Read Online Lambert's Peace by Rachel Hauck - Free Book Online Page A

his hand cradled her shoulder. “Sure, but my career is still stopped at the red light of life. I need a green go.”
    â€œIn that case, I have a proposal for you.”

eight
    To her surprise, the word
proposal
made her skin tingle. In an instant, time rolled back and she stood with Will on the White Birch covered bridge, serenaded by the water and surrendering her heart to love.
    â€œâ€¦ installing a new business system. We can’t go forward with our e-business until we can handle the revenue and reporting.”
    Taylor tuned in to Will. “Um, what? Business system?”
    He grinned, making her feel like they were the only two people in existence. He had a way about him that made her feel special. “Right. We’re looking at HBS—”
    She perked up at the familiar initials. “Hayes Business Systems?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œVery classy. Kind of high-end for Lambert’s Furniture, don’t you think?”
    â€œFor now, but we’ve developed a line of furniture to sell online. HBS has a great solution for e-businesses including a module to work with online and distributor inventories.”
    â€œThey do. But, Will, a lot of their standard modules are very expensive and over the top for the streamlined business you run. Even with adding the e-business, you’ll—”
    He held up his hand. “Taylor, this is exactly why I—we—want to hire you. Work for us as a consultant. Help us pick the right solution and installation process.”
    â€œWork for Lambert’s Furniture?”
    â€œYes.” He stood, arms out to the side, his expression like he’d discovered genius.
    â€œI don’t know, Will.” She regarded him, wondering how it would feel to work every day with him. Her goal was to fix her career debacle, not lose herself in White Birch and fall in love, again, with Will Adams. “My career is important to me.”
    Will tipped his head to one side. “Consulting for a multimillion-dollar furniture company would look nice on a résumé.”
    She glanced up at him, squinting in the sunlight. “Can I pray about it?”
    He knelt in front of her, forearms propped on his knees. “Absolutely.”

    Taylor wandered upstairs to her room, her thoughts a million miles away.
    â€œTaylor, is that you?” Mom knocked lightly on the bedroom door and peeked inside.
    â€œIt’s me.” Taylor kissed her on the cheek. “You look happy.”
    â€œYour dad just beat me at Scrabble.” Her delicate smile fanned the tiny lines of her cheeks and around her eyes. “Dinner will be ready in an hour.”
    â€œNeed help?” Taylor grabbed clothes to wear after her shower.
    Mom waved both hands. “No. Go visit with your dad. He’s in the library.” She started down the stairs. “Tim, Dana, and the kids are coming tonight.”
    â€œThat’ll liven things up.”
    After her shower, Taylor knocked on the library door, her hair still wet.
    â€œCome in,” Dad called. “Did you have a nice run?” He closed his Bible.
    â€œI did.” Taylor sat on the window seat. She loved the library. It was bright from the southern exposure and cozy with its overstuffed Lambert’s Furniture chair, ottoman, and a rocker. This was Tim’s old room, but after he married Dana, Dad knocked out a wall to make a library.
    â€œWill offered me a job,” she said.
    Dad stood and stretched. “Really?”
    Taylor stared out the window. “He wants me to consult on the purchase of a new business system.”
    Dad joined her on the window seat. “They’ve been wanting to upgrade for a long time.”
    Taylor looked at him. His cheeks were pink again, his eyes bright. “Should I do it?”
    â€œIf you want,” Dad said, his words even, not hinting of a yes or a no.
    â€œWhat about my career?”
    â€œWhat about it?”
    Taylor stood, feet