“I’m fine,” she said aloud. But her inner voice was reminding her that Jacob was Emma’s future husband. “I think I’m going to Charm to visit Emma.” That was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Although, really, when she thought about it, it made perfect sense. She needed to get away from here. It was weird for her and Jacob to spend so much time together without Emma there. It was making her feel different than she had ever felt before. “Yes.” She nodded her head. “That’s what I’m going to do. I have some vacation time coming, so I’m going to Charm.”
Jacob looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Going to Charm?” he repeated. “Are you serious?”
“Why not? I would love to see Lydia Ann and the twins,” Abby said truthfully. And even though that wasn’t the main reason, it would do for now. “Why should Emma have all the fun?” Abby tried not to think of how much fun she had been having. With Jacob. Her sister’s future husband. She knew she had to stop this before the fun turned into heartbreak for her.
“All the fun?” Jacob was beginning to sound like a parrot. “I thought you were having fun here hanging out with me and your family.” He looked so disappointed.
“Well…”Abby hesitated, but honesty won out. “It has been fun.” Too much fun. That was the problem. “I just need to get away, and I really do miss Emma. So if Mamm and Dat can do without me for a couple of weeks, I’m going.”
“Just for a couple of weeks, though, right?” Jacob looked closely into her face again. “You aren’t planning on ‘jumping the fence’ or anything, are you?” He quirked his lip in a half smile.
“Don’t be silly.” Abby allowed herself to touch his hand. “You know I’m not that kind of girl.” She wasn’t sure right now what kind of girl she was. Had she really developed feelings for the man intended for her own sister? Maybe she would have to stay in Charm for the rest of her life.
Chapter Twenty-five
Emma
“I’ve spent more time inside a vehicle over the past week than I have the whole past year,” Emma told Kelly on the drive to Wal-Mart.
“Seriously?” Kelly asked.
Emma smiled. “Well, maybe not the whole year, but almost.”
“Does it bother you? Riding in a car, I mean.”
Emma shook her head. “I’ve always been fascinated by cars. Back home, we usually have a van that picks us up.” She ran her hand along the inside of the SUV’s door. “Riding with you or with Nick is different.”
“Well, if you like cars, you should see Andy’s sometime. He has the cutest little convertible. Some kind of British car that he and his dad restored last summer. It is really cool.”
“Is it red?”
Kelly laughed. “Why, yes. It is. How’d you know?” She glanced over at Emma. “Did he already tell you about it? He’s obsessed with keeping it shiny.”
“Just a lucky guess.” She didn’t want to admit to Kelly that she often daydreamed about riding in a shiny red convertible. It would make her sound silly.
“So, speaking of Andy…he’s pretty good-looking, huh?” Kelly flipped on her turn signal.
“Jah. He is quite handsome.” Emma wondered if he had a steady girlfriend, but didn’t want Kelly to think she was interested in him.
“I’m not really sure what the rules are.” Kelly looked uncertainly at Emma. “So could you date a guy like Andy?”
Emma shifted uncomfortably in the seat. “It would be difficult. In order to marry an Englisher, either they would have to join the church and become Amish…” She trailed off. “Or I would have to leave my faith behind. And my family.”
Kelly looked puzzled. “So, then you’d live like I do? With electricity and phones and all?”
“Right. I would have those things, but I would run the risk of losing my family.”
A sad look came over Kelly’s face. “Wow.” She furrowed her brow. “So, I guess you’ve never been tempted then.”
“I wouldn’t say never.” Emma clasped her hands tightly together. “Sometimes I do think about it.”
“But not seriously, though, right?” Kelly asked as she pulled into a parking space.
Emma smiled weakly. “Right.” Emma knew Kelly wouldn’t understand the truth. After all, she was a girl who longed for family and community. And she would have no reference point for knowing what it was like to feel such limits placed on her life. She’d traveled to Europe and was getting a master’s degree. Those were things that, for Emma, would only exist in a daydream.
