RETURN TO THE BEGINNING
THE HOPE CHEST OF DREAMS SERIES
Book 1: Rebecca’s Bouquet
The last thing Rebecca Sommer dreamed her plan to marry would bring is a heart-wrenching choice. She thought she and her betrothed, William, would spend the rest of their lives in Illinois’s heartland, raising a family in their close-knit Amish hometown. But when he must travel far out of state to save his ailing father’s business, Rebecca braves her relatives’ disapproval—and her own fears—to work by his side. And though she finds herself ever more in love with the dedicated, resourceful man he proves to be, William’s growing interest in Englisch ways may be the one challenge even her steadfast faith can’t meet . . .
Book 2: Annie’s Recipe
Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until his father was shunned by the church. Now, ten years later, Levi has returned to Arthur, Illinois, for a brief visit, and he and Annie discover their bond is as strong as ever. Spending as much time together as possible, Annie finds herself dreaming of a future with Levi. And Levi is soon dreaming of building a home on a beautiful local hillside—to live in with Annie. Yet their longings are unlikely to become reality . . .
Book 3: Rachel’s Dream
Rachel Kauffman and Jarred Zimmerman seem to have nothing in common. She’s the outgoing youngest of a large, close-knit Amish clan, and longs to raise a brood of her own near those she loves. Estranged from his family by tragedy, Jarred is a young veterinarian who trusts the animals he heals far more than he trusts people. However, when Rachel’s beloved horse falls ill, Jarred’s struggles to save him show Rachel he’s a man who cares deeply. And the respect he feels for her gentle, warmhearted ways soon becomes an irresistible bond . . .
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Rebecca’s Bouquet . . .
His announcement took her by surprise. Rebecca Sommer met William’s serious gaze and swallowed. The shadow from his hat made his expression impossible to read.
“You’re really leaving?”
He fingered the black felt on the brim. “I know what a shock this is. Believe me, I never expected to hear that Dad had a heart attack.”
“Do they expect a full recovery?”
William nodded. “But the docs say it will be a while before he works again. Right now, they can’t even guess at a time line. In the meantime, Beth’s struggling to take care of him.”
While Rebecca considered the news, the warm June breeze rustled the large, ear-shaped leaves on the catalpa tree. The sun peeked from behind a large marshmallow cloud, as if deciding whether or not to appear. In the distance, a sleek black gelding clomped its hooves against the earth.
Pools of dust stirred, swirling and quickly disappearing. Lambs frolicked across the parcel of pasture separating the Sommer home from Old Sam Beachy’s bright red barn. From where they stood, Rebecca could barely glimpse the orange YIELD sign on the back of the empty buggy parked next to the house.
“I’m the only person Dad trusts with his business.” William paused and lowered his voice. “Beth wants me to come to Indiana and run his cabinet shop, Rebecca.”
The news caused a wave of anxiety to roll through Rebecca’s chest. She wrung her hands together in a nervous gesture. A long silence ensued as she thought of William leaving, and her shoulders grew tense. Not even the light, sweet fragrance floating from her mother’s rose garden could take away Rebecca’s anxiety.
When she finally started to respond, William held up a defensive hand. “It’s just until he’s back on his feet. This may not be such a bad thing. The experience might actually benefit us.”
Rebecca raised a curious brow. The breeze blew a chestnut-brown hair out of place, and she quickly tucked it back under her kapp. Her gaze drifted from his face to his rolled-up sleeves.
Tiny freckles decorated his nose, giving him a youthful appearance. But there was nothing boyish about his square jaw or broad shoulders that tried to push their way out of his shirt. Her heart skipped a beat. She lifted her chin, and their eyes locked in understanding.
William smiled a little. “One of these days, we’ll run our own company.” He winked. “Don’t worry.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. For one blissful, hopeful moment, she trusted everything would be okay. It wasn’t those simple two words that reassured her, but the tender, persuasive way William said them. The low, steady tone in which he spoke could convince Rebecca of almost anything.
