Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

by Annalisa Daughety

  “I should’ve tried to get in touch with him immediately.”

  Simon locked eyes with her. “I’m sure you had a lot to deal with. No harm done.”

  Lydia Ann smiled. “Thanks for not making me feel worse about it.”

  “Are your daughters excited to be here?”

  Lydia Ann’s eyes grew wide. “Dat told you about them too?”

  Simon grinned. “We’re friends.” He chuckled. “I know all about you.”

  She nodded. “Of course. I’m sorry. I just didn’t know if everyone in the community knew about his life back in Ohio.”

  “It’s been hard for him, being separated from you. Not being there as his grandchildren grew up.” He leveled his gaze at her. “Losing his wife.”

  “Well, he sure seemed to move on pretty fast.” Lydia Ann couldn’t believe the words had actually escaped. She clapped her hands over her mouth, wishing she could take them back.

  Simon took it all in stride. “Leah makes him very happy. But of course he hasn’t forgotten you. Or your mamm.”

  Lydia Ann fell silent. Maybe she’d been too harsh on her father. “That’s nice to know.”

  “I should get what I came for and head back to work.” He smiled. “I’m just here to pick up a couple of things for the Landises. They own the dairy farm where I work, but they also run a guesthouse.” He motioned at a row of groceries for sale. “Mrs. Landis needs a few things for her evening meal.”

  “I’ll leave you to your shopping.” Lydia Ann gave him a final glance and went to join Dat at the counter.

  “I’ll ring you up,” Dat said when Simon set his items on the counter.

  “Danki,” Simon said. Glancing at Lydia Ann, he smiled. “You know, you should bring your daughters out to the farm sometime. I’ll bet they’d love to help bottle-feed the calves.”

  She laughed at the thought. “Katie would. Mary, not so much.” She grinned. “But that’s a wonderful idea. We’ll have to stop by soon.”

  With one final smile, Simon picked up his bag and left the store.

  “Such a nice young man,” Dat observed. “Hardworking. And so helpful.” He wiped a smudge from the glass counter with his handkerchief. “The two of you are about the same age, I think.”

  Lydia Ann had never been good at guessing ages. Even though she would turn twenty-six in a few months, she knew people usually thought she was younger. She had noticed Simon’s clean-shaven face, though. Most people in their midtwenties were already married, so that surprised her a bit. But for all she knew, he could be about to marry in the fall.

  “Let me show you the quilts we have for sale,” Dat said. She followed him to the back of the store, observing the variety of merchandise the store held along the way.

  Chapter Ten

  “Well, well.” Phillip smirked. “If it isn’t the resident journalist.”

  Michael narrowed his eyes at his brother. “What’s it to you?” Ever since their parents had thrown a celebratory dinner in honor of Michael’s new job, Phillip had been needling him.

  Phillip guffawed. “Yep. Those fluffy pieces you’ll be doing about the best bakeries in Lancaster County are certain to put you on the map. Heck, you’ll probably win a Pulitzer.” He clapped Michael on the back. “I can see it now.” He waved his arm in an arc. “ ‘From Shoofly to Whoopie and Every Pie in Between.’ ” He chuckled again.

  “I’m actually excited about my new position. So, really, nothing you can say will bring me down.” Except that Phillip’s words were echoes of the thoughts in Michael’s head. It was almost as if his brother had a special talent for picking up on his biggest insecurities and using them as ammunition.

  “No?” Phillip cocked his head. “I bet I know one thing that will.” He pointed toward the driveway. “Your Southern belle is all packed up. Guess she’s had her fill of this place.” He raised an eyebrow. “And of you.”

  Michael felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach. Caroline was leaving today? He knew she couldn’t stay forever, but he hadn’t realized she’d be going so soon.

  Michael tried to keep his face neutral, but with one glance at Phillip, he knew he’d failed.

  “Guess she didn’t plan on saying bye, huh?” Phillip jeered.

