Summer Dream

As he bent to seal their vows with a kiss, Stephen Ames knew the realization of a dream he had cherished for months and the beginning of dreams that would last a lifetime.

Mama sat rocking in her chair, plying her needle on the dress for Edie.

“It is Ephesians, the fourth chapter, and the thirty-second verse: ‘And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’

She could see herself reflected in his shining dark eyes. Her heart beat in her throat, making speech impossible.

Wind whistled around the building, and rain pelted the roof. Papers rustled, and children wiggled. Liz felt their concern as the storm raged outside.

Other helpers spread the sliced apple rings in big trays to go into the drying tower. After they were dried, the apples were bleached with burning sulfur and packed into fifty-pound boxes, ready to be shipped.

feared she would do something to betray her confusing feelings. And it would simply be too embarrassing to have the new pastor think she was enamored with him.

When her father introduced the family, she simply nodded at Pastor Ames politely, still stunned by the new emotions he stirred within her and hoping desperately that he wouldn’t notice her silence.