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 filled 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.”
Katie shook her head. “It's yours, Rebecca. I want you to have it. Years from now, you'll look at it and remember our buggy rides. Consider it a gift from a friend.”
Their gazes locked. Rebecca wasn't comfortable accepting something so special.
Katie winked. “Enjoy it. You can pass it on to your own daughter.”
Letting out a deep sigh, Rebecca squeezed Katie's hands. “Thank you. I will put it on top of my hope chest. When I look at it, I will remember our buggy rides.”
In an emotional embrace, the two girls hugged. Rebecca silently thanked God for giving her another chance with Katie. With the threats behind them, maybe their friendship could grow. Rebecca didn't know what God had planned for her. She only knew that He had answered her prayer. She forgave Katie with all of her heart and soul. Now, if William could forgive Daniel . . .
* * *
Outside that evening, on the soft, thick blanket, the cool breeze caressed Rebecca's face. The bonfire crackled. Rebecca watched as William added brush and poked the logs with a stick. Bright orange flames sprang up and then settled. The burning heat forced Rebecca to stand and pull the blanket a distance from the fire.
William helped her to straighten the corners. As he took a seat next to her, she bent her knees and put her arms around them. At ease, she considered her stay in Indiana. Tomorrow, she would leave. But she would go home a stronger person. In silence, they sat together and looked up at the stars that sparkled like bright glitter.
“What a day,” William said softly.
Rebecca nodded in agreement. Between Katie's unexpected arrival and other interruptions, she hadn't even had the chance to tell William of her decision.
His voice was soft. “I'm going to miss you, Rebecca.” Before she could respond, he added, “A lot.”
She turned to him. “I'll miss you, too, William.” She let out a nervous laugh. “I can't believe it's our last night together.”
He frowned. “Just for a while.”
Rebecca didn't comment. Her eyes burned with moisture at the thought of leaving him. She should relate what she'd decided last night. But not right now. She didn't want anything to spoil this precious moment.
The flecks in William's eyes held that mesmerizing metallic look that made her pulse speed up. His jaw was set. The light from the fire made the color of his hair appear a couple of shades lighter. For now, all she wanted was to savor this special time alone with him.
Tonight was for being with the man she loved. For roasting hot dogs. Enjoying the light that the full moon cast over the yard. And reflecting on what God had in store for her.
William leaned toward her so their cheeks brushed. The light sensation made her close her eyes until the blissful feeling passed.
“Rebecca, will you stay?” A hint of sadness edged his voice. “Beth's right. There's no need to leave now that we know you're safe.”
“No, William. It's time to go.” She tried for a positive approach. “But I'll leave with a good feeling inside of me. I've been here longer than we originally anticipated. And as much as I'd love to be with you, I can't forget the responsibility awaiting me.”
When he didn't respond, her chest tightened. “Just think of all we accomplished, William. Daniel's business is back on track. Even more importantly, the two of you have established a bond.”
She gave a happy shrug of her shoulders. “What more could you ask for?”
When he started to speak, she held up a hand to stop him. “Your relationship with your father might not be exactly what you want, but it's a start. It's definitely better than it was.”
William nodded. A smile tugged at his lips. “Don't forget that beautiful garden you planted for him.”
“Jah.”
They sat shoulder to shoulder. Questions flitted through Rebecca's mind, but the lack of answers no longer bothered her. She was finally at peace.
Letting out a lazy sigh, she lay back and propped her upper body with her elbows. Looking up at the sky prompted her to dream. If God could create this awesome, endless universe, surely He would guide her life and fulfill her with happiness.
She turned to William and studied him. The light from the fire accented the small groove under his lips.
His voice was low and serious. “I wish I could read your thoughts.”
“I'm thinking of how a person's face reflects who he is.”
He whispered, “And what do you see when you look at me?”
The fire popped, but Rebecca didn't flinch. She was so intent on the expression in William's eyes, her gaze never left his. As she stared into those mysterious depths, a happy chill rushed up her spine.
She leaned closer to get a better glimpse. “When I look at you, I see incredible inner strength. Honesty. And most of all? Determination that can't be broken, even under the most tempting circumstances.”
“I wish you were right, but I'm afraid I'm far from the strong man I'd love to be.”
