Chapter Four

Jonathan guided the last horse toward the stable the following evening. A brisk breeze whipped over him as he glanced up at the fluffy clouds dotting the late-afternoon sky. He halted the horse and climbed down from the buggy. As he started to unhitch the horse, he saw movement in his peripheral vision. Looking up, he found Janie standing in front of him, hugging a black sweater over her blue dress and black apron. Her tote bag was slung over her shoulder.

“Jonathan.” She smiled. “I’m glad you’re still here. My driver is running a little late, so I thought I’d stop by to say hi.”

“How long is your driver going to be?”

“He said he had to make a run to Philadelphia and is stuck in traffic. It’s going to be at least another forty-five minutes.” She shook her head. “Craig and Bianca had to leave; they usually visit some relatives on Friday evenings. Since I don’t have anyone else to call for a ride, I told my driver I would wait. I hope you don’t mind if I wait out here.”

An idea flashed in Jonathan’s mind. He pointed toward the buggy. “Would you like to go for a ride? I can take you on the route I normally take the tourists.”

She hesitated. “How long is the ride?”

“It’s about thirty minutes, but I can shorten it.”

“I don’t know.” She shivered and hugged her sweater closer to her body.

“I’ll grab a quilt,” he offered.

“Okay,” Janie said, finally agreeing. But then she held up her hand to stop him. “Wait. Are you allowed to take the buggy out? I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

“I can still drive a buggy,” he explained, “but I can’t take any tourists out. You’re mei freind, not a paying passenger.”

“Okay.”

Jonathan got a quilt from the stable and then took Janie’s hand and helped her climb up into the buggy. He enjoyed the warm, soft feel of her skin and resisted the urge to not release her hand. Once she was settled in the seat, he walked around the buggy, climbed up on the seat beside her, and took the reins.

“Are you cold?” she asked, moving closer to him. “Would you like to share the quilt?”

Jonathan nodded. “Sure.” How could he say no to her request? He savored the thought of sitting close to her.

Janie tossed the blanket over his lap and slid closer to him. He breathed in the scent of her shampoo—apple.

“When is your driver coming to get you?” she asked.

“I walk to work since it’s only a few blocks,” he explained, guiding the horse toward the road. “Sometimes I get a ride from Craig and Bianca, but I don’t mind the walk. It gives me time to think and enjoy the fresh air. I love being outdoors.”

“Oh.” Janie’s lips turned up in a sweet smile, and his pulse galloped.

Janie was so pretty with her warm smile and bright blue eyes. The sun was starting to set, and the deep orange hues in the sky nearly matched her hair. She scooted closer to him, and his leg brushed hers under the blanket.

“I’m froh my driver was late so I can spend more time with you today,” she said, breaking through his thoughts.

“I’m enjoying it too,” he said as he slowed the horse at a red light.

“I love autumn,” Janie continued with her eyes fixed on the road ahead. “I enjoy seeing the leaves change and the cooler nights.” She looked over at him. “What’s your favorite season?”

Jonathan looked over at her face and all his worries melted away. Any season with you is my favorite. “I think it’s autumn.”

“You think it’s autumn?” She laughed, and he relished the sweet sound. “Don’t you have a favorite season?”

“I’m not fussy.” He guided the buggy down a quiet residential street and the aroma of the smoke from a fireplace permeated the air.

“October will be here soon,” she said. “It will be much colder then.” Her smile faded. “But I don’t want October to come.”

“Why not?” he asked.

“October is closer to November, and you’re leaving in November.” Janie’s big blue eyes misted over. Was she going to cry?

Jonathan halted the horse at a stop sign and angled his body toward Janie. He cupped her cheek with his hand, and she turned her face toward it. The air around them sparked with electricity. He felt the overwhelming urge to kiss her, but he knew it would be inappropriate.

“I really like you, Janie,” he said, his voice husky with emotion.

“I like you too,” she whispered in response, her voice sounding equally sentimental.

Jonathan moved his thumb over her cheek, and she closed her eyes. A horn blasted behind him, and he quickly grabbed the reins and guided the horse down the road. The scent of rain saturated the air as their trip wore on.

“Do you think it’s going to rain?” Janie asked.

“It might,” Jonathan said. He looked up at the sky.

“Do you like the rain?” she asked, scooting even closer to him.

“I do when I’m not working outside.”

“I love falling asleep to the sound of rain tapping on the roof.”

For the remainder of the ride, they sat in contented silence, peppered with moments of conversation about the sights they passed. When they returned to the parking lot, she helped him stow the buggy and horse.

As they walked out of the stable, Janie took Jonathan’s hand in hers. He glanced down at her, and she smiled up at him.

“I had a wunderbaar time tonight,” she said. “Danki”

“Gern gschehne.” Jonathan squeezed her hand. “I hope you have a nice weekend.” He couldn’t stand the thought of saying good-bye to her and not seeing her for two whole days.

