With the women's duties completed they joined the men in the parlor. Mary grabbed a knitting ball and sat in a rocker while Mable sat by Charlie on the sofa. Soon after, weary from a hard day of yarn spinning, Moses drifted off to sleep.
“You all just act like I'm not here,” said Mary as she focused on her knitting while monitoring their conversation.
For the remainder of the afternoon, Mable and Charlie talked and enjoyed just being together. Despite the presence of a very attentive chaperon, and continual loud snoring, they discovered that when love is in the air even the most trivial subject matter can be of the utmost importance. With every word, every expression, and every shared thought, their bond grew deeper.
About 3 o’clock Mary arose from her chair and looked out the window. “Charlie, we've really enjoyed having you today. It'll be dark soon so you'll need to be on your way. Mable, run into the kitchen and grab that bag of food we fixed up for him.”
“I appreciate you having me over today and thanks for the delicious meal.”
“Moses, wake up. Our guest is leaving.”
Moses stretched and yawned then staggered to his feet to follow Charlie to the door. “Wasn't really asleep, you know. Just resting my eyes.”
“Yes, sir. That's what I figured,” said Charlie as he shook Moses' hand.
“Expect you'll be wanting to call on Mable again,” said Mary.
“Yes, mam. I would like that very much.”
“Well, you're always welcome to join us for church and dinner, just like today.”
“Thank you, mam. I'll take you up on that.”
Mable followed Charlie across the yard to the opposite side of the church where he had hitched his horse. “Will I see you next Sunday?”
“I'll do my best. If I don't come, it's not because I don't want to. Sometimes there are things that have got to be done on the farm. I'll get here when I can.”
Prior to climbing into the saddle, Charlie considered if this would be an appropriate time for a kiss. He lingered a moment staring into her beautiful blue eyes.
“Better be on your way now, Charlie,” said Mable, alerting him that now was not the time for their first kiss. “Here's a little something for the ride home.”
“Thanks. I'll eat it later.”
“By the way, the chocolates from the drugstore were delicious.”
“Did you remember to think about me while you were eating them?”
“I sure did.” Actually Mable couldn't stop thinking about him.”
As Charlie road away he thought about how much he enjoyed Mable's company. Just being around her made him feel better about himself. He wasn't particularly fond of Mary's plan for calling on Mable just on Sundays after church, but he was willing to do just about anything to further the relationship, even if it meant becoming a Lutheran.
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