Lydia's Charm

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

“Can we see him now?” Nona asked.

  “Yes, of course.” The doctor rose from his chair. “Follow me.”

  When Levi woke up the following morning, he felt as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. It would be several weeks before Pop could help in the store again, which meant Levi would have to work there full-time. There would be no time for any of his woodworking projects, and there sure wouldn’t be time to do any more fishing. Mom had stayed at the hospital last night, insisting that she couldn’t leave Pop. Knowing that someone needed to oversee things at home, as well as at the store, Levi had come home alone.

  He followed the welcoming smell of coffee and bacon coming from the kitchen, where he found Betty and Selma cooking breakfast. Both stood on wooden stepstools Levi had made for them. Betty glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Levi. “Breakfast is almost ready, so if you’ll call the boys, we can eat as soon as everyone’s at the table.”

  Levi looked at the chairs where his folks normally sat. It didn’t seem right that they wouldn’t be sitting there this morning. He wondered how long Pop would have to stay in the hospital. He figured Mom would stay there until Pop came home.

  “Levi, what’s wrong?” Selma asked. “You look upset.”

  “I was just thinking about Pop.”

  “Do you think he’ll get to come home today?”

  Levi shrugged. “Guess it all depends on how well he’s doing and what the doctor says.”

  “Pop won’t be able to work in the store for a while, will he?” Betty asked.

  “Afraid not, but I’ll be there, so we’ll get along okay.”

  Selma’s nose crinkled. “You won’t try to boss us around, I hope.”

  Levi stepped up to her and tweaked her nose. “Someone needs to keep you in line.”

  “Well, I’m in charge of the kitchen this morning,” Betty said. “So would you please get Peter and Andy so we can eat?”

  “Enjoy being in charge while you can.” Levi snickered and sauntered out of the room.

  Mae had just finished mopping the kitchen floor when she heard the rumble of buggy wheels. She peered out the window and was surprised to see Rueben Miller in his work wagon pulling up near the barn. She’d gone to the phone shed early this morning and left a message on his voice mail letting him know that her horse needed to be shoed, but she hadn’t expected him to be here so soon.

  Mae felt relief when he headed to the barn, although when he was finished shoeing the horse, he’d probably knock on the door to give her his bill.

  I hope he doesn’t pressure me to go out to supper with him, the way he did the last time he was here.

  She emptied the bucket of dirty water into the sink and focused on the windows that needed cleaning. She’d deal with Rueben when the time came and not worry about what he might say to her.

  For the next hour, Mae kept busy cleaning house, until a knock sounded on the back door. She set her cleaning rag down and went to answer it. When she opened the door and saw Rueben standing on the porch, a rush of pleasure flooded her being, and her heart began to pound. With the exception of Lydia’s father, she thought Rueben was the nicest-looking man she’d ever met. His thick dark hair, streaked with silver gray, and his piercing blue eyes made him look quite distinguished. His hands were strong and capable; his fingers long and narrow. Even in his faded work clothes, with his face glistening with perspiration, she thought he looked good.

  “Hello, Rueben. Have you finished shoeing my horse?”

  His eyes twinkled as he gave her a nod.

  “Did you have any trouble with her?”

  “Nope, none at all.” Rueben scrutinized Mae in such a way that her cheeks turned warm.

  She leaned against the doorjamb for needed support. “Do you have my bill?”

  Rueben reached into his pocket and handed her a slip of paper. “I did all four shoes. Also cleaned and trimmed the hooves real good.”

  “I’ll get the money I owe you.” Mae stepped quickly into the kitchen, leaving Rueben on the porch. She was tempted to invite him inside for a cup of coffee but decided against it. It was best to keep their relationship strictly business, because as long as she had Dad to care for, she and Rueben had no future together.

  When Mae returned to the porch, she found Rueben leaning against the railing with his arms folded. “I missed you at church yesterday. I always look for you there.”

  “Dad needed me, and I thought it was better for Lydia to go so she could get acquainted with some of the women in our district.”

