Together, they took the side-by-side up to the new house. Pages of notes from the night before were folded and firmly tucked in the back pocket of his jeans. Hawthorne couldn’t help but finger them every so often to reassure himself they were there.
He and Rose were early for breakfast, but Poppy was in the kitchen and the second pot of coffee was already brewing. Lavender was there too, setting the table with orange juice and syrup for the pancakes.
Poppy set down the spatula and walked toward him. With one pointy finger pressing into the tender flesh between his shoulder and collarbone, her irritation flashed. “Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again, okay?” Hawthorne bit back a laugh at his pint-sized sister’s ire. Poppy made up for her size with her feisty spirit.
He held up two hands in surrender. “I promise. Scout’s honor!”
Poppy narrowed her eyes at him, but must have seen his sincerity, because she removed her finger and wrapped her arms around his waist. “We were worried about you, big dummy.”
“I really am sorry.” He looked around at the room full of his sisters, each unique in their own way. “To all of you. I’m sorry.” Lily was pouring a cup of coffee and he caught her eye. “I’m sorry, Lil.” In response, she raised her mug in salute.
“Okay, I’ve got Andi on the line!” Daisy leaned up from the computer and her twin sister’s face filled the screen, wearing sand-colored fatigues.
Andi’s voice crackled from the small laptop speaker, “I’ve only got about fifteen minutes, guys. Give me an update on Dad.”
Hawthorne looked to Lily, realizing he hadn’t heard anything recently either.
“Mom’s still at the hospital; she wouldn’t come home last night. So far, the stroke symptoms haven’t gotten any worse, which is a good sign. But they haven’t gotten significantly better either, and the doctors say it’s too soon to tell.” Lily told Andi more about their dad’s condition and what they had seen when visiting him the night before.
Andi’s voice skipped as the connection buffered. “I wish I could be there with you all. I should be home for two weeks at Christmas.”
Lavender piped up, “That’s only four weeks away, Andi. We’ll see you soon!”
Andi smiled and said, “I can’t wait.” Turning behind her, she waved to someone off screen, “I’ve got to run. We’re moving out tomorrow and I’ve got work to do. Keep me posted.”
A chorus of farewells echoed as the screen went blank and Andi’s face disappeared. In the silence, Hawthorne pulled out his notes. He looked around at his sisters, all looking to him for the next steps.
He felt like a deer, frozen in the headlights and grabbed the first lifeline he could think of. “Let’s all grab food and I’ll talk while we eat.”
He filled his own plate last but didn’t take a bite.
“I want to apologize again for yesterday.” Hawthorne explained how seeing their father have his stroke had impacted him, especially in light of the changes he had been making lately.
“A little over a month ago, I talked to Mom and Dad about taking on more responsibility at the farm.” His sisters, ever supportive, flashed smiles and cheered. “But when I was in the hospital looking at the very real possibility that Dad might never be the same again, I started to panic. There is still part of me that is running from this because I might fail.” Quietly, he added, “Like I did with my own company.”
“Look, Hawthorne, you don’t have to—” Lily was the first to object and he shook his head.
“What I’m trying to say is that I’m ready. And I think it’s time.”
“Oh, it’s definitely about time, big bro,” Daisy interjected.
“Here’s what I’ve come up with,” he flattened his notebook papers in front of him. He walked through the things his father was responsible for on the farm and his thoughts on who would take over each. “Dad still manages all the breeding schedules and kidding for the goats and pigs. I can do that,” he looked at the next point.
“I’ll do it,” Rose spoke up. “I’ve been trying to get Dad to give me more control on the livestock side. It’s what I went to school for.” She lifted her chin. “I’ve got this, Hawthorne.”
Hawthorne raised his eyebrows at his youngest sister’s moxie. “Well, alright. Rose has everything livestock related. Just come to me for big purchases and keep me in the loop. Sound good?” Rose nodded and he moved on to the next item. It felt like running a staff meeting, like he had in the old days.
Before long, the roles and responsibilities had been handed out, each of his sisters taking on a little more, or a lot more, based on their input. Hawthorne had more on his plate and he knew there were things he’d forgotten or didn’t even realize had been done by his father before. Before they could do anything else, he knew where he needed to go.
“Let’s all clean this up and head back into town. Has anyone heard from Mom?” No one had, and as he put the orange juice back into the fridge, Hawthorne saw the neatly packed Thanksgiving leftovers. The fridge was bursting with plastic containers and casserole dishes. It would be like playing Jenga trying to get anything out of this.
“Oh man, I forgot about all the Thanksgiving food. Mom must have been elbow deep in it when Dad had his stroke.”
Poppy wiped down the counter and nodded. “The kitchen looked like Daisy’s bedroom in middle school—total disaster. It was above and beyond for Avery to stick around and clean it all up so we could go to the hospital.”
