Change of Heart (23 page)

“I appreciate your offer, but it's not the right time for Matt and me to consider marriage.”

Benjamin puffed his chest out and stared at Becca. “I don't understand why you won't marry Matt. Matt wants to marry you. You told Ruth you're sad without him.”

The child's comments melted his heart. Matt could not have said it better. “Thanks, buddy. I appreciate your help. It is a great idea, but we have to wait until Becca is ready.”

Benjamin wrinkled his nose at Becca. “When will you be ready to marry Matt?”

Matt held his breath. Did he have any chance at all?

She put her hand on his shoulder. “I don't know, Benjamin. Matt and I have some things to work out. You're too young for me to explain it to you. Let's concentrate on Ruth and Isaac's wedding.”

Matt stared at the floor. At least she did not say it was not possible. Maybe there was hope. He would keep praying for God's intervention.

Becca headed for the kitchen. Isaac and Ruth chatted about who to invite to the wedding and created a guest list.

Benjamin played with his wooden horses and barn on the floor.

Matt accepted the plate of cookies Becca passed to him. He bit into one. “I am not going to give up on you accepting my proposal one day. I will wait as long as it takes to change your mind.”

“I don't want to hurt you. Believe me, I'm hurt too. The situation is difficult and many sided. I'm praying about it.”

Matt stood. Why did she have to make this difficult? They had treated patients, saved lives, rescued Benjamin, solved problems, and enjoyed doing it all together. They had formed a strong bond. One he did not want to lose. He had to have faith God would intervene and bring her back to him. “I am too.”

She removed the plate from the table. “I'm tired. It has been a long day. If you don't mind, I would like to help Ruth plan her wedding.”

Matt turned on his heel and approached Ruth and Isaac. He had received her message loud and clear. The tension between them had become uncomfortable. It was time to leave. “Isaac, how is your head?”

“I am fine. The pills helped.”

He placed his hat on his head. “Congratulations to you both.” He stepped outside. He would have to witness Isaac reciting his vows to Ruth on the couple's wedding day. Becca would be next to Ruth. It should be them getting married.

Chapter Nineteen

In Ruth's bedroom, Becca's eyes traveled the length of Ruth in her wedding gown. “You look beautiful. I can't wait to watch Isaac's face when he first sees you in this dress.”

“I hope he likes it. I need to stitch another piece of lace along the neckline.” Opening a box, Ruth handed Becca a light blue lacy bodice and full-skirted dress with a row of satin buttons in the back. “Maid of honor, this is yours. I received it yesterday from Sears and added lace at the bottom.”

Becca gasped and placed a hand to her heart. “I love it. It's the perfect color. I'm honored to stand next to you on your special day.”

“I had given up marrying again. Isaac is a kind, generous, and thoughtful man. I am thrilled to spend the rest of my life with him. I never thought you would be here living with me and in my wedding. My heart is about to burst, I'm so happy.”

Becca slipped off her dress and put on the new one. “It means a lot to me to witness your wedding with Isaac. I love being a part of your life again.” She tugged at Ruth's lace cuff. “You and Isaac make the perfect couple. I'm happy for you.” She moved to the mirror. “I love this dress.”

Ruth ran her hands over the sleeves. “Matt will love this on you. Have you talked to him?”

She wanted to see him, but then again, she didn't. Nothing had changed. Tomorrow she would be in the same room with him. Ruth would voice promises to Isaac she had imagined exchanging with Matt on their wedding day. How would she keep her wits about her through the ceremony with him standing next to Isaac? She pushed his face from her mind. “I haven't and as sick as I am about it, I have to accept we may not ever be together.”

Becca changed out of her dress and helped Ruth do the same. “I have said this a dozen times, but I am going to say it again. Marry the man.”

“Please, leave me alone about this matter.”

“It should be you in a wedding dress tomorrow.” She raised her palms. “I'll leave you alone about it for now because I have something else we need to discuss.”

Becca didn't like the look of concern on Ruth's face. “What is it?”

“Is it all right with you if Benjamin lives with Isaac and me at the farm?”

She swallowed and worked to keep emotion out of her voice. She suspected that Ruth would ask if Benjamin could live with her and Isaac, but she had chosen not to dwell on it. They would visit each other, but it wouldn't be the same. He needed a mamm and a daed. “Of course Benjamin can live with you. I will spend time with him every day at the shop, and he can stay with me overnight when he likes.” She hoped she had hidden her disappointment.

