Hannah gave her a wink. “Stiff upper lip, girl.” She glanced at the clock. “Yikes. I’ve got to get out of here. I have to wrap Madison’s present and then get myself psychologically prepared for twelve screaming nine-year-olds at the pizzeria. Are you still coming?”
After a quick nod, Katie said, “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She knew that Karl wouldn’t be there, but perhaps that was for the best. At least Hannah knew the whole story now and had handled the news with grace and style.
With relief flooding over her, Katie gathered up her be- longings and headed for the door.
❧
The following morning Katie climbed into her car and pointed it in the direction of Paradise. She had to get out of town, to clear her head. Sara’s words still echoed loudly: “Still running, Katie?”
I’m not too proud to admit I’m running, Lord, but this time I want to run straight into Your arms. I want Your will in this situation. Save me from myself.
As Katie made her way out of Doylestown, she thought about the issues she now faced at work. Perhaps Hannah’s response had been right: “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.” God had given her so many amazing opportunities over the years. She’d been blessed time and time again, not just with the sale of homes, but in so many other ways. And yet she’d faced several losses, as well.
As she contemplated her losses of late, Katie’s thoughts went to Brian Hamilton. She began to pray for him. That he would come to his senses and do the right thing. That the Lord would intervene and soften his heart toward the church. That Karl wouldn’t have to face him in court.
And as she drove, Katie prayed for something else, too. For the first time ever, she prayed that Karl would figure out she had left town. . .and this time, come running after her.
❧
After an extensive night of wrestling with the sheets, Karl awoke to a slit of sunlight peeking through his bedroom curtains. He squinted and closed his eyes. As he filtered through the dozens of thoughts in his head, only one rose to the surface. He had to call Katie, and he had to call her now. Somehow he must undo any damage he’d done with his earlier insinuations.
He tried her home phone, but she didn’t answer. Afterward, he signed online to see if he could locate her there. Nothing. Finally, he punched in her cell number.
She answered on the third ring with a tentative, “Hello?”
“Katie?”
“Yes?”
He paused as he heard the strain of a familiar worship song playing in the background. “I’m glad I got you. I really want to talk to you.” The sound of a horn honking in the background threw him for a second. “Are you in the car?”
“Yeah. I’m headed home.”
“Home?” His heart began to work overtime. “Spending the weekend with your family?”
“I thought that would be a good idea.”
Except that it foils my plan. “I’m sure your mamm will enjoy having you.”
“She doesn’t know I’m coming. I might make a couple of stops first, do a little shopping. And, to be honest, I’m not sure if I’m going to stay at her house. I’m just feeling a little. . . unsettled. I had to get away from Doylestown for a while.”
“Because of me?”
“No. Just everything.”
“Katie, I really need to talk to you. I feel awful about something I said. I made it sound as if I thought you might deliberately do the wrong thing, and I’m sorry about that. I know you better than that.”
He heard the break in her voice as she responded. “You. . .you don’t know me at all, Karl. I’ve never let you know me.”
I want to, Katie. More than you know. The words got stuck in his throat. Perhaps they couldn’t find their way across the huge lump that suddenly rose up at the idea of not having a chance to win her heart.
Just the thought of it broke his. He’d already lost her once. He wasn’t going to lose her again.
SIXTEEN
As Katie neared the Amish country, she opted for a slight detour before heading to the farm. For whatever reason, she felt drawn to a group of shops several miles away from Paradise. A tourist trap, that’s what Mamm had always called it. A place for the Englishers to stop and gawk. To take photographs and ponder the oddities of the Amish lifestyle.
Today, however, the whole thing just seemed quaint. The growth of the community astounded her. Shops presenting everything from fudge to dresses, candles to quilts had sprung up. Parking lots, filled with cars and tourist buses, stood next to acres and acres of beautiful green countryside. Ironic, the two coexisting alongside each another. Was such a thing really possible?
And how interesting, to suddenly see things from the opposite point of view. As a child, she’d been the object of stares and whispers from tourists. Today she found herself gazing with curiosity at the workers in the shops. Had it really been twelve long years since she’d been in their spot? Did they feel as awkward as she did now? If so, they certainly didn’t let it show.
Katie shook off these questions and made her way through several of the stores, taking her time to really breathe in the ambiance. On and on she walked, taking her time, drinking it in. Her past. Their present. Merging the two felt more comfortable with each passing minute. And the minutes passed with ease here, unlike in the city. Here people strolled about, laughing, talking, and shopping.
She made it a point to do the same. Today was all about rest and reflection. And good food.
After stopping off for an apple fritter, which she quickly consumed, Katie entered the candy store, ready to do some serious shopping. This had always been one of her favorite places, though the fudge in this shop could hardly compare with Aunt Emma’s.
At once, Katie thought of Hannah and the unmended fences between the two women. Mother and daughter had hardly spoken in years, and all because of rules and regulations. Katie prayed for a miracle in that situation and also prayed that her recent run-in with Karl wouldn’t cause a rift of such immense proportions. It would take a great deal of time and prayer to heal something of that magnitude.