He’d assumed she left after his family piled into vehicles and followed the ambulance to Terre Haute. Pride swelled within him at Avery’s servant heart. It was only more evidence of her thoughtful nature that she would take the time to ensure they could come home to a sanctuary instead of a disaster-zone.
Hawthorne wanted to see her, or at least call her, but he settled for a text message. As of today, he was the Interim General Manager of Bloom’s Farm, and there was a lot to do. First, he needed to see his parents.
Lily stuck her head around the corner. “By the way, Mom has no idea you bailed yesterday. She sort of assumed you came back here to take care of things, and none of us had the heart to correct her.”
Gratitude flooded him and he nodded. The last thing he’d wanted was to place another worry onto his overwhelmed mother. Hawthorne wasn’t proud of how he’d reacted yesterday, but his commitment moving forward was solid. He would tell her the truth later today.
The events of yesterday may have tried to shake his foundation, but the bricks he’d been building with over the last few months proved solid. He knew as long as he continued building upon faith and family, he’d be just fine.
18
In Avery’s small apartment living room, she and Hawthorne sat on the floor in front of the coffee table. Half-empty Chinese food containers littered the table in front of them and she had pulled a throw blanket from the couch behind them.
The credits of an old Christmas movie scrolled down the screen in front of them and they laughed at the announcement that the same movie would be starting again. “Twenty-four hours in a row seems a bit excessive,” she joked.
Hawthorne winked at her, “Depends on what we’re talking about, I’d say.” Avery flushed and leaned over to nudge him with her shoulder. Tomorrow they would be at the farm, spending Christmas day with the entire family. For tonight, she had him all to all herself.
Hawthorne stood up, leaving behind the little cocoon of blankets and pillows she’d constructed for their impromptu take-out picnic, and she gave a pouty look. When he came back, he handed her a small package wrapped in red foil paper. The dramatic forlorn look transformed to a grin and Hawthorne laughed at her.
“I thought we agreed no gifts!” she exclaimed.
He shrugged, “I know. But this is as much for me as it is you.” The mysterious comment had tripped her curiosity and Avery quickly unwrapped the checkbook-sized box. It was foolish to be disappointed that it wasn’t a ring, but she was.
Inside the small package wa
s an envelope and Avery gave Hawthorne a confused look. When he simply nodded at her to continue, she flipped it open. Inside she found a tourism brochure from Freedom Ridge Resort.
“Umm…. Thank you?” she said. Maybe Hawthorne didn’t know her as well as she thought.
Hawthorne smiled, then reached over to open the brochure, revealing a printed trip itinerary. “Spring break,” he said.
“We’re going to Freedom for Spring Break?”
He nodded and explained, “I’m sure I met your parents fifteen years ago, but I figure it would be good to do it again. You know, now that I’m in love with their daughter.”
Avery felt herself blush, like she did every time Hawthorne said he loved her. Sometimes, it still felt like a dream. As though she was still the young girl imagining the handsome brother of her best friend would finally notice her and fall madly in love. Somehow, he really had.
“Plus,” Hawthorne continued with a mischievous smile, “I’ve got a pretty important question I need to ask your father.”
Avery felt her mouth fall open and she exhaled a surprised laugh. She set the brochure down and crossed the space between them, propelling herself into his arms and crashing them both to the floor in the tiny space between the couch and coffee table. Hawthorne’s laughter rumbled against her and he kissed her temple as he wrapped her in a hug. He pulled them upright and she turned towards him, her heart racing and her breathing rapid and shallow.
Avery met his gaze, basking in the love she saw there. Hawthorne kissed her gently, and she let herself dissolve into the kiss. In his arms, she felt secure. He wasn’t perfect, but neither was she. His heart was steady though, and she didn’t doubt his commitment to her. When the tender kiss ended, she tucked her head under his chin, hearing his heartbeat beat solidly in her ear.
“I love you, Hawthorne Bloom.”
He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers, “I love you, too.”
Epilogue
The Christmas tree sparkled in the corner, and the fireplace crackled. There were fewer decorations this year than usual, but the Christmas spirit was alive and well on Bloom’s Farm.
Laura smiled at her twins, Daisy and Dandelion, together on the armchair. They’d been practically attached since Andi arrived home a few days ago. She wondered if they even realized how they gravitated to each other. Lavender and Rose sat on the floor, seniority positions on the couch claimed by Poppy and Lily.
Despite the pile of presents under the tree, having all her children home was the only Christmas gift Laura Bloom needed. Her children were home and so was her husband. After one month in a rehabilitation facility after his stroke, Keith was finally released. Speech difficulties and weakened muscles on his left side remained, but, Praise the Lord, her husband was home! She knew it could be so much worse, and she would be forever grateful that his stroke had happened while Hawthorne was there to call for help. The doctors said the quick treatment made a world of difference.
