Covered Bridge Charm

by Christner, Dianne;

  “I suppose Dale’s still after you?”

  “Jah. He’s determined.”

  “Just like his dad,” Roman muttered angrily. Then he shook his head. “Watch out for them.”

  “Who?”

  “Si and Dale. The Blosser woman, too. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Don’t make any choices you’ll regret.”

  That evening, Adam hauled some wood inside and made a fire in his fireplace. He rested his legs on his footstool and adjusted the throw pillow his sister Ann had given him. Looking around the room, he wondered what Carly would think of his place. How would she transform it? With enticing smells from the kitchen, a rabbit snoring at his feet, and a wife snuggled content at his side? Or would she drag him into countless schemes? If Dad was right, he was doomed. He couldn’t get her out of his mind.

  He scowled at his phone. The last time he’d talked to Dale, his cousin had reported the house next to his had gone up for sale. That Adam could get it for a good price. It needed fixing, but he’d help. He’d been right when he’d told Dad that Dale was determined. Like every other male Lapp. Like Dad. After Christmas, he’d surely put up a fight about Adam returning to Sweet Life’s woodworking shop. If they kept going toe-to-toe, there’d eventually be an explosion. He didn’t want to see their relationship end up like Si and Dale’s.

  Punching in Dale’s number, he soon had him on the line. After some small talk, he asked, “Remember that name I wanted you to investigate? Well now I have the last name.”

  “Great. That’ll help.”

  “It’s Irish.”

  “Never heard the name. But I’ll see what I can find.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Uh… somethin’ going on between you and Carly?”

  Adam had been waiting for this. “We’re friends. Would it offend you if I took it further?”

  “Only because we both know how dead set she is about Indiana. She’s trouble, you know. Anyway, I’ve been talking to Jenny, and we’ll match your dad’s offer. Make you a full partner.”

  “I’m not holding out to pressure you,” Adam said. “Things have been going better with Dad. Except he doesn’t like Carly. If I date her, he’s likely to toss me out.” The other end of the line went quiet. No doubt Dale was remembering how Si had done that to him. Remembering his relationship with Carly. “Sorry. That was inconsiderate.”

  “That’s all right.”

  “Why don’t you guys come out for Christmas? It’s the one time Dad and Si pretend to like each other. You can stay at my place.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but Jenny likes to be with her family. They actually like each other, you know.”

  “Think about it. I miss you.”

  “You know how to remedy that. How about you come here after Christmas?” The line grew quiet again. “I’ll even buy your ticket.”

  “I’ll think about it. Thanks for doing me this favor.”

  “Sure. I’ll let you know what I kick up.”

  “All right. Take care.” Adam set the phone on his side table and sank into the sofa, allowing his imagination to travel to Indiana. As kids, they got along fine. But would Dale be just as manipulative as Dad? He wondered what the house was like that needed work and imagined the two of them fixing it up. Jenny would probably keep his refrigerator stocked. Dale claimed he’d gained weight because she was such a good cook.

  Then his thoughts returned to the day he’d just spent with his family. His sisters adored him, and after Dad’s digs, he’d been fairly agreeable. They made a great team at work. And besides that, Carly needed him. He just needed to be firm with Dad and take his time with Carly. He needed some time to wear Dad down, and then he’d set after Carly. She’d probably play hard to get. It would be fun. He fell asleep on the couch with a smile on his face.

  Carly curled up on her green-striped sofa and made Sherie’s calls. She rewarded herself with hot chocolate, cookies, and play-breaks with Cocoa. Often she had to leave Sherie’s scripted message: “This is Carly Blosser, and I’m a caregiver at Sweet Life Assisted Living. We’re starting a volunteer program called Little Steps”—she always cringed at this point because they’d changed the title from Every Little Bit Helps—“and it’s based on the belief that everybody can do one little thing to stamp out loneliness. We’re looking for people who can sing, read, write letters, do clerical work, hand massage, take photos, exercise, be a phone companion or a staff assistant. The list is even longer. If you are interested, please call Sherie at…”

  Carly was surprised to watch the calls roll in on Monday. Sherie recruited a volunteer named Becca to answer phones and assist with the program’s organization details.

