“Good morning, Simon,” Phillip said, entering the barn. “I’m surprised to see you here already.”
Simon grinned. “Mornin’. I thought I’d get a jump on things, and Mamm didn’t mind coming a little early too, since we’re only working until noon today.”
Phillip nodded. “Is the milking finished?”
“Almost. I’m just sending the last cows into the room now.” He set to work, concentrating on the task at hand. Lydia Ann and the girls would be there any minute.
Twenty minutes later, he was just finishing when he heard the sound of a buggy coming up the driveway. He stepped outside.
“We’re here to help you,” Katie said, scrambling to the ground.
Mary ran over to her sister and grinned. “I’ll bet the baby calfs have missed us.”
“Do exactly what Mr. Simon tells you, okay?” Lydia Ann said, coming to stand next to her daughters. She smiled at Simon.
He returned her smile. “Let’s take care of the kittens first. Does that sound okay?”
The little girls squealed in response.
“Follow me,” he said. He’d saved some milk this morning so they could put it in the big bowl for the kittens. “Can one of you pour this milk into that big bowl?” he asked.
“I will,” Katie said. She carefully poured the milk.
Tiny kittens seemed to come out of the walls. They scurried over to the milk bowl to drink.
“Look at their little pink tongues, lapping at the milk,” Mary said. “Can I drink my milk that way?” She looked up at her mother.
“It would take you a long time to finish your milk if you drank it that way,” Lydia Ann said, laughing.
Katie squealed. “Look at that one. He jumped all the way in!”
A tiny calico kitten, overwhelmed by the excitement of fresh milk, had scrambled right into the bowl.
“One of you can take him out of the bowl if you’d like,” Simon said. “But don’t let him scratch you. He’s very excited.”
Mary leaned over and carefully plucked him from the bowl. She set him next to the other kittens at the bowl’s edge. “He’s all covered in milk, from head to toe,” she said.
“He had a milk bath,” Katie said, giggling.
Simon glanced over at Lydia Ann. “Dinner last night was fun.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “Jah. I’m glad you could come.”
He motioned toward the calves. “Are you ready to feed the babies?” he asked.
Mary and Katie worked with him to get the bottles prepared.
“You’re both doing a great job,” Simon said as they each held a bottle for a calf.
“I thought I heard little ones,” Mrs. Landis said, coming out to the barn. “Good morning, Lydia Ann. I see you brought Simon some visitors.”
Lydia Ann grinned. “They love helping.”
Mrs. Landis smiled. “Do they enjoy helping in the kitchen too? Mrs. Zook and I are about to make pretzels. Would you like to help us?” she asked the twins as they finished feeding the calves.
Katie and Mary nodded excitedly.
Mrs. Landis laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes. Girls, come with me. We’ll get your hands washed and see if we can find aprons for you.” She grinned at Simon. “Why don’t you take a break? Show Lydia Ann around the farm.”
Simon glanced at Lydia Ann and smiled. “Okay.”
“And when you’re through, come to the kitchen,” Mrs. Landis said, “for some fresh pretzels.”
Mrs. Landis, Katie, and Mary headed out of the barn, leaving Simon and Lydia Ann alone.
He looked over at her, suddenly nervous. They hadn’t had much time alone together.
Simon’s heart had been broken once. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to risk it again….
But he couldn’t help but think that Lydia Ann was worth it.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Caroline pulled her hair into a ponytail and put an Atlanta Braves baseball cap on her head.
Today had “disaster” written all over it.
When she’d met with Greg on Friday, she’d been flooded with memories. Lance and Greg had been best friends for so many years, even serving as best man in each other’s weddings.
And when he’d let her know that the team planned to honor Lance during today’s game, she’d promised to be there, thinking she could sit in one of the suites and watch the tribute from afar. But then he’d told her they planned for her to throw out the first pitch. And it had already been advertised to the media, so she really didn’t have a choice.
So there would be no viewing from afar. Instead, she’d be right in the center of the action. Right where she didn’t want to be.
It was almost like old times. The old “DeMarco” jersey that Lance had custom-made for her still fit like a glove. She paired it with khaki shorts and running shoes.
Her running shoes, which hadn’t seen much running lately. Running used to be something she did just for her. Lance had always tried to get her to take yoga or Pilates with the other players’ wives, but she’d been a runner since high school. Maybe it was time to start again.
She looked once more in the mirror. An extra drop of Visine had cleared her bloodshot eyes. After she’d hung up with Michael last night, the tears had started. The whole experience of meeting with Valerie, learning about the pregnancy, and dealing with Lance’s estate had been overwhelming. Even another hot bath hadn’t helped.
She’d finally found comfort in her tattered Bible. It was the one she’d gotten at VBS one summer when she’d successfully learned all the required memory verses. She’d used it through high school, and it still contained notes and pictures scribbled on attendance cards. She’d forgotten about it after it had been put on a shelf along with a couple of textbooks from college. But last night she’d pulled it off the shelf and opened it.
Lydia Ann had said there was nothing so big that the Lord couldn’t handle it. That was a good thing, because the problems Caroline faced were certainly enormous.
