Sunflower Serenade

by Tricia Goyer

  “You do?” Emily asked with a little relief—as well as wonder.

  “Yes, we do,” Hunter agreed. “But don’t let it happen again.”

  “You can count on me from now on,” Emily said and gave each of her friends a big hug.

  Ashley punched her arm. “I’m glad that’s over and we’re friends again. And since we’re here, and we’re all free, I think we should head to the fair.”

  “For rides.” Hunter punched the air.

  “And games,” Ashley commented.

  “And food …” Emily started and then changed her mind. “Or we can just get something here,” she said, eyeing the cinnamon rolls in the glass case.

  “Yeah, sure, my mom won’t mind,” Ashley walked around to the back of the case. “I love to share, but only with my bestest, bestest friends.”

  CHARLOTTE SLIPPED HER HAND into Bob’s, thankful for a few minutes to spend time together during this busy week.

  “Strange how we’re surrounded by people in this overflowing fairground and it’s the first minute of peace we’ve had all week.” Charlotte chuckled.

  “Well, I’m glad I was able to sneak you away. With the concert tomorrow night, I figured this is our only opportunity to walk around the fair,” Bob replied.

  Charlotte squeezed his hand. “So how should we celebrate? With a funnel cake? A walk around the exhibition hall to pick up our free balloons and rulers, or—”

  “How about a twirl on the Ferris wheel?” Bob interrupted.

  Charlotte smiled. “You took the words right out of my mouth.”

  They walked to the line and noticed it was long, yet Charlotte didn’t seem to mind. “Can you believe the video is done? I can’t wait to see it.”

  “Well, you’re not going to have to wait too long. I talked to Will this morning, and they’re going to drop something off before they leave town on Sunday.”

  “Honestly? They can create it that fast?”

  “Well, it will be the unedited version, but Will said it will give us an idea of what the finished product will look like. He also said not to be too disappointed if there are a lot of things they leave out. He says they shoot about fifty times more footage than they’ll ever be able to use in a three-minute video.”

  “Just as long as I get to see that handsome farmer boy.” Charlotte smiled. “I never imagined my son would be famous.”

  The line moved along, and soon Bob and Charlotte were climbing onto the ride.

  “Buckle up,” the Ferris wheel operator said as they climbed in.

  “Seat belts?” Charlotte smiled as she snapped the belt around her waist. “You’d think they’d have thought of this sooner, wouldn’t you, Bob? Remember when we’d bring the kids on the Ferris wheel when they were little?”

  “Of course I remember. How could I forget? Pete would rock the seat and scare Bill.”

  “Yes, and while you were riding with the boys I’d spend the whole time trying to get Denise to keep her rear on the seat and not lean over the bar. She was always so social, calling and waving to everyone she knew.”

  They were quiet for a while, each lost in thought as the Ferris wheel moved one seat at a time, loading and unloading. As the ride started, Charlotte rested her head on Bob’s shoulder. She let out a contented sigh as she marveled at the lights of the fair below them.

  “You know, I always have a special place in my heart for the fair.”

  “Really, why?”

  “Well, to me, it was like the first phase of our engagement.”

  Bob removed his ball cap and scratched his head. “Really? Did I forget something? I was there, wasn’t I?” He laughed.

  Charlotte softly elbowed his ribs. “No, it wasn’t you. It was my other husband.”

  Bob returned his hat and nodded. “Just checking.”

  “No, seriously, remember you were working as a maintenance worker for the fair, and you had me out here with you doing everything from setup to takedown.”

  “Yeah, I remember that. I remember being impressed that such a cute little thing could haul around those big tables.”

  “Amazing what one will do to get the attention of a guy, isn’t it?”

  The Ferris wheel started to slow and Charlotte knew the unloading would begin. She glanced around, taking in the view.

  “But I don’t understand. What did that have to do with our engagement?” Bob said.

  “Don’t you remember? I was out here working, and Rosemary showed up. She said I’d better be getting a big diamond for all that work.”

