Covered Bridge Charm (43 page)

“I see you made yourself at home,” she teased, pouring herself a cup.

“That’s what you told me to do.” His eyes lit. “Wow. You look great. How do you do it?”

“A Mennonite secret.” She knew she didn’t look great. She’d pulled her hair so tight her eyes nearly slanted, hoping to make herself unappealing to lessen the pain of the rejection she meant to deliver. Especially after the way Dale’s rejection had backfired on her. But his lopsided smile warmed her. It was the type that went all the way to the crinkles of his eyes. Bruised eye. “What on earth happened to your eye? You wreck your bike?”

“We’re bookends, you and me. Destiny.”

This wasn’t going to be easy.
“Tell me the entire story.”

“Actually, it didn’t have anything to do with my bike. Your hotheaded protector was waiting in the parking lot for me after bingo.”

Her mouth gaped. She snapped it closed. “Adam?”

“One and the same.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“Believe it. Right in front of Gramps, too. Ask him.”

She tried to recall what would have set him off at bingo. Shaking her head, she said, “I’ve never seen him behave like this before. He’s always been such a gentle guy.”

Jason’s lips thinned. “Guess I haven’t seen that side of him yet. Did he threaten you today?”

She sighed. “No. Nothing like that. He’s just…”

“Jealous.” He gave her that lopsided grin. “So am I, but I don’t act like that.”

If this was a personal vendetta between the men, that meant Jason had intentionally provoked Adam by coming earlier than planned. He wasn’t as innocent as he let on, but even so she felt like it was her fault. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I should have told you up front I was dating Adam.”

“There must be a reason you didn’t. Such as… he’s not right for you?”

She frowned. “We were working on some issues when I met you.”

“Were?”

She smiled. “Jah. Okay. Still working on some issues.” She studied him as everything started to make sense. “So that’s what Adam meant about making a choice.”

“He forced you to choose?”

“No, but he accused me of choosing you, just before he drove away in a huff.” She saw the light in Jason’s eyes and knew she was giving him false hope. “That doesn’t matter. Thing is, I like you a lot, but I love Adam. Even if he is acting bad.”

“Is that wise?” The side of his mouth twitched. “But leave him out of the picture for a minute, and let’s talk about us. Love takes time. Time to get over, too.”

“You still love the woman you told me about?”

“Karen? I guess when I’m feeling weak, I do. That’s why I understand your struggle.”

She nodded.

“Let’s just start with getting to know each other. Doing some of the things together we both enjoy.” He shrugged. “Who knows where that might take us?”

She shook her head and set her coffee on the side table. “Even if Adam and Karen weren’t in the picture—”

“Believe me, Karen’s not. But go on.”

“I’d never date someone outside the church.”

“But I’m a Christian.”

“I understand. But not Mennonite. We have traditions.”

“I’m not asking you to leave your faith. Lots of couples have mixed faiths. Think of all the other things we have in common. Of all the good we could do together.” He nodded enthusiastically. “We could make our own traditions, too. It’s romantic.” He tilted his head. “Come on. I know you’re a romantic.”

She couldn’t deny it. “You’re wonderful and generous, but all I can offer is friendship.”

“I’ll take it. Glad that’s settled.” Before she could object, he reached across the table and took her hand. “I’ve been inconsiderate asking you to dinner. I can see it’s been a rough day with the funeral and all.” He shrugged his brows toward the door to remind her about Adam’s behavior. “So while you were in the bathroom, I ordered pizza.”

“You did?” She’d never felt so grateful. “Thanks. That’s so thoughtful.” He really did get her. He caressed her hand in a comforting sort of way.

“While we’re waiting, you can open my Christmas gift.” He jumped up and went to fish something out of his coat pocket.

“But it’s not even Christmas.”

“I know. I can’t wait.”

“Oh, Jason. I can’t accept—”

“Please. Let’s celebrate friendship.”

She nodded with hesitation. Maybe he did understand. “Okay, thanks.”

She tore away the wrappings and burst into laughter at the bell he’d gotten her for her bike. “This is perfect. I love it!”

“Then, I’m jealous. Seriously, use it when skateboarders are around.” She laughed.

Jason pointed at the window. “I see headlights. Pizza’s here.”

Afterward, they moved to the sofa. He kept a respectable distance between them, and she was able to relax and enjoy the companionship. He knew just when to crack a joke, how to listen, and when to leave. But before he did, she found herself telling him all about Dale and Adam. He asked some questions but never gave her any advice. Never made her feel uncomfortable or foolish.

At the door, he took her hand. “I’d never treat you like those men have. You’re so special. I will cherish your friendship and whatever else you allow to develop between us.”

It had been like a healing balm washing away a bad day, and she didn’t have the heart or energy to remind him that friendship was all she would ever offer him. If Adam hadn’t exploded, she would have clarified things with Jason. But the way things turned out, she couldn’t bring herself to turn him away.

Once he was gone, she sank into a bubble bath with great relish. Closing her eyes, the day’s events paraded through her mind. The conversation she’d had in the truck about her parents. It reminded her how much she still missed them. Then the funeral and Crusher’s sad countenance. Love was painful. Maybe not even worth the bother. She should have stayed friends with Adam. That first kiss was her downfall. She wouldn’t make the same mistake with Jason. He would make someone a wonderful boyfriend or husband. But not her. She wished he hadn’t provoked Adam past his boiling point. She couldn’t forget his angry snarl, how he’d ordered her to get out of the truck.
“I’m done here. Go have your little fling. Just get out of my truck.”
Hurt and anger rose in her. Worst day ever. But it felt good to have spent the evening with a friend who understood.