The warm pink glow on his cheeks made Rebecca’s pulse pick up speed. As he looked at her for a reaction, her lips lifted into a wide smile. At the same time, it was impossible to stop the nervous rising and falling of her chest.
She’d never dreamed of being without William. Even temporarily. At the young age of eighteen, she hadn’t confronted such a difficult issue.
But her church teachers and parents had raised her to deal with obstacles. Fortunately, they had prepared her to be strong and to pray for guidance. As she stared at her beloved flower garden, her thoughts became more chaotic.
The clothes on the line rose and fell with the warm summer breeze. Their fresh, soapy scent floated through the air. She surely had greater control over her destiny than the wet garments, whose fate was dependent on the wind. She and William could get through this. They loved each other. God would take care of them, wouldn’t He?
She glanced up at William. The way the sun hit him at an angle made him look even taller than his six feet and two inches. He’d always been bigger and stronger than other kids his age.
The gray flecks in his deep blue eyes danced to a mysterious tune as he darted her a grin. When she looked into those dark pools, she could drown in happiness. But today, even the warmth emanating from his smile couldn’t stop the concern that edged her voice. “Don’t worry? But I do, William. What about . . .”
“Us?”
She nodded.
He leveled his gaze so that she looked directly at him. “Nothing has changed. We’ll still get married in November after the harvest.”
Rebecca hesitated. She couldn’t believe William would really leave Arthur, Illinois. But his reason was legitimate. His father needed him. She wasn’t selfish, and asking him to stay would be.
Circumstances were beyond her control. What could she do? The question nagged at her until frustration set in. Within a matter of minutes, her world had changed, and she fought to adjust. She nervously tapped the toe of her black shoe against the ground.
As she crossed her arms over her chest, she wished they could protect her from the dilemma she faced. Her brows narrowed into a frown, and a long silence ensued. She looked at him, hoping for an answer. Seeking even a hint of a solution.
To her surprise, William teased, “Rebecca, stop studying me like I’m a map of the world.”
His statement broke the tension, and she burst into laughter because a map of the world was such a far stretch from what she’d been thinking.
“Of course, you’ve got to help your folks, William. I know how much Daniel’s business means to him. You certainly can’t let him lose it. I can imagine the number of cabinets on order.”
Surprised and relieved that her voice sounded steady, Rebecca’s shoulders trembled as the thought of William leaving sank in. They’d grown up together and hadn’t spent a day without seeing one another.
She stopped a moment and considered Daniel and Beth Conrad. Nearly a decade ago, William’s mamma had died, and Daniel had married Beth.
He was a skilled cabinetmaker. It was no surprise that people from all over the United States ordered his custom-made pieces. Rebecca had seen samples of his elegant, beautiful woodworking.
A thought popped into Rebecca’s mind, and she frowned. “William, you seem to be forgetting something very important. Daniel and Beth . . . They’re Englisch.”
He nodded. “Don’t think I haven’t given that consideration.”
“I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but how will you stay Amish in their world?”
He shrugged. “They’re the same as us, really.”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course they are. But the difference between our lifestyle and theirs is night and day. How can you expect to move in with them and be compatible?”
William hooked his fingers over his trouser pockets, looked down at the ground and furrowed a brow. Rebecca smiled. She knew him so well. Whenever something bothered him, he did this. Rebecca loved the intense look on his face when he worried. The small indentation in his chin intensified.
What fascinated her most, though, were the mysterious gray flecks that danced in his eyes. When he lifted his chin, those flecks took on a metallic appearance. Mesmerized, Rebecca couldn’t stop looking at them.
Moments later, as if having made an important decision, he stood still, moved his hands to his hips, and met her gaze with a nod.
In a more confident tone, he spoke. “It will be okay, Rebecca. Don’t forget that Dad was Amish before he married Beth. He was raised with the same principles as us. Just because he’s Englisch now doesn’t mean he’s forgotten everything he learned. No need to worry. He won’t want me to change.”
“No?”
