Rebecca's Reward

by Lauraine Snelling

  But the chair was empty, and Mischief had been put back inside. She crumpled. No one knew her better than Gerald. And if she couldn’t have him, then she would be an old maid like she’d said so many months ago. But did she really want to marry someone who could die from malaria? First, when she was a little girl, a couple of babies had died, leaving her mother so sad, and then her mother grew big with disease inside her and died when Rebecca was nine. Her father died later of a broken heart, and the bull gored her brother Swen. The people she loved most died. Was she asking for more of the same thing in thinking of loving Gerald in spite of his misery? A burst of anger flared. Why had he ever made her realize she loved him, then? I was happy just being best friends. How do we go back?

  As if she had any choice in the matter now. She returned to the store with a wooden smile pasted on her face. She couldn’t even escape to Bismarck, because Penny and Hjelmer were coming home.

  The next evening, after she’d replayed the conversation for the sixteenth time, she realized he had said he couldn’t marry. He’d not said he didn’t love her. He didn’t want her to watch him being ill and maybe die. But wasn’t that her decision to make? She paced back and forth.

  Since she no longer had to go out to the farm every night, she walked next door to what used to be the dress shop. Miss Christopherson had given her the key several weeks ago. She unlocked the door and entered the one-room shop. Empty. Down to the bare floor and walls. The first step would be to paint the walls and floor. That would brighten it up considerably. She wanted to paint the outside too.

  “Exploring the new shop?” Toby Valders asked as he stepped through the doorway.

  “Yes. Now that Penny is indeed going to come back to the store, I will take over this space.”

  “It’s not very big.”

  “No, it isn’t.”

  “You’ll need a counter with work space behind it.” He moved and motioned a line about a third of the way from the back wall. “Here?”

  “About. I know that I’m going to need a refrigeration room eventually, but I hoped to build it later as an add-on. For now I’ll need a box to keep ice in so the canisters can stay cool.”

  “What else?”

  “I ordered two small round tables with four chairs. I’d like to put up two booths: one in each front corner.”

  “A table attached to the wall with benches on two sides? High backs?”

  “Yes. Have you seen such a plan?”

  He nodded. “That will really take up all that area. You want display shelves on the walls? Mirrors?” He turned to look at the work area. “You’ll need cabinets and shelves for glassware. Running water will be important.”

  “Running water? We don’t have running water here in Blessing.”

  “We will soon.”

  “Penny had running water and an indoor privy and bath at her house in Bismarck.”

  “Thorliff said we’re going to be building them a new house. Fast. They are ordering a Sears and Roebuck house. If you want help with this, we can do it in the evenings.”

  “I can’t afford to pay much for help.”

  “Who said anything about pay? After all, it’s all in the family.”

  “What?” Rebecca stared at him as if he’d lost any sense he’d ever had.

  “Well, you know, when you and Gerald get married and—” He stopped.

  She kept shaking her head. “Gerald told me he has no intention of ever getting married. That the malaria keeps coming back all the time, and it would be too hard on a wife and family. Besides—” She stopped. Why was she telling Toby all this?

  “Besides?” He made beckoning motions with his fingers.

  “Besides, he doesn’t really love me, at least not enough.”

  Toby burst out laughing. “He’s loved you for years. You gotta make sure he knows how you feel, you know?”

  “Lead him on? Your mother already says I am too forward, improper, and silly. You want to hear the rest?”

  “No. Ignore her. She means well. I just let it go right on over my head. Like a river flowing around a big rock.”

  “But it’s different with Gerald. The malaria and all.”

  “True. And he’s too kind and considerate for his own good. I just took him his supper. Why don’t you go on over and visit with him while he eats.”

  “I can’t. That wouldn’t be proper.”

  “You two are entirely too concerned with proper.” He studied the room again. “We’ll start with painting. Surely you can run an account at the store, especially since you manage it.”

  “I-I guess.” She followed him out the door and locked it behind her. “Thank you, Toby.” Right now she could have flown right over the building. Someone else had offered to help, just as if she were starting on it in the morning. Or rather the evening. And the way Toby talked, Mrs. Valders was not nearly as much of an obstacle as she’d thought.

  “You’re welcome. And don’t worry about Gerald. He’ll come around. That is, he will if you really want him to.”

  She pondered that comment. Of course she wanted to marry Gerald—didn’t she? This was obviously another time when she really needed to pray. And get definite answers.

  36

  SUNDAY MORNING AS REBECCA packed a basket for a picnic after church, she heard a light knock at the back door. She gulped as she realized it was Gerald.

  Inviting him in she caught a look in his eyes that she wasn’t sure she’d ever seen there before. “What? Is there flour on my face?”

  “You’re beautiful.”

  She knew it wasn’t heat from the oven that suffused her face. “Gerald, what’s come over you?” She fanned herself with the dish towel.

  “I think my eyes have finally been opened.”

  Could he see her heart about to leap out of her chest? She fanned again and started to say something, but nothing made sense.

  “I was going to wait until after church and take you for a walk along the river, but I’ve waited so long that now I just have to say it.”

  “Say what?” If this was what faint felt like, she realized she’d better sit down.

