Seasons of Love (20 page)

Zane bowed his head, and in his heart, he humbled himself before the Creator, asking for forgiveness and a new start. Once peace settled over him, assuring him that God had answered, he said good-bye to his company. Zane walked out the door, trusting in God to direct him to his next endeavor.

He turned to lock the plate glass double doors but instead pressed his forehead against one of them. The pain of regret burned in his stomach. He’d never been in the position he was in now—unsure of what he would do next. Learning to trust in God’s direction would be a new experience.

Images of Riley and Chad would not let go of him. With a business failure fresh in his mind and on his résumé, he had nothing to offer the woman he loved. He smiled to himself. It was the first time he’d admitted that he loved her.

As Zane pulled the key out of the lock, footfalls interrupted his thoughts, and he turned away from the company doors. Riley approached with Chad in her arms. Zane’s heart soared at the sight of her. She released Chad, and the boy ran to Zane, who lifted him with zeal and kissed him on the forehead.

Riley smiled at Zane. He couldn’t remember if she’d ever been so beautiful.

“I didn’t want you to have to face closing your company doors alone. Sorry we weren’t here sooner.”

A gust of wind whipped curls across her face. Zane swept the tendrils away from her green eyes, bringing a blush to her cheeks.

“I’m not sure if this is the right time for me to discuss this with you.” She blew out a breath. “Grandpa agrees with me. We’d like you to be a partner in Sanderford Cranberry Farms. Permanently. He loves your business plan, your ideas of how to grow the farm to include processing and distribution, and frankly, so do I. It doesn’t mean you can’t still work in the software industry—”

Zane covered her lips with his fingers then leaned down to kiss her. Chad forced him to end the kiss all too soon. “I thought I knew what would make me happy. But I didn’t—that is, until I met you. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than see you at the cranberry farm every day.”

In his heart, he thanked God for sending the answer already. He knew the gentle nudge he felt about Riley was God’s urging, as well. “But first, I have a question for you, and I’m not sure what your grandfather will think about this.”

Riley knitted her brows, and her smile flattened. “What is it?”

“I’m in love with you, Riley.”

Moisture brimmed in her eyes, magnifying the love he saw in them. “Oh, Zane.” She pressed her lips together and averted her gaze.

Pain ripped through his heart. “I’m sorry if I spoke too soon.”

“No, it’s just that I don’t know where you stand with God.”

His spirit soared. “I can settle that for you. I’ve resolved my issues and allowed Him back into my life.” His smile beamed from within.

“Really?” Her face brightened.

“Really.”

“I can see it written all over your face. You couldn’t have made me happier. I love you, too.” She melted into his embrace.

“Are you sure I can’t make you happier? Because I haven’t asked you the question yet.”

Riley pushed away from him to look into his eyes. Her mouth dropped open.

“Riley O’Hare, will you marry me?”

She pressed both hands against her heart, tears streaming. “Yes, Zane Baldwyn, I will marry you!”

“Yes, Zshane Balwin, I merwy you.” Chad grinned, revealing a mouth full of perfect white baby teeth.

Riley stood in the foyer of the two-hundred-year-old church, waiting for the stained oak sanctuary doors to open; then she would glide up the red-carpeted aisle, stepping in cadence to the wedding march. They had planned for a small, quiet wedding.

She’d waited months for this spring day—the season when everything began anew. Both she and Zane needed to put their ordeal behind them and have an opportunity to focus on each other, free from the backdrop of the suspense that had shadowed their relationship. Though she still missed her brother and his wife and regretted the time she’d lost with them, Riley began to accept the loss—especially since she knew that they were with the Lord.

She had settled comfortably into her new role as a mother, and Chad’s demeanor reflected his content. Though he’d lost both of his parents, all that mattered now was that he was loved and cherished. Zane would make a great father, and in fact, he was already fulfilling that role with Chad. She couldn’t wait until they would officially become a family.

Her grandfather had agreed to allow Zane to build a new farmhouse on the property for the Baldwyn family. Riley inhaled deeply and widened her eyes to stem the tide of tears. She didn’t want to cry on this day, but she knew she’d end up losing the battle.

“You look beautiful, Riley!” Her father’s voice broke through her thoughts. Tall and stately, he paced across the wood flooring in his black tuxedo. He would walk her down the aisle to give her away. It thrilled her to see him again. With him living in California and her in Massachusetts, she wouldn’t see him often. He stood teary-eyed, and she hoped he’d shed the tears for the both of them.

“Thank you. You know, in moving here, nothing turned out the way I planned, but at least I met Zane.” Riley closed her eyes and inhaled deeply to calm her nerves.

Her sweaty palms made it difficult to grip the crimson-accented bouquet. She twisted the large ruby engagement ring on her finger. She smiled as she remembered when Zane had taken her for a walk among the oaks and maples beyond the cranberry beds. They’d shared a kiss under the trees; then he’d pulled the ring from his pocket. He’d presented her with the gem, explaining that it represented the bog rubies to remind them of how they fell in love.

Amazed, she could do nothing but love him and be grateful to God for bringing him into her life. It seemed that when she had embarked on a search for peace the storms had grown much fiercer. But they lasted only for a time.

Soon the growing season would begin all over again. Her life had changed as quickly as the seasons. As if on cue, the organ chords vibrated through the old structure, pulling her from her reverie, and the doors swung open. Zane stood at the end of the walkway.

Riley’s heart pounded, reaching into her throat. She longed to be with him and wanted to hasten through, but the wedding ceremony would not be rushed any more than the cranberries would be hurried to ripen on the vine. As she took her first step down the aisle toward her future husband, she trembled. Her father gently squeezed her arm hooked through his and patted her hand, reassuring her.

She kept her focus on Zane, though she could still see the heads turning to watch her. Some gasped, and others softly remarked what a beautiful bride she made.

Her father spoke in his turn, giving her away. She stepped forward, and Zane took her hand. The pastor began to speak, and in her heart, she believed and agreed to every word. But she hardly heard them as her love spilled over for the handsome man standing next to her.

Once they were announced as man and wife, Zane and Riley shared a gentle kiss that signified the beginning. There was a season for everything, and now Riley would begin a new season of life, one she would spend with the man she loved.

Dedicated to my loving husband, Dan; my four beautiful children, Rachel, Christopher, Jonathan, and Andrew; and my ever-supportive parents. Special thanks to Chief Arthur Parker of the Carver, Massachusetts, police department; Flax Pond Farms; Centennial Cranberry Farms; and Brian Kendig for helping me to understand encryption software.

A note from the Author:

I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:

Elizabeth Goddard
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683

ELIZABETH GODDARD
is a seventh-generation Texan transplanted in Southern Oregon near the Rogue River. She loves to write and read inspirational fiction in several genres, including thriller, suspense, historical, and speculative fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s busy homeschooling her four children and serving with her husband as he pastors a local church. She enjoys hiking in the Redwoods and camping on the Oregon coast with her family. Find out more about Beth at
www.elizabethgoddard.com
.