Summer Dreams: Seasons of Love #2

By Joan Deppa

We all have dreams. Often there are things keeping us from reaching them. Sometimes its a lack of time or money. Then there are dreams derailed by fear.

In her book Summer Dreams, author Joan Deppa introduces us to April Phillips, a sixth-grade teacher who loves children. But she feels she should never marry because of her familys history of divorce. So instead of concentrating on relationship dreams, she pursues her dream to learn to kayak and buy an older house she can make into the home of her dreams. Aaron Matthews, however, has dreams too. And they include marrying April and having a family of their own. But first he needs to help her realize that God can break her chains of fear and give her a love that paddles through the storms and difficulties of life and thrives. Whose dreams will be realized? Can they both win?

Summer Dreams, the second book in Joans Seasons of Love series, is a fun, well-paced story. You will journey alongside young adults looking to build meaningful relationships and seek Gods will in their lives. Aprils professional goals and relationship struggles and triumphs are familiar ones, as are all the characters personalities and flaws. Youll finish the book feeling you have spent time with a group of good friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781973622024

Joan Deppa

Joan Deppa and her husband have counseled hurting people for over 30 years and now she writes inspirational, romance novels, with characters you can relate to, become friends with, and enjoy the beautiful setting of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well. She desires to encourage her readers to know that God loves them, understands their pain, and wants to come alongside them and help them find the acceptance, joy, peace, love and purpose they are searching for. Joan and her husband have been married for over 47 years, have four adult children, eleven grandchildren, and have lived mostly in the Midwest - UP for 14 years. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers.

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Copyright © 2018 Joan Deppa.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

ISBN: 978-1-9736-2201-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-2203-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-2202-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018902591

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/6/2018

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

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To those who have been divorced or have family members who have gone through a divorce, there is hope and healing.

• To those who have dreams of what they would like to do, take courage.

• Most of all, to Jesus Christ, who removes our fears and pain and fills our hearts with His perfect love!

"And so, we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love! …

There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts our fear."

—1 John 4:16, 18 (NIV)

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my husband, Jerry, for his help and wisdom with the remodeling aspect of this book, as well as my brother, Russ, and friend, Ken Challis. I appreciate all your time, recommendations, and wisdom.

Chapter 1

Yay, school’s out! Bye, Miss Phillips! the children shouted as they left their sixth-grade classroom on the last day of school. Some lagged behind and gave Miss Phillips a hug before they left her room. She hugged them in return and knew she would miss them. Her eyes even got watery as she watched them leave, excited for their summer vacation. It had been a good year, and she loved her students. The students who had been the most difficult at the beginning of the year were now her favorites. They had come a long way in nine months. But now she needed a break from the challenges of preparing and correcting lessons, answering their many questions, and the rigorous schedule throughout the year. April still had a week’s worth of work though, for she had to clean and pack up her room and prepare report cards. Then she’d have the summer to look forward to. She had big plans for the summer, and she was anxious to get started.

One of her plans was to be the maid of honor at the wedding of her best friend, Bonnie Turner. Bonnie taught third grade at the same school, and April was on her way to Bonnie’s classroom as the halls emptied of all their students.

Well, Bonnie, we did it! Another year of teaching behind us. Our students have acquired more knowledge than when they came to us and are ready to move on to new adventures, April said as she entered Bonnie’s classroom.

Yes, but I hope they acquired not just knowledge but also important life and relationship skills as well, Bonnie said. Some of my students come from very difficult homes, and I hope I was able to give them some skills in how to cope and build good relationships with their family and friends.

You are so right. But if anyone can do it, you can. Look at the change in Brad’s life since you two met, and now you’re engaged and getting married soon. By the way, have you set a date yet?

No, not yet. We know it will probably be in August, but no specific date yet. Once I get my classroom cleaned up and report cards turned in, then I can concentrate on wedding plans.

April and Bonnie had graduated together from the University of Minnesota in Duluth with teaching degrees in elementary education. After graduation, April had gotten a teaching job in her hometown of Ironwood, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula, while Bonnie had taken a teaching job in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, when a third-grade teaching position opened up in Ironwood a year ago, April informed Bonnie about it, and Bonnie was hired for the position. They now shared an apartment and enjoyed being back together again.

