He shook his head.“You amaze me.I was expecting a docile housewife, and instead, I find a woman who can do everything she sets her mind to.”
Belle laughed.“My father would be so disappointed if he could see me.”
“I’m not.”Everett needed her to know he didn’t expect her to fit into societal norms.“In Alaska, we need strong women, and that’s exactly what you are.”
She was inordinately pleased by his comment.As she ate her cake and washed the dishes, her mind kept going back to what he’d said.She was a strong woman.She’d never seen herself that way, but she was!
When she was snuggled beside him in bed that night, he stroked her hair.“Church tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’m planning for it.That’s why I made so much for supper.”
“Good.That was a wonderful meal.I wonder what fried mallard would taste like.”
“I have a feeling we’ll find out soon.”She propped herself up on her elbow and kissed him.“I think I’m going to like being an Alaskan wife.”
He gathered her closer, kissing her more deeply.“Anything else you like?”he asked.
“You.”She looked down into his eyes.“I like you.”
*****
AFTER CHURCH, BELLEinvited the Johnsons over for Sunday dinner.“I have duck and dumplings...”
Katie laughed.“Never tried that.Bernard isn’t much of a hunter.”
“Oh, I went out hunting myself yesterday and shot three mallards.They were delicious!I wasn’t certain how gamey they would be, but they’re good!”
“Well, if you ever shoot extra, I’m willing to buy them from you.”
Belle wanted to clap her hands.She couldn’t believe that the simple things she did to create variety in their food were helping her to earn money.“I’ll keep that in mind.”
As they walked to the cabin from the store, Katie mentioned to Bernard that Belle had been hunting.He shook his head.“I have too soft a heart for hunting.That’s why I run a store.”
“Fiddlesticks,” Katie said.“I run the store.You do the books.”
“I help with the store when I’m needed.”
“Uh huh,” Katie said, shaking her head at him.
“I guess I’m the only jobless one around here...”Belle said.
“Jobless?”Everett asked.“You do the work of five men!”
“Or three women...”
Katie laughed loudly.“It’s true!”
Ignoring her comment, Everett opened the door to allow the others inside.“I think we’re going to have to expand this cabin so we can have three ovens.Belle won’t be able to keep up otherwise.”
“I think she’ll manage,” Katie said.She stood beside Belle, who was warming up their dinner.“I can’t wait to see what duck and dumplings taste like.”
Bernard gaped at Belle.“Duck and dumplings?Ducks are cute little critters...”
“They are.Tasty too!”Belle said, winking at Katie.
“I’m not quite certain what to think of your wife, Everett,” Bernard said to his friend.
“I think she’s pretty terrific.”
