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

by Cynthia Hickey

  “There’s a lot more that a man can offer than knowing how to fish.”

  “Yes,” he agreed. “But if you think about it, there’s something pretty basic about fishing.” He paused, cast a glance in her direction, and smiled. “It’s mentioned throughout the Bible.”

  “True.” Rose hadn’t thought about it that way before.

  “The whole time Albert was teaching me, he quoted scripture. That really sank in for me, and I knew then that learning to fish would change me in more ways than just knowing how to catch supper.”

  “Did you tell Daddy all of that?”

  He nodded. “I absolutely did.”

  “No wonder he encouraged me to go with you. The only thing Daddy puts before hunting, fishing, and farming is the Bible.”

  “The Bible is of the utmost importance to me as well,” Joseph continued. “I explained that to your father, so he asked me about my upbringing.”

  “I didn’t realize you and Daddy had talked about so much. You weren’t here that long before I came out, and I didn’t hear any of that.”

  “There really wasn’t much to say. I explained to him that my father died in a hunting accident, so my mother, older sister, and I moved in with my great-aunt. My mother worked at whatever jobs she could pick up, and when my sister was old enough, she got married.” He glanced at her again. “Did I ever tell you I was a paper boy?”

  “No.” She smiled as she imagined him riding his bicycle around town, hollering, Newspapers! Two cents!

  “That was just my first job. After I got old enough to stand behind a counter, I started working at a meat market selling beef, pork, and sausage. At first I thought I might want to be a butcher, but eventually I realized that wasn’t for me.”

  “You never told me any of this last time we were together.”

  He grinned and winked. “You didn’t ask.”

  “You didn’t have time to tell my dad all of that before I joined you.”

  “You’re right. I ended with the fact that my father passed away, so my mother brought my sister and me to my great-aunt’s house to live. He seemed to understand that.”

  “Yes, Daddy would understand that. His own father passed away when he was young. Fortunately, he had uncles who came in to help raise him.”

  “That makes a whole world of difference. A young boy does need someone to show him how to be a man. I had a couple of those men in my life as well, but they were businessmen who had left their family farms, and they never wanted to go back.”

  “How about you?”

  “Actually, farming sounds good to me.” Joseph paused and looked around with a contemplative expression. “I have money saved to buy some land, but I’ve never known enough to do anything about it, though. And when my mother was alive, she told me I was probably romanticizing it and that it isn’t as great as I think it is.”

  “She might be right, but how will you know unless you give it a try?”

  “That’s my side of the argument, but every time I start to act on it, I keep hearing her voice whispering in my ear.”

  “You’re afraid of making a mistake?” she asked.

  “Not so much afraid, but cautious. I’ve established my customers who consistently buy from me. They trust me to come through for them. And I like what I do. If I stop what I’m doing and take up farming, someone else will step in and take over my customers.”

  “That would be a big risk.”

  “I’ve also been thinking about a family. If I meet the right girl …” He cleared his throat. “I would want to be able to provide for her. I can do that now, but I’m not so sure whether or not I can as a farmer.”

  Rose saw the different dilemmas he faced. She’d always been one to take chances, but she always had someone to fall back on. Joseph, on the other hand, had no one but himself.

  “I know you probably think I’m being overly cautious—”

  “Oh, no, quite the contrary,” she said. “Everything you say makes sense. It would be awful for you to give up everything you’ve worked hard for, buy a farm, and then find out that you’re not suited for it.”

  He gave her a closed-mouth smile. “I’m glad you understand.” He pulled up in front of the fish market and stopped the automobile. “Do you want to wait here? I’d hate for Al’s dog to knock you over again.”

  She flipped her hand from the wrist. “Smasher and I are old friends. I’m actually looking forward to seeing him.”

  Joseph laughed. “It’s up to you. If you want to risk having him pounce on you again, then by all means, I’m not stopping you.”

  “Let’s go.” Before he had a chance to come around to hold the door, she got out and went to help him with the fish.

  They set the buckets on the ground, and she opened the door. She could see Smasher standing off to the side, but he didn’t come bounding out, and that disappointed her.

  “What’s the matter, sweet Smasher?” She walked toward him, her hand out, as he eagerly panted.

  Al came out from behind the counter. “I never thought I’d see you again.” He laughed.

  “Looks like Smasher is smitten,” Joseph said as he carried one of the buckets into the market.

  Al glanced at Rose and then back at Joseph. “You’re right, and it looks like Smasher isn’t the only one.”

  Chapter 9

  Joseph and Al conducted business while Rose played with Smasher. He was amazed by how well they got along. Most women he knew would have been scared out of their minds if a dog had leapt on them like Smasher did Rose.

  After he collected the money for the fish, Joseph went over and patted the dog on the head. “He really isn’t a bad dog, is he?”

  “Sshh!” Al held his finger up to his lips. “That’s our secret. He’s my watchdog.”

  “And you’re a mighty fine watchdog, aren’t you, sweet Smasher?” Rose cooed to the dog. “So big and strong.”

  Joseph glanced at Al who appeared flummoxed. “I’ve had him for three years, and I’ve never seen him take to anyone like he does her.”

