Covered Bridge Charm

by Christner, Dianne;

  Stunned, she watched Helen march away. Carly retreated, rushing to the ladies’ room. Gripping the counter, she closed her eyes. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks. The door creaked open, and covering her face, she dashed into the nearest stall and plopped down on the toilet lid. How low her life had sunk. Moaning, she sobbed. Fired? Would Simon fire her? Worse, had she orchestrated another sad ending for James and Martha?

  “She called me a spinster!”

  Adam’s heart broke, and he couldn’t wait to get Carly home and comfort her in his arms. “Cruel woman. Well you’re not.” Not if he could help it. It was all he could do not to blurt out a proposal on the spot.

  She moaned, “She’s going to Simon. Wants me fired.”

  Adam’s thumbs tapped the steering wheel. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Uncle Si. Wait, I thought he knew about it.”

  “Jah, so did Helen. But I only told them it was an old friend. Men and women can be friends, right?” She gave him a sheepish smile. “Fine. I was matchmaking. And I should’ve told them the truth, but I just hoped it would work out the way I imagined.”

  “It still can. I’ll talk to Si,” he repeated.

  “No.” She looked at him through misty eyes. “Not this time. You can’t keep doing this for me. I need to face my own consequences.”

  “Old hothead will probably back down, once she cools off. Probably just spouting threats.”

  “It’s selfish of her, don’t you think?”

  “Jah. Your heart’s in the right place. That’s all that matters.”

  She raised her chin. “Is it enough? She thinks I’ve been feeding Martha the notion that her family doesn’t care about her anymore. She can’t see that I’ve been doing the opposite, making excuses for her.”

  Adam shook his head with frustration.

  “I tried to keep up a good face in front of James and Jason. They’ve no idea what’s about to happen. Jason told me that Gramp’s book had some kind of special meaning, and the gift seemed to seal the deal for him. That Gramps had his foot in the door, and she’d already invited him to play bingo on Tuesdays.” She moaned. “And he’s already agreed. But Helen claimed I’m the one responsible for dashing their hopes.” She rubbed her forehead. “That’s what hurts most.”

  “Why don’t I call Jason and explain a few things, see if they’ll just hold off for a bit and see how things settle? Surely Gramps will understand if it takes the family a little bit of time to accept him.”

  “No,” she maintained. “I’ll tell Jason when I see him next week.”

  “Oh?” What were they planning now?

  “Didn’t I tell you? He’s bringing that editor around to see Aunt Fannie’s designs.”

  Discouraged that Carly seemed determined to refuse his help, he pulled the truck into her driveway and killed the engine. He walked her to the door, sheltering her from the cold with his arm. “Nothing can take away the joy you gave Martha tonight. She knows he’s alive. And she has that carving to remember it.”

  She looked up at him with admiration. “You always know how to make things better.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Because we’re good together. Got your key?”

  She fiddled in her purse and unlocked the door. “I know it’s early, but I wouldn’t be good company.”

  His heart sank with disappointment, but he squeezed her hand. “Sure, I understand.”

  He left, wondering how to help her. How to propose. And with the night’s catastrophic conclusion, he didn’t want to think about what would happen if he needed to go to Indiana to help Dale again. Christmas was at the door. Everything was closing in on Adam at the same time. And with Jason in the picture, he couldn’t afford to delay or make any mistakes.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Monday morning, Carly awoke to frigid weather. Dark clouds rolled in from northern skies. She considered calling someone for a ride, but stress gnawed her because she faced a day of reckoning, so she opted for the exercise. Making sure the thermostat was set to keep Cocoa snug for the day, she bundled up in her heaviest hooded coat, thick gloves, and boots. And as she coasted downhill, a furtive skyward glance told her she was fortunate the hill wasn’t already slick with snow.

  When she passed the home where the old dog once lived, discouragement threatened to hitch a ride. Determined to remain strong, she focused her thoughts on her plan. After Adam dropped her off Sunday evening, she’d decided to report to Si first thing Monday morning, rather than wait for trouble to trickle down to her.