William gave a firm shake of his head. “Of course not. In fact, I’m sure he’ll insist that I stick to how I was brought up. Remember, he left me with Aenti Sarah and Uncle John when he remarried. Dad told me that raising me Amish was what my mother would have expected. The Ordnung was important to her. And keeping the faith must have also been at the top of Dad’s list to have left me here. Nothing will change, Rebecca.”
Rebecca realized that she was making too much out of William’s going away. After all, it was only Indiana. Not the North Pole! Suddenly embarrassed at her lack of strength, she looked down at the hem of her dress before gazing straight into his eyes. He moved so close, his warm breath caressed her bottom lip, and it quivered. Time seemed to stand still while she savored the silent mutual understanding between them. That unique, unexplainable connection that she and William had.
“I’ve always read that things happen for a reason,” William mentioned.
“Me too.” Rebecca also knew the importance of the Ordnung. And she knew William’s mamma, Miriam, would have wanted him to stay in the faith that had meant everything to her.
As if sensing her distress, he interlaced his fingers together in front of him. His hands were large. She’d watched those very hands lift heavy bales of hay.
“Who knows? Maybe this is God’s way of testing me.”
Rebecca gave an uncertain roll of her eyes. “Talk to your aunt and uncle. They’ll know what’s best. After all, they’ve raised you since your father remarried.”
The frustration in William’s voice lifted a notch. “I already did. It’s hard to convince them that what I’m doing is right.” He lowered his voice. “You know how they feel. When Dad left the faith, he deserted me. But even so, I can’t turn my back on him.”
“Of course not.”
“Aenti Sarah’s concerned that people will treat me differently when I come back. She wants to talk to the bishop and get his permission. If that makes her feel better, then I’m all for it.”
“If he’ll give his blessing.”
William nodded in agreement.
“But we’re old enough to think for ourselves, William. When we get married and raise our family, we can’t let everyone make up our minds for us.”
He raised a brow. “You’re so independent, Miss Rebecca.”
She smiled a little.
A mischievous twinkle lightened his eyes.
“Your decision shouldn’t be based on what people think,” Rebecca said. “If we made choices to please others, we’d never win. Deep down inside, we have to be happy with ourselves. So you’ve got to do what’s in your heart. And no one can decide that but you.”
The expression that crossed his face suddenly became unreadable. She tilted her head and studied him with immense curiosity. “What are you thinking?”
His gray flecks repeated that metallic appearance. “Rebecca, you’re something else.”
A surge of warmth rushed through her.
“I can’t believe your insight.” He blinked in amazement. “You’re an angel.” His voice was low and soft. She thought he was going to kiss her. But he didn’t. William followed the church rules. But Rebecca wouldn’t have minded breaking that one.
In a breathless voice, she responded, “Thank you for that.”
As if suddenly remembering the crux of their conversation, William returned to the original topic. “I’ve assured Aenti Sarah and Uncle John that I won’t leave the Amish community. That I’ll come back, and we’ll get married. They finally justified letting me leave by looking at this as an opportunity to explore Rumspringa.”
Rebecca grinned. “I guess that’s one way to look at it.” Rumspringa was the transition time between adolescence and adulthood when an Amish youth could try things before deciding whether to join the faith for him—or herself. She even had a friend who had gone as far as to get a driver’s license.
He paused. “Rebecca, I know we didn’t plan on this.” His voice grew more confident as he continued. “You’ve got to understand that I love you more than anything in the world. Please tell me you’ll wait for me. I give you my word that this move is only temporary. As soon as Dad’s on his feet again, I’ll come home. Promise.”
As William committed, Rebecca took in his dark brown hair. The sun’s brightness lightened it to the color of sand. For a moment, his features were both rugged and endearing. Rebecca’s heart melted.
Her voice softened. “How long do you think you’ll stay?”
William pressed his lips together thoughtfully. “Good question. Hopefully, he’ll be back to work in no time. His customers depend on him, and according to Beth, he has a long list of orders for cabinets to produce and deliver. He’s a strong man, Rebecca. He’ll be okay.”
