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

by Cynthia Hickey

  Joseph shook his head. “I have no idea.”

  “Pastor Gentry.” He cleared his throat. “If you remember, George’s father was the pastor at the church.”

  “Yes, I do remember.”

  “George gave William … Pastor Gentry some work to do in his garden, and I talked the former president of the bank into letting him do some custodial work. As he became more comfortable around the men, he started attending the prayer meetings. One night, George brought his father who wound up being a mentor to William. Next thing we knew, the two were inseparable as teacher and student.”

  “That is an amazing story,” Joseph said.

  “Yes, it truly is. And it shows the depth of manhood, as William Gentry was willing to do whatever was needed to take care of his family. He quickly realized that it was all a blessing from the Lord, so he hungered for more. As he read his Bible, he felt that tugging at his heart … that calling from the spirit, letting him know what he needed to do. Everything fell into place—with the help of the Lord, of course—and now he is exactly where he should be.”

  “So what are you saying?”

  Albert burst into a roaring laugh. “That was my way of telling you to lay this in the hands of the Lord. It’s more manly to be humble and ask His guidance than to think all you have to do is learn a new skill.”

  Joseph thought for a moment and then nodded. “You’re right. And it’s not nearly as simple as I thought it would be.”

  “Never is.” Albert paused. “Now are you ready for that fishing lesson?”

  Chapter 7

  “You need to stop pining over Joseph Thompson,” Daddy said.

  “What makes you think I’m pining over Joseph?”

  “I can see that faraway look in your eyes. Your sister had it when she started to fall in love with Peter.”

  “I’m not saying I’m falling in love with Joseph, but I do want to know what you said to run him off.” Rose seldom stood up to Daddy like this, but she’d thought about Joseph so much she had to do something.

  Daddy narrowed his eyes, looked off into the distance, and then turned back to face her. “If what I said ran him off, then he’s not much of a man, is he?”

  Rose planted her fists on her hips and widened her stance. “All depends on what you said.”

  She never took her eyes off him as his expression changed from stern to frustrated. “I want my daughter to find a real man to spend her life with … not someone who can’t hold his own with a woman.”

  “To spend my life with? Are you serious? All I wanted to do was spend the day with him.”

  “That’s where it all starts, Rose. We need to concentrate on finding you someone suitable.”

  “What, exactly, constitutes suitable?”

  “Someone who can take care of you.” He swallowed hard. “Someone who knows how to fish and hunt and do all the manly things that are essential for getting by in this world.”

  “If that’s all I need, then I don’t need a man in my life. I can fish and hunt and take care of my own self.”

  “Yes,” Daddy conceded. “And I’m afraid that’s all my fault.”

  “This conversation is going nowhere.” Rose finally broke her stare. “I’m going back in the house now to do some thinking.”

  “I think your mother might have some laundry that needs to go on the line. You might want to give her a hand with that.”

  Rose turned on her heel and stomped back toward the house. Daddy’s idea of what it took to be a real man didn’t make any more sense to her than what he thought women should be doing.

  Last time she’d seen Violet, they’d discussed Daddy’s stubbornness. Violet told her about her own conversation with him about the fact that she worked at a store in town for the two weeks before Christmas. “It gives me something to do, and it’s nice to have some extra money,” she’d said. “But you would have thought I told him I was running off with a band of gypsies.”

  Rose had agreed. Mama had talked about getting a part-time job a few times, but Daddy never went along with it, saying that people would think he wasn’t taking care of his family.

  Times had changed. Daddy was stuck in his old-fashioned thinking about the very narrow roles that men and women had to play. Sure, a man should be manly, but that didn’t necessarily involve the few things on Daddy’s very short list. And what was wrong with a woman enjoying a job?

  In fact, now that she thought about it, Rose realized that was exactly what she needed. A job. She’d find a way to get to town tomorrow and see about getting one. The only problem was transportation, but she could certainly ride a horse.

  As soon as she reached the edge of the yard, she ran the rest of the way to the house. Mama was in the kitchen by the sink when she walked in.

  “Mama, I’ve decided to get a job.”

  “I don’t know, sweetheart,” Mama said as she slowly turned around to face her. “You know how your father feels about that.”

  “Yes, I do know how he feels, but I’m twenty-four—a grown woman—and I can make some decisions for myself. It’s not like I have gentlemen knocking the door down trying to get to me.”

  Mama smiled. “That’s only because we live so far away.”

  “Who knows? One thing I do know is that I can’t continue as I have been. I want to get out more … be more independent. I want to see people.”

  “You see people at church,” Mama argued, her voice weakening.

  “And that’s wonderful, but I need more of that. Daddy keeps telling me he thinks I should be a city girl, but the first time a city man gives me the time of day, he runs him off.”

  Mama’s face scrunched into a deep frown. “Yes, I have thought about that.”

  “So I’m going to town tomorrow to look for work.”

  “Any idea what you want to do?”

  Rose shrugged. “No idea whatsoever. I’ve thought about going to the bank, but I’m not so sure they’ll hire me.”

  “How about the Lambert Five and Dime? I think they hire part-time girls.”

