Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio

by Annalisa Daughety

  “I can’t imagine. Although I think that would be sort of nice. Like on the days when I’m staying late at school and won’t be home—it would be neat to be able to send a message to my mamm to let her know.”

  “Yeah, it is convenient. But still. People text me all hours of the night. And when I’m not getting a text, my phone is ringing. And don’t even get me started on Facebook.” She laughed.

  “It just sounds like you have a lot of people who want to talk to you. You must have a lot of friends.”

  “Honestly? I have a large circle of acquaintances. I have a small circle of real friends. You know, the people who really know me.” She shrugged. “But I guess everyone is like that.”

  “What about your family? Are you close to them?” Even though they drove each other crazy sometimes, Emma considered Abby to be her closest friend. And she had a tight bond with Sarah and Thomas, too, which would only strengthen as they grew older.

  “I’m an only child, so no brothers or sisters. And my parents were actually both only children, too, so I don’t even have cousins. It’s just me.” She took another bite of meat loaf, chewed, and swallowed. “I wonder sometimes what it would be like to be in a big family, you know? My roommate, Michelle, has that. And whenever I’ve gone home with her for weekends, it’s so loud. There’s always something going on, someone telling a story or wanting to go do something.” She paused. “I can’t imagine having all those people on your side.”

  Emma had never thought of it like that. She had just the kind of family Kelly was lacking. Siblings, cousins, and lots of extended family. They were always doing things together, even if it was just chores or helping out on someone’s farm. And lately all she could think was how it stifled her. But deep down, she knew she’d had more good times than bad. “Don’t you enjoy just being on your own? You can do whatever you want. And you must have the undivided attention of your parents. That was probably nice growing up, right?”

  Kelly snorted. “I love my parents. Really, I do. But undivided attention meant that I always knew what city they were in and, if I was lucky, how to reach them in their hotel.” She shook her head. “Now that they’ve split up, I feel like I don’t even have a home to go to anymore. That’s sort of why I’m here. Gram is in a nursing home, and my great-aunt Irene is really the only other family I have.”

  Emma sat back, stunned. She’d never known anyone whose parents weren’t together. She couldn’t imagine what that must be like. Her own parents had differences sometimes, but they were happy, and their love for one another was always apparent. “I’m sorry to hear about your parents.”

  “Oh, it’s okay. Most people I know have gone through it. I sort of thought, since they’d made it nearly twenty-three years, that they’d stick it out. But no. I got back from Europe last summer and Dad had already moved out.”

  Emma had always wondered about what it was like in Europe. But now was not the time to ask for a travel commentary. “That must have been very difficult for you.”

  “Luckily, I went straight to school, so I didn’t really have to deal with it too much. In fact, it was sort of like it never happened. I was back in the dorm, and not around them, so I didn’t have to face the reality.”

  “So did you ever deal with it?”

  “Well, after I’d been back at school for a couple of weeks, Nick and I were fighting.” She rolled her eyes. “As usual. But this time, he talked me into riding with him to get something to eat. He was so mad, I should have known better.”

  “That doesn’t sound good,” Emma said, her heart pounding at the thought of her new friend in such a situation.

  Kelly shook her head. “It was worse than not good. It was awful. He ran a flashing red light and a car broadsided us. On my side.”

  “Oh no!” Emma gasped.

  Kelly’s eyes filled with tears. “That was when my life really started to fall apart.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Kelly

  Pouring her heart out to a near stranger over a hearty meal wasn’t exactly what she’d planned. But once she started, she couldn’t seem to stop. “Nick walked away just fine. But I was in bad shape. I had to be airlifted to the hospital, and of course, my parents both got there as soon as they could.” That had meant two hours for her mom and two days for her dad. At the time, she’d at least been too sedated to let her dad’s lack of urgency hurt her feelings.

  The waitress stopped by the table. “Can I get either of you anything else?”

  Both girls shook their heads and she walked off.

