Harvest of Love

Chapter 13

                After lunch, we decided to take a stroll around the property while Clem had his Sunday nap. We're walking hand in hand, enjoying the crisp clear winter day. The sun beaming down a warmth on our faces that is much appreciated.

"So, whose idea was church?" Rebecca asks.

"Definitely, Clem's," I answer.

"You could have politely declined, you know," she counters.

"Not if I want to date you," I say with a pointed smile.

"What?!" What does that even mean?" she laughs.

"It means, Clem is very protective of you and told me it was a requirement to have his blessing."

"His blessing? Come on, Mason, you know he really has no say." She still has laughter in her voice. I'm quick to remember that she doesn't know the whole story, and it isn't mine to tell, so I answer her carefully.

"In his mind, he does. He loves you like a granddaughter and only wants the best for you. Besides, I'm rooming with the man and want to keep the peace, so to speak."

"Well, I guess I can't argue with that," she replies with a smile.

"Hey, why don't you come with us? Supposedly, on Sunday and Wednesday nights, the congregation breaks up into groups of classes based on age and station in life. You know, a youth group, women and men ministry, marriage and couples classes, and a young adult or singles class." She doesn't light up at the offer like I thought she would. Instead, she hesitates before saying a reluctant,

"I don't think that would be a good idea." MaryBeth. I think it is what she must be worrying about. I stop walking and turn to face her. She looks at me nervously.

"We have to face her sometime. Why don't we get it over with. We'll be kind about it. I think MaryBeth will appreciate our honesty," I say encouragingly.

"It's not just MaryBeth, Mason," she answers quietly while looking down at our feet.

"What then?" I ask.

"I don't belong with that group," she states.

"And I do?" I say jokingly, but she doesn't laugh. She looks upset and stares off into the distance for a moment before explaining.

"I used to date some of the guys that go there . . . it might be ackward."

"So, what? Even MaryBeth says she's dated just about every boy in town when she was younger. In fact, she says that's her problem now. There's nobody left," I say, smiling and not understanding why she is making such a big deal over it.

"Well, MaryBeth and I are two totally different people, for starters."

"Come on, you can't be that different. I mean, you are best friends and all," I argue.

"MaryBeth is a 'fixer,' and she has been trying to 'fix' me for years. I do love her for it," Rebecca replies with a hint of a smile.

"Just try it once, for me? Maybe Clem will give me a break if he sees that I got you going to church, too." I squeeze her hand gently, waiting for her consent to go. After a moments hesitation, I see her reluctance fade. She shakes her head 'yes,' and bites her lower lip. I tilt her chin up with a crooked finger and kiss her gently on the lips. She seemed so vulnerable, but when I ease away from our kiss, her smile is back in place.

            That night, I drove Rebecca to church. Clem stayed home feeling a little under the weather, but obviously glad to see Rebecca going as well. We pull into the parking lot and park close to the entrance. We immediately see MaryBeth standing off to the side talking with a group of young adults. Rebecca and I head in her direction, but when we are about halfway there, Rebecca stops me with a gentle tug on my arm.