by Amy Clipston
“Oh.” Veronica couldn’t shake the feeling that Emily was acting a little preoccupied earlier. She’d been surveying the crowd as if she were looking for someone.
“There she is!” Rachel called, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth as she pointed toward a group of people walking toward the booths.
Veronica followed Rachel’s gaze and gasped when she spotted Emily walking with Jason beside her. She turned back toward Rachel, who was flashing a knowing expression, and all the events clicked together in Veronica’s mind. This whole sale idea was a plot to get Jason and me together again!
Rachel stepped over to Veronica and lowered her voice. “Don’t look so terrified. He likes you, and you like him. Go tell him how you feel.”
“You and Emily planned this,” Veronica accused.
Rachel nodded. “Ya, we did, because we care about you, Veronica. We want to see you froh again.”
“Excuse me,” Jason said with a weak smile as he approached the booth. “I heard you sell raspberry pies here. Could I possibly purchase one?”
Emily bit her lip to suppress a smile as she looked at Veronica and then back at Jason.
“Ya, you may buy one,” Veronica began, “but you have to go for a walk with me first.”
Jason rubbed his chin as he feigned indifference. “I don’t know if I have time to go for a walk.”
“What if I promise you a stone-skipping lesson?” Veronica held her breath, hoping he’d give her a chance to explain herself. She’d thought about him all week, and she’d watched out the window every evening, hoping he’d visit her again. She was so grateful that her sisters had orchestrated this meeting, and she made a note to thank and hug each of them later.
“Sold!” Jason grinned, and her knees wobbled. She’d forgotten how gorgeous his smile was. Oh, how she’d missed it all week!
Veronica turned toward her mother. “Would you watch my booth for me?”
“I’ll take care of it.” Emily moved behind the table. “Go take your time.”
“Danki,” Veronica whispered to her. She handed her the money box and then slipped out from behind the table. “Let’s go find a quiet place to talk.”
They walked side by side while weaving through the knot of people clogging the field until they reached a snack bar.
Jason drew his wallet from his back pocket. “Would you like a soda and a pretzel?”
“Ach, I left my money back at the table.” She looked over her shoulder toward the vending area.
“Veronica,” he said. “I have money.”
“You’ve already given me too much. I couldn’t possibly expect you to—”
“So that’s one pretzel and one soda,” he said.
Before she could protest, he purchased two pretzels and two Cokes and handed her one of each.
“Danki,” she said.
“Gern gschehne.” He pointed toward an area with tables and chairs. “Want to go sit down?”
“Ya, that would be nice.”
The noise of the crowd and the auctioneer’s voice faded as they ambled toward the back of the eating area.
“How was your week?” he asked as he motioned toward a chair.
“Gut,” she said. “How was yours?” She sat down, and he sat across from her.
He lifted and dropped one shoulder in a halfhearted shrug. “Uneventful.”
“I used my umbrella on Tuesday.” She met his eyes, and he raised his eyebrow. “Your weather forecast was very accurate.”
He gave her a lopsided grin, and her heartbeat raced. “I just happened to guess right.” He took a sip from the can of Coke and then broke off a piece of pretzel.
“You could get a part-time job doing the weather report for the radio station.”
“Do you think it pays well?” he asked.
She laughed and then took a bit of the warm pretzel, which melted in her mouth. “I loved all of the gifts. They were perfect. Danki.”
He nodded. “I’m glad you liked them.”
“I’ve already finished the books. How did you know they are my favorite authors?”
He shrugged again. “Good guess.”
“The candle is perfect. I like to light it at night while I read.”
He seemed to search her eyes for something. He was waiting for her to talk about her feelings. She took a depth breath and mustered all the emotional strength she could find.
“I’m sorry for pushing you away,” Veronica began with both her hands and her body quaking with a mixture of anxiety and raw emotion. “I was afraid.” She kept her eyes trained on the pretzel. “I thought if I let anyone into my heart again, I would somehow betray Seth. And I think, deep down, I’m also afraid of losing someone again. Seth meant everything to me. We had all these plans. We were going to be married on November twenty-seventh, and we were going to build a haus on his parents’ property. We even had talked about what we would name our six kinner.”
