Summary

In Chapter 15, "The Gift of Rain," John is back at the farm, sitting outside and reflecting on the work he has done to fix the house up, including replacing the stairs, and he tending his garden with an expert hand. After finding a how-to book at the town dump, John's handyman skills improve well enough for him to post a notice at the supermarket advertising his services, and he is soon engaged by the nearly 90-year old Ollie to paint the inside of her house. After working one day, he returns to the farmhouse and meets Iris on the porch dropping off the picnic basket and feels bad about being afraid to answer her calls and others avoiding her since their intimate encounter.

The moment is lightened when Iris slips in the mud on the way inside, and John plops down beside her...