Beginnings

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

  “Should we go find some water to put those in?”

  “What?” Sean appeared startled; then he jerked the bouquet up as if he’d just noticed it. “Yes. That would be great.”

  “There’s a gift shop on the main floor.” Beth pointed toward the elevators. “Shall we?”

  Sean followed her, and once inside the elevator, he said, “Beth, after we get the vase, can you take some time and ... visit ... with my father and me ... in the lobby?”

  “Your father is here, too?” Beth couldn’t believe the two men would travel all the way from Kansas City to deliver flowers and teddy bears to a woman they’d never met and her newborn children.

  The doors slid open, and they stepped into a bustling hallway. “Yes. I’ll explain later, okay? Right now, let’s take care of these.”

  It didn’t take long to choose a clear, fat vase that would hold the bouquet. After paying for it, Sean said, “Why don’t you take it up to the waiting room? I’ll stay down here and wait for you. My father”—he pointed—“is over there.”

  Beth spotted a man sitting with his elbows on his knees and his fingers interlocked, who appeared to be five or six years older than Henry. She could see a resemblance to Sean in the square jaw and unusual eyes, but the older man’s hair had faded to a dusty peach. Beth wondered briefly if Sean’s hair would do the same given time. Embarrassed by her thoughts, she gave a brusque nod and backed toward the elevator.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  To her relief, her parents hadn’t returned, so she could slip in and out quickly. She left the flowers on the table in the corner and hurried back to the elevator. Her heart hammered, but she couldn’t decide if it was excitement at seeing Sean, nervousness about what his father might say to her since she hadn’t finished the project, or uncertainty about what lay ahead.

  When she approached the two men, they both stood up.

  Sean said, “Beth, I’d like you to meet my father, Evan McCauley. Dad, this is Beth Quinn.”

  Sean’s father held his hand out to her. “Miss Quinn, it’s nice to meet you.” His grip was firm and warm, his expression serious but not intimidating.

  “Likewise, but please call me Beth.”

  The older man gestured to a chair that he had apparently pulled near to create a triangle of seats in the corner. Beth sat, and the two men followed suit. Mr. McCauley assumed the same position she’d seen earlier—hunched forward, resting his weight on his elbows. It made him seem tired and somehow sad, and Beth felt her heart lurch in a sympathy she didn’t quite understand.

  “Miss Quinn, as you know, we had planned to meet with you today at your studio and complete our arrangements to utilize your skills for future projects.”

  Beth’s chin jerked into a brief nod. “Yes, sir, I know.” She didn’t apologize. She had done that on the telephone with him, and she didn’t see the need. Another apology would sound like an excuse, and she wouldn’t excuse her choice. She knew—as difficult as it had been—her choice had been the right one.

  The man fitted his fingers together and stared at his thumbs as he continued. “Before driving to Wichita, we stopped by Sommerfeld. Your employee—tall man, dark hair...”

  “Andrew,” Sean and Beth supplied at the same time. They exchanged a quick glance.

  “Andrew,” Mr. McCauley repeated, “let us look at the incomplete project. It was...”

  Beth held her breath.

  “Amazingly done.”

  Her breath whooshed out.

  Mr. McCauley sat upright. “Even unfinished, the elements of depth were in place. When the piece is complete, it will be magnificent.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Beth glanced quickly at Sean before facing his father again. “Even though you won’t be using it, I plan to finish it. It will go into storage for a while, and then I’d like to use it as the front window for my gallery when I’m finally able to open it.”

  “No.”

  The blunt response took Beth by surprise. “Sir?”

  He shook his head, his brow low. “No, it won’t be available for that purpose. Because we will be purchasing it from you.”

  Beth hadn’t thought her heart could race any faster, but it proved her wrong. It was now a steady hum. “B–but I didn’t meet the contingency. So the contract with you is void. You aren’t obligated to purchase it.”

  “Obligated, no. But interested? Yes.” His heavy brows hooded his eyes, but Beth could see a slight twinkle in their depths. “And it won’t be the last window we purchase from you.”

  Beth looked back and forth between the men, her mouth open in a silent plea for an explanation. Both men held grins that told of a secret yet to be divulged. She turned toward Sean—the one with whom she felt comfortable—and said, “What are you trying to say?”

  Although Sean offered no verbal reply, she was certain she read an answer in his steady gaze. The hum in her chest changed to a booming Sousa march.

