Love's Sporting Chance: Volume 2: 5 Romantic Sporting Novellas

by Cynthia Hickey

  Al came back out with a sheepish grin on his face. “I am so sorry about Smasher. He didn’t mean any harm. He’s friendly—a little too friendly, I’m afraid—and he’s always been a clumsy dog—”

  Rose held up her hands. “That is quite all right. I like dogs.”

  “Are you hurt?” Al asked.

  “A little mussed, but not hurt. In fact, I’d like to see … what’s his name? Smasher?”

  “He’s in the back.” Al pointed. “But he’s still excited.”

  “That’s quite all right. Like I said, I like dogs, and most of them like me.” She walked toward the area where she’d seen Al go before turning back to him. “Is he just on the other side of this wall?”

  “Rose …” The sound of Joseph’s voice made her turn around. “I wouldn’t do that.”

  “And why not?” She saw the look of concern on his face. “You’re not scared of that dog, are you? One look at him, and I knew he was just a big ol’ playful mutt.” She tossed an apologetic look in Al’s direction. “I don’t reckon I should call him a mutt. He’s just, as you put it, excited. I’ve had dogs like him before, but they get old and calm down, and they’re not nearly as much fun.”

  Joseph looked at Al. “What do you think?”

  “She’s right. He wouldn’t hurt anyone unless he thought I was being threatened.”

  “Your father will skin me alive if anything happens to you.”

  She flicked her hand from the wrist. “What on earth can happen to me?” Without another word, she opened the door and spotted Smasher. “Why hey there, you cutie pie.” She slowly stepped a little closer as his tail wagged so fast it was a blur. When she got close enough for him to sniff her hand, she gently placed the other one on his head and scratched behind his ears. He sat down, made a whimpering sound, and then plopped all the way onto the floor, rolling over to expose his belly.

  “Well, I’ll be.” Al laughed. “He only does that for me.”

  Joseph cleared his throat. “I suppose we need to weigh the fish so you can pay me, and we can let you get back to your business.”

  “I’ll stay here with Smasher,” Rose said. “Go on ahead and do whatever it is you have to do.”

  ~

  As they walked out of the fish market, Joseph noticed that Rose’s dress had a few dirt smudges on the side, but she didn’t seem to care. In fact, she’d relaxed quite a bit and seemed to be having a good time.

  “Where would you like to go next?” he asked.

  She pointed to the Lambert Five and Dime across the street. “I think I’d like to go there. Maybe they have material so I can make a pretty dress.” She held out her arms and laughed. “I could certainly use a new one after Smasher got ahold of me.”

  “I would have thought you’d prefer one of the ready-to-wear boutiques.” Joseph glanced around until he spotted a store that looked like it carried ladies’ wear. “How about that place?”

  Rose’s eyes widened. “Oh no. Those places are terribly expensive, and since I can sew quite well, why would I spend the extra money?”

  “You have a point.” Joseph thought about the large, well appointed Magee farmhouse with the detailed woodwork all over, from the floor to the ceiling. The draperies appeared to have been made with the finest velvet, and the décor offered more than a hint of expensive. “But I would think it would be so much simpler to purchase it ready-made.”

  “I’m a very good seamstress,” she repeated.

  “Then suit yourself.”

  Rose narrowed her gaze as a slow grin spread across her lips. “Now that’s funny.”

  “Funny?”

  She nodded. “You said to suit myself, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

  Joseph couldn’t have stopped his laughter if he’d tried. This woman was more fun to be around than any other woman he’d ever known, and he barely even knew her.

  “Then let’s go find some material for you to suit yourself in.” He gently guided her across the street, but the instant they reached the landing of the Five and Dime, she stopped. “What?”

  “Did you hear that man?”

  “The one who just passed?”

  She nodded. “He was talking about going to the Mule Barn. Can we go before we leave?”

  “Let me get this straight. You wanted to come to the city to look for material for a new dress and to go to the Mule Barn?”

  “No, that’s not why I wanted to come. Mainly I just wanted to get away for a little while to … you know, do something different.”

  “That’s certainly different.” Joseph sighed. “If you want to go to the Mule Barn, then that’s where we’ll go next.” He pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at it. “But I do have to keep track of time. I wouldn’t want to rile your father by getting you home late.”

  “I just want to see what the big fuss is all about.”

  “You do realize that’s where they sell mules, right?”

  “Yes, of course. I wasn’t born yesterday. In fact, Daddy might have picked up a mule or two from the Mule Barn.”

  “Okay then. If we have time, we can go to the Mule Barn.” He gestured toward the door. “After you, ma’am.” He reached for the door and opened it, allowing Rose to enter first.

  Rose glanced around and sighed, a look of sheer delight on her face. “They have everything a girl could possibly want.” To his surprise, she headed toward the toy aisle first. “Look at this,” she said as she pulled a doll from one of the shelves. “Isn’t she beautiful?” She held the doll inches from Joseph’s face, and he had to push it away to see it.

  “Yes, she’s lovely.”

