by Amy Clipston
Eva suddenly smiled. “You’re just what he needs.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Janie said. “I’m sure he’s not interested in me.” But I wish he was.
“Why wouldn’t he be interested?” Eva pointed toward Janie’s hair. “You’re so schee. All of our freinden are envious of your hair.”
“Danki.” Janie frowned, not convinced. She considered herself ordinary, which was why she’d never had a boyfriend. What was she thinking? “He’s so handsome, and I can’t see why he would be interested in me. Besides, he’s going back to Maryland before Christmas.”
Eva touched Janie’s arm and looked hopeful. “Maybe he’ll stay.”
“I doubt it,” Janie said.
The bell above the door rang, and a group of tourists entered.
“We’d better get back to work,” Janie said.
“We’ll talk more later. I’ll help the customers so you can finish what you’re doing.” Eva headed toward the tourists. “May I help you?”
While Janie finished folding the last stack of shirts, her thoughts were stuck on Jonathan and his heartaches. Would Jonathan ever share that story with her? She hoped someday he would tell her the truth about what happened to bring him to Bird-in-Hand for the harvest season.
Janie stood in her sister’s bedroom doorway that evening and found Marie sitting on the edge of her bed, brushing her waist-length brown hair.
“Hi, Janie.” Marie looked up at her. “Did you need something?”
“Ya, I was wondering if you had a minute to talk.” Janie fingered the long braid dangling over her shoulder.
“Of course I do.” Marie gestured for Janie to enter the room.
“Danki.” Janie stepped into her room and sat on the cedar chest at the foot of Marie’s double bed. She took a deep breath and looked up into Marie’s concerned eyes. “I think I’m falling in love with Jonathan.”
Marie gaped. “Jonathan? The man who had the buggy accident?”
“Ya.” Janie crossed her arms over the front of her pink nightgown. “We’ve had lunch together every day since last Tuesday. We enjoy talking to each other. And he’s so handsome, Marie. He’s tall and has schee brown eyes. He’s so sweet and charming.” She sighed. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Janie.” Marie leaned forward and touched her arm. “I don’t understand what the problem is.”
“He’s going to be thirty in three months. Do you think Dat would approve?”
Marie frowned, and Janie dropped her hands into her lap.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not sure if Dat would approve,” Marie said gently. “You might want to discuss it with Mamm first and get her thoughts. Do you want me to go with you?”
“No, I’m not ready to tell them yet.” Janie touched the hem of her nightgown. “He’s from Maryland. He’s only here to visit his grandparents for a few months before he goes back home.”
Marie looked concerned. “If you were to marry him, would you move to Maryland with him?”
“I don’t know.” The question had occurred to Janie earlier today as she’d eaten the cookies Jonathan had brought to share during lunch. If she were to marry Jonathan, would he expect her to move to Maryland? Janie shoved away the question. She was getting ahead of herself by already thinking about marriage.
Marie’s face brightened. “I have an idea! Why don’t you invite Jonathan over for supper one night? That would be the best way for Mamm and Dat to meet him. You’ve already mentioned Jonathan is charming, so I’m certain Mamm and Dat would like him too.”
“That’s a great idea!” Janie popped up from the cedar chest and hugged Marie. “Danki. I knew you could help me.” She started for the door, her long braid bouncing off her back.
“Janie, wait.”
Janie looked over her shoulder at Marie. “What?”
“Just be careful, okay?” Marie’s face was full of caution. “I don’t want to see you get hurt. Don’t forget he’s leaving in a few months, and things might not work out.”
“Okay.” Janie’s smile faded. Her sister was right. Janie was risking her heart, but somewhere deep in her soul she had a feeling Jonathan cared for her as much as she cared for him.
Jonathan hummed to himself as he finished caring for the horses in his grandfather’s barn Wednesday evening. The week had gone well so far. He’d cherished the one hour each day he and Janie spent together, sharing stories along with their lunches. She was sweet, funny, and beautiful. He thought about her constantly, and he couldn’t wait to see her tomorrow.