  Michael looked down at his watch. If he didn’t leave within the next few minutes, he’d be late. Not a good impression for his first day on the job. “Later, Phillip.” He walked off without another glance. Maybe she was in the kitchen talking to his mother. She hadn’t made it down for breakfast this morning, and now he knew why—she’d been packing. He hurried up the three steps to the door that led right into the kitchen.

  Disappointment hit him immediately. Mom and Mrs. Zook were the only ones there.

  “Hon, you’re going to be late if you don’t leave.” Mom smiled. “Did you forget something?”

  Just his heart.

  “No. Just saying bye.” He grinned and gave his mom a side hug. “See you this afternoon. Wish me luck.” Michael went to his vehicle and fished around for a scrap of paper. He quickly scribbled a note for Caroline on an old gas receipt and left it underneath her windshield wipers. Not exactly the most romantic gesture, but it was all he had time for this morning. He hopped in his car and headed towards downtown Lancaster.

  Surely she wouldn’t leave without saying good-bye.

  Would she?

  Caroline sat on the middle of the bed and ran her fingers along the quilt pattern. She’d been such a chicken this morning, not even able to go downstairs for breakfast. Over the past week, she’d gotten used to the family-style breakfasts. Last night, the Landises had even invited her to eat dinner with their family as they celebrated Michael’s new job. There’d been so much joy around the table. So much happiness. It only reminded her of the loneliness that waited for her back home.

  But she couldn’t stay here forever.

  She knew Michael already wondered the reasons behind her extended stay. No, it was definitely time for her to leave. She planned to do a bit more sightseeing and then hit the road. She wouldn’t go straight home, though. Maybe she’d find an interesting place to stop along the way.

  She grabbed her shoulder bag and went downstairs. Mrs. Landis and Mrs. Zook were talking and laughing in the kitchen. She poked her head inside the doorway. “I guess it’s time to say good-bye,” she said softly.

  Mrs. Landis tossed the pot holder on the counter. “We’re certainly going to miss you around here.” She grinned and held up a sheet of paper. “But we’ll always remember you, thanks to your grandmother’s biscuit recipe.”

  Caroline had written down the recipe last night. “She’d be honored.” Caroline stood stiffly. Good-byes weren’t her forte. “Please tell the rest of the family how much I enjoyed my stay.”

  Mrs. Landis raised an eyebrow. “I wish you’d have given us more notice of your departure. We could’ve had a big going-away meal tonight.” She narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay just one more day?” She slung an arm around Caroline’s shoulder. “You’ve already set the record for the most nights stayed here. We’d be glad to give you a free night’s stay tonight if that’s the problem.” She smiled kindly.

  Caroline was touched. “Oh, that’s awfully generous of you, but I couldn’t. I really need to get on the road.”

  “Are you certain?” Mrs. Landis asked. “I know Michael will be so disappointed that he didn’t get to say good-bye.”

  Caroline considered her words. She and Michael had gotten to be pretty good friends, especially after their outing to the covered bridges a couple of days ago. And last night after dinner, they’d sat in the family room, playing Scrabble with his parents. It had been the most fun she’d had in ages. One more night wouldn’t hurt, right? She grinned. “You’ve talked me into it. But I insist on paying.”

  Mrs. Landis laughed. “We’ll discuss that later.”

  “In the meantime, I’m going to visit the shops at Kitchen Kettle Village.” The popular tourist area
was filled with quaint shops and eateries.

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Caroline went out to her car. The slip of paper underneath her wiper blades drew her attention. Trash? She fished the paper from the car, and scrawled writing caught her eye.

  “Leaving without saying good-bye? And I had to hear about it from my brother? You sure know how to wound a man.” He’d followed his message with his phone number.

  She couldn’t keep from smiling. Staying one more day had been the right decision.

  But tomorrow…

  Tomorrow she had to leave.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Here’s your computer.” Jenny Stafford pointed into a cubicle. “Everything is pretty basic—phone, computer, supplies. But if you prefer a laptop, just let me know and I’ll see what I can do.” She smiled prettily. “And can I just say, I can’t believe you’re here.”

