Hope's Design (The Daughters of Riverton Book 2)

by Dawn Kinzer

  His gaze took in redheaded Annie sitting next to Hope. Being around Annie could feel like a Fourth of July with fireworks. She embraced life—and people—with excitement. Hope seemed guarded, but underneath her cool exterior she obviously loved and respected her family. She was passionate about art, but did those strong feelings include anything or anyone else? Two cousins so different. Like fire and ice.

  Most people gravitated toward flames that offered warmth and comfort from the cold. Why was he so drawn toward the ice princess?

  ***

  The church service finished, and attendees stepped outside to visit under the June morning’s clear and cheerful sky. Hope remembered some people from previous visits, like the sweet elderly widow Mrs. Jorgenson with silver hair and crystal-blue eyes who had been a school teacher during her younger years. Annie helped Hope with forgotten names and introduced her for the first time to others.

  “I’ve been eager for you meet Mrs. Boyle,” Annie said, almost pulling Hope toward a woman with four children of various ages—two brunettes and two redheads. “Her husband died a few years ago. Since then, she’s become a popular seamstress in town. Her handiwork surpasses anything I’ve seen before.” Annie poured out praise only when deserved. She slowed down and linked arms with Hope. “Mrs. Boyle, I’d like for you to meet my cousin, Hope Andrews.”

  Mrs. Boyle extended her hand. “Just call me Clara.”

  The woman’s warm smile was all the embrace Hope needed. Despite the difference in their ages, they would become fast friends, Hope was sure of it. “I’m so glad to meet you, Clara.”

  They discussed clothes and preferred fabrics for several minutes before Clara’s children pulled her away. Like Annie had mentioned, Clara did seem to know a lot about sewing. Hope’s own skills were embarrassingly weak, especially considering her aspirations. An idea began to germinate. Would Clara consider working together? Hope would give it some thought and prayer before asking. With needing to care and provide for four children, Clara might not have any time to offer, and Hope certainly didn’t want to take advantage of anyone.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Hope caught Annie glancing to the left and right, as though searching for something—or someone. Her head stopped turning, and Hope followed her gaze to where Jake stood with a pretty brunette. He made a few gestures, as though telling a story. The young woman giggled, then smoothed the hair piled on her head.

  Color matching Annie’s hair rose from beneath her collar and flooded her face.

  “Annie, I’m sorry.” Hope wrapped her arm around her cousin.

  “It’s all right. I should be used to it by now.” She reached up and squeezed Hope’s hand resting on her shoulder. Annie grimaced. “I need to be careful, don’t I?”

  “You can try to fight it, or you can deny it, but you’re in love, Annie.” Hope almost envied her cousin. There was a time when she thought she felt that way about Henry, but she’d been more consumed with the idea of him than the man himself.

  “If you need to talk to Ben before we leave, he seems to be in a heavy discussion with one of the other farmers over there.” Hope pointed to the left.

  “No need. I told Jake while we were in line to shake hands with Reverend Caswell to take their time and come to the house after they finished their business. But, I did almost forget that Sarah wants to see you.” Annie shielded her eyes as she searched. “There she is.” Annie strolled beside Hope in the direction of the pastor’s wife.

  “Annie! Hope!” The pastor’s stunning wife with dark hair, deep blue eyes, and a rounded midsection waved. She stepped toward them, and a little blonde girl skipped beside her.

  Design ideas burst into Hope’s imagination like colorful paint thrown against a gray building. She couldn’t help reworking Sarah’s dress in her mind. If she took it in here, let it out there, added pleats and embroidery in that area...

  Sarah embraced Hope, warming her heart with a welcoming smile. “I’m so glad you’re here, safe and sound. Annie and I could hardly wait for you to arrive.”

  “Thank you. Everyone has been so kind.” That certainly was true, regardless of some earlier stares in church. She’d only been there for two days, and she felt like she’d been greeted by half the town.

