Page 92 of Pages of Amber
“I might be dead from the suspense by then.”
“You won’t be dying any time soon if I have something to say about it,” Mar. Rhodes’ grumble reached them as they entered the dining room.
Mrs. Rhodes kissed her husband’s cheek on her way to her seat. “Then tell Amber to hurry up and finish her book.” She snapped her napkin open.
Mr. Rhodes shot her a smile. “You heard the missus.”
She did, and it filled her with a sense of elation and wonder that someone wanted to read her book all the way to the ending. Quitting the theatre had dropped a heavy weight off her shoulders. Her writing came easily, her positive emotions fueled by the love and support she’s recently found herself surrounded by.
She’d opened up to Beverly and the twins about her stories, the fight with her mom and how it led her to staying at Noah’s. Beverly had cried with her and the twins had brought her junk food because according to them, it was life’s greatest comfort. With Noah’s help, Amber had studied for and written the midterms before their exams had started two weeks ago. Their final paper was scheduled for tomorrow and it seemed surreal to Amber that she would no longer be a high school student soon.
Gathered around the table, Mrs. Rhodes said a prayer and everyone dug in. Seated across from her and Noah, the twins rushed their meals like they hadn’t eaten in days.
“The food won’t run away if you slow down,” Mrs. Rhodes said.
Evelyn paused long enough to say, “We’re hungry and your cooking is delicious.”
“Yeah,” Emmett stuffed a spoonful in his mouth. “We love our mom, but she could burn water just by standing too close to the stove.”
Mrs. Rhodes shook her head in amusement. She was about to cut into her meal when she raised her head again. “Oh, I’ve got a surprise for you, Amber. Two actually.”
The focus shifted to her as she jumped out of her seat and dashed into the kitchen. She was back in a few seconds, holding five little pouches in her hands. She rounded the table and plopped them before Amber. Curious, she gave the bags a shake but when she didn’t hear a familiar sound, Amber shook out the contents of one of the pouches.
Tiny, oval-shaped black objects fell into her palm. She ran her finger over them, her eyes widening when she realized what they were.
“Sunflower seeds.” Turning to Noah’s mom, she beamed. “You got me seeds?”
“I made a list of the ones I thought you might like, but Noah was the one who got you the seeds.”
Amber gasped, her gaze darting between Noah and his mom. The smile on his face as he witnessed her excitement made her heart race. “This is so amazing! Thank you.” She hadn’t been at her greenhouse in a month. Dottie assured her she was keeping her flowers alive, but it wasn’t the same. She missed taking care of them herself. Her smile dimmed. “I don’t have a place to plant them. They might dry up if left for too long.”
“You do have a place.” Noah took her hand in his. The feeling of safety and assurance it gave her felt new each time. Noah tipped his head toward the backyard. “You can plant them out there.”
Amber gaped. What?
Mrs. Rhodes’ hand laid on her shoulder. “We wanted to get you some gardening tools but we didn’t know which ones you may need. If you say yes, we can head to the store after your exams tomorrow to get some.”
“Please say yes,” Evelyn pleaded. “We never got to see your greenhouse but Dottie said it’s really pretty.”
Of course Dottie would be telling them things. She came around every other day to hang out with Amber after school. She often chatted with Noah and the twins and even spent time with Mrs. Rhodes in the kitchen.
Amber hesitated. “What if you want to plant something?”
Mrs. Rhodes waved off the question. “I haven’t touched that soil since we moved in. I wouldn’t even know where to start. Say yes, honey. We want to see your beautiful flowers out there. It’ll be a great view when I’m washing dishes.”
“Or sitting out on the deck,” Noah cut in.
“Or grilling,” Mr. Rhodes added.
They’d bought her flower seeds and offered to buy her gardening tools. They wanted to see her flowers grow in their backyard. Was there any way she could refuse them this simple request when they’d gone above and beyond for her?
She tightened her grip on Noah’s hand and he squeezed right back, telling he was right there. Her calm, steady anchor in the midst of her ups and downs. He moved their hands, pressing a silent kiss to the back of hers. She was tempted to drag him closer and kiss those lips. She settled for giving her honest answer.
“I’ll do it.”
A whoop went round the room. Mrs. Rhodes hugged her tight and Evelyn and Emmett shared a high five.
“And the other present?” Mr. Rhodes looked to his wife as she released her.
