by Dawn Kinzer
Ben tried to concentrate on the message, and although he was usually immersed in the reverend’s sermons his mind wandered. Hope might be struggling with similar questions. Had Jake and Annie made peace? Or had he crushed her heart? Ben had suspected months ago that his younger brother wasn’t being totally honest with himself or Annie about his strong feelings for her. It was about time the truth came out, for both their sakes.
Then there was the mess at the library. How were they going to get all the water soaked up and the roof fixed, and how many books could be salvaged? Where would they find help? This was a busy time for farmers. Most were in the fields from sunup until sundown. Jake and Ben had already set aside some of their own chores to make time to work on the library. Now there was so much more to do, and with the library set to open in six days the pressure seemed greater than before.
They stood to sing the last hymn, and even though he knew the song by heart, Ben took advantage of sharing the hymnal with Hope so he’d have an excuse to stand close to her. He caught another whiff of her perfume. It smelled like spring. Light, not heavy like that stuff Mrs. Hoyt doused herself with. You could smell that woman coming twenty feet away.
“Please be seated.” Instead of making his way down the aisle to greet people as they exited the church, Reverend Caswell motioned for his wife to join him from her seat in the first row. “You come, too, Mary.”
Sarah rocked a small bundle in her arms while Mary moved up and down on her tiptoes with a grin as wide as a quarter moon and as bright as a full one on a cloudless night.
Reverend Caswell couldn’t have beamed more himself. “As most of you know, ten days ago we welcomed into our family a little boy, Joseph Martin Caswell. We want to thank you all for the kindness and generosity extended to our family—and your patience at having to wait to meet him. We haven’t gotten much sleep, as you can imagine.” Chuckles rippled through the church. “But as tired as we are, we feel honored and blessed to have him. Children are a gift.” Heads nodded, and some murmured agreement. “You’re welcome to take a look at the handsome little prince, but I have to warn you that he’s probably getting hungry, so just a quick peek.”
As if in agreement, the infant let out a short cry, and the congregation burst into laughter. The reverend led his family to the front door of the church where he could personally welcome those in attendance.
Hope seemed deep in thought, so Ben remained seated beside her until most of the crowd had spilled into the warm sunshine outside.
“Ready?” Ben stepped aside to let Hope go ahead of him down the aisle. “But if you’d like more time to sit and think—or pray—we can stay.”
“No, we should find Thomas and ask him about fixing the roof.” She perked up, and she grew a sweet smile. “Besides, I’ve waited long enough to catch a glimpse of the new little prince. That’s what the reverend called him, right?” They sauntered down the aisle, side by side. “With those two parents, he’s bound to have all the traits you’d think should come with royalty. He’ll be charming, kind, wise, generous, and handsome.”
Ben raised an eyebrow. “You’ve read too many fairytales. He’ll most likely tease, play in dirt, climb trees, and challenge any limits his parents give him.”
“Is that what you did as a boy?” She stopped and faced him, a hint of smile on her face. “Rebel against your parents?”
“No.” Painful memories of the boyhood fight that changed everything assailed him. “I just managed to hurt them in other ways.”
The smile fled, and her eyes filled with recognition, then regret. “Ben, I’m sorry...”
“We’d better see the newcomer before we lose our chance,” Ben said with a lighter tone than he felt.
“Yes. The baby.” Hope turned on her heels and made straight for the child, with Ben close behind.
They said their congratulations, and then he stepped back. Ben liked babies as much as anyone, but hovering like a mother hen over one? Leave the cooing to the women. Still, if he ever had a son, he’d be itching for the day when he could take him fishing or riding, and every boy needed a dog to play with and explore.
“Would you like to hold him?” Sarah, her eyes shining with pride, swayed back and forth in lullaby rhythm. Did all mothers perform that dance? His sister, Ruth, did the same thing when his nephew was born.
Hope cradled Joseph in her arms as she moved left, then right.
Hmmm...not just mothers.