And it had helped. She’d read first one verse, then another. The words calmed her. Gave her hope. Allowed her to finally sleep after praying that the Lord would take away her pain, even if just for a night.
She’d dreamed of Mama. The two of them had been drinking coffee in the bookstore. She couldn’t remember what they’d talked about, but she woke up happy. Warm. Content.
And now, with that comforting memory fresh, she would face the baseball team and their wives. She would throw out that pitch for Lance. Lance, who’d been a terrible husband but wasn’t a horrible man. He’d cared deeply for his friends. Given back to the community. And made a mistake that had eventually cost him his life.
She would honor him today. She hadn’t been able to do so at his funeral. The hurt on that day had been too new, too fresh. But now that she had some distance, she could accept that his legacy was more than just another cheating athlete. She would throw out the pitch, from the same mound he’d thrown from so many times, and she would only remember the good times. The charity they’d established together that would go on helping underprivileged kids for many years to come would be his legacy.
That and an unborn child she hadn’t decided whether she could raise.
Thirty minutes later, she arrived at the stadium. Although she hated to have a driver, the organization had sent a car for her.
When she walked out on the field, the crowd cheered. The team stood at attention. The announcer called her name.
Caroline walked slowly to the mound, clutching the ball in her hand. This is for you, Lance. This is good-bye. She hurled the ball with all her might and watched it land neatly in the catcher’s mitt.
Good-bye.
Lydia Ann couldn’t help but wonder if Mrs. Landis had somehow sensed that she and Simon might like to spend some time together. Was it obvious to everyone that they shared a special bond? Had others noticed that she snuck glances at him when he wasn’t looking?
If so, what must they all think of her?
“Would you like a tour?” he asked, grinning. His blue eyes seemed even bluer today.
She returned his smile. “Jah. I’d like that.” The truth was, she’d like anything that meant she could spend extra time with him. She’d even clean out the cow stalls…or at least stand back and watch while he did it. Somehow, confessing to him last night that she would be open to the possibility of finding love again made her more aware of his presence.
He motioned toward the barn door. “If you don’t mind walking a bit, I’ll take you out and show you where the puppies are.”
Lydia Ann nodded. “I enjoy walking.” She chuckled. “Mary and Katie will be upset if they find out I saw the puppies without them.”
He laughed. “Maybe they can come out later.”
They walked along in silence for a moment.
“I can’t believe how the summer is speeding past,” Simon said finally.
She looked over at him. “I know. Do you think time seems to go by faster as you get older?”
He chuckled. “I do. When I was a boy and looked forward to my birthday, it seemed to take forever to come. But now, I blink and a whole month has passed.”
“I think I see it even more because of Katie and Mary. They are truly growing up before my eyes.”
“You’re a wonderful mother.”
She blushed. “Motherhood has been a blessing from God. I love them so.”
“Things are sure going to be quiet after you’ve gone back to Ohio,” he said, stopping at an old rickety building and turning toward her.
She looked into his eyes. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“What’s that?” He leaned against the building.
“Leah and I have been talking…about me staying in Lancaster County with the girls.” She smiled. “For good.”
His blue eyes widened in surprise. “Really? You are considering that?”
“Jah. I’ve missed Dat a lot more than I realized. And we feel at home here.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I would miss Charm, of course.”
Simon kicked at a loose stone on the ground. “Well, you know I would like it very much if you lived here.” He gave her a shy grin. “I like the thought of spending more time with you.”
She gave him a wide smile. “I like that thought too.”
Lydia Ann hadn’t expected this. Even in her wildest dreams, she’d never thought she’d meet another man who made her so happy.
Life was full of surprises.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“It’s kind of nice, isn’t it?” Mom asked. “Our whole family together for church and lunch.”
“Just like when you were boys,” Dad said, looking over his shoulder at Michael.
Michael and Phillip sat in the backseat of the old family sedan. Mom had driven the same car for years. Back when Michael was in the seventh grade, he used to get her to drop him off around the corner from the movie theater so his friends wouldn’t see.
“Michael, I hear you work with Jenny,” Mom said. “How is she doing?”
He felt Phillip’s eyes on him. “She’s doing well. Looks the same as she did when we were in college.” She acted the same too, but he didn’t want to get into that with his family.
“Please give her my regards,” Mom said. She turned toward the backseat. “Maybe you should set her up with Phillip.” She grinned.
Phillip grunted. “That won’t be necessary, but thanks.”
After Mom turned back around, Michael glanced at his brother. There was no way he’d ever set Jenny up with Phillip. And Phillip knew it. They might not be as close as some brothers, but some things would just be too weird. There was definitely a man code. Most guys would never set up a serious ex-girlfriend with a brother or good friend.
Phillip leaned over. “Mom doesn’t know it, but I’m actually seeing someone.”
Michael eyed his brother. “Is Amanda back?”
“No. This is someone you don’t know,” he said in a low voice. “I haven’t brought her around to meet Mom and Dad. Yet.”
