Chapter Thirteen
A galaxy of stars sparkled outside of Rebecca’s bedroom window. With the lights off, she gazed at the beautifully decorated sky and considered some of her conversation with William. Old Sam had once told her that serious issues weren’t resolved overnight. Rebecca wondered just how long hers would take.
She thought of William and squeezed her eyes closed a moment. When she opened them, she realized just how much she really loved him. How badly she wanted him to turn down Daniel’s offer.
But the decision had to come from William. Otherwise, he would have regrets the rest of his life. And how could they have a happy marriage with that on his shoulders?
Rebecca’s gut ached as she thought of Katie and what she’d done. But something even more disturbing weighed on Rebecca’s mind.
If William accepted Daniel’s offer, she’d have to decide whether or not to live with him in Indiana. There had been plenty of time to consider the invitation, but putting it off wasn’t the answer. Her decision wouldn’t be any easier tomorrow. Or next week.
Now was the moment to make up her mind. When she and William had talked this evening, the subject hadn’t come up. Perhaps William assumed that she would be with him whatever he decided.
Rebecca flipped on the light before reaching inside of her hope chest to pull out her diary. On the floor, she leaned back against her bed and recorded the date on the top right corner of the page.
Soon William will decide whether or not to join Daniel in his business. If he says yes, I’ll have to make the biggest decision of my life. Whether or not to live in Indiana.
Rebecca squeezed her lids closed a moment. When she opened them, tears burned her eyes. I’m still unsure of what I’ll say. However, I am certain of two things.
She sniffed back a tear and sat up a little straighter. She bent her knees and rested her notepad on her thighs. I want William to join Daniel. At the same time, I yearn to live forever in my beloved little town where I will grow old with my family.
She paused and pressed her lips together in thought. Maybe William will decide to forfeit Daniel’s offer. She shook her head sadly. When he tells me he accepts, what will I say? Is it possible to give him what he wants without sacrificing everything that’s important to me?
The questions she’d written were potent. So strong, she put down her paper and pressed her hands together in prayer. With every ounce of hope, she spoke. “What should I do, Lord?”
In silence, she asked Him over and over to help her make the right decision. Finally, she sighed with relief. God would tell her what to do. She had no doubt about that. But when?
She continued with her diary. I’m guilty of impatience. And right now, I wish my faith were stronger.
She stood and returned the journal to her hope chest. As she closed the lid, she traced a finger over one of the flowers Old Sam had carved into the wood. At the thought of him, she smiled a little. She wished she had his wisdom. His experience.
Letting out a yawn, she returned to her bed, where she opened her prayer book and flipped through scriptures. She attempted to apply the Biblical verses to her life. She said a silent prayer for Katie and asked God to help William forgive Daniel and Beth.
As Rebecca got comfortable, Katie flitted in and out of her thoughts. Rebecca kicked the covers down to the end of the bed, wiggled her toes, and thanked God that she was safe.
But what would she tell William should he accept Daniel’s offer?
She imagined the happy expression on William’s face if she told him she’d make her home with him in Indiana. At the same time, she pictured her mother and father’s sad, teary eyes when she explained to them she was leaving for good.
The thought of hurting her parents prompted an ache in Rebecca’s gut. The pain became so intense, Rebecca rolled onto her stomach and closed her eyes. As she tried for a solution that would please everyone she loved, a tear slipped down her cheek. More followed.
Before she knew it, she was crying her heart out. What seemed an eternity later, she caught her breath. She sat up and grabbed a tissue, sniffled, and composed herself.
As her gaze landed on the delicate-looking cover of her mother’s handmade book, she realized that the only place to find her answer was in those verses.
Turning onto her back, she picked up the book and focused on the scriptures. The answer she needed was here. She knew it. She just had to find it. The fresh scent from the green-blue eucalyptus leaves on the bed stand helped her relax. The cool night breeze floated in from the window screen.