  “Miss Quinn—Beth.” Mr. McCauley’s deep voice pulled her attention from the son. “Sean and I had a lengthy conversation about ... dedication ... and commitment. It has always been my policy to meet—every—deadline.” He slapped the backs of his fingers into his palm to emphasize each word. “I saw it as good business sense, and I haven’t changed my stance on that one iota. But...”

  His eyes shifted to Sean, and his expression softened. In his warm look, Beth read a silent thank-you that raised her curiosity.

  “I’ve also come to realize there is something more important than honoring business commitments, and that is honoring one’s commitment to faith and family.” He leaned forward, bringing his face closer to hers. “We’ve seen the evidence of your skill. We know you have the ability to do the job. And your choosing to put the needs of your family above all else tells me you have the dedication we’re seeking when adding to the McCauley team.”

  “So, Beth, if you are still interested in signing a long-term contract and designing windows for churches, starting with the ones in Carlton and Denver, then we are very interested and eager to finalize those plans.”

  Beth’s hand shot out. “I’m interested, sir. And thank you.”

  He sandwiched her hand between his. “Thank you.” He rose, his hands slipping away. “I have the paperwork drawn up. We took a room at the hotel across from the hospital. Sean can bring you over later and we’ll make it official, hmm? But for now...” He looked at his son, and Beth was certain she saw him wink. “I believe I’ll go over and lie down for a bit. The long drive has worn me out. Sean, I assume you’ll want to stay here and visit with Beth?”

  “Yes.” But Sean looked at Beth when he answered.

  “In about an hour then.” The man strode away.

  Beth watched until Mr. McCauley’s broad back disappeared through the wide double doors leading outside, then she turned to face Sean. “Do you want to—”

  “Should we—” he said at the same time.

  They both laughed, and he held out his hand, giving her the floor.

  “Do you want to go outside? There’s a small bench where we could sit and talk.”

  “Clouds were gathering in the west as we drove over. We could get wet.”

  “I’m willing to take the chance,” Beth said. “I could really use the fresh air.”

  Sean nodded his agreement. He followed as she led him toward the outside doors. “I would imagine you’re tired of being cooped up here.”

  Beth shrugged. “I’m used to being cooped up in the studio, but you’re right that it’s different here.” She pulled in a deep breath of the crisp, scented air as she seated herself on the bench. Sean gave his pant legs a little tug before sitting on the other end. When he was settled just a few inches from her, Beth continued. “Still, I wouldn’t have traded my time here for anything. It has helped me develop a much deeper appreciation for my family and helped me put things into perspective. I guess you could say this has been a growing time.”

  “For my dad and me, too,” Sean sai
d, looking to the side. She sensed there was more he was thinking, but he didn’t divulge it.

  “It has also,” she continued, watching his gaze come back around to meet hers, “convinced me without a doubt that my studio—and I—belong in Sommerfeld.” She searched his face for signs of disappointment. Since he’d previously indicated the wisdom of relocating, she hoped he and his father hadn’t made that a part of her contract. She wouldn’t be able to sign if that stipulation was added.

  Sean nodded, seemingly unconcerned. “I assumed that when I saw the addition.”

  Beth slapped her hands to her face. With her focus on Mom and the babies, she’d completely forgotten about the addition. “You saw it? The men finished it?”

  “All but the shingles, from the looks of things.” Sean smiled, seeming to find humor in her amazement. “Of course, the wall separating the two halves is still in place, so you could hardly consider it a finished job, but I could see the potential. You’ll have quite the work area, plus room for an office, if need be.”

  Beth nodded in slow motion, picturing it. Although she hadn’t originally considered including an office space, the idea held merit. Especially if there were several workers on a daily basis, she might need a quiet spot to get away and think.

  “If I were you,” Sean went on, his forehead creased thoughtfully, “I would put the office in the southeast corner. That way when you get your showroom up, the office will be close enough for you to be available to customers.”

  Beth bit down on her lip, but she couldn’t stop a smile from growing. “Are you planning my studio for me now?”

  A boyish grin made her heart skip a beat. “Just a suggestion ... from someone who plans buildings for a living.”

  She assumed a high-chinned, formal posture, her lips still twitching. “I’ll take that under advisement, Mr. McCauley.” Dropping the playful pose, she said, “So it won’t be a problem, having my studio so far away from the main office?”

  Sean crossed one leg over the other and grasped his knee with both hands, staring at the horizon. “It won’t be a problem at all. My reason for wanting you to consider moving was ... selfish.” He flicked a glance in her direction.

  She offered a warm smile, which she hoped would encourage him to continue.

