“We’ll be fine.I can’t think of anyone else in the world I’d want to start a business with.”
*****
After Bible study thefollowing day, Belle invited Josie and Jack over for Sunday dinner with her family.“I made a hearty venison stew.I haven’t met your husband yet, and I thought it would be nice to have you over.”
Josie looked at Jack, who nodded.
“We’d love to,” Josie said.“Can I bring anything?”
Belle shook her head.“Just your appetites.”
They walked with Belle and her family to her home.Once there, Belle bade them sit down while she served their meal, and Everett held their son.“How old is he now?”Josie asked, looking at the baby.She had a great deal of experience with small children because her stepfather had always demanded her mother’s full attention when he was home.That left her with the babies.
“Eight months,” Everett said, smiling down at the boy with pride.
“He’s a beautiful child,” Jack said.He glanced over at Josie, wondering if she wanted children.They’d talked about children in letters, but not in person yet.
“He’s hungry,” Everett replied.“He loves stew.We take out the meat so he doesn’t choke, but we keep the liquid and mash up the potatoes and carrots.He eats every bite.”
“Well, he seems like a good boy.”
Belle hurried over with a bowl for everyone, including the baby.She took the boy from his father, and popped a bite of the mashed carrot into his mouth.
Everett shook his head.“It will be good when he learns to wait to eat until after we say grace.”
Josie smiled.“I think his mother needs to learn not to feed him before grace.”
As they all laughed, Everett lowered his gaze and prayed for their meal.“Heavenly Father, thank you for this food and everything you provide for us on a daily basis.Thank you for bringing friends into our home to share our meal with.In Jesus’s name we pray.Amen.”
Belle had baked biscuits to go with the stew, and Josie broke off a piece, popping it into her mouth.“These are wonderful!They may even be better than Myrtle’s.I need the receipt if you don’t mind.”
Belle smiled and nodded.“I don’t mind at all.Are you starting to bake?”
Josie sighed.“I’m trying.Myrtle is working with me.”
“Then you’ll be an expert in no time,” Belle said.
“Myrtle’s cobbler with the cookie crust...”Everett began.“I have no words.”
Jack nodded emphatically.“We had her and Aaron over for supper and cards last night, and she brought her cobbler.I finished mine and ate half of Josie’s when she wasn’t looking!”
Josie glared at Jack.“I didn’t think I ate it that fast!”
Jack winked at Josie and she shook her head.“No manners...”
“You like me anyway,” Jack said.
Josie sighed.“What do you do with a husband like Jack?”she asked Belle.
Belle laughed.“You put up with him.What else can you do?”
Josie thoroughly enjoyed the meal.“I’m so glad you had us over.Give me another few weeks to learn to cook, and we’ll return the favor.”
Jack shook his head.“Your rabbit stew last night was delicious.You’re ready for houseguests.”
Josie blushed.“It was Myrtle’s receipt.”
“But you cooked it,” Jack said.