  “It must have been difficult for you to move here from a city like New York, but give it a chance. I was very close to leaving when my circumstances changed, and I’m so glad I chose to stay. It changed my life—in all the right ways.” Her fingertips lightly brushed the child standing next to her. “Hope, I’d like to introduce you to my daughter, Mary.”

  Hope smiled down at the little girl who looked to be about six years old. “Hello, Mary. My name is Miss Andrews.”

  “Hello.” Mary gave a quick curtsey. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

  Sarah gave her daughter an approving smile, then winked at Hope. “Our family is growing, as you can see. Mary will have a brother or sister by the end of August.” Sarah’s countenance glowed as she moved her hand over her extended belly.

  “Congratulations, Sarah. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you.” Sarah folded her hands in front of her. “There’s been something I’ve been wanting to ask you. Annie told me she explained my interest in going to the mission field at one time before God made it clear my place is here.”

  Sarah combed through her daughter’s hair with her fingers. “I’m aware your parents aren’t traveling to Panama as missionaries, but from what Annie tells me, your mother will serve in any way she can, and I’d like to write her. My intention is to encourage and pray for her, your father, and people working on the canal. If there’s anything else our church and community can do to help, we want to at least try.”

  The backs of Hope’s eyes burned. “That would be wonderful and very much welcomed.”

  She’d been in Riverton less than twenty-four hours, and she’d already been moved to tears—twice. If this was a sign of things to come, she’d be an emotional mess before the end of the summer, but hopefully all for good reasons. The Lord had brought her here. What more did he have in store?

  chapter five

  Everything appeared in order, but Hope still adjusted a spoon here, a fork there on the dining room table. Then she rearranged the bouquet of daisies at the center. Why bother with such details? As soon as Ben and Jake walked through the door, they’d only focus on the heavenly smell of fried chicken, now keeping warm in the oven.

  The two men had lingered after the church service to speak to Thomas Pederson about dealing with a coyote they’d seen roaming the area. Thomas, his wife Ellie, and their three children lived on a neighboring farm. Wild animals were never a concern in New York, but Riverton was far from any large city.

  Lost in her own thoughts, Hope jumped at the sound of the doorbell.

  “Can you answer that, please?” Annie poked her head out of the kitchen. “I’m finishing the gravy.”

  “Of course.” She brushed her skirt and smoothed her hair. It meant so much to Annie to have the guests for dinner, Hope could make it through one afternoon with Ben. Besides, she needed to show her gratitude for his and Jake’s helpfulness in getting her things from the train to Riverton.

  She swung the door wide open and stepped aside to allow room for them to enter. “Please come in.”

  “My, oh my, just smell that!” Jake’s grin almost reached from ear to ear.

  “It looks like Annie can cook just like her ma.” Ben swung an arm around his brother’s shoulder and smiled. “I’m glad you talked me into coming.”

  Ben had a lot of nerve. First to assume that Annie had done all the cooking. And how impolite to admit that he didn’t want to come in the first place. No one had forced him.

  “Hi, Jake.” She turned to his rude brother. “How nice of you to come willingly, Mr. Greene.” Hope plastered a smile on her face. Then she addressed both of them. “Let me take your hats.”

  Ben held out his fedora, but didn’t let go, forcing her to look up at h
im. “This town isn’t much on formalities. So, considering that Jake, Annie, and I are on a first-name basis, don’t you think it would feel a bit friendlier for you to call me Ben instead of ‘Mr. Greene?’”

  “I suppose I could manage that.” Hope swallowed. “And with that, it would probably feel awkward for you to continue calling me Miss Andrews.”

  “I agree.” Ben released his grip, an amused smile replacing his stare.

  Hope felt a twinge. Did he think he’d won some kind of game between them? Maybe she just didn’t have the stomach for putting on social airs. She accepted Jake’s Stetson and placed both on a small table near the door.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” Annie said, bounding from the kitchen, her face flushed. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

  “No worries there.” Jake whistled an approval. “By the way that chicken smells, I’d wager the farm that dinner will be mighty tasty.”