“You have a sweet baby brother, Mary.” Hope smiled at the six-year-old sticking close to her sibling.
The little girl grinned, showing a gap where a front tooth was missing. “I love him even when he cries at night.”
Ben crossed his arms and leaned his backside against the rear pew and grinned. Just wait until he threatens to put worms down your back.
The sun’s rays filtering through the stained glass windows behind Hope surrounded her with light, making her glow like a blond Madonna with child. His heart and hands ached to paint Hope just like that, but even the most masterful artist couldn’t capture the essence of what he was seeing and feeling at that moment.
Thomas and Ellie sent their three children outside, then Thomas sauntered over to the pew and mirrored Ben’s position.
Ellie peeked at the baby. “You precious little boy.” She gave Sarah a hug. “Have you heard from your parents?”
“We received a telegram from my mother. She sent their love, and said the news raised my father’s spirits. They both wish they could be here.” Sarah smiled, but her eyes betrayed sadness. “My father’s health is failing, and I don’t know how much longer he’ll be able to hold on. After all this time separated from them, I can’t bear the thought of losing him just when we’ve made plans to move them here to be with us.”
“We’ll keep them in our prayers,” Ellie said.
Ben nudged Thomas. “Where are Sarah’s parents?” he whispered. “I assumed they were both deceased. I’ve never heard her mention them.”
“They’re in San Francisco.” Thomas lowered his voice. “Sarah was raised by her grandmother here in Riverton. Her parents headed out to California without her after her father got into some trouble with gambling. Sarah didn’t even know they were alive until two years ago.”
A low whistle slipped through Ben’s lips. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to grow up without my folks.”
“Family is everything.” Thomas shifted his body, and after uncrossing his arms he gripped the pew railing behind him with both hands. “We can laugh about the women cooing over the baby, but man-to-man, becoming a father was one of the best days of my life.”
“Same here.” Reverend Caswell stepped next to Thomas.
“Peter, good sermon this morning.” Ben reached out to shake the reverend’s hand.
He accepted with a grin, then scratched the area at the top of at his clerical collar. “Can’t wait to get out of this thing. Every time I move, the edge rubs on a mosquito bite, and the itching is driving me crazy.”
Thomas chuckled. “Your wife went through hours of labor to give you a son, and you’re complaining about a little bug bite?”
“I’m rightfully humbled. Thanks, friend.” Peter grinned, then glanced at the women still fussing with the newborn. “He is a miracle.” He gripped Thomas’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you how grateful I was to have Ellie there during the birth.”
“You’ve already thanked me—several times.”
“Remember when Ellie first mentioned she wanted to become a midwife? How you balked at the idea?”
Thomas nodded. “I had good reason. I thought she had enough to do with taking care of four children and helping on the farm.”
“What changed your mind?” Ben was sincerely interested. From everything he’d witnessed, these two men seemed to have happy, strong marriages. Could he ever have the same?
“Peter and I had several long conversations, and he convinced me that I needed to figure out God’s will and not trust my own understandin
g of how my relationship with Ellie should work.” Thomas looked in his wife’s direction, his countenance filled with love and admiration. “One night while I was alone in the barn milking, I decided to pray, and right then and there, God opened my eyes. Helping bring babies into the world was something that was in her, and I had no right to stop Ellie from using the gifts he’d given her. I had to forget my stubborn pride, but trust me, it’s been worth it just to see the joy it gives her. She also helps the doc once a week, and she always comes home excited about what she’s learned. Seems she’s got even more energy that she pours into our young’uns.”
Ben glanced in Hope’s direction. She’d need that type of husband—one who would encourage her. He could be that man.
Hope was starting to fidget. She turned her head, and her worry-filled eyes met his. Now that the service was over, and there was no sign of either Jake or Annie, Hope must have started to feel anxious.
“Where’s Annie? Didn’t she come to church this morning?” Sarah took the infant from Hope. “She’s been so eager to meet Joseph.”
