Rebecca's Bouquet (2 page)

He hugged his hands to his hips. “What are you getting at?”

She quietly sought an answer to his question. What did she mean? She'd sounded like she knew what she was talking about. Moments later, the answer came. She recognized it with complete clarity.

She squared her shoulders. “I promised you I'd stick by you forever, William. And right now, you need me.”

He gazed down at her in confusion.

Clearing her throat, she looked up at him and drew a long breath. “I'm going with you.”

* * *

Inside Old Sam Beachy's barn, Rebecca poured out her dilemma to her dear friend. Afterwards, Buddy whimpered sympathetically at her feet. Rebecca reached down from her rocking chair opposite Old Sam's workbench and obediently stroked the Irish setter behind his ears. The canine closed his eyes in contentment.

Old Sam was famous for his hope chests. He certainly wasn't the only person to put together the pieces, but he was a brilliant artist who etched beautiful, personalized designs into the lids.

Rebecca had looked at his beloved Esther as a second mother. Since she'd succumbed to pneumonia a couple of years ago, Rebecca had tried to return her kindness to the old widower. So did her friends, Rachel and Annie. The trio took care of him. Rachel listened to Sam's horse-and-buggy stories. Annie baked him delicious sponge cakes while Rebecca picked him fresh flowers.

Drawing a long breath, Rebecca wondered what advice he'd give. Whatever it was would be good. Because no one was wiser than Old Sam. She crossed her legs at the ankles. Sawdust floated in the air. Rebecca breathed in the woodsy smell of oak.

When he started to speak, she sat up a little straighter. “The real secret to happiness is not what we give or receive; it's what we share. I would consider your help to William and his parents a gift from the heart. At the same time, a clear conscience is a soft pillow. You want to have the blessing of our bishop and your parents. The last thing you want is a scandal about you and William living under the same roof.”

Rebecca let out a deep, thoughtful sigh as she considered his wisdom. In the background, she could hear Ginger enter her stall from the pasture. Old Sam's horse snorted. And that meant she wanted an apple.

Sam's voice prompted Rebecca to meet his gaze. “Rebecca, I can give you plenty of advice. But the most important thing I can tell you is to pray.”

Rebecca nodded and crossed her arms over her chest.

“But remember: Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet.”

* * *

Rebecca was fully aware that William was ready to leave. In her front yard, she hugged her baby sister, Emily, shoving a rebellious strand of blond hair out of her face. Rebecca planted an affectionate kiss on brother Peter's cheek. “Be good.”

Pete's attention was on Rebecca just long enough to say good-bye. As she turned to her father, the two kids started screaming and chasing each other in a game of tag. Emily nearly tripped over a chicken in the process. Rebecca was quick to notice the uncertain expression on Old Sam's face.

The sweet, creamy smell of homemade butter competed with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Both enticing scents floated out of the open kitchen windows. Tonight, Rebecca would miss Mamma's dinner. It would be the first time Rebecca hadn't eaten with her family.

Her heart pumped to an uncertain beat. But she'd never let her fear show. Ever since the death of her other little sister, Rebecca had learned to put on a brave façade. Her family depended on her for strength.

Rebecca's father grasped her hands and gave them a tight squeeze. She immediately noted that his arms shook. It stunned her to realize that his embrace was more of a nervous gesture than an offer of support. And the expression on his face was anything but encouraging. Rebecca understood his opposition to what she was about to do. Her father's approval was important to her, and it bothered her to seem disrespectful.

All of her life, she'd tried hard to please him. They'd never even argued. In fact, this was the first time she'd gone against his wishes. But William was her future. She wanted to be by his side whenever he needed her.

In a gruff, firm voice, her father spoke. “Be careful, Becca. You know how I feel. I'm disappointed that William hasn't convinced you to stay. You belong here. In Arthur.”

He pushed out a frustrated breath. “But you're of age to make your own decision. We've made arrangements with Beth so that living under the same roof with William will be proper. We trust she'll be a responsible chaperone while you're with the Conrads. Just come home soon. We need your help with chores.”

He pointed an authoritative finger. “And never let the English ways influence you. They will tempt you to be like them, Becca. Remember your faith.”

Rebecca responded with a teary nod. When she finally faced Mamma, she forced a brave smile. But the tightness in her throat made it difficult to say good-bye.

