Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio Read online

  Just as she began to drift off, a sharp kick caught her in the back. She turned around again to look at the little boy.

  “Sorry.” His mother smiled. “Long trip and he had some chocolate earlier.” Her Southern drawl was out of place in Indiana. Emma wondered what brought her and her little boy to a bus bound for Ohio, but she hated to pry.

  “That’s okay.” Emma smiled at the pair and faced the front once again. But not before she heard the woman whisper, “That lady is a nun in training, so you need to be nice to her or she’ll tell God on you.”

  Emma stifled a laugh. One of the things she loved most about traveling was the chance to be around different types of people. She loved to hear their accents and see their unique styles. She leaned against the window and watched the landscape until the sun went down and there was only darkness outside.

  Finally, after several hours in the cramped seat, Emma arrived at her destination. Relief washed over her like a spring rain. She couldn’t wait to breathe in the fresh air. It seemed like a lifetime had passed since the van had picked her up from home and taken her to catch the bus.

  Emma grabbed her bag and headed toward the door, careful to avoid the kicks the little red-haired boy was aiming at her ankles. She was thankful when his mother finally lifted him from the ground and carried him down the aisle.

  She made her way down the bus steps. It would’ve been nice if there had been a familiar face waiting for her. But Lydia Ann had arranged for a van to pick her up from the station in Dover. Her arrival time was way too late for her to come out with the twins.

  Emma collected her luggage and looked around, relieved to see an Englisher holding up a “Miller” sign. She signaled to him and he hurried in her direction.

  “Hi, Miss Miller, I’m Derek and I’ll be driving you to Charm.” He took her suitcase and motioned for her to follow. “How was the bus ride?”

  “Smelly, but fine.” She grinned and switched her small bag to the other shoulder.

  Derek laughed as he hoisted her suitcase into the blue van. “You’re my only passenger tonight. Hopefully, it won’t be too ’smelly’ in here. Climb in.”

  She didn’t know if she’d ever been so happy to be in a clean environment. She sank into the seat and buckled her seat belt. Riding in a vehicle didn’t bother her, but it always made Abby a nervous wreck.

  “Is the temperature okay?” Derek asked.

  Emma adjusted the vent to blow right on her. “Fine, thanks.”

  He turned the van onto the highway. “Would you like to drive through and get something to eat? Charm is half an hour from here, and it’s already well past suppertime.”

  “Jah, if it’s not too much trouble.” She tried to keep the excitement out of her voice, but she had a feeling Derek wasn’t fooled. She rarely got the chance to eat fast food. Before long, she was happily munching on a cheeseburger and fries, topped off by a chocolate shake.

  “Do you mind if I turn on the radio?” Derek glanced over at her.

  She shrugged. “That would be okay with me.” Emma didn’t want to feel pressured to make conversation with a strange man for half an hour, and right now, the only sound in the van was her chewing. Music would be welcome over that. Plus, like the cheeseburger and shake, it wasn’t often that she actually got to listen to the radio.

  A rap song blasted from the speakers and Derek fumbled to change the station. But not before Emma heard what Mamm would’ve called “choice words.” He finally settled on an upbeat country song. She leaned back against the seat and listened.

  The year she was fifteen, Emma’s parents had allowed her to keep some of the money she’d made selling vegetables at a roadside stand. She’d used it to buy a secondhand Walkman. She’d kept it hidden underneath her bed, and when everyone else was asleep or out in the barn, she would listen to it at night while she read. To this day, music always made her think of that summer, when she felt like the biggest rebel in town because of her secret radio. One day while they were sweeping and mopping the house, Abby had found it and threatened to tell Mamm and Dat if Emma didn’t immediately get rid of it. Emma had been furious and called Abby a spoilsport the rest of the summer.

  Emma wondered what Abby was doing. According to the van’s clock, it was bedtime at home. So she was probably reading the Bible, as had always been their nightly ritual.

