Irene heard the boys playing in the hallway as she did dishes but gave it little thought. They seldom got into mischief.

“Dad, come here,” Harry called.

Zach drank the last of his coffee and strode across the room to join the boys, their mumbled conversation muted.

Curious, Irene went to the doorway to see what they were doing. The three of them sat on the floor before the big chest, the boys leaning across Zach’s knees. Harry picked a picture from the stack and handed it to Zach. He nodded and, in low tones, talked about it. Irene watched for a moment. A deep contentment swelled within her. She was glad they had found their way back to each other.

But her joy was tainted and troubled by her selfishness. She wanted it all. She wanted his home, his family, and his love.

In an attempt to rid herself of her traitorous thoughts, she heated water and began scouring the walls although they didn’t need cleaning.

Suddenly Harry stood before her. She jerked back, startled by his appearance. He watched her guardedly, a framed picture clutched in his hands. “Dad said we could put out some of the pictures if you don’t mind.”

Donald at his side, Zach stood in the doorway, his expression guarded.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” She dried her hands. “What do you have?”

Harry handed her the picture. “It’s me as a baby.”

“I’d love to be able to look at this every day. Where would you like to put it?” She led the way into the front room and waited while Harry looked around, solemnly choosing the best place. Finally, he set it on the narrow table next to the clock.

“What about you, Donald?”

Donald stepped forward and handed her the picture of himself as a baby. “It’s me.”

“It certainly is. Where would you like it?”

He set it next to Harry’s picture.

She crossed her arms and studied the pictures. “Aren’t there more?”

Harry darted a glance toward his father, then nodded. “We didn’t know if you would want Mommy’s picture out to look at all the time.”

Acutely aware of Zach’s dark gaze on her, Irene met Harry’s gaze steadily. She could feel the waiting in the room. “I don’t think I’d mind. Why should you think I might?”

Harry’s gaze was so intense. “Because you’re our new mommy now.” He considered his answer and added, “And we didn’t want you to think we weren’t glad.”

“Oh, Harry. That’s so sweet.” She bent and hugged him. “But I don’t ever want you to forget your first mommy. That would be wrong. After all, she loved you very much. You should always remember that. And if a picture helps you remember, then I’m glad for you.” She straightened, keeping her eyes turned away from Zach. She didn’t want any more gratitude. She acted out of love only and only wanted love in return. Gratitude was an insipid substitute. “Why don’t you run and get a picture to put here?”

Harry pulled Donald after him.

“That was very kind.”

She spun on him, anger blazing through her. “I love them. Why wouldn’t I be kind?”

He blinked. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Then how did you mean it? You act like it’s strange I should care about how they feel—how you feel. Did you think I could care for everyone and not feel something for them?” Breathing hard, she forced herself to stop before she said more than she wanted.

His eyes narrowed. “I didn’t think anything of the sort. I was only thinking you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re a substitute for Esther. Isn’t that what you want? Haven’t you told me often enough you couldn’t do that? You didn’t want to?”

Her anger fled as quickly as it came. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to explode like that. And thank you for thinking about my feelings.”

The boys returned before Zach could answer. Irene took her time at placing Zach and Irene’s wedding picture. She truly didn’t mind having Esther’s picture for the boys to look at, but it stung more than she could have imagined to see Zach smiling down at her like that. Esther had had it all—she’d had his love. Studying the adoration on Zach’s face, she admitted defeat. Zach had loved Esther so completely, he would never love another. Something inside her fizzled and died. Slowly, she turned. She met Zach’s gaze and smiled, her eyes feeling flat and lifeless. “I better finish up my mess.” She edged past Zach to the kitchen.

He lifted his hand as if to detain her, but she slipped away. She couldn’t face him right now.

“Come on, boys. I need you to help me with something,” Zach said.

Irene was grateful to hear them all traipse outside. As soon as they left, she fled to the bedroom, falling on her knees beside the bed. Scalding tears poured down her cheeks. She dashed them away. “Oh, God,” she whispered, “I wanted so much more than anyone offered. And I’ve let my feelings get in the way. Help me be able to show my love in the way I care for Zach and the boys. Help me be satisfied with that.”

Zach and the boys didn’t return until dinnertime. By then Irene had settled in her mind that her love would find its satisfaction in serving generously, in giving love without expecting it to be returned, and she was able to greet their return with a warm smile. “What have you been doing all morning?” she asked.