“Yet. So does that mean this one warrants a family meeting?” Even though they’d had their differences, Michael wanted to see his brother happy.
Phillip shrugged. “More than anyone in a while. Since Amanda.”
“Do I get to know her name?” Michael grinned.
“Hannah. She’s a nurse.” Phillip’s normally solemn face twisted into a smile.
Michael knew it was huge for Phillip to open up to him about something personal. There had been a time, back in their younger years, when the two of them had shared everything. But once they went to different colleges and he moved away, their relationship was never the same.
“I’m happy for you, man. I’d love to meet her sometime.”
Phillip eyed him warily then nodded. “I’d like that. Maybe we can all hang out sometime. You and Caroline are seeing each other, right?”
“Yeah. She’s out of town right now, but I’d love for the four of us to do something sometime.”
Phillip nodded in agreement.
Dad pulled into the driveway.
“Can you let me off?” Phillip asked. “I’d like to take a nap this afternoon.”
“Sure,” Dad said, slowing to a stop.
Mom turned around. “Will you join us for supper tonight, dear?” she asked.
“No thanks,” Phillip said. “I’ll see you at breakfast, though.” He climbed out of the car and headed into his house.
Michael leaned his head against the seat. He’d kind of hoped Phillip would invite him over to watch baseball or just hang out. But at least they’d finally had some sort of conversation that hadn’t ended with anyone storming off in anger. That felt like progress. And the fact that Phillip was willing to go on a double date spoke volumes.
Maybe there was hope for them yet.
Lydia Ann sat on the porch, gazing out into the yard. Her time in Lancaster County was coming to a close. It wasn’t that long ago that she’d been grumbling to Emma about how miserable the summer was going to be. And now she was actually considering turning her short visit into a permanent stay.
As much as she tried to tell herself that her growing friendship with Simon shouldn’t have any bearing on her decision, she knew better. Yesterday had been so much fun. Simon always made her feel so happy inside. And they had a lot to say to one another.
Just like with Levi.
She and Levi had known each other since they were just a little older than Mary and Katie. But it wasn’t until they were teens that they’d begun courting. She still remembered the night he had asked her to go for a buggy ride with him after a singing.
From that day on, she’d known she would end up married to him. They could talk and laugh about everything. It seemed like they never ran out of things to say.
And Levi had been more than just her husband. He’d been her best friend. They’d shared the good and the bad.
After getting to know Simon, she got the same feeling. He was the kind of person she would choose to be friends with. His character was strong. And when he spoke of his faith in the Lord, it was obvious that it was a true faith.
Katie and Mary liked him too. They’d even made him a special pretzel yesterday. He might not have realized it, but she knew what high praise that was.
“You enjoying some quiet time?” Leah asked, stepping out of the house.
Lydia Ann smiled. “Jah. Just thinking.”
“Mind if I sit with you?” Leah motioned toward the empty spot on the porch swing.
“Go ahead.”
Leah perched on the swing. “Katie tells me the three of you had a lot of fun yesterday at the farm.”
Lydia Ann nodded. “They love the animals. And Mrs. Zook and Mrs. Landis let them come inside and learn to twist pretzels.”
“Did you enjoy your visit with Simon?”
Lydia Ann felt her face grow hot. “Jah. He’s great with the girls. He’s very patient with them as they learn to car
e for the animals.”
Leah smiled. “I’ve known Simon since he was just a little boy. He went to school with my children.”
“That’s what he told me.”
Leah sighed. “Did he tell you about Sarah?” she asked.
Lydia Ann shook her head. “No. I don’t guess I’ve heard about her.” Her stomach tightened.
“As far as I know, she’s the only girl Simon ever courted. But she left town.” She glanced at Lydia Ann. “I think it broke his heart to let her go.”
Lydia Ann mulled over this news. She hated to hear that Simon had ever gone through heartbreak. But it did explain a little bit more about him. She’d noticed that he always seemed a little hesitant with her. He must be worried that she might leave, just like Sarah had. “Thank you for telling me about his past,” Lydia Ann said. “Knowing about the things someone has dealt with can help you understand them better.”
Leah smiled. “You’re right. Sometimes you have to deal with the past in order to enjoy the present.”
Lydia Ann couldn’t help but think of Caroline. She was in Atlanta, dealing with her past right now. Lord, please watch over Caroline. Give her the strength to deal with whatever she is facing.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Michael looked at his watch. She should be here by now. He rose from his spot on the airport bench to look at the arrival board. He found her flight. Delayed. Figures.
Every time he’d ever flown through Atlanta, he’d managed to be delayed. Why should it be any different for Caroline?
His phone buzzed. He glanced down, and though he didn’t recognize the number that flashed on the screen, he answered it.
“Hey there,” Jenny said. “Thought I’d check to see if you might want to grab a bite to eat tonight.”
“Thanks, but I can’t. I’m actually in Harrisburg. I had to pick up someone from the airport.” No need to tell her who. Friday at work, Jenny had managed to bring up Caroline twice. He got the distinct feeling she wasn’t going to let it go until she actually met her. And he would rather that meeting not take place.
Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Page 17