“The Bible says in Ephesians, ‘Be ye angry, but sin not.’”
Max grinned. “Your daughter told me that when I nearly ran her over in the garden the night of the fund raiser. I was angry about the same thing then.”
Dr. Turner leaned back. “Your anger is well founded. However, I’m confident when I say give it over to God and let Him attend to what is needed. He has a plan, even in this. Leave it to Him.”
Max knew he was right. There was nothing more he could do or say. He nodded and got to his feet. “Thank you. I know in my soul that you speak the truth. I can feel that sense of anticipated peace just beyond the threshold of my indignation. I choose to give it to the Lord and know that peace.”
Dr. Turner rose from his chair. “You won’t be sorry.”
22
A sense of excitement came over Evie as she finished dressing for her evening out. Max had invited her to a musical concert followed by dinner at one of the finer restaurants in town. Although they’d spent all that time at the farm and then the family’s Friday night gatherings, this was the first time Max had formally invited her out.
“You look quite lovely, my dear,” Mother said from the open doorway.
Evie looked up as Beth finished with her back buttons. “I hope Max thinks so too. I’m more than a little anxious to please him.”
Mother smiled. “I think you’ve already captured his devotion, my dear. He’s completely besotted.” She went to Evie and handed her a jewelry case. “I want you to have this.”
Evie opened the small box. “Mother! This is your grandmother’s sapphire and diamond bracelet.”
“Yes. I always thought I would pass it to my first daughter upon her wedding day, but for some reason, it just felt right tooffer it to you tonight. And look”—she waved her hand toward Evie’s pale blue silk gown—“it matches perfectly.”
The bracelet begged her touch. Evie was momentarily overcome. “Mama, it’s so pretty, and every time I wear it, I will think of you.” She took the bracelet out of the box and put it over her gloved wrist.
Beth quickly secured it. “Oh, Miss Evie, it’s perfect.”
Evie hugged her mother close. “Thank you so much. I’m hopeful that tonight Max will formally ask for my hand. I’ve already told him that I want a December wedding.”
Mother nodded. “Then I would imagine he will move heaven and earth to make certain you have one.”
“He does love me,” Evie said, touching the finger of her glove to the edge of her eye. Tears had formed, and she didn’t want to give herself over to crying.
“I know he does. I wouldn’t allow him to share our family nights if I didn’t. I’m quite selfish when it comes to our time together. Max has seemed like family from the beginning. Evan told us after his first visit that he felt Max would play an important role in our family.”
“And he will. I know he will. He’s a good man, and he will fight for this family because it’s really the only one he’s ever felt a part of.”
“Well, it would probably be a good idea for you to dry your eyes and make your way downstairs. I believe Max and your father have had more than enough time to discuss the future.”
“Max is already here?”
Mother nodded. “He has been for nearly an hour. He wanted time to speak to your father about teaching and other things.” She moved toward the door and then paused to look back. “It seems like just yesterday you were a babe in my arms. I remember how hard it was to send you off tonursing school. I hope we won’t be much separated in the years to come.”
“We won’t be,” Evie promised. “God willing, we will always live close and continue to share our Friday evenings together.”
“I pray it will be true. Now, Beth, I have something I need your help with,” Mother said, motioning the girl to follow.
Evie collected her purse and checked inside to make certain she had a handkerchief. Oftentimes music brought a tear to her eyes, and of course there was the probability of Max proposing, and she might cry over that as well.
“Don’t you look beautiful,” Evan declared from the doorway.
“If I am, it’s because I’m so happy.” Evie closed her bag and smiled. “You look rather dashing yourself. Are you escorting Christina tonight?”
“I am. We’re bound for the same concert as you and Max, although I promise not to sit anywhere nearby so that you may enjoy your privacy.”
“Privacy amidst a crowd of several hundred people.” She chuckled. “I never feel intruded upon by you, my dear brother. We are too close for such concerns.”
Evan’s expression assured her he felt the same. “I am glad you’re happy. I was quite concerned there for a while before knowing about your abhorrence to nursing. I knew something was wrong, just as I know now things are very right. I suppose it’s that bond of twins that Mother is always talking about. I hope we always have it.”
