Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

by Annalisa Daughety

  She’d always labeled herself a bad cook, but Lydia Ann knew better. “I believe Noah would be happy even if you burned the dinner every night.”

  Emma’s face colored prettily. “I guess you’re right.” She raised an eyebrow in Lydia Ann’s direction. “This morning was fun.”

  Lydia Ann nodded. “Mary and Katie had a great time.”

  “I think Simon had a good time too.”

  “I hope we weren’t too much of an imposition on him.” Lydia Ann knew he’d meant it when he’d invited them, but she hadn’t wanted to disrupt his workday.

  “Oh, I’m pretty sure he was glad you were there.”

  Something in Emma’s voice made Lydia Ann stop what she was doing. She slowly turned from the counter to face her cousin. “What do you mean?”

  Emma cocked her head innocently. “Just what I said. I think he was glad you were there. He seems like a nice man.”

  “I think you’re right. He’s very helpful. I thought he was great with the twins.” She shrugged. “He told me that he was used to having children tour the farm, so I’m sure he must enjoy them.”

  “I wonder why he isn’t married.” Emma played with the strings on her kapp.

  Lydia Ann furrowed her brow. “For all you know, he could be ready to be published in the fall.”

  “I have my doubts about that.”

  “Why? Neither of us know him well enough to think that.” She narrowed her eyes at her cousin.

  Emma shrugged. “I think that if he were courting someone, he wouldn’t have been so affected by you.”

  “By me?” Lydia Ann drew back as if she’d been slapped. “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t play dumb. You had to have seen the way he looked at you—like a lovesick puppy.”

  “No.” The word came out sharper than Lydia Ann intended. “You must be imagining things.”

  Emma walked over to Lydia Ann. “No, cousin, I was not.”

  “You know that I have no interest in another man.” Lydia Ann met Emma’s gaze. “Ever.”

  Emma bit her lip. “Lydia Ann, there was a time when I didn’t listen to the advice of others. You included.” Before Emma had married Noah, she’d spent time sneaking around with an Englisher. The man had ended up treating her poorly, and the relationship had almost ruined things between her and Noah. But once everything was out in the open, Emma had admitted that she didn’t want to leave the Amish community. Once she’d made that decision, she’d joined the church and married Noah soon afterward. Lydia Ann knew that Emma was happier now than she ever thought she’d be. “I’m not going to harp on this, but I think you might want to at least open yourself up to a friendship with Simon.”

  Lydia let out a breath. “Friendship, yes.” She nodded. “I can handle friendship. But nothing more.”

  Emma reached over and hugged her cousin. “I only want you to be happy, Lydia Ann. And happiness means surrounding yourself with people who love you.”

  Lydia Ann lifted her chin. Her cousin meant well, but she knew nothing of loss. Lydia Ann had been surrounded by people who loved her, a long time ago. And now they were gone. Why would she want to risk her heart again?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Caroline lifted the tiny puppy and nuzzled it against her face. “Hey, sweetie,” she cooed.

  Michael laughed. “He’s already got you wrapped around his little finger.” He grinned. “Or paw, as the case may be.”

  “Would you believe that I’ve never had a pet? At least not one that was truly mine.” Her grandparents had let her claim both a cat and a dog as “hers” on their farm, and she’d spent hours on end playing with them. But once she and Lance married and she’d wanted to get a pet, he’d nixed the idea. He was allergic to cats and said dogs were too much trouble. She’d told herself it was for the best. They were away from home so much of the time that it wouldn’t have been fair to the dog. But now she had all the time in the world.

  “That’s a shame,” Michael said. “Because the two of you together make a very cute pair.” He lifted his camera and snapped a picture.

  “Stop that,” Caroline said. His constant picture-taking was disconcerting. But the only way to explain her aversion would be to tell him the whole truth.

  He snapped another one. “Come on,” he said, laughing. “You’re a natural. Every picture I take of you looks like it could go on the cover of a magazine.”

