Chapter 2

"Mister Stone, Would you care for some apple pie? Freshly baked you know." Mrs Reeves cut out a slice, and offered it to the young man sitting across from her. He stammered in surprise at her generosity, but accepted it gratefully.

"I...uh thank you Mrs. Reeves, you are most kind." He said as she handed it to him. As the taste of the pie touched his tongue hummed with pleasure. It was exquisite, the apples tasted as though they had just came off of the tree, and the syrup added to them made his stomach growl for more. "Mmm...This is amazing Mrs. Reeves. Did you make this?"

She chuckled, to which left Patrick with a confused look on his face. Had he said something funny without him being aware of it? Mrs. Reeves waved a hand at him, and put a hand on her stomach trying to contain herself. As she regained her composure she smiled at him. "Heavens no, Blackberry cobbler is my specialty. Stella made it earlier today, So it's her you must thank."

He nodded, and looked directly at Stella. As she met his gaze turned she felt her cheeks burn bright red. He smirked ever so slightly at her as he spoke."Ah, Well you bake an excellent pie Stella, I look forward to see what else you can cook up."

He held her gaze for a moment, and looked deeply into her eyes. They were so lovely that he thought he'd lose himself in them if he looked long enough. He blinked, and then turned to speak to Thomas who sat on on Stella's right. Stella's breath caught in her throat as he turned away. She had felt lightheaded as she had locked gazes with him. His dark eyes bore into her as if seeing her very heart, and seeing the fondness she felt for him there. He was so handsome, and so kind. In that moment she wished he was hers. She shook her head. "What are you thinking?! You barely know him!" She rebuked herself mentally. Still he was quite captivating with the way he smiled. She closed her eyes, and shook her head. "I mustn't think like that." she told herself. She opened her eyes, and started a conversation with her mother.

A few minutes later her father cleared his throat, and spoke "Young man may I have a word with you in private?"

Pat rose, and smiled at him "Of course Mr Reeves."

They walked side by side till they were out of sight. Then Mr. Reeves turned to Pat.

"I am greatly in you debt for the aid you gave my daughter." He said kindly.

Pat protested. "I assure you sir, you owe me nothing. I-"

Mr. Reeves raised his hand cutting the other man off. " I'm afraid you are wrong my son. I owe you a debt of honor, and as a way of showing my gratitude I wish to make you an offer."

Pat tried once again to protest, but Mr Reeves interjected once more. "Young man is it your intention to bring dishonor upon my house?" He said looking at the younger man sternly.

The younger of the two met his, and spoke apologetically. "No sir it is not, and I apologize for giving you that impression."

The older man smiled. "I accept your apology. You are a humble man, and that is good but you need to let someone do you a favor from time to time."

Pat nodded. "Alas, That is my failing."

The older man shook his head seeming to be slightly amused at this news. "Really? We then we'll have to remedy that, now won't we."

It was a stablemen, not a question to which Pat merely nodded. The man spoke once more but this time with greater alacrity. "But that will have to wait til another time. Now then do you currently have a job lined up for you?"

Pat shook his head. "No sir I do not."

"Good, Then by way of showing my gratitude for the rescue of my daughter I'd like to offer you a job."

Pat looked at him perplexed, for though he was in need of work he did not expect to be offered one by a man who barely knew him. "A job? Sir I am grateful to be sure but-"

"Ah ah ah, You are doing it again. You really must try to work on accepting help when it is offered."

Pat sighed half out of exasperation, and half out of how much he reminded him of his dearly departed father. For he too had remarked on Pat's stubbornness at accepting help when it was offered.

"I apologize sir, and I accept. Only one thing puzzles me sir, and that is what's the work you'd have me doing?"

The older man chuckle."Why carpentry of course my boy. Didn't my daughter mention I was a Carpenter/"

"Alas, She did no say that directly sir,"

The older man frowned. "Really? What pray tell did she tell you then?"

The younger man shrugged. "Just that you were the owner, and head of a furniture store. She neglected to mention that you made the furniture as well."

The older man studied him for a moment before speaking once more. "Well be that as it may; I am in need of an understudy, and since you already are experienced in my trade I would have you be my assist me at the shop as such. Does that meet with your approval?"

Pat bowed his head in reverence. "Very much so sir, yes. "

"Good then. However I do have one condition if you are to work for me." Mr. Reeves said with a stern look upon his face.

Pat met his stare evenly. "Sir?"

He spoke slowly. "I would prefer you attend our church regularly, and not miss a single service without consulting the Pastor,"

Pat smiled. "I wouldn't dream of doing otherwise. The fact of the matter is that I had sent a letter to your Pastor weeks before I arrived here. After making him aware of why I was moving here; I asked him if I might join his flock so to speak, and he graciously welcomed me."

Mr. Reeves relaxed, and smiled. "Then I too welcome you son. I look forward to working with you."

Mr. Reeves extended his hand, and Pat shook it gratefully. "As do I sir, as do I."

The older of the pair gesture back the way they'd come. "Shall we rejoin the others?"

The younger man nodded, and they speaking no more of what had transpired.

I regret to inform any who have been reviewing this that this story will not be completed on here. It is the rough draft of a Christian Romance I am currently writing. However my other fanfiction stories will be posted here. I hope to have the book of "TRAGEDY'S MIRACLE" published by either The Pentecostal Publishing House, or the Bethany House in the future so be on the lookout for it. God Bless. -ACH