“I’ll bet, too,” Lamar said with a nod. “Emma and I probably won’t sell our home in Shipshe, but it’s nice to know we have a place here where we can spend our winters.”
“If I get to likin’ this weather too much, I might be tempted to stay in Florida,” Jan commented. “I could ride my bike all winter and never have to worry about dealin’ with snow. ‘Course, I ain’t likely to move, since my business and my daughter are in Indiana.”
“I see you have a new walking partner, Abe,” Emma commented.
He gave a nod. “Jah, that’s right.”
“That’s a cute little dog. What’s its name?” Emma questioned.
“This is Button. We just got her yesterday.” Abe squatted down and pet the dog’s head. “Never thought we’d get another dog, but we used to have a beagle when we lived in Ohio. Shortly before we moved here, old Gus got real sick, and we had to have him put to sleep. It was one of the hardest things Linda and I ever did, and because of it, we vowed never to get another pet. We didn’t think we could go through that again, but the longer we’ve been down here, the more we’ve missed the fun we had with Gus all those years, so we finally talked ourselves into getting another dog.”
“She certainly is cute.” Emma giggled, watching Button chew on Abe’s shoelaces. “She’s so tiny. How old is she, Abe?”
“She’s actually ten weeks old, but she’s a miniature beagle and won’t get as big as most standard beagles.” Abe bent down to pick up the pup and stood. Button started licking his face right away. “Linda and I have to get used to a puppy all over again. We kinda forgot, with Gus being so laid back, how rambunctious a little one like this can be.”
Everyone laughed as Button tried to grab the brim of Abe’s straw hat. “Guess I’d better get going,” he said. “As you can see, Button is getting impatient and looking for something to eat. In one day’s time the little stinker ruined two pairs of my socks.” Abe’s chest moved rhythmically as he chuckled. “I suppose it could be a good thing, though. Linda won’t have to get after me to pick up my things. Anyway, it’s good seeing you, Emma and Lamar, and we’ll get together soon.” He looked over at Jan and smiled. “Nice meeting you.”
“Likewise,” Jan responded.
“Tell your wife I said hello,” Emma called as Abe, carrying the puppy, headed down the road.
“Looks to me like that pup’s got his master eating out of the palm of his hand.” Lamar laughed. “I think Button has won my friend Abe’s heart.”
“He seems like a nice neighbor,” Jan commented. “Are all the folks here in Pinecraft as friendly as Abe?”
“Pretty much,” Emma said. “This is a good neighborhood, and it’s a comfort to know there are dependable people who’ll keep an eye on our place here when we’re back home in Indiana.”
“Too bad you couldn’t train an alligator to be a watchdog,” Jan teased. “You’d never have to worry about being robbed, that’s for sure.”
“You’ve got that right.” Emma snickered. “Well, how about we head to the restaurant now? It’s close enough that we can walk, and I don’t know about you men, but my stomach’s starting to growl.”
“My appetite is growing, too,” Lamar said, getting up and folding his chair.
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Jan agreed. “Let’s go have us a nice evening, and as you Amish like to say, ‘Let’s eat ourselves full!’”
Goshen
Star paced the living-room floor, fretting because she hadn’t heard from her dad, other than one brief call after he’d arrived in Sarasota. She’d left him a couple of messages, but he hadn’t returned any of her calls. Wasn’t he checking his voice mail? And what all was he doing down there? Surely he would have caught up on visiting with Emma and Lamar by now.
She slapped the side of her head. What was I thinking? I should have gotten the Millers’ phone number from Dad before he left home. Think I’m gonna try calling his cell number again, ’cause I’m getting tired of waiting around and worrying that something might have happened to him.
Star grabbed her cell phone and punched in her dad’s number, frowning when she got his voice mail again.
“Dad, this is Star. I’ve been trying to call you, and I don’t know why you haven’t responded. Please call me back as soon as you can.”
