by Annie Boone
He finally put his fingers under her chin and tilted her face just a little. He looked deeply into her eyes and then lowered his lips to hers. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back. In this one kiss she felt the disappointment over losing him and waiting for him to come back simply float away.
“I hadn’t planned to woo you back in the middle of your shop,” he said when the kiss was over. “I was going to invite you to supper and apologize to you then. I was hoping you’d accept my invitation, but I didn’t know.”
Hope smiled up at him. “I’ve been waiting for you. For this. I don’t care that it was here or that it was unplanned. I’m just happy.”
From the night in the shop when they had their first kiss things moved quickly. Hope and Andrew did have dinner that week. They discussed their business relationship and their individual visions for what could and should happen next with The Gilded Goose.
They discussed the next steps in their courtship, though not much dialogue was really required here. The way they looked at each other was just about enough. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her even to eat his meal.
“I can’t stop looking at you,” Andrew said.
“You don’t have to stop,” she replied. “I like it. I don’t know if you know this or not, but I’ve never had a beau before. Well, not really.”
“You must have only met boys who don’t think properly, then,” he laughed.
“The closest I came to a suitor was Jimmie Reynolds. We went to grade school together. He was a year older than me and he called me names during recess.”
“Sounds like he had serious intentions toward you. It’s a shame you moved away.”
Hope laughed. She had such fun with Andrew. His easy going nature and sense of humor put her at ease. “Yes, well, the name calling is losing it’s charm after spending time with you.”
“I’m honored to help you see a different point of view.”
Even though everything had happened fast, once she and Andrew found their way back to each other, it felt right to them. Others may not understand, but they didn’t care. Their time together had been brief before their split, but deep down Hope always trusted that some way they’d find each other again.
They’d parted because of his desire to marry a Godly woman and her need to find her way back to God. That journey helped her see that Andrew was the man that God had sent to her. She had prayed fervently that he would recognize the changes she’d made and realize that she was, indeed, the kind of woman he wanted. In her mind, that time was part of the fabric of their relationship. She felt closer to him now than she had on the day she’d turned to walk back to her house.
During her restoration period, she vowed to always rely on her faith in God to steer her. She had been doing that in her work, relationships, and her wait for Andrew to return. This plan was working nicely. Her shop was growing, her relationships with her family were better than they’d been in some time, and Andrew had definitely returned. God was good.
One Sunday afternoon Andrew and Hope took a drive through the countryside just outside the city limits of San Jose. The autumn leaves were about to fall and the colors were inspiring.
Hope had started attending church with Andrew in San Jose. She was determined to become a contributor in the congregation instead of just an attender. This was difficult to manage sometimes since it was almost an hour’s drive from Aaron’s estate into the city. Hope had stayed with Nannette and Frank a few times, but she felt like she was imposing on them.
As they enjoyed the scenery and each other, Hope reflected on her happiness and how she’d changed in the past few months. She felt refreshed and renewed every day. Her work was challenging and fulfilling. The addition of Andrew as a companion was a blessing.
“I love having you at my side,” he said. He reached for her hand and smiled serenely. “This place is breathtaking. The leaves are colors I wouldn’t believe existed if I hadn’t seen them. But I’m sure your eye for color can imagine each hue in a sophisticated ball gown.”
She smiled and nodded. “Oh, indeed. I would love to find fabrics in each of these shades to create from. The inspiration would definitely come from the colors. And, dear Andrew. I love being near you, as well. The little bursts of creativity that come when we’re together are ones I treasure.”
He stopped the carriage beneath an umbrella of autumn leaves in their brilliant red and orange glory. When he turned to her, she instinctively knew what was about to happen. That didn’t spoil the moment when it did come, though. She closed her eyes briefly and then looked at him closely. She wanted to remember every detail of this time.
Andrew reached over and took her hand. “Hope, I know our time together as a couple has been somewhat short. At least compared to other courtships, anyway. I feel like we’ve grown even during the time we weren’t together.”
She nodded, but remained silent and allowed him to continue.
“I’ve fallen madly in love with you. I think I did the very first time I saw you. I don’t know if that’s really possible since love is so much more than physical attraction. But please believe that you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. I treasure all that is you. Your face, your smile, your heart, and your faith.”
Hope smiled and held back her emotions. She didn’t want to cry, even though her tears would be of joy, not sorrow. She stroked his hand lightly as she waited for him to continue.
“What I’m trying to say, is that I love you. Hope, you are everything to me. I want to be your partner and your husband. In business, and in life. Will you marry me? Please?”
No flowery words were required. A simple answer would be perfect. “Yes,” she replied.
When he kissed her this time, it felt different. The others had been kisses of hope. This kiss signified a promise of a lifetime of joy.
Their wedding day arrived at last. Hope woke early on that day and began getting ready to be a bride.
She reflected on how far she had come since she’d left Sweetwater Creek. The Gilded Goose had been a triumph she hadn’t done alone. Aaron, Faith, Frank, and even Nannette had supported her dream and helped her make it a reality.
