Just the opportunity she needed.
She grabbed her supplies and headed over to the other side of the washout. Finding a large boulder to plop herself onto, she sat down and studied the layers of the wall.
Starting from the top where the soil of Julian’s garden covered the first several feet of ground, she began her sketch. The dark rich soil lightened in color after the first few feet and then the line of the white rock layer began.
Below it about six feet was another layer a bit darker. Reddish in color.
Fascinating.
And in each layer, there were several darker lines. Their shape wasn’t indicative of bones, but a lot of times those darker lines were fossils. What they were, she’d leave up to Dad to determine. If it would be worth them digging.
If they didn’t need to disturb this side, she wouldn’t ask Julian.
———
That evening, she handed her sketch to Dad. “The other side of the gulley had more wash away in the flood. I thought you might like to take a look at it and see if there’s anything we should investigate.”
His eyes perked up. “How much of it washed out?”
“Several feet of dirt? The rock wall is fully exposed underneath the garden.” She pointed.
“This is incredible.” Dad grabbed his spectacles and brought the paper closer to his face.
For thirty minutes, he didn’t say a word. Just examined her sketch with an occasional “hmm” and a pucker of his brow.
Joshua’s arrival gave her a wonderful reprieve. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She kissed him on the cheek.
“Why do you look relieved?” He scratched at the stubble on his jaw.
She slumped and leaned her head back with a groan. “Dad hasn’t said a word to me since I showed him the sketch I did today. I’m dying to find out what he’s thinking.”
“Ah, you spotted something on the other side? I saw you over there drawing earlier. I had a feeling.”
“Come on.” She tugged at his hand. “Let’s have dinner with him and see if he’ll share what’s on his mind.”
Joshua followed her lead and they joined Dad by his bed. During dinner, Josh regaled her father with stories of the day clearing the site.
“How are the fossils?”
“The tarps seem to have kept the majority of debris from damaging anything. Plus the water wasn’t as high this time. Only time will tell once we get in there with the fine tools.”
Josh wiped his mouth with his napkin and leaned back in his chair. “Did you find anything of interest across the gulley?” He pointed to her drawing.
Finally. She sat a little straighter, trying not to bounce up and down on her chair.
“Anna, would you excuse us for a moment?” Dad sent her a lopsided smile.
What was going on? Why did he seem so ... hesitant? Was he not feeling well?
“Don’t worry, my dear. I’m fine. Getting stronger every day. Doc’s herbal remedies and the tea have done wonders.”
Almost like he could read her mind. A bit of relief washed through her, but something was in his eyes. She couldn’t decipher it. But she wouldn’t ignore his request. “All right.” She stood, picked up their dishes, and headed for the kitchen. “Aslong as you don’t talk about the sketch without me.” She sent him a wide grin.
He waved her off but didn’t respond.
Maybe Dad simply wanted to speak man-to-man with his future son-in-law.
That had to be it.