  He faced her fully. “I admit from the first time we met I’ve had a difficult time separating our business relationship from a personal one. I wanted you closer. So I could get to know you ... better.”

  Beth swallowed. She stretched out her hand and touched his elbow. “I’ve had the same thoughts, Sean. But I don’t know how it could work. Long-distance relationships are pretty hard to maintain. I ... I can’t leave Sommerfeld. It’s where God has planted me, and I won’t step outside of His will. But your office is in Kansas City.” She stopped, the ramifications of the statement bringing a crush of sorrow to her chest.

  So slowly she almost thought she imagined movement, his hand slid across the bench until his fingers found her hand. He didn’t squeeze, just held her fingers loosely within his. “You know, Beth, my job—drawing blueprints and planning—can be done wherever I choose.” He paused, his gaze seeming to seek her face for silent messages. “With the Internet and fax machines, I can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world. I’m not limited to working in Kansas City.”

  Beth’s booming heart nearly stole her breath. She understood what he was saying. But things were moving so rapidly she couldn’t form a reply.

  His lips tipped into a warm smile, and his hand gave hers a squeeze. “But we can talk about that another time. There will be time, since we’ll need to be in communication concerning our business relationship. The other? We’ll wait for God’s leading.”

  “Can we pray about it now?” Beth blurted out the question, then felt her cheeks fill with heat at her impatience.

  Sean didn’t laugh. He nodded and bowed his head, and Beth followed suit. She listened as he thanked God for the opportunity to work together to create houses of worship that would meet the needs of congregations both spiritually and aesthetically. Her breath tripped raggedly as he requested guidance concerning their future together. “Lord, whatever You have planned, we are open to Your will. Lead us on Your pathway, please, and may we always bring glory to You as we journey, whether together or individually. Amen.”

  A distant rumble sounded, alerting them that Sean’s prediction of rain could certainly prove true. But they remained on the bench, fingers linked, enjoying the moment of communion they had shared. Beth’s chest filled with gratitude for God’s hand bringing her to the point of belonging—with Him, with her family, with the community that she now considered her own, and with Sean. Giving Sean’s hand a gentle squeeze, she offered a smile she was certain he understood.

  A plop of something wet smacked the top of her head. Two more drops landed on her shoulder and lap.

  “Here it comes!” Sean said with a laugh.

  And come it did! Raindrops pelted them, warm and redolent and renewing. They jumped to their feet, their hands still clasped, and dashed toward the safety of the building. Beneath the brief overhang, they came to a laughing stop. Beth’s back pressed securely to Sean’s side with her head on his shoulder, and his arms loosely circled her waist.

  Together they watched the rain gently bless the earth with moisture. With each patter, Beth envisioned a new blessing from God. Her lips formed the words without effort. “Thank You, Father, for everything.”

  And Sean’s tender voice echoed, “Amen.”

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Figure I

  Kim Vogel Sawyer is wife to Don, mother to three girls, grandmother to four boys, and a former elementary school teacher. A lifelong writer, Kim travels to women’s groups to share her testimony and her love for writing, tying together the skill of writing a good story with the good plan God has for each life. She is active in her church, where she serves as an adult Sunday school teacher, directs the drama team, and participates in the music ministry in both vocal and bell choirs.

  SOMMERFELD TRILOGY

  BYGONES

  BEGINNINGS

  BLESSINGS

  Available wherever books are sold.

  BACK COVER MATERIAL

  A YOUNG WOMAN'S SEARCH FOR A PLACE TO BELONG

  BETH QUINN left the city to live among the Old Order Mennonites in the small town of Sommerfeld, Kansas, hut she doesn't fit in. Her mother has embraced the old life and reconciled with her family, but these people are strangers to Beth and her business focus doesn't fit their ideal for women.

  With two men now vying for her attention, Beth is torn between a desire for independence and a longing to have someone on whom to depend. New in her Christian faith, will Beth be able to reconcile her old life with the new?

  Andrew Braun, a member of the Sommerfeld fellowship, works side-by-side with Beth, designing and constructing stained-glass windows. Dare she trust him with her life and her heart?

  Sean McCauley, whose dad owns a construction company specializing in erecting church buildings, visits Beth's shop and discusses a possible business deal. Is Sean interested in more than a financial alliance?

  Feelings of unsettledness begin to grow as Beth searches for a place to belong. Will she look to her heavenly Father for guidance and fulfillment? Or will she proceed with her own plans and wind up picking up more than pieces of shattered glass?

  KIM VOGEL SAWYER is a wife to Don, mother to three girls, grandmother to four boys, and writer living in Kansas.