  Neither could he. Or at least he couldn’t believe he was here with her. Jenny and Michael had been high school and college sweethearts. Everyone had expected them to get married. But he’d opted to head to DC after graduation and she’d been determined to come back home. After a few months of long distance, the relationship had ended. “It’s nice to see you again.” Except that he’d been around her for only a few minutes and he already felt tense. Working with an ex wasn’t exactly at the top of his list of fun things to do.

  She smiled. “I’m very much looking forward to catching up.” The glint in her eye spoke volumes. “I’d better get back to work. Mr. Sinclair will be in soon and he’ll probably want to talk to you. In the meantime, why don’t you look over some of our past issues?” She pointed to a stack on his desk.

  As soon as she was gone, he whipped his phone out of his pocket. No calls. No texts. Caroline had surely had time to read his note. He sank down into the seat. How had she managed to get under his skin in such a short amount of time? Even though he still got the feeling she was hiding something, he felt like she was finally starting to open up to him. The phone buzzed in his hand. He glanced down and rolled his eyes. His brother. What could Phillip possibly have to say? Probably just wanted to get in one final zinger. A sinking feeling washed over him. Phillip’s phone call could only mean one thing: Caroline had left. Without calling him. Glumly, he ignored the phone and picked up a back issue of Lancaster County Visitor.

  Caroline admired the older two-story home. The sign out front proclaimed it to be a bookstore and coffee shop, but it clearly had been a residential home at one time. She’d always been a sucker for a house with a wraparound porch. She stepped inside.

  “Good afternoon,” an elderly woman said from behind the counter.

  Caroline smiled. “Hi.” She glanced around. It was almost as if she herself had decorated the place. Three large square paintings depicting various parts of a red gerbera daisy hung over a red love seat.

  “Could I help you with something?” the woman asked.

  “I’m just looking.” Caroline glanced around. “It’s a lovely place.”

  “Thanks.” The woman’s kindly, round face lit up in a smile. “Please feel free to look around.” She pointed toward the back of the store. “There’s a coffee bar back there. It’s self-serve.”

  “I’ll have to check it out.” Caroline wandered through the shelves lined with used books. “Some of these look like collectibles.”

  The woman nodded. “Sure are. I’ve always been somewhat of a collector. My favorite thing is to get signed first editions.” She pointed to the front of the store. “Most of the books are used, but I also have some new releases displayed up front.”

  Caroline walked to the back of the store where the coffee bar was housed. The tables were hand-painted with whimsical designs. “These are great,” she remarked. “I love the way the chairs don’t all match.”

  The woman chuckled. “I guess you could say I have a flea-market problem. I bought those tables and had a local girl paint them but then realized I didn’t have any chairs. So I started going to flea markets and tag sales to find chairs.”

  Caroline ran her hand over a wooden chair that had been painted pink. “And then you painted them different colors.”

  “Exactly. I thought it was a nice touch with the painted tables.”

  “Well, I love it.” Caroline walked over to the coffee bar and stopped in her tracks. “I have this same coffee mug at home.” She lifted an oversized mug from the shelf. “Except that mine has a dog wearing a Santa hat instead of a cat on the front.” Mama had gotten it for her last Christmas. When Lance had seen her drinking out of it, he’d made fun of the design—called it “too kitchy” for his tastes.

  The woman laughed. “My daughter got that one.” She motioned toward the coffeepot. “Do you want me to make a fresh pot?”

  “Oh, no, that’s okay. I don’t want you to go to any trouble.” Caroline sat down at the table and ran her hand over the glossy surface. “This is such a cute little place.”

  “Thanks. It’s been my home for quite a while.”

  “Your home?” Caroline asked.

  The woman nodded. “I live upstairs.” She sat down across from Caroline. “I’m Lottie, by the way.”

  “Caroline.”

  “Well, Miss Caroline, I can tell by your accent that you aren’t from these parts.”

  “No, ma’am. I’m from Georgia.”