  Once at Sweet Life, Rocco stored her bike, and she dragged herself to Si’s office. He looked up surprised. “Well if it isn’t the abominable snowman.”

  Peeling off her outerwear, she pointed to a chair. “May I?”

  “Sure.” He studied her curiously. His good mood indicated Helen hadn’t talked to him yet. Too bad she would ruin his day so early in the morning.

  “There’s been an incident.”

  He frowned.

  “At Martha Struder’s birthday party on Sunday.”

  He shook his head. “I hadn’t heard.”

  Taking a deep breath, she explained. “I located an old friend of Martha’s, and there was a reunion of sorts that took place at the party.”

  “I remember something about inviting some old friends. What happened? Weren’t they friends after all?”

  “Oh, they were happy to see each other, all right. But Martha’s daughter Helen was angry at me for bringing James.”

  “Who’s James?”

  Carly wet her lips. “Martha’s old friend.”

  “You were matchmaking?” He placed his head in his hands as if warding off a migraine.

  She shook her head. “It’s not like I was trying to get them hitched. Martha needs interesting companionship. Most of our residents have dementia. James provides a pleasant diversion.” The explanation danced around the truth, and she felt guilty for it.

  “What exactly did Helen say?”

  “She wants me fired.”

  “Fired!” He rapped the desk. “She wants me to fire my best caregiver? Does she have some kind of evidence against you? Besides matchmaking?”

  Carly’s mind got stuck on best caregiver.

  “Well?”

  Nodding, Carly replied, “She mentioned emotional damages. Or abuse.”

  “You did the right thing to come to me.”

  A dry sponge, she soaked up his praise.

  “I’ll call her and try to downplay the ordeal.” He studied her. “Your volunteer program is doing great. I like the way you’re plugging in with Sherie and delegating work. Lately, I’ve felt an attitude change in you. But I have to be honest. I’d hoped we’d gotten past these kinds of situations.”

  At that moment, she realized she’d forgiven him. Wasn’t even sure when it had happened, but all her resentment was gone. And it seemed he’d also forgiven her. “Thanks. Me too.”

  “You’re a valuable employee, but if Helen threatens to sue us, I’ll have to let you go.”

  Her heart sank. “I understand. I hadn’t thought about her suing you.”

  “That’s the thing with you. If you’d think things through before you go off on your tangents, then maybe you wouldn’t drag Sweet Life into so many scrapes.”

  “I’m sorry. I prayed about it. And I sought advice. I thought I was doing the right thing. In fact, I still believe it was the right thing.”

  “You’re stubborn. That’s a blessing and a curse. I can’t keep picking up the pieces. But on the other hand, I can’t afford to lose you. So you see my dilemma?”

  She nodded with humiliation. Blessing and a curse. She understood. It sounded a lot like what she always told Adam—godsend and a burr.

  Although she hadn’t gotten fired—yet—she left his office feeling disappointed and low. But when the snow began to fall, the residents gathered in front of the lobby’s glass doors to watch the garden turn white, and a peaceful awe settled over Sweet Life. A sweet respite from what might yet
occur, but she was happy to snatch at the little bit of happiness.

  Another pleasant moment was when Miranda reported that her parents had sent her a plane ticket to go home for Christmas. She was ecstatic, and Carly hoped her new friend could find healing.

  Later in the day, however, the storm intensified, and she knew the roads would become too hazardous for Aunt Fannie. Even before she went to Rocco for help, Adam called. “You need a ride?”

  “Jah! I do.”

  “I’ll try to be there when your shift ends.”

  “Thanks.”

  Adam had already loaded Carly’s bike into his truck before he came for her. Thankful for her boots, they trudged through unplowed snow to his vehicle.

  Inside, he grinned. “Cozy?” He patted the bench seat, and she moved closer then leaned her head on his shoulder. He started the heater, but stayed parked. “Did you talk to Si?”

  She nodded. “First thing this morning.”

  “Good girl.”

  Raising her head, she said, “He seemed more angry at Helen than at me. He even said some good things about my work before he lectured me. He said he’d call her. That if she threatened to sue, he’d have to let me go, but he was going to try to smooth it over. So now I wait.”