“You may have him over anytime you want.” Ruth opened a drawer and pulled out a paper. She passed it to Becca. “This house is yours. I had the bank transfer ownership to you.” She pointed to Becca's name on the deed.

Becca wiped a tear. “Ruth, this means a great deal to me. I love this house. I'll treasure it.”

“I would not have it any other way, and I have ulterior motives. I want to keep you close, and I do not want to sell it. This house holds precious memories for me here. Consider it a thank you. I could not have accomplished the wedding plans in such a short time without you, and your help in the shop eased my workload tremendously.” Ruth held a wedding announcement. “Do you think our parents will attend the ceremony?”

Becca prayed they would come and surprise Ruth tomorrow. It would be the best wedding present Ruth would receive, but she did not expect them to come. Maybe Ruth's wedding was a bit much for them to handle. “It's hard for them to leave the farm and animals. They would have to ask one of the neighbors to help out while they were away. They promised to visit, but your wedding day may not be convenient for them.”

Ruth headed toward the kitchen, and Becca trailed behind. “I understand. Nothing would make me happier, though, except if you and Matt got back together.”

Becca opened the cookie bin and handed one to Ruth. “Trust me. I'm doing the right thing.” She had no idea what she was doing. Visions of a life and children with Matt ran rampant through her mind, and then Mrs. Carrington's face showed itself every time.

“Matt is not giving up, and I am glad you have to face him at the wedding.”

 

 

The next day, Becca stretched her arms and sipped her coffee. No, today the pain still lingered. The ache in her throat when his face popped in and out of her mind refused to go away. She was silly to think life without him would get easier. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

“Ruth, can you answer the door?”

Moaning, she remembered Ruth was getting dressed. Late for work, she did not have time to talk to anyone. Hand on the knob, she swung open the door. Why was Horace Carrington here? “Dr. Carrington, I'm surprised to see you here. Is something wrong?” Maybe Matt was ill or had had an accident. “Is Matt all right?”

“Matt is fine. I came to talk to you. It is important. May I come inside?”

What on earth could the two of us have to say to each other?
“Yes. Come in. Would you like coffee?”

He shook his head, removed his hat, and sat. “Coffee is not necessary. Please come and sit. I will not be here long.”

This was her first time alone with Matt's daed. Would he insult her like his wife had? Maybe she should not have let him in. No, she was curious to hear what he had to say. She waited for him to speak.

He paused, then leaned forward. “Eloise and I have been unkind to you. I apologize and hope you will forgive us. No more hateful words will be spoken. You will not have to worry about being uncomfortable with us anymore. I cannot thank you enough for what you did for Eloise. Please do not let our bad behavior stand in the way of you and Matt being together. We would be blessed to have you in our lives. We do not deserve it, but I am hoping you will give us another chance to show you a different side of us.”

She swallowed and put a hand to her chest. Dr. Carrington had apologized and seemed sincere in his plea for her to forgive them. She couldn't believe it, but it was true. There he sat. But wait a minute. His acceptance without Mrs. Carrington's meant nothing, because she was the real problem. “Where is Mrs. Carrington?”

“I am confident she will talk to you soon.”

“What changed your mind?”

“The courage and compassion you showed during the robbery. Mrs. Carrington told me everything. The whole town is buzzing about you and how you handled the harrowing situation. We were small-minded in our judgment of you. I have asked God to forgive me for how I have mistreated you, and I hope you will forgive me. Again, I am sincerely sorry.”

This brilliant surgeon, this well-respected and confident man had humbled himself in front of her. She admired this side of him. Why hadn't Mrs. Carrington expressed her heartfelt apology? If she had, then she and Matt could finally be together. They could be a family. Horace Carrington's blessing wasn't enough. “I appreciate you coming here and apologizing to me more than you will ever know. I have been praying for God's will in this matter. I do accept your apology, but without Mrs. Carrington's approval, I cannot accept Matt's proposal.”

“I understand.” He stood. “I am headed to Matt's office after I leave here. I will tell him what I told you today. Matt has never wavered in professing his love for you, despite our objections. I thought you should know.”

Matt shone through in him. The sincerity in his eyes and voice today reminded her of Matt when he spoke about matters of the heart. He raked a hand through his hair. The same nervous habit Matt had.

