Rebecca's Bouquet Read Free

Indiana. She raised her chin to look at William’s face. Mamma always told her that a person’s eyes gave away his feelings.
    The tongue could lie. But not the eyes. William’s intriguing flecks had become a shade lighter, dancing with hope and sincerity. His cheeks were flushed.
    â€œWilliam, you’ve got to do this.” She let out a small, thoughtful sigh. “I remember a particular church sermon from a long time ago. The message was that our success in life isn’t determined by making easy choices. It’s measured by how we deal with difficult issues. And leaving Arthur is definitely a tough decision.”
    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.
    â€œBut 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