  Even though Emma didn’t always see eye-to-eye with her sister, she couldn’t help but admire her. Abby may have some faults, but at least she knew who she was. She never faltered in her devotion to God and to her family. Sometimes it felt to Emma that Abby should’ve been the older sister, because she would’ve been better at being an example.

  “Here we are.” Derek pulled into a driveway and jarred her back to reality.

  She hopped out and collected her things. “Thanks for a pleasant drive.” Lydia Ann had pre-paid him, so Emma waved good-bye and headed to the porch.

  She raised her hand to knock, but before she made contact with the wooden door, it opened.

  “Emma!” Lydia Ann looked tired, but good. She enveloped Emma in a tight hug. “I’m so glad to see you.”

  Stepping back, she grabbed the suitcase. “Here, let me help you with your things.”

  Emma followed her into the house.

  Lydia Ann took the suitcase into a spare bedroom. Returning, she motioned for Emma to follow her back to the living room. “The twins are finally asleep,” she said in a low voice. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?” She directed Emma to the kitchen table.

  “I’m not the least bit hungry.” Emma slid into a chair and explained about supper from the drive-thru window.

  Lydia Ann laughed. “Don’t make a habit of it. Those cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes can be addictive.”

  “Is that experience speaking?” It was so nice to see her again.

  She grinned. “Let’s just say that we all need a treat every now and then. How about some water?”

  Emma nodded.

  “Well?” Lydia Ann eyed her expectantly once they each had a glass of water. “Abby filled me in on your problem.”

  “Yes, I’m sure she did.” Emma took a long drink, more so she wouldn’t have to say anything than from thirst.

  Lydia Ann took the hint quite nicely, and Emma remembered how much she’d always loved her cousin. “I’ll tell you what. You’re probably exhausted, and I know I am. How about we postpone this conversation until we both feel better?”

  Emma nodded. “Thanks. I do want to talk to you about it. Hopefully you’ll understand better than Abby does. And I’d love to hear your thoughts.” Emma drained her glass. “And I want to hear all about what’s been going on with you. I can’t wait to see Mary and Katie tomorrow.”

  Lydia Ann took their glasses to the sink. “They’ve grown by leaps and bounds since you saw them last.” She gazed out the dark window over the sink as if she were a million miles away. Emma froze at the look of intense sadness on her face. Then, she remembered. The last time she’d seen the twins was at Levi’s funeral.

  “Um, Lydia Ann, I’m so sorry. About Levi.” Emma never knew what to say to someone who was grieving. Abby was so much better at it. She always knew just what to do.

  Lydia Ann jerked her gaze back to Emma. “It’s been tough on all of us. Let’s talk more after we’ve rested.”

  “That sounds good.”

  The next morning, the sound of loud voices outside of Emma’s room pulled her from a deep sleep. She burrowed deeper into the soft pillow, hoping it was a dream. But a second later, the bedroom door burst open, and Mary and Katie came bounding inside.

  The little girls were identical except for a dimple in Katie’s cheek. Emma sat up and rubbed her eyes. They were adorable. She couldn’t remember ever seeing children who were such a perfect mixture of both parents.

  Mary and Katie climbed up on the bed, laughing and giggling.

  “My mamm said we could come wake you up.” Mary bounced up and down with excitement.

  “You
’re a sleepyhead.” This announcement came from Katie, who flashed her dimple and then proceeded to grab Emma’s nose. “I’ve got your nose!” She victoriously holds up Emma’s “nose” between her fingers. Mary fell over into gales of giggles.

  “I said you could wake Cousin Emma up quietly like little mice.” Lydia Ann leaned against the doorframe and shook her head at her girls. She was already neatly dressed for the day. “I tried to let you sleep in a little since you had such a long trip yesterday.”

  “Thanks.” Emma smiled at the girls as they leapt from the bed and ran out of the room, each making a kissing noise at their mother as they passed her by. “Do they do everything at top speed?” She rose and started making the bed.

  “Honestly? Yes. They hit the ground running every morning and don’t stop. I’m just thankful for their afternoon nap.” She helped Emma spread the quilt on the bed. “Except that by that time, I feel like I need a nap, too.”

