The Caregiver

CHAPTER 24





Calvin noticed his gloves were caked with mud when they were already halfway to Wal-Mart. As he kept a firm hand on Beauty, while waiting at a stoplight, he couldn’t help but stare at the worn leather: The gloves were stiff and uncomfortable; tiny bits of dirt flew off of them each time he clutched the reins. Truly, he should have cleaned them before the drive. Why was he just now noticing their state?

“Calvin. The light has turned,” his mother gently prodded.

After making sure no cars had run the light, he motioned Beauty forward.

“You seem more quiet than usual today. Is something wrong?”

“Nothing of importance.”

“How is the plowing coming along?”

“About the same as ever. Slow.”

“Perhaps the rain will come soon. We could use it.”

“It would be a blessing,” he mumbled, suddenly recalling how much he’d hoped for an end to the storms when he’d traveled east on the train.

“Calvin, I was hoping that after we shop we could have lunch together.”

He had hoped to get back home and help Loyal clean the plow. Loyal had taken over the plowing when he’d left, but Calvin knew it would take both of them at least two hours to wash it up and the other farm implements.

“If you’d like to have lunch, then we shall. Where would you like to go?”

“To Applebee’s.”

“No Amish cooking for you, hmm?”

“I have had more than enough Amish food in my house, Calvin. I’m looking forward to their pasta.”

“Well, I could have some of that. Or Mexican food, maybe?”

As he’d expected, his mother’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes. I read about green enchiladas in a magazine the other day. Doesn’t that sound interesting?”

Personally, the only green food Calvin trusted was a vegetable. “Enchiladas do sound interesting . . .”

“Did John take you to lots of restaurants in Indianapolis?”

“He did. Katie’s favorite was an ice cream parlor. They had thirty-one flavors there.”

The expression of wonder on her mother’s face was almost comical. “Oh, Calvin. What were some of the flavors?”

Her comments were enough to make him smile for the last twenty minutes of the trip.

When they reached Wal-Mart, he helped her out of the buggy, then motioned her forward. “Mamm, I’m going to stay out here for a while. Take your time, though.”

She faltered. “You sure?”

“Positive. I’m going to try to clean up my boots and gloves a bit,” he said as an excuse. “If I went inside with them like this, they’d surely leave a trail of mud wherever I went.”

“You might have a point about that. Calvin, going out caked in mud isn’t like you. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

“All right . . . if you’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

After another curious look his way, she left his side and went into the store. And then Calvin felt like he could finally exhale.

Ever since he’d left Lucy’s side yesterday, their conversation—and the way they’d stood together in silence—haunted him.

Something special was happening between them, something—like the mechanical problems on the train—that was out of his control.

But unlike the train’s malfunctions, this new development between him and Lucy made him feel happy—and long for something more. In their short association, they’d already been challenged. But now things were on track. He couldn’t help but think about a future with Lucy in it.

A future of making her smile.

“Calvin?”

“Hmm?” He looked up, his mind still on Lucy . . . and that dimple in her cheek. Then he froze when he realized Will was standing in front of him. “Will. Hello.” Against his best efforts, Calvin scanned the man who used to be his best friend.

Will stood tall and straight in front of him, his looks as chiseled as ever. But there was a new vulnerability in his eyes.

Slowly, Calvin walked forward. Though he still resented the way Will and Gwen had begun their relationship, he knew they would be crossing paths often. They had to be as civil as possible. “What brings you here?”

Will shrugged. “The same thing that brings everyone else here, I imagine. Paper towels and toilet paper.”

Calvin couldn’t help but grin. More of the anger and resentment slowly dissipated, uncovering the bare bones of their friendship.

Maybe it was intact after all.

“I brought my mother here to shop. You know how much she likes coming here.”

Will grinned. “Everyone knows how much your mother likes this supercenter.” After a pause, Will added, “I heard you went to Indianapolis.”

“I did.”

“And got stuck on the train on the way home?”

“You heard correctly,” Calvin replied, then waited. He knew Will’s tic in his cheek well. He had something on his mind and he was figuring out a way to say it.

“So . . . you ever plannin’ to forgive me for keeping company with Gwen?”

“Forgive you for keeping company with her behind my back, you mean?”

“It wasn’t like that.”

“What was it like?”

That muscle in Will’s cheek jumped again. “Gwen and me, we didn’t plan on falling in love. We just did.” Meeting his gaze, Will shrugged. “I didn’t intend for it to happen. I hope one day you’ll believe me.”

Calvin’s pride wanted him to argue and complain. But if he was honest with himself, he knew Will was right. Sometimes love did happen, right when a person least expected it. Just like things had happened with him and Lucy.

As the silence, and the tension, between them grew, Calvin knew it was time to forgive. Making the decision, he held out his hand. “I wish the best for you both.”

Stepping forward, Will shook his hand. “Danke.”

“So . . . I should go find my mother. You know, there’s no telling what she’ll put in her cart.”

Will’s eyes sparkled. “Probably a gut idea.” He rocked back on his heels. “See you at church?”

“Of course.”

After a nod, Will turned around and disappeared through the doors of the store. Leaving Calvin feeling like a load had been lifted from his shoulders. He now almost believed that time really did heal all wounds.