Covered Bridge Charm (35 page)

“Mm-hm.”

“I collided with a skateboarder.”

“Ouch.”

“Exactly. I broke my nose.”

His voice held concern. “I’m sorry. Hope everything’s reparable?”

“I look nasty, but I’ll heal. The kid got off with minor scrapes. Am I the only one who takes spills?”

“Hardly. I crashed into a tree one time when I was looking the other way. That stopped me in my tracks. Another time, I was passing a car and a man opened the rear door and I slid halfway under his car.”

She laughed, easily picturing herself doing similar things, only it seemed funnier to imagine his tall, lean body taking the hits.

“Laughing at me? Now you owe me. And I’ve got the perfect way to collect.”

“Jah? How’s that?”

“I’m coming to Albany this weekend for a charity event for the homeless. It’s called Super City Event. We set up a clinic and barber shop. There’s free food and employment agencies for those seeking employment.”

“I’ll bet that’s something to see.”

“I was hoping you’d say that. The clinic could use help, and since you’re a caregiver…”

“But not a nurse,” she reminded him.

“I understand. But they need extra hands. And hey, if you look a little beat up, you’ll fit right in at the clinic.”

She laughed. “Ha. Ha. Sorry, but I already made plans for Saturday.”

“How about Sunday? I can pick you up.”

She wasn’t sure how others in her church would feel about skipping the service, but she had no qualms when it was for a good cause. “Jah I’d like that.” She heard an engine pull into her drive and pulled back her curtain. “Jason. I’ve got to go. Adam just pulled into my drive.”

“Okay, tell him hi. Talk to ya later.”

She pulled her robe tight and went to the door. When he rapped, she opened it just a crack and peeked out at him with a grin. “Hi. I’m glad you’re home.”

“Carly? What happened to you?”

“Just a bike accident.”

He started to push the door open.

“Wait! Give me a minute to dress, and I’ll be right back.” She shut the door and hurried into a dress and stockings before she returned. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem.” He took her hand and massaged her thumb. “What happened?”

For the umpteenth time that day, she repeated the story. Earlier with Jason, it seemed funny, but with Adam’s concerned eyes peering into hers and his brows arched in that judgmental
V,
she felt embarrassed.

“A skateboarder?” He shook his head and perched on the edge of her sofa, patting the cushion. Pulling her into his embrace, he whispered, “It’s good to be back. You need somebody to take care of you.”

She tensed, pulling out of the embrace. “It’s embarrassing. Can we just drop it?”

His hand dropped to his lap. “Jah, sure.”

She fought the lump in her throat and forged ahead with the question that was foremost in her mind. “Did you get your work finished in Indiana? Or do you need to return?”

“I’m done. Home to stay.”

Relief flooded through her, but she studied him thoughtfully, searching for sincerity.

He kissed her cheek. “I hope that was a spot that wasn’t bruised.”

While it was good to have him back, things felt tense between them. “It was my first day back to work. I’m pretty exhausted.”

His expression fell with disappointment. “Can we get together this weekend? I’d like to take you to the Point, the restaurant that overlooks Foster Lake. Then I’m available if you need help going to Portland or—”

She shook her head, and he looked puzzled. “No?”

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t know when you’d be back, and I booked my weekend already.”

With frustration, he repeated, “Booked?”

“Saturday I’m going to a Christmas craft show with Miranda and some of her friends. I don’t know what time we’ll get back.”

“How about Sunday?”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. I’m going to Albany with Jason.”

His voice exploded. “On a date? What is this? Revenge over Cynthia?”

“Of course not. I’m helping him with a homeless project called Super City Event. I’m working in a free health clinic.”

He slumped and crossed his arms.

“Like I said, I didn’t know when you’d be home.”

“I told you I was only staying a few extra days.”

“Actually, you didn’t share much about your plans. And you only called me once.” If he’d really missed her, he’d have called more often. The grating sound of Cocoa’s nose pushing his water dish across the floor drove her to her feet. She took it to the kitchen to refill. Then she stared out the kitchen window. Darkness met her eyes and filled her heart. Why was everything with Adam becoming so difficult?

She was aware that her single status partly stemmed from her take-charge, nonsubmissive attitude. She’d thought he liked that about her, but now she wondered if they were always going to clash. She’d been focusing on why he wasn’t ready for a relationship, but maybe she should have been focusing on her own heart. Could she give up her free will for him?

He followed, touched her shoulder. “I didn’t call because I worked late hours. I fell into bed exhausted each night and rose before daylight. So I could get home again. But I didn’t realize that Jason would move in on you while I was gone.”

She turned to face him. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends. We have a lot in common, working in social services.” She raised her chin. “He rides a bike to work, and… he understands… me.”

Looking stricken, Adam replied, “In a few short days, he understands you? It’s taken me a lifetime, and I still don’t understand you.”

That’s my point.

She started to rub her temple, but felt her stitches and let her hand drop. “Look. I’d love to see you, but I’ve made a commitment to work at the clinic. Now it’s your turn to trust me.”

His jaw hardened.

It felt liberating to throw back his favorite line at him. Until the Holy Spirit checked her motives. She urged softly, “Adam?”

“I do. It’s him I don’t trust.”

“He said Gramps is looking forward to Martha’s party.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to finish what we started.”

She touched his arm. “I know.”

He placed his thumb under her chin. “We’re both tired. And I don’t want to fight.” She nodded.

“I’m going to be swamped at the farm this week.” He grinned then, and she got her first glimpse of her godsend. “We’ve been through worse. We’ll survive this. So you want to book me for the following weekend?”