Once he finished caring for the animals, Jonathan stepped outside and closed the barn door. When he turned, he found his grandfather smiling at him.
“Were you just humming?” Daadi asked with a sly grin.
Jonathan shrugged. “Ya, I guess I was.”
“What’s gotten into you?” Daadi raised an eyebrow. “Have you met a maedel?”
Jonathan shoved his hands in his pockets. “Ya, I suppose I have.”
“Let’s go sit on the porch and talk. I want to hear all about this maedel who has stolen my grandson’s heart.” Daadi climbed the back steps, sank into the swing, and grinned with enthusiasm. “Well?”
Jonathan chuckled to himself as he climbed the steps and then leaned back against the railing across from Daadi. “Her name is Janie Lantz, and she works in the souvenir shop.”
“What does she look like?” Daadi asked, resting his hands on his rotund middle.
“She’s beautiful.” Jonathan smiled. “She has red hair and blue eyes. She’s very sweet.” He shook his head. “It will never work out though.”
Daadi squinted at him through his glasses. “Why not?”
“She’s only twenty. I’m a decade older than she is.”
“So?” Daadi shrugged. “Your mammi is nine years younger than I am.”
“She is?” Jonathan was stunned to hear this fact.
“Ya, she is.” Daadi shrugged. “When I met her, I was thirty, and she was twenty-one. What matters is how you feel about this young woman and how she feels about you, Jonathan.”
Jonathan nodded. “Danki, Daadi.”
“Are you going to tell her how you feel?” Daadi asked with a hopeful look on his wrinkly face.
“I will eventually,” Jonathan said as he sat on the railing.
“Eventually?” Daadi scrunched his nose. “What are you waiting for?”
“The right time.” Jonathan frowned. “I have a history of sharing my feelings too soon and winding up alone after the maedel changes her mind. I don’t need to go through that again. Twice was already too many times.”
“I can understand that, but don’t wait too long either.” Daadi shivered as a cold breeze wafted over them. “Fall is here.” He stood. “Let’s go inside before it gets any colder.”
As Jonathan followed Daadi into the house, he wondered if his grandfather was right. Could a relationship work out between Janie and him despite their age difference? But more important could Janie be the maedel who would truly love him and not break his heart? The thought took hold of him and a renewed hope settled deep in his soul. Before he shared his feelings, Jonathan had to make sure Janie felt the same way about him that he felt about her.
Janie smiled at Jonathan as they sat at the picnic table and shared a bag filled with the chocolate chip cookies she and Marie had made the night before.
“I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday already,” she quipped, snatching another cookie from the bag. “The week has flown by.”
“It has gone by quickly.” He took a cookie and then met her eyes. “Janie, I want to ask you something.”
Janie’s stomach tightened at the seriousness in his eyes. “Okay.”
“Do you have a boyfriend?” He looked worried.
Janie had to bite her lip to stop a laugh from escaping her mouth. “No, I don’t.”
“Oh.” Relief relaxed his features.
“Do you have a girlfriend?” Even though Eva had told her the answer, sh
e wanted to hear Jonathan confirm it.
“No.” Jonathan looked down at his napkin covered with cookie crumbs. “I haven’t told you the real reason I came to visit my grandparents.”
Janie’s stomach clenched again, this time with anticipation. Was he finally going to share his story of heartaches?
“I was dating someone,” he began with a melancholy look in his eyes. “I was so sure she was the one for me. In fact, I was trying to work up the courage to ask her to marry me, but I never got the chance to ask. She broke up with me, and she’s marrying one of mei freinden in November.”
“I’m so sorry,” Janie whispered, her voice thin with sympathy.
“Thanks.” He gave her a bleak smile. “I couldn’t stand the idea of being there for their wedding. I would be expected to go since it’s in my church district. I came up with the idea of spending the fall with my grandparents to get away from the situation.” He grimaced. “I’m a coward.”
