21. Rebecca

21

Rebecca

I sat on the front porch with baby Matthew, enjoying my time at Shane's home while Maverick was away. I always had company here—everyone came to visit—but I missed my family. I needed to talk to Mamm. I missed her so much.

It had been three months since we moved to the mountain. The water had receded back home, and Maverick hired people to clean the mud out of everything. He was able to salvage some of the furniture. The floodwaters had subsided enough that only the bottom floor had been submerged the longest.

Rhonda suddenly jumped up and growled. At the same moment, I heard someone call my name. I turned to see my cousins standing there, looking at me. "Rhonda, it's okay—they're family." I rushed over to them, and all three of us were crying.

"We only just heard about everything," Joseph said as he hugged me. "Your husband came to see us. We're so sorry we weren't there for you. I can't believe everyone was murdered… and then the flood."

"How are you doing?" Nicholas asked, giving me a hug as well.

"I'm so happy to see you both. All of my family is gone. Let's sit down. I want to talk to you." We sat on the porch together, my cousins still dressed in their traditional Amish clothes.

"Tell us how you're doing," Joseph said.

"It's hard. I miss my family so much. I find myself crying all the time. I'm not used to this lifestyle." I paused. "Shane has been so kind to me. I love my new family, but they don't understand that I need to work. I need a garden. You know how we are."

"Then plant a garden," Joseph suggested. "We can help you while we're here. Show us your baby."

"Here he is," I said, taking Matthew from his bassinet and proudly showing them our beautiful baby.

"He's a handsome baby," Nicholas said. "Your family is watching over you. It's been over a year. Have you talked to God and told Him how sad you are?"

"No," I admitted.

"Then talk to Him," Joseph encouraged. "He hears you. He's always there for you."

"You're right. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself. I'll ask Shane if I can plant a garden. By the way, would you two like the farm? I don't want to go back. It holds too many sad memories."

"What? Can you really do that?" Joseph asked, surprised.

"Yes, I can. Just promise me it'll stay in the family."

Joseph started crying while Nicholas picked me up and twirled me around. "We'd be honored to keep the farm in the family."

"Promise me you'll fight for it if any developers try to take it. Don't let anyone hurt you."

"We promise," Nicholas said, still in disbelief. "We're no longer homeless."

"There's a lot of work to do. Are you both still hard workers?"

"Yes, we are."

"Good. Now let's talk to Shane about me starting a garden," I said, feeling better already.

We spoke to Shane, and he offered me the side yard near the kitchen door. The spot was huge. I could easily spend half the day working in the garden. When he showed me the space, I was so happy I cried.

"I'll till the yard, and you can do the planting. If you want, we can also plant peach trees and anything else you like. This is yours—you do whatever you want," Shane said.

"Shane, thank you! I'm so excited. I'm going to buy seeds and everything I need for the garden," I said, looking at my cousins. "I bet you two want to head back to the farm and start planting your fields."

"We do, but we'll help you first," Joseph said.

"No, I can handle the garden on my own," I insisted. "If you find anything that belonged to my family at the farm, could you save it for me?"

"Of course," Nicholas replied. "Do you think we should leave the vehicle here?"

"No, take it with you. Some families already have cars. You'll need to replace your horse, chickens, and everything else."

"We've saved money since we were planning to move back anyway. Thank you, Rebecca, for answering our prayers."

"I love you both. You're all the family I have left. I'm so happy you're moving back home. Don't let anyone bully you."

"We won't," Joseph promised.

"I think we're all happier after your visit," I said, waving goodbye as they left.

"Drive safely!" I called after them.

"We will. Goodbye!"

I went inside and looked at Shane. "Would you like to come with me to buy seeds and supplies for my garden?"

"I'm ready whenever you are," Shane replied. "I'll buy a tiller and get the ground ready for you. Are you excited to get your hands dirty again?"

"You wouldn't believe how happy I am," I said, smiling. "When we get back, I'll make cinnamon rolls."

"Yummy," Shane said with a grin.