  “Carly, you did such a great job with that phone list.”

  “I didn’t recognize any of the names. Where did you get them?”

  “They were hand-picked people who are involved in the community. Their connections will help spread the word in circles that might generate funds for improvements.” For the first time, Carly believed Simon had done the right thing to put Sherie in charge because she had a wider worldview. “But I’ve been thinking we need more Mennonite volunteers to stay in line with the founding ideals. And your people are such hard workers. Dependable. You did such a wonderful job with the calls. Are you ready now to put one of your own ideas to work?”

  “Jah. I’m ready.”

  “How about passing out fliers to your church people.”

  Biting back a smile as Sherie set her church apart as a peculiar people, she replied. “Jah. I’d love to do that for you.”

  “Great. I’ll put them in your cubby by the end of the day.” Sherie pushed up her glasses and gave a dismissive wave. “That’s all.”

  Carly clocked out and fetched the library cart. A small group, including Martha, Klepto, and Repeater, gathered in the lobby to get first choice of books. After she took down recommendations, she punched in the code and the double glass doors opened. The library was in a separate building. Inside she took the elevator, wondering if the entire retirement center would implement her volunteer program if it was successful in assisted living. She’d ask Jimmy and Auntie to help with the fliers. Adam, too.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Carly took Adam’s hand, but the wind caught some fliers, causing her to stumble out of the back of Jimmy’s four-door truck cab.

  “Clumsy,” she muttered, dusting off her skirt and checking her covering.

  “You okay?”

  “Jah. I’m fine. Just my pride.” She lifted her skirt a bit. At least she hadn’t ruined her stockings. And it had been amusing to see the struggle on Adam’s face as he chose to help her instead of chasing the fliers.

  Jimmy returned to them panting, “Carly!”

  She quickly dropped her skirt, her gaze catching Adam’s. He shrugged, but his grin said it all. Jimmy handed her the captured fliers, and she divvied them out evenly. Jimmy suggested he and Adam take one side of the country road and she and Auntie the other. They’d use rubber bands to affix the fliers to the outside of the mailboxes. And after they’d canvassed an area, one of the men would run back for the truck.

  But when an aggressive dog gave the women trouble, Jimmy motioned them over, eyeing Adam speculatively. “We should split up, for safety’s sake.” But when Aunt Fannie strode to Jimmy’s side, his expression hardened, sending a definite warning to Adam.

  “Hey. We’re all in plain sight here,” Carly joked, trying to ease the tension. But nobody laughed. “I should’ve grabbed a couple sticks out of the bed of your truck.” That brought smiles.

  With a shrug, Adam said, “Let’s go.” Then as if to taunt Jimmy, he leaned close and whispered, “I’m looking forward to that soup you’ve been bragging about. There’s a lot resting on that pot of soup, you know.”

  “Oh, really.” She laughed. “You should’ve warned me before I added the mushrooms.”

  “Gross.”

  She glanced across the street at her brother, but he wasn’t watc
hing them. “With the look Jimmy gave you, I’m not so sure it matters. I guess you weren’t joking when you said he warned you away from me.”

  “Nope.”

  “Actually your dad was shooting daggers at me last week at church when I asked if you’d contact Dale.” She shook her head. “At our age, you’d think we could do as we pleased.”

  “You’d think.” But Adam’s pleasant demeanor had vanished. “Maybe you misinterpreted Dad. He was probably thinking about Uncle Si or something.”

  “I don’t think so, but it’s nice of you to protect me. Is he the part of life you still have to work out?”

  “Jah. But it’s different than what you’re thinking.”

  “No, I understand.” She knew dads warned their sons away from her because of the rumors, but it still hurt. Before he could say something to take away the sting, they were interrupted by a couple of children riding bikes up and down a gravel lane. Carly recognized them from church as the Zook children.

  “What you doin’?” Michelle, a girl about twelve inquired.