  “Oh yes, I remember now. Then a few weeks later I remember asking what you thought about her idea of the diamond.”

  “A few weeks? More like a few months. The waiting was horrible. I never thought you’d propose.” She smiled, recalling the long wait.

  “I don’t remember how much time passed, but I do remember what you said.”

  “Really?” Charlotte searched her memory, trying to remember. But nothing surfaced.

  “Yes, you said, ‘Yeah, I think the diamond should be huge.’” Bob laughed.

  Charlotte joined in. “You know I was joking, right?”

  “Yes.” Bob lifted her hand with her simple wedding band. “Or at least I sure hope you were.”

  “I got you, and that’s what I wanted out of the deal.” Charlotte leaned up, rocking the chair slightly and placed a quick peck on Bob’s cheek. “My diamond in the rough.”

  “Speaking of diamonds,” Charlotte commented as Bob held her hand and helped her off the Ferris wheel, “do you think that’s what Pete’s going to do with the money from the video?”

  “Charlotte …” Bob’s voice mocked sternness. “You know that’s none of our business.”

  “Of course it’s not, but I still like to wonder.”

  Bob pressed his hand to the small of her back as he guided her to the game area. “Yes, well, I guess time will tell.” He paused in front of the balloon darts, as if hoping to distract her. “Now, how about I win you a stuffed dog? I’m feeling lucky tonight.”

  CHARLOTTE HUGGED THE LARGE green-and-white dinosaur to her chest as they headed out of the fair for the night. She’d stopped counting after twenty dollars, knowing that Bob could have bought her a fancy stuffed animal for less. But it’s the thought that counts, she reminded herself. I’ll treasure it forever.

  They were almost out of the game area when Bob placed a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder, stopping her. He pointed ahead and then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Would you look at that?”

  Bob pointed to Sam and Jordan, up ahead. They were attempting to pitch softballs into large milk jugs. Jordan was dressed in Levi’s and a cowboy hat. He whooped and hollered when Sam got one in.

  Charlotte leaned back against Bob, and he wrapped his arms around her. “It’s been good for Jordan to come. Even if we hadn’t had the video thing on the farm, I think this week would’ve been good for him. I think he’ll return home with a whole new perspective.”

  “Yeah, just like it’s been good for Sam. He’s gotten into trouble, but he’s learned a lot too. I think he’s turning out to be a different kid than he would have if he’d grown up in San Diego,” she answered.

  Bob nodded and released his arms. He took Charlotte’s hand and led her to the staff parking lot, where his truck waited. He was quiet as they walked, and Charlotte knew his mind was busy thinking about something.

  Bob opened the door for her and paused.

  “You know, I’ve been thinking. What if we do donate some of that money we got to the fair?”

  Charlotte slid into the seat, allowed him to shut the door, and waited until he got in himself. “Are you feeling guilty? Is all their whining getting to you?”

  “No, it was watching Jordan and Sam, actually. What if we donate a little money to start a special fair fund and then encourage others from the community to pitch in too? We could start a scholarship so that a few city kids could come spend a week in the summer at local farms and at the fair.”<
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  “Hmm. That’s certainly something to think about.”

  It was a quiet ride home. Charlotte let her mind replay all the pros and cons of Bob’s suggestion and finally answered as the truck neared their farm.

  “You know, it is a good idea. It would stop the community’s grumbling about all the attention and money we’ve gotten lately. More than that, it would help a lot of kids. We could have events for them to sign up for, like the pig wrestling, and maybe teach them how to make a pie or can tomatoes.”

  “Or train a dog,” Bob added.

  “Or train a dog.” Charlotte turned to him and smiled. “I like it, Bob; I really do. Let’s talk to the fair board about it at the next meeting.”

  “So you’re going to stay on the fair board?”

  “Yes, I think I will. If we can help make the fair easier and better, well, it’s worth it—don’t you think?”