“No you're not, William. Your fear is on the surface. Underneath that layer of skin lies a steely, unbreakable character. I know it's there. You just can't see it.”
He was so close, his warm breath caressed her lashes. He raised an amused brow. “Would you like to know what I see when I look at you?”
She lifted her chin. “Tell me.”
“A compassionate and understanding face. Beautiful eyes that can light up my darkest day. You need security. But more than anything, Rebecca, you need me.”
Rebecca had difficulty breathing. His gaze never left hers.
“You know what?” she said.
“What?”
“I have almost everything I could ever want. The most important thing to me is my future with you. I want us to both be happy, William.”
“What are you getting at?”
“It's time to have that discussion on whether or not you join Daniel. You have my blessing.” She lowered her voice. “I'll move to Indiana, if that's what you want.”
For long moments, the earth seemed to stand still.
In silence, he looked at her.
After a slight hesitation, Rebecca gave a firm nod.
She heard his quick intake of breath before he spoke in a low tone. “Oh, Rebecca. You don't know what it means to hear that.” He looked down before meeting her gaze. “The offer has been weighing me down. I can't believe what you just said. Thank you.”
She noted the excitement in his eyes. The happiness in his voice. She'd had her say. “I guess the next step is yours to make.”
Confusion reflected across his face.
“Will you say yes to that partnership with Daniel? Or will you move back to Arthur, Illinois?”
Chapter Fourteen
Later that night, Rebecca pulled her diary from her beautiful hope chest. Relaxing on the floor with her back against the bed, she looked around the room. She would miss this place, Beth and Daniel, even Katie.
She glanced down at the lined paper resting on her thighs and jotted the date in the upper right-hand corner. Pursing her lips thoughtfully, she began to write.
I feel closer than ever to William. Ironically, the conflict between us has made me stronger and has also forced me to think about what I truly want out of life. When I told William I would support him working with Daniel, I had hoped he would choose instead to raise our family in Arthur. He didn't.
Rebecca stopped to think
If William decides to stay in Indiana, my life will change forever. Tonight, while I gazed into his eyes, I realized an even bigger question has yet to be answered. If William remains here, will he stay Amish?
Tensing, Rebecca sat up straighter to consider the potent question. She studied the hope chest and wondered what Old Sam would do in her situation.
She knew how much he'd loved his wife. She could read it in his eyes. Hear it in his voice over and over when he'd spoken of her. But had that love been strong enough to have pulled him from the Amish faith?
Rebecca glanced down at her diary to write and stopped. As she pondered the possibility of William becoming English, she couldn't continue her journal. She would live with him in Indiana, if that's what he wanted. But if he were to become English?
* * *
Early the following morning, William carried Rebecca's small suitcase down the stairs. At the front entrance, he set it next to the large box containing Katie's quilt and the smaller one with Rebecca's hope chest. He smiled a little. “The driver's coming soon. I can't believe you're really going home.”
“You knew . . .”
He nodded, shifting his gaze to the hardwood floor and back to her face. “But now that it's actually happening, it's harder to accept.”
“I know.”
Rebecca hesitated. “William, there's something I'd like to talk about with you.” She motioned. “Want to go outside?”
“Sure.”
He opened the door and followed her. Above, clouds circled the sky while the sun shone bravely in its halo of blue. Hand in hand, they meandered to the garden and stood side by side. Rebecca smiled in satisfaction at the pastel colors, the neat rows, and the arrays of different flowers.
As she breathed in the pleasant fragrance that reminded her of Beth's sweet perfume, she marveled at each beautiful yet unique plant. Even though she preferred some over others, they all came together to produce this amazing picture.
It must be the same with God's children. Every Christian and faith contributed to His work. He sought everyone's talents and efforts to make a better world.
Salty tears burned her eyes as she thought of leaving William and his parents. She blinked at the sting. She loved Beth and Daniel, even Katie.
“Hey, are you okay?”
She sniffled and composed herself. “I'm all right. It's just my emotions at work. Saying good-bye is proving more difficult than I had imagined.”
She added, “I feel good about my stay here, William. I made a difference.” She straightened her shoulders. “I set out to accomplish three goals for the bishop. That's not to say it was easy. But I gave it my best shot. And now?” She let out a satisfied sigh. “I'm leaving without regrets.”