“I wanted to have a few minutes with the baby and share your joy before relaying some bad news.” Hope clasped her hands in front of her chest. “Annie and Jake are both at the library. Unfortunately, the storm last night did quite a bit of damage. There’s a huge mess to clean up, and repairs need to be made to the roof as soon as possible. Annie is so heartbroken, she had to get right to work. But they—we—need as much help as we can get. Annie can’t do this on her own.”
Thomas groaned. “I knew I shouldn’t have left yesterday before making sure the roof was solid.”
“Please don’t blame yourself,” Hope said. “It wasn’t your fault. Besides, the important thing now is that we give Annie our love and support, because she could use a large dose of both.”
“I’ll take my family home, then come back into town and get that roof in shape. If I have to leave to do the milking, I will, but I won’t rest tonight until that part of the building is fixed.
“Our children can help too,” Ellie said. “They need to change out of their Sunday clothes, but we’ll all pitch in.”
“Sarah will need to rest at home this afternoon, but I don’t think God would mind me working on the Sabbath for a good cause.” Peter scratched the side of his neck. “I’m actually pretty handy with a hammer and nails.”
“Thank you.” Hope hugged Ellie. “This is wonderful.”
Ben’s heart swelled in admiration and appreciation. Hope had explained what happened to the library without blaming Jake and his negligence. She could have crucified him, but she didn’t even mention he’d been asked to check the roof. Ben was becoming more aware every day that Hope Andrews was one special woman.
***
“That’s all we can do for now, Annie. Besides, you’re exhausted, and you haven’t eaten a thing all day.” Hope tugged Annie, her clothes now damp and dirty, through the entrance before closing the library door behind them. “We need to get you home.”
Annie lumbered down the steps and onto the lawn. There, volunteers were gathering their cleaning supplies. “Thank you, everyone. We couldn’t have managed without your help.” Despite the appreciative words, her familiar smile had gone into hiding, and her weary voice relayed some sadness.
“The roof is as good as new, Annie.” Thomas threw his tools into the back of his wagon. “Shouldn’t have any more trouble.”
“Thanks for taking care of it, especially on a Sunday.”
Hope didn’t miss the tear balancing on the edge of her cousin’s eyelashes. Even after all the help and encouragement, Annie looked like she was still struggling with her emotions and the huge setback because of water damage.
“No problem.” Thomas jumped up into the wagon seat. “You need anything else, you let me know.”
“You don’t have a treasure chest filled with gold buried anywhere on the farm, do you? We could sure use it to replace lost books.” Annie’s attempt at humor brought a slight smile to Thomas’s face.
“It’ll all work out, Annie. You’ll see.” He waved as the wagon began moving down the road in the direction of his farm.
“Thomas is right.” Rebecca set down the pail and rags she’d used to clean. “Mrs. Jorgenson and I will come over tomorrow, and the three of us will come up with a plan to get more books. Maybe the library in Martindale will be able to spare additional copies—just until we’re able to purchase more.” Rebecca put her arm around Annie. “I’m so sorry, Annie. Jake mentioned wanting to talk to my father about a problem he was having with a cow, so I invited him to supper. But I would have insisted that he fix the roof first had I known.”
Jake had told the truth about why he’d gone to supper at the Hoyts’.
Hope glanced in Ben’s direction, then back. “Rebecca, could you please keep Annie company for a moment? I need to speak with someone. It won’t take long.”
“Come on, Annie. My feet are tired, and they hurt. Let’s sit in your buggy and rest a bit.” With her arm still around Annie’s shoulder, Rebecca nudged her away from the building.
Volunteers had taken their tools and cleaning supplies and dispersed, but Ben and Jake remained, now deep in conversation next to their wagon. Hope hesitated. Maybe she should leave.