She gave a little laugh and looked up, surprised to see that he looked stricken. “I was a coward on Saturday, and I’m sorry. When I saw you in the driveway, I asked my mamm to talk to you. I couldn’t face you because I knew I’d hurt you. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Of course I forgive you.” Jason started to reach for her hand and then pulled his arm back. “I could never be angry with you.”
“Danki, but I don’t deserve that. I was wrong to hide in the haus.” She pulled a napkin from the metal dispenser in the center of the small, round table and fingered it as she spoke. “After you left, I opened your gifts, and I was really overwhelmed by your generosity. My mamm told me she asked you to give me a second chance, and I was furious.”
Jason’s eyes continued to explore hers. “Why were you furious?”
“I was confused and hurt. I didn’t know what to do or how to feel. I went to see Seth’s mother, and I told her I was interested in someone. She gave me her blessing.”
“She gave you her blessing?” he asked.
“Margaret told me I should live my life. She said Seth would want me to move on.” Veronica paused and sucked in a trembling breath. “If you are still interested in me, then I would like to get to know you better.”
Jason’s face lit up. “Are you sure?”
“Ya.” Veronica smiled, and her cheeks heated. “I need your weather reports to get through the week.” She laughed and then broke off another piece of pretzel.
JASON THOUGHT HE MIGHT BURST WITH EXCITEMENT. Veronica wanted to get to know him! His father’s advice had worked, and she had changed her mind. He was so thrilled he thought he could dance and sing right there in the middle of the refreshment area. She looked breathtakingly beautiful today with her blue dress complementing her eyes. The bright sunlight gave the blonde tendrils escaping her prayer covering a golden hue. Her smile was bright and warm. He was falling for her—fast.
I need to tell her the truth about Seth now!
The thought took him by surprise. It was time for him to be honest with her before the truth tore them apart.
“I know how you feel,” he said as he broke off another piece of pretzel. “I lost a close friend recently.”
“Really?” she asked. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Danki.” He cleaned his hands on a paper napkin. “It’s difficult when you expect to see them every day and you don’t.”
Veronica sighed and nodded. “Ya, it is. Some days are more painful than others.”
“That’s true.” Jason sipped his drink and then looked down at the half-eaten pretzel. He had to tell her before he lost his nerve. But how should he start? Should he apologize? Should he tell her he saw her at the visitation at Seth’s mother’s house? Should he just flat out say he had worked with Seth?
“I need to apologize for something,” Veronica suddenly blurted out, her beautiful face flushed with embarrassment. “I said something terrible to you, and I didn’t mean it. I just want to clear it up with you now.”
“Oh?” He shook his head. “You
don’t need to apologize for anything.”
“Ya, I do.” She nodded with emphasis, her eyes serious. “Two weeks ago when you came to see me, I told you that you should date Mary.” She leveled her gaze with his. “I didn’t mean it.”
Jason bit the inside of his lip to stop himself from laughing at her serious expression. “You don’t need to be concerned about that.”
“Okay.” She took another bite of pretzel, but she didn’t seem convinced.
“Did you really think you were going to lose me to her?” He was stunned.
She nodded and sipped her soda. “She really likes you. When I saw her at church, I could tell she wasn’t froh to see me. I think she sees me as a threat.”
That’s because you are. “Don’t worry about Mary.”
“Okay.” This time Veronica looked relieved. “I was hoping I hadn’t pushed you toward her.”
“No.” Jason shook his head. He was amused and somehow comforted by the worry in her eyes. Was she as afraid of losing him as he was of losing her?
She finished the pretzel and then looked at him. “How did you know I love pretzels and vanilla-scented candles?”
