For Every Season by Cindy Woodsmall Page A

with his feelings for Rhoda regardless of whether Jacob was here or not. His emotions and desires were no longer a pent-up force to be reckoned with. He loved Rhoda. But the fact that she and Jacob knew his feelings had released some of the reckless intensity. That was his silver lining, and he hoped Rhoda had one too.
    Ziggy wandered into the office, wagging his tail and nudging Samuel for attention. The dogs had gone out earlier with Rhoda, and they usually stayed pretty close to her wherever she walked, so she wasn’t far from the office now.
    Jacob opened a drawer and tossed the pen into it. “Since the moment I came home, something’s been nagging at me, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Even a couple of days ago, when Rhoda explained some things that happened while I was gone and said she wanted me to be the foundation she built her life on, I still couldn’t let go of my anger toward you. But I couldn’t figure out why until just now.”
    Samuel rubbed his hands together, warming them. “I hope that the understanding helps you forgive me and that we can move on once and for all.”
    “Hardly. The conclusion I reached isn’t helpful. You wouldn’t have tried to take her from me unless you believed you’re the better man for her.” Resentment shadowed Jacob’s features as he squared his shoulders.
    Samuel shifted, feeling the challenge being hurtled at him. Although Jacob had shown little of his gentle nature since the incident, Samuel never doubted his brother was a good man with a kind and caring heart. The problem was he had a past that chased him. It kept him away from Rhoda time after time, and, ya, Samuel did think he was a better fit for Rhoda. But if he said what he really thought, how long would it be before Jacob left for good, taking Rhoda—and all chances for this orchard’s success—with him?
    It wasn’t up to Samuel to decide who was best for Rhoda, and he’d never meant to let anyone know how he felt, including Rhoda. Just as he’d never meant to pull her into his arms.
    Zara sauntered into the doorway, so where was Rhoda?
    Jacob stood. “Deny that you think you’re better for her than I am, and I’ll chalk this whole mess up to the momentary mistake Rhoda wants me to believe it was.”
    Samuel wasn’t going to add lying to his ever-growing list of sins, and he couldn’t think of anything helpful to say.
    Rhoda walked into the office, saving him from having to answer Jacob’s challenge. She skirted Zara, studying several envelopes in her hands. “I went by the mailbox. Along with all the business stuff, we have some letters from our families.” She glanced at the desk, and her eyes widened as she studied the piles. “Oh my. Don’t either of you ever work?” She grinned at Jacob. “Need a hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand?”
    This was Rhoda—upbeat and clever. How did she manage to respond as if they weren’t in the midst of a raging river of emotions threatening to drown them?
    “Always.” Jacob winked.
    “I think you need the arms of an octopus to clean up this mess.” As she grabbed a pile of letters, one fell from her hand and landed under Samuel’s chair. “Don’t get up.” She made a shooing motion. “Just get out of the way.”
    Samuel rocked back on two legs of his chair, giving her what she’d asked for—to stay seated while moving out of the way.
    She pushed Ziggy to the side, but just as she picked up the envelope, she lost her balance, scattering the letters in her hand. The dog nudged her as Rhoda grabbed a spindle on the back of Samuel’s chair, knocking him off balance.
    Samuel fell backward as she tumbled forward. Jacob dove for her, squatting to catch her by the arm. He fell too. Both dogs fled the office, yelping. A moment later, when all was silent, Samuel realized that he couldn’t see, but he could tell their legs and arms were a tangled mess. Rhoda’s apron lay across his face, and he was pinned between the filing cabinet