Rebecca's Bouquet (16 page)

To William's chagrin, the man next to him seemed cool and aloof. Of course, he didn't feel well. William took that into consideration.

As William glanced at his dad in his peripheral vision, he let out a small sigh. He prayed to make the right decision. There was no need to say anything to worry him. On the other hand, William couldn't afford to offer him false hope.

If that happened, the disappointment in the end would be even worse. William suddenly realized that his father was waiting for him to say something.

When he spoke, William's tone was gentle but firm. “I'm flattered by your offer, Dad. I really mean that. And I'm giving careful thought to it. There are things to consider before I let you know.”

Irritation edged his dad's voice. “What's there to think on, son? I've offered you everything I've worked for. I'm handing you your inheritance on a plate.”

An uneasy sensation trickled down William's spine. The last thing he wanted was an argument. Especially since his father was finally making progress.

William had never confronted such a situation. His mind drifted to Aenti Sarah. He imagined discussing the partnership with her while she worked on her quilt. How would she suggest handling this dilemma?

Unfortunately, no answer came. William was grateful for the tractor that interrupted them. As the driver waved, William and his dad stepped to the side of the road to allow the red machine to pass.

He yearned to talk to Aenti Sarah. He wanted to ask her if it was fair for his dad to expect his answer to be yes, when his dad hadn't been around during the critical years of William's life. He was sure her answer would be no.

A tense silence ensued as they continued their walk. In the distance, the sun took on brilliant colors. The hues were so rich, William was sure even the best artist couldn't capture them.

But he couldn't change the past. And he certainly didn't want his dad to suffer a setback. He tried a conciliatory tone. “I'd love to be partners. But it's not my decision alone. Rebecca and I are considering it. Her happiness is important to me.”

The lack of response told William that his dad was disappointed.

William spoke tactfully. “I'm flattered you've asked me. But moving out of state is a big decision for both of us. We've always planned on living around her family. And you know Aenti Sarah and Uncle John . . . They'd miss me. Aenti Sarah counts on me to help her out.”

“But I'm your father. And Rebecca's the type of girl who would want what's best for you. At first, she might be shy to the idea, but eventually she'll come around.” He paused. “A woman's place is with her husband, son. She'll be okay. Besides, Illinois is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Indiana.”

William chuckled. “Not by horse and buggy.”

“Get a license.”

“I thought you wanted me to stay Amish.”

Daniel paused. “I did. But now it's time to think of me.”

Chapter Ten

The following morning, Rebecca smiled as the light floated gracefully in through the large kitchen skylight. She blinked at the bright ray.

The creamy white walls took on a different shade. The dark grain in the granite countertops sparkled.

Rebecca figured the warm feeling in her heart was due to two things. She'd always loved the natural warmth from the sun and the way it lifted her spirits. The sun was God's way of telling her He'd take care of her.

But today, there was another reason to give thanks to the Lord. The doctors believed Daniel was on the upswing. He wasn't running marathons. Nor was he back in the shop.

But they were convinced that in the near future, Daniel would return to what he loved to do. Rebecca prayed that would be the case.

In the meantime, she would continue helping the Conrads. The housekeeper would be back from vacation next week. It was nice having Daniel home in more ways than one. William was more upbeat and confident. And Beth's smile was back on her face. She was more talkative and positive.

As Rebecca scooped a large helping of scrambled eggs from a skillet and slid them onto a plate, William appeared in the doorway. For a moment, she glanced at him before focusing on the job at hand. “Morning.”

“Morning.” He came up behind her. “Did Beth hire you to cook?”

She shook her head. “I volunteered. She's with Daniel. I'm giving her a hand.”

William's eyes sparkled with affection. His expression alone could give her all she needed to make it through the day. She didn't doubt that William's love could get her through the toughest storm.

She put down her spatula and faced him. Joy emanated from his eyes. Since they'd been in Indiana, she'd missed that sparkle.

He held her at arm's length. “I haven't thanked you enough for your efforts.”

Rebecca dipped her head. The pleasure's mine. And I think I've benefited as much as your folks. I've learned a lot about myself.”

Curiosity edged his voice. “Oh?”

She motioned to the table. “Let's sit down and enjoy Katie's fresh eggs. I'm starved. And if we don't eat right away, breakfast will get cold.”

As they drank orange juice, William asked, “Tell me what you've learned.”

Rebecca peppered her eggs. She returned the shaker to the middle of the table and smiled in satisfaction as she took a bite and swallowed.

“I'm more open-minded.”

“You mean you've accepted the way my folks live?”