“I'm glad you came here today. It's been nice to get to know you a little better.” She escorted him to the door.

“Thank you for your time. It would be an honor to have you for my daughter-in-law. Soon, I believe I will.” He winked and left.

She shut the door behind him and leaned against it. Matt's daed had said all the things she had longed to hear from him. If only his mamm would say those same words to her. Dr. Carrington said Eloise would approach her, but when? Could it be true? She bowed her head and prayed, “Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins. If it's your will for Matt and me to marry, please change Mrs. Carrington's heart. All these things I ask and pray in your name, Amen.” She had prayed this prayer many times. She believed God had a plan for her. Was Dr. Carrington's visit today a sign Matt was a part of God's plan for her life?

At noon, Matt shuffled through a pile of papers on his desk. When the door opened, he glanced up. “What brings you to my office?”

His father appeared pale and nervous. It was unlike him.

“Is everything all right? Are you ill?”

Dr. Carrington hung his coat and hat on a hook and sat in a chair across from the desk. “No, son. I am angry with myself for the way I treated you and Becca. I visited her this morning and am here to tell you what I told her.”

Matt's eyes narrowed. “Why did you visit her?”

“Calm yourself. I apologized to her for your mother's and my behavior, and I also expressed my approval of the two of you as a couple. I told her we would welcome her with open arms into our family.”

“What did she say?”

“She thanked me, but she insists your mother must voice her approval of her before she will accept your proposal. I told her your mother would visit her soon.”

“Mother will not apologize.” Matt gripped the armchair. “She has made her opinion quite clear.”

“I made it clear she has no choice and besides, she has waffled on the subject since the robbery. I can read her like a book. She wants to make amends with Becca but finds it difficult to humble herself to do so. I believe after my discussion with her this morning, she will have a heart-to-heart with Becca soon. She just needed a little encouragement from me.”

His father wanted to restore their relationship. Visiting Becca was the best thing he could have done for him. If his mother followed in his footsteps, Becca might agree to marry him.

God was intervening and answering his prayers. “What changed your mind?”

“Becca proved she can handle any situation. I would be proud to have her for my daughter-in-law. Frankly, I am ashamed of how we have treated you both. I hope you will accept our apology.”

He moved to his father and shook his hand. “Your apology is accepted and when Mother apologizes, I am going to propose to Becca again.” He pulled open a drawer and removed a small box. He showed his father the engagement ring he had bought. Soon, he hoped to put the sparkling diamond ring on her finger.

His father rose. “The ring is excellent. I have no doubt she will love it.” He patted Matt's shoulder. “I am happy for you, son. You and Becca are fine examples of two people who love God and show it through your actions.”

This was the father he knew and loved. He had missed having him as a confidante and companion. Was his father right? Would his mother ask Becca to forgive her?

 

 

Becca admired the dress she would wear today for her sister's wedding. Isaac had gotten his way. They had thrown this wedding together in one week. In a few hours, she would witness her sister vow to love Isaac for as long as they both shall live. Isaac had been good to her, Ruth, and Benjamin. She couldn't ask for a better brother-in-law. The patter of feet alerted her. She straightened Ruth's veil. “You look lovely. This is your special day. How do you feel?”

Ruth stared in the mirror with Becca behind her. “I am a bundle of nerves but happy.”

“We better go. Hattie has been kind to keep Benjamin for us. They will be at the church soon. He'll want to see you before the ceremony.”

Becca readied the buggy and horse. Ruth climbed in. “Life is full of surprises. A year ago we had no idea Isaac would move here and ask you to marry him. Soon, I hope to have nieces and nephews.” She giggled.

Ruth's cheeks pinked. “Isaac and I plan to have children soon.”

They discussed names they liked as she guided the horse-drawn buggy to the chapel. She dropped Ruth off first then went to the stable next door and handed the reins to the stableman.

“You look lovely, miss. Enjoy the wedding.”

She thanked him and hurried inside the chapel to find Ruth. “Guests are already here.” She tilted her head. “Kate is playing the piano. She has been a big help with the wedding. I don't know what we would have done without her.”

“She offered to play the piano when I asked her to stand with us. I am glad she did, because I forgot Matt would be next to Isaac and not able to play. She is a true friend, and I am thrilled to have her for a sister-in-law.”