Chapter 16 #2
“Teachers don’t make much money, and my father and stepmother saw it as a worthless effort. My stepmother spent time in England where men of quality do not have to work for a living. With enough money, they just order people about to do the work for them.”
“Money isn’t everything.”
“Generally said by people who have money,” Max countered.
Evie considered that a moment. “I’m sure you’re right. I’ve only ever known wealth and have never gone in want. But honestly, you could still oversee your investments while being a teacher, couldn’t you?”
“I couldn’t work for my father and do so.
But then again, I’ve pretty much made up my mind to cease my work with him.
He counts more on my brothers for direction; I’m more of a manager for him here.
And since the sawmills were destroyed and the logging camp work slowed, I am left to oversee just a handful of other matters. ”
“Then why not teach? Didn’t you tell me you had an inheritance?” Max nodded, and Evie immediately continued, “Then invest it wisely and teach to your heart’s content.”
“And you would find that acceptable employment?”
“Of course I find it acceptable for a person to do what they love and feel called to do. You obviously have many places in your life that are out of sorts and unfulfilled. If this is one of them, then rectify it. Start with the temporary task at the farms. See if it is to your pleasure as much as you remember. If it is, then seek out a job here in Minneapolis. As I understand it, there are several private schools new to the area. They probably need teachers.”
“And what about you doing what you love and feel called to do?”
Evie shrugged and toyed with a cream-filled pastry.
“I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier and have decided to tell my parents the truth tomorrow after church.
I know they’ll understand, and the discomfort is purely on my part.
” She looked across the lawn to where her mother and father were laughing at something Evan had said.
“I just hate disappointing the people I love.”
“I believe they’d be more disappointed by you continuing in something that makes you physically ill. Even more so by the knowledge that you didn’t feel you could talk to them about it.”
She knew he was right and nodded. “They are the most understanding and compassionate of people. I have very good parents. When I hear you speak of how ignored you were as a child, it breaks my heart.” She looked back at him.
“I had a wonderful childhood. My parents always made us feel as if we were the most important part of their lives. They were firm with us, don’t think otherwise.
They insisted on good behavior but allowed for moments of silliness and chaos.
I think maybe Mother wanted to give us a perfect life because she waited so long to have children. ”
“A perfect life,” Max said with a sigh. “I’m not even sure what that would look like.”
“Well, for me it starts with God. My parents were good to stress that God was to be the very foundation on which we built everything. If it didn’t start with Him, my father would say it was no good to us.”
“I’m starting to see some of that for myself. The day I was injured, I prayed. I wasn’t sure God would hear me, but I prayed and now feel quite certain He heard and acted.”
“He answered a lot of prayers that day. Father and I were convinced there would be a great many dead from the fire, but so far even as they clean up the debris, they’ve found no one.
God was merciful in sparing lives. A couple of the firefighters who were severely injured may yet pass away, but it could have been so much worse. ”
Max nodded and looked away. “I just pray my father had nothing to do with it.”
“Have you talked to my father about it?”
“I figured to do that tomorrow when we talk about the school. I suppose it will be a lot to put on the man at once, but Dr. Turner seems quite capable.”
“He is. He has handled far bigger problems.” Evie sampled the sweet dessert and studied Max while his thoughts were elsewhere. Her heart beat a little faster when she looked at him.
“Would you take a walk with me?” Max asked without warning.
“Of course.” She put her plate on the table and rose. “The evenings are becoming quite pleasant. They’re dry and cooler. I think as it moves into autumn, things become even more beautiful.”
She allowed Max to lead the way and then walked at his side as they moved deeper into the gardens.
“Do you see over there?” she asked, pointing to the southwest. “Father is planning to put in a tennis court. The boys learned to play and have encouraged him to do so. I think it might be fun to learn. Have you ever played?”
“I have. And I find it most enjoyable.”
Evie smiled. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. Well then, you can teach me. My brothers are insufferable and often play jokes on me, and I would love to play one on them. Perhaps you can teach me to play so well that by the time I reveal my skills, I’ll be able to beat them at a game.”
Max chuckled. “I would be honored to teach you.”
“See there, once again you’ve been thrust into the role for which you were born. Teacher.”
He paused and looked at her oddly. “Do you really think that I was born for teaching?”
“I think it’s quite possible. Just as I feel called to charm people out of their money for charity.” She laughed. “It does seem to be a gift I have. Even Father and Mother were amazed at the money we raised earlier this month.”
“I have no trouble in believing you quite capable of charming people into all sorts of things.”
Evie found herself filled with a sudden desire to tell Max how she felt.
They had already told each other of their interest, but she was determined to let him know how much he’d come to mean to her just since the fire.
The life and death situation only served to make her realize how much she cared about this man . . . loved this man.
“May I speak frankly?” she asked, becoming quite serious.
“Of course. I would hope you’d know that by now.”
“I suppose in my quest to confess utter honesty with my parents, it’s put me in a mind to be completely honest with you.”
“I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to do that.”
“I know we’ve only known each other a short while, just weeks, but there is something about knowing when a thing is right, and I feel that way now.
There were boys and then men who sought to court me, but even having known them a lifetime, I never felt this way about any of them.
I can honestly say that I cannot see myself with anyone . . . but you.”
She held up her hands, almost afraid of what he might say in return.
And yet, she needed to know. “I only want the truth, Max. If you can’t see yourself feeling the same way toward me, I need to know now.
We can still be friends, but I don’t want to go on nurturing these feelings if they’re for naught. ”
He didn’t say a word, but pulled her close with his right arm and kissed her quite soundly on the lips. Evie felt breathless and dazed when he released her.
“I’ve wanted to do that since the first night I quite literally ran into you. I hope that answers your questions, Evelyn Turner. I love you.”
Evie smiled and lost herself in the moment. “I love you, Maxwell Garrison, even though it seems I’ve come to this conclusion terribly fast.”
“Well, if it feels too rushed, I suppose we can slow it a bit and wait a few more weeks, perhaps months, to marry.”
Evie giggled and knew she’d never been happier. “I love that we think so much alike.”