Chapter 8

Chapter 8

I t turned out that Brandt's drum major uniform was a hint of things to come. Two hours later, when everyone gathered back in the large living area on the main floor, almost everyone was wearing some piece of clothing, tag, ribbon, or carrying a bulky, awkward item. One poor woman was carrying a stuffed bird in a cage.

Once again, Tricia was feeling that she'd gotten off easy. All she'd had to do was carry a wreath.

But God was so good. As if He was pleased with their bedraggled group, the general mood lifted after just a few minutes. Soon, everyone was good-naturedly teasing each other about their adventures, mishaps, and the items they had to carry around.

Even Carter was laughing and showing off the crown he was wearing, in honor of "Good King Wenceslas."

Of course, everyone's good spirits might have had something to do with the snacks, hot cider, and trays of cookies that were laid out for all of them. Tricia was yet again amazed by Annie Troyer's scavenger committee. How they'd been able to arrange everything in such a short amount of time was a minor miracle.

When Annie and Abel appeared, looking far neater and cleaner than any of the scavengers, everyone in the room clapped.

"I'm mighty glad each of you made it," Abel said as soon as everyone quieted down. "I know this year's hunt was especially difficult, but each of you came through with flying colors." As he looked around at the ragtag group, the corners of his eyes crinkled with merriment. "Better yet, I betcha some of you made some new friends."

Thinking about Frieda and Carter, Tricia smiled, then met Brandt's gaze. He was standing next to her. And in spite of the fact that he was wearing a smelly band uniform jacket, she didn't want to be anywhere else.

Honestly, it felt as if their relationship had taken a big step forward that evening. Running around the house and grounds, problem-solving, working together, had brought them closer together as a couple—and that was how she thought of them now. There was something about Brandt that felt right. Even though there were many differences between them, they agreed on a lot of things. Best of all, he seemed to be thinking the same thing.

At least, she hoped he did.

As her uncle continued to talk, her mind drifted. She was already dreading the end of the gathering. She didn't want to wait another year to see Brandt in person.

"And so, without further explanation . . ."

"You mean procrastination!" someone near the back of the room teased.

"The winning team is Team Teal. Team Teal, come up, let us see how you are looking, and claim your prize."

Exchanging glances with Carter, Frieda, and Brandt, Tricia shrugged. She knew they hadn't arrived first, but the winners had not only had to return quickly but with all the correct items, too. That was the tricky part. They'd all believed that they'd had a small chance of being declared the winners.

However, none of them seemed all that surprised or upset about not winning, either. That was a blessing.

"Do you know any of them?" Brandt whispered in her ear.

As the winning team walked to the front of the room, she nodded. "Two of the women are friends of my mother's. Another was in school with my older sister, I think. I don't know the Englischer though."

"Are you disappointed that we didn't win?"

"Not even a little bit. What about you?"

"I feel the same." His expression warmed.

Feeling that they were sharing something more than just words, she cleared her throat. "Ah, the scavenger hunt isn't about the prize, anyway. It's the experience."

"All I know is that I wouldn't have traded these last couple of hours for anything."

Tricia felt butterflies flutter. She meant something to Brandt. Something warm and special. Better yet, she felt the same way about him—although she'd been too afraid to admit her real feelings out loud. She smiled at him, and even went so far as to lean toward him before remembering herself.

What was she doing? Allowing herself to care about Brandt could be a recipe for disaster. He lived in the city, she did not. He was Englisch, she'd always assumed she'd be baptized Amish and live in her community forever.

If she chose him—and, granted, there were a lot of steps between their current relationship and the future she was imagining—Tricia would have to leave everything she held near and dear in her heart.

But how could she ignore the way she was feeling?

If she walked away from the man the Lord might intend for her—the man who could make her happy with just a single glance—would she always regret her choice?

Yes. Yes, she would.

Oh . . . what was she going to do?

"Hey, Trish, are you okay?"