Well, I’m in no hurry for you to move out, so don’t hurry on my account. But I couldn’t be happier for you, Bonnie. You and Brad make a perfect couple.

Well, it was definitely the Lord who brought us together and made the changes in Brad’s life, not me, Bonnie clarified. Let me grab my purse and we can head home. I’m starving and can’t wait to put my feet up and relax this evening. Just think, we have no papers to grade and no lessons to prepare tonight.

So let’s celebrate and pick up two chicken dinners from Mike’s for supper, April said as they walked down the hall, arm in arm, celebrating their last day of school.

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April and Bonnie ate their fried chicken, fries, and coleslaw when they got home. The meal reminded them of another supper when they had shared a similar menu. April asked, Remember another time we had fried chicken here? Brad had brought supper over on Good Friday, and he proposed to you. It was so special when he gave you that piece of cheesecake with a ring in it, kneeled down, and proposed. I was surprised and excited at the same time. I should have guessed when he asked me to set the table and have everything so perfect, but only Aaron was aware of what was going on. We were almost late for church that night and had to eat our cheesecake after we got home.

How could I forget? Bonnie answered. It was a night I will always remember! Brad was so nervous and acted so strange and mysterious all through supper—but so sweet, loving, and caring. They both waited on us and treated us like queens that night. Remember? So, what about you and Aaron? You two have been spending a lot of time together lately. Is it getting serious between you two? Bonnie asked with a smile.

We’re just friends, April stated, and got up to take their empty plates to the kitchen. How about some ice cream for dessert? We have chocolate or moose tracks.

Quit trying to change the subject. I think Aaron is really interested in you, Bonnie countered.

Well, I don’t think of him that way, so subject closed! April insisted.

Okay, whatever you say, Bonnie said. She dropped the subject but wondered about her friend’s tone of voice and insistence. I’ll take chocolate if you’re dishing up. Aaron Matthews was a friend of Brad’s. He was also the young-adult Bible study leader at their church, which they had been attending since January. The four of them had become fast friends and spent a lot of time together.

Here’s your ice cream, April said as she handed Bonnie her bowl. I’m sorry I snapped at you. I just don’t want to talk about it right now. April sat back down and began to eat her ice cream.

Okay, Bonnie replied. She ate a few bites before beginning again. So, I have a wedding to plan and get ready for, and I’m hoping you’ll help me with it. But tell me, what do you want to accomplish this summer?

You know I’ll help you with your wedding; you’re my best friend. It’s going to be such fun. Are your mom and sister going to be able to come and help with some of the plans as well?

Yes, it looks like they’ll be here the last week in June, and then my dad and some of my brothers will join us for the Fourth of July holiday as well. It will be fun to have them here and show them all the things that we have here in the UP.

Well, I better get going on planning your bridal shower then. We can have it when they’re here, and it will make it even more special, April said as she finished off her ice cream.

That would be great, but you’re avoiding my question. What do you want to do with your summer? Anything special? Bonnie asked again.

April hesitated for a while but finally said, This may sound strange to you, but I would really like to learn to kayak. So many people around here kayak and talk about it all the time, but I’ve never even tried it. So that’s my goal for this summer—to learn to kayak.

I think that’s wonderful, April! Bonnie exclaimed. When I came here last year and was awed by all the snow that’s here in the winter, Brad taught me how to cross-country ski. He took me snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and even downhill skiing. I did a lot of things I’d never done before. I think it’s wonderful that you want to try something new. You go for it, girl! Bonnie said, and she gave April a hug.

Thanks, Bonnie. I appreciate your support, but it’s kind of scary too. I don’t own a kayak, and I don’t even know where to begin.

Well, there must be someone who can give you lessons. That’s how I got started with cross-country skiing.

Yeah, Brad gave you lessons, and the rest is history, April said with a laugh.

Well, we can ask around. Maybe Brad knows of someone who can teach you, or of a class where they teach kayaking. Many people kayak, and they all had to start somewhere. We can even ask at our next young-adult group. A lot of them go kayaking.

Okay, but let me do the asking. I don’t want a lot of people knowing about it until I find out more and see if I can do it.

All right, Bonnie promised. Then they took their ice cream bowls to the kitchen, rinsed them, and put them in the dishwasher. You want to watch a movie since we’re celebrating that school is out?

