Free A Joyful Break (Dreams of Plain Daughters) by Diane Craver Page A

times have I told you that I love to drive? And Mom doesn’t care for flying anyhow. It must be an Amish thing.”
    “After you two drive thirteen or fourteen hours, I hope you still feel that way. It’s stressful when I drive the buggy. I can’t imagine driving a car on interstate for hours. Too bad Adam can’t go with us and take a turn driving.”
    “Mom, don’t forget to call Adam about Nick tonight.”
    Aunt Carrie’s eyes widened while she stared at Violet. “I certainly hope Nick being around won’t be a problem.” After opening the car door, she scooted out and yelled, “Hello, Marlene. I want you to meet my niece.”
    “Geez, Marlene looks pretty excited.” Violet grinned while flinging a purse strap over her shoulder. “I guess it’s not every day you meet a Plain person.”
    “She’s probably happy you’re home and has nothing to do with me.” My cousin’s still a tease but that’s okay, I love her sense of humor. After Rachel got out of the car, she saw an attractive woman with short black hair, looking older than her aunt, walk quickly into the yard. Rachel stepped around the car to greet her aunt’s neighbor.
    While Aunt Carrie introduced her, Marlene removed a garden glove and extended her hand. “I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you, Rachel. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
    She shook Marlene’s hand and said, “It’s nice to meet you too. Thank you so much for letting us stay at your beach house.”
    “I hope you’ll have a lovely visit and have fun at the beach.” Marlene gave Violet an affectionate look. “I bet you’re happy to be finished with finals.”
    “It’s a huge relief. And I can’t wait to relax and soak up some sun.” Violet hugged Marlene. “How’s my second mom?”
    “I’m doing great.” Marlene kept an arm around Violet as she turned toward her. “Rachel, I happen to have four sons, and Violet’s like a daughter I never had.” She laughed. “Besides, Violet needs two mothers to keep her in line.”
    “Violet’s blessed to have two wonderful women who love her.” She liked Marlene and thought how fun it must be to live next door to this delightful lady with four sons. “You’ve had your hands full. I have three brothers so I know what it’s like to live with boys.”
    Aunt Carrie walked to the back of the SUV. “I got a shoofly pie, cheese, bread and noodles for you. Let’s take it to your house.”
    “Thank you. Everything sounds yummy.” Marlene watched Aunt Carrie remove the items of food from the cooler. “That’s nice Scott might finish up with his committee work early, so he can join you in Florida.”
    They were getting their bags out of the car when Aunt Carrie almost dropped the pie. “What? That’s news to me.”
    A flash of surprise crossed Marlene’s face. “I thought you knew. Greg called Scott about something this morning, and he told him then. I bet he’ll call you this evening. He probably didn’t want to interrupt your visit and your drive home.”
    Aunt Carrie sighed. “Adam’s bringing a friend too. So much for our quiet girls’ week.”
    Her daed wouldn’t like too many English around her during her stay at the beach. But she loved her Uncle Scott and it would be nice to see him again. She had a feeling that her uncle wouldn’t be a problem for her daed , but Nick at the beach house was another thing. When Samuel calls tomorrow night, I might leave Nick out of the conversation. If Daed becomes worried, he’ll give Samuel permission to take a bus to Florida. That will not help me in my time away from Samuel and family to make my decision whether to join the church.
    * * *
    Rachel left the guest bedroom to join Violet in the living room. She looked forward to watching a movie with her cousin. She’d been surprised to learn that her parents had seen this house. They’d stopped once after they went to an Amish wedding in Lexington. She and Peter had been too young to babysit and their