  “Sue?”

  “I know.”

  “Don’t worry about it now. Let’s enjoy the snow.”

  She leaned back and watched white swirl outside their snug cocoon. “Jah, it’s blissful, cut off from the world like this.”

  “Let’s just enjoy it. I’ve nowhere to go. I can’t work, and there won’t be anybody at the tree lot tonight. From here on out, there’ll only be a few stragglers buying from our small stock of cut trees.” His arm draped over her shoulders. “The lot becomes more of a family party than anything else. My sisters bring board games and baked goodies. Everybody winds down, and it’s like the start of our own Christmas traditions.”

  “Sounds wonderful. What’s Christmas Day like at your house?”

  “Lots of food, presents for the grandkids. More games. Did I mention the singing? What about you?”

  “The same except no kids and we don’t sing. We exchange gifts. I already have Aunt Fannie’s. Any ideas for Jimmy?”

  “An atlas.” They both laughed.

  “Before I take you home, I need to tell you something.”

  Carly hoped it was an invitation to Christmas or even an evening to spend with his family at the tree lot party, but something in his tone warned her it wouldn’t be. “Jah?”

  “Dale called again.”

  Dread traipsed up her spine. When would she be able to shake his ghost?

  “He’s going to have surgery on his leg. He asked me to go back and help him out after Christmas. I haven’t exactly agreed, but I might have to go.”

  “Oh.” She edged out of his embrace to better examine his face.

  “It doesn’t change anything between us.”

  “How can you promise that? What if it’s your fate. And you can’t fight it?”

  “Trust me. It’s not. Things are going good with Dad. I have you. Why would I want to leave?” He toyed with one of the curls at her temple. “Cynthia told me Jenny went to church last Sunday, so that’s good news. And Dale’s bringing the family home for Christmas. Staying at my place. We’ll sort it out then.”

  Panic choked her throat. So much to absorb. “You’re staying in touch with that woman? Cynthia gave her your phone number? You’re talking?”

  “No. She must’ve gotten it from Jenny. And it’s not like you’re thinking. You don’t have to worry about her. Everything’s going to work out. You’ll see.”

  Though skeptical, she nodded, thinking about Dale’s arrival. Wondering how she would face him after three long years. Wondering if it would stir up all the rumors. If his arrival would ruin things with Adam. If he’d go back with him to Indiana. Feeling Adam’s concerned gaze, she asked, “Do you have Christmas with Simon’s family?”

  “No, but we get together sometime over the holiday.” She was considering this when he added, “I know there’s contention between Dad and Si, but we’re still family and know how to act civil on occasions. It means a lot to the women. And us cousins.”

  She removed her gloves and fiddled with them, and he turned down the heater.

  “How do you want to celebrate?” he asked.

  “Us?”

  He nodded expectantly.

  There was still an us? She realized they were both trying so hard. She couldn’t be the first one to give up, could she?

  “Carly?”

  “For Christmas?”

  He nodded. He wasn’t offering to take her home like she’d hoped. She didn’t want to abandon Auntie and Jimmy anyway. Didn’t want to see Dale and Jenny. She couldn’t ask him to abandon his family, either. What a mess. Yet her mind sought for something to hold him close. “Would you like me to cook?”

  “An intimate dinner at your place?”

  She nodded.

  His grinned. “Just say when.”

  “How about Christmas Eve?”

  “It’s a date.”

  With relief, she asked, “What about your Christmas list? Anything I should know about?”

  “I think you know the answer to that. More of this.” He drew her close, and she melted into his kiss. That is, until a rapping on the window startled them apart. Pushing away from his embrace, she flinched to see Aesop’s snowy features peering through the frosty window at them.

  Adam lowered his window and blinked against the snow that swirled into the truck and stung their faces. Aseop brushed the window sill with his red gloves and blew the snow off his bare fingertips. “You—you all right in there?”

  “Jah.” Adam gave him a sheepish grin.