  She put the doll back, reached toward another shelf, and grabbed a toy gun. “I would have loved one of these when I was younger.” She inspected the gun, turning it over in her hand. “Daddy didn’t want me having what he called boyish toys. He always wanted me to grow up and be a proper lady.” A giggle escaped her throat. “I’m sure he must be terribly disappointed.”

  “No, I think he’s probably very happy with how you’ve turned out. You seem like a proper lady to me.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.” Another toy caught her attention from the very end of the aisle. “That is the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen.”

  Joseph glanced up and laughed. “A bird whistler?”

  Rose pulled one off the shelf and blew into it. A strange tweeting sound echoed throughout the Five and Dime. “Isn’t this fun?” She blew again. “I think I’ll buy this.”

  She carried the bird whistler around the corner and down the next aisle where she picked up a bag of marbles. She inspected it, put it back, and picked up another one.

  “Do you like to play marbles?”

  “Of course not, silly. Mama likes to put them in clear glass vases.” She looked at the marbles in her hand again. “I like the colors in this one.”

  “I’ll go get you a basket.” Joseph left Rose looking at more toys while he headed to the front of the store to fetch something to carry all of her items.

  The shopkeeper grinned as he approached. “Buying toys for your children?” he asked.

  Joseph started to explain, but decided it wasn’t necessary. “Something like that.”

  By the time he returned to Rose with the basket, she had an assortment of toys spread out on the floor. “I can’t decide which ones to get. Daddy would be upset if I bought all of these things.”

  He laughed. “A stick horse? Don’t tell me you’ve given up riding the real thing.”

  “This is for my cousin’s little boy. He’s three.”

  “Oh, okay.” Joseph laughed. “Have you changed your mind about the material?” He paused. “And the bath salts and hairbrush?”

  Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, I completely forgot. I’d better put some of this back then. I really would like a new dress.”

  She separated her loot into two piles—one to buy and the other to return to the shelves. He helped put the items that she didn’t want back to wher
e she found them.

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll go look at the material while you finish putting this away.” She smiled, and he nodded.

  After he finished putting away the last toy, he went looking for her in the sewing notions section, but he couldn’t find her. He walked up and down the three rows of material, thread, and buttons. Finally, he decided to expand his search, until he spotted the caramel colored sleeve reaching for something in the sporting goods department.

  “I’ve been looking all over for you.” He squinted at the fishing rod she was inspecting.

  “Isn’t this the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?” She turned it over and looked at the other side. “Daddy has one similar to this, but he won’t let me use it.” She made a face. “He says I can stick to the cane poles he makes out of sugarcane stalks.”

  Joseph looked at his pocket watch again and realized how quickly time was flying. “If you want to go to the Mule Barn—”

  She shook her head. “I think my time is best spent here. Besides, why would I want to go to the Mule Barn? It’s not like I could buy one, even if I wanted to.”

  “True.” Joseph laughed. Rose Magee was fun and interesting. Everything about her delighted him.

  “I think I’ll take this.” She frowned as she studied the other items in her basket. “But if I want to buy material too, I’ll have to put this back.”

  Without hesitation, Joseph reached for the basket. “I’ll put this back if you’d like.”

  “You are such a sweetheart.” Her smile widened. “This rod will surely help me catch the biggest fish in the pond.”

  “Make sure you save some for your father to sell. I’ll need quite a few for my trip to Laurel next week.”

  “He sets trotlines, so you don’t have to worry about that.” She handed him the rod and backed away. “Be a dear and hold this for me so I can look at the material.”

  He didn’t exactly have a choice since she left him standing there while she took off toward the sewing notions. Once she chose the material she wanted, she picked up a package of bath salts and a new hairbrush. A half hour later, they were in his automobile heading back to her family farm seven miles away.

  All the way back, she chattered with excitement about her new fishing rod and how she’d been wanting to use it ever since her daddy had gotten one. “Only mine is prettier,” she added. “His is plain old blue. Mine is blue and yellow striped. I think it is very stylish, don’t you?”

  Joseph bit back his laughter as he nodded. “Yes, very stylish. In fact, it’s so stylish that I bought myself one.”

  Her eyes widened. “You didn’t!” She clapped her hands. “You will just have to come back and go fishing with me.”

  “I would love to.” The only problem was that he’d never fished before.

  Chapter 3

  As soon as they rounded the last corner toward the Magee family farm, Rose saw Daddy standing out in the yard shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked toward the road. His hand went down once he spotted them.

  Rose couldn’t wait to show Daddy her new rod and reel, although she realized he’d probably want to swap with her. She glanced over at Joseph, who appeared to be deep in thought.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  He shook his head and took on what appeared to be a forced grin. “Absolutely nothing. I had a delightful time driving you to town.”

  “I had a great time too.” She hopped out of the automobile once he came to a stop.

  He wished she’d waited so he could hold the door for her—not only because he fancied himself a gentleman, but her father was watching. One thing he never wanted to do was get on Mr. Magee’s bad side.

  When he joined Rose and Mr. Magee on the front lawn, he saw the flicker of humor on the older man’s face. At least he wasn’t mad.

  “It is good to see that you brought her home by the designated time.” Mr. Magee placed his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “And for that, I would like to ask you to stay for supper tonight. My wife and the cook are busy preparing a nice feast.”

