Things clicked into place for Lydia Ann. “I’ve been there.” She smiled shyly at Simon. “Emma and I took the girls there to see the farm animals.” She turned to Caroline. “Simon showed us around.”
“And you didn’t see me probably because I’d already left for work,” Michael explained. “It’s very nice to meet you, though.” He grinned and looked from Caroline to Lydia Ann. “Man, the two of you look enough alike to be sisters. Except for your eye color.” He paused. “And your clothes.”
Lydia Ann burst out laughing and caught Caroline’s gaze.
“I consider that a compliment,” Caroline said, smiling. ^
“Did Katie and Mary enjoy their time at the farm?” Simon asked.
Lydia Ann chuckled. “They’ve barely stopped talking about it. We may have to make a return trip.”
“Any time,” Simon said, smiling.
“Right now they’re in the backyard, playing with the puppy,” Caroline said to the men. “I’m not sure who is happier, him or them.”
Michael laughed. “ ‘The puppy’? You mean that poor animal doesn’t have a name yet?”
Caroline shook her head. “Not yet. Soon, though.”
Lydia Ann stepped behind the counter and ran a dustcloth over the surface.
“Do you want to see the mattress before we bring it in? To make sure we picked up the right one?” Michael asked Caroline.
She nodded. “Lead the way.”
The two of them were gone before Lydia Ann could blink, leaving her alone with Simon. She glanced at him then quickly glanced away.
“Are you enjoying your visit?” Simon asked. “I stopped by your dat’s store this morning, but he was busy with customers the whole time.” He grinned. “Or else he probably would’ve told me about your new job.”
Dat had been pleased when he’d learned she was going to be working. “We’d be happy for you to stay here forever, you know,” he’d said. But of course that wasn’t going to happen.
“Jah. I think he likes knowing I’m just a few stores down from him.” She smiled and tried to shake the feeling of uncertainty in the pit of her stomach. “Thanks again for your tour of the farm the other day,” she said.
“Oh, it was my pleasure.” He grinned. “So how are you and Leah getting along?”
The personal question threw her off for a moment. “She’s very nice.” It was true. Even though Leah was very different than Lydia Ann’s own mamm, she truly was a kind woman. It seemed she was always doing something for someone else, and Lydia Ann had noticed that she was very well-respected in the community. Even so, seeing Dat with her made Lydia Ann feel strange—like she was an outsider.
“Leah and my mamm have been friends for a very long time,” Simon explained. “In fact, I went to school with her sons.”
“What happened to her husband?” Lydia Ann had never asked. She only knew that he’d passed on several years earlier.
“He had a heart attack. He worked as a farmer, and one day he just keeled over.” Simon shook his head. “He was awfully young. It was so hard on Leah and her boys.”
Sadness washed over Lydia Ann. She knew something of being left alone with children. Maybe she and Leah had more in common than she’d realized. “That’s awful.”
“So, tell me more about you.” Simon grinned. “Jeremiah tells me that you’re quite a good quilter.”
She nodded. “My husband used to say I thought better with a quilting needle in my hand.”
He met her gaze. “I’m sorry about his illness.”
“Danki. He’s been gone five years now.”
Simon shrugged. “Doesn’t matter how long it’s been, does it? The absence is still there.”
Lydia Ann looked up in surprise. Most people didn’t understand that. “Jah. But we have a happy life in Charm. The girls enjoy school, and our community is so good to us.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” He flushed. “I mean, I know your dad and Leah are glad to have you.” He motioned around the store. “And Caroline really needs your help here.” He leaned forward conspiratorially. “Michael is afraid she might be in over her head, but, honestly, I think he’s happy to have her around a bit longer…even though he’d never say that to her.”
Lydia Ann couldn’t hide her laugh. “She means well. And I think she’s a hard worker.” She thought of what Caroline had said earlier, about her husband not ever really loving her. “Besides, she needs to throw herself into a project right now.”
Simon nodded. “I think you’re right. I don’t know much about her, but I do know that when she first arrived at the farm, she looked positively broken.”
The door burst open, and a laughing Michael and Caroline walked in. It looked as if perhaps Caroline had found a healing balm in her new friend.
Chapter Eighteen
Michael motioned toward the door. “You ready to help me move the mattress?”
Simon nodded. “Sure.”
“You ladies just stay out of the way,” Michael said. “This is a job for the men.”
Lydia Ann and Caroline exchanged amused glances.
“Of course,” Caroline said with a grin. “We’ll just stay in here and keep cleaning.”
Michael chuckled and clasped Simon on the back. “Let’s get this done.” The two of them walked out to the truck and assessed the situation.
Simon opened the tailgate and glanced at Michael. “I thought that new mattress place offered free delivery,” he commented.
Michael smirked. “I know that, and you know that, but Caroline doesn’t.” He grinned. “I guess it’s kind of pathetic for me to go to these lengths to get her to lean on me.”
Simon shook his head. “If you really like her, maybe you should just tell her.”
Michael drew his brows together. “I think the situation is sort of complicated. I’m not completely sure what she’s running from, but I have an idea it isn’t pretty.” Even though Caroline had explained to him that she was recently widowed, he still thought there might be more to the story. But he knew she needed to share it with him in her own time.
