Page 21 of Heart of Mystic Valley
“Faith, Evelyn, you’re welcome to join us. There’s plenty of room, and it’s always more fun with a bigger group.”
“The week’s paper is out, so I don’t have to rush back to town. It sounds lovely,” Faith said.
Evelyn’s face lit up. “No school on Saturday.” She smiled. “I’d love to come. It’s been ages since I’ve been to the park.”
“Settled then,” Naomi said. “We’ll leave in an hour. I’ll pack food.”
“I’ll help,” Annalee called out, followed by Faith and Evelyn also offering their help.
The group dispersed, each tending to their own preparations. Joshua walked up to Faith.
“I’ll saddle horses for you and Evelyn. She won’t be able to take her buggy out there.”
“Thank you, Josh. I’ll let her know.”
The caravan set off with high spirits. Two pack horses held the food and fishing gear. The landscape was a patchwork of fading greens and browns, awaiting the first snow of the season.
Jolene rode next to Grayson with little Cody wrapped against her chest in a cradleboard. Behind them, Joshua rode with Faith, and Evelyn with Cody, and the rest of the group behind them.
“Can you believe this weather? It’s cold but so beautiful,” Evelyn said.
Joshua glanced over at her. “Let’s hope it holds.”
The trail to Millard’s Park wound through low hills and along the riverbank. The cottonwoods swayed in the light breeze. As they neared the park, a broad meadow bisected by the river, the sound of rushing water grew louder.
Cody Beckett nudged his horse forward, catching up with Grayson. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to stay long,” he said, his voice carrying a note of concern. “The sky to the west looks like it’s brewing something.”
Grayson glanced toward the darkening horizon. “We’ll keep an eye on it,” he said.
They reined to a stop under a stand of trees, and the group set to unloading their gear. Fishing rods were set against treetrunks, blankets spread out, and baskets opened to reveal an array of food. The ranch hands dashed toward the river, only to be called back by Grayson.
“See if you can help out, then you’ll need to dig up worms before you can fish.”
The boys whooped in excitement before helping Naomi and Jolene unpack the food.
Evelyn approached Cody, who was checking the line on each fishing pole. “Do you think the fish will be biting today?” she asked.
He didn’t look up. “Probably,” he said, his tone flat.
Undeterred, she continued. “I remember you teaching me how to cast right over there,” she said, pointing to a bend in the river. “You were so patient.”
Cody finished his knot and stood, rod in hand. “That was a long time ago,” he said, then walked toward the river, leaving Evelyn standing alone.
Joshua observed the exchange from a distance. “You coming?” Faith said, interrupting his thoughts. She held two fishing rods, one extended toward him.
“Sure,” he said, taking the rod and following her to the riverbank.
The morning passed in a leisurely fashion. The younger boys took turns swimming in the frigid water and fishing, the adults alternating between casting lines and lounging on the blankets. Cody caught the first fish, a sizable trout, and handed it off to one of the orphans without a word. Jolene and Grayson stole a few moments of quiet time, and Naomi kept a watchful eye on the whole scene, her expression softening.
An hour after noon, a low rumble echoed through the valley. The group looked up to see the once distant storm clouds now looming threateningly close, their edges flickering with lightning.
“Time to pack up!” Naomi called. “Move quickly!”
The serene picnic transformed into a flurry of activity. Blankets were shaken out and stuffed into bags. Fishing rods were stowed. The first fat raindrops began to fall as the group rushed to mount their horses.
“We’re going to get soaked,” Evelyn said, swinging up and into the saddle.
Faith wiped a wet strand of hair from her face. “We sure are.”
