As they continued their walk, William took in the beauty of the tall, leafy trees. They created in him an inner peace amid the turmoil he faced.
He lowered his voice so as not to disturb the silence. “It's beautiful property, isn't it?”
She nodded. In a soft tone, she responded, “Everything is lovely.” She threw her hands in the air. “The land. The house. The kitchen. All of the rooms. I understand why Beth loves it here.”
Rebecca's positive reply prompted a brave response. “Wouldn't you like to live here?”
From his peripheral vision, William noted the quick downturn of Rebecca's lips. Yet, he was glad he'd finally broached her with the question. Because it had been on his mind for some time.
“There's something missing.”
They slowed their pace. He raised a curious brow. “Missing?”
“Jah. For me, anyway.”
A long silence ensued while they continued down the hill. In the distance, the creek made a gurgling sound. The pleasant chirping of birds filled the air. A woodpecker attacked an oak tree. The sound echoed through the woods.
William waited for Rebecca to continue what she had started to say. When she didn't, he pressed the subject. He wanted to make sure she was at ease. And why wouldn't she be? The English life offered every comfort a person could ask for.
“Tell me what's missing.”
She glanced up at the sky as she appeared to consider his question. “To be honest, as much as I love Beth and Daniel, I think what isn't here that's in Arthur is a kind of homespun goodness.”
He laughed at the expression on her face when she said those two words.
“Homespun goodness? And what's that supposed to mean?”
She stopped to catch her breath. So did he. They glanced in the distance. An uneasy chill swept up William's back.
She turned to him and met his gaze. As they looked at each other, he swallowed. The reflection of the sun setting in the west highlighted some strands of Rebecca's hair.
He knew he would never tire of her large, beautiful eyes that always reflected goodness and kindness. He loved the rosy glow that colored her cheeks when she was outdoors. And her smile made his heart pick up its pace.
They were so close, he could feel the warmth of her breath. “Homespun goodness is like when Mamma hangs towels on the clothesline to dry, and the fresh smell fills the air. It's the sweet smell of butter while she stirs it in the crock. And the feeling I get when I walk into the kitchen to see her making cinnamon bread.”
She rolled her eyes. “Just listen to me rattle on.”
William swallowed. A combination of sadness and longing filled his chest and created a dull ache. For a moment, he was reminded of that wonderful sensation that passed through his veins when he would step into Aenti Sarah's kitchen and see her taking butterscotch pies from her gas oven.
“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to complain. Sometimes, I think it's the things so familiar to me that make me miss home.”
“No apologies necessary. Sometimes I feel the same way.”
“You do?”
He was quick to note her hopeful tone. “Of course. Don't you think I miss chatting with Aentie Sarah while she cooks?”
Rebecca nodded.
“And I miss hearing Uncle John grumble.”
William looked down at his shoes a moment. When he lifted his gaze, he said, “I wish Dad lived in Arthur.”
“He doesn't, William. And I don't think he ever will.”
“I'm torn, Rebecca.” He turned away. An unfamiliar emotion tugged at his heart.
She stepped in front of him. “I understand.”
“It would have been better for both of us if Dad hadn't asked me to work with him. And it would have been best if I hadn't come here.”
“Why?”
“Because I was exposed to a way of life that's prohibited to me.”
William closed his eyes a moment. It felt good to admit his feelings. At the same time, the realization prompted huge regret.
“But it happened, William. And you'll make the right decisions. Keep praying.”
In silence, they started walking again.
“There they are!” She pointed to the bushes.
The enthusiasm in Rebecca's voice was a pleasant contrast to the solemn thoughts in William's head. He smiled. “Looks like there are enough berries for ten pies.”
Together, they knelt in front of the bushes and began picking, sharing the bucket between them. It wasn't long before the large metal pail was full.
As they began to make their way back to the house, their elbows brushed. A smile tugged at William's lips. He was so lucky to have Rebecca.
He was also fortunate that his father thought enough of him to invite him to become his business partner. He wanted both.
* * *
In her room that evening, Rebecca once again thought about the three goals for the bishop. She had one. Outside, coyotes yelped. The screeching sound created an eerie tingle that sprinted up Rebecca's back and landed in her shoulders. She rolled them to rid herself of the unwanted sensation.
She yawned and pulled her scripture book from the hope chest. Rebecca stretched her legs in bed and rested her head on two pillows. She changed positions, but couldn't get comfortable. She continued to cross and uncross her legs and shift her weight from hip to hip.
She squeezed her eyes closed a moment and tried to convince herself everything would be okay. When she opened her lids, she shook her head in despair.
Before coming here, she had expected their stay to strengthen her bond with William. But to her dismay, outside circumstances pulled them in opposite directions.
She opened her prayer book to the marked page. The scripture in front of her was from the Psalms. Rebecca loved the Psalms. The passages comforted and reassured.
The deep need for scripture filled her while she read the passage out loud. “âI lift up my eyes to the hillsâwhere does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slipâhe who watches over you will not slumber . . . The Lord watches over youâThe Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harmâhe will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.'”
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.