Adam squirmed. It wasn’t easy to sit through a church service, feeling convicted over his recent outbursts of anger. But he wasn’t entirely convinced he was wrong. Passive-aggressive, Carly had once deemed him. He’d been passive for too long. When he’d confronted Dad, things got worse but started healing.

Those who attended Old Holley adhered to a lifestyle of nonresistance. He’d been taught it from birth. But they swept under the carpet the messy way Mennonites sometimes handled things. It was what drove Dale away from church. Dealing honestly seemed the better way. Especially when the other guy got the shiner. Only it felt crummy when Jason hadn’t fought back.

He glanced at Carly’s pew. She sat straight and serene. Not the disheveled, distraught woman he’d last seen. Jason had probably comforted her. The idea grinded his gut. His own actions had played right into the other guy’s hand. He’d been so jealous at the time that now he couldn’t even remember what he’d told Carly. It was all one black blur. But he was pretty sure tonight’s date was off now.

Spending Saturday evening with Jimmy had helped him realize he wasn’t ready to give up on Carly, after all. But he’d lost a lot of ground and would need to keep a cool head if he wanted to win her back. She must have felt his gaze because she glanced over. He gave her a lopsided grin. She glared and turned away.

Jah, she was mad.

Late the previous night, he and Jimmy came up with a plan. He’d scope out the scene at Aunt Fannie’s and report back to Adam. If he gave him the go-ahead, then he might soon be an engaged man.

Feeling Adam’s stare, Carly finally gave in and looked over. Expecting to see the dark, stormy expression she remembered, she was shocked when he grinned back as if nothing unpleasant had happened between them. It was a pleading, flirty smile. Insufferable! Casting him the dirtiest look she could muster, she glanced back at the preacher, trying in vain to concentrate on the sermon.

Was Adam turning into a jealous maniac? Remembering Jason’s bruised eye, she decided that he would have to prove himself before he wiggled back into her good graces. But inside, a tiny, traitorous hope sprang to life in her heart.

Beside her, Auntie bowed her head. Probably praying for her meeting with the editor. Carly vowed not to let her own problems ruin anything for Auntie’s big day.

A
fter church, Adam went to his parents’ home for lunch and a family farm meeting. With Christmas only a week away, it was more celebratory than anything else. The adults assembled in the living room. While they didn’t have a tree, the fireplace was decorated with an evergreen swag and candles. Some wrapped gifts waited in the corner for the grandchildren. They weren’t taught that Santa was real, only the story of the Savior. The coffee table held a manger scene and a Bible opened to the Christmas story. The piano was decorated with more greenery and hymnals opened to the familiar Christmas carols. And the side tables were laden with plates of home-baked goodies that made Adam’s mouth drool.

During family meetings, Faith—who had been a surprise baby born long after her other siblings—usually supervised the grandchildren. His sisters and the brother-in-laws who pitched in at the farm were included in the meeting.

Dad cleared his throat, and the conversation ebbed. He gave a little spiel about what a great year they’d had and thanked everyone, handing out bonus checks. Adam placed his in his shirt pocket and snatched a lemon bar. It was partway to his mouth when Dad said, “I’ve an announcement to make regarding Adam. Since I’m not getting any younger, I’m making him a partner. In January, we’re drawing up the paperwork to make it legal. I hope you girls don’t feel slighted. You know that Adam and I take a salary, just like you. The profit gets put back in the farm, except for the annual bonuses.”

Instantly the room lit with chatter, Adam set the lemon bar back on his napkin. The congratulatory remarks seemed sincere to him. There didn’t appear to be any objections. It wasn’t really news. Just a formality.

After that, Dad talked about his goals for the upcoming year. He assigned one of Adam’s sisters the task of getting involved at the university that was doing research on the ground disease attacking noble firs and ruining some of the county’s tree farms.

Pride swelled in Adam’s chest in part because Dad was thinking progressively, but mostly because he was keeping his word about the partnership. When the business discussion waned, Adam saw his chance to tell them about Dale.

“I think you’ve all heard our cousin Dale had an operation on his leg? The operation went well, but there’ll be a substantial recovery time. So he’s bringing the family to Sweet Home for Christmas. Staying at my place.”

“When’s he coming?” Sissie asked.

“I pick them up at the airport on Tuesday.”

“Think he’ll make up with Simon?”

“I hope so.”

Later when he was alone with Ann, he confided, “I might be bringing Carly home for Christmas.” He shrugged. “She’s mad at me right now, but I’m hopeful.”

“I’ll pray,” she said with a grin.

He popped a piece of Mom’s famous peanut butter fudge into his mouth, as delicious as he’d remembered and watched the activities bustling around them. Hope burgeoned. Yet so much depended on the call Jimmy would soon make to report his observations. Adam needed to know what he was up against and if Carly was interested in Jason. Either way, he and Jimmy had come up with a plan, and he was willing to risk everything to make his dream come true. He didn’t want this to drag out. His nerves couldn’t take it.