“I believe that. I’ll never forget when he came into town last year to see you.” She giggled. “Remember his fancy car?”
William chuckled. “He sure enjoys the luxuries of the Englisch. I wish our community wouldn’t be so harsh on him. He’s really Amish at heart.”
William hesitated. “I used to resent that he left me.”
Long moments passed in silence. He stepped closer and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Rebecca, you’ve become unusually quiet. And you didn’t answer my question.”
She raised an inquisitive brow.
“Will you wait for me?”
Her thoughts were chaotic. For something to do, she looked down and flattened her hands against her long, brown dress. She realized how brave William was and recalled the scandal Daniel Conrad had made when he married outside of the faith and had moved to the country outside of Evansville, Indiana. She raised her chin to look at William’s face. Mamma always told her that a person’s eyes gave away his feelings.
The tongue could lie. But not the eyes. William’s intriguing flecks had become a shade lighter, dancing with hope and sincerity. His cheeks were flushed.
“William, you’ve got to do this.” She let out a small, thoughtful sigh. “I remember a particular church sermon from a long time ago. The message was that our success in life isn’t determined by making easy choices. It’s measured by how we deal with difficult issues. And leaving Arthur is definitely a tough decision.”
He hugged his hands to his hips. “What are you getting at?”
She quietly sought an answer to his question. What did she mean? She’d sounded like she knew what she was talking about. Moments later, the answer came. She recognized it with complete clarity.
She squared her shoulders. “I promised you I’d stick by you forever, William. And right now, you need me.”
He gazed down at her in confusion.
Clearing her throat, she looked up at him and drew a long breath. “I’m going with you.”
* * *
Inside Old Sam Beachy’s barn, Rebecca poured out her dilemma to her dear friend. Afterwards, Buddy whimpered sympathetically at her feet. Rebecca reached down from her rocking chair opposite Old Sam’s workbench and obediently stroked the Irish setter behind his ears. The canine closed his eyes in contentment.
Old Sam was famous for his hope chests. He certainly wasn’t the only person to put together the pieces, but he was a brilliant artist who etched beautiful, personalized designs into the lids.
Rebecca had looked at his beloved Esther as a second mother. Since she’d succumbed to pneumonia a couple of years ago, Rebecca had tried to return her kindness to the old widower. So did her friends, Rachel and Annie. The trio took care of him. Rachel listened to Sam’s horse-and-buggy stories. Annie baked him delicious sponge cakes while Rebecca picked him fresh flowers.
Drawing a long breath, Rebecca wondered what advice he’d give. Whatever it was would be good. Because no one was wiser than Old Sam. She crossed her legs at the ankles. Sawdust floated in the air. Rebecca breathed in the woodsy smell of oak.
When he started to speak, she sat up a little straighter. “The real secret to happiness is not what we give or receive; it’s what we share. I would consider your help to William and his parents a gift from the heart. At the same time, a clear conscience is a soft pillow. You want to have the blessing of our bishop and your parents. The last thing you want is a scandal about you and William living under the same roof.”
Rebecca let out a deep, thoughtful sigh as she considered his wisdom. In the background, she could hear Ginger enter her stall from the pasture. Old Sam’s horse snorted. And that meant she wanted an apple.
Sam’s voice prompted Rebecca to meet his gaze. “Rebecca, I can give you plenty of advice. But the most important thing I can tell you is to pray.”
Rebecca nodded and crossed her arms over her chest.
“But remember: Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you’re not willing to move your feet.”
* * *
Rebecca was fully aware that William was ready to leave. In her front yard, she hugged her baby sister, Emily, shoving a rebellious strand of blond hair out of her face. Rebecca planted an affectionate kiss on brother Peter’s cheek. “Be good.”
Pete’s attention was on Rebecca just long enough to say good-bye. As she turned to her father, the two kids started screaming and chasing each other in a game of tag. Emily nearly tripped over a chicken in the process. Rebecca was quick to notice the uncertain expression on Old Sam’s face.