Star clicked off and sank into a chair. This wouldn’t be happening if I’d gone to Florida with Dad. Sure hope everything’s okay. If I don’t hear something from him soon, I’m gonna ditch my job and hop on the next plane to Sarasota.
Sarasota
“How are things going with you?” Anna Lambright asked as she passed Kim on the way to the kitchen to pick up an order.
“Well, I’ve only dropped one plate and spilled a glass of milk so far, but other than that, things are going great,” Kim replied with a grin. “I’m surprised no one’s complained to the boss about me being such a klutz.”
Anna touched Kim’s arm. “I’m sure the customers know you don’t do it on purpose. Besides, you’re so polite and friendly to everyone, and that goes a long ways.”
“I hope you’re right, because I can’t afford to lose this job.”
“Me neither.” Anna inhaled deeply. “The last thing I want is to feel forced to go home and listen to my folks say, ‘I told you so.’”
“Are they still giving you a hard time about being down here?”
“They’ve let up for now, but I think it’s because Emma called and had a talk with my mom,” Anna said. “It’s sad to say, but Mom and Dad will listen to Emma before they will me. They’ve never given me much credit for doing the right thing or being able to take care of myself.”
“I think a lot of parents are like that when it comes to their young people getting out on their own.”
“Don’t they want us to have our own lives? I mean, shouldn’t I have the right to make decisions and choose where I want to live?”
Kim nodded. “I think everyone deserves that privilege.”
They reached the kitchen, and their conversation ended as they both picked up their orders.
Kim had just served a middle-aged couple their meal, when she turned to her right and saw Emma and Lamar Miller seated at a booth.
She blinked rapidly, unable to believe her eyes. Sitting across from them was the biker she’d met on the beach! What in the world are they doing with him? Well, she would know soon enough, because that was one of her tables.
Jan studied the menu they’d been given when they’d first sat down. There were so many choices, but his gaze kept going back to the buffet island to his left. He’d scoped it out on the way in and decided that if he didn’t find something he liked better on the menu he’d go for the buffet. In addition to several kinds of meat, it offered mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, stuffing, a pasta dish, three vegetable choices, and everything one needed to build a hearty salad. Jan had eyeballed a couple of dessert items on the buffet, too, so he knew there was no chance of him leaving here hungry. Unless he used some restraint, he figured he’d be miserable when he walked out the door.
“Emma. Lamar. It’s good to see you.”
Jan jerked his head at the sound of a woman’s voice. He looked away from the menu, and when he recognized the cute little blond he’d met on the beach, his mouth dropped open.
“We were hoping you might be working tonight,” Emma said, smiling at their waitress. She turned to Jan and said, “This is Kim Morris, one of our quilting students. Kim, I’d like you to meet our good friend, Jan Sweet.”
Kim stood several seconds, staring at Jan like he had two heads. “You—you’re that guy I met on the beach.”
He nodded. “Sure never expected to see you again. How’s your dog?”
Kim’s lips compressed. “Maddie is fine. And for your information, I take good care of her.”
Jan shrugged. “Never said you didn’t. I was just pointing out that—”
“Do you two know each other?” Lamar interrupted.
“Sort of,” Jan mumble
d. “We met on the beach the first day I got here. I had no idea you and Emma knew her, though.”
“How do you know the Millers?” Kim asked, looking at Jan with a curious expression.
“I took Emma’s quilting classes before she and Lamar were married.”
Kim blinked. “Really? I’m surprised that—”
“That someone like me would want to learn how to quilt?”
Kim’s face reddened. “Well, you don’t exactly seem like the type.”
Jan snickered. “There’s a lot about me that I’m sure would surprise you.”
“Jan is staying at our place while he’s here on vacation,” Emma said. “So I’m sure you two will have a chance to get better acquainted.”
Jan jiggled his eyebrows, feeling kind of playful all of a sudden. Remembering back to last fall when Terry had taken Emma’s quilting class so he could get to know Cheryl and ask her for a date, Jan was beginning to understand his friend’s reasoning. But he could see from Kim’s disgruntled expression that the last thing she wanted was to get to know him better. Well, like it or not, she’d better get used to the idea, because come Saturday, Jan planned to stick around and be part of the quilting class.