  “Well then, I guess it’s good that I’m here.” Once the bed was finished, Emma dug through her suitcase. “Even if Abby had an ulterior motive for getting me to come on this trip, I’ll do all I can to pitch in.”

  Lydia Ann nodded. “Hopefully we can be of help to each other. Now go get cleaned up and dressed. There’s a pot of coffee on, and I’m making pancakes.”

  “Yum. You don’t have to tell me twice.” Emma headed into the bathroom to get ready for her first full day in Charm. For the first time in months, that old feeling of restlessness was gone. An adventure was coming her way. And she was ready.

  Chapter Nine

  Abby

  Three days. It had only been three days since Emma left town. And already Abby secretly wished she’d gone with her. Of course, she’d never admit it to anyone. Forget about her dislike of travel. It was as quiet as a tomb around the house without Emma there. Even Thomas and Sarah seemed to be quieter than normal.

  On Thursday afternoon, Abby sat on a stool in the quilt shop where she worked. It had been a slow day, plenty of time to think and wonder. Mostly about what Emma was up to.

  The bell above the door made a jingling sound as someone entered. Abby jumped up to greet the customer, knocking a stack of quilt squares onto the floor.

  Jacob Yoder strode toward her, his straw hat firmly on top of his head. His blond hair curled slightly underneath the hat. His square jaw kept his blond locks from making him look childish, but Abby remembered when he’d been a towheaded little boy. She and Emma had known him their entire lives. He and his family were their closest neighbors, and he and Emma were exactly the same age. Now that he was grown, Jacob worked with his father on their family farm.

  Abby felt her cheeks flush as if she’d been standing in front of the stove for too long. The worst part about having such pale skin was blushing easily. “Hi, Jacob.”

  He reached the counter and grinned. “Good afternoon.” He nodded toward the brightly colored squares scattered around her. “Do you need some help?”

  “No, I can get them. I’m just clumsy today.” She managed a weak smile.

  “I insist.” He walked around the counter to where she stood.

  They scooped the squares up from the floor and, after a minute, had restored order to the stack.

  “Glad I could be of help.” He stepped to the other side of the counter. “I was on my way home and thought I’d stop in to see how you are and if you’ve heard anything from Emma.”

  She sighed. “Jah. She made it to Charm with no problem.” She leaned her arms on the counter and met his green eyes. “I spoke to her on the phone yesterday.”

  “I’m glad to hear she made it safely. I was praying for her to have safe travels.”

  “No need to worry anymore. She’s settling in at Lydia Ann’s house now and will start her new job in a few days.” She began folding a stack of quilt squares.

  “Actually, I wonder if that, in and of itself, is reason to worry.” Jacob paused for a second. “I’m concerned about her. What do you think is the real reason she’s in Charm for the next few months?” His green eyes bored into her, and she broke away from his gaze.

  Abby took a deep breath. “Oh. You know Emma. She’s always been a little dramatic.” She managed a weak grin. “I’d say she probably just wants a little excitement before she settles down. That’s all.”

  He nodded. “So, you really think she’ll come back? Do you think she’ll ever be happy here?”

  She hated to tell him how worried she was. There was no need to add to his worries. Her sister should be ashamed. “Jah. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll be back at the end of the summer, as planned.” She reached out and patted his arm. “Don’t think another thing about it. The months will fly by. I’m sure of it.” The doubt in her voice couldn’t be masked, but at least Jacob didn’t mention it. “Besides. What’s not to love here?”

  “Thanks. And let me know if you hear from her, okay?”

  “Of course I will.” She smiled. “You do the same.”

  He nodded. “I’ll check back with you in a couple of days.” With that, he tipped his hat to her and turned to go.

  Abby watched Jacob climb into his buggy. Her sister was playing with fire. Jacob was an honest, God-fearing man who deserved a woman who knew what she wanted. Abby was determined to make Emma see what she was risking.

