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

by Dawn Kinzer

  “God has provided a way for you both to go.” Annie slid to the edge of her seat, grinning.

  “Eva Lancaster has been a long-time patron of the arts, and she’s acquainted with Mr. Woodlin and the gallery. They think it would be beneficial for me as an artist to also spend some time in France.” His expression held restrained excitement, as though he felt unsure of setting it free. “I told her I would cover my expenses to join the two of you in Paris, but she’s insisted on providing my voyage.”

  Hope’s fingers touched her throat. “Ben, you’re willing to leave for three months?” He’d delay his first showing for her—even abandon his brother during planting season? “What about Annie and Jake’s wedding? They’re planning it for May. You can’t miss your own brother’s wedding.”

  “We’ve already settled that.” Annie reached her hand up toward Jake, and standing behind her, he grasped it and grinned. “We’ll just move up the wedding to April and get married before the two of you need to sail into the sunset.”

  “This is all so unbelievable.” Hope turned her gaze to Ben.

  The love in his eyes almost took her breath away. “Hope, I need to take this trip to Paris—for you and for me. You always thought I was burying any desire to share my paintings with those who would find meaning in my work. It’s true I’ve wanted that ever since I was a young boy. But more than anything, I’ve wanted to forgive myself for pain I caused. I’ve wanted to find a way to put the past behind. Going to Paris is part of moving forward with my life, and I couldn’t have done that without you.”

  Hope’s throat thickened and moisture gathered in the corners of her eyes. Ben had finally found his way, and God had provided answers to her prayers in ways she hadn’t imagined. She wouldn’t miss Annie’s wedding or Ben’s gallery showing. But spending time with him in one of the most romantic cities in the world was beyond her comprehension.

  Ben slipped into a nearby chair, and with his elbows resting on his thighs, leaned forward. “Mr. Woodlin assures me he has a buyer for one of my paintings. With the money I’ll make from that sale and several other commissioned pieces, I should have enough to take care of my needs while there. If not, I’ll sell more paintings. And Jake is practically pushing me off the farm.”

  Jake nodded in agreement.

  “Miss Lancaster’s aunt married a Frenchman, and Miss Lancaster stays in their home whenever she’s in Paris,” Annie said. “The aunt has a guesthouse in the back where you can stay. She suggested Ben find an inexpensive flat in the city. On days that you and Miss Lancaster are exploring the new fall fashions and fabrics, Ben can paint. And when your time is free, the two of you can explore the country like two people in a romance novel.”

  Annie knelt in front of Hope. “Dear cousin, I asked you last night what you would do if opportunity knocked. In this case, I don’t think it’s knocking at all—it’s downright pounding.”

  ***

  This had to be a fantasy—one that would disappear in a puff of smoke any minute. Everyone she held most dear, except for her parents, were in that room. Their bodies were nourished and full from the earlier Thanksgiving feast, which was accompanied by lively conversation. Clara relaxed while Jake and Annie sat at the piano, teaching the children catchy tunes. Lucy had curled up in front of the fireplace with her blanket and fallen asleep. Ben, trying to avoid stepping on the toddler, added another log to the dwindling fire. Jake left after dinner to milk the cows, but he’d convinced Ben to stay. Jake needed to get used to doing things on his own once in a while. He’d return once milking was done.

  Hope couldn’t remember ever feeling as thankful as she did at that moment. Not only did she have her friends and family, but she had the dress shop to help keep her grounded as well. And then there was Paris. Not only with Miss Lancaster, but Ben would be there too. They could share that wonderful city together. She closed her eyes. Heavenly father, you have shown me favor and blessed me. Thank you.

  A hand grasped hers, and she opened her eyes to see Ben smiling at her.

  “Would you come outside with me?” he whispered. “Just for a minute?”

  Hope nodded. “Let me get my coat.”

  They slipped out of the room without being noticed, or at least no one asked where they were going. Dressed in a wool coat, Hope felt no chill as they stepped onto the porch. Instead, the fresh air invigorated her.

  The full moon in the cloudless sky shone on the snow, making it glow—magical.