C
HAPTER 19
Jan knew the quilt class would be starting soon, so he decided to check his voice mail before the students arrived. “Stupid phone! How did all these messages get on here without me knowing it?” Jan muttered to himself. He was surprised to find that most of them were from Star. Feeling guilty when he heard how upset she was, he gave her a call. When he got her voice mail, he figured she was probably at work, so he left a message. “Hi, Star, it’s me. Sorry I missed all your calls. I just discovered that my phone was muted, so I never heard it ring. Haven’t checked my messages for a few days, either. I’ve been staying with Emma and Lamar. They have a spare room and said they were glad to have me here with them. We’ve been having a great time catching up on things.”
Jan was tempted to mention that he’d met Kim, but decided against it. He didn’t even know Kim that well, and if he told Star that he planned to hang around during the quilting class in order to get to know Kim, she’d probably tease him. If my buddy Terry knew, he’d give me a hard time about it, that’s for sure. There’d be no end to Terry’s ribbing.
Slipping his cell phone into his jeans pocket, Jan stepped out of the guest room and joined Emma and Lamar in the dining room. “All ready for the quilting class?” he asked, looking at the colorful quilt Lamar had draped over a wooden rack.
“Yes, we sure are,” Emma replied. “So what are your plans for the day?”
Jan pulled his fingers through the ends of his beard. “If you don’t mind, think I’d like to stick around during the class.”
Emma’s fingers touched her parted lips. “Really, Jan? I thought you didn’t want to sit in on the class.”
Yeah, but that was before I knew the pretty blond I met on the beach was one of your quilting students, Jan mused. Of course, he didn’t voice his thoughts.
“Well, I thought it over and changed my mind. Decided it might be kind of fun to meet your new quilting students.” Jan wasn’t about to admit that the only reason he’d decided to hang around for the class was so he could get to know Kim better. He could barely admit that to himself.
One by one, the students arrived, and Emma watched with curiosity at Jan’s eager expression when Kim showed up. Was it possible that he had more than a passing interest in the young woman?
Now, wouldn’t that be something? Emma thought. Jan’s friend Terry has a special woman in his life now, and it would be nice if Jan found someone, too. Well, I’d best not meddle. If it’s the Lord’s will for Jan and Kim to be together, He will put it all in place.
After everyone had gathered around the table, Emma introduced Jan and explained that he had been one of her first quilting students. She didn’t mention, however, that the reason he had come to her class was because his probation officer had suggested it as a creative outlet. If Jan wanted to share that information, it was up to him.
“How do you like it here in sunny Florida?” Mike asked, looking at Jan.
“It’s great! I’m likin’ the warmth, not to mention the company.” Jan winked at Emma and grinned at Lamar. Then he cast a quick look in Kim’s direction and smiled at her, too. “So far, I’ve met some real nice people.”
“How long are you planning to stay?” Noreen questioned.
“My daughter, Star, is planning to join me when her vacation starts in two weeks, and we’ll probably hang around another week or two after that.”
“What about your wife? Will she be coming to Sarasota, too?” Kim questioned.
Jan shook his head. “Don’t have a wife. Star’s mom and me split up over twenty years ago, when Star was less than a year old.”
“Oh, I see.” Kim turned to Emma. “What are we going to do on our quilting projects today?”
“You’ll continue to sew your pieces of fabric together, and then I’ll show you how to cut out the batting,” Emma replied. “While you’re waiting your turn to use a sewing machine, you can either talk with Lamar about some of the other quilt patterns he’s designed or visit among yourselves.”
“I’ve come up with several new ideas for patterns recently,” Lamar said, rubbing his hands together. “I think my trips to the beach are giving me inspiration to create some new designs.”
“I feel that way, too,” B.J. interjected. “Only my designs are on canvas.”
“So you’re an artist?” Jan questioned.