“Yes. Is it for me?” She shook her head. “But it's fine for them. I make it a point not to judge others.”

She let out a breath. “What I'm trying to say is that I've been exposed to a much different life than my own. But that's a good thing, William.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because meeting new friends and exposure to different ways are healthy. As a result, I've grown emotionally and intellectually.”

When she looked at William for a reaction, he didn't respond.

“Oh, William. There's so much to tell.”

He glanced at the clock on the wall and winked. “I've got time.”

Rebecca turned toward him as she spread grape jelly on her whole wheat toast. “For starters, God chooses people of all faiths to serve Him.”

“Are you talking about Beth?”

Rebecca gave a decisive nod. “Beth is a good wife to Daniel. She doesn't practice her faith like we do, but that's okay because their church has different . . .” Rebecca pursed her lips as she searched for the right word.

“Guidelines?”

She nodded.

“That makes sense. And they have a great life.” William grinned. “I've thought a lot about Uncle John and Aenti Sarah. They're missing out.”

“William!”

“Even you've admitted there's nothing wrong with different practices. I'm sorry, but it won't be easy going to bed every night without watching ESPN. And air-conditioning helps me sleep better.”

Rebecca tried to find her voice. She couldn't.

“Rebecca, I know how strongly you feel about our faith. But surely you could get used to this.”

Rebecca's heartbeat picked up speed as she contemplated the comment she'd pretty much expected.

She looked down, hoping to drop the subject.

But he persisted. “Think about it, Rebecca. You've confessed your love of Beth's Whirlpool.”

Rebecca took a last bite of eggs, but no longer tasted them. “I admit to enjoying these comforts. But like I've said, underneath it all, I'm a loyal Amish girl at heart. I can't betray everything my parents taught me.”

The smile on William's face dropped. “It all boils down to how we're raised, doesn't it?”

Rebecca pondered the statement and shrugged. “Perhaps. But, William, practicing faith takes discipline.”

“I guess I'm starting to wonder why Aenti Sarah can't enjoy Beth's conveniences. If they both believe in God, what makes it wrong for my aunt to have an easier life?”

“I can't answer that, William. But it takes a strong person to do what he thinks is right. Just because we enjoy something doesn't mean we should have it.”

After a lengthy pause, he shrugged. “You've got a point. Being Amish was obviously important to Mom. But look at how Dad changed. And he doesn't appear to regret it.”

“I can't speak for Daniel. I can only tell you how I feel. I understand why you want your aunt to have it easier. There's no better woman than Sarah. I admire her for being who she is.”

Rebecca and William regarded each other in silence. All of a sudden, they burst into laughter.

“Just listen to us,” William said.

Rebecca grinned. “Next time we're that serious, we have to eat Martha Wagler's pie!”

They laughed.

Afterwards, they sat in silence. Again, the same conflict haunted Rebecca. She knew William loved his aunt. That he would give her the world if he could.

“William, don't forget your roots. They've made you what you are.”

“You'll join the Amish church, won't you?”

She gave a confident nod. But inside, she shook like a leaf. Both she and William had been hit with the same bullets when they'd come here.

Rebecca's faith had grown stronger. However, the transition had caused William to question his. Rebecca had to do something. But what?

“I'm only happy with you, William.” She lowered her voice to a more confidential tone. “Do you still want to marry me?”

“Of course.”

“Even if my dream is to raise an Amish family?”

“Yup. We'll live in Arthur with your folks. Like we planned. Rebecca, I want you to be happy. There's nothing more important to me. And if that means moving back home”—he shrugged—“then so be it.”

His admission should have eased her mind. But she wasn't at all relaxed because in her heart, she knew William really preferred to live like his father.

She cleared her throat. “What about Daniel? Have you given him an answer?”

He hesitated. “Not yet. He still wants me to be his partner.”

“And you'd love that.”

William nodded. “But like you said, we can't always have what we want. I'll give that up for you.”

If Rebecca deprived him of joining Daniel, how could she justify her selfishness? Would God approve?

“William, I'm torn.”

He stretched his legs. “I know. And I feel guilty for putting you in this position.”

She reached over and laid a gentle hand on his.

He scooted his chair closer. “I wish this had never happened.”

“What?”

“Dad's heart attack. Leaving Arthur. I would have been better off to never have seen how he lives. Then I wouldn't be tempted.”

Rebecca softened her voice. “William, coming here isn't the problem.”

“Of course it is.”

She shook her head. “It's what I told you earlier. Ignorance is bliss. But it doesn't make us grow.”