  “Anyway, I wound up having to spend the rest of the semester at home. Thankfully, it was early enough in the semester that I was able to switch into a couple of online classes. And one professor let me take his class as an independent study.” She poked the rest of her meatloaf with her fork. “So I didn’t fall too far behind and was still able to graduate on time.”

  “How did it go while you were at home?” Emma’s brown eyes were soft with compassion.

  “That was when it finally hit me. Dad really didn’t live there any longer. And my mom tried to play like it was all okay, but I could tell she was shaken up. There was just an empty feeling to the house that hadn’t been there before. And I wound up having to do physical therapy for my right side. It took most of the impact from the other car. Recovering was very painful.”

  “Do you have a hard time riding in a car now?”

  “I did at first. I cringed at every stop sign or red light, scared that it would happen again. But I’ve finally gotten past it for the most part.” Kelly’s worst nightmares still included the awful sound of metal on metal, but she didn’t want to admit it to Emma.

  “What about Nick? I guess he felt pretty bad.” Emma propped her elbow up on the table, clearly entranced by the story.

  Kelly furrowed her brow. “You’d think so. But he wasn’t as guilt-ridden as he probably should’ve been. I mean, he sent me flowers while I was in the hospital and all, but once I wasn’t on campus anymore…” she trailed off, unsure of whether it was okay to tell Emma the whole story. Would it make the Amish girl uncomfortable? She didn’t want to be guilty of sharing too much information.

  “What happened?” Emma asked. “You can tell me.”

  “Well, he was back to his old tricks. He always was a real flirt. And I guess without me there, he decided there was no need to stay faithful.”

  “So he found a new girlfriend?”

  “Not exactly. More like he found several new girls to spend time with. And I was at home, in physical therapy and trying to stay on top of classes, none the wiser. Thankfully, Michelle happened to see him out with one of them and she told me about it.”

  “That must’ve been awful.”

  “It was frustrating. I was far away and couldn’t do anything. Of course, he said it was all innocent and he was just hanging out as friends.” Kelly shook her head. “And then, when I got back to campus this past semester, he was all perfect boyfriend again. Taking me to dinner, bringing me flowers. The whole nine yards.” She rolled her eyes. “So of course, I forgave him. But then, right before graduation, he dumped me for one of the girls he’d been spending time with while I was at home. And as much as I hate to admit it, I’ve been in pieces ever since.”

  Emma opened her mouth to speak then closed it.

  “What? You can say it.” Kelly grinned. “Come on. I’ve just spilled my guts to you. So that gives you license to say what you think.”

  “Well, it sounds to me like maybe you’re better off without him. I’ve never been in love or anything, but I don’t think he treated you very well.”

  Kelly nodded. “That seems to be the consensus. But walking away from something you’ve been in for so long is hard. Even if it is toxic to you.”

  “So that’s why you’re here?” Emma took a sip of water.

  “Yeah. All of it added together. My parents. The wreck. Getting dumped. And then, of course, the big one. Trying to figure out what to do with my
life.”

  “I thought you were going to be a librarian.”

  “Well, I’m enrolled in the program. But who’s to say if that’s really what I’m meant to do. I don’t know.” She slumped in the seat. “It’s like I have no direction. I’m drifting. And it isn’t a good way to be.”

  Emma’s smile was pensive. “So you’re hiding out.”

  “Exactly. I guess you could say that, for me, being here, surrounded by a simpler way of life, is kind of protective.” She sighed. “I don’t know. And it probably sounds stupid to you, since you’re used to it. I mean, at first, the quiet all around me took some getting used to. But now my mind feels clearer. And I’m not as tense as I was a few weeks ago.” She grinned. “It’s like the place is called Charm for a reason.”

  The girls made their way out of the restaurant, Kelly in the lead. She held the door open and let Emma walk through. “So now you know my story. That is what led me here. And, just FYI, you can tell me yours any time. I’m sorry I dominated the conversation.” She followed Emma outside. “I guess I needed to get all that off of my chest, and you happened to get caught in the wake.”