Mamma's deep blue eyes clouded with moisture. With one swift motion, Rebecca hugged her. For long moments, she was all too aware of how much she would miss that security. The protection only a parent could offer.

Much too soon, Mamma released her and held her at arm's length. When Rebecca finally turned to Old Sam, he stepped forward and handed her a cardboard container with handles.

She met his gaze and lifted a curious brow. “This is for me?”

He nodded. “I hope you like it.” He pointed. “Go ahead. Take it out.”

Everyone was quiet while she removed the gift. As she lifted the hope chest, she caught her breath. There was a unanimous sound of awe from the group. “Old Sam . . .” She focused on the design etched into the lid. “It's absolutely beautiful! I will treasure it the rest of my life.”

“You always bring me fresh flowers, so I thought you'd like the bouquet.”

She glanced at William before turning her attention back to Sam. “I'm taking the miniature hope chest with me.”

Sam's voice was low and edged with emotion. “I will pray for your safety. And remember that freedom is not to do as you please, but the liberty to do as you ought. And the person who sows seeds of kindness will have a perpetual harvest. That's you, Rebecca.”

Rebecca blinked as salty tears filled her eyes. With great care, she returned the hope chest to its box on the bright green blades of grass.

Old Sam's voice cracked. “You come back soon. And if you want good advice, consult an old man.” A grin tugged at Rebecca's lips. Sam knew every proverb in the book. She'd miss hearing him recount them.

“Thank you again. I can't wait to start putting away special trinkets for the children I will have some day.”

When she looked up at him, he merely nodded approval.

William's voice startled her from her thoughts. “Rebecca, it's time to head out. It's gonna be a long drive.”

Her gaze remained locked with Mamma's. Mary Sommer's soft voice shook with emotion. “This is the first time you've left us. But you're strong.”

Rebecca squeezed her eyes closed for several heartbeats.

As if to reassure herself, her mother went on. “We hope Daniel recovers quickly. William needs you. In the meantime, God will keep both of you in His hands. Don't forget that. Always pray. And remember what we've taught you. Everything you've learned in church.”

“It's never been a secret that God gave you a special gift for accepting challenges. I'll never forget the time you jumped into that creek to save your brother. You pulled him to shore.”

Rebecca grinned. “I remember.”

“Rumspringa might be the most important time in your life. But be very careful. There will be temptations in the English world. In fact, the bishop is concerned that you will decide against joining the Amish church.”

“I know who I am.”

A tear rolled down Mamma's cheek while she slipped something small and soft between Rebecca's palms. Rebecca glanced down at the crocheted cover.

“I put together this scripture book to help you while you're away, Rebecca. When you have doubts or fears, read it. The good words will comfort and give you strength. You can even share them with Beth. She's going through a difficult time. Your
daed
and I will pray for you every day.” She paused. “Lend Daniel your support. The bishop wants you to set three additional goals and accomplish them while you're gone. Give them careful consideration. They must be unselfish and important. Doing this will make your mission even more significant.”

After a lengthy silence, William addressed the Sommers in a reassuring voice. “I'll take good care of her. You can be sure of that.”

Rebecca's dad raised his chin and directed his attention to William. “We expect nothing less.”

Long, tense moments passed while her father and William locked gazes. Several heartbeats later, Eli Sommer stepped forward. “I don't approve of my Becca going so far away. I'm holding you responsible for her, William. If anything happens . . .”

William darted an unsure glance at Rebecca before responding. “I understand your concern. That's why I didn't encourage her to come.”

Rebecca raised her chin and regarded both of them. “I've given this a lot of thought. I'll go. And I'll come back, safe and sound.”

Rebecca listened with dread as her father continued making his case. She knew William wouldn't talk back. And she wasn't about to change her mind about going.

“Daed, it's my decision. Please don't worry.”

Before he could argue, she threw her arms around him and gave him a tight, reassuring hug. After she stepped away, William motioned toward the black Cadillac. As Rebecca drew a deep breath, her knees trembled, and her heart pounded like a jackhammer. Finally, she forced her jellylike legs to move. She didn't turn around as William opened her door.

Before stepping inside, Rebecca put Mamma's scripture book inside the hope chest. William took the box from her and placed it in the middle of the backseat. Rebecca brought very little with her. Just one small suitcase that her father placed in the trunk.

