Rebecca's Bouquet (10 page)

To his disappointment, Rebecca changed the subject as they continued their walk. “What a beautiful evening. I love sunsets.”

“How 'bout those awesome colors?”

She nodded approval. “There's a kind of magic when the sun starts to disappear. Actually, there's so much more to a sunset besides the kaleidoscope of beautiful colors. When I watch the sun go down, I think of what I've accomplished during the day. Sometimes, I wish I had done more. In fact, when I see the sun slip away, a rush of emotions hits me.”

She giggled. Her cheeks reddened. “It sounds silly, doesn't it?”

“Not really.”

“Sometimes, I can't help but feel a bit sad that the day is gone.”

“But there's always tomorrow.”

She paused and lowered her voice to barely more than a whisper. “Not always, William. That's something we take for granted. The jets in Beth's fancy tub and the double oven are nice amenities, but seeing another day is a miracle. Something that can't be bought.”

A chaotic rush of emotions tugged at William's heart. “I like the way you look at things.”

“The world is amazing. We're fortunate to be here. Life is a miracle. And I don't want to waste a minute. In the end, if I'm happy with how I've spent my time here . . .” She shrugged. “I'll have no regrets. What more can a person want?”

As William considered her statement, he rolled the kinks out of his shoulders. He didn't like wasting time, either. He wanted to rid himself of resentment. How could he be happy when he was drowning in a pool of regret?

He eyed her. It was time to put his worries aside.

She stopped to face him. “What?”

“Remember what we used to do when we were in the fields picking tomatoes?”

Rebecca threw her head back in laughter. “How on earth did we jump from such a serious conversation to picking tomatoes?”

“That's my point. We made avow. A long time ago.”

She nodded slowly. “To never let life get too serious. And to not work so hard that we don't have fun.” She smiled a little. “Remember?”

He nodded. His gaze drifted to the tall oak that hovered over the creek. “We're breaking our deal.” Before she could respond, he held up a hand to stop her. “But we can fix that.”

She lifted a suspicious brow. “And just how do you propose to do that? We're not in the tomato field, so we can't just sit down between the rows and talk about Old Sam. Or about Martha Wagler's pies.”

“No. We can't do that. But starting right now, no seriousness. And if either of us says anything serious . . .”

“Then we have to take a bite of Martha's gooseberry pie!”

William made a face. “Now that is severe punishment!”

They laughed.

Several heartbeats later, William wiped a tear from his eye. “She's such a good woman. Tries to do for everyone. I remember when she used to bring get-well pies over to my mom.”

Rebecca put her hands on her waist. “She didn't eat them, did she?”

“Are you kidding? My mother was a good sport, but not good enough to eat Martha's pies! She couldn't take a bite without making a face.”

Rebecca giggled. “Your poor mamma. I can imagine how tough it was for her to explain that she'd save the pie for dessert! And poor, dear Martha.”

Rebecca gave a sad shake of her head. “Her intentions were good. We have to give her credit for that. But baking just wasn't her area of expertise. I'll never forget when she used to try to sell her pies to the town bakery. They wouldn't buy from her.”

“Jah. Because she never added sugar! Didn't anyone ever tell her that?”

They laughed together. As the sun slipped another notch into the horizon, William wished he could stay with her and talk to her all night.

“I guess not. But someone should have,” Rebecca said. “You know the pies aren't edible when Old Sam won't even touch them.”

William's jaw dropped. “You mean Martha tried them on him, too?”

She nodded. “When Rachel and I were in his barn once, Martha brought him a pie. She said something about him working too hard on an empty stomach. To be honest, I think it was just an excuse to chitchat.”

William raised a mischievous brow. “She had a thing for Old Sam?”

Rebecca shrugged. “She likes him, William. Who wouldn't? And when you think about it, they'd make a great pair. Both of them love to talk. And they're both widowed. Of course, you know Old Sam.”

“He'd never look at any woman. He'll always love Esther. And I've no doubt that he has no intention of replacing her.” He nodded. “That's true love.”

