“Sir, I am well aware of how much you love your daughter. I also know that considering my former state of affairs, I was not deemed an acceptable suitor.”
Father didn’t show any surprise at hearing that word, and Mother grimaced. They shared a private look between them that spoke volumes. Chagrin fleeted across both their faces, and Annabelle was glad to see they regretted discounting William simply because of his current status.
William forged ahead. “However, as I said that day, my intentions are completely honorable, and I would not dare to make this request if I didn’t feel you would even consider it a possibility.” Another deep breath preceded the final rush of words. “You see, I have come to care a great deal for your daughter. Now that I am settled into my new position, I feel the time is right to pursue a further relationship with her. With your permission of course,” he hastened to add.
Ripples of delight rumbled through those gathered. Mother and Father remained stoic, but Annabelle caught the sheen of tears beginning in Mother’s eyes. Mr. Hudson sat back in his chair, a measure of satisfaction reflected on his face. The others made no attempt to hide their reactions.
“Before you respond, though, and without further ado”—William raised his voice and turned toward the opening where he’d at first been—“I’d like to invite our remaining guest to now join us.”
The curtain parted, and in stepped Thomas Edison. As he approached the table, Father, Mr. Berringer, Matthew, and Mr. Hudson all stood.
Annabelle had never met the gentleman, so she took the time to observe his appearance. Dressed in a tailored suit and a bit older than she’d expected, Mr. Edison’s receding hairline was parted on the side and brushed over. He carried an air of importance about him and commanded immediate attention.
Mr. Edison immediately approached Father. “Mr. Lawson,” he greeted as they shook hands.
“Mr. Edison.” Father nodded. “It is good to see you again.”
Annabelle couldn’t remain silent a moment longer. “Do you mean you know each other?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, we do.” Father acknowledged Annabelle then returned his attention to Mr. Edison. “Although it has been some time.”
Mr. Edison agreed. “When Mr. Hudson extended the invitation for me to join you all this evening, care of Mr. Berringer, I was delighted to accept. Am I to understand this charming young woman and one of my newest employees are responsible for this evening?”
Pride reflected in Father’s face at Mr. Edison’s favorable remark. “Yes, I do believe that is correct.”
“Well then, my compliments to you both.” Mr. Edison dipped his head with a smile at Annabelle then turned to face William. “Mr. Berringer, allow me to say to you directly that I am happy to have you working at my company and look forward to the benefits you and your father both will bring to the team.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Father cleared his throat. The attention then shifted to him as he prepared to speak. “And before we are all again seated to begin partaking of a meal that promises to be just as memorable as this evening already is, I would like to say a few things.”
He stepped around his chair and moved to stand next to Annabelle. With a slight motion of his hand, he beckoned William to approach.
“Mr. Berringer, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge all the hard work you and my daughter have put into making this evening rather special. And I would also be quite the fool if I denied your request from a moment ago.” He lightly clasped Annabelle’s chin in his hand and bestowed a loving smile upon her before again directing his gaze at William. “You have more than proven yourself as a worthy suitor. I am impressed with your tenacity and unwillingness to give up on something you obviously wanted so much.” Extending his hand toward William, who accepted it, Father continued. “It’s clear to me that you two make an excellent team. You may continue with my blessing.”
Annabelle’s heart soared at the final pronouncement. Joy filled her to the core. “Oh, Father, thank you!” She placed a kiss on his cheek and threw her arms around him in a quick embrace. Relaxing her hold, her eyes drifted to William, whose face reflected the satisfaction she also felt at their attempts resulting in success.
Father again stepped back to allow them to move closer together. Mindful of all the other watchful eyes, Annabelle simply bestowed a kiss on William’s cheek before leaning against him as he wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her to him.
“Mr. Lawson,” William began. “I am grateful for the trust you’ve given me.” He glanced down at Annabelle with a smile. “And the treasure. I promise to treat both with the utmost care and attention.”
Father wagged a finger in William’s direction. “See that you do, my boy. I’ll be keeping my eye on you.”
William chuckled. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, sir.”
Mr. Edison moved to his place at the head of the table, again drawing everyone’s attention his way. “Now that that’s settled, let’s eat, shall we?”
Hearty exclamations of agreement sounded. A blur of frenzied activity accompanied the verbal responses. Annabelle stood within the protective and warm circle of William’s arm, watching their friends and family.
It all felt surreal. She had fully expected Father to protest a bit more, or for some other hitch to happen in their plans. But nothing did. It flowed so well, there was no doubt God was at the center of everything. All of her worrying and fretting seemed like such a waste of time and energy. As William had said, she should’ve trusted. Ironic that he would have to remind her when she was the one to help bring him back to his faith.
“Looks like everything has worked itself out. I have your father’s blessing, a good job, and a promising future.” He tightened his hold. “And best of all, I get to share it with you.”
Annabelle turned and looked up into William’s eyes. His smile was reserved only for her. “Who would have thought that such a blessing would have come out of such adversity?”
“Yes.” William stepped back and drew Annabelle with him until they were a few feet from the table. “I spent so much time being angry, and God still brought you into my life in spite of it. I don’t deserve you, but I sure am glad you’re here.”
She giggled. “Me, too.” Annabelle wrapped her arms around his waist and grinned, “I know I chose the best.”
He chuckled and drew her closer. “And the best is what you’re going to get. I promise. Just make sure you remind me to trust God when times get tough again.”
“I will.” She cast a look over her shoulder at the table. Everyone seemed to be oblivious to their absence, but that didn’t mean they shouldn’t participate.
William nodded toward the others. “Do you think anyone would miss us if we took our plates and ate in private somewhere else?”
Annabelle jerked her attention back to him to see if he was joking or not. The twinkle in his eyes gave her the answer. “I believe they would. But perhaps we can enjoy our dessert alone later.”
Casting a quick look to the left and the right, William touched his forehead to hers, a crooked grin appearing on his lips. “That sounds like the perfect end to the evening.”
“Now, will you join me, Mr. Berringer?” She held out her hand, palm down, in his direction.
He took it and tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow and bowed. “Yes, Miss Lawson. I do believe I will.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AMBER STOCKTON is a freelance Web designer and author whose articles and short stories have appeared in local, national, and international publications. Her writing career began as a columnist for her high school and college newspapers. Her first publication in a book appeared in the form of nine contributions (as a single!) to 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage by Debra White Smith. She learned to read at age three and hasn’t put down books since. A member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she lives with her husband and fellow writer, Stuart, and their new baby girl in beautiful Colorado. Vi
sit her Web site to learn more or to contact her: www.amberstockton.com.
DEDICATION
My heartfelt thanks go first to my husband for not letting me get away with any excuses. Thanks also to my family on both sides, my editors (JoAnne, April, and Rachel), and to my local crit group for their honest critiques. I couldn’t write my books without all of you!
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Amber Stockton
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Table of Contents
Copyright
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
About the Author
Dedication
Hearts and Harvest Page 16