His mouth twitched. “I'm sure Katie's apology played a role in this.”
“Of course. It sure made forgiving easier. I admit that I'm relieved she was sorry for what she did. The quilt was a huge sign of remorse on her part.”
“I'm with you on that one. It must have taken months to make it. I've never seen anything like it.”
“Me neither.”
“Since Katie showed up at the house yesterday, I've thought a lot about forgiveness. At first, I was ready to boot her out.”
Rebecca eyed him skeptically. “But you did the right thing. I'm glad you let her speak her mind. If you'd made her leave, I wouldn't have closure.” She shrugged. “Don't get me wrong. I'm in no way condoning what she did, but everyone who is truly remorseful deserves a second chance, don't you think?”
“Maybe. I credit her for apologizing. What she did took courage, Rebecca.”
“Yes.”
“Remember the pact that we made?”
Rebecca raised a brow.
“You know. The deal that you would put Katie's threats behind you if I forgave Dad?”
“Of course.”
He hesitated. “I'm praying every day for God to give us a second chance. I'm even starting to think it's possible for us to be close.”
“That's all you can do. Don't expect things to be perfect, William.”
“I won't.”
“We already know Daniel's strength isn't in his communication skills. He's told you as much.”
William nodded.
“But just think; your whole life is ahead of you. You can make it whatever you want. Take the bull by the horns.”
William threw her a startled look, and she giggled. “I heard Daniel use that expression.”
He rolled his eyes.
“Why don't you have another heart-to-heart with your father? Talking with him will get easier. In fact, each time you tell him what's on your mind, you'll do better. And vice versa.”
William shrugged. “Unfortunately, the communication problem works both ways. It's not easy opening up to him.”
Rebecca pressed a firm hand on his shoulder. “Then change that. Don't be like him, William. Be bigger. Speak your mind. We don't get much time on this earth. Life is too short to keep things inside. I believe Daniel could communicate better . . . all he needs is a little push.”
“And if he can't?”
“Be positive.”
“Right now, I've got a bigger problem.”
“What?”
“I don't know what I'll do without you. I miss you already.” His voice quivered.
Adrenaline pulsed through her veins as reality sank in. “I'll miss you, too. But you'll be fine, William. You're capable of running the shop.”
He frowned. “But I need you.” He shrugged in a frustrated gesture. His voice went hoarse. “Like I need the air I breathe.”
As she observed the man she loved, she noted the tiny lines of concern etched around his eyes. His jaw was set. The look in his eyes mesmerized her until a nervous laugh escaped his throat.
“I guess that now is as good a time as any to test my communication skills.”
She waited for him to go on.
The faint trace of a smile lightened his face. “You're the first thing I think about when I wake up and last on my mind before I go to sleep at night.” He swallowed. “We'll be apart, but not for long. Dad's going to be okay. I really believe that. And as soon as I can leave with a good conscience, we'll be married. After that, I'll never leave your side.”
“That's what I want to talk to you about. William, I've prayed about Daniel's offer to make you his partner. Of course, I'm rooting for the two of you to be close. At the same time, I've had conflicting emotions. You know what they are.”
He dipped his head.
She glanced at the front porch and motioned. “Let's sit down.”
William's eyes reflected a combination of uncertainty and curiosity as Rebecca led him to the swing, where they rocked back and forth. Bright green blades of grass dusted the edge of the patio while a lawn mower hummed in the background. Rebecca smiled a little at the squeaky swing chain and their shadow on the concrete.
As she took in his woodsy scent, Rebecca gave him a reassuring glance. For blissful moments, she enjoyed being next to him. While she studied his handsome profile, she realized how lucky she was. Her heart belonged to him and no one else.
With a newfound confidence, she focused on what she wanted to say. There wasn't much time. When the swing slowed, she turned to William. “William, giving you my blessing was a huge decision. I wasn't sure what to do. Of course, I supported your partnership with your father, because that's what you wanted.”
Her pent-up thoughts suddenly flowed freely. It felt good to put them out in the open. “At the same time, I wasn't sure I could live the rest of my life without my family. I couldn't have both, so obviously, something had to give.”
