“So what happened with Miriam? Did she end up with someone else because you were away?”
“Actually, she really wanted to visit me in the city. She arranged to stay with her brother one weekend, and I guess that was all it took. Pretty soon, she’d moved there. I expected that she was doing the same thing I was—just testing the waters, so to speak.” Noah shook his head. “But I was wrong.”
“Did you ever see her after she moved?”
“Jah. We saw each other a few times. And I thought things were going pretty well.” He stared out at the water.
She waited for him to say more. When he didn’t, she sat quietly and watched the rippling waves splash against the bank. A lot like life, one little ripple could cause a huge smashing wave.
Noah cleared his throat and glanced back toward her. “One day I got the call that Levi was sick. He was my older cousin, but we’d practically grown up together. I fell apart. All I wanted was to come home. And I wanted Miriam to come with me. She said she would.”
“That was good of her,” Emma said softly.
He nodded. “But when I went to pick her up, she answered the door holding on to an Englisher’s hand. It turned out she’d been seeing him the entire time she’d been in the city. When it came down to it, she chose him and his lifestyle over me and mine.”
“That’s an awful lot of bad stuff for you to have dealt with in a short span of time.” She looked at him, sorry for the hurt he’d experienced. “What ever happened to her?”
“She married him. That was the last I heard. But looking back, I should’ve known something was going on just by her appearance.”
Emma furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
“At first, she looked pretty much the same even in English clothes. But the longer she stayed in the city, she started taking more interest in her appearance. You know, with skimpier clothes and a lot of makeup.” He shrugged. “She’d started turning into someone I didn’t recognize, but I was too blind to notice.”
“So, then, you came home?”
He nodded. “And begged my family to forgive me. I joined the church later that year and have never looked back.”
“And Levi? Did you get to spend time with him?”
“When I got back home, he’d just been diagnosed. They thought they caught it in time.” His brown eyes clouded over. “The treatments seemed to take care of it, and soon he was able to work again.” He met her gaze. “That’s when we started working together at Keim. We had some good times…” He trailed off. “But then, the worst happened.” He sighed.
“I remember. The cancer came back and it had spread.”
Noah nodded. “There was nothing that could be done.” He drew his eyebrows together. “I blamed myself for all of it for a long time.”
“What do you mean?”
“First, if I’d never gone to the city, Miriam never would’ve wanted to come visit. And she wouldn’t have left her family. And then…” He trailed off. “I guess I sort of felt like maybe if I’d have been here, I would’ve noticed how run down Levi was getting. He lost a lot of weight. If I’d have been here, maybe I would’ve encouraged him to go to the doctor even sooner.” He looked at her with haunted eyes. “And then he’d still be here.”
She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Noah.” She shook her head. “Neither of those things were your fault.”
“I know that. Here.” He pointed at his head. “But in my heart, it feels differently.”
He stood and walked to the bank, gazing out at the water. “So I do know what it feels like to struggle.” He turned toward her. “I don’t want you to end up with the same kind of regrets I have.”
She laid her pole down and went to join him at the edge of the water. “I guess I don’t want to have regrets either way.”
“So is that why you’re spending time with Englishers?”
She had to force herself to meet his piercing gaze. “I think Kelly could turn out to be a good friend.” She shook her head. “No matter if she is an Englisher. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in learning more about her lifestyle.”
He looked at her imploringly. “Just be careful, okay? I don’t want you to get in over your head.”
“I understand your concern, especially after what you’ve been through. But I’m not going to do anything that makes me uncomfortable.”
A clap of thunder made Emma jump. “Uh-oh.”
“Sounds like we’d better hurry.”
They scrambled around to gather their things and just made it to the buggy when the first raindrop fell.
“Think we have time to make it home before the bottom falls out?” Emma asked.
Noah glanced at the sky as he directed the horse out onto the road. “I think so.” He looked over at her. “I guess we’re equally bad fishermen.”
“I did get one to the surface at least.”
“If it doesn’t make it into the cooler, it doesn’t count.”
She laughed. “It was a good day, even if we’re returning empty-handed.”
“It was a good day.” He repeated and grinned at her. “A very good day.”
She could no longer ignore the thrill she felt when he smiled at her.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Abby
It had taken all of Abby’s courage to climb aboard the bus alone. She’d considered backing out more than once but had finally steeled herself against her fears. Abby couldn’t fathom what was so appealing to Emma about traveling. It was crowded, the other travelers were often rude, and she always emerged from buses or cars feeling slightly gritty and in need of a bath. Besides, who in their right mind would want to get into a loud metal contraption when they could travel slowly in the open air pulled by God’s own creatures?
At least she’d gotten an aisle seat. There’d been no way she was going to be near the window where she’d be able to see the world rushing by. Or worse, other cars that were separated from herby only a thin yellow strip of paint and what was hopefully good judgment on the part of their drivers.
Abby pulled a book out of her knapsack and opened it, hoping it could distract her from the things going on around her. But as much as she tried to concentrate on the world inside her book, she couldn’t keep her thoughts from wandering. And unfortunately, Jacob’s face was the one that kept swimming before her eyes. Had she totally lost her senses? She shifted uncomfortably in the seat.