Harry and Donald exchanged looks. “Can’t tell you,” Harry said solemnly.

Irene grinned. “Is it a guessing game?”

The boys shook their heads.

“I see.” She tried to catch Zach’s eyes, but he seemed terribly interested in buttering a slice of bread. “Very well. Ask me what I did this morning.”

“What?” The boys were obviously curious. Even Zach’s hands grew still as he listened.

“Well. I had a very interesting day.” She drawled the words out. “I picked a bouquet of flowers.” She pointed to the jar on the counter. “I discovered that our roses are thriving.” She grabbed the jar. “See, these roses are from our bushes.”

Harry jumped from his chair. “I want to see.”

“After dinner,” Zach ordered.

Harry settled back to his meal.

“Roses are blooming, huh?” Zach gave her a long, steady look.

Irene nodded. “The bushes are loaded.”

“That must be a good omen.”

“I suppose.” She had no idea what he meant and turned away from his dark gaze, determined to keep a tight rein on her emotions.

As soon as they were done eating, Zach stood and waved the two boys to his side. “Come along. We have work to do.”

“Can I see the roses first?” Harry asked.

“We’ll go by them before we go back to work.”

Irene watched as the trio traipsed to the bushes. Despite their scrawny appearance, the plants were covered in various shades of pink blossoms, some almost white, some as dark pink, almost red.

The three of them stood talking and gesturing for a few minutes then marched off toward the barn. Irene smiled, content that they were enjoying each other, then turned her attention to the beets she had boiled early in the day intending to pickle them.

She had poured the hot, spicy vinegar solution over the sliced beets and set them to seal when Zach and the boys burst into the house. They were fairly bouncing with excitement.

“We have a surprise for you,” Harry announced.

“You do?” Her gaze slid from one to the other, and she almost tripped at the intensity in Zach’s eyes.

“Yes,” Donald announced, his eyes sparkling.

“Sit down.” Harry led her to a chair. “Now wait here.” He turned and rushed outside, Donald hot on his heels. Zach leaned against the door, his arms crossed over his chest, a slow easy smile creasing his face. Irene tore her gaze from him to watch the doorway.

The boys returned, holding a large, flat object between them. “We made it,” Harry announced and set the object on her knees.

Irene gasped. Tears sprang to her eyes. It was a wooden picture; the words “Irene-Mommy” carved across it were encircled by a collection of buttons in all shapes and sizes and bows made from an assortment of ribbons and yard goods. “It’s beautiful.” She could barely speak around the tears clogging her throat, and she dashed away one that trickled down her cheek.

Donald and Harry leaned against her, one on either side. “It’s all buttons and bows,” Harry said. “To show you we’re glad you’re our new mommy.”

She drew them to her. “I am, too.” She kissed each head. “I love you both. Very much.”

“I love you, too,” Harry said.

“Me, too,” Donald echoed, planting a wet kiss on her cheek.

Her eyes blurred with tears. She looked to Zach, her heart overflowing. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“No. Thank you.” He leaned forward, using his thumb to wipe a tear from her face. A shudder of pleasure and longing swept over her. She hoped he would think it was only a sob.

His face close, he spoke low, his deep voice shivering through her. “I praise God He sent you into our lives. Remember when you said you wanted to live up to your name—bringer of peace?”

She nodded.

“Well you have. You’ve brought peace. I am grateful to you and God.”

She couldn’t speak.

“Where will you put it?” Harry demanded.

She gave him a tremulous smile. She glanced around the room then nodded toward the wall next to the hall. “How about right there where I can see it every day?”

Zach straightened. “I’ll get the hammer and nail.”

A few minutes later the picture was hung and they all stood back to admire it. “It’s the nicest present I ever had,” Irene said.

“Really?” Harry demanded.

“Really.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek then Donald’s. Donald’s arms wrapped around her neck and held her tight while he kissed her.

“We better let your mommy finish her work.” Zach led the boys outside.

“Thank you,” she called after them.

But she didn’t go back to work. Instead she stared at the picture, knowing this was reward enough for loving Zach in secret. At least she could love the boys openly. Then, smiling, determined to give her love freely, she turned to prepare the evening meal.

Yet, despite her resolve, as she prepared for bed, she wished for more. Under the cover of darkness, Zach crawled into bed. She ached for him to take her in his arms, to pull her close. To say he loved her even a little. . . She longed to be more than a mother for his boys, a keeper of his home, and a wife in name only. But he lay on his side of the bed. In a few minutes his breathing deepened, and she knew he was asleep.