  She snorted. If he only knew. “Don’t be silly.” She gave the puppy another nuzzle. “I can’t wait to take him home with me.”

  “And I feel certain he’ll be happy to go with you.”

  She gently placed the tiny puppy with the rest of the litter. “He’ll be great company for me, don’t you think?”

  Michael grinned. “Yes. But you know, if you want the kind of company that can actually carry on a conversation, you can always call me.”

  She couldn’t help but laugh. “What if I want the kind of company that can help me move furniture?” Caroline had ended up staying at the Landis guesthouse for a few more days to give Lottie the chance to pack up. Lottie was leaving all her furniture except for the mattress set. Caroline knew she’d need some help getting a set moved upstairs into her new space.

  “Hmm. I might know someone who happens to be a multitalented furniture-mover.” He raised an eyebrow. “But I’m pretty sure you’d have to have dinner with him as payment.”

  Caroline’s mouth turned upward into a smile. “That might be arranged.” She slapped his arm as he raised the camera again. “If you’d stop taking those pictures.”

  Michael laughed. “You drive a hard bargain.” He motioned toward the farmhouse. “You know, I think my parents are really going to miss you when you move into the new place.”

  Caroline had grown very fond of his parents too. Mrs. Landis had been so nice to her, even offering to do her laundry. “They’re very sweet.”

  “So about our upcoming dinner…” Michael trailed off. “Is there anywhere you want to try?”

  Caroline shrugged. “Several places, actually.” She grinned. “But you know, I’ve been wanting to visit Lititz. It seems like such a quaint little town.” Lititz was a historic town in the northwestern part of the county.

  Michael’s eyes lit up. “Perfect. I’ve been meaning to go up there for work.”

  She narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t realized his dinner invitation included work. “Oh?”

  He seemed to catch her mood. “It won’t take any time away from our outing. I just meant that I’d like to write a blog post about some of the stores and restaurants.” He grinned. “No big deal.”

  She realized how unreasonable she was being. But she couldn’t help but be reminded of Lance and how every date they’d had, especially over the last two years, had somehow been related to his work. Michael was different, though. She knew that. “Sounds like a plan.” She forced a smile. “Speaking of work, how is the new job going?”

  He bit his lip. “The job itself is great. I’m really getting a handle on the social-media aspect. Our contacts are growing, and it’s getting to the point where part of my day is actually spent answering questions that people are posting in different online forums.” He shrugged. “So things seem to be going pretty well.”

  “Why do I sense that there’s more to the story?”

  A shadow passed over his handsome face. “My ex-girlfriend works there.” He sighed. “She’s starting to be awfully friendly.”

  Caroline bristled. The idea of him working with an old girlfriend felt like a sucker punch…except that she didn’t have a claim on him. She was in no place to even go on a real date, much less be romantically involved. But despite that, the thought of him and a friendly ex didn’t sit well. “Well, have you thought about rekindling things?” she asked, trying to keep her voice casual.

  He scrunched his face up. “Are you serious?”

  When she didn’t respond, he continued. “Of course not. Our relationship ended for a reason. She was super jealo
us. When I moved to DC, she actually used to quiz me about how many females I knew there.” He sighed. “And I’d never given her any reason not to trust me. It was like her insecurities grew as the years went on.”

  “Wow. That doesn’t sound like much fun.”

  Michael nodded. “It wasn’t. Besides, I don’t plan on being in Lancaster County long-term. And I have no use for a long-distance relationship.” He grinned. “Now, speaking of work, I’d better get going. I’m already late.”

  She nodded but couldn’t help but try to read into what his words meant. He knew she was only in Lancaster County for a short while. Was this his way of telling her that she was just a way to pass the time? Probably. And really, that was fine. She’d just have to view him in the same way—as a pleasant distraction. But she couldn’t shake the deflated feeling that stayed with her the rest of the day.

  Michael tried to concentrate on the work in front of him. So far he’d set up Twitter and Facebook pages, and now he was trying to come up with a good name for the blog. He sighed. He was used to dealing with political facts, but this job was clearly going to test his creative skills.

