Beginnings (34 page)

Beth shrugged. “I’m used to being cooped up in the studio, but you’re right that it’s different here.” She pulled in a deep breath of the crisp, scented air as she seated herself on the bench. Sean gave his pant legs a little tug before sitting on the other end. When he was settled just a few inches from her, Beth continued. “Still, I wouldn’t have traded my time here for anything. It has helped me develop a much deeper appreciation for my family and helped me put things into perspective. I guess you could say this has been a growing time.”

“For my dad and me, too,” Sean said, looking to the side. She sensed there was more he was thinking, but he didn’t divulge it.

“It has also,” she continued, watching his gaze come back around to meet hers, “convinced me without a doubt that my studio—and I—belong in Sommerfeld.” She searched his face for signs of disappointment. Since he’d previously indicated the wisdom of relocating, she hoped he and his father hadn’t made that a part of her contract. She wouldn’t be able to sign if that stipulation was added.

Sean nodded, seemingly unconcerned. “I assumed that when I saw the addition.”

Beth slapped her hands to her face. With her focus on Mom and the babies, she’d completely forgotten about the addition. “You saw it? The men finished it?”

“All but the shingles, from the looks of things.” Sean smiled, seeming to find humor in her amazement. “Of course, the wall separating the two halves is still in place, so you could hardly consider it a finished job, but I could see the potential. You’ll have quite the work area, plus room for an office, if need be.”

Beth nodded in slow motion, picturing it. Although she hadn’t originally considered including an office space, the idea held merit. Especially if there were several workers on a daily basis, she might need a quiet spot to get away and think.

“If I were you,” Sean went on, his forehead creased thoughtfully, “I would put the office in the southeast corner. That way when you get your showroom up, the office will be close enough for you to be available to customers.”

Beth bit down on her lip, but she couldn’t stop a smile from growing. “Are you planning my studio for me now?”

A boyish grin made her heart skip a beat. “Just a suggestion ... from someone who plans buildings for a living.”

She assumed a high-chinned, formal posture, her lips still twitching. “I’ll take that under advisement, Mr. McCauley.” Dropping the playful pose, she said, “So it won’t be a problem, having my studio so far away from the main office?”

Sean crossed one leg over the other and grasped his knee with both hands, staring at the horizon. “It won’t be a problem at all. My reason for wanting you to consider moving was ... selfish.” He flicked a glance in her direction.

She offered a warm smile, which she hoped would encourage him to continue.

He faced her fully. “I admit from the first time we met I’ve had a difficult time separating our business relationship from a personal one. I wanted you closer. So I could get to know you ... better.”

Beth swallowed. She stretched out her hand and touched his elbow. “I’ve had the same thoughts, Sean. But I don’t know how it could work. Long-distance relationships are pretty hard to maintain. I ... I can’t leave Sommerfeld. It’s where God has planted me, and I won’t step outside of His will. But your office is in Kansas City.” She stopped, the ramifications of the statement bringing a crush of sorrow to her chest.

So slowly she almost thought she imagined movement, his hand slid across the bench until his fingers found her hand. He didn’t squeeze, just held her fingers loosely within his. “You know, Beth, my job—drawing blueprints and planning—can be done wherever I choose.” He paused, his gaze seeming to seek her face for silent messages. “With the Internet and fax machines, I can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world. I’m not limited to working in Kansas City.”

Beth’s booming heart nearly stole her breath. She understood what he was saying. But things were moving so rapidly she couldn’t form a reply.

His lips tipped into a warm smile, and his hand gave hers a squeeze. “But we can talk about that another time. There will be time, since we’ll need to be in communication concerning our business relationship. The other? We’ll wait for God’s leading.”

“Can we pray about it now?” Beth blurted out the question, then felt her cheeks fill with heat at her impatience.

Sean didn’t laugh. He nodded and bowed his head, and Beth followed suit. She listened as he thanked God for the opportunity to work together to create houses of worship that would meet the needs of congregations both spiritually and aesthetically. Her breath tripped raggedly as he requested guidance concerning their future together. “Lord, whatever You have planned, we are open to Your will. Lead us on Your pathway, please, and may we always bring glory to You as we journey, whether together or individually. Amen.”

A distant rumble sounded, alerting them that Sean’s prediction of rain could certainly prove true. But they remained on the bench, fingers linked, enjoying the moment of communion they had shared. Beth’s chest filled with gratitude for God’s hand bringing her to the point of belonging—with Him, with her family, with the community that she now considered her own, and with Sean. Giving Sean’s hand a gentle squeeze, she offered a smile she was certain he understood.

A plop of something wet smacked the top of her head. Two more drops landed on her shoulder and lap.

“Here it comes!” Sean said with a laugh.

And come it did! Raindrops pelted them, warm and redolent and renewing. They jumped to their feet, their hands still clasped, and dashed toward the safety of the building. Beneath the brief overhang, they came to a laughing stop. Beth’s back pressed securely to Sean’s side with her head on his shoulder, and his arms loosely circled her waist.

Together they watched the rain gently bless the earth with moisture. With each patter, Beth envisioned a new blessing from God. Her lips formed the words without effort. “Thank You, Father, for everything.”

And Sean’s tender voice echoed, “Amen.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Figure I

Kim Vogel Sawyer is wife to Don, mother to three girls, grandmother to four boys, and a former elementary school teacher. A lifelong writer, Kim travels to women’s groups to share her testimony and her love for writing, tying together the skill of writing a good story with the good plan God has for each life. She is active in her church, where she serves as an adult Sunday school teacher, directs the drama team, and participates in the music ministry in both vocal and bell choirs.

SOMMERFELD TRILOGY

BYGONES

BEGINNINGS

BLESSINGS

Available wherever books are sold.

BACK COVER MATERIAL

A YOUNG WOMAN'S SEARCH FOR A PLACE TO BELONG

BETH QUINN
left the city to live among the Old Order Mennonites in the small town of Sommerfeld, Kansas, hut she doesn't fit in. Her mother has embraced the old life and reconciled with her family, but these people are strangers to Beth and her business focus doesn't fit their ideal for women.

With two men now vying for her attention, Beth is torn between a desire for independence and a longing to have someone on whom to depend. New in her Christian faith, will Beth be able to reconcile her old life with the new?

Andrew Braun, a member of the Sommerfeld fellowship, works side-by-side with Beth, designing and constructing stained-glass windows. Dare she trust him with her life and her heart?

Sean McCauley, whose dad owns a construction company specializing in erecting church buildings, visits Beth's shop and discusses a possible business deal. Is Sean interested in more than a financial alliance?

Feelings of unsettledness begin to grow as Beth searches for a place to belong. Will she look to her heavenly Father for guidance and fulfillment? Or will she proceed with her own plans and wind up picking up more than pieces of shattered glass?

KIM VOGEL SAWYER
is a wife to Don, mother to three girls, grandmother to four boys, and writer living in Kansas.