An hour later, Rebecca read the last sentence, closed the book, and glanced up at the wooden blades of the ceiling fan. The slow whirl made a faint whistle.
As she enjoyed the airy ambiance, Rebecca thought how ironic it was that she’d finished Mamma’s book just as her stay in Indiana was coming to an end.
Now that she was out of danger, she didn’t really need to leave. But her instincts told her that it was time to go home and regroup. And it would be to her benefit. Having the security of her family would help her think more clearly.
Perhaps a different environment was what she needed to find her answer. It was important to clear her mind so she could make the biggest decision she’d ever made.
At the thought of her homecoming, she sat up. She couldn’t wait to see her family. To catch up on the news.
It was up to her to put to rest any rumors about her becoming English. It was indeed her sole responsibility to reassure her parents. And she would. Soon.
As she thought of being without William, a lump formed in her throat. She sat very still and recalled a verse from the book of John. It had been printed in her mother’s neat hand on the very last page of the book. In a low, thoughtful voice, she repeated it.
“‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never go thirsty.’”
A sense of calm flowed through her body. She finally had the answer she’d so desperately sought. It was in that very scripture and her mamma’s neat printing.
Whatever Rebecca decided, she would be okay. So would William and her family. Because God would take care of them. He would help her make the right choice. Her Savior knew what William sacrificed if he stayed in Arthur. At the same time, her Father in heaven was fully aware of what she forfeited if she moved to Indiana.
Why on earth had she worried so much over something that was really up to God? The question prompted her to let out a small laugh. She pulled the book to her and held it close to her chest.
She ran her hand over the cover. As she touched the soft fabric and the colorful stitches, she imagined Mamma making it. Whatever happened, God had blessed Rebecca with the best parents in the world.
They had instilled in her everything they believed in. All that was important and all that they wanted Rebecca to know. Most importantly, they’d made sure she knew God was in charge of her life. With those strong values, how could she go wrong? Rebecca moaned satisfaction as she realized what a lucky girl she was.
A smile tugged at her lips. Why had she fretted so about making the much-thought-over decision when it really wasn’t hers to make? She’d been carrying the burden on her shoulders when all she’d had to do was give it to God.
She recalled the verse about the footprints in the sand. From now on, there would be only one set of footprints. God’s. He would carry her the rest of the way.
Suddenly, the heavy load of stress she’d lived with evaporated. She was more at peace with herself than she’d ever been.
Filled with renewed contentment, she lay on her pillow and pulled the covers up to her waist. The breeze coming in through the window was soft and caressing. Crickets chirped. The gentle night sounds were music to her ears.
She let out a deep breath while her hand lingered on the cover. Mamma’s book had become Rebecca’s security blanket. Her Christian guide on how to face challenges in a new, uncertain world.
At that moment, she k
new what to tell William should he decide to accept Daniel’s offer. She pushed out a decisive breath and turned onto her side. The covers felt soft against her toes. The breeze coming in from the window would lull her to sleep.
And sleep, she would. Tonight she went to bed with no worries, even though tomorrow would be a big day.
*
The next morning, Rebecca sat across from William at the breakfast table. Beth reached for the salt and pepper shakers, and Rebecca watched Beth’s gold bracelet slide down her wrist as William talked with excitement about the fishing trip he and Daniel were planning. Rebecca smiled.
Beth salted her scrambled eggs. Daniel was asleep in his room. “I’m glad we don’t have to worry about you anymore, Rebecca. What a load off of my mind.”
Beth shook her head. “I still can’t believe Katie was behind those nasty threats. I feel responsible for what happened.”
William swallowed a bite of ham. He frowned. “Why would you even begin to think you’re to blame for what Katie did?”
Beth glanced up and gave a helpless shrug. “If you’ll remember, I introduced Rebecca to her. Call it poor judgment or whatever you want. My intentions were good. I thought I was helping Rebecca find a friend.”
“You’ve known Katie for some time, haven’t you?” He downed the rest of his orange juice.