“Come on,” Kelly said over her shoulder. “I’ve got a long list, and I’m sure you do, too.”
Emma caught up with Kelly’s long-legged strides. “Lydia Ann needs a few things.”
“And how does pizza sound for dinner?”
Emma grinned. “Delicious,” she said, following Kelly into the store and letting her murky thoughts be chased away by the bright colors of the merchandise.
Lydia Ann was sitting in a wooden rocking chair, reading a well-worn Bible, when Emma returned from the store.
“Sorry it took us so long,” Emma said as she carried the shopping bags to the dining room table.
Lydia Ann followed her and began removing things from the bags. “It isn’t a problem.” She pointed at the purchases. “Thank you for picking up this stuff for me. It saved me a trip, and I hate fighting the crowds.”
Emma grinned. “It wasn’t too bad.” She smiled. “You sound like Abby. She’s always happy to let me get whatever store-bought goods she needs just so she can avoid having to go. Unless it is a grocery store, and then she’s in her element.”
“Speaking of Abby…” Lydia Ann trailed off.
Emma jerked up her head. “What? Is there something wrong?” She felt a pang of fear in her stomach.
“Nothing is wrong. Don’t be so worried.” Lydia Ann smiled. “Actually, Abby is coming for a visit next week.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “Here? Abby is coming here?” This was shocking news. Abby hadn’t mentioned that she was even considering a visit. And she’d been corresponding regularly. Most of Abby’s letters had talked about Jacob and how he was a good man. Statements meant to make Emma miss him, she supposed, but she’d mostly just been entertained at her sister’s continual attempt at matchmaking. You had to admire her persistence, however.
Lydia Ann nodded. “She called the shop just after you and Kelly left.”
“She called?” Abby only used the phone in emergencies or times that she considered emergencies, like when she’d decided Emma needed to come to Charm. “Did she sound okay?”
Lydia Ann laughed. “Stop it. She sounded fine. I think she just misses you is all.” She paused. “And if you ask me, it will do her some good to get away. Her letters have become way too serious as of late. She’s worried about you.” Lydia Ann looked pointedly at Emma. “Do you think she has a reason to be worried?”
Emma was silent. She knew what Lydia Ann was getting at. At least Abby didn’t know about the time she’d spent around Andy and Nick. That would push her over the edge. “I think Abby is always going to be worried about me, unless I’m married to Jacob and living next door to her.” She smiled. “She’s just overreacting.”
Lydia Ann didn’t look so sure. “If you say so.” She started down the hall then stopped and turned to look back at Emma. “But if you ever want to talk about anything, I’m here and would be glad to listen.”
Emma watched her cousin walk down the hallway. Lydia Ann might be able to listen, but she likely wouldn’t understand. There was only one person she’d been in contact with over the past weeks who seemed to have an inkling of what she was going through. Saturday afternoon couldn’t come soon enough.
Chapter Twenty-six
Emma
Emma awoke earlier than usual on Saturday. She’d had trouble sleeping last night, despite the fact that Friday had been busier than normal at the store. She hated those nights when sleep wouldn’t come, even though she could literally feel the exhaustion creeping through her body.
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She tried not to make a sound as she began getting ready for the day. It was impressive that she was even up before Lydia Ann, who said the only way she could keep up with working in the store, keeping house, and raising twins was to be an early riser. Emma, on the other hand, had always been a notorious sleepyhead in her household, rivaled only by Thomas. Guessing which one of them would arrive at the breakfast table the latest was a running competition in their family.
She chose a light green dress that Abby had made for her last year. Abby’s seams were so neat, she could’ve easily made a living as a seamstress. She couldn’t help but wonder what had gotten into Abby to make her want to travel to Charm. She intended to try to catch her sister on the phone today to see if she knew what day she would be arriving. No matter the motives behind Abby’s upcoming visit, Emma was thrilled at the prospect of seeing her and hearing all the news from home. Although she suspected much of Abby’s news would contain tales of Jacob pining away. Emma was nearly certain that was wishful thinking on Abby’s part. Since she’d arrived in Charm, she hadn’t heard a peep from him. Of course, she hadn’t tried to contact him either.