The sweet, creamy smell of homemade butter competed with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Both enticing scents floated out of the open kitchen windows. Tonight, Rebecca would miss Mamma’s dinner. It would be the first time Rebecca hadn’t eaten with her family.
Her heart pumped to an uncertain beat. But she’d never let her fear show. Ever since the death of her other little sister, Rebecca had learned to put on a brave façade. Her family depended on her for strength.
Rebecca’s father grasped her hands and gave them a tight squeeze. She immediately noted that his arms shook. It stunned her to realize that his embrace was more of a nervous gesture than an offer of support. And the expression on his face was anything but encouraging. Rebecca understood his opposition to what she was about to do. Her father’s approval was important to her, and it bothered her to seem disrespectful.
All of her life, she’d tried hard to please him. They’d never even argued. In fact, this was the first time she’d gone against his wishes. But William was her future. She wanted to be by his side whenever he needed her.
In a gruff, firm voice, her father spoke. “Be careful, Becca. You know how I feel. I’m disappointed that William hasn’t convinced you to stay. You belong here. In Arthur.”
He pushed out a frustrated breath. “But you’re of age to make your own decision. We’ve made arrangements with Beth so that living under the same roof with William will be proper. We trust she’ll be a responsible chaperone while you’re with the Conrads. Just come home soon. We need your help with chores.”
He pointed an authoritative finger. “And never let the Englisch ways influence you. They will tempt you to be like them, Becca. Remember your faith.”
Rebecca responded with a teary nod. When she finally faced Mamma, she forced a brave smile. But the tightness in her throat made it difficult to say good-bye.
Mamma’s deep blue eyes clouded with moisture. With one swift motion, Rebecca hugged her. For long moments, she was all too aware of how much she would miss that security. The protection only a parent could offer.
Much too soon, Mamma released her and held her at arm’s length. When Rebecca finally turned to Old Sam, he stepped forward and handed her a cardboard container with handles.
She met his gaze and lifted a curious brow. “This is for me?”
He nodded. “I hope you like it.” He pointed. “Go ahead. Take it out.”
Everyone was quiet while she removed the gift. As she lifted the hope chest, she caught her breath. There was a unanimous sound of awe from the group. “Old Sam . . .” She focused on the design etched into the lid. “It’s absolutely beautiful! I will treasure it the rest of my life.”
“You always bring me fresh flowers, so I thought you’d like the bouquet.”
She glanced at William before turning her attention back to Sam. “I’m taking the miniature hope chest with me.”
Sam’s voice was low and edged with emotion. “I will pray for your safety. And remember that freedom is not to do as you please, but the liberty to do as you ought. And the person who sows seeds of kindness will have a perpetual harvest. That’s you, Rebecca.”
Rebecca blinked as salty tears filled her eyes. With great care, she returned the hope chest to its box on the bright green blades of grass.
Old Sam’s voice cracked. “You come back soon. And if you want good advice, consult an old man.” A grin tugged at Rebecca’s lips. Sam knew every proverb in the book. She’d miss hearing him recount them.
“Thank you again. I can’t wait to start putting away special trinkets for the children I will have some day.”
When she looked up at him, he merely nodded approval.
William’s voice startled her from her thoughts. “Rebecca, it’s time to head out. It’s gonna be a long drive.”
Her gaze remained locked with Mamma’s. Mary Sommer’s soft voice shook with emotion. “This is the first time you’ve left us. But you’re strong.”
Rebecca squeezed her eyes closed for several heartbeats.
As if to reassure herself, her mother went on. “We hope Daniel recovers quickly. William needs you. In the meantime, God will keep both of you in His hands. Don’t forget that. Always pray. And remember what we’ve taught you. Everything you’ve learned in church.”
“Jah.”
“It’s never been a secret that God gave you a special gift for accepting challenges. I’ll never forget the time you jumped into that creek to save your brother. You pulled him to shore.”
Rebecca grinned. “I remember.”