“No, you’re not.” Janie resisted the urge to reach across the table and touch his hand. “I can understand why you wanted to get away. My cousin’s girlfriend, Rachel, went through the same thing. Her ex-boyfriend is dating her former best friend. She told me it was difficult to see them at every youth gathering and every church service. You can only take so much.”
“Danki for understanding. Mei bruders think I overreacted by leaving the way I did, but I don’t regret my decision. I’m helping my grandparents too.” A smile found his lips. “And I met you.”
Butterflies danced in Janie’s stomach. She suddenly remembered her sister’s advice. “Would you like to come to supper one night to meet my family?”
He smiled. “I’d love to.”
“Wunderbaar.”
He looked hesitant. “Do you think your family will like me?”
“Absolutely.” Janie started a mental list of what she and Marie could make for supper the night he came.
She also said a silent prayer, asking God to help her parents approve of her friendship with Jonathan.
Chapter Four
Jonathan guided the last horse toward the stable the following evening. A brisk breeze whipped over him as he glanced up at the fluffy clouds dotting the late-afternoon sky. He halted the horse and climbed down from the buggy. As he started to unhitch the horse, he saw movement in his peripheral vision. Looking up, he found Janie standing in front of him, hugging a black sweater over her blue dress and black apron. Her tote bag was slung over her shoulder.
“Jonathan.” She smiled. “I’m glad you’re still here. My driver is running a little late, so I thought I’d stop by to say hi.”
“How long is your driver going to be?”
“He said he had to make a run to Philadelphia and is stuck in traffic. It’s going to be at least another forty-five minutes.” She shook her head. “Craig and Bianca had to leave; they usually visit some relatives on Friday evenings. Since I don’t have anyone else to call for a ride, I told my driver I would wait. I hope you don’t mind if I wait out here.”
An idea flashed in Jonathan’s mind. He pointed toward the buggy. “Would you like to go for a ride? I can take you on the route I normally take the tourists.”
She hesitated. “How long is the ride?”
“It’s about thirty minutes, but I can shorten it.”
“I don’t know.” She shivered and hugged her sweater closer to her body.
“I’ll grab a quilt,” he offered.
“Okay,” Janie said, finally agreeing. But then she held up her hand to stop him. “Wait. Are you allowed to take the buggy out? I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
“I can still drive a buggy,” he explained, “but I can’t take any tourists out. You’re mei freind, not a paying passenger.”
“Okay.”
Jonathan got a quilt from the stable and then took Janie’s hand and helped her climb up into the buggy. He enjoyed the warm, soft feel of her skin and resisted the urge not to release her hand. Once she was settled in the seat, he walked around the buggy, climbed up on the seat beside her, and took the reins.
“Are you cold?” she asked, moving closer to him. “Would you like to share the quilt?”
Jonathan nodded. “Sure.” How could he say no to her request? He savored the thought of sitting close to her.
Janie tossed the blanket over his lap and slid closer to him. He breathed in the scent of her shampoo—apple.
“When is your driver coming to get you?” she asked.
“I walk to work since it’s only a few blocks,” he explained, guiding the horse toward the road. “Sometimes I get a ride from Craig and Bianca, but I don’t mind the walk. It gives me time to think and enjoy the fresh air. I love being outdoors.”
“Oh.” Janie’s lips turned up in a sweet smile, and his pulse galloped.
Janie was so pretty with her warm smile and bright blue eyes. The sun was starting to set, and the deep orange hues in the sky nearly matched her hair. She scooted closer to him, and his leg brushed hers under the blanket.
“I’m froh my driver was late so I can spend more time with you today,” she said, breaking through his thoughts.
“I’m enjoying it too,” he said as he slowed the horse at a red light.
“I love autumn,” Janie continued with her eyes fixed on the road ahead. “I enjoy seeing the leaves change and the cooler nights.” She looked over at him. “What’s your favorite season?”
Jonathan looked over at her face and all his worries melted away. Any season with you is my favorite. “I think it’s autumn.”