Beth nodded. “I obviously didn’t know her as well as I thought I did. I’ve bought eggs from her for years. Over time, we’ve had our fill of chats. She always seemed like such a sweet, responsible girl. I never had any indication that she would threaten anyone. My goodness, who would have guessed she would cause us so much worry?”
Rebecca’s gaze drifted from William to Beth. “You certainly can’t take the blame. It was just one of those things we never expected.” She smiled. “But it’s over. And we can relax. Thank God.”
“Thank God,” Beth echoed.
Rebecca stood to refill the pitcher of juice. Silence ensued while they ate scrambled eggs. The only sound was the clinking of silverware against china plates.
Then Beth said, “Rebecca, now that we know you’re safe, there’s really no reason to leave. You’re not in danger. Won’t you stay longer?” She paused. “I confess that my reasons are purely selfish. I’m going to miss you.”
Rebecca smiled. “Thank you, Beth.”
“I’m appreciative for what you’ve done. What you and William have accomplished together is nothing less than a miracle. But most of all, I’ll be grateful forever for the emotional support you’ve given me during this most difficult time.” She lowered her voice. “You are an angel.”
Rebecca’s heart warmed. She loved to be appreciated. With a slight nod, she said, “Being here has been a wonderful opportunity. And I’ll miss you, too.”
Rebecca buttered her croissant. “But it’s time to go. My parents need me. I’m afraid they’re going through their own crisis.”
Beth looked at her to continue.
“They’re suffering from the wrath of the grapevine.” She winked.
Beth giggled. “You mean, the town has labeled you English?”
Rebecca nodded. “Oh yes. Gossip spreads like wildfire. I’d love to come back and see you and Daniel. But my next visit will be after I reassure everyone at home that I’m still going to join the church.”
The doorbell sounded.
Beth looked up. “Hmm. I wonder who that is.”
William chimed in. “Could be the grocery service.”
Beth shook her head. “Not today.”
As Beth got up from her chair, Rebecca stood and put a gentle hand on Beth’s shoulder. “Sit down and finish your breakfast. I’ll get it. It’s probably a neighbor checking on Daniel.”
Rebecca stepped quickly. What a relief to answer the door, knowing her life wasn’t at stake.
As usual, she looked through the peephole. Taking a deep breath, she slowly pulled the handle and stood face-to-face with Katie. The girl held a large white box in front of her. Conflicting emotions tugged at Rebecca as she struggled for something to say. At a loss for words, she glanced behind her, where Beth and William stood and regarded each other in silence. The sun shone in through the skylight.
Rebecca faced Katie and forced a half smile. “Gut morning, Katie.”
Katie’s eyes were filled with uncertainty. “Morning, Rebecca. May I come in?”
Rebecca motioned toward the kitchen. “Of course.”
“Thank you.” She glanced toward the living room couch. “I’ll set this package down, if it’s all right.”
Rebecca nodded.
As Rebecca and Katie walked into the kitchen, William got up out of his chair and came toward them. Without a word, he signaled for Rebecca to step back as he squared his shoulders and stood directly in front of Katie.
Rebecca stood behind William as he looked down at Katie. He spoke in a firm voice. “You’re not welcome here. You have no right to set foot on this property.”
He motioned toward the entrance. “What you did was incomprehensible. How can you live with yourself? I want you to leave right now.”
To Rebecca’s surprise, Katie squared her shoulders defensively. “Please. I didn’t come to make trouble.”
Beth joined them. Beside William, she put her hands to her hips. “Katie, you’ve caused us so much worry. William’s right. You should go.”
Katie didn’t budge. She swallowed. “I know. But my conscience won’t allow me to leave this house before I tell all of you how deeply sorry I am for what I did. I’m here to apologize.” Katie nearly choked on her words.
William stepped forward again. This time, he walked past Katie to the entrance, where he opened the door and motioned outside. The only sound was the low tone of the air conditioner. Katie’s eyes glistened with moisture while she looked helplessly at William, then Beth.
