Jolene

Chapter 4 The Egg

The next morning Edward was waiting at the door to Jolene's home with two horses and a pony. "What are you up to now?" Jolene asked.

"I rented these horses for the day, come ridding with me."

"Come inside, I made breakfast. Wait unit Gabby sees what you have. She will be so excited. They sat quietly and ate. No mention of the horses were made during the meal.

"You look tired Gabby," Edward said.

"I am very tired."

"I brought some horses with me, but if you're too tired to ride..."

"I'd love to go riding!" she said with enthusiasm.

"I'll pack a lunch," Jolene stated.

"Got that covered Jo."

"You're just full of surprises." After helping with the dishes Edward lifted Gabby onto the pony's saddle and put her feet into the stirrups.

"Are you going to be able to stay on?" Edward asked.

"We just need to go slow, she will be OK," Jolene added. Edward watched as Jolene mounted. Her skirt came to her knees. He enjoyed seeing her shapely legs and he was surprised to see her wearing her lace up half boots.

"You're not barefoot my little hoyden!"

"I do own shoes!" she said haughtily. Edward laughed and led them off away from the village. They traveled past numerous small farms.

"Look, baby sheep!" Gabby exclaimed. They stopped and dismounted so Gabby could hold a baby sheep on her lap. "I love baby animals." Later they stopped near a small pond in a grove of aspen and willow trees. Jolene spread a blanket on the ground and Edward carried Gabby to the blanket and sat her on it.

"This is the perfect spot for a picnic."

"I love the weeping willows, they're so peaceful," Jolene said. Edward started serving the food he had brought.

"What are these, some kind of meat pie?" Jolene asked.

"It's called a pastie. I made them last night in Matthew's kitchen. They are what the miners in Bountiful eat."

"So! You're a cook?"

"It's just one of my many and varied talents Jo, but I remain as always so very modest in spite of my numerous accomplishments."

"Your humility is awe inspiring," Jolene teased, "What's in these pasties. Gabby had already taken a huge mouthful."

"M-M-M!" Gabby said.

"It's lean beef, onion, potato, carrots and rutabaga in a pastry shell."

"It is quite good," Jolene said.

"I also got some small blueberry bubbly pies."

"You made those too?"

"Of course, and some more of the Cold sweet tea Gabby likes."

"You ARE full of surprises."

"The day after tomorrow I need to leave you both for about a week."

"I offered to come."

"I'll miss your birthday Jo, I am sorry."

"Is that why you arranged this?"

"Yes. What do you think?"

"I think you're a keeper Eddie."

"Good, you have been on my mind ever since I left for the republic."