With great hesitation, she waved good-bye. She forced a confident smile, but her entire body shook. She sat very still as Daniel's second cousin, Ethan, backed the car out of the drive. Gravel crunched under the tires. This wasn't Rebecca's first ride in an automobile. Car rides were not uncommon in the Amish community.

Trying to convince herself she was doing the right thing, she gently pushed the down arrow by her door handle, and the window opened. Rebecca turned in her seat and waved until the sad faces of her family, their plain-looking wooden-framed house built by her great-grandfather, and Old Sam, disappeared.

William turned to her. A worry crease crept across his forehead. The cleft in his chin became more pronounced. “Rebecca, your dad's right. I should have made you stay. The last thing I want to do is create tension between you two.”

“It wasn't your choice. As far as my father's concerned. . .” She gave a frustrated shake of her head. “I don't like displeasing him either. On the other hand, it's not right for me to stay here and send you off to save Daniel's shop all by yourself.” She shrugged.

In silence, she thought about what she'd just said. She nervously ran her hand over the smooth black leather seat.

“You can adjust the air vents,” Ethan announced, turning briefly to make eye contact with her.

She was thankful she didn't have to travel to the Indiana countryside by horse and buggy. She rather enjoyed the soft, barely audible purring of the engine.

Next to her, she eyed the cardboard and pulled out the mini hope chest, setting the box on the floor. She smiled a little.

“Old Sam is something else.” William's voice was barely more than a whisper.

“Jah. I can't wait to tell him about our trip.” Rebecca giggled. “I'll miss listening to him grumble while he works in the barn. I enjoy watching him make those elaborate chests that he sells to the stores in town.”

William gave a small nod. “He loves you three girls.”

“Thank goodness that Annie and Rachel will be around to keep him company.”

The three friends had loved Esther. Now they took care of Old Sam. He was like an uncle to them. But Rebecca was leaving the world she knew. Would she fit in with the English?

Chapter Two

The week had passed quickly. In the cabinet shop, Rebecca worked with William. She was no stranger to this trade. The large assembly building behind the Conrad home was ten times larger than Rebecca's parents' small woodworking shop. Fans whirled from the high ceilings, creating a whistling sound.

Sawdust floated in the air. Electric saws made sharp, piercing noises. Half a dozen workers completed different tasks at their own stations. Rebecca enjoyed the airy feel created by the large skylights in the roof. She loved sunlight.

From an early age, her father had taught her well. She'd done every job from running the cash register to measuring drawers. Rebecca had even known Daniel's father.

When the Conrads lived in Arthur, their shop was only two blocks from her parents'. They hadn't really been competitors, though. There had always been plenty of work to go around since each of the businesses focused on a different product.

Rebecca glanced at the beautiful, expensive furniture and smiled a little. Her father had never rushed orders. Instead, he had invested pride into his work and had aimed for perfection. Detail was the key to success. Custom furniture was a sharp contrast to assembly-line products.

Obviously, the two men operated alike. The showy pieces ready for delivery spoke for themselves. She and William had accomplished quite a bit and had come up with a plan to get Daniel's backlog of orders processed.

She wore tennis shoes. They didn't exactly flatter her in her long dress, but she was here to work, and Daniel had an order list several pages long.

Stations were spaced throughout the large room. At the staining area, Rebecca ran a cloth over an oak board. A few feet away, William put together delivery orders.

Rebecca's large cabinet glistened with cherry-colored stain. With pride, she smiled and stepped over to William to display her finished piece.

He put down what he was doing and whistled. “It's gorgeous, Miss Rebecca. You've always had a special knack for making cabinets. Only you can apply the stain to make the wood take on that unique rich appearance.”

“Thank you.” Rebecca dipped her head slightly and carefully placed her cabinet on a bench.

William motioned in front of him. “This must be a year's worth of work.” He paused. “It's funny.”

“What?”

“I've been thinking a lot. Too much, maybe. I don't care what the circumstances were. Dad should have taken me with him. How could he have left me behind, Rebecca?”

The serious expression on William's face and the tone of his voice told her he wanted to talk. She glanced at the wooden bench next to a nearby wall and motioned. “Come on.”

William followed her. They sat next to each other and Rebecca turned to him. “I'm sure that leaving wasn't an easy decision. Carrying out Miriam's wishes must have been terribly important to Daniel.”