Rebecca agreed.

As William pictured Martha trying to get Old Sam to eat her pie, he grinned. Suddenly, he couldn't get the amusing image out of his mind. “What did Old Sam say to Martha when she delivered the pie?”

“He thanked her, of course. He invited her in to chat while he worked on a hope chest.”

“I'm sure he did. But you know Martha. She's the persistent sort. Didn't she want him to try it?”

Rebecca nodded. “I recall her asking. But Old Sam is too smart to be talked into gooseberry pie that he knows will make his mouth pucker.” Rebecca's eyes lit up. “If I remember correctly, he assured her that it looked too good to eat. That he was busy. That when he finally sat down for the night, he wanted to make sure he enjoyed it. That he'd save it until before he went to bed.” She winked. “That was smart thinking on his part.”

“And?”

“There was no argument. As I recall, Martha left with a smile on her face.” Rebecca put a hand over her mouth to stop a giggle. “Then, as soon as she was gone, Rachel nudged Old Sam and asked him if he was really going to eat that pie.”

“What did he say?”

“With that wise grin of his, he told us that he'd learned the hard way not to ever take another bite of Martha's pie. But that this was one time not to be truthful. Because he'd never want to hurt Martha's feelings. And besides, what good would it do?”

“Old Sam. He's too much. It might do me good to sit down with him sometime and shoot the breeze.”

“Just listening to him is so refreshing. He takes on the world with such a pragmatic view.”

“I wonder what he would say about my issues with Beth and Daniel.”

Rebecca pointed a scolding finger. “I know exactly what he would tell you.”

William arched a curious brow while he waited for her to continue. He loved it when she was on a roll.

“He would advise you to put them out of your mind and to enjoy your life. That something good always comes from something bad. And that Daniel's heart attack was meant to happen so the two of you would become closer.”

Rebecca leaned toward William and whispered, “And that if anything were to happen to him or Beth, you'd realize you'd made a huge mistake in being upset with them.” She raised her palms in a helpless gesture. “But by then, it would be too late for a second chance.”

William finally nodded agreement. “You're probably right.”

Rebecca pressed a firm hand against her waist. “Of course I am.”

“Are you ready?”

Rebecca's eyes reflected confusion. “For what?”

Before she could interrupt, he squared his shoulders. “Get ready. 'Cause I'm going to close my eyes and count.”

“Wait! What am I supposed to do?”

“Hide.”

She stepped forward. She was so close to him, he could feel the warm caress from her breath. The gleam in her eyes told him she was ready to take him on.

“How many seconds do you have to find me?” she asked.

He appeared to give the question serious thought. “Ten.”

She stepped closer. “What's my prize if you don't find me in ten seconds?”

He shook his head. “Oh no you don't. I set the rules for this game. The purpose isn't what you win. It's what I get if I find you.”

She gave a slow nod. “I see. And what might that be?”

Time stood still while she awaited his answer.

Rebecca whispered, “William, you didn't answer my question. What's your reward if you find me?”

“I'll tell you when I catch you.”

“That's not fair.”

“Why not?”

“Because if I don't know the prize, I have no idea how hard to run and hide. The whole purpose of the game is to win, right?”

“Of course.”

“And I need to know what's waiting at the finish line so I can determine how much effort to give this.”

“Miss Rebecca, this is only a game. And you're making too much out of it. All I can say is that you'll want to be caught. Now”—he straightened—“I'm going to turn around and close my eyes.”

Before she could argue, he began counting. He smiled as he listened to the crunching of dried brush under her shoes. In fact, the sound told him which direction she headed. While he shouted the numbers as loud as he could, he tried to ascertain her path.

“Ten!” He opened his eyes and turned. “Here I come!”

He made his way to where he thought she'd gone. No sign. He stopped when he heard her giggle.

Raising an amused brow, he made a dash for the colony of raspberry bushes. Rebecca jumped up from her squatting position and rushed to get away. He caught her.

