Anna was just heading out to her car in the parking lot at the information center when Mart pulled up. He got out and waved to her. “I was hoping to see you, Anna.” He came over. “How’d it go with Charlotte?”

“Wonderful. Her style is different than yours, but I really enjoyed the tour. I learned a lot from her, too.” Anna went on to say how delightful the British couple had been, sharing some of their customs, including the various times the English took tea during the day. “I didn’t let on that I prefer coffee.” She laughed.

“Right?” Mart nodded, chuckling.

The wind whipped up, and Anna placed her hand on her Kapp to secure it. The sun had disappeared behind a large cloud, and the scent of rain was in the air.

Mart glanced at the darkening sky, then at her. “I was wondering, would you like to have supper with me at Miller’s Smorgasbord tomorrow evening?”

She smiled, glad he was welcoming her in this way—a good opportunity to get further insights into local spots of interest to tourists. “That would be nice, sure.” She offered to meet him at the restaurant, and he agreed. Best to drive separately since we’re merely co-workers, she thought, not wanting to give him the impression she was reading too much into his invitation.

“I’ll look forward to it,” Mart said, then arranged for a time to meet. “It will be great to get to know you better, Anna.”

She smiled again, still holding on to her Kapp in the gusty wind. “Denki for inviting me.”

After an early supper, Anna left in a heavy rain for Bible study at church. There, while the rain pattered against the church windows, she sat with two sisters, Heidi and Eleanor Denlinger, who said their aunt owned a candle store in Kitchen Kettle Village. They invited her to drop by the shop sometime, indicating they could give tourists a short tour. Anna made a mental note to visit soon, although she knew this particular candle shop was not on the list of suggestions the information center had provided. Even so, she liked Heidi and Eleanor and looked forward to going to a party with them after Sunday night church. Heidi, the more outgoing of the two, hinted that she would introduce Anna to their brother, Lester, at the get-together open to courting-age youth.

Anna’s response stuck in her throat—she hadn’t anticipated being set up. When it rains, it pours, she thought, then chided herself. She did want to meet solid Christian young men, so she finally agreed to go along with Heidi’s wishes even though Mart had invited her out for supper tomorrow night. Anna would continue to pray earnestly for God to lead her in the right direction.

Momentarily, she thought of Atley Brenneman. No more unpleasant surprises for me! And no regrets, either!

Chapter 11