Covered Bridge Charm by Dianne; Christner Read Free Book Online Page A

frequently attracted trouble that spilled over onto those encamped about her, the princess also wore courage like a crown. And he needed courage to break free. He needed it because he didn’t want to hurt Dad or the rest of the family. Was it possible to be independent without hurting anyone? Usually for Carly, it backfired and hurt her, he reasoned.
    Then there was that confounded kiss. It wasn’t what he’d expected, given her reputation. As humorous as she’d intended it to be, it had promised spoils that taunted him daily. She did tantalize, the way her free spirit broke forth into a riot of blond curls and curves that wouldn’t stay confined by plain clothing and prayer caps or rules and regulations. But what if the real spoils awaited him in Nappanee? The stakes were high. He didn’t want to leave any devastation behind. Didn’t want to march forward without certainty and at least one more kiss.
    “Quit daydreaming and help me fold up this table,” Dad grumbled.
    “Sure.” His sisters had already removed the tablecloths, so he lifted the nearest table and folded its legs.
    “Let’s stack them on the truck and haul ’em to the barn. We can return them later.”
    Adam had missed the rental set up, as Dad had sent him to Portland after some farm supplies. “Thanks for the party.”
    “It was your sisters’ doings.”
    As far as mechanics went, Adam and his dad worked like a well-oiled machine. It was almost like one was an extension of the other. If only their minds could sync the same way.
    “What’s the deal with the Blosser woman?”
    “We’re just friends.”
    “Then why’d you flaunt her in front of everybody and treat her like your girl?”
    They slid another table onto the truck’s bed. “What if she was?”
    “Looked like she was playing hard to get. And even if you caught her, what then? You wanna get dumped like Dale?”
    “If I wanted to get her and keep her, I could.” The truth of his own words struck him with knee-buckling force. He possessed the power to sway her. He’d seen the attraction in her eyes, the way she fought a blush. And that’s why he shouldn’t pursue her just to irritate his uncle and dad. The situation was entangled enough already with the thrill of the hunt and the enigma of those dimples.
    “I’m telling you, she’s trouble. If you married her, she’d run all over you. Just like her aunt did when she was married to poor old Bob. Open your eyes and look at what’s going on around you at Sweet Life. Even Simon and I can agree she’s one headstrong woman.”
    “I also possess the stubborn Lapp genes. If I was looking for a wife, I’d be looking for someone with grit. Otherwise, life wouldn’t be any fun.”
    “That kind of fun doesn’t last. Running this tree farm is hard work and stressful. When you marry, you need somebody to fit in and make life easy for you at home.”
    “I love Mom, but a different type of woman interests me.”
    Roman softened. “Jah, your mom’s a good woman.” He drew out a hanky and rubbed the back of his neck. “Listen, Son. I’ve been thinking about that talk we had. That nonsense about Nappanee. I’m wondering why you would want to leave just when I’m offering you a partnership in the farm.”
    Adam involuntarily braced himself against the truck.
    “You heard me. I’m offering you a partnership. I think sixty/forty’s more than fair.”
    “Dad.” Adam straightened. “I wasn’t expecting this.”
    “Why not? It’s your birthday, isn’t it?”
    Though Roman rarely expressed his emotions, Adam could see his pleasure. Moved by his father’s gesture of approval, he shifted to initiate an awkward embrace. “Thanks, Dad. I don’t know what to say.”
    Roman patted his back, then released him. “Jah. Say, Jah.”
    “Of course. This has been my dream.”
    “Mine, too. We’ll change the sign to read F ATHER AND S ON .”
    Adam thought about the Lapp’s Tree Farm sign at the farm’s entrance. Happiness