A skeptical look swept across his face.

“These changes force us to think.”

They regarded each other in silence. Rebecca went on. “If God hadn't planted us in another environment, we wouldn't have come across new knowledge. Our belief wasn't tested because we hadn't been challenged.”

He gave a sad shake of his head. “Just look at all of the temptations God has shown us. Giving them up won't be easy.”

* * *

In the shop the following morning, William went through paperwork and crossed off four more orders. There was good and bad news. His father's business was on track. Revenues were coming in for the deliveries. And new orders were constantly placed.

The bad news was just how serious he was about living like the English. Permanently. As he contemplated his situation, the whirling ceiling fans made a light whistling sound. The strong odor of varnish filled the air. In the distance, a worker swept a pile of sawdust and scooped it into a plastic bag.

William would never forget the uncertainty he'd felt before coming to Indiana. At that time, he couldn't wait for his stint at the Conrad business to be finished. He'd never dreamed how tempted he'd be to leave the Amish faith.

He was comfortable with his new lifestyle. In fact, he really didn't want to return to the old. He bit his lip at that thought. He should be ashamed of himself. And he was.

Yet he could no longer deny a longing so deep inside of him. He wanted his children to have what he should have had growing up. He'd been raised to believe that the Amish life was simple. But he knew of an easier life. The English way. In fact, there was nothing difficult about it. At the tips of his fingers lay so many amenities, they became nothing more than a blur. In frustration, he tried to focus on the papers in front of him. His father would be proud of the accomplishments that had been thought impossible when William and Rebecca had first arrived in Indiana over a month ago.

The grinding of saw blades interrupted his thoughts. He reached for the handheld calculator and added the numbers in the right-hand column. Closing the cover on the paperwork, he let out a low whistle. His father would be darn proud of him and Rebecca.

The business was making a grand profit. He should be happy. William stood and frowned. Hooking his fingers over his pockets, he stared down at the tips of his black shoes.

His inner turmoil wasn't about money. Nor was it about his relationship with his father. An even deeper issue stirred within him. He loved Rebecca. At the same time, he wanted to live like the English. But he knew that convincing her to leave the faith that was so dear to her was impossible.

William had changed. Could his relationship with Rebecca survive?

* * *

With a happy sigh, Rebecca ran a dishrag across the sparkling granite. The kitchen smelled of cleaning agents. Beth was in the basement getting peaches from the freezer. Time to go outside. Rebecca stepped to the front hall. But as soon as she opened the door, she stopped.

Her breath caught in her throat as she looked at the note sticking out from under the mat. Tears stung her eyes as she tried to stay calm. But composure was out of the question when she recognized the neat printing with her name on it. With shaky hands, she pulled the note from the envelope.

She wasn't surprised at the message because she'd seen it before.
Go home
.

But there was an additional threat. A hand-drawn picture of an old-fashioned coffin. On the side were two letters.
R. S.

* * *

In tears, Rebecca nearly stumbled as she ran to the shop.

Inside, she spotted William and rushed to him. She handed him the note. In silence, he looked at it and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

As she regarded him in silence, his eyes filled with a combination of concern and anger. “Another warning.”

She nodded.

“Where did you find this?”

She spilled her story as tears slid down her cheeks. The drawing stepped up the seriousness of the threat to a much higher level.

“Why is this happening to me? Why does someone want me to leave? And who?”

She caught her breath and explained what had happened. “It was at the door.”

He motioned. “Show me where.”

Without waiting, she led him to the front entrance of the home where they stopped at the steps and turned when they heard a voice.

Beth's jaw dropped as she looked at Rebecca. “What on earth is wrong?”

Rebecca related the news and showed her the note and the drawing. She didn't want to concern Beth, but had no choice. Rebecca's life was in jeopardy.

“I'm calling the police.”

Within twenty minutes, the cops arrived. Outside, an officer asked questions while the other filled out a report.

“Do you have any idea who would do this?” Beth's voice was edged with concern as she directed her attention to the uniformed men.

“No. Any idea when this was left?”

Beth thought a moment. “Within the past few hours.”

The officer clipped his pen to the report and looked at Rebecca with a skeptical brow. “Did you tick someone off?”

Rebecca shook her head. She wanted to tell him about Natalie, but didn't. Because Natalie hadn't done anything to her that could be considered a threat, and it wasn't right to bring her name into the ugly story unless Rebecca could prove that Natalie was behind it.

The officer nodded. “It could be someone playing a sick joke. On the other hand, maybe it's for real. In either case, be careful.”