Sure, why not? You pick one while I finish cleaning up the kitchen. When they both settled onto the couch, they enjoyed a relaxing evening watching Dreamer.

Chapter 2

April turned in her report cards. Her classroom was in order, and she left it with a sense of completion, but also anticipation for what the summer would bring. She had asked Kathy, one of their teacher friends, to help with the planning of Bonnie’s bridal shower while her family was in town, and Kathy graciously accepted. April had also talked to Aaron after their young-adult Bible study on Thursday evening about who she could contact to take kayak lessons.

I would be happy to teach you, Aaron offered. I’ve been kayaking since I was fourteen. I’m also an instructor and guide some of the trips for Whitecap Kayak in the summer, when I can get time off work.

April tried to hide her amazement and embarrassment but didn’t think she succeeded very well. I knew you did some kayaking, but I didn’t know you were an instructor.

Yes. I like to go to the Apostle Islands, see the sea caves, and kayak down the river in the spring when the water’s high. It’s a lot of fun, and I’m sure you’ll come to enjoy it too. Once you get the hang of it, I can show you some of the sea caves. They’re pretty amazing.

Whoa, slow down! Let’s see if I can get the hang of it first, April said with a laugh. So, when would you have time to teach me, and what do I have to do to get started? I don’t have a kayak and don’t know what to look for or even what kind to get. You’d be dealing with a novice here.

Don’t worry about it. I have one and can borrow a friend’s until you try it, see how you like it, and learn what kind would work best for you. Why don’t I pick you up Saturday morning at nine, and we’ll go to Gile Flowage and start with some basics? I even have an extra life jacket I’ll bring for you. Just be sure to have some water shoes. After thinking for a minute, Aaron added, Do you know how to swim?

Yes, why? We won’t be doing anything crazy or going where there are high waves right away, will we? Do they tip over easily? April asked with some reservations.

We’ll stay close to shore until you feel comfortable and get the hang of paddling. Actually, kayaks are safer than canoes, and I’ll teach you how to balance while you’re in the kayak. Aaron put his hand on April’s arm and said reassuringly, Believe me, April, I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you. As April looked into Aaron’s eyes, she knew he meant it. She wondered if Bonnie was right about Aaron caring for her as more than a friend. Maybe having Aaron teach her to kayak wasn’t such a good idea after all. But she felt safe with Aaron and didn’t know who else to ask.

Okay! I’ll be ready by nine on Saturday. And thank you, Aaron, for being willing to do this. How much do you charge for your instruction?

Let’s not worry about that now.

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Saturday morning, April woke up with anticipation, excitement, and a small case of nerves when she realized that she was actually stepping out and trying something new. But she felt confident with Aaron teaching her, so she got up, straightened up her bedroom, had breakfast with Bonnie, and was ready when Aaron arrived.

Are you all set to go? Aaron asked when April opened the door. Looks like you have your water shoes, but you might want to bring a light sweatshirt too. It’s always cooler on the water than on land.

April went to get a light, zippered sweatshirt, said goodbye to Bonnie, and followed Aaron to his Jeep, where he had two kayaks fastened on the top.

Wow! This is really happening, isn’t it, April said as she got in the Jeep.

Yes, and you’re going to do great! Aaron said with confidence.

When they arrived at Gile Flowage, which was a small lake in Wisconsin just a few miles from Ironwood, they unloaded the kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, and then Aaron started teaching April the basics. Aaron showed her how to get in and out of the kayak from the shore, as well as from the dock. She learned how to hold the paddle, how to paddle through the water, and how to balance the kayak so it wouldn’t flip over. That’s my greatest fear! April informed Aaron.

That’s why I want to teach you these things before you get out on the water, Aaron affirmed. It dispels some of the fears. So, do you think you’re ready to try it? We won’t go far from shore, and we’ll practice the strokes I’ve shown you, as well as getting in and out of the kayak until you feel comfortable.

Okay then, I guess I’m ready. If I’m going to learn, I need to get out and do it, right?

That’s right! And I’ll be with you all the way. Here’s a life jacket for you to put on. Make sure it’s tight and won’t slip off your head, Aaron said and then tested it to make sure it was tightened properly. "I want you to get in the kayak from the shore, and when we come back, I’ll have you get