A time machine.
Lance had been so charming. He’d done and said all the right things. And she’d bought every line. Sighing, she pushed it out of her mind. She was safe here. With her newly colored hair in a ponytail, clad in simple jeans and a T-shirt, no one would mistake her for the girl she used to be.
She grabbed her wallet and went inside, inhaling the sweet smells of freshly baked goods. Ten minutes later she emerged, armed with bags full of whoopie pies, several jars of jam, and an assortment of handmade pot holders. The jams and pot holders were gifts for Robyn and Mrs. Landis. The pies were to eat later. She hadn’t been able to choose, so she’d gotten one in every flavor.
Caroline put her bags on the empty passenger seat and tapped her fingers against the steering wheel. It was awfully early to go back to the farm, but she had nowhere else to go. Except that she was afraid of running into Michael Landis. Something about him set her on edge. She’d overheard him tell the happy couple at breakfast that he’d been in Washington, DC, for the past few years. What if he recognized her? He’d certainly scrutinized her face.
She turned her car down the long driveway leading to the farmhouse. Michael was nowhere in sight. Thank goodness. She made her way to the guest entrance, trying to maneuver around the menagerie of cats that seemed determined to wind around her ankles.
“Did you enjoy your shopping?” A male voice behind her almost made her drop her packages.
She twirled around, expecting to see Michael.
Instead, a shorter, stockier man in work clothes stood before her. He chuckled. “Where are my manners? I can see I scared you.” He wiped his hand on his worn jeans and held it out. “I’m Phillip Landis.” He grinned. “My parents own this place.”
Caroline introduced herself. “I’ve been out to the Farmer’s Market,” she explained.
“One of my favorite spots. I’d be glad to give you directions to a couple of the bakeries, if you’d like. They sell a lot of the same stuff.”
She nodded. “I’ve been to one of them already.” She held up her bags and nodded in the direction of the house. “Do you live here?”
He shook his head. “Not anymore. I grew up here, though.” He motioned down the driveway. “My house is the first one out by the main road.” He gave her another smile. “I don’t want to keep you. I usually come up for breakfast, but these past few mornings I haven’t made it in time. Otherwise I would’ve introduced myself already.” With a wave, he headed toward the barn.
Caroline watched him go, thankful he wasn’t as inquisitive as his brother.
Chapter Seven
Lydia Ann silently nibbled a slice of homemade bread. It looked like Leah had gone all out for dinner, with heaping servings of chicken, fresh vegetables, bread, and a variety of baked goods that had made Mary and Katie’s eyes grow big.
“Lydia Ann?” Dat watched her, a concerned expression covering his weathered face.
Emma nudged her. “I think they’ll be staying for at least two months, right, Lydia Ann?” she asked sweetly.
“Oh, yes.” She’d been so lost in thought, she hadn’t even heard the conversation around her. “We can stay for the summer. We just need to be home in time for the girls to start back to school.”
Dat’s face lit up with a smile. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that you’re here.”
Leah nodded. “Jah. It’s all he’s been able to talk about for days.” Her mouth turned upward. “And I’m thankful for the chance to get to spend some time with you and the girls.”
“Thanks for having us,” Lydia Ann murmured.
“That goes for us too,” Emma said. “Even though we’ll only be staying for a few days, I know having so many extra people in the house is a burden.”
Dat shook his head. “It’s nice to have a full house.” He beamed at Mary and Katie. “And it’s been so many years since there’ve been little ones around. They bring such joy to a home. I’m thankful to have my whole family under one roof.” He nodded in Emma’s direction. “Please give your parents my regards.”
“Of course,” Emma said with a smile.
Leah rose from the table. “Does anyone need anything else? A second helping of pie?”
Everyone chuckled.
“I think we’re all full,” Noah said. “Everything was delicious.”
Leah beamed and began to gather dishes.
Emma stood and took the plates from Leah’s hand. “Let Lydia Ann and me do that,” she said. “You’ve done so much already.”
Lydia Ann jumped up from her seat and began to help her cousin clear the table.
Once they were in the kitchen and out of earshot, Emma pulled Lydia Ann aside. “What is wrong with you? Couldn’t you at least try to look happy to be here?” she whispered.
“I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that being around Dat again would make me miss Mamm so much.” Lydia Ann frowned.
“I think it’s only natural,” Emma said.
Lydia Ann sighed. “I keep remembering times the three of us had together as I grew up. Remember when you and Abby used to come and stay with us during the summer?”
Emma laughed. “Those were fun days.” She reached over and patted Lydia Ann’s arm. “And good memories.”
Lydia Ann nodded. “You’re right.”
“But I think you should try hard to make the most of your time while you’re here.” Emma looked intently at her cousin. “Give Leah a chance. I know it won’t be easy, but she means a lot to your dat. And I know him well enough to know she must be pretty special if he was willing to move away from his home for her.”
Lydia Ann thought about her cousin’s words. Emma was exactly right. If the past few years had taught Lydia Ann anything, it was that there were no guarantees in this life. And Dat wasn’t getting any younger. Maybe she should try to give him the benefit of the doubt, even if it meant getting to know his wife.
