Kessler wasn’t one to waste words. She didn’t answer, but Evan felt her gaze upon him, waiting for him to continue.
“I called Wendy to tell her I would be staying on the farm until Daddy recovers. She wasn’t thrilled about becoming a farmer’s wife. She said to forget our engagement.”
“Evan, if you want to marry Wendy, don’t let Heritage Farm be a burden to you. If I hadn’t been a farm girl who’d known the Kesslers all my life, I would have been intimidated by the fact that Karl was wedded to family tradition before he married me. We have good hired help, and we can manage without you until Karl is better. True love is rare. If you’re sure Wendy is the one for you, don’t let anything stop you.”
Evan explained his doubts about Wendy’s spirituality, adding, “And from what Wendy says, she hasn’t ever had a comfortable family home like we have. If she could only visit us and understand why family tradition and our faith are so important to us, she’d surely understand. I’d invited her to come for Christmas, but with Daddy sick, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“I want to meet Wendy, so let’s see how your father improves. If he’s getting along all right, I’ll invite Wendy to visit us. And we must pray for Wendy’s spiritual awakening.”
“I’ve been praying for her. I’ve asked her to go to church with me, but she’s always made excuses. That’s the reason I hadn’t proposed to her.” With a sheepish expression on his face, he admitted, “But I got carried away a few days ago and asked her to marry me, without considering the consequences.”
He remembered vividly how Wendy had looked when she’d walked toward him earlier in the week; he felt as if he were waiting at the altar for her. He realized that much of his love for her stemmed from a physical attraction, but he wanted it to be so much more. He yearned for a marriage like his parents had, united not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally, too.
“Wendy and her mother live alone, and she may not want to leave her mother on a holiday.”
“We’ll find a way. All things are possible to those who believe. Now that my concern for Karl has lessened, I’ll spend more time in prayer for you and Wendy. If it is God’s will that you should marry Wendy, He’ll provide a way.”
Heartened by his mother’s support, Evan picked up speed. They left the town of Gallipolis behind them, and headed south on a highway along the Ohio River toward their home.
“I don’t know what to do next,” he said. “Should I call her, or let the situation rest for a few days?”
“Use your own judgment.”
“I want to call right away, but being impulsive has already caused trouble. Maybe I should wait a few days to give her time to decide if our love is strong enough to overcome all barriers.”
Although she’d angrily ended the conversation with Evan, Wendy was convinced that he’d get in touch with her. Should she apologize or should he? As the days passed and Evan didn’t call, Wendy became more and more distressed. Why had she been so angry with Evan? Was it because she’d been overwhelmed with the possibility of losing him? Yet had she lost him through her own misguided words?
She didn’t leave the apartment during the Thanksgiving weekend, fearing that Evan would call and she wouldn’t be there to talk to him. Wendy didn’t tell Emmalee that she’d broken the engagement. But her mother must have sensed there was trouble because she was more lighthearted than she’d been since Wendy had told her about the engagement.
After her return to the university, Wendy practically lived with the cell phone in her hand, fearing she would miss Evan’s call. Throughout the week, she couldn’t keep her mind on studying, and she doubted she would pass any of her final exams. In desperation, she decided that if she and Evan were going to make up, she’d have to make the first move. And rightly so, she figured, since her bad temper had caused the problem in the first place. She would ask about his father’s health, and if he seemed to be angry, she wouldn’t prolong the conversation.
After another night of sleeplessness, as soon as she got out of bed, Wendy dialed Evan’s cell phone number. No answer. Before she completely lost her nerve, Wendy punched in the number of his parents’ home, hoping Evan would answer the phone.
“Kessler residence. Hilda speaking” was the answer she received.
Hilda! Was she speaking to Evan’s mother or one of his sisters? For a moment, she couldn’t remember their names.
In a timid voice that didn’t sound like her own, Wendy asked, “May I speak to Evan?”
“Evan isn’t here. He’s working in the dairy barn. May I ask who’s calling?”
“This is Wendy Kenworth, Evan’s friend in Florida. I called to ask about his father.”
“Evan has told me about you. Thanks for your concern, Wendy. My husband is doing very well, but he has a long road to recovery. He’s in rehab now. We’re hoping he’ll be home before Christmas.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Thanks.”
“I’ll have Evan return your call.”
“I have a ten-o’clock class. I’ll be in my dorm room until then.”
“Wendy,” Hilda said, “Evan told me he’d invited you to visit us here in Ohio. The family would like to meet you. I know your classes will end soon, and you won’t go back to school until after the first of the year. Why don’t you spend part of your Christmas break with us?”
“I don’t think I can. I’m supposed to work during the holidays. I need the extra money to help with my school expenses.”
“If you change your mind, let us know. We’d enjoy having you visit. I’ll ask Evan to return your call.”
He hadn’t telephoned by the time Wendy had to go to class, and she trudged across campus. It was agonizing to turn off her phone while she was in class.
She finally received the call at noon, while she was in the cafeteria eating a sandwich.
“Hi, Wendy.” Evan’s cheerful voice came across the miles. “Sorry I wasn’t in when you called before. I’m missing you.”
Wendy’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t sound angry.
“I’m glad your father is recovering.”
“But it’s as I told you before—he won’t be able to take over the farm interests for several months.”
“I should have been more understanding, Evan. I know you’re doing what you think is best. Considering the circumstances, maybe it was the best decision to forget our engagement.”
With a sinking heart, she heard his answer. “You’re probably right, at least for the time being. But I still wish you’d come to visit us during your break. I’ll send you a plane ticket if you’ll arrange to come.”
“My mother—” she started, and Evan interrupted.
“Wendy, you can’t seem to understand why I feel it’s necessary for me to sacrifice my plans for my family. Don’t you see that you’re
