“It’s a shame Elaine didn’t want to come tonight,” Alice said while wiping down one of the folding tables in Sharon’s kitchen.
Cal stopped sweeping the floor and turned. “You invited her?”
“Ya. Sharon, our mamms, and I went to her haus yesterday. We encouraged her to join us, but she said no thank you.”
“You went to her haus.” For some reason, Cal was stuck on that detail.
Sharon turned from where she washed a serving platter at the sink. More often than not, Alice and Sharon sent their mothers off to put up their feet after they’d all eaten the leftovers once the supper guests left. After all, Dorothy and Feenie usually did most of the cooking and took the lead. And even with Sharon’s younger sister, Ruby Sue, visiting a sick friend this evening, they had enough help.
“Alice and I spent the morning helping Elaine unpack boxes and organize their kitchen while our mamms cleaned,” Sharon told him.
Darlene gathered another stack of dishes from the Lambert family’s kitchen table, still shoved against one wall. “I wanted to go with you yesterday; I even made a fruit salad. But I needed to help mei mamm. Although her cancer is in remission, she’s still so tired some days.”
“We understand.” Alice smiled at her.
Cal fingered the broom as he recalled Elaine’s adorable freckles. “Did she give you an excuse for not coming?”
Alice shrugged. “Not really. We told her we could use her voice when we sing, but she just said she had a lot to do and maybe next time.”
“But you promised her you weren’t going to give up on her,” Sharon added. “And neither will we.”
Boy, did he agree with that. He couldn’t get Elaine out of his head even though she seemed to be avoiding him. He was determined to get her to talk to him and find out why. He shook his head as he returned to sweeping.
“You okay, Cal?”
He looked up at Darlene. “Ya. Why?”
“You seem to be contemplating something.” Then her eyes twinkled as she gaped. “You like Elaine!”
“Shh.” He glanced around. Thank goodness the other guys were all busy stowing the folding chairs and Sharon and Alice were deep in conversation. “Don’t say that too loud.”
Darlene glanced around and then took a step toward him. “We all want Elaine to feel welcome here, and we want to be her freind. So don’t worry. We’ll figure out how to get her to join us for singings and these suppers.” She lowered her voice even more. “And your secret is safe with me.”
“Danki.” Cal smiled as a determined hope lit in his heart.
* * *
A week after the Lambert and Blank women had come to help them unpack and clean, Elaine strode into the Bird-in-Hand Dry Goods store. A bell chimed above her head. They’d run out of some kitchen supplies, and they needed some art supplies too.
“Gude mariye,” a familiar voice sang.
“Good morning.” Elaine glanced down the main aisle toward the counter, then gasped when she found Darlene sitting behind the counter. “Hi. Is this your family’s store?”
“It sure is!” Darlene rubbed her hands together. “What are you looking for?”
Elaine pulled Mamm’s shopping list out of her apron pocket and examined it. “I need some dish detergent and sponges.” She tilted her head and pursed her lips. “We also lost some of our stamping supplies during the move, and it’s almost time to start making our Christmas cards. Do you have stamps and ink?”
“Oh ya.” Darlene waved for Elaine to follow her. “They’re in aisle three. And we just got in some stamps for the Christmas season and more green and red ink.”
Elaine picked up a shopping basket and then followed Darlene to the shelves packed with everything she could possibly need. “I’m sure you can find what you want here.” Then Darlene pointed toward the end of the aisle. “The dish detergents and sponges are two aisles to the right.”
“Danki.”
Darlene started walking backward. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be working on paperwork at the counter. For some reason, mei dat likes me to do it on Thursdays.” She grinned, then swung around and left.
Elaine began examining the stamps, trying to recall what she and Mamm had used for their Christmas cards in the past. She’d just gathered most of what she thought they needed when she heard the bell on the door ring again, announcing another customer.
“Gude mariye!” a male voice called.
“Hi.” Darlene’s greeting sounded warm. “What brings you here this morning?”
“Just picking up a few things for mei mamm,” the man said.
“Oh. Well you, uh, picked the perfect day to come.” Darlene’s emphasis seemed strange. And the man’s voice sounded kind of familiar.
Elaine stepped into the aisle Darlene said held cleaning supplies—where she collided with Calvin King, slamming her basket into his side. “Oh! I’m so sorry.” Guilt came on like a flood, followed by humiliation.
He gave a snort as he rubbed his side. “Fancy crashing into you here.”
Knowing her face had to be turning red, she set her basket on a nearby shelf and then reached for his side. But she pulled back. “I didn’t see you in time. Are you okay?”
He chuckled. “I will be.” He looked down and grimaced. “I might have a bruise, though.”
“Ach.” Elaine glanced down the aisle at Darlene, who apparently had come to stare at them. “Do you have an ice pack, Darlene?”
“No, no.” Calvin held up his hand. “I’m joking, Elaine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Ya.” Then he smiled, and her pulse fluttered. She could easily lose herself in the blue-gray pools of those eyes. He lifted his golden eyebrows as if questioning her expression, and she looked down at her feet.
