PART 4
“So where is this special fishin’ spot that Nick told the kids about?” Asia asked while she and Jo walked through the woods.
“It’s downstream of the bridge, just past the bald spot in the forest, according to Nick,” Jo replied, pushing a branch out of her way. “But according to Nick, ‘just past’ anything could be a mile.” Asia chuckled at Jo’s comment. “I can carry the picnic basket if you want me to.”
“It’s okay, Jo. We’re almost to the clearing now so it shouldn’t be that much further.” Asia looked at Jo and smiled, “So, is Nick going to be joining us this afternoon.”
Jo turned to Asia, brushing her wind-blown hair behind her ear, “He wanted to finish up something or other before he came. Actually, he’s probably left Plumfield by now.”
Asia stopped and closed her eyes as a gentle breeze blew past her. “I love fall days like this. They’re so peaceful.”
“When you don’t have a group of talkative children surrounding you,” laughed Jo.
“I’m tryin’ to get ‘em to understand that you and Nick are gonna be needin’ some time to yourselves every now and then,” Asia said.
Jo began walking again, “Thank you, Asia. That’s what I love about you, always looking out for me. Something tells me that your wish, and mine, might not come true though. Nothing can keep those children quiet, not even sleep.”
Asia laughed, “How true!”
“I got one!” Tommy yelled, jerking his fishing pole to set the hook.
“Pull it in! Pull it in!” Emil called, running to Tommy from his spot a few feet down the river.
“I’m trying, but he’s puttin’ up a fight.”
By this time, all of the boys, and Daisy, had set down their poles and crowded around Tommy to witness the mounting excitement.
“Here, let me help,” Dan placed his hands on Tommy’s pole and began to help him reel the fish in. “It feels like he’s slowin’ down a little.”
“I can see it!” Demi said, pointing into the river.
Rob stood beside him, leaning over his shoulder, “Wow! It’s really big Tommy.”
“We got it!” Tommy and Dan gave one might yank on the pole and fell onto the ground, the fish flopping on the riverbank.
Emil picked up one of the buckets they had brought along and filled it with water. “Here. Put the fish in this.”
Dan removed the hook from the fish’s mouth and Tommy placed it in the bucket. Everyone stared into the bucket, eyeing the fish.
“That’s the biggest trout I’ve seen come out of the river,” Nat commented, “We’ll have to save this to show Mrs. Jo.”
“Show me what?” Jo and Asia emerged from the woods, carrying the picnic supplies with them.
“Come look at the fish Tommy caught,” Rob said, running over to his mother.
Jo set down the blankets she was carrying and picked up her son. “Where is this fish?”
“Right here, Mrs. Jo,” Tommy stumbled over to her, carrying the water-filled bucket. Just a few feet in front of her, he tripped on a tree root, spilling water everywhere, even on Jo.
Jo gasped as the cold water splashed onto her legs. “Tommy,” she sighed, setting down Rob.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Jo,” he apologized. The other children laughed. The fish tossed and turn on the ground at Jo’s feet.
“It’s okay, Tommy,” Jo smiled, “Just . . . do something with this fish.” She pointed down at the ground in front of her.
Back at Plumfield, Nick was putting the finishing touches on the “something” he told Jo he wanted to finish before he joined the picnic. He worked at the table in his room, sanding the wooden jewelry box that he had just finished for Jo. The only thing left to do was carve an inscription into the lid.
Nick walked to his dresser and reached into the top drawer to retrieve a folded piece of paper. Written on it was the inscription. Earlier that morning, Asia had helped him decide what to write on the lid and had clearly spelled it out for him so that he wouldn’t make a mistake when he carved out the phrase.
Returning to the table, Nick placed the piece of paper next to him and began to chisel the lid of the jewelry box, forming each letter with great care.
When Nick finished, he gently wrapped the box in a towel and headed to the picnic, Max following close behind him.
PART 5