  “Of course, Charlotte. It takes all of us working together to create a fair with flair.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Charlotte carried her lawn chair as she walked through the gate to the grandstand with the other members of her family. The race track was fenced, and old wooden bleachers circled three sides of the oval. Faded, painted signs highlighting local businesses hung on the fence. Boyton Feed. Tri-State Tractors. Mel’s Place. Charlotte smiled wide at the last one.

  Horse trailers and pickup trucks were parked on the far side of the track, but today the guests streaming through the gates hadn’t come to see a race or a rodeo. Charlotte followed Bob to the grassy area where they’d constructed a stage and where, in thirty minutes, Charlotte would get to watch the concert she’d been waiting for all week.

  “Up there, Grandpa?” Christopher pointed. “Can we sit near the very front?”

  With Christopher was his best friend Dylan, dark hair ruffled and his eyes wide with excitement. “Yeah, we want to get close to the front, where the music is really loud!”

  “If we get too close we’re not going to be able to see much, except for her toes,” Sam commented.

  Emily waved to Ashley, who hurried over to join them.

  “Oh, my goodness. This has been the busiest week ever.” Ashley exclaimed. “I think I’ve made over a thousand coffee drinks. Seriously.” She brushed her auburn hair back from her face.

  Seeing the group coming up toward the front, Buck approached them from backstage. “Hey, guys, glad you could make it. I hope you’re not too comfortable because Shae Lynne had us rope off a whole section for you.” Buck pointed to an area where folding chairs had been set up; there was even a table covered with snacks plus a large bucket filled with ice and soft drinks.

  “Cool!” Sam said.

  “I don’t know.” Charlotte hesitated. “I’d hate for us to get any special treatment. Folks are already talking …”

  Buck pressed his finger to his ear, and Charlotte could tell he was listening to someone through an earpiece.

  Buck lowered his hand and then turned back to Charlotte. “Well, it’s there if you need it.”

  Charlotte set her lawn chair on the ground, trying to ignore the disappointed looks of the kids.

  “Can we at least go over there and get some of the drinks?” Jordan asked. “I’m a growing boy.”

  Charlotte took a deep breath. “Not tonight. Really, I think this spot is fine.”

  They settled down, and soon every space around them was filled.

  “Oh no!” Emily’s eyes grew wide. “I told Anna I’d save them a spot.”

  “Yeah, and I need a place for Dana too. She was finishing up her shift at the pie booth; then she’s hurrying over,” Pete added.

  Charlotte turned to Bob, gauging his response.

  Instead of answering, he looked over at the roped-off section.

  “Okay, let’s go. It looks like there’s more room over there.” Charlotte rose and folded up her chair. “And I guess the flip side is that we’re opening up all these spaces for other people.”

  They moved to the roped-off section, and her grandkids had no problem getting comfortable.

  “Wow, this is so cool! Look at all the stuff for us!”

  “Just like God to provide like this,” Bob said. “Just adding to all he’s already given us this week.”

  Charlotte thought about those words. For most of the week she’d thought about what was being taken away from her week—time, rest, peace of mind. But when she thought about it Bob’s way, he was right. God had given them a cushion in their savings account, had brought an old friend from far away, and had given them new ones too. And somehow she’d made it through with enough strength for each day, just like he’d promised.

  The rest of their family joined the group, and Dana got there just as the concert started. Charlotte found herself on her feet, singing and clapping to songs she didn’t know. And then she cheered when Shae Lynne announced she’d be singing “Always and Forever with You” next. It was the song they had been making the video for this week, the song she had heard at least a hundred different times.

  “‘Always and Forever with You’ is one of my favorite songs on my new album that will be out for Christmas. And I’d like to dedicate this song to a special couple. Dana and Pete, would you stand?”

  Shae Lynne pointed to Pete, and his face turned red. “Don’t tell me you can’t!”

  Reluctantly Pete rose to his feet. Then he stretched out his hand and helped Dana from her chair. The grandstands seemed to go wild with cheers. Then, as quickly as they could, they sat down again.

