Rebecca's Bouquet Read Online Free Page A

unique rich appearance.”
    â€œThank you.” Rebecca dipped her head slightly and carefully placed her cabinet on a bench.
    William motioned in front of him. “This must be a year’s worth of work.” He paused. “It’s funny.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI’ve been thinking a lot. Too much, maybe. I don’t care what the circumstances were. Dad should have taken me with him. How could he have left me behind, Rebecca?”
    The serious expression on William’s face and the tone of his voice told her he wanted to talk. She glanced at the wooden bench next to a nearby wall and motioned. “Come on.”
    William followed her. They sat next to each other and Rebecca turned to him. “I’m sure that leaving wasn’t an easy decision. Carrying out Miriam’s wishes must have been terribly important to Daniel.”
    â€œI don’t care. If he couldn’t take me with him, he shouldn’t have gone.”
    â€œBut there’s nothing we can do to change what already happened.”
    As William looked down at the floor, Rebecca nudged him. When their eyes met, she darted him a wry smile. “Living in Arthur wasn’t all bad, was it?”
    He looked at her to continue.
    â€œIf you’d moved, you wouldn’t be with me. And I don’t know what I would have done without you to carry my schoolbooks.”
    He grinned. In a soft voice, he responded, “I know. You can never have everything, can you? And you’re the most important person in my life. But I feel cheated that I had no father or mother. Am I wrong to think that way?”
    Rebecca paused to consider the question. “William, it’s not a perfect world. God has presented an opportunity to get to know Daniel. Make the most of it. At least you’re playing a role in his life.”
    â€œJah. ’Cause he needs me.”
    She frowned.
    He pushed out a regretful sigh. “You always see the glass half-full.”
    â€œThat’s what Old Sam tells me to do, William.”
    â€œYou’re right. Ya know?”
    She raised a brow.
    â€œI feel good about helping him, Rebecca.”
    â€œAnd your parents appreciate it. By the way, I really like them. Daniel’s a bit gruff sometimes, but he isn’t well. His intentions are good. And Beth has gone out of her way to make me feel at home.”
    The clicking of the door handle made them turn. “William Conrad?”
    â€œJah.” William stood and walked toward the entrance where a middle-aged man waved a hand. Rebecca followed.
    In a friendly voice, the man introduced himself. “Henry Kreggs. And this here’s my daughter, Natalie.” He closed the door, and they stepped inside. “I hope you don’t mind us coming in. Beth gave us permission.”
    When they met, William extended his hand and introduced Rebecca. She had never met Henry Kreggs, but knew exactly who he was from the customer list. He was Daniel’s biggest client. And his order of fifty cabinets was for the family mansion he was building.
    Henry shoved his hands deep into his pockets. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by to see how things were coming along. Word has it that Daniel’s under the weather. How’s he doing?”
    William gave a slight nod. “He’ll be fine. Thanks for asking.”
    As William gave a time line for the cabinets, Rebecca observed the young girl dressed in fashionable clothes. Natalie sported loads of makeup, and her long, blond hair gave her an angelic appearance.
    When their gazes locked, Rebecca was quick to note curiosity in Natalie’s eyes. Recognizing that her Amish dress was out of place, Rebecca guessed that Natalie was probably unsure of what to think about her. Trying to break the ice, Rebecca forced a friendly smile.
    â€œWould you like a glass of water?”
    Natalie shook her head. “No, thanks.”
    When it became clear that