Rebecca's Bouquet by Lisa Jones Baker

the punches. Otherwise, you won’t be able to fight the battles. Just look at me. I had it all. Then Daniel suffered a massive heart attack, and those wonderful material things couldn’t help me. My perfect world did a flip-flop.”
    She let out a painful moan and gave Rebecca a friendly nudge. “Just listen to me rattle on. I’m not usually this talkative. But Daniel’s touch-and-go condition has forced me to take a deeper look at things and see their real worth.”
    Rebecca nodded in acceptance. “It’s okay to talk about it. In fact, it’s probably good therapy. I wish I could make things better.”
    Beth sniffled. “You have, Rebecca. Thanks for listening.” Beth’s voice went hoarse with emotion. “Daniel’s the center of my universe. I’ll do anything to get him through this. Please pray that he makes it.”
    â€œI do. Every night. You’re a strong person, Beth.”
    Beth gave a sad shake of her head. “Not as tough as I’d like. Every morning, I wake up afraid of losing him. When I’m tired, it scares me even more.”
    Beth took a deep breath. “I want to make him the happiest man in the world. And there’s something else.”
    Rebecca glanced at Beth.
    â€œYou know William better than anyone, Rebecca. Can you think of a way for the two of us to be close?”

Chapter Five
    The early July sun was setting as Rebecca stuck Mamma’s letter in the mailbox in front of the Conrad home. As she closed the lid, William pulled up the red flag.
    In silence, they made their way up the winding sidewalk to the front porch, where they sat on the oversized swing. As they started swinging, Rebecca closed her eyes while the warm, gentle breeze caressed her face. When she opened her lids, she let out a small, satisfied sigh and smiled at William as the iron chains holding the swing to the porch ceiling creaked.
    â€œWhen’s Katie coming back?”
    Rebecca told him. The comments from Katie and Natalie concerning Daniel wanting William to stay in Indiana to help with the business loomed in her thoughts like a heavy dark cloud on a sunny afternoon. Rebecca had thought and thought about that potent piece of information. She wanted to know if it was true.
    The only way to know was to ask William. She’d put it off long enough and decided a straightforward approach. “William, you and I have always been open with each other.”
    He turned so that their gazes locked. Surprise flickered across his face. His jaw was set as they regarded each other in silence. In front of them, the setting sun slipped farther into the vast area of gray until a kaleidoscope of colors melted into a haze. Crickets chirped in the bushes behind them.
    William’s eyes took on that metallic appearance that Rebecca loved. When he spoke, his voice was soft. “What’s on your mind?”
    Rebecca related the rumor. “Is it true?”
    William gave a firm shake of his head. “That’s the first I’ve heard of it.” He hesitated. “It’s a strange comment.”
    â€œWhy do you say that? You certainly wouldn’t be the first father-and-son team to work together.”
    â€œTo be honest, I can’t imagine my dad even thinking about inviting me to be his partner.” He raised his arms in frustration. “We can barely discuss the weather. The last thing I feel toward him is that father-son type of relationship I’ve always dreamed about.”
    He paused. “I’m glad he’s okay. I can’t wait till he’s out of the hospital. Maybe we can get a new start when he comes home.”
    â€œWe haven’t been here long, William. Have you really tried telling your father what’s in your heart?”
    â€œNot really. We’ve been so busy.”
    â€œWe’ve been here over two weeks. Now that we’ve settled in, I think you should sit down with your dad and talk to