  “I wouldn’t want to impose.” Joseph glanced at Rose who watched him expectantly.

  She grinned. “Oh, please stay, Joseph. It will still be light out after we finish, so maybe we can go down to the pond and try out our new fishing rods.”

  Mr. Magee frowned. “New fishing rods? What are you talking about, Rose?”

  Joseph opened his mouth, but Rose spoke up first. “That’s one of the things I bought with the money you gave me.”

  “You were supposed to buy something you wanted … something nice … something girls like.”

  “Well, this girl wanted a fishing rod, so that’s what I got.” Rose lifted her chin in defiance but quickly softened her expression. “If it makes you happy, I also bought bath salts, a hairbrush, and some material for a new dress.”

  “Why didn’t you buy a dress already made?” her father asked. “You don’t have to make everything you wear.”

  “Because I wanted to save some money so I could buy something fun.”

  Joseph felt as though he should say something, but the conversation had gone to a place where he felt extremely uncomfortable. “I best be leaving,” he said.

  “You will do no such thing.” Mr. Magee gestured toward the house. “My wife and her cook have worked hard for this meal, and I want you to at least eat something before you go.”

  Rose’s face took on an expectant look. “And then we can go fishing?”

  Mr. Magee let out a sigh of exasperation. “If Mr. Thompson wants to break in his new fishing pole in our little pond, that’s fine with me.”

  Joseph shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. He’d planned to find someone to teach him how to use his fishing pole before he tried in front of Rose or her father.

  “I … uh …”

  Rose smiled. “Please? I think it will be fun. I’ve only used cane poles before, so maybe you can show me some tricks with the reel.”

  Joseph couldn’t think of anything to say, so he just smiled. Mr. Magee took that as an acceptance for supper. He led the way to the house. All the way to the dining room, Rose chattered nonstop about how much fun they’d have fishing, talking about the worms they’d get from the tub in the back and what they’d do with the fish once they caught them. He had to force himself to appear confident, while his stomach roiled at the very thought of being found out.

  Mrs. Magee seemed delighted to see him. “I am so happy you agreed to have supper with us, Mr. Thompson.”

  “Please call me Joseph.”

  She looked at her husband, who nodded. “All right then, you’re Joseph from now on. She waved her hand toward the table that had already been set for four. “Why don’t you sit over there, on the other side?”

  Once they were all seated, Joseph fidgeted with his napkin. He never ate a meal without first thanking the Lord, but he wasn’t sure about this family.

  To his relief, Mrs. Magee lowered her head, and everyone else followed her lead. Mr. Magee cleared his throat before offering a blessing of thanksgiving for his family, his guest, and the food before them. After he said, “Amen,” everyone opened their eyes and looked at each other.

  Mr. Magee spoke up first. “What type of bait do you prefer, Joseph?”

  “It all depends.” Joseph smiled at Rose. “I believe worms are fitting for this evening’s trip to the pond.”

  “I’m not certain this is such a good thing to tell you, but my Rose has caught more fish with that cane pole we made a few years ago than I have ever caught with a rod and reel.”

  “That is impressive.” Although Joseph had never fished in a pond before he did understand that the cane pole was the most basic of equipment.

  “Daddy kept telling me he’d take me to the coast for some deep sea fishing, but …” She gave him a sad, pouty look. “That has never happened.”

  “Not yet,” Mr. Magee said. “I kept hoping you’d eventually get over your tomboy ways, but it
appears that you haven’t.”

  “Oh, give her a little more time.” Mrs. Magee’s forced smile said more than words would ever say. Joseph had no doubt that Rose’s tomboyishness had been a source of contention for quite some time in this family.

  Joseph actually found Rose’s demeanor rather enjoyable. He’d never met another woman like her. Most women were either rough-and-tumble sporty, or they were prissy pretty. Rose was a combination of the best of both—pretty and sporty. And every time he looked at her he noticed something different. Now what he saw was a determination to maintain who she was in spite of her father’s desire to make her over into his idea of what a woman should be. And that made her all the more attractive.

  Rose had quite an appetite too. She’d filled her plate and managed to polish off almost every last morsel on it. He had no idea where she put it all.

  He liked the food just fine, but he ate slowly, trying to prolong the meal, hoping something would come up to prevent the little fishing trip to the pond. What he would have preferred was to have someone else he knew—someone who didn’t know the Magees—show him how to cast his line and reel in the fish.

  Finally, Rose looked at his plate, cocked her head to the side, and lifted an eyebrow. “Are you going to finish your rice and gravy or just let it sit there and get cold?”

  “Yes, yes of course.” He scooped another bite of rice and shoved it into his mouth.

  ~

  A half hour later, Rose and Joseph were on their way to the pond on the edge of the farm, Rose carrying a can of worms, Joseph carrying the bucket for whatever they caught, and both of them holding their rods over their shoulders. She noticed that he wasn’t as talkative as he’d been when they went to town.

  “Did I say something wrong?” she asked.

  “No, of course not.” He glanced at her as they continued walking. “Why do you ask?”

  “You’re being so quiet.”

  He gave her a grin that appeared forced. “I’m thinking about all those fish we’re about to catch.”