But Andrew was the one who had put his heart into it just like she had. He had encouraged her and worked by her side to build it up to what it was today. She smiled at the fond memories she had of working with him to make improvements and add to their inventories.
Today was all about love, though. She and Andrew were taking vows to love, honor, and cherish each other for the rest of their days. She sighed heavily in happiness and anticipation.
Right then, her door burst open. “Come on, Hope! You’d better get moving!” exclaimed Charity.
“She’s right, you know. You don’t want to be late to your own wedding,” said Faith.
“All right, then. Will you two help me?”
“That’s why we’re here,” said Faith.
Charity nodded. “Where’s your dress?”
Hope pointed to the closet and the primping and fussing with all the buttons began. Hope had made her wedding dress with ivory silk and buttons imported from France. Frank had made a special order for her the same week that she accepted Andrew’s proposal. She began work on it the same day the fabric arrived.
It was the grandest dress Hope had ever designed or sewed. She felt like a princess when she put it on and she hoped Andrew would see that her heart went into making this dress for their special day.
She walked into the main room of the cottage and her mother gasped when she saw her. “Hope, you are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” She looked over to Faith apologetically.
“No offense taken, Mama. Hope is a lovely bride. Andrew is going to be speechless,” said Faith.
“I’m so relieved that you’ve chosen a God fearing man,” said Helen. “He had me worried at first that maybe his views weren’t in line with ours. I see now that he is going to make a fine head of the household and a father who leads his
family in the way of the Lord.”
Charity winked at Hope and the sisters shared a knowing smile.
“Aaron’s waiting in the carriage for you, Hope. And he’s got two more carriages hired to take the rest of us to the church.”
The couple had decided to get married in the church in San Jose. It was the church they attended every week and it seemed an appropriate choice even though it was further from home than was convenient.
The ride would take just under an hour. Hope’s mind was on the ceremony that was about to happen. She and Aaron didn’t talk much on the drive, but when they were almost there, Hope spoke reverently.
“Aaron, thank you. You’ve been the most wonderful brother-in-law to me. I love you dearly and I’m so blessed to have you walk me down the aisle today. My father would be pleased that you’re his stand in.”
“I wish your father were here today. I’d love to have met him. His imprint is on each of you girls even though he missed out on much of your growing up years.”
They pulled to a stop in front of the white washed church building. The tall steeple stood out against the azure blue sky as she gazed up. Hope’s heart was full as she tucked another special moment away in her treasure chest of memories.
As the procession started and Hope began her walk down the aisle on Aaron’s arm, she caught the first sight of her wonderful husband-to-be. Andrew Fenton was absolutely perfect and Hope couldn’t wait to become his wife. She was more sure than ever before that this was the path that God wanted her life to take. She finally felt like she was in the center of God’s will.
The couple stood side by side at the alter in the sanctuary. In front of God, the parson, and their family and friends they took their marriage vows.
“I now pronounce that you are husband and wife. What God has joined together, let not man -” Parson Anderson’s declaration was cut short when Andrew grabbed his wife and kissed her. The pastor chuckled good humoredly and continued. “Mr. Fenton, you may now kiss your bride. Again.”
Hope woke up early on the day of their first anniversary. She was reading her Bible at the kitchen table when Andrew came into the room.
“You should have woken me,” he said in greeting.
She smiled. “Will you ever stop being grumpy in the morning?”
“Probably not. Thank you for tolerating all my flaws.”
“It’s been a tough road, but maybe I’ll decide to stick with it for another year. Happy anniversary, my love,” she said.
He smiled, scratched his head, and shuffled over to her. As he leaned down to kiss her forehead, she reached up to place her palm on his stubbly cheek.
“I don’t know how I managed to talk you into marrying me, but I’m really glad you gave in,” he said. “Happy anniversary to you, too. I love you, you know.”
“Let me finish this passage and I’ll fix us some breakfast,” she said.
A few minutes later, Hope was bustling around the stove. Eggs and bacon with fried bread would be on the table soon.
When they sat down to eat, Andrew said a quick and meaningful blessing over the food. “Our Father, we come to you today with full and thankful hearts. Through your love and mercy we found each other. I’m so thankful to have Hope as my wife and partner in this life. She is my balance and my encouragement. As we sit down to this meal, thank you for this food and all you provide for us. Amen.”
“Amen,” added Hope.
“So, my dear, we start our second year of marriage. I’m more than blessed to have you in my life. I have news that I hope you’ll be happy about.”
“News? About what?”
“About Marcum Products. Possibly The Gilded Goose.”
“Oh? Let’s have it.”
“Frank and I have been thinking of opening a branch office in San Francisco. To be near the port. Also, the city has many customers that would benefit from local representation. So, I think we should move there. Before you get alarmed, nothing is decided. I’d never make that kind of commitment to Frank without your approval.”