  Emma smiled. “Don’t apologize. I enjoyed hearing about your life. I forget sometimes that other people have problems besides just me.”

  “I’m thinking of making a Wal-Mart run soon. Do you want to go with me to Millersburg one night this week? Then you can feel free to tell me what brought you to Charm.” Kelly inhaled the pure, fresh air. This place was amazing. The sun was just beginning to go down and there was the tiniest hint of cool in the air, a welcome respite from the warm day.

  “Oh, that would be wonderful. I do need to buy a few things, and Lydia Ann might have a list for me, too.”

  “Great. Maybe Thursday after work? We can plan on grabbing a bite to eat while we’re there.”

  Emma nodded.

  “Emma?” A male voice called out from across the parking lot.

  Kelly turned in the direction of the voice. An Amish man was climbing down from a buggy and heading their way. He was tall and muscular, with dark hair and dark eyes. Eyes that seemed to be fixated on Emma. She glanced at her friend and detected a tiny hint of a blush. Hmm.

  “Noah.” Emma’s voice came out in a croak. “What are you doing here?”

  He sauntered over to where they stood, a grin on his handsome face. Kelly was struck by how white his teeth were against his tanned face. If he weren’t wearing traditional Amish clothing and a straw hat, she would’ve sworn he was a TV star. “I had to drop some things off to Lydia Ann and she told me you were eating here.” He nodded his head toward the horse and buggy he’d gotten out of. “I thought I’d see if you wanted a ride home.”

  “Oh.” Emma’s brown eyes widened. “That’s very nice of you but…” she trailed off and looked at Kelly.

  “You know, I actually should be getting back to the inn. I try to clean the kitchen for Aunt Irene after the evening meal.” No way was she letting Emma miss out on the chance to spend time with this guy. She didn’t know what every Amish girl’s dream was, but she at least knew handsome when she saw it. And he was it, in the flesh. She flashed a smile at Noah. “I’m Kelly Bennett. I don’t think we’ve met.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know where my manners are.” Emma looked sheepish. “Noah, this is Kelly. She is staying with her aunt for the summer at the One Charming Inn. She also works at the bookmobile.” She motioned at Noah. “Noah is kin to Lydia Ann’s late husband.”

  “Pleased to meet you.” Kelly reached out and shook his hand. “Are you originally from Charm?” she asked.

  “Yes, indeed. I was born and raised here.”

  “I’m glad to finally meet a local. I thought I’d found one in Emma, but found out she’s just as new to town as I am.”

  He grinned. “Well, welcome to town. I’m certain you’ll find it a nice place to spend some time. It might be a small place, but there is a lot of heart here.” He turned to Emma. “Now, about that ride.”

  Emma looked frantically at Kelly. “You don’t need to go to any trouble.”

  “It isn’t any trouble at all. In fact, I have to drive right past there on my way home.” He glanced at Kelly again. “It was nice to meet you.” He nodded at Emma. “I’ll be waiting in the buggy.” He walked off toward the buggy.

  Kelly glanced at Emma, who seemed rooted to the pavement. “So why do I get the feeling you aren’t going to thank me for pushing for him to give you a ride?”

  Emma grimaced. “I barely know him is all.”

  Kelly was pretty sure that wasn’t “all,” but she didn’t ask for details. This was neither the time nor the place. “Well, I think he’s yummy.” Her smile faded quickly as her cell phone buzzed. She held it up. “Another text from Nick.”

  Emma made a face. “Sorry.”

  “I’m clearly not the person to be giving out advice about choosing men, so maybe you should ride with me instead.” She looked at the offending phone. “I ought to get my number changed.” She sighed. “Although, knowing Nick, he’d find a way to get it.”

  “Well, there is no need to worry about me choosing Noah. I’m certain he is only doing a favor for Lydia Ann. He was very close to her husband, so I think he pitches in whenever he can to help her and her kids.”