She redirected her focus to the candy. “I’ll take a half pound of maple.” She pointed through the glass case at a luscious brick of tan-colored fudge. “And a full pound of chocolate with pecans.”
As she waited for the candy, her mouth watered. She would only pinch off a nibble from the maple fudge; the rest she would take home to her family. Emily would be thrilled, as would Mamm. The boys would probably consume most of it though. As always.
After finishing up in the candy store, Katie moved out to the hub of the shops, the area where an older fellow charged tourists for buggy rides. Datt would’ve frowned on such a venture, no doubt, but this fellow looked to be having a grand time. So did his guests.
As Katie walked, she noticed a clothing store, one she’d somehow overlooked earlier on. She found herself staring through the window at the most beautiful blue dress she’d ever seen.
Wow. The soft chiffon overlay took her breath away, and the trim at the neckline only served to further draw her in.
For the first time in twelve years, she contemplated the unthinkable. Blue? Where she would wear it, she had no idea. Certainly it wouldn’t do for work. But something about it called out to her.
I’ve got to have that dress.
To wear blue again would signify the end of an era. Was she ready to let go of the past and face a more colorful future? With a smile on her face, she pondered the idea.
Yes. Relief flooded over her as she realized the truth of it. I’m ready.
A familiar voice rang out from behind her, sending a shock wave through her. “I think that color would look amazing on you, Katie Walken. I always thought you looked especially pretty in blue.”
With her heart now pounding in her ears, she turned to face Karl, who stood behind her with an impish grin on his face.
“W–what? What are you doing here? How did you know I would be—”
“I know you bet
ter than you think, despite what you said earlier. I know that you love maple fudge, for instance.” He pointed to the bag in her hand, which she quickly tucked behind her back. “And I know that you could never resist an apple fritter.”
“How did you know I ate an apple fritter?” He reached to wipe a bit of powdered sugar from the edge of her mouth, and she sighed, feeling like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Only, in this case, it felt good to be caught, even with sugar on her lips.
“I also know that whenever you got stressed as a teen, you always wanted to go to town, to the shops. Remember that time you snuck off and bought a pair of high-heeled shoes when your parents were at your aunt Emma’s? You actually thought you could get away with wearing them.”
Katie groaned. “I can’t believe you remember that. I buried the box behind the barn with the shoes still in it. Wrapped the box in plastic, in case it rained. Those silly shoes are probably still there to this day.” She paused and gazed at him in wonder. “But you haven’t answered my question. What are you doing here?”
“You didn’t think I’d let you get away twice, did you?”
The bag of fudge began to tremble in her hand, and she did her best to stay calm. Had he really just said that? Karl had come looking for her, just as she’d prayed.
“But how in the world did you find me in this crowd?” She gazed into his twinkling eyes.
“I move fast. Nearly as fast as you used to. Looks like I’m catching up with you.” He gave her a wink, and Katie’s heart flip-flopped.
“I’m glad you did.” She offered up a shy smile.
“Me, too.” Karl drew close, and for a moment she thought he would wrap her in his arms. Instead, a shopper brushed past them, forcing them apart. Karl shifted his gaze to the dress in the window. “So, are you going to try on that dress or not?”
She shook her head, suddenly reduced to a stammering child. “I—I don’t need it.”
“You might. Someday.” He took her by the arm and ushered her into the store. When they approached the clerk, an elderly woman with silver hair, she happily pointed Katie in the direction of the changing room.
With nerves leading the way, she slipped the beautifully designed dress over her head. Staring at herself in the mirror, Katie had to admit, she felt pretty. The color was just right, but something more jumped out at her. It had more to do with how she felt, not how she looked.
As the “I’m happy in blue” truth registered, something amazing happened in her heart. Joy took over, and before long, giggling followed.
“Everything okay in there?” She heard Karl’s voice ring out.
“Mmm. . .yeah.” She twirled around to see the dress from the back. Another giggle erupted. “I like it.”
“Come on out and let me have a look.”
She felt her cheeks warm. “Oh no, I’d feel silly.” Happy, but silly.
“Katie. I’m not moving until you come out.”
She laughed. Some things hadn’t changed. He still had the patience of Job, with or without a fishing pole in his hands. Katie gave herself another quick glance, then pulled back the curtain and stepped out into the store, curious as to what he would say when he saw her.
Karl took one look at her and let out a whistle. “Katie.” He shook his head and stared. “You look. . .”
“Ridiculous?”
“Um. . .no.”
“Amish?”
He laughed. “Hardly. But I’ve got to say, you look like something straight out of paradise.” He drew near, and Katie felt his breath warm on her cheek. “Katie Walken. . .”
“Yes?”
He gently traced the freckles on the end of her nose with his fingertip. “I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited to do this.”
Her heart fluttered, and she looked around the shop to make sure no one else was watching. “D–do what?”
He slipped an arm around her waist and drew her to himself, planting a row of kisses along her hairline. She felt her legs turn to mush and thought for a moment she must be dreaming this. Only a dream could feel this wonderful. She closed her eyes to ponder that possibility then opened them to double-check the reality. Nope. Not a dream. Karl gazed at her with the most hypnotic look, one that left her speechless, a rarity.