“I don't care. If he couldn't take me with him, he shouldn't have gone.”

“But there's nothing we can do to change what already happened.”

As William looked down at the floor, Rebecca nudged him. When their eyes met, she darted him a wry smile. “Living in Arthur wasn't all bad, was it?”

He looked at her to continue.

“If you'd moved, you wouldn't be with me. And I don't know what I would have done without you to carry my schoolbooks.”

He grinned. In a soft voice, he responded, “I know. You can never have everything, can you? And you're the most important person in my life. But I feel cheated that I had no father or mother. Am I wrong to think that way?”

Rebecca paused to consider the question. “William, it's not a perfect world. God has presented an opportunity to get to know Daniel. Make the most of it. At least you're playing a role in his life.”

“Jah. 'Cause he needs me.”

She frowned.

He pushed out a regretful sigh. “You always see the glass half-full.”

“That's what Old Sam tells me to do, William.”

“You're right. Ya know?”

She raised a brow.

“I feel good about helping him, Rebecca.”

“And your parents appreciate it. By the way, I really like them. Daniel's a bit gruff sometimes, but he isn't well. His intentions are good. And Beth has gone out of her way to make me feel at home.”

The clicking of the door handle made them turn. “William Conrad?”

“Jah.” William stood and walked toward the entrance where a middle-aged man waved a hand. Rebecca followed.

In a friendly voice, the man introduced himself. “Henry Kreggs. And this here's my daughter, Natalie.” He closed the door, and they stepped inside. “I hope you don't mind us coming in. Beth gave us permission.”

When they met, William extended his hand and introduced Rebecca. She had never met Henry Kreggs, but knew exactly who he was from the customer list. He was Daniel's biggest client. And his order of fifty cabinets was for the family mansion he was building.

Henry shoved his hands deep into his pockets. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by to see how things were coming along. Word has it that Daniel's under the weather. How's he doing?”

William gave a slight nod. “He'll be fine. Thanks for asking.”

As William gave a time line for the cabinets, Rebecca observed the young girl dressed in fashionable clothes. Natalie sported loads of makeup, and her long, blond hair gave her an angelic appearance.

When their gazes locked, Rebecca was quick to note curiosity in Natalie's eyes. Recognizing that her Amish dress was out of place, Rebecca guessed that Natalie was probably unsure of what to think about her. Trying to break the ice, Rebecca forced a friendly smile.

“Would you like a glass of water?”

Natalie shook her head. “No, thanks.”

When it became clear that Natalie didn't intend to pursue their conversation, Rebecca returned to her workstation and opened another can of stain.

As she carefully pulled off the lid, her attention lingered on the threesome. The men talked and gestured with their hands, but Natalie's focus was on William. In fact, she looked at him with interest.

Natalie batted her eyelashes and said something that made William smile. Rebecca arched a curious brow. An unsettling feeling landed in her chest.

She knew she was naïve, but Rebecca was astute enough to see that Natalie flirted with William. And William had responded.

The moment Henry and his daughter waved good-bye, Rebecca sighed in relief. Natalie made her feel a bit odd and uncomfortable. When William rejoined Rebecca, she erased the girl from her mind. “Everything okay?”

He nodded. “I assured him we'd do our best.” William paused and cupped his chin with his hand.

Rebecca furrowed her brow and motioned to the wooden bench. “Want to finish our talk?”

“Sure.”

Sitting down, she turned slightly and laid a hand on her thigh. “What's wrong?”

Extending a set of long legs, William cleared his throat. “Henry asked about Dad. As soon as I said he'd be okay, I realized I wasn't sure.” He moved his shoulders in a casual shrug. “I'm worried, Rebecca. The doctor said he should be doing light activities by now. But I'm sure you've noticed that he can barely get around. And he doesn't look good. The bags under his eyes, his pale cheeks . . . He's so . . . frail.”

William lowered his voice. “Rebecca, what if he doesn't recover?”

She considered the potent question and pursed her lips in deep deliberation. Daniel had made little or no progress since she and William had moved into the Conrad home over a week ago.

She recalled Old Sam's optimistic approach to life and raised her chin in confidence. “Keep praying. He suffered a heart attack. Of course getting back on his feet will take time.”

A grin tugged at her lips as she recalled one of Old Sam's favorite proverbs. “A handful of patience is worth a bushel of brains.”