  She picked up the phone from the counter and dialed Lydia Ann’s shop. She disliked using the phone but felt justified because it was the quickest way she could check up on her sister. Once the last number was dialed, the phone just rang and rang. No answer. She sighed and hung up.

  The front door burst open and two women entered. Abby pasted on a smile and went to greet them. Worrying would have to wait.

  Later that evening, Abby sat at the kitchen table, reading her Bible. She’d been so caught up lately in what was going on with her sister, she’d barely given any thought to anything else. How could she best lead Emma back into the fold? She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Only God could show her how to help Emma.

  “Abby?” Dat’s deep voice made her jump.

  “Jah. It’s me. I know I should be in bed.”

  He sat down across from her. “You’ve been sad since Emma left.” It was a statement not a question.

  Tears sprang into her eyes. “Oh, Dat. I was the one who encouraged her to go, but now…” she trailed off.

  “You can’t take full responsibility for that. I also encouraged her to go.” He looked thoughtful. “And I’d say she wanted to go anyway.”

  Abby gave him a tiny smile. “I guess she probably did.”

  “And how about you? Didn’t you give any thought to a summer in Charm? I imagine Lydia Ann could use all the help she can get.” His brown eyes twinkled at her over the lantern light.

  “Oh. You know I’m not much of a traveler. And I’m needed here. Mamm needs me to take up the slack while Emma is away.”

  “We will always need you here. But I hate to see you poutin’ around all summer.” He rose from the table. “If you wanted to go, I believe we could arrange for you to stay at Lydia Ann’s for at least a few weeks.”

  He gave her a wink and headed to bed, leaving Abby with only her thoughts.

  Chapter Ten

  Emma

  “I’m sorry you haven’t seen much of the town yet.” Lydia Ann bustled about, getting the quilt store ready to open.

  Emma looked up from the floor where she was helping Katie and Mary get situated with coloring books. “Don’t be sorry. I’ll learn my way around in no time.” She smiled. “Besides, we’ve had our hands full.” She motioned at the girls, who were babbling and coloring. “I don’t know how you do it all, Lydia Ann.”

  Lydia Ann shook her head. “I have a lot of help. When Levi got sick, it seemed like everyone in town pitched in to help us out. And then…” she trailed off and took a breath. “After the funeral, even more people came around.” She smiled wanly. “I’ve been amazed at the outpouring of love. The Lord has truly blessed me
and my girls, even through our tragedy.”

  Emma was flooded with guilt. Mamm and Abby were always asking her to go with them when they took food to a grieving church member. And she always refused. But listening to Lydia Ann talk about how much the outpouring of support meant to her, Emma knew that she would have to change her ways. Maybe sometimes, even if you didn’t feel like you were good at handling the grief of others, just showing up was important.

  Emma stood up and walked around the little shop. The brightly colored quilts reminded her of the ones in the store where Abby worked. She pushed away the pang of homesickness that hit with that thought. In addition to quilts, there were bolts of fabric, pattern books, homemade dolls, and a few woodcarvings. “You have a lot of neat stuff for sale,” she said, crossing to the wall opposite the cash register.

  A series of paintings caught her eye.

  The first two colorful paintings were of quilts. Emma had never seen anything like them before. The intricate lines and details of the quilts were perfectly captured in the paintings. The third painting was a landscape. She recognized the location immediately as Charm. “These paintings are beautiful.”

  Lydia Ann glanced up from where she was cutting fabric. “Aren’t they, though? They are big sellers as well. Tourists especially love the quilt paintings. The artist is local, so the landscape paintings are popular, too, because of their authenticity. In fact, I think they are often displayed at stores and galleries in Sugarcreek and Berlin and other larger towns nearby.”

  Emma was impressed. Although she’d never been very artistic, she’d always had an admiration for those who were. She often thought an artist must have such a fun job, being surrounded by all the colors of the rainbow.

  “Mamm!” one of the twins called from the back of the store.

  “Can you watch things out here for a second?” Lydia Ann asked.

  Emma smiled. “Jah. That’s what I’m here for.” She made her way over to the counter, pausing for a moment to admire another painting.