Rebecca nodded to William. “Let her have her say. It’s okay.”
William frowned and tapped his foot.
Katie darted Rebecca a look full of regret and sadness. “I owe you another apology, Rebecca. I’m so ashamed of my actions. What I did was terribly wrong.” She cleared her throat. “You were a good friend to me, and I betrayed your trust.” She squeezed her eyes closed, then opened them and shook her head sadly.
“I wish I could undo what happened. You’re the most forgiving person I know. If you’ll give me another chance, I promise I’ll be the best friend you’ve ever had. I never meant to hurt you. Honest.”
William’s voice shook as he spoke. “Katie, do you have any idea what kind of stress you’ve put us through?” He waved a hand toward Daniel’s room. “My father suffered two heart attacks. To make matters worse, we’ve had to worry about Rebecca’s safety.”
Katie nodded. “I don’t know what came over me. I was a terrible person and am sure God will punish me. I’ll understand if you don’t ever want to see me again. But before I leave, please accept this gift, Rebecca. I want you to have it.”
Katie walked to the couch, lifted the oversized box, and handed it to Rebecca. “Obviously, this can’t make up for what happened, but accept it as an apology. I wanted to give you the nicest thing I own, to let you know how genuinely sorry I am.”
With a teary good-bye, Katie waved and made her way to the door. William nodded in satisfaction.
As soon as Katie had one foot outside, Rebecca stopped her. “Katie?”
“Yes?”
With a relaxed smile, Rebecca motioned to the box. “You came all this way to give me this gift. Aren’t you going to watch me open it?”
Katie let out a sigh of relief. Standing still, she glanced at William and Beth for approval. Finally, Beth waved a hand. “Go ahead. I’m curious now.”
Rebecca darted a skeptical look at William. As their eyes locked, a concerned crease made its way across his forehead. His jaw was set. Not sure what to do, Rebecca’s heart beat nervously.
But she was certain of one thing. In her heart, she had forgiven Katie. That admission f
illed her spirit with immense happiness.
But Katie hadn’t convinced everyone in the room of her remorse. Rebecca eyed William with suspicion. Unusually quiet, he looked on in disapproval. Rebecca wanted him to be comfortable with her decision to let Katie stay. If he wasn’t …
Finally, he rolled his eyes. “All right. Who am I to think I can win against three women?”
Rebecca whispered, “Thank you,” and he responded with a quick nod. Rebecca focused her efforts on the package and placed it on the floor. The gift was too large to hold for long. “What on earth could be inside?”
As Katie grinned, Rebecca muttered. “It’s big. But it’s so light.”
Bending, she removed the lid and laid it on the nearest armchair. Thin white tissue paper protected the contents. With great care, Rebecca removed the present. She put a hand on her chest and gasped in surprise.
“Oh, Katie.” With Beth’s help, Rebecca gently unfolded the beautiful quilt and laid it over the back of the couch for display.
“That’s got to be the most gorgeous work I’ve ever seen,” Beth said, running her hand over one of the corner handkerchiefs.
In awe, Rebecca studied the unique work that represented Katie’s family. “This is the project you did with your grandmothers’ handkerchiefs?”
Katie nodded proudly.
Rebecca eyed the delicate piece. As she did so, joyful tears stung her eyes as she thought of the work Katie had invested and the heritage behind it.
Rebecca gently touched one of the handkerchiefs and looked up. “They’re far from ordinary.” She glanced back down. “In fact, they’re exquisite.”
“They are.”
Suddenly, Rebecca remembered the auction and put a hand over her mouth in astonishment. She recalled Katie’s comment that it would be extremely difficult to part with the quilt because of the unique connection to her ancestors. Indeed, Katie’s gift to Rebecca was much more than something appealing to the eye. It was a family heirloom.
Taking the material by a corner, Rebecca turned to Katie. “Thank you for this, Katie. But I can’t accept something so special. You made this to raise money for the new school. That’s what it should be used for.”
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