“What about my shop? I know San Francisco isn’t that far away, but I couldn’t commute to San Jose every day. That would be too much,” she answered. A frown furrowed her brow even though he could see she was trying to have an open mind.
“I thought of that and I think I have a solution. We’d keep this house and get a small apartment in San Francisco. Or a house, I don’t know. We can just see what we need. You can open a second Goose in San Francisco.”
“Oh, I don’t know, Andrew. That would be an awful lot to manage. I’m not sure I could do it.”
“You could if you hire a manager for the San Jose shop. Then you could check in on it once a week or so and focus on the big picture. Well, and getting the second store up and running. You know you have the means to do it. The Gilded Goose has become quite profitable. Keeping the house in San Jose would give us a comfortable place to stay here until we know for sure where we should be.”
“I’ll think about it. Can we talk about it later? Not today. We need to get ready for church and then celebrate our anniversary this afternoon. There will be time this week to discuss this new venture.”
He nodded. “Of course. I just talked to Frank yesterday and I wanted to get your opinion before I go further with him. Tomorrow is good. Or the next day. Today is just for us to enjoy together.”
Later as Hope sat beside her husband in the same church they had been married in exactly one year ago, she thought about what was to come. Her habit was to look back and reminisce when she was feeling emotional or moved. Today, it felt appropriate to look to the future.
She knew she should be listening to the sermon. Parson Anderson had probably studied long and hard to prepare it, but her mind was wandering. To San Francisco and the possibilities.
The future was unfolding and she wanted to take every step with Andrew. If he wanted to move to San Francisco, then that’s what she would do. Supporting her husband was her main responsibility and she wouldn’t take that lightly.
She looked over expectantly at Andrew and squeezed his hand. When he looked back at her she nodded. She wasn’t sure he realized that her nod was a “yes” to San Francisco. He squeezed her hand back and leaned over to whisper. “Thank you. You won’t be sorry. I promise.”
Hope smiled at her husband and felt deep contentment. Her decision to stay in San Jose had been the right one. Her proof was sitting beside her and her future was with him in San Francisco or where ever God led them.
The story continues with Charity, the youngest sister.
Charity Gives Her Heart
Annie Boone
The Parson’s Daughters Series
Book Three
Hope’s wedding reception was so sweet and beautiful. Everyone from the ceremony stayed and enjoyed the delightful cake and fruit punch. Charity eyed the table of food and drink and felt a jolt of pride. This had been her wedding present to her sister and Andrew. Her new brother-in-law!
She’d worked tirelessly on the decorated cake so it would be fresh and delicious and stunning. Apparently, she’d achieved her goal because the wedding guests were going back for seconds. Hope would be so happy about that.
Just their second year in San Jose and she had two brothers-in-law! She loved them both. They’d been loving and kind.
Charity was about to go see what Joseph and Sally were up to when someone bumped into her. She almost dropped the plate in her hand so she turned to see who it was. She knew everyone at the wedding, so she was surprised to look into unfamiliar eyes. Blue eyes. The brilliant color of cobalt.
“Oh, I’m sorry, sir,” Charity said. “I didn’t mean to be in your way.” She smiled at the young man who had just about knocked her over. He looked embarrassed.
“It wasn’t your fault,” he said. “I probably wasn’t paying attention.”
“It’s all right,” she replied, smiling at him. She was about to turn and continue to what she was about to do, but something about him cau
sed her to stay where she was. “I’m Charity. Charity Barnesdale.”
He smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Charity Barnesdale. I’m Eli Smallwood.”
“Smallwood? Are you related to Parson Smallwood from our church?”
“I am. He’s my father,” replied Eli.
“How wonderful! I didn’t know his son would be here. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Eli.”
“And you, Charity.”
“I thought Parson’s son was older. And he didn’t mention that you’d be visiting. Oh, um, not that he is required to mention things like this, um, well you know what I mean.” Charity blushed as she realized she sounded bossy or gossipy. She was neither of those things and she didn’t want to send the wrong impression to this man. This very handsome young man.
Eli laughed. “I thought he might keep my plans to help out to himself until I was actually here. I arrived yesterday. He’s giving me a chance to do some work with him to build on my education from Bible College. So, I’m a parson, too, though I’m just out of school.”
“You went to school to be a pastor?” asked Charity. She’d never heard of such a school.
“Yes, back east in New York. It’s a new school. I was in the second class to graduate. It’s a new concept in church leadership. I believe it will catch on, though it’s still important to feel called into this ministry. Or at least that’s the way I believe,” he answered.
“I believe one should be called by God to this sort of work, as well.” Charity smiled brightly at him. “It’s nice to know that you feel called to share the Gospel. What will you be doing with your father at the church?”
“Probably all the things he doesn’t want to do,” Eli chuckled. Then he sobered, realizing the image he may have painted of his father. “I mean, um, I mean things that will help the congregation that he doesn’t have time for. Things like outreach into the community.”