Still, this December was the hardest single month Laura could remember. In true Bloom fashion, Keith tackled the challenges of recovery with vigor. Speech therapy, physical therapy, even children’s puzzles frustrated him. But he kept going. Watching the strong, vibrant man she had loved for almost forty years struggle to form a sentence zapped her own strength. Laura often returned from the rehab facility wrung out and exhausted, not sure she could go again tomorrow. But God granted strength to the weary, she was living testament to that.
There were bright spots too, though. Each of her children had been an amazing gift from God this month. Certainly, in an answer to prayers, Hawthorne had grown up in the past few months. Even before Keith’s stroke, she saw the redemptive work of Christ in him. And there was Avery, sitting next to him in front of the fire. A satisfied smile on her lips, Laura had to give herself a pat on the back for helping that along. Sometimes, her children just needed a little nudge. What was a mother for, after all?
She had the same feeling about Daisy, who’d just today been complaining about the handsome young contractor Laura had seen around the old house. If she knew her daughter—and Laura was confident she did — it wasn’t the man’s attitude that bothered Daisy as much as the way he knocked her off kilter. In the very best way.
Hawthorne read the Christmas story from the book of Luke and Laura patted Keith’s leg with her hand. Slowly, he reached over with his strong hand to squeeze hers.
“Haa—pp-a?” he stuttered.
She smiled and whispered, “Yes, dear. Incredibly happy.”
About A Date for Daisy
Book 1 of the Bloom Sisters Series
He thinks she’s the captain of the Hot Mess Express. She thinks he’s rigid and wound too tight. And this renovation is about to get complicated.
Daisy Bloom is determined to turn her 100-year-old house into a bed and breakfast. The only problem? She knows nothing about renovations.
Enter Lance Matthews, construction guru and business owner. He is determined to tackle this project with his usual methodical, organized approach. His only problem? The beautiful and infuriating homeowner -- deeply involved with the project and completely averse to lists, schedules, or any form of organization.
When sparks fly between these wildly different personalities, will they find common ground? Or does God have other plans for each of them?
Will Daisy and Lance overcome their differences? Find out in A Date for Daisy, Book 1 of The Bloom Sisters Series.
Note to Readers
Thank you for picking up (or downloading!) this book. As any author can tell you, reviews are incredibly important to our success. If you enjoyed this book, please take a minute to leave a review.
Hawthorne and Avery were some of my favorite characters yet! And the more I get to know the entire Bloom family, the more excited I am to write each of their stories. Even though this was a short book, Hawthorne and Avery had some real challenges, especially Hawthorne.
I love how Avery helped him recognize and embrace his true purpose. It’s easy to lose sight of the person we want to be, especially in the midst of crisis and chaos! It’s important to recognize that though Avery motivated Hawthorne - only God can change someone’s heart.
Even when Hawthorne made a mistake, Avery was quick to forgive (as we should be) and encouraged him. Isn’t it amazing that we can rest in the knowledge that God will use everything for good - even our mistakes?
I pray daily my books encourage you in your faith and your struggles.
You can learn more about my upcoming projects at my website: www.taragraceericson.com and by signing up for my newsletter, where I share Biblical encouragement, bookish news, and crazy stories from my life. Just for signing up, you will get a free story!
If you’ve never read my other books, I’d love for you to read the Main Street Minden Series and dive into the world of Minden, Indiana.
Thank you again for all your support and encouragement.
Acknowledgments
Above all, to my Father in heaven. I am amazed over and over again by your goodness and blessing. My cup runneth over and I praise Your holy name. Keep me close, Father.
To Jessica, I appreciate your friendship so much! I am excited for you as you embark on the business journey of BH Writing Service. As an editor, you are top-notch. As a friend, you are beyond compare.
To Gabbi, for forgiving my flaws and cheering me on. I love you!
To Hannah Jo Abbott and Mandi Blake, my writing circle and sanity keepers. Both of your books are wonderful and I am so glad we have become friends through this crazy writing adventure.
To my mother - the proofreader. I’m so lucky to have you as a mother. Your support means everything as my life takes twists and turns neither of us ever expected! Thank you for loving me through thick and thin. And for being the first one to buy every book. In multiples.
To my ACFW MOzarks peeps - I love going on this journey with all of you! Keep writing!
Thank you to all my friends and fa
mily, named and unnamed here, without whose support and encouragement, I would have given up a long time ago.
And especially, to my husband. It’s not always easy to be married to a writer. Your support of this adventure makes this possible. I love you more than words. And to Mr. B and Little C; I cherish every day I spend with you. Mommy loves you!
About the Author
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. Tara says sometimes God asks us to do things the world calls crazy - but that saying “yes” to Him is the most rewarding thing she has ever done.
She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea.
She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.
Books by Tara Grace Ericson
The Main Street Minden Series
Falling on Main Street
Hoping for Hawthorne Page 10