After brushing through her long auburn hair, she wound it into a bun and put on her kapp Once her white tennis shoes were on her feet, she was ready to go. She stepped into the hallway and closed the bedroom door softly behind her. The soft rubber soles of her shoes barely made a sound as she walked to the kitchen.
Emma looked out the window that overlooked the kitchen sink. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. The sun was just beginning to rise, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. She looked at the griddle and wondered if she should start breakfast. The tale of Kelly and the exploding dough came to mind and she thought better of it.
In the living room, Emma picked up the Bible that Lydia Ann had been reading from last night. She settled into a chair near a window, where light was already beginning to stream through. May as well put her extra time to good use this morning. She turned to Psalm 42 and began to read. It had always been one of her favorite passages. She wanted to live her life with a thirst for God, just as the deer thirsted for water. Was she living that way now? Technically, she hadn’t done anything wrong. But was she on the narrow path she’d been raised to walk?
“Emma?” Lydia Ann stepped into the living room, startling her. “My, but you’re up early.”
“I couldn’t sleep.” Emma closed the Bible and placed it on an end table. “So, I thought it better to get a start to the day rather than lounge in bed until I heard you stir.”
Lydia Ann smiled. “The girls were just waking when I walked past their room. If you’ll get them ready for the day, I’ll make breakfast.”
“I’d be glad to.” Emma started toward the twins’ room.
“Oh, and Emma? The fishing poles are in the closet.” She pointed to a door in the hallway. “Don’t forget to take one with you when we leave for the shop.”
“Thanks. You’re sure you don’t mind me leaving a little early today?”
“Not a bit. But if I remember correctly, Noah is a competitive fisherman. I hope you don’t show him up today.”
Emma giggled. “I’m sure I won’t.” She turned the knob on the little girls’ room and was greeted with squeals and laughter. Her earlier worries vanished as she threw herself into the busy day.
“Well, are you ready for a little friendly competition?” Noah stepped to the counter where Emma was standing. “Everything is ready and waiting in the buggy.”
She grinned. “I’m ready. I even brought a fishing pole from Lydia Ann’s.”
“A girl who is prepared. I like that.”
“Well, I was afraid you’d give me a bad fishing pole to ensure you’d win,” she teased. “I thought I’d better bring my own, just in case.”
He winced. “I’d never do something like that. I’m the kind of competitor who only wants to beat someone fair and square.”
“Good afternoon, Noah.” Lydia Ann came around the corner carrying a stack of patterns. “How are your parents?”
“Dat’s been having some back trouble lately.” He grinned. “Mamm is making him go to her chiropractor today. He grumbled, but I think he realized just icing it down wasn’t helping.”
“I hope he feels better soon.”
“I’ll pass the word along. Mamm is getting the house ready for church next Sunday. I think Aunt Susanna is helping her out this week.”
“If she needs me to help her with anything next week, tell her to let me know,” said Lydia Ann.
He nodded. “I will.” He glanced at Emma. “Are you ready?”
She grinned. “Let’s go.”
He held the door open for her and she walked through. “It’s a beautiful day for fishing,” he said as he helped her into the buggy. He climbed in and took the reins. “Don’t you agree?”
“I think every day is a beautiful day for fishing. But I don’t get to do it much anymore.” She shrugged. “Grown-up duties call.”
He chuckled. “I know what you mean.” He turned the buggy onto the road and they headed out into the countryside.
Emma looked out at the lush green farmland, thankful the weather had held out. It was really a perfect day. It had clouded over around lunchtime, and she’d been worried their fishing trip was going to get rained out. But a couple of hours later, the sun had peeked through a smattering of puffy white clouds, and it had been that way ever since.