To her surprise, William interrupted. “I've been going through the same thing. Of course, we'll make our own family wherever we are.”
When she started to continue, he held up a hand to stop her. “But moving to Indiana has been on my mind. When Beth offered us the land, deciding what's best became even tougher. At the same time, it seemed like it was all coming together. In fact, God must have been listening to my prayers. But I've tried to consider everything. Not just the business relationship with Dad.”
“Your aunt and uncle?”
He nodded. “I never was crazy about leaving Aenti Sarah and Uncle John. After all they've done for me, how could I even consider moving away? What would I do without them, Rebecca?”
She responded with a sympathetic smile.
“I love them.” He gave a slight shrug. “I'm ashamed to admit I took for granted all they've done for me.”
Rebecca nodded in understanding. “That realization alone makes this experience worthwhile. But back to the offer . . .” She patted her palms against her thighs. “I've had both of my parents my entire life. On the other hand, you've been without Daniel most of yours.”
“Sad, but true.” His voice broke on the last word.
“I've been blessed with a mom and dad who watched over me and nurtured me with every ounce of love and affection they could offer.”
For a moment, she looked off into the distance. “But they did more than that. They taught me well. Mamma raised me to think of others. To make good decisions.”
With an appraising gaze, he ran his hand over her shoulder. “And I'm the one who benefits.”
She raised a mischievous brow. “I'm not getting a bad deal, either. I think the world of my parents. At the same time, I love you with all of my heart.”
“I've watched you help my folks, and for that, I'll always be grateful. Not only have you worked, but you've been a blessing to everyone. Especially me. You're the source of my strength.”
Rebecca's voice softened. “Thank you for that.”
“It's true.”
“William, like I said, not only do I give you my blessing to become your father's partner, but if that's what you choose, I'll be right at your side. Whenever you need me . . . even if it's in Indiana.”
She waited for a response. Something! Instead, nothing.
Finally, she glanced at his arms. “You're shaking.”
A rosy pink filled his cheeks. “I'm nervous.”
He squeezed his eyes closed. When he opened them, he sighed in relief. “Did I tell you that you're also the most generous person I've ever met?”
She smiled. “I'm not worried about the future because God will take care of us . . . wherever we are. What's most important is that we're together.”
His eyes glistened. “Now it's time to let you know where I stand.”
She frowned. As she contemplated his statement, a nervous tingle darted up her shoulders and made her shiver.
“Of course, I love you. I also love my father. And I believe my prayers are working. I've forgiven him and Beth.” William leaned back against the boards and chuckled. “I guess you could call that a miracle.”
“That's wonderful.”
A huge grin lit his face. “I've made an important decision and want you to be the first to know.”
Her heart picked up speed at his unusually confident tone.
He paused to gaze down at his shoes. When he looked up, his eyes sparkled with excitement. “Rebecca, I've missed Dad for years. But he left me of his own free will.”
William's eyes danced with delight as she gazed at him in silence.
“I'm passing on Dad's offer.”
Her jaw dropped in shock. Had she heard him correctly?
She turned to him for the answer.
As if reading her mind, he gave a slow, certain nod. A wide grin accompanied it.
A warm rush of emotion filled her heart. She drew her arms across her chest and lowered her head. As she bit her lip, joyful tears filled her eyes. It was difficult to believe that William would turn down Daniel's offer.
As she digested what he'd just told her, she raised her head and met his gaze with a newfound happiness. Taking his fingers in hers, she swallowed. “William, I can't believe what has happened. You've given up what you wanted most. For me.”
He gently squeezed her hands. “For both of us, Rebecca. The past couple of weeks have been tough. I've searched my heart for answers.” He let go of her and at the same time, they pushed the swing with their feet.
“After struggling with liking the conveniences of the English way of life and driving a car, I acknowledged that a partnership would be nice. In fact, just knowing Dad loves me enough to make such an offer is more than I ever dreamed possible. But in the end?” He paused. “That's not what I want most out of life. The whole time we've been here I've had everything I could want right in front of my eyes.”
He lowered his voice several notches. “You.”
She swallowed.
“I've learned that love doesn't come without a price. But you're worth more than anything money could buy.”