“How are you?” he asked.
She met his gaze once again. Flustered. Anxious. Self-conscious. “I’m okay.”
He looked in her basket. “Making something?”
“Mei mamm and I want to start making Christmas cards for my parents’ freinden back in New Wilmington.” She spotted laundry detergent in the basket at his feet. “Did I hear you say you’re running an errand for your mamm?”
“I am. Dat doesn’t mind if I dash out for her once in a while, when we’re not too busy with the horses.” He picked up the basket. “I didn’t see a horse and buggy out front, and there weren’t any cars. Did you walk?”
“Ya.” She shrugged. “Mei haus isn’t far from here.” She glanced down the aisle and noticed Darlene had disappeared. Calvin’s finger brushed her hand, and she jumped with a start.
“What else do you need?” He stood closer to her now, leaning down as he read the list in her hand.
She breathed in his scent—a masculine, musky scent—and her heartbeat seemed to skip a beat. She had to find a way to fight her growing attraction to him.
“Dish detergent and sponges, huh?” He pointed to the shelf. “Do you like this kind of detergent?”
She nodded, and she was careful to not allow their hands to touch as he handed her the bottle.
“Sponges.” He glanced down the aisle. “What size?”
“Those.” She slipped past him and grabbed a package. “Danki.” Then she started toward the counter. “I need to get going. I have a lot of chores to do.”
She was aware of his eyes on her as he followed her to the counter, where she set down her basket and smiled at Darlene. “I think I have everything.”
“Great.” Darlene began ringing up the items on a battery-operated cash register.
Calvin sidled up to Elaine, then set his own basket on the floor before leaning his hip against the counter.
Elaine glanced at his side and inwardly cringed as she recalled their collision. “Are you sure I didn’t hurt you?”
He gave a little grin. “I’m fine, Elaine. Really, I am.”
Elaine nodded and then caught Darlene giving Calvin a little smile that seemed to hold a hidden meaning. Was she missing something? Darlene and Andrew were dating, so why was she giving Calvin a look like that? It seemed almost flirtatious.
Elaine’s stomach turned as she recalled how her former best friend, Rhoda, and Lewis had shared special looks—no doubt before but certainly after Lewis broke up with Elaine, eliminating the need for secret meetings with Rhoda. She dismissed those thoughts and tried to think of something to say.
“How long has your family owned this store?” Elaine asked Darlene.
“About twenty-five years. Mei dat opened it just before my older schweschder was born. He’d been working for a construction company, but mei mamm wanted to run a business that would keep them both at home. They got a loan from mei daadi and took a leap of faith that worked out well.” She finished putting Elaine’s items in a plastic bag and gave her the total.
Elaine pulled out her wallet and gave her some bills. “Danki.”
“Gern gschehne.” Darlene handed her a receipt and her change. “I’m so glad you came today.”
Elaine slipped her wallet back into her purse.
“Would you like a ride home?” Calvin said.
Warning bells sounded in her head.
“No, danki. It’s not a far walk, and I enjoy being out in the fall weather. I know a lot of people say Christmas is their favorite time of year, but the entire autumn season is my favorite.”
Calvin’s grin widened. “Mine too.”
Elaine nodded. She turned toward Darlene and was almost certain she spotted another look pass between her and Calvin.
“Elaine, Alice and her mamm are hosting a supper at their haus tonight,” Darlene said. “You should come.”
“Oh.” What excuse could she make this time?
“It’s a lot of fun,” Calvin said with an encouraging tone.
“Danki, but I can’t. Mamm and I plan to start making the Christmas cards I bought these supplies for this evening. It’s never too early.” Elaine lifted her bag. “It was nice running into you both.” She cringed as she glanced at Calvin. “Not literally.”
He chuckled, and she enjoyed both his smile and the sound of his laugh. But when she took a step away from the counter, his smile faded.
“I’ll see you both at church,” she told them.
“Have a gut day, and tell your parents hello,” Darlene said.
“I will.”
Elaine started for the exit, glad for the easy escape.
* * *
Cal’s hope deflated as Elaine disappeared out the door.
He’d been shocked when Darlene mouthed Elaine is here and then pointed toward aisle three. It felt like a sign from God, telling him he was supposed to talk to Elaine today.
But it had all gone horribly wrong, starting when she’d slammed her basket into his side. The spot she’d hit still throbbed, but he’d ignored it, trying to find the humor in the incident. Then his attempts at starting a conversation had failed, and she’d once again turned down the invitation to join them at a supper and singing.
“Cal,” Darlene said, breaking through his thoughts. “What are you waiting for? Go after her.”
“Right.” He scrambled out the door and down the driveway to the sidewalk. “Elaine. Elaine!”
She spun around. Her pretty brow was pinched, and what was that expression on her face? Frustration? His mind went blank. What did he want to ask her? What was wrong with him? He’d never had trouble talking to women before!
