When Hope Blossoms (35 page)

Could her face possibly glow any brighter red? She looked as if she might explode. She spun to face the dishwater and got very busy scrubbing an already clean plate.

“Amy.” Tim caught her chin between his finger and thumb, gently lifting her face to his again. Beneath his fingertips, he felt the rapid beat of her pulse. His own was thrumming so madly he found it amazing he could breathe. But he needed to get everything said. “I want to court you.” His gaze flicked overhead, where he imagined three youngsters hunched over homework papers. A grin twitched his cheek. “And your children.” He returned his focus to her flaming face. “I want us to build a life together. But only if you want it, too.”

She swallowed, the sound loud in the otherwise silent room. Shifting aside slightly, she removed her hands from the sudsy water and dried them on a towel. Then, tangling the towel in her hands, she peered up at him again. She licked her lips. “I want it.”

The simple statement sent shafts of joy through Tim’s soul. He reached for her, and she stepped forward, fully into his embrace. She tipped her head, inviting his kiss, and the sweetness of her lips filled his senses with all things glorious. The kiss was short, agonizingly so, but he knew he shouldn’t tempt her. Or himself.

He took a giant step backward and ran a hand through his hair. He released a shaky breath. “Whoa. I think it might be smart for us to avoid being all alone together again.”

A fresh blush crept over her cheeks, and she nodded.

Tim stepped to the stairs and called, “Bekah? Parker? Adri? Would you come down here for a minute?”

A raucous clatter sounded on the stairs, and the three kids breezed around the corner, their faces bright with expectation. Adri bounded to Tim’s side and beamed up at him. “Whatcha want, Mr. Roper?”

Tim put his hand on Adri’s tousled hair and looked first into Parker’s and then Bekah’s face. “I want to ask your permission to court your mother.” Parker’s eyes flew wide, and a knowing smile rounded Bekah’s cheeks.

Adri yanked on his hand. “What does that mean?”

Tim went down on one knee in front of the little girl. His chest ached with love for the freckled little imp. Would he have the chance to help raise this child to womanhood?
Please, Lord, let them want me as much as I want them.
“It means I want to marry your momma and become your new dad. Would that be all right with you?”

“Yay!” Adri threw herself into his arms.

Tim held her close, looking at the older two over Adri’s head. The little one had no memories of her father. But Parker and Bekah might see him as an unwelcome intrusion. His arms clinging to Adri, he waited for the others to express their thoughts. He wouldn’t force himself on them.

Parker stepped forward and put his hand on Tim’s shoulder. “I think it’s okay.” He peeked over his shoulder at Bekah. “Right, Bekah?”

Slowly, her feet sliding across the faded linoleum, Bekah inched forward. She reached her brother’s side, and she slipped her arm across Parker’s shoulders. “Yes, Parker.” She gave a firm nod. “It’s more than okay.”

Tim rose, lifting Adri with him, and Amy joined them in a five-way hug that left Tim nearly breathless with happiness. After walking away from his family and then losing Julia and Charlie, he never imagined finding a place in another family. But fresh hope blossomed in his heart with the acceptance offered by Amy and her children. God had blessed him beyond his expectation.
Thank You, Lord!

Bekah’s grin grew, bouncing from Tim to Amy and back to Tim. “Does this mean you’ve decided to be Mennonite again?”

Tim chuckled. “I’m not sure I ever really quit being Mennonite. I just got displaced for a while.”

Bekah’s grin faded. Her forehead crinkled. “Me too. But . . .” She leaned her head against her mother’s shoulder. “It feels really good to know where you belong, doesn’t it?”

Tim curled his arm around the girl’s shoulders and drew her near. Smiling into Amy’s shining face, he nodded. “Yes, Bekah. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

W
riting a book, although a solitary process, is hardly achieved on one’s own. I am so grateful for the many people who come alongside and aid me in my attempts to craft a worthwhile story. A few of them are mentioned below.

My family,
who give me endless encouragement and support as well as the occasional motivating kick in the seat of the pants. (Yes, Don, those text messages asking “How many words today?” and “Get busy and write!” do not go unnoticed.) I thank God every day for each of you.

My darling little princess, Adrianna,
whose name fit perfectly in this book. What a precious gift you are to all of us—grow in Jesus, sweet girl!

My critique group members,
who offer suggestions and corrections and who cheerlead more exuberantly than anyone else I know. We’ve enjoyed a lengthy journey together thus far, and I hope it continues for years to come. Giving a special nod to
Donna
for sending me the article about the Amish starting new communities in Colorado, which sparked the idea for this story. Thanks for thinking of me!

My friend and mentor,
Deborah Raney,
who helped me brainstorm Amy and Tim’s story and got all excited with me right there in the deli. Your “goose bumps” increased my own enthusiasm for this story of new beginnings.

My agent, Tamela,
who works behind the scenes always with a smile and a ready word of encouragement. You are appreciated more than you know.

My dear friend Connie Stevens and “beauty consultant” Ammie Claussen,
whose remembrance quilts inspired Amy’s business. May your quilts continue to bring you comfort and sweet memories.

The community of Waverly, Kansas,
which provided a sample setting for my story. Wandering the streets of this delightful town helped bring the imaginary community of Weaverly to life. So thank you, Waverly folk, for sharing your town and its history with me and allowing me to build on it. A special smile and nod to
Jeanne
at the Waverly Library for your friendliness and willingness to provide me with research material for the area.

My friend Kathy,
who is always up for a research trip, who listens to me blather on about my make-believe friends without ever making fun of me, and who supports me with her prayers. I suppose you already know this, but I appreciate you muchly.

My editor Charlene and the amazing team at Bethany House,
who partner with me in this ministry. My childhood dream came true the day I became a Bethany House author, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your publishing family.

Finally, and most importantly,
God,
who never leaves me without hope and is able to bring forth new growth in even the most withered soul. You opened this pathway to me, and You lead the way, splashing my footsteps with joy unspeakable. May any praise or glory be reflected directly back to You.

Kim Vogel Sawyer
is the bestselling author of more than twenty novels. Her books have won the Carol Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women’s fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

www.kimvogelsawyer.com
writespassage.blogspot.com

From Bethany House Publishers

Waiting for Summer’s Return

Where the Heart Leads

My Heart Remembers

In Every Heartbeat

Where Willows Grow

A Promise for Spring

Fields of Grace

A Hopeful Heart

Courting Miss Amsel

A Whisper of Peace

Song of My Heart

When Hope Blossoms

A Home in Drayton Valley

Resources:
bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook

Website:
www.bethanyhouse.com

Facebook:
Bethany House