  Lottie grinned. “Georgia. That borders my new home state.” She chuckled at Caroline’s surprise expression. “I’m moving to Florida… to one of those retirement places.” She shook her head. “My old bones can’t take another Pennsylvania winter. Plus my daughter and son-in-law live in Jacksonville.”

  “Wow. When are you moving?”

  Lottie’s face grew sad. “Just as soon as I can get rid of my inventory.” She gestured at one of the tables. “So if there’s anything here you’d like, even the fixtures, I’d be glad to make you a great deal.”

  “Are you selling the house?”

  Lottie shook her head. “No. I don’t have the heart to sell it. This is the home my husband and I bought when we were first married.” She sighed. “David went home three years ago to be with the Lord. But I’m still not ready to let go of the place we built together.” Tears filled the old lady’s brown eyes. “That must seem so silly.”

  Caroline reached over and clasped Lottie’s weathered hands. “I don’t blame you at all.”

  “Thanks.” Lottie managed a smile. “I’m going to try to rent the place out once the merchandise is sold.”

  An idea formed in the back of Caroline’s head. Had she lost her mind?

  Chapter Twelve

  Simon picked up a bale of hay and threw it over the gate. He couldn’t remember another day like this when he’d made so many dumb mistakes. He’d forgotten two of the things Mrs. Landis had asked him to get at the store. Then he’d left the gate open and some of the cows had gotten out. And to top it off, he’d dropped and spilled an entire bottle of milk meant for one of the calves. The cats had been thrilled. Phillip, on the other hand, hadn’t been amused.

  “Where is your mind today, Simon?” he’d asked.

  Meeting Jeremiah’s daughter had shaken him. He’d heard all about her but hadn’t expected her to be young and pretty. For some reason, when he’d heard she was a widow, he’d expected her to be closer to his mamm’s age. But upon meeting her, he wasn’t even sure she was as old as he was. Imagine, being widowed and raising two children at such a young age. And then losing her shop to the tornado. Not to mention her mamm’s death. That was more than anyone should have to handle. So Simon knew where his mind was. It was reeling, trying to figure out when he might be able to spend some more time getting to know Lydia Ann. If there was anyone who must need a friend right now, it had to be her.

  He grabbed the lawn hose and began the task of cleaning out one of the barn stalls. At the sound of a car door closing outside, he glanced through the open barn door. Michael was home. Simon dropped the hose and went out to see his friend. “How
do you like the new job?” he asked once he reached Michael.

  Michael wrinkled his nose. “Man, you are not going to believe it.”

  Simon raised his eyebrows. “Not a good day?” He could certainly sympathize.

  “The job itself is great. I’m actually excited about showcasing some of the lesser-known attractions around here. It’s just that one of my coworkers happens to be an old friend of mine.”

  Simon shrugged. “That doesn’t sound so bad. What’s wrong with working with an old friend?”

  “It’s an old girlfriend.” Michael raked his fingers through his hair and leaned against his vehicle. “The only serious relationship I’ve ever been in. Do you remember Jenny?”

  Simon nodded. “Of course. She was a permanent fixture here during your high school years.”

  “Yeah, well, I’m not so sure about working with her. I get the idea that she might want to rekindle things.”

  “And you’re not interested?” Simon asked.

  “Let’s just say it ended badly the first time. Once we left Lancaster County, we realized we were pretty incompatible.” He sighed. “I don’t want things to be awkward at work.”

  “Just keep your mind on your job.” After the day Simon had experienced, dispensing that advice was comical. He noticed Michael’s glum expression. “It will all work out.”

  Michael sighed. “Jenny isn’t the only bad part of my day.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the SUV. “I guess you know that Caroline left. I thought she might call me before she headed out, but she didn’t.”

  Simon shook his head. “She was going to leave, but she didn’t.”

  “What do you mean, she didn’t leave?” Michael’s eyes lit up. “Her car’s not here.”

  “I’m sure she hasn’t left. In fact, I had to go over to Jeremiah’s store to get some things for your mom. It sounds like your family is hosting a going-away dinner for her tonight.”