Page 192 of Modern Romance Collection March 2025 (1-4)

She seemed to wear a certain amount of acceptance of things with the same practicality she wore that parka.

It was freezing inside of the airplane, but he knew it was shielding them from the harsh elements.

She unwrapped the package of the meat, which was sliced thankfully, and cured. And then did the same with the cheese, which was not sliced, but she began to peel great hunks of it off with her hands, and he couldn’t afford to feel anything but gratitude over that.

“Probably not the fanciest dinner you’ve ever had,” she said.

“Maybe not. And you?”

“Possibly. This is pretty high quality. If I were at home I would put some bacon and onions in a big pot, put a lot of butter with it. I fill the pot up with broth, add a bunch of red beans and some ham hocks. Simmer it for a bunch of hours. Serve it on some rice. That sounds good,” she said.

She looked dreamy just then. He didn’t think he had ever had such a simple meal as the one she was talking about. And yet, he couldn’t deny that it sounded comforting and warm.

“You have sisters,” he said.

“Yes,” she said. “Six of them. Two sets of twins.”

“Two sets of twins?”

“Yes. So it’s me, Daisy, Rose and Lilac, Bristol, Topaz and Opal.”

“Interesting names.”

“Yes. They are. All around. My mom was in her flower era when the three after me were born. Then she decided to be unique again, and Bristol stands alone thematically, like I do. Then she decided to go with precious gems for the youngest twins. She died when they were two. They don’t even remember her. But they’ll always be her gems.”

“Sorry. I know it’s difficult to grow up without your mother.”

“Did you lose your mother?”

“Yes. But she didn’t die. She just left.”

“That’s worse,” Stevie said confidently.

“Is it?”

“Well. Not for her I guess. But for you. Your siblings.”

“I’m an only child.”

“I should’ve known that,” she said smiling. “You have only-child energy, Clem.”

“What does that mean?” He found himself offended in advance.

“I don’t know. You just seem singular. One in the world. I don’t think I seem like that at all. I have siblings to take care of. A dad to take care of. I’m one of many.”

“I can honestly say I have never met a twenty-five-year-old woman who pilots cargo planes and scrambles around the wilderness like an expert. And I’ve known a lot of women.”

Those eyes widened, and then her cheeks turned pink. She cleared her throat. “I’m sure you have.”

He felt almost guilty. He hadn’t meant to embarrass her. It hadn’t occurred to him that such a mild innuendo could cause embarrassment.

But clearly for her it did.

She was so… Innocent seeming. And yet, not at all. The way she talked about cooking, large hearty practical meals, the way she had said she had to take care of everybody. Yes, she was innocent, but not. A strange sort of creature.

When they finished eating, silence settled around them. It was beginning to grow dark.

They were covered by the sleeping bags that she had found, but it was still cold.

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