Plain and Fancy by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page B

his hand on her elbow, she realized his touch was something she could easily become accustomed to. “The buggy’s fine with me.”
    Eli helped her into the left side of the gray, box-shaped buggy, then went around to the driver’s side.
    “Where are we going?”
    “The farmers’ market is open today. I thought maybe we could go there.”
    “That sounds like fun.” Laura glanced over at Eli. Her heart felt light, and she was content just being with him, so it didn’t really matter where they went.
    “How come you’re not selling your wooden things there today?”
    “Because I’m here with you.” He grinned and gathered up the reins. “I don’t rent a table every week, and it will be fun just to look around.”
    She smiled. “Maybe I’ll get some more decorating ideas, too.”
    When they entered the farmers’ market a short time later, Laura noticed a host of people roaming up and down the aisles. “The rain didn’t keep anyone at home today, did it?” she whispered to Eli.
    “Nope, it sure didn’t.” He motioned to a table on their left. “Let’s start over there.”
    Laura noticed several people staring at them. What a strange-looking couple we must make: Eli dressed in his plain Amish clothes, and me wearing designer blue jeans and a monogrammed sweatshirt. “Well, let them stare,” she murmured.
    “What was that?” Eli asked, as he moved close to a table where a man sold small wooden windmills.
    “Nothing. I was talking to myself.”
    Eli let out a low whistle as he picked up one of the windmills. “Finely crafted—jah, very nice.”
    “It is nice,” Laura agreed.
    “Are you hungry? Want something to eat or drink?” he asked when they finally moved on.
    “No, but if you’re hungry, I’ll drink a diet soda and watch you eat.”
    Eli gently pinched her arm. “A diet soda for someone so skinny?”
    “I am not skinny. I’m merely trying to keep my figure.” Eli’s ears turned red as he looked her up and down. “Your figure looks fine to me.”
    Laura giggled self-consciously. “Thanks for the compliment, but for your information, this shape doesn’t come easy. I have to work at staying slender, and that means watching what I eat.”
    Eli raised his dark eyebrows as he continued to study her. “One so pretty shouldn’t be concerned about gaining a few pounds. Mom’s pleasantly plump, and Pop says he likes her that way.”
    “You’ll never catch me in any kind of plump state—pleasantly or otherwise.”
    “Someday you’ll meet a great guy, get married, and have a whole house full of kinner. Then you probably won’t even have a figure, much less have to worry about keepin’ it.” Eli chuckled and steered her toward the snack bar at one end of the market.
    “I told you, I’m not hungry.”
    “Oh, sure you are.” He sniffed the air. “Don’t those hot dogs and sausages smell good?”
    She wrinkled her nose. “They smell fattening to me.”
    “If you ask me, you’re way too concerned about your weight.”
    “I don’t recall asking you.”
    Eli jerked his head as though he’d been slapped. “Maybe today wasn’t such a good idea after all. Might be better if I take you back to Paradise.”
    “No, I don’t want to go back.” Laura clutched at his shirtsleeve. “I’m sorry if I sounded snappish.”
    They had reached the snack bar, and Eli turned to face her. “Our worlds are so different, Laura. I’m plain, and you’re fancy. I see things differently than you do, and I’m afraid it will always be so.”
    Laura shook her head, her eyes misting with tears. “We’re just getting to know each other. It will take some time for us to understand one another’s ways.” She smiled up at him. “I can teach you things about my way of life, and you can teach me more of the Amish ways.”
    “I already know all I need to know about the English ways, but if you’re still wanting to know more about the Amish way of life, I’m willing.” Eli motioned to the snack