  “Delivering fliers about the need for volunteers at Sweet Life Assisted Living.”

  “That’s the old people?” her younger brother asked.

  “Yes. They’re lonely and need people to help them.” She handed the flier to Michelle. “Will you give this to your mother?”

  “Sure.” She read it out loud, “‘Everybody can do one little thing to stamp out loneliness.’ I suppose I could read to them. I love reading.”

  The sweet idea brought a smile to Carly’s lips. “They’d love it. But your mom would have to agree.”

  She dumped her bike and started running. “I’ll go ask her.”

  “Wait! Michelle!” The girl came back, panting. “Can I see the flier a second? See there? Have your mom call that number if she’ll allow you to read. She’ll need time to think it over. Probably have to ask your dad, too.”

  The girl nodded with disappointment. “Probably.”

  And she’d need to clear the idea of children volunteers with Sherie. Carly’s mind raced. They would need to be chaperoned. The idea rooted itself and inspired her. Entire Sunday school classes of children could visit. Unless they brought too many germs into the facility.

  It was a pleasant afternoon for Adam even though Carly turned introspective after her conversation with Michelle Zook. The pleasant aroma inside her cottage was gladly received since he hadn’t been sure she could cook. It had even crossed his mind that Ann might have to teach her. He knew Carly could do anything she tried.

  Her aunt Fannie stooped to pet Cocoa. “I suppose I’d better go feed this spoiled rabbit.”

  Jimmy followed Carly into the kitchen. “I’ll set the table.”

  Adam grinned, following his friend. “I’ll watch. I’ve no idea how to set a table.”

  Sneering, Jimmy asked, “You eat on paper plates?”

  “Whenever I can,” Adam admitted, his gaze stealing to where Carly worked over the stove. She bent to put rolls in the oven, and he looked away. After that, the conversation turned to Jimmy’s trip to the badlands. He had them enraptured until it was time to do the dishes and Aunt Fannie shooed them out of the kitchen.

  “Wanna help me restock Carly’s stick pile?” Jimmy asked.

  Adam grabbed his coat and followed.

  “This isn’t working. I saw the way she looks at you. How you look at each other,” Jimmy clarified. “Did you tell her about Nappanee?”

  And he’d thought he’d reined himself in all day.

  “So far there’s nothing to tell.”

  “So that’s a no.” Jimmy threw some sticks on the pile. “I shouldn’t have stayed away so long.”

  “It’s not what you’re thinking. I’ve been busy at the farm. I’m not even going to Sweet Life anymore.”

  “Either you get serious about Carly or you need to stay away.”

  “She invited me today.”

  “You could have said no.”

  “You’re the one who told her she could come to me when she needed help.”

  “Because I trusted you.”

  “You still can. Besides, it’s not like you’ve never hurt a girl before.”

  Jimmy’s eyes darkened, and he softened his tone. “You’re right. By the way, your sister Faith smiled at me in church today.”

  Adam bristled, wondering who this stranger was in his best friend’s skin.

  “Hello! Hello!” Magnificent called as Carly passed by the bird at Sweet Life’s assisted-living lobby.

  A cheerful face greeted her. “Hi, I’m Becca.”

  Carly introduced herself, happy to meet Sherie’s new volunteer and loving the middle-aged woman’s enthusiasm. “We’re happy to have you here.”

  “Thanks. Sherie told me whenever I can’t find her, you’re next in line to answer any questions.”

  Carly’s brow arched in surprise at the plumpish Englísh woman with a flushed face and short curly hair. “Of course. I’m happy to help you get settled in.”

  “Just answering phones today and making some calls for Sherie.” She picked up a file and fanned herself. “Don’t mind me, just having a hot flash.” Beads of sweat had popped up on the volunteer’s forehead.

  “Why don’t you bring in a fan?”

  “Oh, could I? That’d be great.”

  The assisted-living alarm went off, and Carly cut off the conversation, hurrying to Nines, who was pushing the double glass doors.

  “Why won’t it open?”

  Carly gently removed the woman’s hands, hoping the incident wasn’t going to frighten any of the residents. “What do you need?”

