Amish Sweethearts

by Amy Clipston

  Lloyd hurried toward the barn, aware of an unexpected warmth inside. He’d never experienced such a strong, overwhelming emotion for anyone. He didn’t know how to handle it, and the urge to flee overtook him. What did these feelings mean? Where had they come from?

  Lloyd grabbed a shovel and began mucking out the first stall he came to. As he labored, he remembered how it had felt to touch Ellie’s hand. He couldn’t stop thinking about the tenderness in her eyes as she contemplated the bird. The carving had obviously meant so much to her, and the expression on her beautiful face had touched something deep in his soul.

  When he had finished the dove last night, he decided to bring it over and give it to Ellie today. He had created the dove in memory of Seth, but as the bird took shape, he realized he wanted to share it with Ellie. He had never before given away one of his birds because he’d never felt they were good enough to share as gifts. Yet Ellie was the first person who had ever shown a real interest in the birds, and he was determined to share one with her. She had become his champion, his dear friend.

  No, Ellie was more than a friend. She had become something much more precious than only a friend.

  He stopped shoveling when he realized what those deep emotions meant.

  He loved Ellie.

  Yes, he loved Ellie with his whole heart.

  Rebecca was right when she’d said they were all someone’s sibling in this community. Ellie may be Seth’s little sister, but she was also a beautiful young woman in her own right. And Lloyd wanted to be more than her friend. After all these years he had finally figured out whom he loved, and she had been a part of his life since they were children.

  Lloyd’s heart pounded with a mixture of worry and excitement. Now he had to find a way to tell her how he felt, and he prayed she felt the same way.

  Later that evening, Ellie knocked on her mother’s bedroom door. She cradled the beautiful carved dove in one hand.

  “Come in,” Mamm called.

  Ellie stepped inside and found Mamm propped up in bed with two pillows behind her back, reading another Christian novel. “I want to show you something.” She held out the carved dove. “Lloyd gave me this today. He made it in memory of Seth.”

  Mamm closed her book and placed it on the nightstand. She took the dove and turned it over in her hands. “Ellie,” she said with a gasp, “this is amazing. Look at the detail.”

  “I know.” Ellie sank onto the edge of the bed beside her. “I told you he’s talented.”

  Mamm continued to examine the bird. “I can’t get over how beautifully crafted this is. Lydia never told me Lloyd is so talented.”

  “Lloyd has kept his talent a secret for a long time.” Ellie traced her fingers over her mother’s blue quilt.

  Mamm handed her the bird. “You need to put this in a special place and cherish it. That was made out of love.”

  Ellie smiled when she heard the word, and her cheeks heated.

  “Ellie?” Mamm gave her a knowing smile. “Is there something you want to tell me about you and Lloyd?”

  Ellie’s eyes widened with surprise. “What do you mean?”

  “Do you have feelings for Lloyd?” Mamm patted the quilt next to her. “Come here and talk to me.”

  Ellie scooted up next to her and leaned back against the pillow. “There really isn’t anything to tell.”

  “I’ve seen you and Lloyd talking and sometimes eating together when he’s here. You seem to enjoy each other’s company.”

  Ellie nodded. “We talk when he’s here, and even at church and youth gatherings, but I’m not sure if he likes me the same way I like him.”

  “Your dat and I started off as friends,” Mamm said with a smile.

  “I know.” Ellie fingered the stitching on the quilt. “I just don’t know if he could ever consider me as more than a friend since he’s older than I am. He said he was too old for youth gatherings.”

  “He may have said that, but he’s been attending them, hasn’t he?”

  “Ya, he has.” Ellie looked down at the dove again. Lloyd hadn’t missed a youth gathering since he’d picked her up to attend one together weeks ago. “He seemed different today when he gave me the dove. I think this meant a lot to him, and he seemed almost nervous when he gave it to me.”

  “It was a gift from his heart,” Mamm said.

  Ellie turned the bird over in her hand, studying the detail. Her thoughts turned to that corner in the shop that she’d love to design for Lloyd’s beautiful creations. “I know Gene would love this. He’d love to sell these in his store.”

