When Rebecca looked up, she imagined arranging her favorite flowers. Gardenias. Irises. Tulips. Baby’s breath. As she envisioned the soft pastel colors, she could almost smell the light, sweet fragrances. See the green stems.
Maybe God had planted a purpose behind her dream. How could she serve Him and at the same time, fulfill her hopes? All at once, an idea came to her, and she sat up a little straighter.
A smile lifted her lips as she thought of the cheerful bouquets she could deliver to those who suffered. People like Daniel. She could do arrangements for those in need of cheer and kindness. Individuals like Beth, yearning for strength and peace.
Poor Beth. Rebecca certainly couldn’t work miracles, but there must be a way to show support for William’s stepmom and let her know she wasn’t alone. A way to make Beth fully aware that God was there for her and assure her that she would survive this most difficult time.
Rebecca frowned. This wouldn’t be easy. As she focused on her mission, she suddenly realized how very little she knew about Beth. She lived in a beautiful home, loved her husband, and she made Rebecca feel comfortable; but what were her strengths? Her fears?
Beth believed in God. That was definitely her strongest point. Rebecca recalled the scripture about God being an ever-present help in trouble.
As Rebecca’s dream flitted in and out of her thoughts, more details came to light. She envisioned a Christian floral shop.
Taking a determined breath, Rebecca decided to try her hand at her first project. And Beth would be the recipient. Her smile grew when a second idea popped into her mind. She would attach a short Bible verse to the plants. That would allow her the opportunity to show God’s love through beauty and scripture.
Rebecca put down her book and swung both feet off the bed and onto the carpeted floor. The more she considered her idea, the more eager she was to start.
She possessed very little cash, but there was surely enough money to purchase a simple vase. Better, maybe Beth had one in a cabinet. Tomorrow, Rebecca would look.
As far as inventory, she was in luck. During her walk in the woods, she had noted numerous wildflowers and cattails. Without a doubt, there were possibilities right in their backyard.
She took her diary from her hope chest and began writing. As usual, she jotted the date. Then she put her pen to paper.
I can’t wait for tomorrow. Because I know my second goal. It’s to brighten the world of people in need, with flowers. Suddenly, I feel like I have a greater sense of purpose. The bishop’s request has inspired me to think more of others. I’ll start with Beth.
*
July sixteenth was a day to celebrate. As William stepped outside of the house, he considered his father’s sudden improvement. The doctors were encouraged. In fact, they had given William’s dad orders to start light chores.
The house was decorated with banners of bright, colorful ribbon. The tantalizing aroma of pot roast floated through the house.
Rebecca’s first floral arrangement was next to Daniel’s bed. William had taken in the earthy smells of the colorful blooms that would certainly cheer anyone.
The news had brightened the Conrad home. William had never seen anyone as excited as Beth. She cried with relief every time someone mentioned her husband’s unexpected progress. Her eyes had taken on a special light of happiness.
William darted a glance at Rebecca working in her garden. He stepped closer so they were within talking distance. He waved to get her attention.
“Dad and I are going for a walk. Want to come along?”
Rebecca smiled and gave a firm shake of her head. “I’d love to, but I’ve got work to do.” She motioned to him. “Go on. I’ll take a rain check.”
William nodded in acceptance. He darted her a mischievous grin and glanced back at her. He knew her too well. She could come if she wanted. But his instincts told him that she refrained to allow him bonding time with his dad.
He shoved his hands deep into his pockets. Rebecca always thought of him. But William wished she’d join them. He still wasn’t at ease with his father. For some reason, the father-son chemistry just wasn’t there. Still, he yearned for it.
As William considered his business opportunity a pang of guilt welled in his chest. He ached for Rebecca as much as for himself. Did he deserve her?
Next to him, his father complained. “I don’t know how they expect me to do this.”
William took his dad’s arm and urged him forward. Obviously, Daniel wasn’t the best patient. And William wasn’t accustomed to telling him what to do. However, under the circumstances, he’d have to take the lead.
“Remember what the docs said. Walking is the key to recovery. Heart patients who follow their doctor’s orders come out winners. You’re fortunate you’re well enough to do this. And it’s not like it’s a lot to ask. Not today, anyway.”
“Easy for you to say. It might not seem like much. But you haven’t had a heart attack.”
William rolled his eyes. “We won’t go far.” He stopped and squinted as he glanced down the road. “How about if we try and make it to that milepost?”
William motioned to the wooden post some distance ahead. The stake was on the Conrad property line.
Daniel frowned. “Do I have a choice?”
William shook his head.
“Everyone’s telling me what to do these days. I make my own decisions.” Daniel pointed a finger in the air and took small steps forward. “You’re forgetting I’ve run my own company for years. A successful business, too. I can take care of myself.”
“I know, Dad.”
“Speaking of business, how is the Kreggses’ order?”
William’s lips lifted into a wide smile. “Finished. And they’re happy.”
“Glad to hear it. I want to keep Henry satisfied. That man runs every committee in the city. He’ll bring me more work down the road.”