  Emily squealed and took a photo of Shae Lynne singing the song. Christopher jumped up and down with excitement, and Dylan joined him. In her mind’s eye, Charlotte could see the two young boys as teenagers, getting into their own style music, whatever that might be. But for now they were just two kids excited about being a part of something big. Even Sam and Jordan gave Pete a high-five when the song finished.

  Shae Lynne waited for the cheering to die down, and then she spoke into the microphone again.

  “You know, I haven’t had a place speak to me in a long time. I’ve been touring in buses and working in studios for too long. Most of my songs on my last album were written by other people. But this place, it got wrapped around my heart and told me its own story. But before I sing the song I wrote, I’d like to read something else I wrote.

  “It’s a prayer. I’ve never written a prayer before. In fact, I haven’t prayed much over the past few years, but I have to say that’s going to change. The prayer I wrote is about this place. But mostly it’s about some special people. They didn’t preach to me, but I saw the message of God in their lives. And I’m leaving this place wanting more of him because of their example.”

  Shae Lynne looked down from the stage and blew Charlotte a kiss, and then she took a piece of paper from her back pocket.

  “God, here in this place you’ve brought me to, surrounded by acres of wheat and corn, I felt I could see all the way to heaven. In the wide, clear sky, it was as if I heard the angels whispering in the wind blowing through the fields. God, you led me to an old farmhouse filled with antiques and memories. You brought me to a solid red barn, a beacon of hope that God will provide through another winter.

  “In the past week I’ve wandered through tall maize on a warm summer’s day, and I’ve relaxed on a cozy porch after a hard day’s work. Thank you. Thank you, God. For letting me get to know the delightful people who make Bedford home. Thank you for showing me that faith is still something to trust in and family is where to find home. Amen.”

  The cheers from the grandstand rose again, and Charlotte felt her chest grow warm. A smile filled her face, and she wasn’t sure anything could take it away. Then, as Shae Lynne began to sing, her tight-lipped smile gave away to tears.

  “Now for the song. It’s not as mushy, but it’s a song I’m going to dedicate to all the hard workers from the Adams County Fair. And since I just taught it to my band last night, please bear with us.”

 
Shae Lynne started to strum her guitar, and then she stopped. “Oh yes. Maybe I should tell you the name. It’s ‘Sunflower Serenade.’”

  Signs painted, some faded,

  Snow cones, hot dogs, and lemonade.

  It’s not about bright lights to me,

  It’s about the joy of summer days.

  The Tilt-A-Whirl has got me dizzy,

  Or maybe it’s from seeing you, baby.

  All I know is my mind is spinning,

  Spinning even when the ride is done.

  The end of summer, a celebration.

  Our way of life, uncomplicated.

  Sunflowers planted by the front gate.

  Welcome guests with a serenade of …

  Shooting games and throwing darts,

  The stuffed dog Daddy won,

  It hit the mark.

  It hit the mark of my heart.

  The end of summer, a celebration.

  Our way of life, uncomplicated.

  Sunflowers planted by the front gate.

  Welcome guests with a serenade of … you.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Charlotte stepped through the doors of the church with the happy knowledge that the fair was officially over. Later today they were to pick up their entries from the fair office, and after that, Charlotte thought a long bath sounded like a great idea.

  Tomorrow would be another long day of taking Jordan to the airport, but then they’d be back in the regular summer routine until school started up again. Charlotte scratched her head, trying to remember what she’d spent her days doing before the fair came to town.

  Pastor Evans approached Charlotte as soon as she entered the sanctuary.

  “Charlotte, there was a very polite man who stopped by just a few minutes ago, hoping to catch you. He said the bus was heading out of town—whatever that meant.”

  “Was his name Will?” Charlotte glanced at Bob.

  “Yes, it was. I tried to talk him into staying, but he said he was due back in Nashville in the morning.”

  “Too bad we missed him.” Bob frowned.