She nearly lost her balance as he steadied her. He didn't want to ever pull away from their tight embrace, even though it wasn't proper.

“You told me I'd like the prize if I got caught,” she teased. “Thank goodness, I'll finally know what it is.”

“I'm going to give you a choice.”

Together they sat on the ground. As they held hands, a lightning bug blinked between them.

“What are my options?”

“You can choose . . . a piece of Martha's delicious homemade gooseberry pie.”

Rebecca threw her head back in laughter. “You said I'd like the reward. That's no fair.”

He pointed a finger and shook his head. “Uh-uh. Let me finish. Or . . . a kiss.”

Chapter Seven

Rebecca was at ease in Katie's buggy as her horse trotted out of town on the country road. As the horse's hooves clicked against the blacktop, Rebecca thought of last night's kiss.

For one blissful moment, she closed her eyes and relived the feel of William's mouth on hers. It was the first time he'd kissed her on the lips. It was also forbidden; still, she'd never forget that magic sensation. When she opened her eyes, an excited shiver danced up her arms.

They weren't married; yet she didn't feel as if they'd done anything wrong. She loved William. And he loved her.

As the horse trotted, Rebecca considered what he'd said about the English ways. She frowned. With her permission, he'd leave the Amish faith in a heartbeat. No doubt about it. But what could she do?

Deep down inside, Rebecca was uneasy. Scared. Afraid that William would become so attached to the English amenities, he would decide against joining the church.

If that happened, she would lose him. Becoming English was something she would never do. As much as she loved him, she would be a faithful Amish girl forever.

She turned to her new friend. “Katie, have you ever been tempted to give up your heritage?”

Katie darted Rebecca a surprised glance. “Never. Why do you ask?”

Rebecca touched on her concerns about William. Afterwards, she gave an uncertain shrug of her shoulders. “I can certainly understand how difficult it is to return to the simple life after experiencing so many frills.”

Katie nodded. “I know.”

“You do?”

“Of course. When I did Rumspringa, I tried different things.” She darted Rebecca a rebellious wink. “I even drove a car.” She rolled her eyes. “Can you believe it?”

Rebecca sucked in a surprised breath. “You did
what
?”

Katie nodded proudly. “You heard me. And I don't have a single regret. I looked at it as an opportunity to find out what I wanted. Of course, I'd planned on joining the church, but it was important to make sure I wouldn't regret doing so. I loved the English perks, but realized my upbringing was so strong, I could never leave it. After the test period, I didn't doubt who I wanted to be. Or how I wanted to live.”

Rebecca nodded in agreement. “That's how I am. I enjoy a number of things about the English lifestyle . . . How could I not? But in my heart, I'm a simple Amish girl. I guess all of those church sermons stuck.”

Katie turned to lift an inquisitive brow. “Then you'll stay Amish?”

“Of course.”

Katie hesitated. “Then why did you ask if I had been tempted?”

Rebecca recalled her disturbing conversation with William. Should she discuss it? She wasn't sure. She couldn't betray William's confidence, especially his feelings about Daniel and Beth.

But if she kept her concerns to herself, how could she get an honest opinion? What she needed was another point of view.

Maybe Katie could help. After a pause, Rebecca related her concern about William's bent toward the English ways. She went on to tell her that there had been no partnership offer yet, but that she feared the outcome if Daniel actually did approach William with the idea.

A thoughtful look crossed Katie's face.

Rebecca put a hand on her hip and turned to Katie. “So . . . if you were in my shoes, what would you do . . . if you had to confront the issue of William becoming Daniel's partner? Would you encourage it? William wants a relationship with his dad. A partnership would bond them.”

Katie frowned. “In my opinion, what William likes isn't what's most important. Honey, this isn't only about him. It's about you, too. And a partnership with Daniel would mean a huge compromise on your part. Just think of what you'd be giving up. What do
you
think about them running the business together?”

Rebecca pressed her lips together in deep deliberation. “I'm not sure.”

Katie lowered her voice to a more confidential tone. “It would mean not spending the rest of your life where you grew up.”