  “Ellie.” Mamm’s voice held a hint of a warning. “Lloyd told you he doesn’t want to sell them. You have to respect his wishes.”

  Ellie nodded. Mamm was right, but if Gene saw the bird and loved it, maybe she could persuade Lloyd to change his mind. And maybe these beautiful carvings could boost Gene’s sales and keep him from possibly taking away her job.

  Chapter Seven

  Ellie touched the wooden bird hidden in her dress pocket on Friday afternoon. Although her mother had warned her not to go against Lloyd’s wishes, she’d carried the bird to work today with the intention of showing it to Gene. Every time she’d planned to show it to him, however, a customer had interrupted her. She hoped the perfect opportunity would present itself before she left for the day.

  At five, she rang up the last customer and then flipped the sign from Open to Closed before starting to shut down the register.

  “How were sales today?” Gene appeared from his workshop and approached the counter where she had been counting out money.

  “It was fairly busy,” Ellie said. “At least, I think it was a little busier than this time last week.” She placed the cash in the moneybag and zipped it up.

  Gene sighed and shook his head. “I haven’t wanted to tell you this, but sales have continued to go down these last few weeks. I was hoping they would pick up during the summer, but they haven’t. I think I may have to start cutting back your hours.” He leaned against the counter as his frown deepened. “I’m really sorry to do this to you, Ellie. You’re a great worker, but I’m not selling enough stock to keep you here two full days. I’m going to have to cover the showroom myself on one of your days.”

  Ellie nodded as alarm gripped her. How was she going to buy groceries for herself and her mother only working one day a week? Friends and neighbors had stopped bringing meals over to their house weeks ago, and the cupboards would be bare without her paychecks. Where could she quickly find another job?

  She suddenly remembered the carved dove in her pocket and considered showing it to Gene. Doubt filled her. Was she making a mistake by going against Lloyd’s wishes? Would Lloyd understand why she did it, because she had her and her mother’s livelihood in mind?

  “Do you want me to drive you home tonight?” Gene offered, interrupting her thoughts. “I need to run a few errands on my way home, and I could save you the cost of a driver.”

  “Oh.” Ellie was surprised by the offer. “That would be nice.”

  “Why don’t you call your driver, and I’ll finish closing out the register.”

  “Thank you.” Ellie dialed her driver’s cell phone number and canceled the ride. Then she slipped her hand into her pocket and trailed her fingers over the dove. She was absolutely sure God would want Lloyd to share his talent, and . . .

  “Gene,” she said as she pulled the bird from her pocket, “do you remember when I told you about my friend who makes the carved birds as a hobby?”

  “Yes, I do. I thought you were going to bring one for me to see.” Gene placed the moneybag on the counter and turned to her as she held out the bird.

  “This is a dove he made in memory of my brother.” She placed the bird in his hands.

  “Ellie.” Gene gaped. “This is gorgeous.”

  “Do you remember Lloyd?” Ellie asked. “He took me out to lunch a few weeks ago. He’s the one who made this.”

  “Really.” Gene turned the bird over
in his hand. “He didn’t sign his name, though.”

  “He’s very humble,” Ellie said. “It’s our way. He only puts the species of bird on the bottom. He models them after pictures in a book he has.”

  “This is breathtaking.” Gene looked at her. “Ellie, this could be the key to getting our sales back up to where they used to be. Tourists would go crazy for this. This would be perfect. This is exactly what Phoebe had in mind when she said she wanted to sell something unique that was Amish-made. I don’t think we could keep these on the shelves.”

  He turned the bird over in his hands again, taking in every inch of it. “I’d love to discuss price. Of course, I’ll pay him what he’s worth. I’m certain he’s poured plenty of time, along with his heart and soul, into creating this. Do you know how long it took him to make this?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “Does he live near you?” Gene pulled his keys from his jeans pocket.

  “Ya, he does.” Was Gene suggesting . . .

  “Could I meet him again? Do you think it would be all right if we stop there on our way to your house?”