B.J. nodded. “When I was a boy, my dad used to brag about my artistic abilities, and my mother said I was born with a paintbrush in my hand.”
Jan chuckled. “My folks always said I was born to ride a motorcycle ’cause I liked my first bike with training wheels so much.”
Kim perked right up. “Is that your Harley I saw parked in the driveway?”
“You bet it is.”
“Kim has a motorcycle, too,” Emma said, even though she’d already mentioned that fact to Jan.
Jan blinked his eyes rapidly, then a slow smile spread across his face. “That’s cool! Do you mind if I go out and take a look at it right now?”
Kim hesitated at first, but then she said, “Guess that’d be okay. Since Noreen, B.J., and Erika are using the sewing machines right now, I’ll go check out your bike, too.” Kim looked at Emma. “Is that okay with you?”
“I have no objections at all,” Emma said.
Jan jumped up, and Kim did the same, then they both rushed out the door.
Emma couldn’t help feeling pleased. Maybe there was some hope for Jan and Kim to become a couple. They had their bikes in common, at least.
“That’s sure a nice bike,” Jan said, after he’d checked out Kim’s black Harley with pink stripes. “I see you even have a helmet to match. That’s pretty cool!”
“Your bike is nice, too,” she said, motioning to Jan’s black-and-silver motorcycle. “It’s bigger than mine and looks like it’d be good for long road trips.”
“Yeah, and since there’s room enough for two, sometimes Star rides with me. She has her own bike, but I decided to add a sissy bar to mine. That way when she or someone else rides with me, it’s more comfortable for their back.”
They talked motorcycle stuff for a while, and then Jan gathered up his nerve and asked if Kim would like to get a bite to eat with him after class. “We could either ride our own bikes, or double up on mine. Maybe we could grab a burger and fries at a fast-food place and then head to the beach.”
Kim looked up at him, tucking a stray piece of blond hair behind her ear. “I—I don’t know about that….”
“Do you have other plans for this afternoon?”
“No, not really, but if I went I’d have to take my own bike. So when we got ready to leave the beach I could just head straight home rather than coming all the way back here to get my bike. I’d have to keep my eye on the time because of Maddie, too.
It’s bad enough that she’s home by herself when I’m at work, and I hate leaving her in the outside pen too long, because she barks, which irritates the neighbors.”
Jan grunted. “I can relate to that. But it’s better to have the dog penned up than running around the neighborhood causing trouble. I went through that with my dog already and almost lost him because he took off from the yard. So I finally had to pen him up while I was at work, and it’s been much better that way.”
“That’s true for Maddie, too.” Kim glanced at her watch. “I can’t believe we’ve been out here almost thirty minutes. I didn’t realize we’d been talking that long.”
“Sorry,” Jan apologized. He resisted the temptation to reach out and twirl Kim’s fallen curl around his index finger. Tucking his hands in his jeans pocket, he said, “It’s probably my fault, for flappin’ my gums. Sure hope I didn’t cause you to miss anything important in there.”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” Kim said. “It’s most likely my turn to use one of the sewing machines, though.”
“Uh, before we go inside, you never really did say if you’ll go to the beach and have lunch with me today.”
“Sure, why not?” she said with a nod.
As they turned and headed for the house, Jan couldn’t keep from smiling all the way. He was anxious for the class to be over so he and Kim could be on their way. He’d never imagined coming to Florida and meeting someone like her. Things like this just didn’t happen to him. Of course, he figured nothing would come of it—not with them living several states apart. Besides, Kim would probably turn out to be like all the other women Jan had dated—a passing fancy.
C
HAPTER 20
How are you feeling today?” Lamar asked Mike as he sat at the table, waiting his turn to use one of the sewing machines.
Mike shrugged. “I’m okay, I guess. Better than last week. But then I’ve been eating regular meals, which I think has helped.”
“That’s good to hear,” Lamar said. “You gave us all a pretty good scare when you got dizzy and shaky last Saturday.”
The Healing Quilt Page 12