Noah slowed the horse and turned onto the road that led to the pond. In a moment, they’d come to a stop near several other buggies. He gave her a sideways glance. “It looks like fishing is a popular activity for this afternoon.”
They climbed down from the buggy. Emma walked around to pat the horse while Noah unloaded their fishing poles and bait from the buggy.
“Do you like animals?” Noah asked, coming up beside her.
She nodded. “Abby and I always had a cat we’d play with when we were children.” She laughed. “Once we got the bright idea to dress it up in a doll’s clothes and try and put it in a bassinet like a baby. Somehow we got the dress on it, but when we laid it in the bassinet and tried to rock it…well, let’s just say it didn’t cooperate.”
Noah laughed. “Sounds like you had a fun childhood.”
“I did. Abby’s only a year younger than me, so I always had someone to play with.” She took the fishing pole from his outstretched hand. “I’m glad you brought chairs.” She pointed at two folding chairs he’d set on the ground.
He shrugged. “I was afraid the fish might not be biting.” He tucked the chairs underneath his arm and picked up his pole. “Can you grab the bait?” he asked, pointing at a small bait box.
“Jah.” She picked the box up from the ground. “I’m ready.”
“Follow me. I have a special fishing spot.” He grinned at her over his shoulder.
She walked carefully along, trying not to step into any mud. It had rained a little overnight, and it looked like there were still a few puddles around.
“Here we are.” He set up their chairs.
She fished a worm out of the box and baited her hook. She felt Noah’s eyes on her and looked up. “What?”
“I was just making sure you were telling the truth about baiting your own hook.” He grinned and picked up the box to find his own worm.
“Abby is a different story. She squeals a lot when she sees worms and crawly things.” Emma cast her line and sat down.
“It sounds like the two of you don’t have much in common.” Noah’s line hit the water with a plop and he settled into his chair.
“It probably does seem that way. But Abby and I are actually very close.”
He looked over at her. “So does she share your uncertainty about our lifestyle?”
“No. I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m horrible for even having such thoughts.”
He furrowed his brow. “And what do you think?”
“I think…” She trailed off. “Oh! I think I’m getting
a bite.” She jumped up from her chair.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Emma
Noah rushed to her side. “Are you sure you’ve got one?” he asked.
“Jah.” She couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice. She brought the fish just to the surface, when it somehow wriggled off of her hook. “Oh, no.”
“I can’t believe it. That was a big one, too,” he said. “Sorry.”
“You sound genuinely sorry. Even though that means we’re still even.” She grinned and chose another worm for her hook. Once her line was in the water, she glanced over at him. “The last time we spoke, you said you’d tell me about Cleveland.”
He nodded. “I did.” He took a deep breath. “It was a few years ago, and I was starting to have some of the same feelings it sounds like you are now experiencing. I longed for travel and adventure. I felt boxed in.” He shrugged. “So I left. I lived with a guy who I’d grown up with. He was working at a construction site in the city.” He stretched his long legs out in front of him and looked over at her. “I picked up odd jobs here and there. I wasn’t unhappy. But I wasn’t happy either, at least not like I’d expected to be. Life was hard.”
“How so?” she asked.
“I missed my family a lot. My parents took it hard when I left, even though I think they’d always expected that I’d at least give the English life a try at some point.” He shook his head. “I was never like Levi. He never questioned things here. Never was even tempted by anything else. All he ever wanted to do was to marry Lydia Ann and live near his family.”
Emma nodded. “They made each other very happy.”
“Anyway, I had been courting a girl before I left. Her name was Miriam.” He grimaced. “I don’t know that we were right for each other, but she and I did have a few things in common. She had a brother who lived in the city, not too far from where I did. He and I knew one another, but not very well. And he was really into the party scene. I never was. Like I told you the other day, I may have explored a few places, but it never changed who I was. Not even temporarily.”
Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio Page 12
