by Dawn Kinzer
“I—I don’t know.” Working with William and having a little fun was one thing, but spending time together outside of the store might not be a good idea.
“I promise you’ll have a good time.”
Sarah chewed her bottom lip. William had recently given her a needed break and taken Rebecca’s Oz book to her. She told him then she hoped to be a good friend to him. So, how could she turn down his invitation to a picnic, especially when he was fairly new in town?
“Thank you, William, I’d like to go with you.” Yes, she should go with him. His company would be enjoyable. Besides, this would be the first year she wouldn’t share the holiday with Ellie’s family. “But only if we have an understanding that we’re spending the day together as friends.”
He grimaced, but followed it with a grin. “If that’s the way it needs to be.”
“My reasons have nothing to do with you.” Like the fact that she’d never gotten over Peter and would be moving to another country in the near future. “Can you accept that?”
“For now.” He moved the ladder aside.
“Sarah.”
She spun to face the front of the counter. The new reverend was making it a habit of surprising her. “Peter.” Sarah’s heart pounded so loud the two men had to hear it.
William, once again, came to her rescue. He extended a hand to the other man. “William Reed.”
Peter accepted the gesture. “Peter Caswell.”
“You’re the new pastor everyone has been talking about.” William withdrew from the handshake. “Hometown boy come back to shepherd the flock.”
“That’s right.” Peter glanced at Sarah, but gave William a cautious smile. “Are you a member?”
“Sorry, Pastor, no. I’m not much of a church-going man, but when I do show up, I attend the Methodist church with Mr. Carter.”
“William is Mr. Carter’s godson,” Sarah piped up.
Peter’s eyebrows lifted. “Godson. You’re fortunate. Mr. Carter has been a good friend—more like a mentor—for years.” He rubbed his lower jaw, now darkened by slight stubble. “You staying at the Carter home?”
“Sherlock Hotel. I didn’t want to impose on the Carters’ generous hospitality. I came here to learn George’s more successful business strategies, then implement them in my father’s store in Milwaukee.”
“Then you’re not planning on staying here permanently?”
Why all the questions? By William’s expression, he thought them a bit strange too. This was starting to feel more like an interrogation than a simple introduction. Could she slip away undetected and leave them to their verbal chess game?
William massaged the back of his neck. “I’m not sure.” A hint of a smile appeared as he glanced at her. “My original intentions may have changed.”
Something flashed in Peter’s eyes, then disappeared. “Whatever you decide, I hope the town is kind to you.”
“Thanks, Pastor.”
Peter’s eyes locked on to Sarah’s. “Could I speak to you for a moment?” he asked in a low and gentle voice.
“I’m sorry, Peter, but I’m working. Another time would be better.” Sarah was all too aware that William hadn’t moved, and he didn’t seem eager to give her any privacy with Peter.
“I was just wondering …” Peter cleared his throat. “Tomorrow is the big celebration. Would you and your grandmother like to join Ellie’s family, me, and my daughter for the day?” His eyes filled with hope. “It would give us a chance to talk. Like you said the other day, there’s no way to avoid each other in a small town, and I don’t want to.”
She wasn’t ready for this. Spending Memorial Day together like they did when she was young and foolish enough to believe in love and happily-ever-after? If they were going to both live in Riverton for a while, they needed to work through some things, but not in front of the entire town. She couldn’t.
“I’m sorry, Peter.” She glanced back at William, who had slipped away and was now busy checking inventory sheets. “I already have plans.”
chaptER EIGHT
The sun warmed her back as a May breeze ruffled Sarah’s skirt. Good thing she’d worn a hat. The bright light made it difficult to keep her eyes open. Regardless, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. They’d find a nice spot in the area on the outskirts of town where people were gathering for the Memorial Day celebration. The wind coming off the nearby river would also help keep them cool.
