Page 41 of The River in Spring
“The law says it’s opposites that attract. We balance each other.”
“So today, being that it’s my choice, I’m going to take you a bit out of your comfort zone.”
His arms drop and he takes a step back.
“Wait a minute. Don’t go crazy. What have you planned, Dove?”
“Quit worrying. Grab your jacket. You’re going to love it all.”
“I think that was the headline on the Titanic brochure.”
Nobel watches me pouring mimosas by the river, under the big sky.
“How’d you get all this stuff here without me knowing?”
I point to my temple and wink. “Planning and timing. I started bringing things down two days ago.”
“I’m impressed.”
“I’m impressed!” I say, watching Nobel fry the freshly caught trout. My compliment is returned with an exaggerated look of disbelief.
“That I can fry a fish?”
“No! That you caught one and then cleaned it like a boss.”
“Is there any man or boy, living in Montana, who doesn’t have that skill set?”
“Of course there is.”
I spread the flowered quilt Grandma made me on a flat space beside the river and place the two big green pillows side by side.
“That’s nice,” Nobel calls as he removes the pan from the fire.
What a god. I don’t think I’ve ever been more attracted to the man than I am in this moment. He’s having more fun than I hoped for. I can tell. Lookin’ good in that old jean shirt. It shows off the flat stomach and wide shoulders. Fuck. Good idea. Definitely after lunch. I’ve got it all planned. If I can make it that long without tackling and mounting him like the animal I am.
“You want this on that plate?”
“That’s good. Put it with the other food on the table.”
I walk over and take out the potato salad from the cooler. “Go sit on our magic carpet, birthday boy. I’ve got this. Oh! Take the champagne and glasses please.”
He doesn’t fight the plan, and I get a kiss as he leaves. Making a plate for myself and one for him, I add one small flower at the edge of each dish.
“You look extra beautiful like that. Barefoot in the kitchen,” Nobel calls. “I’m serious.”
I take no offense to the compliment. In fact, he gets a happy dance. It isn’t meant as a macho cry. He is just saying he loves this part of me too. Not just the glitter, but the glue.
As I hand the plates over and he sets them between us he adds another thought.
“I left one thing out. I think the saying goes ‘barefoot and pregnant’. What are your ideas about that?”
The surprise on my face must be obvious because he starts laughing. One open palm comes up before his words.
“No pressure. Just think it’s something we should know about each other. Are kids in your plan?”
I take a seat and look him in the eyes. “Eventually. Yes. Definitely. You?”
“To tell the truth, I never put much thought into the idea. That sounds ridiculous for a man my age, but it’s fact. And suddenly the subject has popped up occasionally in my mind. It must be the Dove Effect.”