The question was simple, but a wave of worry flowed through him. Jason’s shoulders stiffened with apprehension. He’d been caught red-handed.
“Didn’t you tell me you liked them while we were sitting at the pond?” His lie was feeble, and he was sure she’d see right through it.
Veronica shook her head. “No, I don’t think so.” She smiled. “You have wunderbaar intuition.”
“Danki.” He inwardly sighed with relief. He’d dodged that one with ease.
“Now I need to know your favorite things. What foods do you like?”
“Raspberry pies.” He grinned, and she tossed her crumpled napkin at him.
“That doesn’t count,” she said with a laugh. “You have to like something else.”
“Let me think.” Jason smiled. “I like maed with blonde hair and blue eyes. They have to like to bake and skip stones.”
Veronica rolled her eyes. “Tell me something I don’t already know.”
He laughed, and she soon joined in. He enjoyed the sweet melody of her laughter.
“This is fun,” she said before finishing the last piece of her pretzel.
“Ya, it is.” He held up his can of Coke as if to toast her.
“You’re not going to get away with avoiding my question.” She wagged a finger at him and looked adorable. “What are your favorite things?”
Jason touched his chin while considering the question. “I’ve never really thought about it. I suppose I like peanut butter cookies and chocolate cake.”
Veronica sat slightly taller. “I can make those.”
“I also like picnics and quiet walks by a pond.” He paused for a moment, as if gathering his nerve. “I just like being with you.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she glanced down at her Coke.
“Veronica,” he said, and she looked up at him. “May I see you again?”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” Her expression was serious.
“Gut.” His heart soared. This was what he’d dreamed of since the first time he’d met her at the bake stand. Now he had to find a way to tell her the truth about Seth.
VERONICA FELT AS IF SHE WERE WALKING ON AIR AS SHE AND Jason made their way back to the vendor area. Her lips formed a permanent smile, and her stomach fluttered with excitement. She had worried for so long about feeling guilty, but all she felt now was happiness—pure, uplifting happiness.
They weaved through the crowd to the table where Emily was telling a customer about the assorted jams while her mother talked to someone about a colorful log cabin pattern quilt. Rachel sat on a chair and frowned while flipping through a quilting magazine.
Veronica stood by the table and turned to Jason. “Danki for the snack. I had a nice time.”
“Gern gschehne,” Jason said. “I had a nice time too.” He motioned toward the table. “How long do you think you’re going to be here today?”
“I’m not sure.” Veronica looked over at her mother, who smiled. “Do you have plans?” she asked Jason.
“I’m here with my bruder, Leah, and Mary,” he said. “I told them I’d be back in a few minutes, but I think that was over an hour ago.”
Veronica laughed. “I wonder if they’re looking for you. You probably should go find them.”
“Okay.” He seemed to hesitate, as if he didn’t want to leave. She didn’t want him to go either.
“I think you should come over tomorrow to get a pie,” she suggested quickly. “I imagine you’re out of raspberry pie, and you know my stand is open on Saturdays.” She clicked off a mental list of ingredients for chocolate cake and peanut butter cookies. She could whip them up quickly tonight and have them ready for him tomorrow. Excitement rushed through her. She couldn’t wait to bake for him.
“That’s a gut idea.” He touched her hand, and the warmth of his touch sent her heartbeat thumping wildly in her chest. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Gut,” she said. “I expect a new weather report. My umbrella is ready just in case.”
“I’ll have one.” He waved at her mother and sisters and then smiled at her. “See you tomorrow.”
“I look forward to it.” She stood by the table and watched him saunter away, taking in his confident stride and tall frame.
“Looks like you had a great time.” Emily’s comment snapped Veronica back to reality.
Veronica ran her hands down her apron. “Ya, I did. Danki for running the table for me. Did you make a lot of sales?”
Emily jammed a hand on one of her small hips. “I don’t want to talk about how many jars of jam I sold. I want to hear about you and Jason.”
Rachel sidled up to them. “So do I. You two looked really froh.”
