talk about what they’d do when they finally made it home. Rob talked about going back to the farm and working with Chester until it was time for him to take over.
Rob leaned back, looking weary. “I suppose I’ll have to hire on as a farmhand somewhere and save my wages until I have enough to buy my own place.” He sighed. “But that will take years. I can’t expect Grace to wait that long.”
“So, you’re going to let her leave for England and not make plans to see her again?”
“That’s not what I want, but I don’t see any other option. I have to do what’s best for Grace.”
Garth placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Rob. I didn’t realize how much you cared for her.”
“I know. I didn’t want to say anything until I figured out what to do, but I’m stumped.”
“There’s got to be another answer.”
“It’s all right. I don’t expect you to solve the problem, but I’m glad you’re willing to listen and not box my ears for letting your sister down.”
“I understand. I’ll pray for you.”
“Thanks.” Rob leaned forward, rested his arms on his knees, and stared off across the yard. “I wish I hadn’t told her how I feel. That just makes me look like a fool.”
“Don’t say that. I’m sure she doesn’t think of you that way.”
“Maybe not, but I was wrong to rush ahead and declare my feelings when there’s no way I can follow through.”
“Did she say how she feels about you?”
“Not in so many words, but I think she feels the same.”
Garth nodded, trying to discern how to fulfill his role as best friend and brother at the same time. He owed Rob so much, but he also had to consider his sister’s feelings and his family’s expectations for her. “Do you want me to speak to her—try and explain things?”
“No. Please don’t say anything.”
“Are you sure? Maybe if I talked to her—”
Rob shook his head. “It’s better if I just keep my distance. Then she can focus on preparing for her trip to England and reuniting with your family.”
“All right. If you’re sure that’s what’s best.” But Garth suspected Grace truly cared for Rob and that she might not put her feelings for him aside as easily as Rob thought.
His friend gave a firm nod. “I’m sure.”
Garth studied Rob’s troubled expression. He didn’t look as certain as his words. Still, he would have to bow to his friend’s wishes. Above everything else, he owed Rob his life and so much more.
* * *
The last rays of the sunset glowed in the western sky as Grace looked out the screen door of the Chapmans’ new home. The rhythmic song of crickets floated on the warm evening air, and a few birds chirped in the trees in the front yard.
Rob stood on the porch with his back to Grace and his arms crossed as he gazed out at the fading colors. Garth had gone upstairs, and Mabel and Chester were settled in the sitting room with cups of coffee and slices of cherry pie.
Grace pulled in a deep breath to steady her emotions. This was her chance to speak to Rob with no one else around to overhear their conversation. Summoning her courage, she pushed open the screen door and stepped out onto the porch.
Rob glanced over his shoulder. His gaze connected with hers for an instant before he looked away.
“It’s a beautiful night,” she said softly.
“Yes, it is.” Was that a hint of regret in his voice, or was he simply tired from moving all the furniture and crates?
She crossed the porch to stand beside him and studied the peaceful view. Near the horizon, a pale band of gold faded to light blue. Beyond that, the color deepened to royal blue with the first few stars shining through overhead.
She waited, hoping Rob would tell her what was on his mind, but several seconds passed in silence. “It seems like you’ve been troubled about something the past few days.”
His brow creased, and he looked down. “I’m all right.”
“You don’t seem all right to me.” She kept her voice soft, wanting to draw him out.
The sunlight was almost gone, but a glow from the kitchen window allowed her to see his profile. A muscle in his jaw twitched, but he didn’t answer.
Perhaps a direct approach would be best. “Rob, if I’ve said or done something that upset you, I wish you’d tell me so I can apologize