  “Yes, I’ll check there as well as other places.” Rose folded her arms, lifted a hand, and rubbed her chin. “Maybe the feed store.”

  “Your father will fall over if you get a job at the feed store. He’ll say it isn’t—”

  “At this point, I’m not as concerned about what Daddy says as I am getting a job.”

  “Okay, Rose. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  The smile on Mama’s face let Rose know that deep down, she understood. However, there wasn’t any way Mama would go against Daddy’s wishes, and she shouldn’t expect her to. Mama had to do whatever it took to keep harmony in the home, but she also had to accept the fact that Rose had to make her own decisions.

  ~

  Joseph’s thoughts had become so jumbled yesterday as he drove to Laurel to sell the fish that the owner of the new market asked if he wasn’t feeling well. He explained that he had quite a bit on his mind. The man looked at him, grinned, and said, “I’m sure she’s a wonderful woman to have you in such a dither.”

  By the time he got back home from making all of his rounds to the various markets, Joseph was exhausted—not physically but from his emotional roller coaster. On the one hand, he knew it would be easier to pretend that Rose Magee didn’t exist and simply keep his relationship with her father on a professional level. However, if she so much as showed her face, he knew that would be impossible. The very thought of her sent his heart to pumping twice as fast. Seeing her made his knees go weak.

  The one fishing lesson Albert had given him was good. He could now cast the line into the water and reel it back in. Now he needed to learn more about the sport of fishing and not just the technical aspects.

  Albert had offered to work with him some more, but it would be a few more days since his motherin-law was in town. Joseph decided to take his rod and reel out to the lake and practice on his own.

  He worked at it until the sun started to set. When he got back hom
e, he ate some peanut butter and crackers and then got ready for bed. Tomorrow would be a long day of making deals for beef cattle and pork.

  After several days, he stopped by the bank and spoke to Albert. “You did so well the first night, I thought I’d show you everything else you need to know tonight.” He paused and laughed. “I hope you’re not squeamish because you need to know how to scale and gut the fish you catch.”

  Joseph thought back to what he’d watched Rose do and shook his head. “No, I think I’ll be just fine with that.”

  “Meet me at the house after work. I’ll need to change clothes before we go to the lake. Plan to have supper with us. I’ll have Mary cook the fish we catch.”

  “Assuming we catch some.”

  “Oh, we will. I’ve never been fishing when I didn’t bring something home.”

  Joseph chuckled. “Then you’re the man to teach me.”

  “That’s right. And it’s exactly why the Lord pointed you in my direction. He knew what and who you needed.”

  By the end of an hour, Joseph had managed to bait his hook without stabbing himself, cast his line, and reel in the fish. Albert caught twice as many as he did, but he was pretty pleased with the three he’d brought in.

  “Now for the cleaning.”

  Albert’s technique was slightly different from Rose’s, but it accomplished the same thing. And Mary didn’t seem the least bit surprised when they walked in with nine fish, cleaned and ready for the skillet.

  As they ate, Joseph noticed Albert and Mary casting occasional glances at each other. Finally, Albert stood, said, “I have a little bit of reading to do. Joseph, why don’t you help Mary with the dishes?”

  “Yes, of course.” Joseph stood and helped Mary clear the table. He knew this had been preplanned before he got there based on how they looked at each other. Now he’d find out what was going on.

  Mary had him drying the dishes as she washed them. He’d barely stacked the plates when she said, “Did you know that Percy Magee’s daughter has been applying for jobs in Bay Springs?”

  “No, I wasn’t aware of that.” Joseph did his best to keep a neutral expression on his face, but he wasn’t sure he was successful.

  “She went to Albert and asked if he had any openings.”

  That sounded like something Rose would do. Her fearlessness made him smile.

  “We wondered if Percy was aware that she was doing this.” Mary handed him a dish. “I can’t imagine him going along with it.”

  “I know.” Joseph didn’t want to pass judgment, but after the way Mr. Magee blasted him about being a man, he suspected he was the same way with his daughter’s role of being a woman. “Did Albert hire her?”

  “No, but he’s considering it.” Mary chuckled. “After she left the bank, she walked straight over to Lambert Five and Dime.”

  “To look for a job?”

  Mary nodded. “That’s what we think.”

  “Or perhaps she wanted to pick up something to take home.” Joseph pondered talking to Mr. Lambert and wondered how he could ask about Rose without sounding nosy.

  “Albert asked Mr. Lambert, but the man wouldn’t give him a straight answer.” She handed him some silverware. “He probably figured it was none of our business.”

  “Nor is it mine,” Joseph said.

  “Is that so?” Mary cast a sideways sly grin in his direction. “Or is it that you’re afraid to go over there and ask her yourself?”

  “Afraid?” He forced a laugh. “Of course I’m not afraid. In fact, I’m going to pick up some fish from her father tomorrow, so I’ll ask her then.”

  Chapter 8

  “Mama, is that Joseph’s automobile coming up the road?” Rose stood by the window at the front of the house, the curtain slightly pulled back. “Daddy didn’t say anything about him coming.”

  “Yes, he’s here to pick up some fish.”

  “I want to talk to him.” Rose untied her apron and yanked it off.