“That should be the last thing on your mind right now. Concentrate on getting well. Without your health, you can’t do anything.” He paused. “It’s great to see color back in your cheeks.”
Their arms brushed as they continued. In the distance, a car turned onto a dirt road. A cloud of dust stirred and then slowly dissipated.
“I broke my back for this company. And heart attack or no heart attack, I’m not going to watch my efforts go down the tubes. You won’t let that happen, will you?”
William lowered his voice. “Of course not, Dad.”
“Keep it going for me. I’m counting on you, son. Soon, I’ll be back to work. And you’ll be my partner.”
That last statement prompted William to bite his tongue. He considered the impact a partnership would have on him and Rebecca. What should he do?
His father assumed that he would commit. But William hadn’t said one way or the other.
Obviously, Daniel was already counting on it. Initially, the offer had excited William. But he wasn’t sure if Rebecca would move away from her family.
His dream of being a part of his dad’s life had seemed about to materialize. It was what William had yearned for, for many years. But the more time he spent with his father, the more William realized how very distant their relationship was.
In fact, William wasn’t sure he wanted to spend huge quantities of time with his dad. It was important to be accepted by him; yet William questioned if they could ever be close. They didn’t have much in common.
To William’s chagrin, the man next to him seemed cool and aloof. Of course, he didn’t feel well. William took that into consideration.
As William glanced at his dad in his peripheral vision, he let out a small sigh. He prayed to make the right decision. There was no need to say anything to worry him. On the other hand, William couldn’t afford to offer him false hope.
If that happened, the disappointment in the end would be even worse. William suddenly realized that his father was waiting for him to say something.
When he spoke, William’s tone was gentle but firm. �
��I’m flattered by your offer, Dad. I really mean that. And I’m giving careful thought to it. There are things to consider before I let you know.”
Irritation edged his dad’s voice. “What’s there to think on, son? I’ve offered you everything I’ve worked for. I’m handing you your inheritance on a plate.”
An uneasy sensation trickled down William’s spine. The last thing he wanted was an argument. Especially since his father was finally making progress.
William had never confronted such a situation. His mind drifted to Aenti Sarah. He imagined discussing the partnership with her while she worked on her quilt. How would she suggest handling this dilemma?
Unfortunately, no answer came. William was grateful for the tractor that interrupted them. As the driver waved, William and his dad stepped to the side of the road to allow the red machine to pass.
He yearned to talk to Aenti Sarah. He wanted to ask her if it was fair for his dad to expect his answer to be yes, when his dad hadn’t been around during the critical years of William’s life. He was sure her answer would be no.
A tense silence ensued as they continued their walk. In the distance, the sun took on brilliant colors. The hues were so rich, William was sure even the best artist couldn’t capture them.
But he couldn’t change the past. And he certainly didn’t want his dad to suffer a setback. He tried a conciliatory tone. “I’d love to be partners. But it’s not my decision alone. Rebecca and I are considering it. Her happiness is important to me.”
The lack of response told William that his dad was disappointed.
William spoke tactfully. “I’m flattered you’ve asked me. But moving out of state is a big decision for both of us. We’ve always planned on living around her family. And you know Aenti Sarah and Uncle John … They’d miss me. Aenti Sarah counts on me to help her out.”
“But I’m your father. And Rebecca’s the type of girl who would want what’s best for you. At first, she might be shy to the idea, but eventually she’ll come around.” He paused. “A woman’s place is with her husband, son. She’ll be okay. Besides, Illinois is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Indiana.”
William chuckled. “Not by horse and buggy.”
“Get a license.”
“I thought you wanted me to stay Amish.”
Daniel paused. “I did. But now it’s time to think of me.”
Chapter Ten
The following morning, Rebecca smiled as the light floated gracefully in through the large kitchen skylight. She blinked at the bright ray.
The creamy white walls took on a different shade. The dark grain in the granite countertops sparkled.
Rebecca figured the warm feeling in her heart was due to two things. She’d always loved the natural warmth from the sun and the way it lifted her spirits. The sun was God’s way of telling her He’d take care of her.
But today, there was another reason to give thanks to the Lord. The doctors believed Daniel was on the upswing. He wasn’t running marathons. Nor was he back in the shop.
But they were convinced that in the near future, Daniel would return to what he loved to do. Rebecca prayed that would be the case.
In the meantime, she would continue helping the Conrads. The housekeeper would be back from vacation next week. It was nice having Daniel home in more ways than one. William was more upbeat and confident. And Beth’s smile was back on her face. She was more talkative and positive.
As Rebecca scooped a large helping of scrambled eggs from a skillet and slid them onto a plate, William appeared in the doorway. For a moment, she glanced at him before focusing on the job at hand. “Morning.”
“Morning.” He came up behind her. “Did Beth hire you to cook?”
She shook her head. “I volunteered. She’s with Daniel. I’m giving her a hand.”
William’s eyes sparkled with affection. His expression alone could give her all she needed to make it through the day. She didn’t doubt that William’s love could get her through the toughest storm.
She put down her spatula and faced him. Joy emanated from his eyes. Since they’d been in Indiana, she’d missed that sparkle.