“The Carters were generous and invited loners to share their picnic. So as a good Christian woman, I promised Alice one of my rhubarb pies.” Gram pointed her cane at Sarah. “Would you and Mr. Reed please keep an eye on our baskets?” She scowled. “I don’t want any of these youngsters running around here trampling on the chicken. You’d think parents would mind their children instead of letting them run around like wild horses.”
William winked at Sarah, then focused his attention on her grandmother. “We’ll keep a good watch on the baskets, Mrs. Hansen. I promise.”
“You see that you do.” Sarah’s grandmother hobbled off with her cane in one hand and a pie plate in her other.
Sarah spread a large blanket beneath a maple tree offering shade, and William sprawled next to her on the ground.
“Oh, look.” Sarah pointed to the parade. Eighteen wagons decorated with red, white, and blue banners, a band, and veterans dressed in uniform approached the picnic area from the nearby road. Police mounted on horseback accompanied them.
“What’s going on?” William rose part way up, kneeled, and leaned back on his one heel, as if to see better.
“It’s one way our town honors the fallen. They were visiting the cemeteries. Some of the men ride out first thing in the morning and place flags on every soldier’s grave, then the children decorate those graves with wildflowers.”
The wagons stopped, and girls in white hats and dresses, and boys in suits, all piled out onto the ground. Sarah had always enjoyed getting a new dress for the holiday, and as a child, the light and fresh attire meant spring had arrived. But keeping her white dress clean was an impossible feat. Baseball was far more exhilarating than a gentle game of badminton—what else could she do but join in?
“Be prepared for a full day.”
“What do you have planned?” William’s eyes sparkled with humor.
“To start, you might be interested in hearing the guest speaker later this afternoon, and then this evening, children from schools in the area will give a program.”
William sat back down, close to Sarah, but not so close that it felt inappropriate. He gave her one of his charming smiles that made her feel appreciated as both a woman and a friend. “I’m glad you agreed to spend the day with me.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure you wouldn’t rather be with the Carters? My grandmother and I are pretty dull in comparison.”
“I’m happy sitting here.” A ladybug landed on the back of her hand, and he gently brushed it off. “I hope to have many more days like this.”
Her cheeks grew unusually warm, as though she’d been in the sun too long. How had a friendly picnic suddenly become so intimate? Sarah needed to be careful. Not only had Peter’s return confused her feelings, but she was leaving as soon as the mission society sent for her. It would be unfair to William to mislead him in any way.
“You don’t know everything about me, William. If you did, you might not feel the same way.”
“I could say the same.” William gripped a stick between his hands, leaned against the tree trunk, and laid his forearms across his propped knees. “I’ve had some trouble in my past.”
“That’s hard to believe.” Sarah couldn’t imagine any shortcomings. He’d always shown fairness and decency in the store.
A raspy chuckle escaped his lips. “Yeah...well...I’m trying to be a better man.”
Young Grace, with Mary in tow, rushed up to Sarah. “Momma! Sarah’s over here!” She plopped down next to Sarah, and Mary dropped into Grace’s lap. Their hands ca
rried trilliums and as many other wildflowers as they could hold. “We’re making flower necklaces.”
“What’s going on?” William whispered. “It looks like we’ve been invaded by little fairies.”
Sarah raised her head to see who cast the tall shadow on the ground and sighed. Oh, Ellie.
“I’m so sorry. I tried to divert them, but it was too late.” Her friend stood above Sarah, eyes wide and mouth open, as though she realized her apology sounded weak.
Ellie knew Sarah had accepted William’s request to spend his first Memorial Day in town with her and Gram. Ellie had been disappointed that she wouldn’t join them, but Sarah couldn’t pretend nothing had changed over the years during Peter’s absence.
What to do now? Sarah didn’t want to upset the children or hurt anyone’s feelings. “William, I need to apologize,” Sarah whispered. “There’s been a misunderstanding, and it’s all my fault. I failed to mention it’s been tradition for Ellie and her family to spend Memorial Day with us.”
