By the time James arrived home for the day, the cabin was warm and their meal was ready, the savory aroma filling the room.
“Something smells delicious!”James said as he removed his coat, hat, scarf, and mittens.He’d already kicked off his boots and left them on the doorstep as he did every day.He would bring them in and put them in front of the fire before breakfast, and they would be warmed before it was time for him to leave for work.
“I’m making Belle’s receipt for duck and dumplings.It’s my first time to try it, so if it’s not perfect, you can’t get angry!”
“I don’t get angry when you do something less than perfect.”He kissed her nose before moving on to wash his hands.
“Supper will be ready in a minute or two.How was work?”she asked.
“Busy.I was out cutting down trees today, but I’ll be back in the sawmill tomorrow.”He sank down into one of the kitchen chairs.“Everett felt the need to have wood in his hands, so he worked the sawmill today.”
“I know he doesn’t feel like he can work there often.He must finally be caught up with his bookwork.”
James shook his head.“There’s no such thing as being caught up with bookwork, but he said he couldn’t spend another minute cooped up in the office.Sometimes I like to be out cutting wood, so it all works out.”
“Does he ever have you help with the bookwork?”she asked.
James shook his head.“I did over the summer, but that’s the only time since I started working for him.I used to be the one to do all the bookwork.”
“Is it hard to work for an operation you were once part-owner of?”
“Sometimes.It’s good that Everett and I get along so well.If we didn’t, it would be much harder.”
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to save enough money for you to buy your share back.”
He looked at her for a moment, narrowing his eyes.“You mean, hopefullyIwill be able to save enough.I’m not using your money.”
She nodded, not being willing to have the same old argument again.There was no point to her making money if he wasn’t going to use it.She’d find a way.
That night, she lay awake long after he’d gone to sleep.She wished he would understand that she was going to earn money regardless, and he might as well use it for things they needed.
*****
THE MORNING OF HISbirthday, Maggie made certain she was up early to make James his favorite breakfast.She had a package wrapped in brown paper next to his plate at the table, and when he saw it, his eyes widened.“How did you know it was my birthday?”He knew they’d never discussed it.
She grinned at him.“Belle told me.”
“I didn’t know Belle knew my birthday!”
“I’m sure Everett told her.Open it!”
He carefully untied the string holding the package closed and looked at the contents of the gift.“Shirts?You made me shirts?”
She nodded.“Do you like them?”
He shook one out and looked at it, immediately standing, stripping off the shirt he was wearing, and putting the new one on.“It fits perfectly.”
“I used an old shirt with holes in it for a pattern.It was tucked away at the bottom of your drawer.I thought if you’d worn it that much, you must like the fit.”
He walked to her and leaned down to kiss her softly.“I love it.Thank you.”
“I’m glad!When I purchased the fabric to make them, Belle told me your birthday was coming up, so I waited to give them to you until your birthday.”
“Where did you get the money for the fabric?”he asked.
“I had some money when I arrived,” she said honestly.She didn’t bother to tell him that she had used money she earned from her baking for the shirts.Why would she?She knew how he felt about her earning money.
“I wish you hadn’t used your own money.You’re always welcome to put things we need on our account at the store.”