“I like you in blue,” he whispered in her ear.
“O–oh?”
He lifted her chin with his fingertips and forced her to stare into his eyes. Beautiful blue twinkling eyes. Eyes she’d avoided for twelve years. As he leaned in to kiss her—right there in front of anyone who might be looking—she gave herself over to the sheer joy of the moment. Their lips met for the sweetest kiss she ever could have imagined, one most assuredly worth waiting for.
After just a few seconds, she felt the presence of someone nearby and took a step back, her cheeks growing warm. The clerk flashed a wide smile and spoke with a sigh in her voice. “Ah, to be young again.”
The words made Katie want to laugh. Being with Karl did make her feel young again. And wrapped up in his arms, his soft lips brushing against hers, she finally felt whole. Complete.
Karl gave her a wink then glanced down at the dress once more. “So, what have we decided about the dress?”
The clerk joined him, adding her two cents’ worth, and before long, they’d both convinced Katie she must purchase it.
“But I really don’t have anyplace to wear it,” she argued. “My church is really casual, and we rarely wear things like this to the office. If I had a party coming up, maybe, but. . .”
“Regardless, that dress was made for you.” Karl whipped out his wallet. “And it’s my treat.”
“What?” She couldn’t possibly let him make a purchase like this.
“I’m buying the dress, and you’re not going to argue. Remember, I just saved a fortune by not buying the Chandler place.”
Katie let out a groan.
“And you just lost a fortune not selling the house on the lake. So, I think you’d better let me take care of this one.”
She offered up a salute and a playful, “Yes, sir!” Then, standing back, she took a moment to collect her thoughts and her emotions. With her heart in such a state, she could barely process what had just happened, let alone where she might end up wearing that beautiful blue dress.
On the other hand, what did it matter really? As long as Karl liked her in blue. . .she might very well wear it every day from now on.
❧
Karl couldn’t seem to stop smiling. Not that he tried. But, as he paid for the dress, only the crowd of people kept him from screaming out, “She’s mine!” He wanted to whoop and holler, to jump up and down, and to shout to the masses that the woman he loved clearly loved him back. That the Lord had truly redeemed the time they’d lost. And Karl wouldn’t waste another minute lingering over anything in the past, including real estate disputes. God would take care of all of that anyway.
Karl simply paid for the dress and turned to Katie with a smile. “What else would you like to do today? You choose.”
She grinned. “I’ve already done most everything. Eaten too many sweets, decided to give up on my moratorium against blue. Kissed you. I’d say it’s been a pretty full day.”
He drew near and pulled her into his arms once more. “Say that last part again.”
“It’s been a pretty full day?”
“No, the part before that.”
“Ah.” She smiled. “Kissed you.”
He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers once more, this time not releasing his hold for some time. Karl found himself forgetting where he was. Not caring one bit who might be looking. He could go on holding the woman he loved forever, as far as he was concerned.
When he finally let go, he tipped his head back and gave her a playful wink.
“Whoa.” She looked up into his eyes with a grin. “That’s one for the record books.”
“I just didn’t want you to forget.” He gave her a wink. “And now you can say I’ve kissed
you twice.”
“You’ve kissed me twice,” she echoed, reaching for his hand.
And I’d like it to be a thousand times more, he wanted to shout. But didn’t. There would be plenty of time for shouting later. Right now he wanted to relish every moment with their hands firmly locked together. He wanted to forget the outside world existed at all, that problems and real estate woes would ever again rear their ugly heads. They browsed a few more shops then wove their way through the throng of tourists toward the parking lot. Karl nibbled on a piece of fudge, enjoying its flavor, then glanced up into Katie’s eyes—eyes filled with love.
He found himself captivated. Hypnotized. And for a moment he wasn’t sure which was sweeter, the maple-flavored candy. . .or the feel of Katie Walken’s hand in his.
SEVENTEEN
Katie smiled all the way from the shopping center to her mother’s house. Every now and again she glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure Karl still followed along behind her in his car. Just the tiniest glimpse of his face sent her heart soaring.
She thought back to the moment he’d taken her in his arms. The feelings that had washed over her far surpassed anything she’d ever experienced. Her heart, once hardened to the idea of love, had obviously softened. And oh, how wonderful that softness felt! How blissful! From the moment he touched the tip of her nose with his finger, she had melted like a scoop of ice cream left sitting in the sun. And that kiss—she’d wondered if such a thing were even possible. Now she knew it to be true.
As she drove, Katie prayed. She called out to God for His perfect will to be done in their relationship—to smooth over any trouble places, take care of any unsettled work-related issues. If the Lord could bring Karl after her, surely He could handle those pesky little issues. Never again would she allow her love for things come before her love for people. Never. She would toss every commission right out the window before she would sacrifice her relationship with Karl. Or anyone else in her family, for that matter.
Red, White and Blue Weddings: Red Like Crimson, White as Snow, Out of the Blue Page 41