He offered the first thought that came to mind. “Would you like to join me for lunch?” He pointed toward the nearby businesses also located on Old Philadelphia Pike. “A diner with appeditlich food is just a few blocks down. We can ride in my buggy, and then I’ll take you home.”
“Oh.” Now she seemed flustered as she fingered a button on her black sweater. “No, danki. Like I said, I have chores to do.”
“Do you want a ride home now, then?” He inwardly groaned at how eager he sounded. Why was he repeating the same question he’d asked earlier? She’d already turned down his offer. When had he become so desperate to gain a woman’s attention?
“No, danki.” She smiled, but it seemed forced.
They stared at each other for a moment, and he swallowed as mortification swelled in his gut. She didn’t like him. And he was humiliated. He’d never felt this way before, and he detested the feeling!
“Have a gut afternoon.” She turned and started down the sidewalk.
Cal’s shoulders slumped as he pushed back through the front door of the store.
Darlene frowned. “I’m assuming it didn’t go well.”
“Not even a little bit.” He sighed as he leaned his elbows on the counter. “I offered to take her to lunch, and when she said no, I offered to take her home—again. She said no to both.”
“I’m sorry.” Darlene bent down and then reappeared with two bottles of water from under the counter. She handed him one. “We need another plan.”
“Why? She just doesn’t like me.” He opened the bottle and took a long drink. When had he become such a loser?
Darlene tapped her chin as she stared up at the ceiling. Then she pointed her bottle of water at him. “You give up too easily.”
“I’m just being realistic.” He scrubbed one hand down his face. Why was he so obsessed with a maedel who didn’t like him? Had he lost his mind?
Darlene snapped her fingers. “I’ve got it! Sharon and Alice told me Elaine’s mamm really enjoyed spending time with their mamms. What if your mamm invited Elaine and her parents over for supper? That would give her parents a chance to meet your parents, and it would give you a chance to spend time with Elaine.”
“Hmm.” He nodded slowly. “That might be a great idea.”
“It is a great idea.” She swiped at his arm. “It’s the best way to get her to talk to you. She can’t turn you down if her parents want to go, right?”
“Right.”
“Gern gschehne.” Darlene’s smile encouraged him.
He grinned as he took another drink of water. This plan just might work.
* * *
“Hi, Arnold,” Elaine said as she jogged up the front-porch steps and found the cat sitting by his empty food bowl.
Arnold meowed and blinked up at her.
“I’ll bring you something to eat in a minute, okay? I need to get these supplies inside.”
She stepped into the house and thought she heard Mamm humming “O Holy Night.” That carol was a favorite for both of them. The prospect of making Christmas cards must have brought it to Mamm’s mind. The tune and lyrics were so beautiful. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining . . .
“I’m back,” she called, then set her bag on the table when she reached the kitchen.
Mamm appeared holding a dust cloth. “Danki. Did I give you enough money?”
“Ya. I have your change.” Elaine pulled it out, along with the receipt. “It turns out Darlene Bender’s family owns that dry goods store.”
“What a nice coincidence.” Mamm put the dish detergent and sponges under the kitchen sink.
Elaine thought of Calvin and felt a flutter in her chest. “I need to feed Arnold.” She grabbed a scoop of cat food and a cup of fresh water, then hurried out to the porch.
“Here you go,” she told the cat. Then she filled his food bowl and changed his water.
“Did you run into anyone else during your errand?” Mamm asked when Elaine returned to the kitchen.
Elaine examined the art stamps she’d bought as she considered telling her mother about Calvin. But what could she say about him? She didn’t even know him!
“Elaine?” Mamm touched her arm. “Was iss letz?”
“Calvin King was at the store,” she blurted.
Mamm’s eyes narrowed. “Who is Calvin King?”
“His parents own the horse farm where Uria works.”
“Oh.” Mamm nodded. “And is there something wrong with Calvin King?”
“Not exactly.” Elaine fingered a stamp featuring the words O Holy Night in italics. Now, that was a coincidence. “He just makes me . . . naerfich.”
Mamm’s eyes widened as her expression filled with concern. “Why is that? Has he said something inappropriate to you?”
“No, no. It’s nothing like that.” Elaine sighed as she searched for the right words to explain her conflicting emotions. “He’s been nice to me, but there’s just something about him. I can’t quite explain it.”
Mamm seemed to study her. “I know you’re hurting after what Lewis and Rhoda did, but you can’t keep a wall around your heart forever. At some point you have to let people in.”
Elaine swallowed against her suddenly dry throat. “I know.”
Mamm pointed at the stamps. “Let’s see what you’ve got there. I’m sure you found the perfect stamps for our Christmas cards.”
As they looked over the craft purchases, Mamm’s words echoed through Elaine’s mind. If only the message in her favorite line in “O Holy Night” permeated all her relationships. Truly he taught us to love one another . . .
Oh how she longed to trust friendship and love again. Please, God, show me the way.