  “Ya,” Ellie lied. “Amish are used to people just stopping in.” It was true that Amish were used to people stopping in, but Lloyd wouldn’t be happy when he found out why they were visiting. Ellie shook her head as her mouth dried. What had she done? She certainly hadn’t thought this through. Lloyd would be furious when she showed up with Gene asking about the birds. But she had to think of her mother.

  The worry transformed to dread and pooled in her stomach. She wasn’t prepared for this.

  After they finished closing the store for the night, Ellie followed Gene to his vehicle and gave him directions. She wrung her hands as Gene steered his burgundy SUV through town and toward Lloyd’s place. She was certain she would lose Lloyd’s friendship forever when she arrived unannounced with Gene. She should’ve left the dove on her dresser this morning.

  As the SUV’s tires crunched on the rocks leading to the Blank family farm, Ellie’s stomach twisted with apprehension. Not only was she about to lose Lloyd’s trust, she may also lose her job when Gene found out she hadn’t had Lloyd’s permission to show him the carved bird. The SUV came to a stop and they climbed out. Thankfully no one else in the family opened the front door to greet them.

  “He’s probably doing his evening chores,” Ellie said as she led Gene back to the large barn. Just as they got there, Lloyd stepped out. He met Ellie’s eyes and lifted his eyebrow in question.

  “Hi, Lloyd,” Gene said. “Could I talk to you for a moment?”

  Lloyd nodded as confusion twisted his handsome face. His father, Wilmer, stepped out of the barn behind him, and Ellie felt sick with apprehension. This would be far worse than she’d ever imagined. She should’ve heeded her mother’s warning last night.

  “Hi,” Gene said to Wilmer. “I’m Gene Rider. I own Bird-in-Hand Gifts and Treasures up on Old Philadelphia Pike.”

  Wilmer shook his hand, his expression mirroring Lloyd’s. “I’m Wilmer Blank, and this is my son, Lloyd. How may we help you?”

  “Ellie has been telling me about Lloyd’s talent with carving birds.” Gene pulled the dove from his pocket. “She showed me this one today, and I can’t get over the precision and detail.”

  To Ellie’s horror, Lloyd’s expression transformed from confusion to pure anguish. Ellie tried to tell him she was sorry with her eyes, but he just stared at her, his expression becoming more and more pained as the moments passed. Her soul filled with regret, and she longed to apologize to him. Instead, she stood cemented in place, feeling helpless as their friendship dissolved right before her eyes.

  “I’d love to talk to you about selling these at my store,” Gene continued, oblivious to the silent conversation passing between Ellie and Lloyd. “I’ve been looking for something unique to sell from the Amish community, and these birds would be perfect.”

  Lloyd shook his head and turned to his father, whose mouth had formed a thin line.

  “I’d love to see what else you have if you have a moment,” Gene continued. “I know I’ve shown up here unannounced, but I couldn’t wait to talk to you.”

  “We appreciate your offer, Gene,” Wilmer began. His voice was polite but had a cold edge. “Unfortunately, this isn’t the best time.”

  “Oh, I understand,” Gene said. “I can come back another time, and we can look at what you have and then discuss a fair price. Since I’m also an artist, I understand how much time and emotion you’ve invested in your carvings.”

  Lloyd’s cold blue eyes locked on Ellie, sending a chill through her. She crossed her arms over her chest as if to guard her heart. How could she hurt him like this? She wanted to take it all back. If only she could start the day over again and put the bird in a safe place, locked away from the world.

  Holding up the dove, Gene went on. “I’m certain tourists will be glad to pay a good amount for something this beautiful that is also Amish-made. They go crazy for anything Amish, especially if it’s authentic and unique.”

  Wilmer gave him a curt nod. “I’ll need to discuss this with Lloyd before we give you an answer.”

  “I understand completely. You don’t want to rush into this.” Gene pulled a business card from his pocket. “You and Lloyd can discuss it and then give me a call.”

  Wilmer took the card and regarded it with a scowl. “We will be in touch.”

  “Wonderful.” Gene handed the carved bird to Ellie. “I’m so glad you shared this with me today. I’m certain this is going to work out well for the store and also for Lloyd and his family.” He turned his attention back to Lloyd and Wilmer. “I look forward to talking with you soon. Have a nice evening.” He nodded at them and started back toward the SUV, his western boots crunching on the rock pathway.