And so it remained day after day. He was kind, attentive even, and profoundly grateful. But nothing more.

A week later, Addie drove into the yard. “I’ve come for the boys.”

“What?” Irene stared.

Addie raised her eyebrows. “Zach didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“He made arrangements on Sunday for me to come and get the boys and keep them overnight.”

“He did?”

Addie grinned. “I guess it’s a surprise. Where is he?”

“I’m not sure.”

Addie glanced around. “Here he comes now.” Zach strode up the side of the hill. “So, big brother, what is it you’ve got up your sleeve?”

Zach shot her an annoyed look. “None of your business.”

Addie laughed. “I see. Never mind. I’ll go find the boys.”

Zach intercepted her. “I’ll get them.” He strode to the back of the house where the boys were playing, returning a few minutes later with the pair.

“Aunt Addie!” Harry yelled. “Dad says we can stay with you tonight.”

“Won’t that be fun?”

Harry nodded.

“Well, Donald,” Addie said.

“’Lo,” he said.

Addie stared at him. “He said hello.”

Zach laughed. “What you expect him to say? Good-bye?”

She shot her brother a you-know-what-I-mean look. “It’s nice to hear your voice again.”

“Yup,” Donald agreed.

Irene laughed. “He’s still a man of few words.”

Zach and Harry chuckled at their little secret.

“Come on, then.” Addie loaded the boys into the wagon. Then she grinned down at Zach and Irene. “You two have a good time, now.” Laughing, she drove away.

Irene stared after her, suddenly feeling very vulnerable.

Zach took her hand. “Come with me.” He led her down the slope to the bottom of the valley, holding her hand to help her keep her footing on the steep slope.

She longed to ask what his plans were, but her heart forbade her. She wanted it to be one thing; perhaps he had something else in mind.

At the bottom of the hill, he led her to a small copse of trees. He parted the branches and led her to the clearing in the middle. Wild roses, harebells, and fragrant sweet clover had been cut and scattered around. She halted, staring at the scene, feeling like she’d stepped into space, not knowing where her next footstep would land.

“Don’t be frightened,” he whispered, pulling her into the clearing.

The scent of the flowers stirred her senses as did his warm hand.

“I only wanted a chance to be alone without two curious little boys interrupting so I could tell you how I feel.” He grasped her chin between his finger and thumb, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I hope I’m not rushing you.” His gaze slid down her face, lingering on her lips. “I thought maybe you guessed how I felt.”

Irene blinked. “You’re grateful.”

“Grateful?” He seemed puzzled. “Of course I’m grateful, but that’s not what I mean.” He seemed befuddled as he stroked his thumb over her lips.

“What do you mean, then?”

He gave her a slow, lazy smile. He gazed deep into her soul. “Surely you’ve guessed.”

Not daring to hope, she shook her head. “You’ll have to tell me.”

“If you insist.” His voice held a bemused tone. For a moment, he was again distracted by his searching study of her face. “Irene, I’ve wanted to tell you this for ages, but every time I try, you turn away or the boys butt in. That’s why I sent them to visit Addie for the day.”

She stood as still as the sun in the sky, willing him to continue, allowing herself a tiny glimmer of hope.

“Irene, what I want to say is, I love you.”

She sniffed as tears stung her nose.

His eyes narrowed. “I know we agreed on a marriage of convenience, but it didn’t take me long to discover that wasn’t enough.” He stared into her eyes. “Irene, say something.”

She couldn’t speak. Her heart was too full. A chuckle began low in her throat and escaped, swelling into a shout of laughter.

Zach drew back an inch, puzzled by her reaction.

“Do you know how long I’ve thought the same thing, hating the words ‘marriage of convenience’?” she chortled.

His eyes widened. “Are you saying—”

“That I love you?”

He nodded.

“Yes, yes, yes!” she shouted, throwing her arms around his neck. “I love you, Zachary Marshall.”

His expression filled with wonder. “I love you, Irene Marshall.” The smell of wild roses filled her senses as his lips covered hers, at first gentle and sweet, then more demanding.

She snuggled against him, silently thanking God. Now she had it all.

“All buttons and bows,” he whispered against her lips.

“Indeed,” she murmured before he kissed her.