“Now that you bring it up, the lad’s action might have put me in the kissing mood – but the rod was far from my mind.”
A voice, already three yards ahead, yelled, “You two coming?”
Bernie lifted his pole and shouted back. “Meet you there. Our legs aren’t as young as yours.”
Bernie turned and faced Janelle. “But now I have this impulsive desire to know how it feels to kiss a woman wearing trousers.”
“I don’t recall extending such an invitation, sir.”
“A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” Bernie stepped closer and winked. “Consider it a kiss for luck.”
One quick glance toward the river revealed that Davey had disappeared from view. In one sweep, Bernie turned back and his lips landed full onto Janelle’s. Her eyes rounded with surprise but she didn’t pull away. Jacob had been the only boy she’d ever willingly kissed and she’d never dreamed of welcoming another. Bernie’s used the one arm free of a load to pull her in close – as close as their heavy coats would allow. The clothing barrier created a shield, which suppressed her good sense from raging completely out of control. She watched as his eyes closed and his kiss deepened, becoming more intense as he explored the new territory of her mouth. At what point she surrendered was unclear. The moment melded into the perfect blending of hearts and when he pulled away, she swayed.
“Well, how do you do, Janelle Rimes?” A smirk replaced the passion in his face. “But don’t be deceived into thinking I won’t fight to hook the biggest fish today.”
She laughed as he rescued her senses and brought her back to reality. “You’re on, Bernie Drysdale. I see you don’t place much faith in your good luck kiss, sir?” She moved past him and he hurried to catch up.
“Now why’d you have to go and burst my winning bubble before we even get to the fishing hole?”
“A man can’t have two victories all in the same morning, now can he?” Janelle turned away before he could see the crimson flush flooding up her neck and into her cheeks. “Best hurry or Davey will beat both of us.”
And that’s how it happened. Janelle caught two decent sized trout, and Bernie a rather large one that measured the same as her two. But Davey won hands down when he yanked in number four on his line. Bernie taught Davey how to fillet the fish and Janelle chose to skip that display and return to the cabin.
“The pan will be heated when you get back,” she said as she headed home. She smiled at the thought of home. For the first time in over five months home had a nice ring to it, but her heart checked out at the door reminding her that Bernie was a drifter and would leave the same way he came when the mood hit him. It was the way of a drifter, and she had no power to change that.
Chapter 6
By nightfall, the buggy was restored to its’ former glory and the venison sections cut, wrapped, and stored for future meals. Bernie felt good about the day’s accomplishments and gazed with admiration on Janelle and Davey as they all gathered at the table. Pride rose within him – like somehow, they’d always belonged together.
Janelle lifted her glass of water. “I’d like to toast two very busy men seated at my table. The fishing championship goes to Davey Rimes, seconded by his partner-in-crime, Mr. B, both skilled hunters and fishermen who have provided this household with enough rainbow trout and venison to fill our winter cache.”
“Hear, hear,” said Bernie and joined in the tinkling of glasses around the table. All three of them drank their tumblers empty of the cool refreshing water.
“So, are you still bent on getting a job when we go to town tomorrow?” Bernie asked Janelle.
“I think it’s my duty to provide for my son and the farm.”
“And the list – is it ready?” asked Bernie.
“I jotted a few things down, just because I can’t see a man starve who works as hard as you do. But, are you sure you can afford to buy another round of groceries?”
“I suggested it, so I’m sure. Pockets aren’t empty yet. Besides, a body can’t live on meat alone. And a boy needs vegetables and fruit. With you coming so late in the season you probably didn’t get enough produce from your garden. How about berries from the wild? Is there good picking in this area?”
“I picked some but the bears frightened me away. I’m such a scaredy-cat, and I couldn’t ask Jacob to stand guard while he struggled to patch up the house.”
“Need to keep a healthy distance between you and a bear. Fear is a good thing when facing a dangerous animal. Nothing for you to be ashamed of.” He held her gaze and reached deep to ensure the compliment registered inside. “We can survive on tins ‘til this blanket of snow melts and the ground gives way to the shovel.”
“I hope I didn’t leave the impression that my husband was lazy? He simply was not a handyman, and he died before we found out if he’d make a farmer.”
“Never assumed he was,” said Bernie.
“But Jacob was spontaneous and eager to please. Paid our fare to leave on the last wagon train west, never thinking ahead to how we’d manage when winter hit. It was late August when we settled in Belle, too late in the season to plant crops. I purchased what I could from the mercantile but was not counting on losing my man a few weeks later.”
“How did he die, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Janelle looked at Davey