  “I guess that makes sense.” Rueben motioned to the barn. “I met your grandson in there. He showed me a nice batch of kittens.”

  She nodded. “They were born a few weeks ago but didn’t show themselves until recently. I guess the mother cat had them hidden pretty well.”

  “I asked the boy if he’d like to walk with me up to the house, but he said he’d rather stay in the barn with the kittens.”

  “Josh spends a lot of time out there, which is good, because he’s too noisy in the house, and my daed likes things nice and quiet.” Mae handed Rueben the money, and in so doing, her fingers brushed his. Just the simple contact made her chest flutter. “I—I appreciate that you came here so quickly.”

  “No problem. Didn’t want you to be without your horse for transportation.” He took a step closer to her—so close that she could see the dark flecks in his blue eyes.

  “I have no plans to go anywhere this week, and Lydia rode her bike to work this morning, so there was really no hurry in getting Buttercup’s shoes put on.”

  “You never know what might come up. Since I had this morning free, I figured I’d get it done for you now.” Rueben started for the stairs but hesitated and turned back around. “How’s your daed doing these days?”

  “He’s about the same. Sleeps a lot and doesn’t want to leave his room much, even though I have a wheelchair for him.”

  “That’s too bad. Think he’d feel up to company? I’d like to say hello.”

  Mae shook her head. “He’s sleeping right now, and I’d rather he not be disturbed.”

  “Maybe some other time then. It’s been nice seeing you, Mae. Take care of yourself.” Rueben gave her a nod and hurried down the stairs.

  Mae’s heart ached as she watched him step into his wagon and ride away. Oh, how she wished things could be different.

  A few minutes before Lydia’s shift ended that afternoon, she overheard a man who’d come into the restaurant say that Harold Stutzman had fallen down the stairs the night before and was in the hospital in Millersburg. Not wishing to appear as if she were eavesdropping, Lydia didn’t ask the man for details. Instead, she decided that she would stop by the Stutzmans’ store and find out for herself how Harold was doing. It was on her way home and would give her an opportunity to pick up a few other things they needed.

  When Lydia left the restaurant and stepped into the parking lot, the glare of the sun nearly blinded her vision. If this warm spring weather they’d been having was any indication of what was to come, they were probably in for a hot summer. That was fine with her. Hot sunny days were better than cold rainy ones like they’d had last spring in Illinois. She just wished she didn’t have to work in order to provide for her and Josh. It would be nice if she could stay home with her boy all the time, but she hadn’t been able to do that since Jeremiah died.

  With a weary sigh, Lydia climbed onto her bike. Unless she got married again, she’d always have to work outside the home, and unless she fell in love again, another marriage wasn’t likely.

  When Lydia arrived at the general store, she parked her bike near the front door and went inside.

  “How’s your daed?” she asked, stepping up to the counter where Levi sat. “I heard that he fell down a flight of stairs.”

  Levi grimaced. “Pop hit his head and ended up with a concussion, some broken ribs, lot of bruises, and a broken left arm.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Will he be okay?”
<
br />   “We think so, but since he has a concussion, the doctor wanted to keep him at the hospital for a day or so. Mom stayed with Pop last night, so I’m in charge of the store.” Levi motioned to a stack of papers on the counter. “Things have been kind of hectic around here today. I’ve been trying for the last couple of hours to get some orders placed and some bills paid. Guess I’ll probably have to work on ’em at home this evening.”

  Lydia thought about inviting Levi and his siblings to their house for supper, but she was sure Mom wouldn’t appreciate that. “Is there anything I can do to help—maybe bring a meal over for your supper tonight?”

  “I appreciate the offer, but we’ll be fine. My sisters, Betty and Selma, can both cook fairly well, so I’m sure they’ll fix supper.”

  Just then, a small girl with dark brown hair, who Lydia assumed was one of Levi’s sisters, stepped out of the back room and motioned to Levi. “Could you help me a minute? There’s something on one of the shelves I’m not able to reach, and I can’t find the ladder.”