  Aesop peered inside, his blue eyes bright from the cold and hooded with snow-dusted brows. They widened protectively when he saw Carly. He tugged his furry cap and looked accusingly at Adam. “I—I saw Carly’s bike on the back. Was—was worried about her.”

  “I’m fine,” she chirped, embarrassed over his concern.

  “The—the roads aren’t getting any better.”

  Adam nodded. “You’re right. We’ll go. You should take cover, too.”

  “For—for a while. It’s gonna be a long night.” Normally, his shift ended at 1:00 a.m. “I’m—I’m gonna sleep in the maintenance room, just in case. Take—take care then.” Carly watched him leave, bent against the blizzard for it was too nasty to use his scooter.

  “Poor guy. It’s sweet how he watches out for me.”

  “Jah, well I feel like I just got my hand slapped. But he’s right. We’d better go.”

  The drive home was slow-going and silent while Adam concentrated on his driving. They passed several vacated cars stuck in ditches. She tried to relax her heightened nerves, trusting his driving. Trusting in his promises, even when Dale was actively pursuing him. Trusting that she’d have a job in the morning. That Martha and James would find happiness. Mostly just trusting God.

  Tuesday brought a slight break in the snow, and the plows began, but Carly would’ve had to miss work if Adam hadn’t taken her. When she arrived, the night caregivers were happy to see her.

  “We thought we’d have to do a double shift,” one of them remarked. “Miranda can’t make it in.”

  Knowing the voluntary house was in Albany, Carly replied, “Jah the roads are probably bad between here and the interstate.”

  Sherie arrived late and sent those home who could manage the snow. But a nightshift V. S. employee stayed. It was one of Miranda’s friends. “Go take a nap,” Sherie told her. “I’ll fill in.”

  When Carly went into Mr. Gadget’s room, he was already in his wheelchair command center. She noticed his chair was more stocked than normal. “What all you got in there?”

  “Packets of jelly and butter and newspaper. Underwear. All good for camping.”

  “So it’s camping today?”

  He shook his head. “In case you
haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of a blizzard here. Gotta be prepared for the worst.”

  She glanced at his window and saw it was snowing again. “Jah. You’re right.”

  Convincing Hall Patroller to take a break long enough to eat breakfast, Carly checked to see if Repeater had his dentures.

  “Wow!” Dot marveled. “When did it start snowing?”

  “I suppose bingo will be cancelled,” Martha stated glumly. But then she brightened, showing Carly a card she’d gotten from Ruth Stucky explaining why she hadn’t made it to her party. “Says she wants to visit sometime.”

  “That’s special,” Carly exclaimed just before Rocco burst into the room, tracking snow onto the floor. It clung heavy to his coat and gloves.

  “Where’s Simon?”

  “I don’t know. Not in his office?”

  He shook his head. “He’s not answering his phone. And the roof’s collapsed over the maintenance building.”

  Carly gasped.

  Sherie flashed a warning glance her way, then led him into the staff room. Carly couldn’t remember when she’d seen Rocco so rattled. But quickly recovering, she smiled at the residents whose eyes had widened in fright. “Don’t worry, they’ve got it under control.”

  “The roof’s going to cave in,” Martha stated grimly.

  Dot jumped up in confusion and ran down the hall. “Crusher!”

  “Our roof’s fine,” Carly reassured. “Maintenance is a separate building.” But given Rocco’s agitation, she wasn’t so sure things would be fine. Glancing tentatively at the ceiling, she breathed a prayer.

  Klepto’s hand snaked out and swiped a salt shaker. Carly calmly moved to her side and forced it from her clenched fingers, replacing it in the center of the table. It seemed forever until Sherie returned alone, Rocco having taken a side exit.

  She motioned to Carly, then quietly explained, “We’ve contacted a crew to come and remove the snow from all the roofs. It was hard to find someone willing to come during the storm. Simon’s trying to get his driveway plowed, but he authorized the work.”

  Sweet Life’s budget would take another hit. With Christmas around the corner, Carly’s own donation to the Sweet Life fund would be smaller. But suddenly she remembered something more important than money. “What about Aesop? He was sleeping in the maintenance room last night.”