  Ben leaned against a post and drew Hope close to him until her back rested against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her like a blanket. They stood that way for a moment, and she quietly appreciated the beauty at the end of a surprising and delightful day.

  Hope, soaking in the peace, could have remained in his arms for hours, but Ben withdrew and gently turned her around. His warms hands embraced her cool face, and he slowly lowered his mouth to hers. Heat ignited in her belly as he lightly caressed her lips with his. She’d never been kissed with such tenderness.

  Hope wanted more—she needed more—so she pressed in close to his chest, giving permission. His kiss grew more ardent, and she returned it with enthusiasm.

  Breathless, Ben carefully pulled away. He leaned his forehead against hers and caressed her arms. Even through the thick coat, his touch thrilled her senses.

  “Hope, I love you,” he whispered, then kissed her forehead. “But I don’t want us to go to Paris as two people courting.”

  Her heart squeezed in alarm. “Then, what do you want?”

  “I want you to be my wife.” He kissed her fingertips. “We can make Paris a honeymoon to remember for the rest of our lives. I know a simple flat won’t be as elegant as Miss Lancaster’s accommodations, but I think we can make it work. So will you? Will you marry me?”

  Hope threw her arms around his neck and on tiptoes, kissed him. “Yes—yes—I say, yes!”

  Hugging her, he twirled her around, lifting her feet from the ground. Ben slowed, then lowered her feet until they touched the ground.

  “I love you, Benjamin Greene,” she said, out of breath from twirling, laughing, and the pure exhilaration of it all. “I’ll marry you, and we’ll have a wonderful three months in Paris. You’ll paint and be brilliant, and I’ll learn everything I can.”

  Ben removed something from his pocket. Then, taking her hand, he slipped a ring onto her finger. From the light emanating from inside the house and what the moon offered, Hope could see the exquisite piece—an opal surrounded by six diamonds.

  “It’s stunning.” She tilted her head and met his lips with her own.

  Hope’s designs weren’t published in magazines yet, but she still had opportunities to create beautiful garments for God’s children, and he was fulfilling dreams she never knew she had. With more time and work, she believed those that had been planted in her heart years ago would also come to pass. He did know best. She could trust that without reservation.

  Hope gazed into Ben’s loving eyes and grinned. From now on, she was going to enjoy every challenging curve, stroke of adventure, and splash of color God added to his design for her life.

  Questions for discussion

  and reflection

  At the beginning of the story, Hope makes it clear that she will never marry a man who doesn’t have the courage to pursue his own dream. What do you think about that?

  While looking for a relationship (marriage or dating), what preconceived ideas have you had about the kind of person you want to be with?

  Have you ever found yourself attracted to someone who was very different from the person you thought you would date or marry? What has been your experience?

  Hope longs to find someone who will support her dreams. Would you marry someone who wasn’t enthusiastic about your aspirations? If you’re already married, how is your spouse supporting your dreams? If your spouse is not supportive, how are you handling it/getting what you need?

  Do you think Henry really loved Hope? Why or why not?

&
nbsp; How did Hope’s willingness to talk about Henry’s treatment of her affect her ability to be a thriving survivor and not an ongoing victim?

  When Hope’s designs are rejected, she tries to trust God to show her the path he’s designed for her. How can having faith in God’s divine plan help us through disappointment?

  It’s difficult to be patient and wait for breakthroughs while working hard to make our dreams come to fruition. How does being thankful for what we already have help us during discouraging times?

  In the story, Hope comes to a point where she asks Clara for help with putting her designs into physical form. What situations in your own life might have gone better if you’d been willing to ask for help?

  Sometimes in our humanness, pride gets in the way of accomplishing our dreams. We may become stubborn or embarrassed about confessing that we can’t do it all on our own. Is there anything that you’re trying to accomplish right now, or that you might want to accomplish in the future, but are afraid to ask for help?

  Why does Annie let Rebecca help with getting the library established, even though she hasn’t trusted Rebecca for a long time? Can you think of a situation where you’ve seen someone be held back from using their gifts and contributing because of their past?

