They finished choosing from among the savory treats before Evie led him past the dessert table. “You can choose some things now or wait until later. The boys will fill up on the meat and cheeses first and not worry about dessert right away so you should have plenty to choose from either way.”
“I’m content to wait.”
Evie nodded. “Very well. Last but not least we have Mrs. Niedermeier’s amazing lemonade or ginger tea. Which would you prefer? Both are iced and quite refreshing.”
“I think the lemonade.”
“Good choice. I’ll grab one for you. Why don’t you take a seat here?”
It was a small table with just four chairs. Max glanced around and saw that some of the children were sitting on the grass in picnic fashion while others were in various places around the patio. It was all extremely casual, and even though they seemedspread out, they were still very much eating as a family. Even here, Max could see that they were close enough to converse.
“This is great.” He put his plate down as Evie did the same.
She walked away to retrieve the drinks, and Max stared after her. She had quite captured his imagination and was quickly consuming his thoughts. How could one so beautiful still remain unattached?
“She’s something else, isn’t she?” Evan said as he joined Max at the table.
“She is. The more people keep pointing that out, the more I can’t help but wonder how it is she’s not engaged or married.”
“Have a seat and I’ll explain.” Evan took his chair.
Max settled down in front of his mounded plate. “Very well, explain.”
Evan laughed. “Evie was determined to remain unattached so that she could answer the calling God had given her on her life—nursing. She had numerous would-be suitors, many of them my good friends, but I had to turn them away and suggest other young ladies. Evie was simply not interested in courtship.”
“And now?”
“Now she’s preparing to take on the responsibilities of running a charity hospital with our father. She has trained for four years and will put all her knowledge to work. So I doubt courtship is her immediate goal.”
Max couldn’t stop the frown that furrowed his brow. He looked away, hoping Evan hadn’t seen his reaction, but of course he had.
“That doesn’t mean she won’t want it for the future. After all, she could court and work. And while most women are expected to give up outside work once they marry, if her husband agreed to her duties, she might go on working at least for a time.”
Max tried to relax and focus on the food. He picked up one of the sandwiches. “This calling has been most important to her. Most likely she wouldn’t want anything to compete for her attention.”
“Evie’s a funny sort. She’s always been very determined once she sets her mind to a thing. However, something is different this time around. I really can’t say what it is, which for us as twins is most unusual. Evie and I can usually tell exactly what the other is thinking.”
Just then Evie started back to the table with two lemonades in hand. Max and Evan stood in respect as she placed the glasses on the table. “I’m sorry, Evan. Did you want one of these?”
“I’ll fetch my own,” he declared and sprinted off.
Max assisted Evie with her chair and then took his place once again. “This is such a festive gathering. Almost like a party. And you do this every Friday night?”
“We do. Mother and Father always wanted us to enjoy family life. Mother wanted all of us to be very close, and we are.”
“I can see that. I can’t even imagine having that kind of camaraderie with family. Mine barely speak except to criticize.”
Evie frowned as she picked up a sandwich. “I’m truly sorry. My heart breaks for Max Garrison the boy. How lonely you must have been.”
Max heard the tenderness in her voice and felt a tightness in his throat he couldn’t explain. She seemed to so genuinely care that he was momentarily overwhelmed. In the past there had been women who’d thrown themselves in his path, but most did so out of interest in his bank account and family’s social standing.
Evie straightened and smiled. “Well, we’re going to change all of that. You won’t be lonely anymore. Not in this family.”
They ate in silence for a moment. Max noticed that Evan was standing talking to his brothers and thought he might use the moment to talk to Evie about going out with him the next evening. Instead, she spoke up.
“I want to thank you for the flowers. My, but they were a surprise and so beautiful. That was very thoughtful of you.”
“You’re welcome.” He hadn’t expected this and felt rather awkward. He hadn’t given a woman flowers in some time. “I very much enjoyed our outing and your company.” He drew a deep breath. This could be a good way to work up to asking her to dinner.