  Rose glanced up, but didn’t stand from her crouching position or take her hand off the dog’s head. “I get along really well with most animals. They know I appreciate them.”

  “He clearly appreciates you too.” Al shifted from one foot to another. “Feel free to come by and see him any time.”

  “Oh, I would love that, but I don’t get to town very much.”

  “Maybe you can get your man friend here to bring you around more often.” Al tipped his head toward Joseph. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

  “Of course I wouldn’t mind. In fact, I would love to have Rose come with me every week.”

  Rose stood up. “Most likely that won’t happen. I have chores to do around the house. And sometimes Daddy lets me help him with the trotlines.”

  Al looked surprised. “You help with trotlines?”

  “I most certainly do.” Rose lifted her chin, almost as though she was preparing for battle. “In fact, I can do practically anything on the family farm, from catch the fish and work the fields to cook and clean.”

  “I’m impressed,” Al said. He turned back to Joseph. “Sounds like she can do more than most men.”

  “No doubt.” Joseph gestured toward the door. “We’d best be moving on. I promised her father I’d have her home by a certain time, and we have a few more stops to make in town.”

  Al waved. “See you next week. And please bring your young lady if you can.”

  As soon as they got in the automobile, Rose spoke up. “Does it bother you what he said?”

  “What part of it?”

  “When he said I can do more than most men.”

  Joseph shrugged. “Why would that bother me?”

  “I don’t know. It’s just that—” She cast a look of frustration in his direction, making him laugh. “What’s so funny?”

  “You. One thing you need to know about me is that I don’t feel any less of a man, just because you’re better a
t fishing than me. I see it as a challenge to learn something new.”

  “I think that’s a good thing,” Rose said softly.

  “Where to?”

  “Can we stop off at the bank and then the feed store?” He watched her fidget with the edge of her sleeves. “I put in applications for jobs, and I wanted to see if they have had a chance to review them yet.”

  “Sure thing.” He turned toward the bank, pulled up in front, and let her out. “Do you want me to come in with you?”

  “No thank you.”

  He could tell this was difficult for her. “I’ll wait over there,” he said, pointing to a place across the street.

  She was only in the bank for a couple of minutes before she came out, her face expressionless, and her shoulders drooping. “They don’t need anyone. Maybe I should just give up.”

  “That doesn’t sound like the Rose Magee I know. Let’s go see about the feed store.”

  The feed score scenario played out almost exactly like the one at the bank. “I’m sure something will come up when the timing is right.”

  “Yes, I’m sure. Let’s go back to the house.”

  “We’re on our way.” He tried to lighten his tone, but he felt so bad for her he didn’t think he was successful.

  She turned and looked out the side of the car for the duration of the ride back to her family’s farm. He decided that whatever was on her mind was more important than anything he had to say at the moment, so he remained quiet until they pulled up in front of the farmhouse.

  ~

  Rose couldn’t figure Joseph out. He seemed to be more interested last time they were together than he was now, but he obviously cared about her.

  She’d expected him to find a way to kiss her during this trip, but he hadn’t. He’d kept her at arm’s length, although he’d been quite friendly and interesting. Maybe she hadn’t read him correctly before. Or perhaps he’d never been all that interested to begin with. Whatever the case, she couldn’t let herself get all in a dither about whether or not he kissed her … or if he even wanted to.

  “Are you staying for supper?” she asked.

  “I will, unless you don’t want me to.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Do you?”

  Of course she wanted him to, but she didn’t want to come across too eager. “Daddy is the one who invited you, so it’s completely up to you.”

  She started walking toward the house until she realized he wasn’t following. She turned around and noticed that he remained in the same spot beside his automobile. “Well? Are you coming?”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Do you want me to?”

  She wanted him to more than ever. “Come on. Daddy will be disappointed if you don’t.”

  He hesitated for a split second before taking his first step. She waited until he caught up with her, and they went to the house together. Rose loved how it felt walking alongside Joseph.

  When they got to the front porch, he reached for her hand and tugged. “Before we go in, I would like to know something, Rose.”

  She blinked as her skin tingled at his touch. She didn’t want him to notice anything, so she glanced away to catch her breath before turning back to him with the biggest smile she could manage. “And what is that, Joseph?”

  “How do you feel about being with me?”

  “Being with you?” If he only knew. “I think you’re a very nice man.”

  He made a goofy face and rubbed the back of his neck. “I suppose that’s a start. But I’m talking about how you feel deep down.” He kept hold of her hand and lifted the other one to his chest. “I mean here, in the heart.”

  Apparently he didn’t hear her heart hammering like a woodpecker. “Joseph, I—”

  “There you are.” The sound of Daddy’s voice booming from the side yard caught both of their attention.

  Rose started to let go of Joseph’s hand, but he held tight. She gave him a look, but he ignored it and greeted her father.

  Daddy glanced at their joined hands but didn’t mention it. Instead, he asked, “So how was your day in town? Did you sell all of the fish?”