Biting her bottom lip, she replied, “Sunday afternoon is Martha’s birthday party.”

“I’ll take you.”

She smiled. “I’d like that.”

He kissed the top of her head.

“It’s a date.”

She watched him drive away.
He’s right. We’re just too tired to think clearly.
“Come on, Cocoa, let’s go to bed.”

Despite the age differences, Miranda’s roommates accepted Carly as one of the gang. Since they all had to pinch pennies—given their voluntary positions—they accepted her mode of transportation as reasonable and her bruises as marks of honor. She was surprised to discover how much they knew about her. Seemingly, Miranda often spoke about Sweet Life.

Still she was relieved when they dispersed at the craft show. Inside a large building, booths were decorated with greenery and twinkly lights to create a Christmas theme.

Miranda smiled. “Told you you’d fit in.”

“They’re great. Thanks for inviting me.”

They stopped at a stationery booth. Fingering a ladybug paperclip, Carly asked, “Are you going out with Jimmy tonight?”

“Nope. I’ll be washing my hair and doing my nails. Tomorrow I’m in charge of devotions, and I still need to prepare.” Carly sensed something was bothering Miranda. They moved to a booth displaying candles and fragrant soaps. “Everything okay, then?”

“I do need to ask you something.”

Carly nodded. “Sure.”

“Is our friendship based on my relationship with Jimmy?”

“Of course not. Actually, Aunt Fannie is responsible for pointing out all your good qualities. Guess I was stuck in my own little world, not seeing.” She shrugged. “I mean, we don’t look like we go together, do we?”

“Assumptions. They’ve plagued me all my life. I try to avoid them.” Miranda picked up a bar of cellophane-wrapped soap and sniffed. “This reminds me of Mom.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Both. I miss her.”

“Let me buy it for you.” At first Miranda objected, but eventually she accepted Carly’s gift. “I like volunteering, but I’ll be happy when I actually get paid for working at Sweet Life. My term’s about over. Sherie said they’d keep me on if I stay.”

“That’s great! I hope you do.” They skirted around a line of rowdy children waiting to get their faces painted.

“Last weekend Jimmy and I came to an understanding. We like each other as friends, but he’s not ready to settle down, and I’m not willing to live a plainer lifestyle so…” She shrugged.

Carly slipped an arm around Miranda. “I understand. But you probably need to have this talk with Aunt Fannie. She’s the matchmaker.”

“I hope I’ll still be able to hang with you guys. You’re starting to feel like family.”

“You won’t be able to get rid of us. Oh look!” She hurried to a booth of art supplies and chose a white leather portfolio with a clear pocket in the front where Auntie could place a colorful quilt pattern. “It’s perfect.”

As they left the booth, Miranda urged, “Before we meet up with the others again, tell me what’s going on between you and Adam.”

Carly shared as honestly as she could about their fragile relationship and their most recent obstacle—that Adam didn’t trust Jason. It felt good to have a sympathetic ear.

When Carly grew quiet, Miranda reasoned, “Jason might be the push Adam needs to get his act together.”

H
ere he comes! Wow, what a looker. And his car’s amazing.”

“Stop! He’s going to see you,” Carly warned.

Miranda released the curtain and jumped away from the window. “If you don’t want him, you can hook me up.”

“You don’t think he’s too old?”

“I usually date older guys.”

True, but Carly still couldn’t imagine them as a couple.

Aunt Fannie crossed her arms. “Such talk. Just like that, you’re tossing Jimmy aside?”

“We both know he’s not ready to settle down.”

“That man. What’d he say to you?”

Miranda sought Carly’s eyes for support. “I’m not ready either, Fannie.”

It had been Miranda’s idea to have Jason pick Carly up at Fannie’s. She’d planned to attend church with Fannie and work on their patterns afterward. She told Carly she was going to break the news that Fannie’s matchmaking efforts had been a wash. Carly supposed this was one way to do it.

“Now behave yourselves.” Carly went to the door and invited Jason inside.

After the introductions were made—including Cocoa—they took time for a cup of coffee. Seeing the patterns scattered on the dining-room table, Jason asked Fannie about her project.

“I create quilt patterns. Miranda can take what’s in my mind and put it on paper.”

“You were doing fine with that before I came along,” Miranda replied.

“You’re good inspiration for me. Anyway, it’s just an old woman’s dream.”

Carly explained, “Auntie wants to get a pattern book published. She’s had some appointments with publishers and come close but hasn’t closed a deal yet.”

Jason examined some of the patterns on the table. “I think your dream is valid. These are beautiful. Once they’re copyrighted, they’d make awesome framed artwork and calendars. Even stationery.”

Aunt Fannie’s face beamed, gazing at Jason as if he were better than Texas sheet cake. He also praised Miranda, reminding Carly how wrong her first opinion of him had been. He was generous with acknowledging other people’s gifts and encouraging them. His real personality was upbeat. As he and Miranda bent their heads over a design, the stars in her friend’s eyes almost made her chuckle.

“Thanks for sharing Carly with me today.” She broke from her musing to find him gazing at her with admiration. “She’s going to be a hit at the clinic.”

“Everybody adores her at Sweet Life,” Miranda affirmed.

“Jah, you don’t need to talk about me like I’m not here.”

They laughed, and he regretfully admitted they needed to scoot to get to the clinic on time. Cocoa hopped after Carly. At the door, she knelt and patted his head. “Be good.” Then she told Auntie, “Don’t forget to close your bedroom doors and put the chairs up tight against the dining-room table. And remember, he’ll obey his bell.”

“That old rabbit doesn’t know how to behave. Now skedaddle before I change my mind about keeping it today.”