What Katie said was true.

“You'd be without your family. Your roots, Rebecca. Is that what you want?”

Rebecca clasped her hands in frustration. “Of course not. My parents will need me when they're old.” She smiled a little. “I've always planned to build a ‘grandpa' room.”

Katie hesitated. “Let's say that you
did
stay in Indiana. You think you'd become one of them?” Before Rebecca could respond, Katie went on. “I'm not passing judgment on William's parents, but you have to admit their way of life is a far cry from ours.”

“I'm aware of that. My parents have instilled strict values in me, and I intend to keep them. If I had my druthers, I'd stay in Arthur. But what you said is true.”

Katie raised an inquisitive brow.

“You know. You said this isn't only about William, but it's about me, too. If you turn that around, it's not just about me. William's happiness is important as well.” Rebecca sighed. “Even if the partnership offer doesn't materialize, he still loves living like the English. If I deny him the type of life he wants, that would be total selfishness on my part, wouldn't it?”

Katie pursed her lips and sat up straighter.

Rebecca shifted positions and went on. “The situation is complicated. I love my family.”

“Of course you do. And you have an obligation to them.”

Rebecca nodded. “On the other hand, I sympathize with William. I've had the luxury of being raised by my parents. God has blessed our family with good health. William wasn't as fortunate. He lost his mother. Shortly after that, his father left him.”

Katie shook her head. “It's sad what William went through. And I certainly understand his wanting to bond with Daniel. Every boy wants to be close to his dad.”

Rebecca agreed. “It's strange. The Amish church shunned Daniel for marrying outside of the faith. As a result, Daniel shunned his own son. But he paid a heavy price. He must carry tremendous guilt. I feel sorry for both of them.”

“Not me, Rebecca. My sympathy goes to William. After all, Daniel was the adult. William's fate was in his hands. And we can't forget that it was Daniel's choice to marry Beth. He could have chosen a widow within the Amish community.”

“But he fell in love with Beth.”

“I know. But poor William had no say in the situation. The ideal solution would have been for Daniel to marry one of his own. Then, this mess wouldn't have happened.”

Rebecca dropped her jaw in surprise. “True. But I understand why Daniel loves Beth. I respect and admire her. She truly adores her husband. He means the world to her.”

“But she's not Amish.”

“That's okay, Katie. She's a Christian woman.” Rebecca paused. “How do you make yourself fall in love with the right person?” Before Katie responded, Rebecca reworded her question. “What if the guy we fall in love with isn't of the same faith?”

“It's our responsibility to make sure he is. That's why we meet people in our church.”

“It sounds simple. But I don't think it is. Because the heart chooses. Not the mind.”

“You don't believe we have control over our hearts?”

With a smile, Rebecca shook her head. “Not always.”

“Maybe there's some truth to that.” Katie shrugged her shoulders. “I don't know. Fortunately, it's an issue I don't have to deal with. While we're on the subject, how's Daniel? I haven't heard much about him for a while.”

Rebecca was quick to notice how Katie changed the subject. Unlike Katie, Rebecca didn't believe that everything was black-and-white. Gray areas had to be dealt with. And she certainly didn't blame Beth for falling in love with Daniel. Or vice versa.

“Hanging in there. He's fragile. At this point, his recovery's in God's hands.”

Rebecca longed to talk to someone about William's resentment toward Daniel. She'd love to get Katie's input. Maybe if Rebecca had a second opinion, she could offer better advice to William.

But she couldn't ask. Because William had confided in her. He trusted Rebecca enough to confess his feelings, and she owed it to him to keep his issues in confidence.

“So what would you do, Katie? About encouraging William to partner with Daniel. If it comes to that.”

“I can't imagine that happening.”

“But if it does?”

“It's difficult to answer. I know you love William. But you also love the Amish church. I can't see you without your family, Rebecca.”

“It's hard to imagine.”

“Any man I loved would have to be from here. I'm not flexible enough to live elsewhere. Maybe I could manage living out of state a couple of months. But permanently?” She shook her head.