The old saying prompted a sigh from William. “Thank you, Rebecca.”

“For what?”

He leaned toward her. The hopeful look in his eyes made her heart melt. She loved him so much.

“Everything. I can't believe how hard you've worked.” He motioned to the cabinets in front of them. “I couldn't have finished this order without you.”

She sat up straighter. “That's why I'm here.”

“Most of all, thanks for being my best friend. Having you with me has boosted my confidence.”

She raised a curious brow. “Confidence?”

He nodded. “I hate to admit this, but I was afraid to leave home.”

“Really?”

“It's the truth. I wasn't sure I could carry this out.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and lightly tapped her shoe against the floor. “I don't understand. We've done this our entire lives. Besides, we're not alone.” She motioned to two women placing dividers inside of drawers.

“Not by ourselves. Aenti Sarah, Uncle John, and your folks made the big decisions.”

“I'd never really thought of it like that.”

“We've got a lot on our plate.” He paused. “You know what I've learned here?”

“What?”

“That the world's much larger than Arthur, Illinois.”

Rebecca laughed. “But we knew that.”

“Of course, but what I didn't realize was how protected we were. For the first time in my life, I feel I can do anything.” He hesitated. “Under one condition.”

“What?”

“That you're with me.”

* * *

That night, Rebecca thought of William as she sat in bed and pulled the bedcovers over her legs. The lamp on the stand next to her illuminated the area.

She had to let Mamma know how amazing the Conrad home was. On a piece of paper, she wrote as neatly as she could.

When she ended the letter, she put down the paper and pen, pushed an oversized decorative pillow to the side, and rested her head on a smaller cushion. Her gaze drifted to the hope chest given to her by Old Sam. She grinned, and hopped up to open it and retrieve Mamma's scripture book.

As she thought of her family and Old Sam, her heart ached for home. She would give anything to talk with Mamma while they made homemade butter. She grabbed a nearby notepad and pen, jotted the date in the upper right-hand corner, and began writing her innermost thoughts.

Rebecca frowned as a small yawn escaped her. As she considered the events of the day, she wrote,
Meeting Natalie was uncomfortable. She stared at me and made me feel strange. What really made me uneasy was watching her look at William. She likes him.

Rebecca returned her new diary to the chest, and the tense muscles in her shoulders began to slowly relax. She put her written thoughts next to her scripture book and stood. She closed the hope chest and strummed her fingers over the lid. As she traced the bouquet carved into the wood, she thought of Old Sam. Salty tears stung her eyes as she turned to flip off her lamp.

In bed, she closed her eyes and prayed. As she rolled onto her side, she considered how different her life was now. She thought of her parents and struggled to keep in mind why she'd come.

As she drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of the woods behind the Conrad home. In her long, brown dress and kapp, she and William proceeded side by side through the thick brush.

Without warning, his pace quickened to a jog. She tried to keep up, but couldn't. Where was he?

Before she knew it, he had vanished. She was lost. She hollered. No answer.

The sky turned dark. A chilly wind caused shivers up and down her spine. Worse, she couldn't find William. Why had he left her? She cried out.

“Rebecca, wake up! It's okay.”

When she opened her eyes, Beth was shaking her. Rebecca's breaths were rapid and shallow. Her heart beat at a sprinter's pace.

“I had a nightmare.”

“Honey, I know you miss your family.”

Beth's gentle smile was understanding. “It's the first time you've been away from them. But I have a nice surprise. A new friend named Katie. She's Amish and sells eggs. Tomorrow, she'll be by in her buggy to deliver them. And you'll love her.”

Beth planted an affectionate kiss on Rebecca's forehead and stood. “Go back to sleep. Tomorrow will be a good day.”

As Rebecca's gaze followed Beth out of the room, she considered William's kind and loving stepmother. But what Beth didn't realize was that meeting Katie wouldn't solve Rebecca's worries. Being homesick wasn't really her main problem.

It was Natalie. Rebecca feared losing William.

* * *

What had Rebecca dreamed? The following morning, William pondered the question as she placed a newly stained cabinet partition on a board to dry. In her long dress and tennis shoes, she worked hard. Miss Rebecca was definitely the practical sort. Her clothing was far from glamorous, yet there was still an incredible beauty that emanated from her.