  “How’s it goin’?” Jenny asked, walking into his cubicle. She leaned against the desk and crossed her arms. “Have you settled in yet?”

  He tensed. “Yes. It’s a little different from DC, though.” He tried to keep his tone conversational. “I’m just working on the blog now.”

  Maybe she’d get the hint that he was in the middle of something.

  “Cool.” She grabbed the lone seat from the corner of the cubicle and slid it next to Michael’s desk chair before plopping down next to him. “You think all the social-media stuff is going to be useful?”

  He shrugged. “Seems to be the wave of the future. I think it will at least help get the word out about some of the interesting sights to see around here.”

  She leaned closer to him. “There are a lot of interesting sights to see.”

  Michael swallowed. “I’m thinking of doing a photo essay.”

  “You always were a talented photographer. I think that’s a great idea.”

  He hated that she knew enough about him to know that. There had been a time when Jenny was been one of his favorite subjects to photograph. When they were in college, he’d even entered some pictures of her in a contest. He’d received an honorable mention and a brand-new camera. He met her gaze. “I hope so.”

  “Well, I just thought I’d see if you might want to have lunch sometime,” she said. “I’ve noticed that you usually eat at your desk.” She laughed. “And that’s no fun.”

  He kept his face neutral. “I like to power through lunch so I can get home at a decent hour.”

  “Whatever.” Her tinkling laugh filled the cubicle, and suddenly he was back in high school, hiding out in his parents’ barn with Jenny. They’d had some good times together. Especially in high school. It wasn’t until college that things had started to change between them. And by the time they’d graduated from college, her unfounded jealousy had begun to drive him crazy.

  She leaned closer to him. “Come on, Michael. Don’t you think it might be karma or fate or something that not only are you back, but you’re working with me?”

  He looked into her crystal-blue eyes and shook his head. “Jen, we had some good times. But that is all way in the past.”

  She trailed her finger along his arm. “It doesn’t have to be,” she said quietly.

  Before he could respond, Jenny stood and put the chair back in the corner. “One lunch. That’s all I’m asking.”

  Michael sighed. On the one hand, if he agreed to lunch, she might think he would actually consider rekindling things. But on the other hand, if he didn’t agree, she would probably keep bugging him. Jenny was nothing if not persistent. Always had been.

  He looked up at her and nodded. “Fine. One lunch. For old time’s sake.”

  Jenny’s mouth broke into a huge smile. “Awesome. Maybe next week? I’ll make a reservation at the Pressroom Restaurant. You know that’s one of my favorites.”

  She would pick a place that had a reputation for being intimate. And it had been their special place when they were together. “Just name the day.”

  Jenny gave him one last over-the-shoulder grin and left his cubicle.

  Michael sighed. Funny how the past raised its head when you least expected it.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Caroline straightened the stacks of books on the shelf in front of her. “Do you think we should rearrange the store?” she asked.

  Lydia Ann stood in the middle of the room, looking around. “Maybe.” She pointed toward a large armoire that held knickknacks for sale. “But some of these furnishings look heavy.”

  Caroline walked over to where the Amish woman stood. “A friend of mine is supposed to stop in to help me move a couple of things upstairs.” She smiled. “He’s borrowing his dad’s truck and picking up my mattress.”

  Lydia Ann raised her eyebrows and then cast a puzzled glance at Caroline. “I thought you didn’t know anyone here.”

  “His parents own the guesthouse I stayed at.” She shrugged. “I guess I can call him my friend.”

  “If he volunteered to go pick up your mattress and move it inside for you, I’d say you can.” Lydia Ann chuckled.

  “Do you think the girls are okay?” Caroline asked. Mary and Katie were two of the sweetest children Caroline had ever been around. They’d played inside for a few minutes then decided to explore the backyard.