  “I need to find my son. I need groceries.”

  “I heard he visited you yesterday.” Since he lived out of state, the visit must have stirred up some confusion. “Did he bring the children?”

  Uncertainty colored the woman’s expression. “They were here yesterday?”

  Carly nodded. “Jah.”

  “Then why didn’t he take me grocery shopping?”

  Nines was definitely having an off-kilter day to appear in the lobby in pajamas. “I have an idea. Let’s go to your room and write down any items you need on your white board.”

  “What?”

  “Come. I’ll show you. Let’s use your favorite purple pen.”

  “I do like purple. Reminds me of wine,” she snickered.

  About half of the residents weren’t Mennonite. Nines was one of them. Carly steered the conversation away from wine, lest she have to listen to her drunken stories again. Giving up wine to enter the facility had been hard for the woman. “You haven’t gotten dressed yet. Let’s look in your closet for a purple top. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

  “Okay!” Nines picked up her speed, heading down the hall to her room.

  But as they turned the corner, Sherie motioned to Carly. “We need to talk.”

  Nodding, Carly helped dress and settle Nines, then hurried to the staff room.

  “You wanted to see me?”

  “Please sit down.”

  Carly eased onto the chair by the fridge and waited until Sherie spun her chair around. “How did it go with the fliers?”

  “Some friends and I canvassed the area along Halsey—Sweet Home and Old Holley Roads, where most of our people live.”

  “It’s still early. I’m sure we’ll get some calls.”

  “I think you will. We made some face-to-face contacts. In fact a twelve-year-old girl got me to thinking. She asked if she could read to the residents.”

  Sherie’s eyes widened. “That’s good. She’d need a chaperone, of course.”

  “That’s what I thought. She’d need one to drive her here anyway. What if we organized an entire children’s group? They could sing or mingle with the residents.”

  “What a great idea. Do you want to be in charge of organizing it?”

  Feeling a stir of excitement, Carly replied, “I’d love to.”

  “Great. I’ll keep you posted about any cal
ls we get from the fliers.”

  “Thanks.”

  “That’s all.”

  Carly stepped out of the room just in time to see Klepto sneaking by and examining something in her pocket. So much for the distraction of the new puzzles. She made a mental note to talk to Kelly’s family about providing clothing without pockets. “Kelly, what do you have in your pocket?”

  Klepto’s expression fell. Knowing what came next, she turned her back to Carly and clamped her hand over her pocket. “Nothing.”

  Moving to face her, Carly said, “You’re so good about helping everyone find their missing items. Someone’s going to be excited to see what you’ve found.”

  But instead of relinquishing her treasure, she turned aside again and dipped her hand in her pocket and then to her mouth.

  “Oh, no!” Carly cried, only getting a glimpse but pretty sure what was happening. To her advantage, Klepto seemed stunned when Repeater’s teeth wouldn’t fit into her mouth. Carly gently yet firmly clutched both of the woman’s wrists and commanded. “You already have nice teeth. Now give those to me.”

  Klepto stared at Carly for a long moment before she tossed them at Carly. With a yelp, Carly dropped to the floor and caught them in her skirt. She bowed her head with relief as she heard Klepto clattering down the hall. Next she heard the woman’s door slam.

  Miranda brushed by, then spun back. “Carly? You okay?” Finally able to smile, she showed Miranda what was in her skirt.

  “Ew. Yuck.”

  “I know.”

  “I’ll get you a paper towel.” When she returned, she asked. “Is your brother back in town yet?”

  Rising, Carly replied, “You do realize Jimmy’s Conservative Mennonite?”

  “If he’s anything like Adam, that’s fine by me.”

  “You’d want to change to a plainer lifestyle?”

  Miranda looked stunned. “I don’t know. Does dating have to be so serious?”

  “What do you think are the odds of dating somebody and falling in love?” Carly asked.

  Shrugging, Miranda replied, “Maybe 10 percent?”

  Now it was Carly’s turn to appear shocked. “For me it’s more like 90 percent.”