“But fortunately,” Katie continued happily, “I don't have to choose. Pray about it, Rebecca. God will tell you what to do. It might not be tomorrow. Or the next day. But in time, you'll know. And in my heart, I believe you'll decide against a partnership between William and Daniel . . . if you're confronted with it.”

Rebecca nodded in acceptance.

Katie laid a reassuring hand on Rebecca's arm. “Promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“If you and William decide to stay here, don't give up who you are.”

Rebecca let out a small, uneasy breath. “If William decided to join Daniel, there are plenty of Amish communities in the area. Yours, for instance. There's no reason William and I couldn't be Amish.”

Katie raised a doubtful brow. “Right now, you're living like the English.”

“That's because we're staying with William's parents. When we marry, we'll have our own home. And you can be sure it'll be in an Amish community whether we're in Illinois or Indiana.”

“You sound certain of that.
Gut
for you. That's what William wants too, right?”

Rebecca hesitated. “I think so.”

Katie glanced at Rebecca with skepticism.

“I confess I'm concerned that William has taken such a liking to certain things in the Conrad home.”

“He's addicted?”

“I wouldn't say that. But he loves television. Air-conditioning. I've especially noticed how large his eyes grow when he looks at Beth's car . . . Of course, I have a temptation of my own.”

“Oh?”

Rebecca giggled. “I'd love to wear blue jeans for a day.”

Katie joined in the laughter. “I hate to tell you this, but the longer William lives with them, the more difficult it will be to break him of those pleasures.”

Rebecca frowned. She bit her lip and digested what Katie said. But she couldn't dispute the facts. What Katie said was true. “Do you plan to marry, Katie?”

A long silence passed while Rebecca awaited a response.

“I'd like to.” Katie sighed. “I used to dream of it. There was this boy I grew up with. His name was Amos. We were an item from the time we started school together, just like you and William.”

Rebecca smiled sympathetically.

“When we got older, I expected we'd marry. I dreamed of having a family. Of growing old together. It didn't materialize, Rebecca. God didn't intend it to work out.”

“What happened?”

“When we went through Rumspringa, Amos took advantage of everything he could. It didn't take him long to decide that he was happier not being Amish.”

“But what about his feelings for you?”

“His love wasn't as strong as I'd thought. In a short time, he changed. Before I realized what was happening, I had lost him, Rebecca. And there was absolutely nothing I could do.”

“I'm so sorry, Katie.”

“Me too. But that experience made me realize just how important Rumspringa is. It was a painful thing to go through, but realistically, it was better to lose him when I did. Fortunately, most of the time, those who are raised Amish end up joining the church. Not in his case.”

Rebecca laid a reassuring hand on Katie's arm. “There will be someone else for you. I'm sure of it.”

Katie's lips lifted a notch. “I hope so. My dream is to be a mother. I'd love a house full of little ones.”

They laughed.

As the warm air floated in, Rebecca breathed in the scent of freshly mowed grass. Blades of dark green grass cluttered the edge of the road. Soybean crops in the field were growing fast.

She turned to Katie. “Did you ever walk beans?”

Katie quirked a brow. “Walk beans? What on earth are you talking about?”

“You know. When you go through the fields and cut out the weeds with a hook.”

Katie's eyes widened. “You did that?”

“Every summer.”

“It sounds grueling.”

“It is.”

The subject prompted Rebecca to recall a certain conversation she'd shared with Beth. “Katie, do you ever dream of having a career?”

Katie eyed her and grinned mischievously. “Funny you should ask. I've given serious thought to running my own business.”

“Really?”

Katie nodded with confidence. “Right now, I help my parents with their shop.” She shrugged. “By no means am I unhappy. They have a fairly large clientele, and the business pays the bills and then some. And I have to admit that I enjoy making quilts, sweaters, and other knickknacks for the shelves. In fact, right now I'm working on the biggest project I've ever done.”

“What is it?”

Katie's eyes widened with excitement. “A quilt.”