“I hope you do too.” Janie opened her mouth to say something but stopped when headlights gleamed in their faces. She released his hand and hefted her tote bag farther up on her shoulder. “That’s my ride. I’ll see you Monday.”

“Take care,” he said as she hurried toward the van and climbed into the front passenger seat.

Jonathan waved as the white van steered through the parking lot, then started his journey on foot to his grandparents’ house. His mind swirled with thoughts of Janie and their buggy ride. He had enjoyed every moment he’d spent with her, snuggled close under the blanket as they rode under the beautiful sky. Janie had worked her way into his heart, and he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. He dreaded the thought of going back to Maryland and not seeing her again.

A cool mist of rain sprayed over him, and he shivered. He crossed his arms over his middle and picked up speed. He hurried down the street and smiled despite the damp weather. For the first time in nearly a year, he felt himself falling in love, and he prayed somehow he and Janie could find a way to make their relationship work.

“You went on a buggy ride with him after work?” Marie asked with a gasp as she washed the dishes later that evening.

“Ya, I did,” Janie said, smiling so widely her cheeks hurt. She lifted a dish from the drain board and began to dry it. “It was really romantic. We went on the route he takes passengers, and it was nice and cold. He gave me a quilt to stay warm. He’s so sweet.” She sighed as sadness threatened to squelch her euphoria. “I just can’t stand the thought that he’s going to go back to Maryland.”

“Who’s going back to Maryland?”

Janie glanced over her shoulder to where her mother stood watching as she leaned on a broom. Janie hadn’t heard her mother come in after sweeping the porch.

“Jonathan,” Janie explained, her cheeks burning. “He’s the one who was in the buggy accident.”

“He’s still working at the buggy rides?” Mamm tilted her head with surprise.

“He’s working in the stable.” Janie frowned. “It’s not fair. The accident wasn’t his fault at all, but he said he’s froh to have the job. His onkel cares for his grandparents, but this is a chance for Jonathan to help them too.”

“He’s supporting his grandparents?” Mamm asked, and Janie nodded. “But you said he’s from Maryland? He’s only visiting them?”

“Ya, that’s right. He said his daed is from here, but his mamm is from Maryland. After his parents married, they moved to Maryland to be by her family.” Janie began drying another dish. “He came to spend some time with his grandparents. He said he loves coming here and working since they don’t have much contact with tourists in Maryland.” She considered sharing the story about his ex-girlfriend, but she felt it wasn’t her place to share something so personal.

Mamm studied her for a moment. “Did I hear you say you took a romantic buggy ride with him?”

The tips of Janie’s ears blazed with embarrassment. “We did. He took me on the route where he used to take the tourists. He’s very respectful and friendly. I want you to meet him.”

“When is he going back to Maryland?” Mamm frowned.

“In late November.” Janie placed the dish on the counter and grabbed a handful of utensils to dry.

“You know you shouldn’t get attached to him, Janie.” Mamm’s voice held a hint of warning. “He’s already planning to go back to Maryland, and you don’t know when you’ll see him again.”

“But what if he decides to stay?” Marie suddenly chimed in. “He may fall in love with Janie and decide to stay here. He could build a haus near his grandparents and ask Janie to marry him.”

Janie’s pulse fluttered at the thought, but her mother’s skeptical look brought her back to reality.

“I think you should take it one step at a time,” Mamm said gently. “Jonathan might decide to stay, but you should prepare yourself in case he doesn’t. Just enjoy being his freind for now and see what the future brings.”

“Ya.” Janie nodded. “I’d like to have him over for supper one night so you all can meet him. He already said he’d like to come sometime.”

Mamm began to sweep the kitchen floor. “Ya, we’ll see. Maybe when things slow down some at the shop. You know orders at the shop pick up again during the harvest season. Between that and the farm, your dat is very busy right now. Maybe in a couple of weeks we can have him over.”

“All right.” Janie couldn’t wait for her family to meet Jonathan, but her mother’s warning echoed in the back of her mind. Would Jonathan return to Maryland and forget all about her?

The next two weeks flew by as quickly as the autumn leaves blew from the trees. Janie and Jonathan ate lunch together every day and discussed everything from the cooler temperatures to their favorite foods. When Janie finally invited him over for supper, he accepted her invitation, and she almost jumped with joy.

Janie rushed home from work on Wednesday evening during the last week in September. The day had finally come for Jonathan to come over, and excitement skittered through her as she fluttered around the kitchen.

Marie appeared in the doorway. “Need some help?”

“Ya,” Janie said as she mixed the meat loaf. “Would you please set the table and then mix up the brownies?”

“Ya,” Marie said with a grin. “You’re awfully naerfich. You really like him, don’t you?”

