Page 31 of Mail Order Marvelous
She snuggled into his side, and they lay on the picnic blanket together.It was the perfect way to spend some time after berry picking.
By the time they got home, Josie had fish and a good idea of how to make it over the fire.Myrtle had convinced her to order a dutch oven from Katie, and she’d just gotten it, but hadn’t been entirely certain how to use it.
Myrtle suggested she build a fire, and put the fish into the oven, setting it straight into the fire.First, she brined the salmon in a saltwater solution for thirty minutes.While it was soaking, she peeled a few potatoes and cut them up, and then did the same with carrots.She added those to the dutch oven and then added the fish.After.she put it into the fire.
She stood staring down at the oven in the fire for a few moments before she returned to the house to set out the dishes they would use.Then she and Jack carried their table out the door together, followed by them taking four chairs out.
Josie added a tablecloth to the table to make the meal more festive.After setting the table, she stood back and looked at it, a small smile on her face.It was perfect.Now, if only the fish turned out as it was supposed to.
When Lula and Sebastian arrived, Lula commented on the beautiful table.“And something smells delicious!”she said, setting down the cake she’d brought for dessert and hugging Josie.“You went to a lot of trouble for us.”
“It was Jack’s idea.He thinks we should enjoy the outdoors as much as we can before winter comes back.”
“I think I agree with Jack then,” Lula said.“I can’t wait to eat.”
“It should be ready.”Josie walked to the fire and grasped the handle of the dutch oven with her apron covering her hand to prevent burning.She carried it to the table, where she had a cloth to set it on.She pulled the lid off and could see that everything had cooked perfectly.
“I think it’s done,” Josie said.She served four plates, and they all sat down to eat.Josie didn’t know Sebastian well, and she was happy to have another opportunity to get to know her friend’s husband.
“This is wonderful!”Sebastian said.“I’ve never had salmon cooked quite like this.”
“I asked Myrtle how to cook it.The woman is a genius in the kitchen,” Josie said.
“I certainly love the bread and desserts she sends our way.”Sebastian smiled.“When I sent for a bride, I had no idea I’d be getting a group of women working on so many different things.You ladies really are doing a good thing here.”
After eating, the men carried the table and chairs back inside, and they played cards for a while.Josie had taken to inviting a different couple over every week to get to know them better.It worked well for her.
When they left for the evening, Josie straightened the house and did the dishes.“I think that went really well!”she said.
“I think so too.I hadn’t really taken time to get to know Sebastian before, but he seems like a good man.I’ll be able to carry on conversations with him at work now.”Jack walked up behind her and rubbed her shoulders.
“That feels nice.You had a good time?”
“I did.I like that we’re having people over.”He leaned against the counter.“Mr.Johnson wants us to build a church.Everett is donating the lumber, but it will take a few weekends, even with all the men who will help.”
“Are you going to be part of it?”
He nodded.“I think I am.I just wanted you to know, because we’re planning to start building next weekend.We’ll work while it’s light out, and that means up to sixteen hours per day.Do you mind?”
Josie shook her head.“Of course not!We need a church.I think it’s time.”
“I agree.I never would have thought it two years ago.Everything started to change when Everett got married.”
“For the good, I hope.”
“Most definitely.Going from having one woman in town to nine made things so much nicer.”He grinned.“Besides, I’m married now, and I like being married.”
She wrinkled her nose.“You like having food cooked for you daily and someone to warm your bed.”She wiped the last dish dry and put it away.
“That’s very true.My favorite part is the bed warming.”
She laughed.“I’m aware!”
“Will you make the cobbler tomorrow?”he asked.
She nodded.“Cookie dough crust or regular?”
“Always cookie dough,” he said.“And you could make a little extra dough for me to eat raw.”