“Rumspringa might be the most important time in your life. But be very careful. There will be temptations in the Englisch world. In fact, the bishop is concerned that you will decide against joining the Amish church.”
“I know who I am.”
A tear rolled down Mamma’s cheek while she slipped something small and soft between Rebecca’s palms. Rebecca glanced down at the crocheted cover.
“I put together this Scripture book to help you while you’re away, Rebecca. When you have doubts or fears, read it. The good words will comfort and give you strength. You can even share them with Beth. She’s going through a difficult time. Your daed and I will pray for you every day.” She paused. “Lend Daniel your support. The bishop wants you to set three additional goals and accomplish them while you’re gone. Give them careful consideration. They must be unselfish and important. Doing this will make your mission even more significant.”
After a lengthy silence, William addressed the Sommers in a reassuring voice. “I’ll take good care of her. You can be sure of that.”
Rebecca’s dad raised his chin and directed his attention to William. “We expect nothing less.”
Long, tense moments passed while her father and William locked gazes. Several heartbeats later, Eli Sommer stepped forward. “I don’t approve of my Becca going so far away. I’m holding you responsible for her, William. If anything happens . . .”
William darted an unsure glance at Rebecca before responding. “I understand your concern. That’s why I didn’t encourage her to come.”
Rebecca raised her chin and regarded both of them. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. I’ll go. And I’ll come back, safe and sound.”
Rebecca listened with dread as her father continued making his case. She knew William wouldn’t talk back. And she wasn’t about to change her mind about going.
“Daed, it’s my decision. Please don’t worry.”
Before he could argue, she threw her arms around him and gave him a tight, reassuring hug. After she stepped away, William motioned toward the black Cadillac. As Rebecca drew a deep breath, her knees trembled, and her heart pounded like a jackhammer. Finally, she forced her jellylike legs to move. She didn’t turn around as William opened her door.
Before stepping inside, Rebecca put Mamma’s Scripture book inside the hope chest. William took the box from her and placed it in the middle of the backseat. Rebecca brought very little with her. Just one small suitcase that her father placed in the trunk.
With great hesitation, she waved good-bye. She forced a confident smile, but her entire body shook. She sat very still as Daniel’s second cousin, Ethan, backed the car out of the drive. Gravel crunched under the tires. This wasn’t Rebecca’s first ride in an automobile. Car rides were not uncommon in the Amish community.
Trying to convince herself she was doing the right thing, she gently pushed the down arrow by her door handle, and the window opened. Rebecca turned in her seat and waved until the sad faces of her family, their plain-looking wooden-framed house built by her great-grandfather, and Old Sam, disappeared.
William turned to her. A worry crease crept across his forehead. The cleft in his chin became more pronounced. “Rebecca, your dad’s right. I should have made you stay. The last thing I want to do is create tension between you two.”
“It wasn’t your choice. As far as my father’s concerned. . .” She gave a frustrated shake of her head. “I don’t like displeasing him either. On the other hand, it’s not right for me to stay here and send you off to save Daniel’s shop all by yourself.” She shrugged.
In silence, she thought about what she’d just said. She nervously ran her hand over the smooth black leather seat.
“You can adjust the air vents,” Ethan announced, turning briefly to make eye contact with her.
She was thankful she didn’t have to travel to the Indiana countryside by horse and buggy. She rather enjoyed the soft, barely audible purring of the engine.
Next to her, she eyed the cardboard and pulled out the mini hope chest, setting the box on the floor. She smiled a little.
“Old Sam is something else.” William’s voice was barely more than a whisper.
“Jah. I can’t wait to tell him about our trip.” Rebecca giggled. “I’ll miss listening to him grumble while he works in the barn. I enjoy watching him make those elaborate chests that he sells to the stores in town.”
William gave a small nod. “He loves you three girls.”
“Thank goodness that Annie and Rachel will be around to keep him company.”
The three friends had loved Esther. Now they took care of Old Sam. He was like an uncle to them. But Rebecca was leaving the world she knew. Would she fit in with the Englisch?