Leedon nodded and shared, “We ate them. Mr. Campbell gave us a big bag. Don’t worry about us. We work in the orchard and get to eat the fruits regularly.”
I headed straight to Channing’s office. I was at the door and could hear laughter drifting out from the room.
“Rachel, you have a glib tongue. I have not laughed so much in a long time.” It was Channing’s voice.
“Mr. Oberick, you have flattered me. It is an honor for me to get to chat with you. I am thankful you enjoyed my company.” Her words brought more laughter. Without a doubt, Rachel was much better than me when it came to socializing.
I was about to knock on the door when I heard Channing said, “Ashton, I was too sick to travel to your wedding when you and Rachel got married.”
He fished out a pretty box from his pocket and handed it to Rachel. “Rachel, this is a small gift from me. Before I went to fight in the war in Venria, my wife gave this to me and I had kept them since. It is a bracelet. I gift it to you now. Please take it.”
Rachel was surprised and delighted. She looked to Ashton, seeking his consent to accept the gift.
Ashton was also caught off-guard by this gesture of Channing. He came around and held the box. “Mr. Oberick, we appreciate your generosity. This bracelet was from your late wife. It is too precious. I cannot accept this gift.”
Mr. Oberick was a little displeased he rejected the gift. “Who said it is for you? I am giving this to George’s granddaughter-in-law. Take your hands off. Let Rachel take it.”
He took the bracelet from the box and put it on Rachel’s wrist. “Rachel, from now on, have a blessed life with this rascal.”
Rachel was not expecting this gift. She looked to Ashton, confused.
Ashton was frowning slightly. However, when he saw Channing was happy, he kept quiet, so as not to dampen the joyful moment.
I did not want to interrupt the conversation, so I turned around to leave.
“Mrs. Fuller, you are here.” Joseph was standing behind me, a tray of fruit in hand.
I was taken by surprise. I took a moment to recover from the shock before mumbling, “Oh, you went to cut the fruit?” He nodded.
We attracted the attention of those in the room, and they turned to look at us.
“Hello, Scarlett! I heard you went to harvest the fruit and had a fall. Are you alright?” Since Channing already saw me, I could not turn around to leave anymore.
I put on a smile and entered the room. “Don’t worry, Mr. Oberick. I just slipped. It was no big deal,” I assured him.
He laughed and recalled, “When George and I were fighting the war in Venria, there were days when the combat zone would become slippery and muddy because of a storm the night before. Sometimes, we would slip and roll down the mountain. Those were the difficult days. You kids have an easy life now.”
We were nodding to Channing’s story when I turned in Rachel’s direction and caught sight of the bracelet. It was unintentional. The bracelet was very exquisite, so I took a second look at it.
Rachel must have thought I was after the bracelet, so she put her other hand over it to hide it from my sight.
I was amused and looked away.
We had a good time chatting and enjoying the fruit Joseph served.
After a while, we could see Mr. Oberick was getting tired and nodding off.
We ended our conversation and Ashton helped Mr. Oberick into the car to head for lunch at the visitor centre. The plan was to send him home after lunch so he could rest. Mr. Oberick must be tired after a long morning, given his age.
Joseph got into the driver’s seat while Ashton helped Mr. Oberick settle into the backseat. Rachel joined them in the backseat.
Joseph was stunned. He looked at me, then turned toward Ashton with a questioning look in his eye, but Ashton kept quiet.
Joseph observed I did not get into the car, so he asked, “Are you not joining us?”
I shook my head. “I will head there with Leedon and his team.”
“Leedon is transporting a load of stuff in his vehicle. It will be packed.” Joseph was concerned.
“Not a problem,” I assured him.
“Joseph, get going,” Ashton commanded coldly. He was obviously not happy.
Joseph was bewildered but drove off compliantly. I let out a small sigh and consoled myself. It’s okay.
Back at the base, Leedon was surprised to see me. “Ms. Stovall, did you not meet Mr. Fuller?”
“There were a few people with him. It would not be convenient for me to join them in their car. The visitor centre is not far from here. I can cycle there,” I replied.
