Rebecca's Bouquet Read Online Free Page B

Natalie didn’t intend to pursue their conversation, Rebecca returned to her workstation and opened another can of stain.
    As she carefully pulled off the lid, her attention lingered on the threesome. The men talked and gestured with their hands, but Natalie’s focus was on William. In fact, she looked at him with interest.
    Natalie batted her eyelashes and said something that made William smile. Rebecca arched a curious brow. An unsettling feeling landed in her chest.
    She knew she was naïve, but Rebecca was astute enough to see that Natalie flirted with William. And William had responded.
    The moment Henry and his daughter waved good-bye, Rebecca sighed in relief. Natalie made her feel a bit odd and uncomfortable. When William rejoined Rebecca, she erased the girl from her mind. “Everything okay?”
    He nodded. “I assured him we’d do our best.” William paused and cupped his chin with his hand.
    Rebecca furrowed her brow and motioned to the wooden bench. “Want to finish our talk?”
    â€œSure.”
    Sitting down, she turned slightly and laid a hand on her thigh. “What’s wrong?”
    Extending a set of long legs, William cleared his throat. “Henry asked about Dad. As soon as I said he’d be okay, I realized I wasn’t sure.” He moved his shoulders in a casual shrug. “I’m worried, Rebecca. The doctor said he should be doing light activities by now. But I’m sure you’ve noticed that he can barely get around. And he doesn’t look good. The bags under his eyes, his pale cheeks . . . He’s so . . . frail.”
    William lowered his voice. “Rebecca, what if he doesn’t recover?”
    She considered the potent question and pursed her lips in deep deliberation. Daniel had made little or no progress since she and William had moved into the Conrad home over a week ago.
    She recalled Old Sam’s optimistic approach to life and raised her chin in confidence. “Keep praying. He suffered a heart attack. Of course getting back on his feet will take time.”
    A grin tugged at her lips as she recalled one of Old Sam’s favorite proverbs. “A handful of patience is worth a bushel of brains.”
    The old saying prompted a sigh from William. “Thank you, Rebecca.”
    â€œFor what?”
    He leaned toward her. The hopeful look in his eyes made her heart melt. She loved him so much.
    â€œEverything. I can’t believe how hard you’ve worked.” He motioned to the cabinets in front of them. “I couldn’t have finished this order without you.”
    She sat up straighter. “That’s why I’m here.”
    â€œMost of all, thanks for being my best friend. Having you with me has boosted my confidence.”
    She raised a curious brow. “Confidence?”
    He nodded. “I hate to admit this, but I was afraid to leave home.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œIt’s the truth. I wasn’t sure I could carry this out.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest and lightly tapped her shoe against the floor. “I don’t understand. We’ve done this our entire lives. Besides, we’re not alone.” She motioned to two women placing dividers inside of drawers.
    â€œNot by ourselves. Aenti Sarah, Uncle John, and your folks made the big decisions.”
    â€œI’d never really thought of it like that.”
    â€œWe’ve got a lot on our plate.” He paused. “You know what I’ve learned here?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThat the world’s much larger than Arthur, Illinois.”
    Rebecca laughed. “But we knew that.”
    â€œOf course, but what I didn’t realize was how protected we were. For the first time in my life, I feel I can do anything.” He hesitated. “Under one condition.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThat you’re with me.”
    * * *
    That night, Rebecca thought of William as she sat in bed and