No, with Annie clamming up, there was no other way to find out what had transpired between her and Jake while alone at the library that morning. Annie had barely said a word all afternoon, which felt disconcerting, considering friends looked to her to keep things lively and cheerful. Instead, she just kept cleaning, her thoughts locked within. Jake had remained at her side, unusually quiet, seeming to sense that starting a conversation was not only futile but possibly dangerous.
“You men heading home?” Hope kept a slight distance, ready to escape if not a welcomed intrusion.
“Hope, you gotta help me.” Desperation etched Jake’s features. “I’ll do anything to make things right with Annie. Whatever it takes to fix things.”
“I believe you, Jake, but the only time I’ve seen Annie more wounded was when her father died.” Hope stepped closer. “She loves you, and that’s what makes her disappointment even worse.”
“I know...”
“Jake, have you told Annie how you feel about her?”
He nodded. “I tried, but I don’t think she believed me.”
“How do you feel?”
“Go on, Jake. Tell Hope.” As Ben leaned against the wagon, his eyes remained focused on his brother.
“I’ve had strong feelings. For a long time.” Jake bent over and leaned on his knees as he exhaled a deep breath. Then he stood and shoved his hands through his hair. “Ben warned me that if I wasn’t careful, I could hurt her. But I kept burying my feelings. Her admitting that she loved me about made me drop to the ground.”
“How could you not have known? It was so obvious.”
“She’s always teased and joked around with me like my sister, Ruth, so I thought I was just a brother to her.”
“She loves you, but you’ll have to win her trust again.” Hope offered a smile. “Don’t give up, but don’t rush her.”
“Nice and slow. I get it.” Jake sighed. “I left a hammer and a box of nails out back. I better fetch them.” He marched off with his head hanging low.
Ben straightened and shoved his hands in his front pants pockets. “Rough day. For both of them. But I’m glad they finally got some things out in the open.”
“Yes, but unfortunately it took a disaster, and now it appears that Annie’s not speaking to him.” Hope glanced back at the buggy where Annie and Rebecca rested. She couldn’t leave them waiting much longer.
“How today went—it makes me appreciate even more that I’m able to trust you.”
“Trust me?”
“You know, to keep certain things to yourself even when it may be difficult.” His gaze fell to her lips and warmed them without even the slightest touch, quickening her heart. “Without trust, there is no relationship.”
Hope wet her lips to cool them. “We have a relationship?”
He bent closer. “I think it’s promising,” he whispered in her ear, sending a shiver down her neck and spine. “And you?”
“I think there’s hope,” she whispered back, and he laughed at her teasing play on words.
Though she tried to offer a charming smile, a sharp pain stabbed her neck as muscles there tightened. What would he think—what would he feel— if he knew she’d arranged a meeting with a gallery owner while visiting Eva Lancaster in Minneapolis the following week?
Ben lacked faith in his work, but once a respected person in the art world saw Ben’s painting and confirmed his exceptional talent, maybe he could believe it too. Hope had been willing to lose his friendship and anything else they might have together in the future because she believed making that appointment was the right thing to do.
But what if she was wrong?
chapteR EIGHTEEN
I’m not going.” Hope closed her dresser drawer. “I can’t leave you behind or Mr. Carter in a mess.”
“Hope, no! You can’t be serious.” Annie slumped on her bed next to the bag Hope was packing for the journey to Minneapolis in the morning. “You’ve planned and looked forward to this trip for weeks. You’ll miss staying at the West Hotel. And dining with Miss Lancaster.”
“What else am I supposed to do? Since that salesman from Milwaukee visited, half of the store employees have come down with the flu, and even Mr. Carter has been in bed since yesterday. I can’t let him down. He’s been too good to me.”
“With my help, the store will be fine. There’s no need for you to stay behind.” A tear escaped one of Annie’s big green eyes. Her red, blotchy face betrayed that she’d had a good cry before even stepping inside Hope’s bedroom. “Of course I’m disappointed I won’t be going with you, but I can’t let that get in the way of you making the trip. It’s important that you don’t miss this opportunity to spend time with Miss Lancaster.”