  Ellie held the dove close to her chest and watched Lloyd. His frown was now a grimace. The hurt and disappointment in his sad eyes cut her to the bone. Her heart pounded so hard that she was certain he could hear it.

  “Lloyd, I’m so, so sorry. I only thought that—”

  “Ellie?” Gene called, interrupting her. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Just a minute,” she said, still staring at Lloyd.

  “Just go, Ellie.” Lloyd spat the words at her through gritted teeth. “You’ve done enough.”

  She hesitated, hoping he’d tell her everything would be all right.

  “You should go, Ellie,” Wilmer chimed in, his words full of warning.

  Ellie tried to clear her throat as a lump formed. She nodded and then hurried to Gene’s car, praying that somehow she could salvage her precious friendship with Lloyd.

  Lloyd was certain he was going to be sick. He could taste the betrayal like bile rising in his throat as Ellie walked to Gene’s fancy SUV. He had given her that precious dove out of love and respect for both her and for Seth. Yet she had given it to Gene just to prove how much money Lloyd could make by selling his special creations.

  He had never imagined that she would use him and then double-cross him this way. He had believed Ellie Lapp was genuine. She was the first girl he’d ever loved, and she had smashed his trust into a million pieces.

  “What do you have to say for yourself, Lloyd?” His father’s voice boomed over the SUV’s engine as it motored toward the road. “I told you your carvings were a prideful hobby, and you went behind my back and tried to sell them.”

  Lloyd swiped his hand down his face and took a deep breath in an attempt to curb his flaring temper.

  “Lloyd?” Dat’s voice grew louder. “I’m talking to you.”

  “I hear you, Dat.” Lloyd turned toward him. “I didn’t give the carving to Gene. I gave it to Ellie as a gift, and she works for Gene.”

  “You need to concentrate on your responsibilities here.” Dat pointed to the ground for emphasis. “You don’t have time for trivial hobbies like carving. I will not permit you to sell them, either.”

  “I had no intentions of selling them.” Lloyd
’s voice rose as fury gripped him. “I just told you. I didn’t give the carving to Gene. Ellie has been trying to persuade me to sell them ever since she wandered into my shop the night we hosted the youth gathering. I’ve told her more than once that I don’t want to sell them, but she won’t take no for an answer. I gave her that carving as a gift yesterday, and I guess she took it to work and showed it to Gene.”

  He kicked a stone with his muddy work boot. “Ellie went behind my back and tried to sell it. I never asked her to do it. I know how you feel about the carvings.”

  “Well, I’m going to call Gene and tell him the answer is no. We’re not going to sell the carvings, no matter the price.” Dat stuffed the business card into his pocket. “I’ll call him tomorrow. It’s time for supper.”

  Dat started toward the house, but Lloyd remained by the barn. He was frozen in place, staring off toward the driveway as he contemplated Ellie and his shattered trust.

  “Are you coming inside?” Dat called.

  “I’ll be there in a minute.” Lloyd pointed toward the barn. “I forgot to do something.”

  “Oh.” Dat studied him and his expression softened slightly. “Fine. Don’t be long.” He headed up the path to the house.

  Lloyd leaned back against the barn door and took deep breaths in an attempt to calm his temper. He never expected Ellie to betray him, but she had. Confusion washed over him. Why would she hurt him that way? He had believed the connection he felt with her was real. Had he been blind? Was he wrong when he assumed she loved him too?

  None of this made sense, but now Lloyd had to find a way to recover quickly. He couldn’t allow Ellie to hurt him again. No, he couldn’t let her know how much pain she’d caused him. Instead, he would treat her like an acquaintance and never let her see how much she had meant to him.

  From now on, Lloyd would regard Ellie as someone he hardly knew and never let her know how her betrayal had cut him to the core. He stood up straight and walked toward the house, hoping he could conceal his splintered soul.

  “I made your favorite,” Mamm said as she sat across from Ellie at the kitchen table. “It’s the last of our chop meat. We’ll have to go shopping after you get paid.”