  The blush in Annie’s cheeks deepened. “Thanks, Jake.” She gave a nod toward Hope. “I didn’t do it alone. Hope stayed up late last night and made a luscious lemon pound cake, and she picked strawberries early this morning to layer on top—the first of the season.”

  Ben’s eyebrows raised. “After your long journey, you still had energy to bake?”

  Satisfaction at surprising him teased Hope’s lips into a smile. “I wanted to offer something in appreciation for the help yesterday, and I enjoy baking. It gives me time to think.”

  “You men may wait in the parlor while we bring the food to the table.” Annie pointed to the left.

  “Oh, no. We’d never hear the end of your mother’s scolding if we didn’t help.” Jake headed toward the kitchen, with Annie close behind.

  “Annie, anything around the place you want me to take care of while I’m here?” Ben called after her.

  She swung around before reaching the kitchen door, put a finger to her chin and gazed into the air, as though contemplating his question. “No, I don’t think so. The back step you fixed is holding up fine. I appreciate your asking, though.” She slipped into the kitchen.

  Hope glanced at the dining table. It was foolish to place flowers in the center. They’d only be in the way of the platters and bowls of food. She moved into the room and picked up the vase.

  “Can I help?” Ben’s eyes fixed on her. He towered over Hope, and dressed in a dark suit instead of comfortable farm clothes, he appeared commanding. Not in a frightening way like Henry, who insisted he control situations—control her—but rather as a man who harbored great inner strength.

  The same attraction she’d felt on the train pierced her resistance. She tried to free her gaze from his, but failed. “These will only be in the way.”

  “No, they won’t. Leave them. They’re nice.” Ben nodded toward the bouquet. “You picked them for a reason, right?”

  An unexpected shyness overcame Hope. “Daisies are my favorite flower. They always cheer me up because they remind me of the sun and happy times.”

  “You need cheering up?” He acted sincere—like he genuinely cared.

  “No.” She was going to sound like a child. “I have a small garden of daisies in New York. Seeing them in the backyard reminded me of home.”

  Ben nodded, apparently not judging her childish thoughts, then took the vase from her and returned it to the table. “Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s help get the food on the table before Jake finishes it off.”

  What a complicated man. He spouted arrogance, then turned around and acted kindly. Just as confusing were her feelings about him. One minute she felt repulsed by his behavior, but soon after, she wanted to get close and learn everything she could about him. Who was Benjamin Greene beneath his mysterious exterior?

  ***

  Ben placed several plates in the kitchen sink and followed his three dining companions into the parlor. Jake and Annie had carried the conversation during the meal, both sharing humorous anecdotes. They’d be good together—if his brother would admit it and make a commitment.

  The two headed for the piano, where Jake slipped onto the bench and began pounding out a lively tune. What he couldn’t do with his voice, he made up for with enthusiasm.

  “Hope. Ben. Come join us.” Annie stood to the side and blended lovely vocal notes with Jake’s.

  Ben caught Hope’s eye and gave a nod toward the piano. “What do you think?”

  “Trust me, you don’t want to hear me sing. My attempts have been compared to a crow cawing as opposed to a nightingale’s melodic voice. I have no talent whatsoever when it comes to music.” Pink, the shade of apple blossoms, crept up Hope’s neck and into her face, making her eyes appear even bluer. “But, please, you go on. I heard you in church this morning.” She looked away and cleared her throat. “You have a wonderful voice.”

  “I—thank you.” He’d offended her only the day before, but now she generously offered a compliment after confessing to lacking in the same area.

  Ben thought someone like Hope, a city girl passionate about clothes, would have preferred roses or expensive orchids over simple daisies. Exhausted after the tiring trip to Riverton, she still went without sleep to make dessert for them. A cake so delicious, he wanted to ask for a second piece. This woman continued to surprise him.

