Rebecca's Bouquet by Lisa Jones Baker Page B

Katie’s comment flitted back and forth, tormenting Rebecca until she could think of nothing else. When she’d asked William about it, he had responded. And she knew, without a doubt, that he was telling the truth.
    But if both Katie and Natalie had heard that Daniel was about to offer a partnership, there must be something to it. At that thought, Rebecca’s throat tightened.
    She hesitated before revealing her thoughts. “William, what if Daniel did offer you a partnership?”
    â€œHere in Indiana?”
    She nodded.
    The only sound was crickets chirping. As Rebecca awaited an answer, her pulse picked up speed. She clasped her hands in front of her.
    She had counted on a future with William. In Arthur. Before coming to Indiana, she’d never even considered anything different. She didn’t doubt William’s love for her. Yet the uncertainty of what was to come made her very uneasy.
    William finally broke the silence. “Rebecca, to be honest, I’ve never considered partnering with Dad.” He pushed out a long, deep sigh. “I suppose it would be wonderful to work together, side by side, if we were close, like a lot of kids are with their folks. But with us, that isn’t the case.”
    The seriousness that edged his voice deepened to border on resentment. “Don’t forget that you’re talking to a guy who’s never even gone fishing with his father.”
    â€œI’m sorry.” Rebecca darted him an encouraging wink. “There are second chances.” When he didn’t reply, she dropped the subject. William’s relationship with Daniel was a sore subject.
    At the same time, Rebecca noted something that prompted a combination of uncertainty and uneasiness in her chest. She’d asked William if he would like to partner with his dad. And in the end, he hadn’t answered.
    * * *
    Three days later, Daniel was home from the hospital. On a lawn chair, William watched Rebecca plant tiny petunias in a row. Yesterday’s conversation played in his mind. A partnership with his dad? He eyed the man next to him and smiled in relief. It was good to have him back. According to the doctors, time was the key to recovery.
    With a proud grin, William nudged his father’s arm. “She’s the most meticulous person I’ve ever met. Look. She even uses a yardstick to measure the distance between the holes.”
    Daniel gave a slight nod. “She’s a fine girl, William. She’ll make a good wife.”
    Daniel’s voice was weaker than usual. William had hoped the warmth and sunshine would help him to feel better. But sadness filled his eyes.
    â€œShe’s been looking forward to doing this for you. Even if it is already the middle of summer.”
    William turned his attention back to Rebecca and smiled as she tapped her garden spatula against the soil. As he took in her soft features, he thought about their future together and of the children they would have.
    But a sudden concern prompted him to frown. He pressed his lips together for a moment and considered the circumstances. He turned.
    There was so much he wanted to tell the man he’d spent a large part of his life missing. Things he’d yearned to say for years. But how could he? He really didn’t know his dad well enough to bare his soul.
    Perhaps the truth would please him. William cleared his throat.
    â€œI’d like to stay close.”
    For long moments, they stared at each other. William felt an embarrassing blush in his cheeks. His heart pumped a little harder than usual. Salty moisture stung his eyes, and he blinked back tears. No expression from his dad. A combination of disappointment and uncertainty fought inside of William’s gut until it ached. For years, he’d kept his thoughts to himself.
    With a newfound determination, he squared his shoulders and continued in a low, emotional voice. “I’ve been without you too long. I want you