“I hear you had an interview,” Phillip said.
Michael tried to read his brother’s face. He wasn’t in the mood to be drawn into an argument, but maybe Phillip was just making small talk. This was the first morning he’d actually come to breakfast since Michael had been back home. “I sure did. I’m hoping to hear something soon.”
Phillip took a sip of orange juice. “So does that mean you’re back home for good?”
Michael wrinkled his brow. “No. It means that I’m trying to find gainful employment for a few months.”
“Until something better comes along?” Phillip asked gruffly.
“Just something that’s more along the lines of what I want to do.”
His brother bristled. “You know, Michael, that’s exactly what your problem is.”
Michael shook his head. “I don’t recall having a problem.” He glanced at the dining room door, hoping the guests would come in soon and put an end to the conversation.
“Of course you don’t. That’s typical.” Phillip took an angry bite from his biscuit. “When are you going to learn that we don’t always get to do exactly what we want to do? Sometimes life just doesn’t turn out that way.”
“Why are you so angry? I haven’t done anything but follow my dreams.” Michael had had enough of his brother’s lousy attitude. Why did he have to be so difficult?
“That’s just the problem.” Phillip stood. “Your dreams.” He tossed his wadded-up napkin onto the table. “When are you going to learn that it isn’t always about you?”
With those words Phillip strode off, leaving Michael seething.
His brother was impossible. He held such a grudge against Michael.
And Michael had no idea what it was all about.
Chapter Eight
Caroline looked over the tourist map she’d grabbed from the local visitors’ center. She was proud of the way she’d learned her way around. Yesterday she’d only gotten lost a couple of times. It seemed like over the past few days she’d been to every roadside stand and store in the county. Well, maybe not every stand, but it
sure seemed like it.
She’d even visited the big outlet mall in Lancaster proper. There were tons of people there and no one had recognized her. Not one single person. She tossed the map onto the desk in her guest room. Maybe she’d just wing it today and leave the map behind. One last glance in the mirror before she headed downstairs to what she knew would be a delicious breakfast. And despite the fact that her jeans already seemed a bit tighter than they had been when she’d arrived, she planned to indulge.
“Morning.” Michael said, grinning as she walked into the dining room.
She nodded her head in greeting. “Hi.”
He’d been missing from the table yesterday. Not that she was keeping tabs. But after two mornings of his chatter, she couldn’t help but notice the quietness.
“Mind if I sit here?” She motioned at the empty seat next to him.
“Of course not.” He grinned.
She filled a mug with coffee from the carafe that sat in the middle of the table. “Can you pass me the cream, please?”
Michael handed her a tiny container. “It’s fresh cream,” he said with a smile.
She poured a heaping amount of creamer into her coffee, enjoying the way it swirled into the darker liquid. Back at her old job, her coworkers had teased that she used as much creamer as she did coffee. She’d broken the habit because Lance had given her a hard time too. But now…she was free to use as much creamer as she pleased.
“So how long are you planning to stay here?” Michael’s green eyes searched her face.
She shrugged. “I’m not sure.” Her mouth turned upward in a tiny smile. “Why? Are you trying to get rid of me?”
He chuckled. “No, no. Nothing like that.” He rubbed his chin. “Actually, I was going to see if maybe you’d like for me to show you around.” Suddenly he looked unsure. “You know, like a tour.”
Caroline bit her lip. “I don’t know.” She had to admit, it was getting a little old going everywhere alone. And surely if Michael was going to recognize her, he would’ve already done so by now.
“Have you seen any of the covered bridges?”
She shook her head. “Not yet.” However, they were on her list of things to see.
“Well, if you decide you’d like to go on a little driving tour to see some of them, just say the word.” He grinned.
Caroline took a sip of coffee. There was nothing to be afraid of. Even though his questions over the past few days had annoyed her, his persistence was endearing. “You know, I think that sounds nice.” She smiled.
“I think everyone is here,” Mr. Landis said from the kitchen doorway. He greeted a couple with two small children who’d just entered the dining room. Once they were seated, he turned to Michael. “Will you offer thanks, son?”
Caroline bowed her head. The morning prayers here seemed so normal. Not forced. Not for show. She was once again left with a longing for her childhood, when mealtime and bedtime prayers were important parts of her day. These past years, her talks with God seemed to only come when she was facing tough times. When had she stopped giving thanks?
“You okay?” Michael whispered, leaning so close that she could smell his soapy scent.
She jerked her head up and met curious stares around the table. Prayer was over. For how long, she wasn’t sure. Heat flamed her face. “Sorry.”
He grinned, and she noticed a tiny dimple in his cheek. “Don’t be. I was afraid maybe I’d put you to sleep.”
She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nothing like that.”
“So, can you be ready to leave here around ten? I have a couple of things I need to do before then.”
“Ten is perfect.” She found herself looking forward to their outing. The past weeks were a blur of loneliness for her. Not that she expected Michael to turn out to be a real friend or anything—just that having some company would be nice for a change. She watched him from the corners of her eyes.