Tricia blinked as she focused on the speaker. It wasn't Brandt; it was Mark. She lifted her chin. "Of course."

"Well, then, come on. Everyone is getting in line."

To her dismay, her cousin was right. The room had thinned out significantly. There was also a pile of props and clothes on tables near the door. So much had happened while she'd been staring into space! "Where's Brandt?"

Mark's frown deepened. "Didn't you hear him? He told us he'd meet us on the bus. He had to visit the Porta Potties."

"Oh."

"Yeah, oh," he teased. "What's going on with you? Are you just tired?"

Though that wasn't the problem, Tricia grabbed hold of the excuse. "Oh, jah . Exhausted."

"Take my hand, then. I'm half afraid if I don't keep tabs on you, you're going to wander off and no one's going to be able to find you."

"Don't be ridiculous." But even though she'd made sure to sound offended, she still allowed him to take her hand. The last thing she needed him to realize was that she was falling for one of his best friends.

When they got on the bus, the only available seat left for her was next to Brandt. Mark didn't look as if that had been a coincidence, but he didn't say a word as he moved to his seat in the back.

Moments later, the bus pulled out and the overhead lights turned off. Nestled in the comfortable seat with just the faint glow from the streetlights outside, Tricia was only aware of Brandt. He was warm, and even after running around the dusty house, he still smelled like soap and his aftershave.

"Do you have enough room?" he asked.

He'd moved to the aisle seat when she'd arrived so she could have the seat next to the window. "Of course."

He shifted again. "My mom always complains about sitting next to me on the plane. She says my shoulders get in the way."

Tricia felt like rolling her eyes. As if she was going to complain about Brandt having broad shoulders! "Your shoulders don't bother me none."

"That's a relief."

She could hear the smile in his voice. It made her smile, too. Taking a risk, she said, "I can't think of anything about you that bothers me."

He chuckled under his breath. "I'm relieved, but that's most likely because you don't know me real well yet."

That's what she wanted to do, but admitting such a thing would be more than she was willing to do. "If we get a chance to know each other better, I'll let you know if I find something bothersome."

He chuckled. "I'll look forward to it."

Glad that she hadn't ruined their easy conversation, Tricia allowed herself to rest her head against her seat. Around her, everyone else's conversations seemed to have slowed as well. Perhaps she wasn't the only one ready to go back to the farm. She needed to wash her face, put on a flannel nightgown and take a few moments to rest her mind.

Being in Brandt's company felt at times as if she was playing hopscotch. She was constantly worrying about stepping in the wrong square or fumbling her words during their conversations. Some of the letters she'd written him had taken almost an hour to write. She'd chosen each anecdote with care and made sure never to sound like she was complaining, tired, or stressed out.

You were trying to be perfect for him , a small voice inside her head said.

She kind of was, but not exactly. No, she'd been trying to be a better version of herself. Now that she and Brandt were sharing so many conversations, she didn't have that luxury. And because of that, she seemed to be in a constant state of nervous anticipation.

She didn't know if that was normal or not.

"Hey, Tricia?" he whispered. "You asleep?"

She wasn't. However, for the first time, she didn't think she could handle another conversation with him. So, she kept her eyes closed and gave thanks for the darkness. If he could see her better, Brandt would probably notice her features were too stiff for her to be asleep.

After a second, he exhaled and shifted. His left shoulder edged slightly toward her as he tried to get comfortable. Then, he curved an arm around her shoulders. Holding her securely.

Before Tricia realized what she was doing, she'd shifted as well, and rested her head on his shoulder.

And then, as if her body had finally found the comfort it had been seeking, she relaxed completely.

This is where you belong , she told herself. Even if choosing Brandt meant making a lot of changes and maybe even some growing pains, she realized it would be worth it. She would be happy with Brandt. Happy and secure and loved.

Finally, finally, the internal battle her mind had been waging eased.

At last, oblivion found her.