  “That might not be such a good idea,” Mama began as Rose headed for the door. “Your father—”

  “Daddy is going to have to come to terms with letting me make my own decisions. I’ve already applied for several jobs in town, and I plan to follow up soon. And I like Joseph, so Daddy can’t tell me what I can or can’t do.”

  Mama jerked her head back in shock. Rose didn’t like talking to her like that, but she wasn’t getting anywhere doing what she’d always done. She was strong-willed but hated confrontation. Unfortunately, confronting the situation might be the only way she could handle this.

  Rose glanced out the window again. “Good. They’re still talking. I don’t want to have to run after Joseph’s automobile.”

  “You wouldn’t do that, would you, Rose?”

  Rose shrugged. “I might, but not because I want to. It’s just that important for me to talk to Joseph.”

  “Then I suggest getting out there soon. No telling what your father will say or how Joseph will take it.”

  Rose grinned at Mama. “I’m glad you’re accepting what I’m about to do.”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  “Not really.” Rose thought for a moment and looked at Mama who gave her a curious look. “In case I don’t come back inside right away.”

  Mama took the apron and carried it to the kitchen while Rose pinched her cheeks, straightened the front of her dress, and headed for the door. When she opened it, the sight of Daddy talking earnestly to Joseph surprised her. And it didn’t appear that he was upset in the least.

  She was halfway to where Daddy and Joseph stood when they both glanced up. Her lips quivered a tad when she smiled, so she paused, asked the Lord to help her with the right words to say, and plowed forward.

  “Hello, Rose.” Joseph’s tone was guarded, but she understood why.

  “Hi, Joseph.” She glanced around and didn’t see any fish. “I thought you were picking up fish today.”

  Joseph opened his mouth to speak, but Daddy spoke up first. “He is. We were just talking about fishing.”

  Rose stilled as a sense of dread washed over her. She wished that Daddy would let Joseph’s lack of fishing ability go.

  Joseph smiled at her father, who nodded what appeared to be his assent, and then he looked at Rose. “Yes, he told me that he’s been trying out a new lure that he heard is better than worms.”

  Rose blinked. It seemed odd that Daddy would say something like that to a man who didn’t know how to fish.

  “That’s right,” Daddy piped up as he affectionately placed his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “I used it on half of the trotlines yesterday, and this morning, I didn’t see the difference between those lures and the worms I usually use. Nearly all of them had fish on them.”

  Rose scrunched her face and spoke slowly. “That’s good to hear.” She gave Joseph a questioning glance. He continued smiling, but his expression didn’t change.

  Daddy gestured toward the back of the house. “Are you ready to get the fish?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “When you bring Rose back, plan on having supper with us. Afterward, you and I can go out to the pond, and I’ll show you what I’m talking about.”

  Now Rose was sure she was hearing things. There was no way Daddy would even think about letting her go with Joseph—not after what he’d said.

  As Joseph followed Daddy to the back, he glanced over his shoulder and shrugged before turning back around. She scurried after the men, hoping to catch a hint of what was going on.

  Joseph and Daddy carried the heavy buckets of ice and fish, while she brought the tarp to cover them. After everything was in the automobile, Daddy turned to her. “I expect you back home at least an hour before supper so you can help your mother.” He looked at Joseph. “Can you get her back by then?”

  “Yes, sir.” Joseph cleared his throat. “We’re just going to Bay Springs.”

  “Rose, do you want to buy yourself something pretty?” Daddy asked. He blew out a breath, puffing his
cheeks. “Or some new fishing equipment?”

  She could tell that was difficult for him to say, so she shook her head. “No thanks. I’ll just enjoy getting out of the house for a while.”

  “Then go on, you two. I’ll be watching and waiting for you.”

  Joseph held the door for her and then ran around to his side and hopped in. They were on the road before he spoke up.

  “What just happened back there?” he asked.

  “I was going to ask you the same question.” Rose leaned back and laughed. “Maybe Daddy is getting senile.”

  “I hardly think so. He gave me too much detail about his new fishing lures for me to think anything is slipping in his mind.”

  “What did you say to spark that?” Rose asked.

  “Let’s see …” He thought for a moment and shook his head. “When I first arrived, I apologized for any misunderstandings we might have had.”

  “That’s always a good thing. Daddy is big on admitting fault and sincere apologies.” She turned toward him. “Anything else?”

  “Well, I did tell him that I got Albert Sherman to give me some fishing lessons. He seemed pleased as punch about that.”

  Rose laughed. “I reckon he considers it more manly for you to take lessons from a guy than from his daughter.”

  “Apparently so. He asked me what Albert taught me, so I told him everything, from hooking the worm—which you had already shown me—to cleaning the fish—something else you did.”

  Rose rolled her eyes. “Daddy is something else, isn’t he?”

  “I can’t say I blame him,” Joseph said. “After I left for Laurel last time I picked up fish, I had plenty of time to think about the things your father said to me. You know, if I had a daughter, I might have done the same thing.”

  “You would?” She crinkled her forehead and gave him a scrutinizing gaze.

  “Probably. I would want to know that my daughter wasn’t choosing to hang out with a man who had nothing to offer.”