George’s inheritance of a B&B in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country left a lot for George and Amelia to discuss over a meal of roast beef that neither of them were terribly hungry for.
The Froggy Amish B&B had a fun mix of modern conveniences like electricity and wifi, and Amish fixtures like a wood stove in the kitchen, and a milk cow in the small barn outside. In fact, there were three cows, a horse, and a solitary rooster named Ronnie.
“What about my job, George?” Amelia asked. “I love editing for Patricia Johns, and I don’t want to give it up. She and I have done so well together, and the thought of handing that editing over to another frog is just heartrending.”
“The B&B has internet,” George said. “You could do Zoom calls and talk on the phone. I’m sure you could manage to work long distance. Besides, think of the research you could help her with by living in actual Amish Country!”
“I worry about you, George,” Amelia said. “You love your job at the bank.”
“Well…” George squinted. “I do enjoy it, but it can be stressful, too. Lately, I’ve been wishing I could be home with you and Brigette. Apparently, this B&B is quite successful and it’s booked up through next year. I really think we could make a go of this, Amelia.”
“Imagine raising our daughter with farm animals and Amish neighbours!” Amelia said.
“Imagine wearing Amish clothes! I can have suspenders!”
“Would we?” Amelia asked, wide-eyed.
“My aunt did!”
“That might be fun.” A smile spread over Amelia’s face. “George, I think this could be really good for us.”
They were starting to get really excited about this opportunity, and they chatted about how fun it would be. They even agreed to pray on it together, because it was a really big decision.
“If we both feel like this is a good idea tomorrow,” Amelia said, “I will need to sit down with Patricia Johns and see if a long distance editor-author relationship is possible…”
Amelia needed to talk to Patricia Johns about this new opportunity to run a B&B in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. So she called Patricia on the phone and asked if they could meet for a chat about something rather serious.
“Of course,” Patricia said. “I’m free now, if you’d like.”
So they sat down together, Patricia on a dining room chair, and Amelia on the arm chair with Brigette in her arms.
“Patricia,” Amelia began. “We have a wonderful opportunity for our little family, and we’d like to take advantage of it…”
And the story tumbled out of her. She told about the farm animals, and the success of the B&B so far. She told about the research opportunities, and the chance for Amelia, George and Brigette to have an adventure together as a little family.
“Oh, Amelia,” Patricia said with tears in her eyes. “You have to do it!”
“What about my work with you?” Amelia asked. “Would you be okay if I worked with you long distance? Could we make it work with Zoom chats and phone calls?”
“Of course, we can!” Patricia said. “Amelia, you are a terrific editor. I will be as flexible as I must to keep working with you. I don’t want any other editor. Besides, you’re also my dear friend, and as your friend, I want to see you happy.”
“What about when your get busy?” Amelia asked. “What about when you wear slippers to the grocery store, or when you forget to cook?”
“You forget,” Patricia said gently. “I have Mr. Johns. We’ve been so grateful for all of your help, but I have a feeling that Mr. Johns will be able to step in. You’ll have your adventure with your husband, Amelia, and I’ll have my adventures with mine.”
“Oh, Patricia!” Amelia said with tears in her eyes. “You’d better promise to come visit me!”
“Of course, I will!” Patricia said, and she sniffled. “And we’ll chat all the time on Zoom so I can see your face!”
And Amelia and Patricia Johns clasped each other in a tight hug. A true friend wished for the other’s happiness, even when she would miss her terribly. And Patricia was Amelia’s true and devoted friend.
“Amelia!” George called. “Did you pack my razor?”
“No, George!” Amelia called back. “I’m still working on packing the book pile in the bedroom!”
They would be taking all of their furniture with them, and packing up was turning into a very big job, indeed. Luckily, they had time. George had given his notice at work, and we were steadily preparing for their next big adventure. The pets were getting nervous. The cats just prowled around looking offended and the Rosie the dog stayed at George’s heels constantly. Polly the parrot kept quoting depressing poetry about goodbyes, and Amelia had to reassure Polly that there was going to be NO fond farewells, because Polly was coming with them. Polly was not convinced, though. The only pet that didn’t seem to care one way or another was the fish.
“Amelia, I don’t see my razor anywh–” George started. “Oh, never mind, I found it!”
Amelia smiled to herself. They were going to be lost in a flood of moving boxes for the next while, so they’d better get used to it.
“A fond kiss, and then we sever…” Polly intoned from the other room. “A farewell, and then forever!”
“Polly, you can keep your kisses,” Amelia shouted back. “There is no farewell! You’re coming along with us, and you’ll learn Pennsylvania Dutch!”
“Pucker up, sailor!” Polly shouted back, and she made a loud smooching noise.
Amelia wasn’t sure what that meant, but at least Polly had been distracted from her moody poetry! Today, that was a win!
If you love stories about romance, family, falling in love and Amish Country, you should have a look at my book page. You never know. You might find your next read!
Happy reading!
❤
Patricia Johns 
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