William shrugged. “I’m a little disappointed I don’t get you all to myself, but I’ll get over it,” he said quietly. “The more, the merrier, right?”
“Thank you.” Sarah sighed with relief. Maybe this would work out for the best. A larger group sharing a picnic felt safer—more friendly.
Thomas, Ellie’s husband, and their two blond, green-eyed sons, John and Isaac, arrived at the tree. They dropped blankets, chairs, baskets, baseballs, and bats on the ground.
John, the ten-year-old, wiped his forehead. “Whew! It’s a good thing I’m strong. That stuff was so heavy it could’ve made my arms fall off.”
Always the gentleman, William jumped to his feet. “What can I do to help?”
Thomas gave Sarah a questioning glance, then focused on the baseball in his hand.
Five-year-old Isaac peered up at his father. “Can we play catch?”
Thomas nodded. “Want to throw a few balls, William?”
“Sure, but it looks like those young men of yours might have some wicked throws.” He winked at John.
The men stood off to the side and tossed baseballs back and forth with the boys while Sarah and Ellie arranged the blankets, chairs, and food baskets.
“Where’s Peter?” Sarah glanced around the area, but didn’t see him anywhere. Maybe she’d been saved from dealing with an uncomfortable situation a bit longer. A holiday celebration wasn’t the time or place to discuss past wounds, and she wasn’t sure she could, even if pressed.
“One of the council members wanted to introduce him to several new families at the church. He’ll find us.” Ellie sighed. “I’m sorry. The children were so excited about the celebration, and with getting chores done and packing everything for the picnic, I completely forgot to come up with a reason why you couldn’t spend the day with us. After all, what could I tell them that wasn’t a lie?”
An ache at the base of her neck began to work its way into her head. Sarah didn’t want to argue with her friend. This was ridiculous. “Ellie, William asked. I said yes. That’s all there’s to it. Don’t make it more complicated.”
“I’m not trying to, Sarah. I just think it would have been simpler if you would have told William you already had plans. It might have given you and Peter a chance to smooth things out between you. I love you both, and I’m not going to spend the rest of my life watching the two of you struggle with whatever needs to get fixed.”
“Ellie, you need to remember that Peter and I haven’t seen each other since we were eighteen. A lot changes in ten years.” Sarah opened one of the food baskets. “Our friendship will never be the same, but maybe we can find a way to start fresh before I leave for Africa. It would be comforting to know he was praying for me.”
In the meantime, a simple picnic had become complicated. She hadn’t missed the slight tension between William and Peter the other day when they’d met at the store. Peter had always been protective of Sarah, and he’d made it obvious that he wanted time alone with her—and sooner than later.
***
Peter had grown accustomed to being sidetracked by parishioners while serving as an associate pastor with another congregation. It worked better to take care of their questions and needs as best he could—as soon as he could—instead of asking them to wait. But if he wasn’t careful, their problems could swallow him whole, and Peter couldn’t let that happen. He’d have nothing left for Mary.
Now that he’d obliged a council member and met several new church attendees, he could try to find his family. He surveyed the area. Ellie had mentioned a large tree. But which one?
“Good morning, Reverend.” Rebecca Hoyt strolled up to him with a bright smile. “Are you enjoying the beautiful day that the Lord has made?”
“I am.” Rebecca was standing close enough that he picked up her fresh, sweet smell.
She tilted her head and gazed up at him with her large green eyes, and something stirred inside. Although a bit haughty and arrogant like her mother, pretty Rebecca flaunted a figure that would catch any man’s eye. Peter was a man of God, but when it came to things of the physical nature, he still had to deal with thoughts that tempted him down a path he didn’t want to tread—wouldn’t tread.
“Where is your little girl?” Rebecca glanced around Peter. “I’ve been anxious to meet her.”
Peter cleared his throat. “Mary is with Ellie and the rest of the family.” He searched the area again. “I’m actually looking for them.”
“How nice. Unfortunately, I’m here alone. My mother twisted her ankle and insisted Father stay home with her. So here I am, with more than enough food in my basket to share.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your mother.”