“You already know the answer to that question.” Janie frowned. “I just hope Dat likes him.”

“What are you worried about? The age difference?”

Janie nodded and looked down at the meat-loaf mix. “I’m worried he won’t approve and won’t let me date Jonathan. He’s the first man who has ever shown an interest in me, and I’ll just be devastated if Dat doesn’t approve.”

Marie placed her hand on Janie’s shoulder. “Have faith that it will work out well tonight.”

“Danki.” Janie prayed Marie was right.

At six o’clock, the warm aromas of meat loaf and brownies permeated the kitchen and the table was set. Janie smoothed her hands down her favorite green dress and black apron and touched her prayer covering, hoping it was straight.

“You look schee,” Marie whispered. “Everything will be fine.”

“Danki,” Janie whispered in return as she stared out the window above the kitchen sink and watched for Jonathan’s driver.

When the crunch of tires sounded on the rock driveway, Janie’s stomach lurched. A combination of joy and anxiety rioted inside of her.

“I think he’s here,” Mamm said, entering the kitchen from the family room. “What can I do to help?”

“We’re all set,” Marie announced. “Janie is very naerfich.”

“No, I’m not,” Janie said, clearly fibbing. “I’m fine. Where’s Dat?”

“He’s in the barn. Do you want me to go get him?” Marie offered.

“He’ll come in when he hears the car,” Mamm said, patting Janie’s shoulder. “Relax, mei liewe. Dinner will be appeditlich. Your meat loaf is always wunderbaar.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Janie turned to face her mother. “What if you and Dat don’t like Jonathan?”

Mamm touched Janie’s cheek. “If you like him, then we will like him too.”

Janie turned her attention back to the window and saw Jonathan climbing from the burgundy van. He looked handsome clad in clean black trousers, a tan shirt, and black suspenders. He said something to his driver and then waved as the van drove away.

Janie held her breath as her father appeared from the barn and walked over to Jonathan. When they both smiled, Janie’s shoulders relaxed and a smile spread across her face. Mamm and Marie are right; everything is going to be fine.

After talking for a few minutes, Jonathan and Dat walked up the short path toward the house. Janie crossed the kitchen to the doorway leading to the mudroom. The back door opened, and Dat stepped into the mudroom with Jonathan close behind him.

“Hi, Jonathan,” Janie said, her voice a little higher and more excited than she’d hoped.

Jonathan gave her a breathtaking smile, and her pulse raced. “Hi, Janie.”

Her father washed his hands at the sink as Jonathan stepped into the kitchen.

“Mamm, Marie, this is Jonathan.” Janie gestured between Jonathan and her sister and mother.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Mamm said. “I’m Sylvia, and I see you’ve met Timothy. Please have a seat.”

“We’re so froh you could come today,” Marie said. “We’ve heard a lot about you.” Janie swallowed a gasp.

“Danki.” Jonathan met Janie’s stare. “I’m glad to meet you all too. Where would you like me to sit?”

“Sit here,” Marie said, putting her hand on the back of a chair. “You’ll be next to Janie.”

Jonathan sat down on the chair, and Dat sat to his right at the head of the table.

“So,” Dat began, “what kind of business do you have in Maryland?”

“I’m a carpenter,” Jonathan said. “I work with mei dat and bruder. We make furniture. We fill a lot of custom orders for bedroom suites and dining room sets.”

“Oh.” Dat nodded and fingered his beard. “So you’re only here to visit your grandparents?”

“That’s right,” Jonathan said, running his finger over the gray tablecloth.

“How long are you planning to stay?” Dat asked.

While Dat and Jonathan got acquainted, Janie, Marie, and Mamm began placing the platters and bowls of food on the table. Once the meal was delivered, they took their seats and bowed their heads in silent prayer.

After the prayer the sound of utensils scraping the dishes overtook the kitchen. They filled their plates with meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

“Everything smells appeditlich,” Jonathan said, dropping a spoonful of mashed potatoes onto his plate.

“Janie did the cooking,” Marie announced. “I helped a little.”

Janie gave Jonathan a shy smile. “It wasn’t difficult. Meat loaf is easy to make.”

“How do you like working at Lancaster Buggy Rides and Souvenirs?” Marie asked.

“I like it,” Jonathan said. “I miss giving the buggy rides, but I enjoy working in the stables. I love visiting Lancaster.” Then he took a bite of meat loaf.

“Is it much different from where you live in Maryland?” Mamm asked.

Jonathan nodded and swallowed. “We’re more conservative in Maryland and don’t have much contact with Englishers.”

All through supper, Janie’s parents and sister peppered Jonathan with questions, including as they ate brownies and drank coffee. But Jonathan didn’t seem to mind sharing stories about his life in Maryland.

Once they finished dessert, Janie carried mugs to the sink and Marie collected the rest of the dishes. Now Dat was talking to Jonathan about his work at Bird-in-Hand Builders too.