They lifted the plastic-wrapped mattress from the bed of the truck and slowly came through the doorway.
“Just right up the stairs,” Caroline directed. “The upstairs is an open floor plan, so you’ll see the bed frame.”
Once they were up the steps, they set the mattress on its side.
“Whew,” said Simon. “Those stairs were steeper than they looked.”
Michael nodded. “If you’ll hold on to the mattress, I’ll take off the plastic.”
Simon balanced the mattress and looked around the room. “This is a pretty big space.”
Michael ripped the plastic from the mattress. “Yeah. I’m a little jealous that she found this place for rent. I’m still looking.”
“Really? Why?”
Michael wadded up the last bit of plastic and tossed it into a nearby trash can. “I miss having my own place. Plus I’m a little tired of my daily dose of Phillip.”
Simon shook his head. “Brothers shouldn’t fight the way you two do.” He furrowed his brow. “I remember when the two of you were friends. Don’t you think you can work out your differences?”
Michael shrugged. “He’s got such a chip on his shoulder. It was his decision to stay here, and he enjoys it. But he can’t seem to get over the fact that I want a different kind of life.” Michael motioned toward the bed frame. “Let’s get this done.”
They picked the mattress up and flopped it onto the bed.
Simon winced and grabbed at his arm.
“I saw that,” Michael said. “Are you okay?”
Simon nodded. “It’s probably nothing. I’ve just been having these weird pains lately.” He sat down on the mattress. “And I’ve been so tired too. I’m not sure what’s going on.”
Michael furrowed his brow. “Have you been to the doctor?”
Simon made a face. “I’d rather not. I might check in with Leah Bellar to see if she
can recommend some tea to help raise my energy level.” And with that, he turned toward the stairs, stumbling over his feet.
“Steady there,” Michael said.
“You know me. Clumsy as always,” Simon said before heading downstairs to the women.
But Michael had known Simon for a long time. And he couldn’t recall him ever having a reputation for being clumsy.
Caroline sank onto the love seat in the bookstore. It seemed so quiet now that everyone had gone. And the twins had worn the puppy out, so even he was quietly sleeping in his little bed.
She pondered a nap of her own but knew she had plenty to do. Since she hadn’t planned to be gone for more than a week, she could really use some clothes. Not to mention bedding. The thought of picking out a cheery new bedding set raised her spirits. Maybe she’d find something brightly colored…or a print. Maybe gerbera daisies. Or even one of those beautiful quilts she’d seen displayed in so many of the little shops in the area.
Lance had insisted that their expensive sheets and duvet back home be white. He preferred neutral colors, a palette that their home reflected. It would be a nice change to finally add some color to her life.
She glanced at her watch. If she hurried, she could make it to a few stores before they closed. And then she planned to come back to her new place and curl up with a good book.
She cradled the phone with her shoulder as she got into the vehicle and pulled out onto the road. She needed to speak to Robyn, and this was as good a time as any. “How are things in Atlanta? Have things calmed down?” she asked when Robyn finally answered.
Robyn sighed. “Not exactly. I have several messages for you. I was just in the middle of writing them into an e-mail. Do you want me to go ahead and send it or read the list to you?”
It had been such a nice day. The last thing Caroline wanted was to hear those messages. “Just e-mail it. That way I can weed through them at my leisure.”
“Well…” Robyn hesitated. “There is one thing I thought you should know about right away.”
Caroline wrinkled her nose. “What’s that?”
“Valerie wants to see you. Her lawyer called to relay the message.”
She sighed. “Can you put him off? Just tell him I’m out of town. But don’t mention where I am, if he asks.”
“Sure. No problem.” Robyn fell silent. “But, um…do you know when you’ll be coming back?”
Caroline hadn’t filled Robyn in on her decision to rent a house and open a store. Although Robyn was completely trustworthy, that information was something Caroline preferred to keep to herself. “I’m thinking of staying for a few more weeks. If you don’t mind staying on awhile longer, I’d really appreciate it.” When Caroline left Atlanta, she’d put Robyn in charge of running things at the house and also logging some hours at the charity she and Lance had started. Robyn planned to eventually transition to full-time work at the charity.
“That’s not a problem,” Robyn said. “Do you still want me to spend a couple of nights each week at your house?”
“Please. And can you also go to Lance’s apartment? Pick up the mail and make sure there are no messages that need to be handled.”
Robyn chuckled. “I had that on my list of things to ask you about.”
The girl was a lifesaver. “I don’t know how I could’ve gotten through this without you.” Caroline thanked her, ended the call, and turned the car into the mall parking lot. Maybe a little retail therapy would help her forget her troubles.
Chapter Nineteen
Michael stood on the front porch of the bookstore. He glanced down at his jeans and red polo, wondering if he were overdressed.
Caroline flung the door open with a grin on her face. “I’m almost ready.” She waved him inside. As soon as he stepped through the doorway, he could see how much work she and Lydia Ann had done over the past few days. “The wood floors look great,” he said, admiring the gleaming finish. “Almost like brand-new.”
