PART 5
While Nick and Max journeyed through the woods, Nick carefully unwrapped the jewelry box to look at it. He gingerly opened the lid and ran his hand over the carefully carved letters. “She’s gonna love this Max,” he spoke. He received a loud bark in return. Nick laughed and covered the box again, “Come on, Max, let’s go!” They both took off running.
Jo and Asia sat on a blanket unpacking lunch as the children continued to fish. “Doesn’t it seem like Nick should be here by now?” Jo asked with a worried tone in her voice.
Asia looked at Jo. “He’s probably on his way. You said yourself that he wanted to finish his chores before he came.”
Jo nodded her head, “You’re right. I’m sure I’m getting all worked up about nothing.” She sighed. “It’s just that over night he’s become my whole world, Asia. I just don’t want anything to happen to him.”
“I know,” Asia put a reassuring hand on Jo’s arm. Both women smiled at each other.
“Thank you, Asia. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Aunt Jo,” Daisy walked over to the pair on the blanket. “Can I help you and Asia? I’m bored with fishing.”
“Of course, dear. Why don’t you come sit by me and you can help unwrap the sandwiches.”
“Okay.” Daisy sat down between Jo and Asia and began working on her assignment.
Nat and Dan were fishing farther down the river, segregated from the group by a small grove of trees. Dan rested his pole against a rock, still keeping the line in the water, and sat down against a large shade tree. Nat sighed and pulled his hook out of the water.
“What is it, Nat?” Dan questioned, removing his hat and running his fingers through his brown hair.
“Can I ask you a question, Dan?” Nat set his pole on the ground next to Dan’s.
“Sure.”
“Okay,” Nat took a deep breath and sat on a rock facing his friend. “What do you think about Nan?"
Dan gave him a half grin, “What do ya mean?”
Nat shrugged his shoulders, “Do you like her?”
“I think she’s a good friend, but . . .”
“But what?” Nat interrupted.
“I think she can be a little obnoxious and wild at times.” Nat slowly nodded his head in thought. “Why?”
"I just thought I’d ask, that’s all.”
Dan got up and stood in front of Nat, “There’s gotta be a reason, Nat.”
“There is,” he blushed slightly and turned away from Dan, “I think I have feelings for her.”
Dan stared to laugh, but stopped when he saw the truth in Nat’s eyes. “Really?”
“I think so,” Nat confided, “She’s my best friend here at Plumfield, besides you. I feel comfortable telling her anything. After seeing Nick and Mrs. Jo yesterday . . .”
“Hold it.” Dan placed his hand on Nat’s shoulder, “You’ve got a few years before you need to think about courtin’ anyone.”
Nat looked up at Dan and gave him a shy smile. “You’re right. It’s crazy of me to be thinking about this now.”
“I’m gettin’ hungry. Let’s go back.”
“Okay.” Nat stood and picked up his fishing pole, carrying it over his shoulder.
“You’re not completely crazy,” Dan said.
“Only kind of, right?” Nat laughed.
“Right!”
Barking loudly, Max ran out of the woods announcing his presence to the group gathered for the picnic. “Max!” Rob called, standing up to greet him with a big hug.
Jo immediately turned to head to look in the direction of Max’s entrance, searching for Nick. A huge smile came across her face when he appeared. “Hey, Jo,” he called.
She stood and greeted him with a kiss. “What’s in the towel?” she asked, pointing to the bundle he was holding in front of him.
“Later,” he whispered.
Jo shrugged her shoulders, “Okay. I suppose I can wait.” She led Nick over to the group and they sat down next to each other on the blanket.
“I thought you weren’t coming, Nick,” Dan said, taking a bite of his sandwich.
“Changed my mind. Besides, Max really wanted to come. What’s there to eat? I’m starved.” The children laughed at Nick’s comment.
The group ate and laughed, enjoying the beautiful fall day. Nick glanced over at Jo and noticed her wet skirt, “Uh, Jo?” he questioned, “I hope you don’t mind me askin’, but why are ya wet?”
Jo just about choked on the carrot she was eating when Nick asked his question, “Oh, that,” she answered, “Why don’t you ask Tommy?”
“Tommy?” Nick grinned.
“Well . . .” Tommy began, “I caught this huge fish and had to show Mrs. Jo . . .”
Emil interrupted, “To make a long story short, he spilled the fish and the bucket of water it was in on Mrs. Jo when he tripped on a tree root.”
“I see,” Nick bit into his apple and thoughtfully chewed.
Asia stood and looked at the children. “I think it’s time we head back to Plumfield. You still got chores to do.”
“But Asia,” Nat protested.
“I don’t wanna hear it. Git your fishin’ poles and I’ll pack up.” Reluctantly, the children gathered their things and helped Asia pack up the picnic items.
When everything was collected, Asia led the children back through the woods to Plumfield, leaving Jo and Nick behind. Nat trailed behind the group, kicking the dirt as he went. “Nat,” Jo inquired, “Is something bothering you?”
“Actually, I was wonderin’ if I could talk to you about something,” Nat said, looking down at his feet.
Jo lifted his chin and looked into his eyes, “Of course you can, Nat. Do you want to talk now?”
Nat glanced over Jo’s shoulder at Nick. “Uh, it can wait until tonight. It looks like Nick wants to talk to you now.” He gave her a small smile and she blushed in return.
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
She gave Nat a wary glance, “Okay. Keep an eye on Rob and the twins for me, will you?” Nat nodded and ran off to catch up with the rest of the group.
“I wonder what that was all about?” Nick commented as he watched Nat leave. “I hope everything’s alright.”
Jo crossed her arms, “So do I. Let’s not worry about it now. I don’t want it to wreck our time alone together,” she smiled, “So, what’s wrapped in the towel you brought with you?”
“What are you talkin’ about?” Nick teased. Jo punched his arm lightly. “Oh, you mean this thing behind my back?” Jo nodded her head and reached for the package in his hand. “Not so fast.”
“Please,” Jo begged, smiling.
“I’ll give it to you on one condition.”
Jo rolled her eyes. “What’s that?” Nick leaned forward and kissed Jo full on the lips, handing her his gift. She tried to pull it into her possession, but Nick playfully resisted. “Let me have it,” Jo said, her lips never leaving Nick’s. After a few more seconds of laughter and teasing, Nick gave up the fight and let Jo open her present.
Jo slowly unwrapped the bundle and took a deep breath when she saw the hand-made jewelry box for the first time. “Nick,” she whispered,
“This is beautiful!”
“Open it up.”
She shyly smiled and carefully lifted the lid. She ran her fingers over the carved inscription that read ‘I Only Want To Be With You.’ A tear ran down Jo’s cheek as she stared into Nick’s eyes. “Thank you. This is one of the most wonderful gifts I’ve ever received. I absolutely love it.”
Nick offered Jo his arm and they started the journey back to Plumfield. “Asia helped me a little with the inscription . . . so I wouldn’t mess it up,” he admitted.
“That doesn’t matter. I love it because you made it.” She leaned her head on Nick’s shoulder as they slowly made their way through the woods.
PART 6