Mamm joined them. “I have to agree with your sisters. You and Jason seemed awfully cheerful.”
Veronica smiled. “We went to the concession area and had a pretzel and a drink. We talked, and it was really nice. He’s coming to see me tomorrow.”
Her sisters clapped their hands and hugged her. Apparently that was all they needed to hear.
“I’m so froh for you,” Emily gushed while squeezing Veronica’s hand.
“I knew it would work out,” Rachel chimed in with a slight smile.
Mamm touched Veronica’s shoulder. “I’m glad you gave him a chance.”
An Englisher woman appeared at Mamm’s end of the table and asked about one of her wedding ring quilts, and Mamm turned to help her.
Emily continued to grin. “I’m glad you’re not angry with me for finding him and bringing him over to see you. I was afraid you’d ask him to leave and then yell at me.”
“I would never do that,” Veronica said, shaking her head. “I’m thankful you knew what I needed before I did.”
Emily began to arrange the remaining jars of relish and jams on the table, and Rachel retreated to the chair at the back of the booth area. She picked up the quilting magazine and stared at the cover as a scowl deepened on her pretty face.
Veronica couldn’t let her sister suffer in silence. She moved a chair beside her and sat. “Is something wrong, Rach?”
Rachel shrugged and shook her head. “No, not really.”
Veronica took in her sister’s brown eyes. “You’re not telling me the truth.”
Rachel sighed. “I have this feeling I can’t seem to shake off.” She glanced down at the cover of the magazine as if it held all the answers she craved. “David doesn’t seem interested in me anymore. He talks to Sharon more than he talks to me, and when Sharon suggested they go to the auction, they left without me.”
Veronica frowned. How could she be so happy when her sister was so sad? “I’m sorry. Maybe they thought you had to stay and help Mamm and Emily since I was gone.”
“No, I’m sure it wasn’t that.” Rachel shook her head. “This isn’t your fault. This is somethi
ng that has been bothering me for a while.”
“I think you need to talk to David alone and tell him how you feel,” Veronica said. “Be honest with him and explain how he hurt your feelings today.”
“Okay.” Rachel nodded. “I’ll do that tonight.”
Veronica stood. “Would you like to help us with the booth? Or do you want to go find David and Sharon?”
Rachel shook her head. “I’d rather help you and Emily.”
Veronica stood between her sisters as a few Englishers approached the booth and asked about the jams and relishes. She was grateful for her family, and she looked forward to the possibility of getting to know Jason better, thanks to her thoughtful sisters.
CHAPTER 14
VERONICA’S HEART FLUTTERED WHEN SHE SPOTTED JASON’S buggy moving down the road toward the bake stand Saturday afternoon. She’d waited for him all morning, eager to give him the peanut butter cookies and chocolate cake she’d baked for him the night before. When he didn’t arrive by noon, her excitement waned and doubt crept into her soul. Had she imagined the connection they’d shared yesterday in the concession area at the mud sale? Did he say he’d try to stop by the bake stand instead of promising he’d be there?
The sight of his buggy caused her worries to evaporate. He’d kept his promise.
Jason halted the horse in front of the stand and climbed from the buggy. “Wie geht’s?” He got out of the buggy and walked to the stand. “I heard you sell the best raspberry pies in Bird-in-Hand. Is that true?” His eyes sparkled with humor.
“No, that’s not true.” Veronica grinned, playing along with this game. “I do have something that might interest you instead.” She reached into a cooler beside her and extracted the tin of peanut butter cookies and the plastic cake saver that held his chocolate cake. She set them on the counter in front of her. “A little bird told me you like peanut butter cookies and chocolate cake.”
Jason looked at the tin and the cake saver with surprise. “You made these for me?”
She nodded.
He opened the tin and found the cookies. “When did you make them?”
“Last night.” She shrugged as if it hadn’t taken her a few hours. “I wanted to have them ready for you when you came by.” And I worried all morning that you weren’t going to come.