“You think it’s autumn?” She laughed, and he relished the sweet sound. “Don’t you have a favorite season?”
“I’m not fussy.” He guided the buggy down a quiet residential street, and the aroma of the smoke from a fireplace permeated the air.
“October will be here soon,” she said. “It will be much colder then.” Her smile faded. “But I don’t want October to come.”
“Why not?” he asked.
“October is closer to November, and you’re leaving in November.” Janie’s big blue eyes misted over. Was she going to cry?
Jonathan halted the horse at a stop sign and angled his body toward Janie. He cupped her cheek with his hand, and she turned her face toward it. The air around them sparked with electricity. He felt the overwhelming urge to kiss her, but he knew it would be inappropriate.
“I really like you, Janie,” he said, his voice husky with emotion.
“I like you too,” she whispered in response, her voice sounding equally sentimental.
Jonathan moved his thumb over her cheek, and she closed her eyes. A horn blasted behind him, and he quickly grabbed the reins and guided the horse down the road. The scent of rain saturated the air as their trip wore on.
“Do you think it’s going to rain?” Janie asked.
“It might,” Jonathan said. He looked up at the sky.
“Do you like the rain?” she asked, scooting even closer to him.
“I do when I’m not working outside.”
“I love falling asleep to the sound of rain tapping on the roof.”
For the remainder of the ride, they sat in contented silence, peppered with moments of conversation about the sights they passed. When they returned to the parking lot, she helped him stow the buggy and horse.
As they walked out of the stable, Janie took Jonathan’s hand in hers. He glanced down at her, and she smiled up at him.
“I had a wunderbaar time tonight,” she said. “Danki.”
“Gern gschehne.” Jonathan squeezed her hand. “I hope you have a nice weekend.” He couldn’t stand the thought of saying good-bye to her and not seeing her for two whole days.
“I hope you do too.” Janie opened her mouth to say something but stopped when headlights gleamed in their faces. She released his hand and hefted her tote bag farther up on her shoulder. “That’s my ride. I’ll see you Monday.”
“Take care,” he said as she hurried toward the
van and climbed into the front passenger seat.
Jonathan waved as the white van steered through the parking lot, then started his journey on foot to his grandparents’ house. His mind swirled with thoughts of Janie and their buggy ride. He had enjoyed every moment he’d spent with her, snuggled close under the blanket as they rode under the beautiful sky. Janie had worked her way into his heart, and he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. He dreaded the thought of going back to Maryland and not seeing her again.
A cool mist of rain sprayed over him, and he shivered. He crossed his arms over his middle and picked up speed. He hurried down the street and smiled despite the damp weather. For the first time in nearly a year, he felt himself falling in love, and he prayed somehow he and Janie could find a way to make their relationship work.
“You went on a buggy ride with him after work?” Marie asked with a gasp as she washed the dishes later that evening.
“Ya, I did,” Janie said, smiling so widely her cheeks hurt. She lifted a dish from the drain board and began to dry it. “It was really romantic. We went on the route he takes passengers, and it was nice and cold. He gave me a quilt to stay warm. He’s so sweet.” She sighed as sadness threatened to squelch her euphoria. “I just can’t stand the thought that he’s going to go back to Maryland.”
“Who’s going back to Maryland?”
Janie glanced over her shoulder to where her mother stood watching as she leaned on a broom. Janie hadn’t heard her mother come in after sweeping the porch.
“Jonathan,” Janie explained, her cheeks burning. “He’s the one who was in the buggy accident.”
“He’s still working at the buggy rides?” Mamm tilted her head with surprise.
“He’s working in the stable.” Janie frowned. “It’s not fair. The accident wasn’t his fault at all, but he said he’s froh to have the job. His onkel cares for his grandparents, but this is a chance for Jonathan to help them too.”
“He’s supporting his grandparents?” Mamm asked, and Janie nodded. “But you said he’s from Maryland? He’s only visiting them?”