  “The minute they found out you had a new puppy, they were so excited to come to work with me.” Lydia Ann smiled. “We had a puppy for a short time, but he dug up the yard. Our neighbors ended up taking him. Thankfully.” She shook her head. “Mary and Katie were only four, and I was working at the quilt shop. The last thing I had time to do was fill in the holes.”

  Caroline laughed. “I haven’t had a pet since I was a little girl. But as soon as I saw him, I knew I had to take him.” She smiled.

  “He’ll be great company for you,” Lydia Ann affirmed.

  And company was something Caroline needed. She didn’t regret her decision to stay in Lancaster, but she still lived in fear that someone would eventually recognize her. Robyn kept her informed of everything going on back home, and the offers to share her story were still coming in. In fact, she’d had a frantic voice mail from Lance’s agent yesterday, who wanted to discuss her feelings about a tell-all book about Lance’s rise and fall. The two bright spots in her life were Lydia Ann and Michael. Both had been genuinely nice to her. It was refreshing to be treated that way and know that it had nothing to do with who she’d been married to.

  “Have your cousin and her husband already gone back home?” she asked Lydia Ann.

  The Amish woman nodded. “They left yesterday. They were going to stop in Hershey and spend a day there, but they should get back to Shipshewana tonight.” She frowned. “I’m going to miss them a lot.”

  “I’m sure. And you’ll be here for a few more weeks?” Caroline was unclear about Lydia Ann’s reasons for being in Lancaster but didn’t want to pry.

  “Yes. My dat lives here. And his wife, Leah.” A cloud crossed Lydia Ann’s normally sunny face. “He’s been wanting me to bring the girls for a visit for the past few years, but I haven’t been able to. Then the tornado hit and he was so worried….” She trailed off. “So I decided it was time to visit.”

  Caroline picked up some uncertainty in Lydia Ann’s voice. “And are you enjoying yourself?”

  Lydia Ann sighed. “I don’t want to complain.” One corner of her mouth turned up. “But it’s difficult for me. I guess I don’t understand how Dat moved on so quickly.” Her face grew sad. “Mamm was killed in an accident two years before the girls were born.”

  “I’m so sorry. I know from experience how that is a difficult time.”

  “You’ve lost your husband. Would you marry someone else after losing the love of your life?” Lydia Ann asked.

&n
bsp; Caroline bit her lip. She didn’t want to shock the woman. But if they were going to work together, she may as well let out the truth. “My situation was a little complicated. In fact, my husband and I lived apart for the two years before his death.” She sighed. “As it turned out, he didn’t really love me. He married me because it helped his business situation.”

  The horrified expression on Lydia Ann’s face said it all.

  Before Caroline could explain further, the front door opened.

  Michael walked in, grinning broadly. “Special delivery,” he said, chuckling. “And I even brought some help.”

  Simon walked in behind Michael, carrying a basket of baked goods. At the sight of Lydia Ann standing in the center of the room, he stopped short. “Lydia Ann. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “Hello, Simon.” Lydia Ann nodded. “I’ll be working here for a few weeks, helping Caroline get the hang of running a store.”

  Caroline couldn’t help but notice the pleased expression that flashed across Simon’s handsome face.

  Lydia Ann felt as if she were rooted to the spot. Simon was the last person she’d expected to run into today. And it appeared that he already knew Caroline.

  Simon held out a basket. “Mrs. Landis and my mamm sent over a few things for you to munch on while you were getting ready to reopen.”

  Caroline took the basket from him. “Please tell them thanks.” She set the basket on the counter next to the cash register. “I didn’t realize the two of you knew each other,” she said.

  Lydia Ann nodded. “Simon came into Dat’s store the other day.”

  “But I’d heard all about her even before then.” Simon grinned. “Her dat talks about her all the time.” He chuckled. “I’ve even heard stories about when you were a little girl.”

  Lydia Ann felt her face flame, but she didn’t say anything.

  “Michael, I guess you’re the only one who needs to be introduced to Lydia Ann, then,” Caroline said. She turned to Lydia Ann with a smile. “Michael’s parents run the guesthouse where I stayed. And Simon works there.”