Maybe she’d imagined the fluttery feeling in her stomach the other night. But looking back, she realized that most of her favorite memories from the past year or two included Jacob. How had she not realized her true feelings? This was definitely a problem, on many levels.
Emma would feel so betrayed if she ever found out. Abby knew her sister had spent a lot of time protesting their lifestyle lately. But Abby was certain that when all was said and done, Emma would choose to remain in Shipshewana and marry Jacob. And there was no doubt that he would choose Emma. He’d be foolish to pass up a woman like her.
Sure, her sister had faults. But she also had so many good qualities. Qualities that Jacob would want in a wife. Emma was loyal and brave and just a little bit daring. Life with her was never boring.
And Abby hated to think of what Jacob himself would say if he knew how she felt. She thought of how he teased her about sports or took her to get an ice cream cone when she’d had a bad day. He must perceive her as a little sister. And she’d gone and fallen for him. Like a silly schoolgirl.
She leaned her head back against the seat and suddenly jerked it upright. Had she forgotten where she was? She didn’t know who else had leaned against that seat. Oh, how she hated to travel.
Finally, the bus rolled to a stop and the passengers filed out the door. Happy to have her feet firmly planted on the ground, Abby held tightly to her suitcase and scanned the crowd for a familiar face.
“Abby!”
Abby finally saw Emma waving from the sidewalk. “Do you need me to
help with your bags?” Emma asked as she made her way over to where Abby stood.
“Can you get my backpack?” She pointed at the backpack at her feet. “I can get my suitcase.”
Emma nodded. “Jah.” She grabbed the backpack and slung it over her shoulder. “Then let’s get out of here. We can talk better out of the crowds.”
Abby picked her suitcase up and began to follow her sister out to the parking lot. She felt disoriented by all the people and voices. Once she’d taken a few breaths of fresh air, she began to feel better. When they got to a blue van, Emma turned and hugged her tightly. “I’ve missed you so much. I can’t believe you decided to come visit. I didn’t think you would leave home.”
Abby hugged her back, wondering if Emma would be able to guess the reason for her visit. What if her feelings toward Jacob had been obvious to everyone but her? She felt a blush begin to creep up her face.
“Do you need some water?” Emma looked at her worriedly.
Abby sighed. Why must she be so fair-skinned? “No. I’m fine. It was a little warm on the bus is all.”
Emma nodded. “I’m glad you’re okay. For a minute there, you looked like you were going to be sick.”
She was sick. Sick about her realization. What if Emma never spoke to her again? She’d just have to make sure Emma never found out. Time away from Jacob would probably kill any feelings she’d had anyway. And it wasn’t as if they were reciprocated.
An Englisher hopped out of the van. He smiled at Abby, hoisted her bag from the ground, and placed it in the back of the van.
“Thanks, Derek,” Emma called.
Abby looked at her quizzically.
“He’s from Charm. He and his wife live just down the road from Lydia Ann.” Emma took the backpack from her back and prepared to climb inside the van. “He also picked me up when I got here.”
“Oh. I thought maybe you’d decided to start spending time with Englishers or something.”
Emma was silent. She slid across the seat, allowing plenty of room for Abby to climb in. Derek started the van, and they began the drive.
“How long will it take us to get to Charm?” she asked Emma.
“About half an hour. It isn’t a bad drive.” Rather than meeting Abby’s gaze, Emma was studying the van floor as if it held the secrets of the universe. Had she already guessed how Abby felt about Jacob? If she did, that would explain why she was acting so distant. But how could she know? Abby herself hadn’t even known until Sarah’s birthday party.
Eventually Emma looked up. “So how are Mamm and Dat? And Thomas and Sarah?” Abby was relieved that Emma hadn’t asked about Jacob.
“Fine. Just fine.” Abby glanced at her sister. “Sarah was so happy to get your store-bought birthday card. She loved it.” For a moment, she thought about the pink card. “But we missed you at her party.” Guilt nagged at her as she remembered washing dishes with Jacob and then sitting out on the porch swing with him. Abby reminded herself that she hadn’t done anything wrong. It was more about the way she felt. “I made a German chocolate cake.”
Emma looked interested. “That’s always one of your best creations.” She toyed with the tie on her kapp. “So who all was at the party?”
Abby’s heart nearly stopped. She’d known Jacob’s name was going to come up at some point. She may as well start practicing saying it without blushing. “Oh, the usual. Mamm, Dat, Sarah, Thomas, Mammi, Dawdi, a few school friends of Sarah and Thomas. Amos and Lottie Yoder were there, too.” She paused for a split second. “And Jacob.” She glanced quickly at her sister in an effort to read her expression.
Emma didn’t even flinch. “That sounds fun.”
Abby breathed an inward sigh of relief and stared out the window at the scenery. It was beginning to get dark. She yawned.
“Tired?” Emma asked.
Abby nodded. “You know I have a hard time sleeping on a bus.”
“And if I know you, I’ll bet you tossed and turned last night in anticipation of your journey.” Emma glanced at her. “Am I right?”