And some cute company at that.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity,” Michael said into his phone. “Since I grew up here, I’m familiar with all the popular places. And hopefully I’ll know of some hidden gems that don’t get as much attention.”
“We’re happy to have you onboard,” Mr. Sinclair said. “With your background and experience, you’ll be a great fit. See you Monday.”
Michael clicked off the phone and tossed it onto his bed. Man, gainful employment felt good. He glanced at the clock on his night-stand. Just enough time to tell his parents the good news before he met up with Caroline. He took the stairs two at a time and burst into the kitchen.
Mom looked up from the cookbook she was perusing. “Is there a fire somewhere?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” he said, grinning. “But Mr. Sinclair offered me the job. I start Monday.”
Mom pulled him into a quick hug. “Congratulations. I know you’ll be glad to get back to work.”
“I will.” He grinned and motioned toward the barn. “See you later.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek and headed outside to tell his dad the good news.
“Have you seen Dad?” he called to Phillip in the driveway.
His surly brother nodded. “He’s out in the field.”
“Okay.” Michael pondered telling Phillip but thought better of it. He wouldn’t care one way or the other. Their earlier conversation was testament to that.
“I’ve got work to do,” Phillip said gruffly. “See you later.”
“Where are you off to today?” Simon asked, walking up to hear the tail end of Phillip’s words.
Michael couldn’t hide his grin. “I’m, uh, taking Caroline to do a little sightseeing.” He jerked his head toward the main road. “We’re going to go see some of the covered bridges.”
“The kissing bridges, you mean?” Simon chuckled.
“Just sightseeing today, man.”
“Looks like your friend is ready.” Simon nodded toward Michael’s SUV.
Caroline stood next to the vehicle with uncertainty written all over her face.
“Hey there,” Michael called. “You ready to go?”
She glanced up and smiled. “Sure am.”
“See you later.” Michael nodded at Simon.
“Have fun,” Simon called, still chuckling.
Michael walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. “Your carriage awaits.”
“I didn’t expect to find a Southern gentleman all the way up here in Yankee territory.” Caroline flashed him a smile as she climbed into the SUV.
“Guess you never know what’s waiting around the corner.” He jumped into the driver’s seat and started the vehicle. “That’s what makes life exciting, right?” he asked, driving the SUV slowly down the gravel driveway. At the end, he flipped on the blinker and waited to turn onto the paved road.
“I guess so,” Caroline said. “But I kind of like knowing. That way I can be prepared for whatever situation arises.” She pulled a pair of sunglasses out of her bag and put them on.
“Those things are so big, they’re like a disguise or something,” he said, giving her a sideways glance.
Her jaw hardened. “Don’t be silly. Oversized sunglasses are practically all there is on the market today.”
Great. He’d somehow managed to tick her off and they weren’t even off of his parents’ property yet. “They look fine. Just kidding.” He pulled the SUV onto the main road.
“So tell me what we’re going to see today.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ve heard about the famed bridges of Lancaster County.” He slowed down as they came up behind a horse and buggy. “There are twenty-nine covered bridges here. Most of them are historic landmarks. Some you can still drive through, but some you can’t.” He flipped on his signal and went around the buggy.
“Honestly, I didn’t know anything about Lancaster County before I came here. Just that it was in the middle of Amish Country.”
Michael rolled his eyes. “Yes. That’s all most people know of the ar
ea.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
He shrugged. “I grew up among the Amish. I guess it irritates me sometimes to see people treat them like they’re some kind of tourist attraction. They’re just good, hardworking people.”
“I can see how you’d feel that way, but it’s really sort of flattering. Think about it. People from all over the country come here to try to capture a little bit of what they have.”
“What do you mean?”
“Peace. Contentment. From the outside looking in, it seems like an ideal way to live.” She chuckled. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. There’s no way I could give up certain things like TV or air conditioning. But their sense of community is amazing, and the way they take care of one another is inspiring. Where I live, my neighbors barely know me. At least not the real me.” She let out a tiny sigh.
“So who does know the real you?” He cast a quick glance in her direction.
A long moment of silence filled the car.
“No one, really.”
“Don’t give me that. Surely someone does. Your family? Your childhood best friend? College roommate? Boyfriend?” He knew he was out on a limb, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself.
“Can you pull in here at this bakery?” she asked. “I’d like to get a couple of things.”
“Why do I get the feeling that your sudden urge for baked goods is just a way to avoid my questions?” Even so, he slowed down and turned into the small gravel parking lot. The last girl he dated used to accuse him of deflecting personal questions. Maybe this was some kind of cosmic payback, because Caroline certainly seemed to have a thick wall around herself.
She grinned. “I just have a hankerin’ for some whoopie pies.”
“Well, if you have a hankerin’, then by all means, let’s take care of it.” He chuckled and followed her into the bakery.
Chapter Nine
Caroline walked down an aisle filled with a variety of candy. Her personal trainer back in Atlanta would have a conniption fit if she saw this place. Caroline thought it was actually kind of liberating.
Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Page 4