Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts

die?”
    Willard set his soda on the coffee table and reached for her hand.“The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. As far as I could tell, your daddy was ready.”
    Natalie clung to his warm fingers, her own as cold as a December day. She searched Willard’s eyes and tried to see what he’d seen the day he’d found her father trapped beneath the fallen tractor. His straw hat lying beside him, his wrinkled forehead drenched with a clammy sweat. A tear trickled down her cheek.
    â€œDid he say anything else?” She hated to ask. It seemed like such a selfish question, but she didn’t think she could stand another day not knowing. “About me, I mean?”
    Willard nodded and his gaze reached deep into her own. “Your daddy’s exact words to me were…‘Take care of my little girl. Take care of my Natalie.’”

NINE
    T HE FOLLOWING W EDNESDAY , J ARED CLUTCHED THE THICK HYMNAL AND waited for a response from the three elders in his office. Carl Ellis sat with his arms bolted across his chest, his back plastered to the chair. Bob Douglas rested his elbows on his knees, massaging his temple as though he had a headache.
    â€œCome on, fellas, all I ask is that you take a look at this hymnal and see what you think. The publisher went to great lengths to mix the traditional songs with the new. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the result.”
    George Hobart, a tall gruff man, leaned against the wall and rubbed his chin. “I don’t know. Too much change stirs up folks and makes ’em mad.”
    â€œI’ve already talked to our organist, and she loves it.” Jared wished the others would share Mrs. Sanders’ enthusiasm. If he could win the elders’ approval, he’d take it to the women’s study group this afternoon and get their reaction.
    Bob stopped rubbing his temple and looked up, his eyes glazed. “You’re already asking for a men’s Bible study breakfast. Maybe we should see how that goes before we add anything else.”
    â€œIf you want my vote, I say no,” Carl grumbled. “There’s nothingwrong with the hymnal we have. No reason to spend money on things we don’t need.”
    Jared laid the new hymnal on his desk, knowing better than to push the case further. At least they’d approved his Bible study, albeit grudgingly. Maybe he’d try again another day. “All right, so we’ll schedule our first men’s breakfast next Friday. Shall we meet here or at Clara’s Café? She has a room in the back we can use if we want.”
    Carl’s frown deepened.
    â€œMost of us are at Clara’s every morning, anyways,” George said. “Sitting at a Bible study is a far cry better than listening to the local scuttlebutt.”
    â€œThat’s the spirit.” Jared smiled, careful to avoid Carl’s face. “Are we in agreement to meet at Clara’s then?”
    George and Bob nodded. They turned to Carl.
    The seconds ticked by.
    â€œDon’t let me stand in your way.” Carl finally gave in. “I’ll have to check with my wife and see if we have anything going on that morning.”
    George snorted. “We all know Ina Mae ain’t got nothing to say about you being at the café. You’ll be there, and you know it.”
    Jared checked his watch and considered the matter closed. With just enough time to prepare for the women’s luncheon, he stood and opened his office door. “Gentlemen, thanks for coming in. I appreciate your help.” He shook hands with each as they passed by, then twenty minutes later he greeted the women as they filed in through the hallway with covered dishes. One meeting down, two to go.
    N ATALIE SMOOTHED HER HAND OVER HER DAD’S LEATHER SADDLE , recalling their many trips to the pasture to check cattle and fence. Worn to a shine, the saddle reflected her father’s diligent work ethic,