Chapter 17 #2
“That emptiness is the place where God longs to be. You have taken the first step in believing that there is one God. Now deepen that belief to ‘there is but one God, and Jesus is my salvation to be rectified to Him.’ Accept Christ as your Savior.”
“Will you pray with me?” Max asked, tears coming to his eyes. “I want very much to accept my Savior and believe fully in Him.”
It was some time before Max emerged from her father’s office, but Evie was there to meet up with him when he did.
“I have things ready to tend to your shoulder.”
“Your father already saw to it,” Max said, smiling. “So we can just enjoy sitting and talking or perhaps a short walk in the gardens.”
“It’s nearly time for lunch. I’ll have something arranged for us, and we can eat in the garden. Why don’t you make your way there, and I’ll join you in a moment.”
Max nodded, and Evie hurried to the kitchen to see Mrs. Niedermeier.
Once that was arranged, she checked her appearance in the hall mirror, wanting to look her best for Max.
She supposed that was silly, but it still was important to her.
She was glad that her siblings were at their Saturday riding lessons so she could have Max to herself.
Everyone liked him so much that Evie felt they were seldom able to be alone.
She found him sitting where her parents so often loved to sit. The bench was located under a large white oak. The tree offered plenty of shade from the intense August sun.
“I love that you chose this place. It’s my favorite. Probably because Mother and Father love it so. I remember seeing them here so many times,” Evie said as she joined him.
“The shade of this tree makes the growing heat much more bearable.”
“It does.” Evie took a seat beside him and smoothed out the skirt of her yellow gown. “So did you and father figure out how to arrange the school?”
“We spoke about it. I think it will be fairly simple to manage.” He smiled. “But we discussed something far more important.”
Evie felt her stomach do a little flip. “What would that be?” Had Max asked for her hand even though they agreed to slow things down?
“I talked to your father about my spiritual void. He helped me to find my way to Jesus and salvation.”
Evie was thrilled at this news. She had been praying that Max might find the same spiritual peace she had known for years. “Oh, Max, I’m so glad. That’s wonderful.”
“I never expected that it could be so simple. But as you father told me just before I left, coming to Jesus is simple because He has made the way for us. It’s the going through life with Him that will require some devotion on our part.”
“Yes, but I’m sure Father also told you that God will put the desire into your heart and you will seek Him because of it.”
“Yes. Seek Him and do His will. Still, I have to say that I have never felt more at rest. Everything seems different now, and yet I can’t even begin to explain it. I’ve been so empty for so long, and now I feel as if I’ve feasted at a sumptuous banquet and am full to the brim.”
Evie chuckled. “I’ve been walking in faith with God for so long that I don’t remember a time when He wasn’t a part of my life, but I know that feeling too.
It’s a marvelous thing to know that God has taken up all the empty places in our lives and filled it with His Spirit.
Max, I couldn’t be happier. It was truly the only thing that concerned me regarding our relationship. ”
“Hmm, I hadn’t even thought of that. Would you have given me up if I refused God?”
Evie considered the question and then nodded.
“I would have had to. We would have been at odds constantly. My faith is very important to me. I’ve been in turmoil for so long because of not telling my folks about my true feelings toward nursing, and all because I knew God wanted me to just be honest. I’ve wrestled with my feelings because of the need to have my parents’ approval, and I suppose their adoration.
That sounds terribly selfish of me, but it’s a wonderful feeling to be adored. ”
“I can honestly say I wouldn’t know about that.” Max looked away. “I’ve never known that.”
Evie reached over and gently pulled his face back. She gazed into his eyes. They were a most beautiful shade of green. “You should know it now, because I adore you. And that adoration grows stronger by the moment. I will always cherish you, Maxwell Garrison.”
Max touched her cheek. “I will relish being cherished by you, Evie.”
“I didn’t figure to find you two out here,” Evan said, interrupting the intimate moment.
Max pulled away, and Evie turned. “And why should you? I certainly didn’t anticipate being found.” She laughed. “I thought you and Christina were going to a party today.”
“We are, but that isn’t until late afternoon. Father wanted me to look at the placement he’s made for the tennis courts. I’m just heading over to check out the stakes. Would you care to join me?”
“Not I,” Evie said, getting to her feet. “But perhaps Max would like to go?”
“No, I’m content to sit here. My injuries have given me some pain since your father did his examination. I still have the walk home to contend with, so I’ll rest for now. Besides, Evie promised me lunch.”
“That’s right.” Evie motioned to her brother. “You’re welcome to join us.”
“No, I’ve already eaten. However, I’ll drive you home,” Evan offered. “It’s right on my way to pick up Christina. I can leave in about an hour. Can you wait that long?”
“Of course he can,” Evie interjected, seeing that the maids were bringing lunch. “We’re going to dine out here and then he’ll be ready to head back.”
“I see you have Evie speaking for you now. Christina was doing that for me just yesterday. I suppose we’re good and caught in their amorous snares.” Evan laughed and gave a shrug. “I, for one, don’t mind a bit.”
Max smiled and looked at Evie. “I don’t either.”
“Well then, I’m off. On my way back, I’ll take the long way around so as not to bother the two of you anymore. Meet me out front in an hour, Max, and I’ll give you that ride.”
“I’ll be there.”
Evie waited until the maids placed the trays of food and drink on the small iron table in front of the bench. “Don’t bother to serve. I’ll take care of it.”
She handed Max a linen napkin and waited for him to arrange it before moving things around so she could place his plate directly in front of him. Beside the plate, she put a glass of iced lemonade before taking up her own glass.
“Mrs. Niedermeier makes the best lemonade I’ve ever tasted.”
Max picked up his glass and held it up. “To being ensnared.”
Evie tilted her head and raised a brow. “Do you really feel that way?”
“Well, I have to say that this falling in love has completely captured me in a way I did not expect, but as I indicated, I really don’t mind.” He smiled. “Not even a little.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Shall I bless the food?”
“By all means.”
Evie bowed her head. “Father, we thank You for this meal and ask Your blessing on the people of this household, my family, and Max. Thank You for bringing him into my life. Amen.”
“Amen. I might also thank God for bringing you into my life. I certainly didn’t anticipate it. My stepmother is always after me to find a wife of wealth and good report, but I refused, mostly because I didn’t want to please her.” He took a long drink of the lemonade. “This really is the best.”
“I told you so.” Evie sampled hers and nodded. “I need to learn how to make it.”
They ate in relative silence, simply enjoying the day and each other’s company.
Evie had never known anyone outside of family who made her so comfortable.
She felt almost giddy at the thought of him having sought God.
His lack of relationship with Jesus had really been the only thing that gave her concern when considering her love for him.
Now that was gone, and she had no doubt Max would grow closer and closer to the Lord as time went on.
Especially if she had anything to say about it.
“Max, I wonder if you would do something for me?”
“If I’m able. I am limited somewhat.”
She considered him and smiled. “Knowing you even as little as I do, I doubt you’re all that encumbered. Nevertheless, would you accompany me to our church tomorrow?”
“I’d be quite happy to do so. Your father already mentioned it, offering to have one of your carriages stop by to pick me up. I haven’t had use of my carriage since the fire.”
Evie should have known her father wouldn’t just pray with Max and leave him to wonder about what was next. “I’m glad Father thought of that. I’ll make sure I’m in the carriage that stops by for you.”
“That would please me very much.”
Evie felt as if her spirit soared on wings. Now if she could just get through telling her parents the truth about nursing, she would feel that everything was perfect.