He held her at arm’s length. “I haven’t thanked you enough for your efforts.”
Rebecca dipped her head. The pleasure’s mine. And I think I’ve benefited as much as your folks. I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
Curiosity edged his voice. “Oh?”
She motioned to the table. “Let’s sit down and enjoy Katie’s fresh eggs. I’m starved. And if we don’t eat right away, breakfast will get cold.”
As they drank orange juice, William asked, “Tell me what you’ve learned.”
Rebecca peppered her eggs. She returned the shaker to the middle of the table and smiled in satisfaction as she took a bite and swallowed.
“I’m more open-minded.”
“You mean you’ve accepted the way my folks live?”
“Yes. Is it for me?” She shook her head. “But it’s fine for them. I make it a point not to judge others.”
She let out a breath. “What I’m trying to say is that I’ve been exposed to a much different life than my own. But that’s a good thing, William.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because meeting new friends and exposure to different ways are healthy. As a result, I’ve grown emotionally and intellectually.”
When she looked at William for a reaction, he didn’t respond.
“Oh, William. There’s so much to tell.”
He glanced at the clock on the wall and winked. “I’ve got time.”
Rebecca turned toward him as she spread grape jelly on her whole wheat toast. “For starters, God chooses people of all faiths to serve Him.”
“Are you talking about Beth?”
Rebecca gave a decisive nod. “Beth is a good wife to Daniel. She doesn’t practice her faith like we do, but that’s okay because their church has different …” Rebecca pursed her lips as she searched for the right word.
“Guidelines?”
She nodded.
“That makes sense. And they have a great life.” William grinned. “I’ve thought a lot about Uncle John and Aenti Sarah. They’re missing out.”
“William!”
“Even you’ve admitted there’s nothing wrong with different practices. I’m sorry, but it won’t be easy going to bed every night without watching ESPN. And air-conditioning helps me sleep better.”
Rebecca tried to find her voice. She couldn’t.
“Rebecca, I know how strongly you feel about our faith. But surely you could get used to this.”
Rebecca’s heartbeat picked up speed as she contemplated the comment she’d pretty much expected.
She looked down, hoping to drop the subject.
But he persisted. “Think about it, Rebecca. You’ve confessed your love of Beth’s Whirlpool.”
Rebecca took a last bite of eggs, but no longer tasted them. “I admit to enjoying these comforts. But like I’ve said, underneath it all, I’m a loyal Amish girl at heart. I can’t betray everything my parents taught me.”
The smile on William’s face dropped. “It all boils down to how we’re raised, doesn’t it?”
Rebecca pondered the statement and shrugged. “Perhaps. But, William, practicing faith takes discipline.”
“I guess I’m starting to wonder why Aenti Sarah can’t enjoy Beth’s conveniences. If they both believe in God, what makes it wrong for my aunt to have an easier life?”
“I can’t answer that, William. But it takes a strong person to do what he thinks is right. Just because we enjoy something doesn’t mean we should have it.”
After a lengthy pause, he shrugged. “You’ve got a point. Being Amish was obviously important to Mom. But look at how Dad changed. And he doesn’t appear to regret it.”
“I can’t speak for Daniel. I can only tell you how I feel. I understand why you want your aunt to have it easier. There’s no better woman than Sarah. I admire her for
being who she is.”
Rebecca and William regarded each other in silence. All of a sudden, they burst into laughter.
“Just listen to us,” William said.
Rebecca grinned. “Next time we’re that serious, we have to eat Martha Wagler’s pie!”
They laughed.
Afterwards, they sat in silence. Again, the same conflict haunted Rebecca. She knew William loved his aunt. That he would give her the world if he could.
“William, don’t forget your roots. They’ve made you what you are.”
“You’ll join the Amish church, won’t you?”
She gave a confident nod. But inside, she shook like a leaf. Both she and William had been hit with the same bullets when they’d come here.
Rebecca’s faith had grown stronger. However, the transition had caused William to question his. Rebecca had to do something. But what?
“I’m only happy with you, William.” She lowered her voice to a more confidential tone. “Do you still want to marry me?”
“Of course.”
“Even if my dream is to raise an Amish family?”
“Yup. We’ll live in Arthur with your folks. Like we planned. Rebecca, I want you to be happy. There’s nothing more important to me. And if that means moving back home”—he shrugged—“then so be it.”
His admission should have eased her mind. But she wasn’t at all relaxed because in her heart, she knew William really preferred to live like his father.
She cleared her throat. “What about Daniel? Have you given him an answer?”
He hesitated. “Not yet. He still wants me to be his partner.”
“And you’d love that.”
William nodded. “But like you said, we can’t always have what we want. I’ll give that up for you.”
If Rebecca deprived him of joining Daniel, how could she justify her selfishness? Would God approve?
“William, I’m torn.”
He stretched his legs. “I know. And I feel guilty for putting you in this position.”
She reached over and laid a gentle hand on his.
He scooted his chair closer. “I wish this had never happened.”
“What?”
“Dad’s heart attack. Leaving Arthur. I would have been better off to never have seen how he lives. Then I wouldn’t be tempted.”
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