  “Please, Rebecca, I’ve loved you forever, and I want you to marry me.” The words almost ran together, he spoke so fast.

  She looked at him, then away and then back again. “Did you say marry? I thought you didn’t want to get married, ever.”

  “Can a man not change his mind?”

  “Depends on the reason why.” She forced the words out despite her thoughts screaming at her. Why was she hesitating now? Say yes!

  “Fair question after our last conversation. I began to realize that I was hiding behind my own selfish fears. I didn’t want to love you so much and then have to leave you if I died. I told myself I was being unselfish, but really I was protecting myself from pain.”

  Rebecca forced back the tears gathering in her eyes. “What made you change your mind?”

  “Toby.”

  “Toby?”

  “Toby asked me if I could still live in Blessing if another man married you. He told me to go see Sophie. So I talked to Sophie.”

  “Sophie?”

  “I asked her if she had known what would happen to Hamre, would she still have run away to marry him. She answered quite vehemently that love is too precious to waste a drop. You grab it by the tail and give it a good whirl and rejoice in every minute together. She said, ‘I wouldn’t have traded a minute with him. Garth and I feel the same way now.’ “

  Rebecca smiled, wishing she had heard that conversation.

  “So, the question is: Will you marry me?” He covered her hand with his while his gaze held hers captive.

  If one could drown in another’s eyes like a romance story she’d read said, she was there. Marry you? Of course I’ll marry you. She glanced down to see his fingers stroking the back of her hand. Turning her hand over, she clasped his fingers in hers. “Gerald Valders, I will be delighted to marry you.”

  “Thank you, God.” He tipped
his head back to look heavenward.

  Mischief rubbed up against Rebecca’s skirt. The robins sang in the trees.

  All the world was singing. She leaned forward, he leaned forward, and they met in the middle, lips soft on lips. When her eyes drifted open again, she smiled. “I have one question.”

  “ What is that?” He traced the curve of her cheek tenderly. “What?”

  “Will we live with your parents?”

  “Absolutely not. But I think you’re in for a surprise there too.”

  “Nothing can be more surprising than this.”

  The church bell began to peal. “Shall we?” He offered her his arm.

  As they neared the church, Mr. Valders came up to meet them. “A very wise decision. I can’t think of anything better.” He kissed Rebecca on the cheek while Astrid looked on dumbstruck and then went into the church.

  Rebecca held on to Gerald’s arm a little tighter. “They know already,” she gasped.

  “Well, they knew I was going to ask. I made it quite clear.”

  “And your mother’s response?” Rebecca looked around nervously, expecting an attack.

  “I’ll admit she was struck silent for a moment.” Gerald smiled. “But then she said, ‘I’ll need to get that receipt from her. It was quite good.’ “

  Gerald laughed at Rebecca’s expression. “I told you there were more surprises.” He leaned over and gently kissed her again. “Let’s go in and thank God together for His mercies.”

  Rebecca nodded and, with flushed cheeks, entered the sanctuary to the smiling faces of family and friends. She and Gerald would be getting married! She wanted to run to the front and shout it to the entire congregation. In spite of all their doubts and questions, God had worked it all out. Lives could and did change. Even Mrs. Valders. An unexpected thought struck her as she sat down on the bench beside Gerald. She would be a Mrs. Valders. As the opening hymn burst forth, she took in a deep breath and stood, singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.” Only you will make this all come out right. “All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.” Especially me.

  EPILOGUE

  Late June 1903

  COULD LIFE GET ANY more splendid than this?

  Rebecca searched each inch of her soda shop to make absolutely sure there was not one thing out of place. The dishes were polished to a sparkle, the floor was painted in black and white diamonds, the mirrored walls on one side reflected the shelves laden with gift items on the other. Red-and-white checkered tablecloths adorned her two round tables, while a band of red-and-white diamonds decorated the backs of the two booths. She’d hoped to add another table and chairs, but Penny had encouraged her to leave room for customers to wait to be helped at the counter.

  She turned at the tinkle of the bell that Gerald had hung over the door. Her heart leaped at the sight of his dear smiling face as he entered.

  “Is everything all right?” He paused and surveyed the shop, mentally checking off the last-minute finishes. “The place looks great.”

  “What did you think of the sign?” She motioned to the banner outside that shouted Grand Opening.

  “Everything is just right.” His smile deepened. “Like you.”

  Her heart skipped a beat this time and then took off running. Could eyes kiss? It felt so to her. He slid his arms around her and rested his chin on her forehead. Her arms circled him as though they’d finally found a home. Tomorrow was the day. A wedding in the morning, and the party here at the Blessing Soda Shoppe afterward. The women of the town already had their spare tables and chairs set up under the trees in the back. The coming wedding and grand opening had been the buzz of the town for the last weeks.

  The only thing that didn’t get done was the permanent sign that would eventually match in lettering the new one on Penny’s store: Blessing Soda Shoppe, next door to Blessing Mercantile. Penny had decided that her business needed a new name and a new look to cancel out the memories of the last few months.

  “I love you, you know,” Gerald whispered, his breath tickling the curls she’d so carefully arranged about her forehead.