  “I’ll take care of it. You shouldn’t be up on a ladder anyway.” Levi hurried off.

  His sister seated herself on the stool behind the counter and smiled at Lydia. “My name’s Betty. Can I help you with something?”

  “I just need some mouthwash and a box of tissues, but I’m sure I can find them.” Lydia turned down the first aisle, where she found exactly what she needed. When she returned to the counter, Betty was still there, but no Levi. She’d hoped for the chance to say good-bye to him but guessed it wasn’t to be.

  When she stepped out the door a few minutes later, she met two small boys, both with dark brown hair, coming up the stairs, and figured they must be Levi’s brothers. They were jabbering to each other in Pennsylvania Dutch, and didn’t seem to notice Lydia as they entered the store.

  Lydia wondered when she’d get the opportunity to visit with Levi’s family. She hoped to bring Josh by their house to see the goat Levi had told him about, but now wasn’t a good time. Maybe in a week or two, after Levi’s dad was home from the hospital.

  CHAPTER 12

  Levi stretched his arms over his head, hoping to ease the kinks out of his back. For the last hour, he’d been hauling boxes full of kitchen items into the store. Normally, Pop would be helping with this, but he’d only been out of the hospital two weeks and wasn’t up to doing much of anything yet. Besides, with only one good arm, he wouldn’t be able to carry any heavy boxes. Levi had thought about asking his two younger brothers to help, but they were both at home, mucking out the barn.

  Levi was about to enter the store with another box, when he was met by Mom coming out the door. “Are you about done with that?” she asked, looking up at him.

  “Almost. Just a few more boxes to unload.”

  “Will you be able to help Betty and Selma in the store for a while then? I need to run a few errands.”

  “Jah, sure. I’d planned to do that anyway.”

  She smiled. “You’re such a helpful son. Don’t know what we’d do without you right now.”

  “You’ll never have to find out, because I’m not going anywhere. As long as you and Pop own this store, I’ll be here to help.”

  Her forehead wrinkled. “We don’t expect you to sacrifice your own needs for us. We want you to have a life of your own.”

  Levi shifted the heavy box. “I have a life…with my familye.”

  “But wouldn’t you like to have a family of your own…a fraa and a houseful of kinner?”

  “We’ve been through all this before, Mom, and it’s getting old. I really wish you wouldn’t keep bringing it up.”

  “But if you found someone you truly loved, I’m sure you’d change your mind about getting married.”

  “You know, this box is sure getting heavy. I need to get it inside before my arms give out.”

  “Okay. I shouldn’t be gone too long. When I get back, you can take your lunch break.” Mom looked up at him, and a slow grin spread across her face. “Say, I have an idea. Why don’t you eat lunch over at Grandma’s Restaurant today? Now that strawberries are in season, I’m sure they’ll have strawberry pie on the dessert menu, and I know how much you like that.”

  “I brought my lunch today, remember? Fixed it myself while you were making breakfast.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Well, it’s in the cooler, so maybe you could save it for tomorrow’s lunch.”

  “I don’t think so. See you later, Mom.” Levi stepped through the open door. He had a pretty good idea that Mom was trying to get him to eat at Grandma’s Restaurant because Lydia worked there. Even though he was more than mildly attracted to Lydia, which he wasn’t about to admit to anyone, he couldn’t begin a relationship that had nowhere to go, because he was definitely not getting married!

  It had been a busy morning at the restaurant, and Lydia, having just returned from a short break, had the lunch crowd to deal with. From what she’d been told, things would get even busier throughout the summer months, when many tourists came to visit the shops here in Charm.

  I wonder if this town will ever really feel like my home, Lydia thought as she glanced out the window at a horse and buggy moving slowly down the street. Here in Doughty Valley, which was part of Holmes County, lived the largest population of Amish in America, and business seemed to be booming. It gave her hope that her job was secure.

  As Lydia headed for the kitchen to turn in the order she’d just taken, someone touched her arm. It was the little woman, whom she realized now was Levi’s mother. She sat on a stack of newspapers in a booth, no doubt to bring her closer to the table.