Mamm stepped over to the counter and touched Janie’s arm. “Marie and I will clean up. Why don’t you go sit on the porch with Jonathan?”

Janie glanced over her shoulder to where Dat was telling Jonathan about his business. Jonathan nodded politely as if he was hanging on his every word.

“Save him,” Mamm said with a smile. “I’m sure he’d rather talk to you than hear your dat talk about our store.”

“Go on,” Marie chimed in as she filled the sink with frothy water. “We’ll handle this. Go enjoy your guest until his driver comes to pick him up.”

Janie smiled. “Danki.” She stepped over toward Jonathan and he gave her a sideways glance as her father continued talking about the items they created and sold at the store. He was detailing the wishing wells, planters, swings, lighthouses, and other lawn ornaments. When Dat paused to take a breath, she grabbed the opportunity to jump in.

“Jonathan,” she began, “would you like to sit on the porch and talk while you wait for your driver to come for you?”

“That would be nice.” Jonathan looked at her father as if awaiting his permission.

Dat nodded. “That’s a gut idea. Go and enjoy the night. I don’t think it’s too cold out there yet, but the cold weather is coming soon.”

Jonathan stood. “Danki for supper. I had a great time.”

After saying good-bye, Jonathan followed Janie into the mudroom, where he retrieved his hat and jacket, and she grabbed her wrap.

“Do you need to call your driver?” Janie asked as they stepped onto the back porch. She hugged her wrap around her.

“Ya, I do.” Jonathan jammed his thumb toward the small shed next to the barn. “Is that your phone shanty?”

“Ya,” Janie said. “Go right ahead and use it.”

As Jonathan hustled down the porch steps, Janie sank onto the porch swing and glanced up at the sunset, which sent streaks of yellow, orange, purple, and pink across the sky. She hugged her wrap closer and smiled, recalling how Jonathan had fit in with her family during supper. Her parents and sister seemed to like him, and her heart warmed at the thought.

Jonathan’s footsteps startled Janie back to the present.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said as he crossed the porch. “You looked as if you were lost in thought.”

“It’s fine.” She scooted to the other side of the swing and patted the bench beside her. “Have a seat.” Looking up at his face, she saw the gash on his forehead was healing and barely noticeable.

“Thanks.” He sank down beside her, his long legs stretched out in front of him. “Your family is great.”

“Danki.” She gave the swing a little push, and it gently moved them back and forth. “I think they liked you.”

“I hope so.” He turned toward her. “I just have a question for you.”

“What’s that?”

“Your mamm’s hair is light brown, and your dat and schweschder are brunettes.” A smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Where did you get that schee hair of yours?”

Janie’s cheeks heated as his warm eyes remained focused on her. “Mei mamm told me her mammi had red hair. She thinks I inherited it from her.”

He looked up at the sky. “Your hair reminds me of the sunset.” He pointed. “See that orange there? That’s almost the same color.”

Janie gaped. No one had ever described her hair that way. “Danki,” she said softly, marveling inside at the unexpected compliment.

“That was what I thought the first time I saw you.” His fingers brushed her shoulders, sending chills dancing up her spine as he rested his arm on the back of the swing. “I immediately thought your hair was the color of a sunset. I’d never seen a maedel with hair like yours. It’s unique and schee.”

“Danki,” she repeated, not knowing what else to say.

“September is flying by quickly.” Jonathan turned his attention back to the sky. “I can’t believe it will be October next week.”

“I know.” Janie wanted to ask him to stay in Pennsylvania, but she didn’t want to be too forward.

“We’ll have to make the most of the next two months.” He turned back toward her. “It’s nice to spend time together.”

“I agree.”

“Great,” he said.

It seemed as though the rest of their conversation had barely begun when the hum of an engine and the reflection of headlights on the side of her father’s large barn drew Janie’s focus to the driveway. Her smile faded. She dreaded the idea of saying good night to Jonathan.

“I guess it’s time for me to go.” Jonathan’s frown mirrored her mood. “But I’ll see you tomorrow.”

They both stood and he held out his hand. She took it, and warmth zipped through her body. As they walked toward the waiting van, Janie relished the feeling of walking by his side. She felt as if she belonged there. Did he feel it too?

“Thank you for supper,” Jonathan said when they reached the passenger side door. “I had a great time.”

“I did too.” Janie smiled up at him. “I’m glad you came.”

Jonathan was silent as he gazed down into her face. She longed to know what he was thinking. He brushed his fingers over her cheek, and she sucked in a breath.

“Gut nacht,” he finally said.

“Gut nacht.”

He climbed into the passenger seat, and Janie waved as the van backed down the driveway. As it disappeared down the road, Janie closed her eyes and silently asked God to help Jonathan decide to stay in Pennsylvania.