  Kelly had seen the way his eyes lit up when they saw Emma, but it really wasn’t her place to comment. Some things have to be realized naturally. And her track record did speak for itself. He could be a big jerk for all she knew. “Okay, if you’re sure. And if you want to stop by the bookmobile Thursday, we’ll make plans to go to Millersburg.”

  “That sounds good. I’ll see you then.” Emma walked toward the horse and buggy, where Noah sat waiting.

  Kelly’s phone buzzed again as she climbed into the SUV. Maybe she was going to have to speak to Nick after all, just to get him to leave her alone. Although, on second thought, he didn’t deserve for her to even acknowledge him. Surely he’d get the hint sooner or later. Here’s hoping for sooner. She pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the inn.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Emma

  Emma climbed into Noah’s waiting buggy. “You really didn’t have to do this, you know.” She motioned toward Kelly’s SUV. “She would’ve been glad to run me to Lydia Ann’s house.”

  Noah grinned at her. “I know. But I felt like you and I didn’t get off to such a great start. I figured I had a little ground to make up.”

  “I’m just extra-sensitive sometimes.”

  “Do you have to get right home?” he asked, directing the horse out of the parking lot.

  “I don’t guess so. I mean, I’m not on a set schedule or anything.”

  “How about we go out to one of the places I think is the prettiest in the area?”

  “Okay. But we don’t have much daylight left.”

  “It won’t take long to get there.”

  They set out, passing Keim Lumber and Charm Engine. Before too long, they stopped near a little pond.

  “I like to come fishing here sometimes.” Noah grinned. “Do you ever fish?”

  “Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I do.” She glanced over at him. “Don’t tell me you thought I’m one of those girls who is scared of worms.” She laughed. “I can even bait my own hook.”

  He let out a whistle. “Impressive. See, I had you pegged all wrong.” He met her eyes. “So, tell me about your life back home. I know you’re a teacher. But what else can you tell me about yourself?”

  “The usual stuff, I guess. My parents, two sisters, and a brother. I’ve got some other family nearby, too. I just teach.” She shrugged. “That’s about it.”

  “Somehow I doubt that even scratches the surface.”

  She grinned. “Okay. Well, I like to play sports. I guess I’m too grown up to do much of that anymore. But I used to love volleyball and softball. And I like to fish. And read.” She paused. “I’m not a good cook. I don’t sew very well. And I can’t sing.”

>   He laughed. “Now we’re getting somewhere.”

  “My sister is much better at that kind of stuff than I am.” She watched the big orange sun as it slowly began to dip below the tree line. “She tries to be a matchmaker, too.”

  “Really? So has she tried to matchmake you yet?”

  “Oh, yes. She thinks she’s already got my future husband all picked out.”

  “Well, I must say, you don’t look too happy about it. Is that what you came to Charm to get away from?”

  She met his gaze. “Not exactly.” She sighed. “I guess I’ve just been struggling lately. Trying to figure out where I belong.”

  Noah nodded. “There’s nothing wrong with that. I think we all go through it at one time or another.”

  She considered the conversation she’d had with Kelly at the Homestead. “Maybe you’re right. And you know what’s crazy? I thought it had something to do with my being Amish. But my friend from the restaurant has a lot of those same feelings.”

  “We’re all people.” He looked at her for a long moment. “So does that mean some of what you struggle with is whether to remain with your family?”

  She nodded. “Not that I really want to jump the fence, you know? When most of my friends were going through it, deciding whether they would join the church or go into the world, I didn’t give it a second thought. I’d just always felt like I knew what was right for me.”

  “But now?” he asked.

  “I still haven’t joined the church back home. I guess I have some questions inside me that needed to be answered first. I want to make sure I make a choice I’m happy with.” She furrowed her brow. “So basically I’ve not made any choice, which in a lot of ways feels even worse. Like a limbo of sorts.”

  “The best thing you can do is pray about it. Which I’m sure you already know.”

  Emma smiled. “Prayer has been my only lifeline lately.”

  “As it often is for many of us. But I understand, probably better than some, where you’re coming from.”