  “Can I bring you something to drink while you look over the menu?” Lydia asked.

  The woman shook her head. “I can’t stay long enough for lunch. Just came in for a cup of coffee and to speak to you.”

  “What’d you need to speak to me about?”

  “I’m Nona Stutzman.” She flashed Lydia a friendly smile. “Levi’s my son, and I understand that he had supper at your house a few weeks ago.”

  Lydia nodded and reached for the coffeepot on the shelf behind her. “I heard that your husband had fallen down the stairs. Is he doing okay?” she asked as she poured some coffee into Nona’s cup.

  “He’s been home from the hospital for two weeks now and is getting along pretty well with the use of only one arm.” Nona smiled as she added some cream and sugar to her coffee. “We were glad his injuries weren’t any worse.”

  Lydia nodded.

  “The reason I wanted to talk to you is I was wondering if you and your son would be free to have supper at our place this Friday evening. Levi mentioned that he’d promised your boy he could see Andy’s goat. If you come a little early, the boys can play with the goat before we eat.”

  Lydia smiled. It would be nice for Josh to have someone to play with and for her to spend an evening in the company of someone who didn’t find fault with everything she did. Since she didn’t have to work on Friday, she could spend the day helping Mom do whatever chores needed to be done, and then she’d be free to go to the Stutzmans’ for supper. “We’d love to come,” she said. “What time?”

  “We’ll eat around six, so why don’t you come over at five?”

  “That sounds fine. Is there anything I can bring?”

  “Nothing at all. Just make sure you come hungry. Oh, and our house is directly behind the store, so it’s not hard to find.”

  “Sounds good. Josh and I will be there by five.”

  Lydia turned from Nona’s table and spotted Menno Troyer sitting in a booth by himself. She stepped up to him and smiled. “Have you decided what you’d like to order?”

  He pointed to the daily special on the menu—ham and cheese sandwich, with home-style fries. “Oh, and I’d like a glass of milk.”

  “Would you like the milk now or with your meal?”

  “Now’s fine.” He picked up the saltshaker and passed it from one hand to the other. “How’s your horse? Were you able to get sho
es put on her right away?”

  “Rueben Miller came out the very next day.”

  “That’s good.”

  “I’ll turn your order in now, and then I’ll be back with your milk.”

  Lydia returned shortly with Menno’s milk. “I’m sure it won’t take long until your sandwich is ready.” She started to leave, but he called her name.

  “Is there something else you’d like to order?”

  “No, I—” He cleared his throat, took a swallow of milk, and cleared his throat again. “Uh…this Friday’s my son Kevin’s birthday, and I’m planning to take him and his brothers out for supper. I wondered if you and your boy would like to join us.”

  “It’s nice of you to include us, and I’m sure Josh would enjoy helping Kevin celebrate his birthday, but we already have plans for Friday evening.”

  “Oh, I see.” His shoulders dropped as he stared at the table.

  Lydia felt bad seeing the look of disappointment on Menno’s face. “How about Saturday night?” she asked. “Do you think Kevin would mind if we went out to supper with you the day after his birthday?”

  Menno smiled. “Don’t think he’d mind a bit. We’ll come by your place to pick you up around five. How’s that sound?”

  “That should be fine.” As Lydia moved away from the table, a warm feeling settled over. She had a lot to look forward to this weekend.

  “Guess who I saw this afternoon?” Mom asked Levi when she returned to the store later that day.

  He shrugged. “Beats me.”

  “Lydia King.”

  “Where’d you see her?”

  “I stopped by Grandma’s Restaurant for a cup of coffee.” Mom flashed Levi a sly-looking smile. “It’s the first chance I’ve had to really meet her. She seems very nice.”

  “Uh-huh.” Levi grabbed a roll of paper towels and a bottle of glass cleaner and began scrubbing the fingerprint smudges someone had left on the candy counter.

  “I invited Lydia and her son to come over to our place for supper this Friday evening,” Mom said as she placed her packages behind the counter.