How was your supper?” Mammi asked softly.
“It was gut.” Jonathan smiled over at his grandfather, shaking his head.
Mammi stood and took Jonathan’s hand in hers. “Let’s go talk in the other room.” She steered him into the kitchen.
“Sit,” she instructed, then brought a plate of oatmeal raisin cookies to the table. “I made your favorite this afternoon.”
“Danki.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her he was full. Instead, he swiped a cookie from the plate.
“Tell me all about your evening.” Mammi’s brown eyes sparkled with curiosity. “How was her family?”
“They were great. I had a gut time.” Jonathan bit into the cookie as his worries continued to nip at him.
“Was iss letz?”
Mammi seemed to sense his hesitation.
“I really care about her,” Jonathan admitted. “I just don’t see how it can work.”
“Why not?” Mammi picked up a cookie. “You both seem to like each other and that’s probably the most important part of a relationship. If you don’t like each other, you won’t make it through the tough times.” She bit into the cookie while seeming to ponder something. “Is it the distance? You know you’re always welcome here. You don’t have to rush back home unless your dat is tired of taking care of your haus and animals.”
Jonathan couldn’t lie. The distance was part of his hesitation. “It’s not only that.” He took another cookie from the plate. “I just don’t see how it can work with our age difference.”
“Why not?” Mammi lifted her eyebrows. “Your daadi and I have made it work.” She grinned. “In fact, we still like each other after all these years.”
Jonathan chuckled. “That is fantastic, Mammi, but I’m not sure her dat will give me his permission to date her. He seemed to be grilling me from the moment I stepped out of the van.”
Mammi waved off his comment. “Mei dat did the same thing to Omar, but he came around. They got along wonderfully. It’s a dat’s job to make sure his boppli marries a gut man. If you ever have a dochder, you’ll do the same thing to her boyfriends.”
Jonathan nodded and took another bite of the cookie. He wanted to believe his grandmother’s encouraging words, but he knew in the back of his mind—in his heart—he was afraid to trust another woman after the way Grace had hurt him. Janie was too sweet to mean to hurt him, but maybe she wouldn’t care about him enough to look past their age difference, even if he could.
“Are you worried she’ll break your heart the way Grace did?” Mammi asked gently.
Had she been reading his mind?
“Janie is a different maedel.”
“I know.” Jonathan stared down at the table. “But I’m just not sure.”
“It’s late,” Mammi said after a few moments of silence between them. “I need to get your daadi out of his chair and into his bed. I go through this every night.”
“I’ll help you.” Jonathan popped the last of his cookie into his mouth and headed into the family room. As he tried to coax his snoring grandfather awake, he wondered if his grandmother was right. Maybe he and Janie could somehow make their relationship work.