  If you’ve experienced situations where you or others weren’t given opportunities to use personal gifts/talents because of not being as popular as someone else or others felt threatened by those gifts, how was it handled? How did you feel about the outcome?

  After Ben donates his painting to the library auction, he regrets his decision. Have you ever held back on sharing your gifts/talents because you’ve been afraid you weren’t good enough, or that others would criticize your work? What did that feel like? How might you handle the opportunity next time?

  Hope has a desire to help people, but sometimes in her eagerness she leaps in before taking time to think things through. Why do you think she’s so quick to jump in to try to fix things for people? Is this a positive or negative trait?

  Hope recognizes that she too often moves on impulse without taking the time to pray and ask for direction. Has there been a time when you’ve moved too fast and wished you would have taken more time to think, research, explore, and pray before making a decision? What did you learn from that experience?

  Later in the story, Ben becomes angry and hurt because he feels betrayed by Hope. He decides that he needs a little time to think and pray about what happened before offering forgiveness. What do you think about that? Are you quick to forgive, or do you take a long time?

  Ben comes to a crossroads where he realizes that his life might be changed forever, which is both exhilarating and frightening. Have you ever been—or are you now at a crossroads in your own life? What fears are you experiencing? What possibilities excite you?

  After Henry shows up in Riverton and Hope is forced to share the full story about her relationship with Henry, Ben wonders if she’s holding more secrets, and he says he can’t be with anyone who he can’t trust. How do you feel about Ben’s response?

  There are several situations in the story where people do wrong things for the right reasons. What are they? How do you feel about that?

  There comes a point in the story when Reverend Caswell states that, as Christians, there are times when we must fight both physical and spiritual battles in order to serve the kingdom of God. How do you feel about that statement?

  There comes a point in the story where Hope wonders if she has been trying so hard to create opportunities to use her talent that she’s risked those created by God. How might it apply to your own life?

  The story talks about being accountable for the gifts/talents we’re given. How are you being accountable—or not accountable—for the abilities God has given you?

  acknowledgements

  Many thanks to...

  Ocieanna Fleiss...You’ve walked beside me for many years. What you’ve taught me about writing has helped bring me to this destination.

  Annette M. Irby...You’re more than my editor, you’re my friend. I’m so grateful for the insight you provided on this story.

  Sandra Byrd...Your friendship, prayers, and wisdom are all precious to me. Your feedback on Hope’s Design was invaluable.

  Tina Boyd and Leann St. Germain...You’re always there to support and encourage me wherever I venture.

  Debby Hartsock and Janene Durman...Your prayers have meant so much—they’ve sustained me while facing the challenges that come with this gig.

  My Family...Sonny, I’m so glad I married a man who isn’t afraid to dream. Brooke, Ana, and Katrina, you inspire me every day to go after my own heart’s desires and not give up.

  God, my Father...You gave me the dream, and then you provided the way.

  MEET THE AUTHOR

  Dawn Kinzer, a mom and grandmother, lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.

  You can find out more about Dawn and her books by visiting www.dawnkinzer.com.

  She loves to hear from her readers. You may contact her at dawn@dawnkinzer.com.

  Other places to connect: Her blog, Facebook,

  Google +, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram

  FREEBIE

  FREEBIE! Download this short story as a gift when you sign up to receive my author newsletter sharing interesting tidbits about my books, photos, and other fun stuff about my writing world

  Visit www.dawnkinzer.com and enter your e-mail address in the box on the sidebar, then click on a link in a responding e-mail confirming your subscription. After you confirm, you’ll receive a “Subscription Confirmed” e-mail. Click on the title Maggie’s Miracle or link included to open up the story. Read then or “save” to read later.

  Maggie’s Miracle - Sometimes it only takes a small miracle to create a life-changing moment…

  SARAH’S SMILE, BOOK 1

  THE DAUGHTERS OF RIVERTON

  A would-be missionary longs

  to leave heartbreak behind.

  A widowed pastor yearns

  for the way things were.

  They shared a past,

  but can they share a future?

  Available in e-book and paperback

  here on Amazon.