Free Rebecca's Bouquet by Lisa Jones Baker Page A

situation between William, Daniel, and Beth.
    She felt sorry for all three. When Daniel had fallen in love with Beth, he had faced a no-win situation. Either he gave up Beth, or he left William. With the strict Amish rules, he couldn’t have both. In the end, William got the short end of the stick.
    â€œOh, Rebecca. If only life were easy.”
    â€œIt’s never perfect, is it? But let’s plan that fishing trip for Daniel. It might give him the positive outlook he needs to recover. I’m sure I won’t have trouble convincing William to go. If Daniel thinks about something so wonderful, how on earth can he not recover?”
    Beth’s eyes sparkled with joy as she let out a sigh of relief. “Rebecca, you’re a special girl. You’re wise beyond your age. And kind. I think you could do whatever you set out to do. You’d make a marvelous teacher. Or counselor.”
    â€œI’ve learned a lot from my friend, Old Sam. I’ll tell you about him some time.” Rebecca put a firm hand on her hip. “As far as being a professional, that’s not likely to happen. I’m expected to continue the family business.”
    â€œThe woodworking shop?”
    â€œYeah.”
    Beth raised a skeptical brow. “Just out of curiosity, though, let’s imagine that you could be whatever you wanted.” She touched Rebecca’s arm. “What would you choose?”
    Rebecca thought a moment and frowned. She wasn’t crazy about their subject. Imagining things that could never materialize would only lead to disappointment down the road. Rebecca didn’t have the option to do what she wanted to. So why go there?
    She tried to be realistic. It was much simpler to accept life as it was. If she accepted what was within her reach, she’d be happier. And she preferred it that way.
    She glanced at Beth and realized that Beth awaited an answer; her eyes sparkled with hope and excitement.
    â€œThink about it, Rebecca. Imagine the world at your doorstep.”
    Beth’s excitement was contagious. It didn’t take Rebecca long to inhale a hopeful breath and allow her mind to wander.
    If she had the freedom to do anything . . . She pictured herself as a nurse. A teacher. Even a businesswoman. The last thought prompted a grin.
    She wondered how her parents would react if they saw her with a briefcase. She pictured herself in a knee-length skirt and dress jacket. She suddenly wondered how she’d look sporting a short, professional haircut.
    â€œI’ve never told anyone this . . . not even William. In fact, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to even think that . . .”
    Beth nudged her. “What, Rebecca?”
    She threw Beth a hopeful glance and giggled. “I’d love to have a floral shop.”
    â€œOh, Rebecca. That would be wonderful! You must really love plants.”
    Rebecca lifted her gaze to the sky. “My favorites are purple irises. And nothing in the world can match the exotic smell of gardenias.” Looking down at the road, she clasped her hands in front of her.
    She darted Beth a helpless look and lowered her voice. “But it won’t happen, Beth.”
    â€œNot if you don’t let it.”
    They continued in silence. Relieved that the subject had been dropped, Rebecca relaxed a little. A rabbit darted in front of them. They stopped a moment and laughed.
    As soon as the road began to veer to the right, they turned around. Rebecca considered their conversation. Even if her dream never materialized, it had been fun talking about it. When she had confessed her idea, it hadn’t really sounded unrealistic. Could she dare hope?
    She breathed in the smell of freshly mowed grass. Large white fluffy clouds hovered protectively in the sky.
    As she took in the cornfields on both sides, she thought of home. She enjoyed doing the family garden. The fresh smell of tomato vines when she picked the ripe vegetables.
    She yearned