  “Yes, sir. I never have any trouble selling your fish. It’s some of the best, and it’s always fresh.” Joseph glanced at Rose. “And my accomplice has charmed the socks off the market owner’s dog.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Daddy said. “I’ve never known anyone who gets along with animals like my daughter. Did she ever tell you about being a midwife when one of our cows went into labor?”

  “No, that’s one I don’t know about.”

  Rose glared at Daddy, and he chuckled. “I best leave that for later. Maybe one of these days when you run out of things to talk about she can tell you.” He gestured toward the door. “Let’s go on inside. Rose, you can see if your mother needs some help in the kitchen. I have a few things I’d like to discuss with this young man.”

  “But—”

  “Rose.” His voice was low and grumbly, letting her know there was no room for argument.

  Her cheeks flamed as she turned around and did as she was told. It really hurt her pride to be twenty-four and still be talked to like she was a child. But what choice did she have? She wasn’t a working girl yet.

  As she walked toward the kitchen in the back of the house, she tried to imagine herself working at the bank. All of the guys and girls were smartly dressed in suits and well shined shoes. The men wore ties, and all of the women had perfectly coiffed hair. They must have sat in the salon for hours every Saturday in order to look so pulled together. And then they probably slept with silk pillowcases to keep from mussing their hair. She couldn’t picture herself doing any of that.

  The people who worked at the feed store were the complete opposite. However, the only woman she saw there was behind the cash register, and Rose was pretty sure she was the sister of the owner. The man she’d spoken to had given her a look that bordered on condescension when he told her they had hired all the help they needed for a while. Even though she liked the idea of working there, she didn’t want to be where she wasn’t wanted.

  There had to be something she could to do to become more independent. Maybe she’d discuss it with Joseph later … that is, if he wanted to be with her again.

  “Hi there, Rose.” Mama pulled something out of the oven. “How was Bay Springs?”

  “It was nice. Nothing ever changes there.”

  Mama laughed. “Nothing really changes anywhere, including here, if you ask me. Sure, we have the seasons, but every year, it’s the same. We get the fields ready in the spring, plant in late spring and early summer, harvest in late summer and fall, and clear the land in the winter. I cook, clean, do laundry, and help in the fields when time allows. And I can vegetables and fruits when we have more than we can eat.”

  “Do you ever get tired of it?” Rose asked.

  Mama sighed. “Sometimes, but, when I think about the alternatives, I know it’s the best life I could possibly have.”

  Rose had never heard Mama express anything but joy about her life before. “Do you ever wish you’d done something different?”

  “If you’re asking if I have regrets about marrying your father, the answer is no.”

  “That’s not what I’m talking about.” Rose paused to think of a way to word her thoughts. “Did you ever want to live in the city?”

  “Well …” Mama smiled. “Not any cities around here, but there was a day when I thought it might be fun to move down to the coast.”

  “What would you have done on the coast? The only person I know who moved to Biloxi got a job at the shrimp canning plant.”

  Mama scrunched her nose. “That might be fine for you, but I can’t stand the smell of any kind of seafood until it’s cooked.”

  Rose laughed. “I know.”

  She noticed a faraway look in Mama’s eyes as she helped place the bread on a cooling rack. “Sometimes I think we glamorize what we don’t know anything about.”

  “That is true.” Mama handed he
r a basket for the bread. “Which is why it’s best to allow yourself to enjoy every minute and allow yourself to enjoy what the Lord chooses to bring you.”

  A shadow at the door made both of them look up just in time to see Joseph walk in. “Is there anything I can help you ladies with?”

  Mama stifled a giggle as she spoke softly to Rose. “And sometimes what the Lord brings is what you least expect.”

  Chapter 10

  After supper, Daddy stood up from the table. “Come on, Joseph. Let’s get down to the pond before the sun starts to set.”

  Joseph nodded, but didn’t move from his place yet. “First, let me carry some of these dishes to the kitchen.”

  “You don’t have to—” Mama began.

  “Oh, but I want to. It’s only a few steps, and I want to help.”

  Daddy narrowed his eyes and looked at both Rose and Mama. “I’ll help too.”

  Joseph and Daddy each carried two loads to the kitchen before going to the pond. As soon as the door slammed behind them, Mama put down her dishrag and shook her head. “In all the years we’ve been married, that is the first time your father has ever lifted a finger to help me with the dishes. I think Joseph is a good influence on him.”

  Rose grinned. “Yes, it looks that way.”

  “And I thought it would be the other way around.” A pensive look came over Mama’s face. “Your father has such a narrow idea of what it takes to be what he calls a real man, but I think there’s so much more to it.”

  “It’s difficult to change at Daddy’s age, but from this one experience, I think he can do it.”

  “You’re right.” Mama turned around and picked up the rag she’d put down.

  After they finished cleaning the kitchen, Rose was restless. Apparently Mama was too. She rearranged a couple of the drawers, went into the pantry, and moved some jars.

  Finally, she turned to Rose. “Would you like to go sit under the tree in the backyard?”

  “Sounds good.” Rose took off her apron and hung it on the peg in the pantry. “Maybe we can shell those peas you picked this morning while we wait. That will give us something to do with our hands.”