  An object to his left caught his eye. “That wasn’t here before.” Ben stepped over to the phonograph sitting on a small table in the corner. He’d only seen phonographs in catalogs and had considered purchasing his own, but what little he managed to save each month replenished his depleting art supplies. “Is this yours?”

  “Yes.” She moved next to him and ran her fingers over the edge of the polished oak cabinet supporting a turntable and large metal horn. “It was packed in the crate. That’s why I was so zealous about you being careful with it. I couldn’t leave it behind, and I’d have been devastated if it arrived damaged.”

  “If I’d known that box contained something so special, I would’ve been even more careful—not that I was reckless.” Ben studied the machine, then faced Hope. “So, even though you don’t sing, music is still important to you.”

  Hope bristled. “I may not have a talent for it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know or appreciate good music—or need it in my life.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant. You assumed...” But wasn’t he guilty of the same more than once on matters concerning her?

  Her eyes locked onto his. “I suppose I should have told you, but I believe one should respect another person’s property, regardless of the monetary value.”

  Soft and meek as a kitten one minute, then strong and confident as a tiger the next. Hope was someone to contend with, someone who would challenge him on any matter, and not let him get away with excuses.

  “You’re right.” Ben hiked his palms to his hips. “You’re absolutely right. I apologize.”

  Hope’s shoulders visibly relaxed as Jake and Annie switched to singing a ballad. “And I apologize. My father has told me that I jump to conclusions before obtaining all the facts, and I’m afraid he may be right.”

  “I’ve been guilty myself.” Ben had never met a more complex woman. Hope wasn’t afraid to be honest. A certain strength flowed through her, yet she admitted to weaknesses. He liked talking to this softer version of Hope—this vulnerable side—and he wanted to learn more. “What kind of music do you enjoy?”

  She tilted her head. “Caruso is my favorite. Are you familiar with opera?”

  “My mother was a professional singer before she married my father. When they married, she left that life behind to raise a family.”

  “How sad.” Hope’s eyes grew even more serious.

  “You might think so, but she’s very happy.”

  “But she gave up something she loved. Do you think that’s fair?” Hope’s tone dared him to convince her of his mother’s contentment.

  “I never thought about it being fair or unfair. She raised five children, and she’s always said that teach
ing us to love and serve God was the most important thing she’s ever done. Along with that, instilling the love of music in each of us became a new vocation for her.”

  “So, your mother made the right decision, even though it came at a cost.”

  “I’d say it’s similar to your mother traveling to Panama to be with your father.” A sudden realization. “When you truly love someone, you’re willing to make sacrifices.”

  Hope held his gaze. “I couldn’t agree with you more.”

  At that moment, it felt like something within them melded into a mutual understanding that couldn’t be put into words.

  Jake and Annie had stopped singing and seemed to have tuned in to the discussion. Silence filled the room, except for the light flapping sound the curtains made as a soft breeze blew through an open window.

  Annie made the first move and stepped away from the piano. “I’ll get us something to drink. Hope, will you help?”

  Hope blinked and collapsed the invisible bridge between her and Ben.” Yes, of course.”

  As she turned away from him, air rushed from Ben’s lungs, as though he’d been released from a strong bond. What just happened?

  ***

  Hope picked up two glasses filled with lemonade and turned to leave the kitchen.

  “Wait.” Annie touched Hope’s arm, keeping her voice quiet. “Are you all right? It felt like things were getting a little...tense between the two of you out there.”

  “I’m fine.” Hope sighed. “I’m not sure what was going on, but it was like...we were the only two people in the room. I completely forgot you and Jake were there. Ben told me his mother chose to get married and have a family. It meant leaving her singing career. He said she was happy, and it brought back some of the same things Henry and I fought over, only this felt different. It made me wonder how different he is from Henry...”

  Annie smiled. “Hope, Ben is nothing like Henry. Give him a chance, and you’ll see.”