Rebecca lifted several fingers to her mouth, and an expression crossed her face as though she’d arrived at a surprising idea. “You don’t suppose your sister would mind if I joined your family, do you?”
The truth—Ellie was too kind to turn anyone away—whether she liked them or not.
“You know, as a teacher, I’m not supposed to prefer one student over the other, but your nephews and niece are my favorites of any in my classroom. They’re smart children—just like their uncle.” She gave a pouty face. “Please. It’s so much more fun to spend the day with friends.”
He couldn’t say no. It would be rude and not Christian. Besides, the two of them wouldn’t be alone. Rebecca could visit with Ellie while he escaped with the boys. He’d owe his sister a huge apology and whatever else she demanded. “You’re welcome to join us.”
“Thank you, Peter. This will be great fun.”
A day with an irritated sister and attention-hungry Rebecca—fun? He wasn’t convinced.
***
The four children tumbled onto their own large blanket. “We’re hungry!” they said almost in unison.
Grace gave her mother a sweet smile. “Can we have chocolate cake?”
“It’s may we have chocolate cake. And no, you may not until it’s time for dessert.” Ellie opened a basket and pulled out plates. “Mrs. Hansen and Peter aren’t here.”
“We should feed the children, Ellie.” Sarah glanced in the direction her grandmother had gone. “They shouldn’t have to wait for Gram. She must have run into one of her friends. Besides, after the children eat, they can go play, and it will give you a chance to enjoy that delicious treat you brought in peace.”
“You’re a smart woman.” Ellie glanced at Thomas and William. “The men seem occupied. Probably talking about new farm equipment. And we have no idea how long before Peter shows up.”
“I’ll help get the children’s plates ready.” What would Peter think when he saw her with William? That they were a couple? Somehow she’d have to explain. Sarah wanted to avoid any misunderstandings with Peter—or William.
The air temperature had grown warmer than expected for a May afternoon, and Sarah’s clothes lay damp against her skin. She’d have to get used to this—the temperatures in Africa would far exceed today’s heat.
But any challenges faced in that country would be worth the rewards. She and Ellie placed portions of chicken, cabbage salad, beet pickles, and cheese sandwiches on plates.
“Here, John.” Sarah handed one to the eager boy.
“Sarah?” Peter’s voice sounded surprised.
She whipped around with a smile on her face, prepared to explain how the children were excited to picnic together, but words stuck in her throat. She must have mirrored the same shocked look on Ellie’s face.
Rebecca slipped her arm through Peter’s. “Ellie, your brother was so nice to invite me to join your family. I hope you don’t mind.”
Peter kept his eye on Sarah. “Her mother sprained her ankle, and she came to the celebration alone.”
Ellie’s smile seemed forced. “Of course you’re welcome to join us.”
“I have an abundance of ham sandwiches and a pound cake to share.” Rebecca gazed at her escort with an adoring smile. “Peter was kind enough to carry my basket for me.”
He stepped away from the woman and dropped the basket next to the others.
“How can I help?” Rebecca gave Sarah the same superior expression she’d used since they were children.
Sarah had no right to be upset with Peter, but Rebecca? Hot pain burned her throat at seeing that woman near Peter’s side. Of all people, he knew how horribly she’d treated Sarah their entire lives.
“Do we get a share of that chicken?” Thomas dropped a baseball and glove next to the tree trunk.
“I also heard cake mentioned.” William held out a hand to Peter. “Reverend. Nice to see you again.”
Peter took the hand. “Nice of my sister to invite you.”
“Actually, Sarah and I are here together.” William shot Sarah a smile. “Our being with your family is a coincidence. But a fine one.”
A slight frown replaced the cordial smile on Peter’s face.
Rebecca’s eyes lit up as she glanced between Sarah and Peter.
Lord, could I just become invisible or sprout wings and fly away? Now? The two men had only met the day before. Why were they both acting territorial?