“Thanks.” She stopped on the bottom step that led up to the residential apartment. “I rented a buffer from a place in Lancaster. It was a comedy of errors at first, but between Lydia Ann and me, we finally figured it out.”
He chuckled. “I’ll bet.”
“I’ll just be another second.” She headed upstairs.
“Take your time,” he called. “I’ll look around down here.” He wandered to the back of the room, where the coffee bar and tables were. This place had some real possibility. He vaguely remembered it from when he was in high school. Mom had mentioned that Lottie hadn’t really tried too hard to make the place a success. “I think she was just trying to pass the time until she was ready to move close to her daughter,” she said that morning at breakfast. He thumbed the hodgepodge collection of coffee mugs. There were some pretty funny ones there.
“Ready?” Caroline asked, coming up behind him.
He grinned, taking in her denim capris, bright yellow top, and sandals. “You look beautiful.” He loved the way she had such a low-key air about her. Most of the women he’d gone out with had been firmly in the high-maintenance category…but not her.
She flushed. “Thanks.”
“You hungry? I was thinking we could head to Lititz…or if you don’t want to drive all that way, there’s a great little place near Strasburg that serves some very tasty Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Complete with shoofly pie.” He grinned. “My favorite.”
Caroline laughed. “I don’t know which sounds better.”
“I have a fantastic idea.” He ushered her out the door and waited for her to lock up. “How about we go to the closer place tonight and plan on heading to Lititz later in the week?” He knew he might be pushing it. Ever since she’d confessed to him that she’d been married and her husband had passed away, he was trying hard to take things slowly.
She narrowed her eyes. “Well, I do want to try both places. And I hate to eat alone.” She quirked her mouth into a smile. “So maybe I could go along with that plan.”
He chuckled. “I’m not going to argue with that.” He pulled onto the highway. “So how were your first few nights in the house?”
“The mattress was very comfy. Thanks.” She sighed. “But I do have one complaint.”
“What’s that?”
“The puppy cries unless I let him sleep with me.”
Michael groaned. “Please tell me you didn’t give in. You left him in the crate, didn’t you?”
“I tried to. I really did.” She laughed. “But he is so cute. I finally gave in and got him out of there. He went right to sleep once I put him on a little pillow at the foot of my bed.”
Michael shook his head. “He’s going to be so spoiled.” He glanced over at her while they waited at a stoplight. “And he needs a name.”
“I know.” She leaned her head against the seat. “I’ve been trying to find one that suits him.”
“Well, you can’t just keep calling him Puppy.” He grinned. “I know you’re more creative than that.”
“Maybe. I’ve actually been thinking of naming him Bandit.”
“Bandit?” he asked. “Why?”
She burst out laughing. “You’ll make fun of me if I tell you.”
“Probably so.” He grinned. “But try me anyway.”
“Because he stole my heart like a bandit.” She joined in with his laughter.
“That might be the cheesiest thing I’ve ever heard.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on. I’m sure a guy like you has probably heard some pretty cheesy stuff in your day.”
“A guy like me?” He pulled into a spot near the front of the restaurant. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Caroline shrugged. “Good-looking. Smart. Funny.” She shot him a glance. “You’ve probably broken a lot of hearts.”
He bit his lip. “Not as many as you’d think.” He hated to tell her the truth. He’d only been in one relationship. Sure, he’d had his share of dates. But he’d only been serious about one woman. And he h
appened to be having lunch with her next week.
Caroline couldn’t believe how much fun she was having. It had been years since she’d been on a date with a man without worrying about the media or having to feel like she was on display. And she and Michael were so comfortable with each other. It seemed almost like he was an old friend, even though they’d only known one another for a short time.
“Not as many as I’d think, huh?” she asked as he held the restaurant door open for her.
He grinned. “Nope.”
By the time they were seated and had ordered, Caroline’s stomach was rumbling. “It’s a good thing we decided to go ahead and eat here,” she said. “Or we might’ve had to stop at a gas station for me to get a snack.”
He chuckled. “Didn’t you eat lunch?”
“No. I was so caught up in getting the floors done, I forgot to eat. And then by the time I realized it, it was only a couple of hours before you were supposed to pick me up.” She grinned. “By that point, I didn’t want to spoil my dinner.”
“Well, I think you’ll find the food here to be worth the wait,” he said as the waitress, a young Amish girl, set their plates on the table.
“Mind if I ask the blessing?” he asked.
She smiled. “Please do.” Now that she’d gotten back into the habit of praying, it would seem odd not to give thanks for the food. And now that she saw and felt the difference that praying made in her life, she vowed to never let her prayer life lapse again. “Oh my goodness,” she exclaimed as she bit into the meat loaf on her plate after Michael’s prayer. “This tastes almost as good as what my grandmother used to make.”
He grinned. “Told you.”
She took a sip of her Coke. “This settles it. I’m definitely going to have to start running again.”
“You’re a runner?”
“Used to be.” She took another bite.
“Used to be a kindergarten teacher. Used to be a runner.” He looked at her curiously. “Why do I feel like you’ve lived more than one life?”
Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Page 10