  “And I you.” She leaned back in his arms. “I can’t begin to tell you how much.”

  “We have a lifetime to do that.”

  She nodded and reached up to plant a kiss on his smiling lips. Brazen is what Mrs. Valders would call her, but right now Rebecca no longer cared. After all, even Mrs. Valders was coming around. She’d called Rebecca Dear at church last Sunday, an event that had caused more than one set of raised eyebrows.

  “There is now a real door that closes,” he said as he took her by the hand. “Come, I’ll show you.” He led her out the back door of the soda shop. Since Penny had invited Rebecca to live in the store for as long as she wanted, they had decided a door, instead of a curtain, between the store and their home would be a good thing. And Hjelmer was working on that now.

  “How are the two lovebirds?” Hjelmer asked as he slammed another nail in the doorframe.

  “Excited.” Rebecca looked up at Gerald. “Your turn.”

  “That’s a good word. Mine needs whole sentences.”

  “Well said.” Hjelmer stepped back from his job. “Guess I haven’t lost all the skills my father taught me.” He examined his hands. “But I sure need to toughen up some. Working in an office means blisters when you take on real labor. Sure feels good to be home.”

  “Rebecca?” Sophie’s voice came from the soda shop.

  “Back here behind the store.”

  Sophie came around the corner in such a rush that her skirt billowed behind her. “The girls are all at the boardinghouse waiting for you.”

  “Oh.” Rebecca looked up at Gerald. “I forgot.”

  “You go have your party. I have things that need to be finished. I’ll see you tomorrow at the church at ten sharp.”

  “Yes.” His calm confidence helped still her butterflies.

  The next hours passed in a whirl. The party where they all burned their lists. Spending the night at the boardinghouse at Sophie’s request, waking to sun streaming in the window and a tap at the door.

  “Your bath is ready,” Miss Christopherson announced.

  “In a real bathtub?”

  Sophie had remodeled parts of the boardinghouse with inside plumbing, hot running water, and a bathtub that she could sell tickets for.

  When Rebecca had luxuriated long enough in the water, Ingeborg and Astrid were there to help her dress in a gown made for her by Miss Christopherson. The cream fabric set the fire in Rebecca’s hair to flashing. She smoothed down the front with gentle fingers. Never had she owned such a fine garment.

  “You look so lovely,” Ingeborg said. “I just wish your mother was here to see you.”

  Rebecca nodded, then dabbed the tears away with the tips of her fingers. “Me too.”

  “The buggy awaits,” called a male voice from the hallway.

  Rebecca hugged Astrid first, then Ingeborg. “How can I ever thank you for all you’ve done and been to me in my life?”

  “You needn’t worry. That’s what family is for.”

  “They’re ready inside,” Haakan said moments later as he helped her out of the buggy at the church. “There’s not an extra square inch of space in there.” He kissed her on the cheek and whispered, “Your mother and father would be so proud of you.”

  Knute waved from the door. “Come on, or you’ll be late to your own wedding.”

  Haakan tucked her arm through his, and the two of them mounted the steps, where he handed her to Knute and said, “I give you your father’s blessing this day and forever.”

  Rebecca nodded, her throat too full to speak. She blinked and then took the handkerchief he offered to wipe her eyes. “Thank you.” She sniffed once more and gave her elder brother a watery smile. “I’m ready.”

  Dorothy peeked her head out the door. “Hurry, so we get this done before Adam wants to eat again. I just nursed him, but all we need is a screaming baby in the mi
ddle of a wedding.” She heaved a sigh and, after handing Rebecca her bouquet, kissed her on the cheek. “He’s up there waiting for you.”

  Haakan held the door for Knute and Rebecca. The piano picked up the wedding hymn, and Dorothy started down the aisle, Sarah scattering flower petals in front of her.

  Rebecca inhaled the fragrance of flowers, those in her bouquet and those decorating the church. Gerald and Toby stood at the front of the church, the smile worn by the groom bright enough to light the building, even without the aid of the sun streaming in the windows and setting a halo of light around his head.

  Rebecca rolled her lips together to keep the tears at bay. While she knew everyone along the aisle was smiling at her, she could see only Gerald, her best friend and soon-to-be husband. When he took her hand, his smile promised the love he’d spoken.

  “Dearly beloved …” Pastor Solberg started the ceremony with the beautiful age-old words. They sank into Rebecca’s heart and mind. Dearly beloved. Dearly beloved by the man beside her, by her parents who waited in glory, and by God himself. Dearly beloved. She promised within herself to let Gerald always know he was her dearly beloved.

  As the service progressed, they gave their vows, both clearly, both promising to love and to cherish. Gerald stared deep into her eyes as he slid the gold band onto her finger. To love and to cherish. Dearly beloved.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Gerald, you may kiss your bride.”

  Rebecca’s cheeks wore roses as she and her husband turned to face the congregation. Everyone stood as Mrs. Solberg hit the keys again, this time in a joyful song, and they marched back down the aisle.

  “The party will begin at the Blessing Soda Shoppe as soon as our women get everything set up,” Pastor Solberg told everyone. “The Lord bless and keep us all under His mighty arms. Amen.”