Abby nodded. “You know me too well.” Although, if that were true, she was in big trouble.
The van finally pulled into a driveway, and Derek got out.
“Here we are,” Emma said.
Abby climbed down from the van and looked around. Lydia Ann was standing on the porch with a big smile on her face. She rushed down the steps and opened her arms to give Abby a hug. “I’m so happy to see you. I know how much Emma has missed you.” She hugged Abby again. “I’m really glad you came.”
Abby smiled. “Me, too.” She would get over her feelings for Jacob while she was here. She was sure of it. Otherwise, she’d never be able to go home again.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Kelly
After a few weeks in Charm, Kelly had almost gotten used to holding her cell phone at various angles in the hope that she’d get a signal. She stood in the backyard of the inn and held the phone high in the air, thinking maybe it would pick up a strong enough signal for an outgoing call. Finally. Pay dirt. She hit a button and hoped for a connection.
“Hello.” Michelle’s voice was scratchy through the static.
“Hey.” Kelly finally found a spot where she seemed to have a full signal. She froze. Maybe if she stayed in one place, she wouldn’t drop the call. She just hoped no one looked out the inn’s window and saw her posing like a statue.
“Well, well, well. I was beginning to get worried.”
“I know. Sorry. I don’t have good reception here.” Kelly hadn’t spoken to Michelle since the first day she’d worked at the bookmobile.
Michelle laughed. “Hmm. I seem to recall someone thinking you probably wouldn’t. But you didn’t listen. As usual.”
“As usual? What’s that supposed to mean?” Kelly asked.
“I talked to Andy the other night. He told me about their visit. I think he has a crush on an Amish girl.” She laughed. “But he also told me you were back together with Nick.”
Kelly sighed. “Okay. We’re not exactly back together. Just talking again is all.” She steeled herself for what she knew was coming. Michelle had been the one to sit with her while she’d cried over Nick’s careless treatment.
“Right. Just talking.” Michelle’s irritation came through the phone despite the poor reception. “Look, Kelly. The guy is no good for you.” She let out a loud sigh. “I know you don’t want to hear this. But you need to face the facts. There is no way he’ll stay faithful.”
“You don’t know that for sure.” Kelly’s words sounded hollow. There was some truth to what her friend was saying, even if she didn’t want to admit it. “People change.”
“People change. Nick does not. It’s that simple. Think of how disrespectful it is that he can cheat on you. Lie to you. Nearly kill you in a wreck and show no remorse. But yet you continue to let him.”
“I know. But I think he really wants to commit this time.”
“I don’t want to go all Dr. Phil on you, but like he always says, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. And I agree. You might need tough love more than anyone I’ve ever known. Kel, you deserve so much more. You deserve a man who is going to respect you and cherish you and try his hardest not to hurt you by his actions. And, I know, there’s no such thing as a perfect man. But believe me, there is one out there who is way better for you than Nick even has the possibility to be.”
Kelly walked over to the nearest wrought iron chair and sat down. “But it’s too hard to walk away.”
“What? Kelly, you’re breaking up. Can you hear me?” Michelle’s voice was barely audible through the static. “If you can hear me, at least promise that you’ll think about what I’ve said. Kelly?”
“I promise,” Kelly said as she walked back over to the area where she’d had reception. But by the time she reached the spot, the call had dropped. She sighed. Was Michelle right? Was she totally foolish even to consider staying in a relationship that had caused her more pa
in than happiness?
Kelly looked at her watch. Nick and Andy should be here any minute. She wasn’t sure what had prompted the spontaneous visit, but she hoped it was a sign that Nick had turned over a new leaf. Either that, or Andy really did have a crush on Emma. She wondered briefly about her new friend. It seemed like she’d had plans with Noah at some point over the weekend. Had that gone well?
The black Jeep pulled into the driveway right on time. She had to give it to him, he was trying. The vehicle was barely in park before both guys were out. Andy headed to the hammock and collapsed. Nick came close and pulled her into an embrace.
“I missed you,” he said against her hair.
She pulled away and grinned. “That’s nice to hear.” And it was. Although, the conversation she’d had earlier with Michelle kept niggling at her mind. Was she totally stupid?
“What’s on the agenda?” Andy asked from underneath his baseball cap. “Anything going on around here?”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Can’t you just relax? Read? Sleep?”
“Boring.” He opened one eye and regarded her. “We are men of action.”
“You are acting like a little kid who constantly needs to be entertained.” She thought of the well-behaved children who came through the bookmobile when she was working in it. They were less trouble than Andy and Nick. Hands down.
“How about we just plan on going to dinner?” Nick asked.
Andy swung his feet to the ground and rose from the hammock. “Do I have to chaperone or can you two go alone?”
Kelly rolled her eyes. “If you don’t go with us, what would you do?”
He grinned. “I was thinking about paying a visit to the local quilt store.”
“I think you should leave her alone. She’ll be working.” The truth of the matter was that Kelly didn’t want Andy bothering Emma if she couldn’t be around to intervene. Emma might try and appear to be cool with his flirting, but Kelly had been around the Amish enough now to realize how uncomfortable he must make her.
Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio Page 13