behind? Two, maybe three feet? Julie thought of her upcoming job and wondered how much difficulty sheâd have maneuvering the snow-packed trails. Maybe sheâd grown too soft for the demands of her duties.
âGood morning,â Vern said as he came in from one of the back rooms. âHow did you sleep?â
âI was nearly asleep before I finished undressing,â Julie said with a laugh. âI was just thinking that maybe Iâm not cut out for life in the wilds after five years of civilization.â
âNonsense!â Vern exclaimed. âYou have Eskimo and Swedish blood in your veins. That combination will overcome any obstacle in your way. You can do it, Jewels. I have confidence in you.â
âSo do I,â Sam said as he stood leaning against the frame of the door. âI think youâre more than able to meet any challenge. Of course, youâll find one or two unexpected surprises along the way, but youâre one tough gal. I pity the obstacle that stands in your way.â
âThatâs for sure,â Vern chuckled as he motioned Julie and Sam to the front room. âBreakfast will be ready in a little while. You two relax in front of the fire, and Iâll call you when itâs time.â
âI wouldnât dream of it,â Julie protested.
Her father wouldnât have any part of it. âIâm still in charge here,â Vern said in mock sternness. âNow scoot.â
Julie shrugged her shoulders and made her way to the front room. Plopping down on the sofa, she stretched her feet out to absorb the warmth of the fire. Flames snapped and crackled as the logs shifted in the grate.
âYou make quite the perfect picture sitting there,â Sam said as he took a seat at the opposite end of the couch.
Julie felt the full impact of Samâs stare, and without looking at him she replied, âI wish you wouldnât talk like that.â
âWhy?â
âBecause Iâm already humiliated enough. You arenât helping matters one bit,â she answered simply.
âHumiliated? Why are you humiliated?â Sam asked as he leaned toward Julie.
She grimaced. âI donât know how you can ask that. Iâm totally ashamed of the way I acted last night.â
âYou mean when August beat you at chess?â Sam teased. Julie couldnât hold back her smile. âThatâs better,â Sam added.
âWhat is?â Julie asked innocently.
âThe smile. I love it when you smile,â Sam said softly.
Julie shook her head. âI donât understand you, and I donât know how to deal with you,â she said honestly.
âGo on,â Sam urged.
âGo on?â Julie questioned as she finally looked Sam in the eye. âWhat do you expect me to say?â
âI expect you to face up to your feelings. You donât have any reason to feel embarrassment. Especially not on account of our kiss.â
Julie put her face in her hands and moaned. âI canât believe Iâm sitting here talking to you about it. I get kissed for the first time â¦â
âThe first time, eh?â Sam questioned with a teasing grin. âSo I was the first man to kiss you. I think I like that.â
Julie groaned. âLetâs just forget it. Please!â
âI donât intend to forget it,â Sam said firmly.
âDonât intend to forget what?â August asked as he bounded into the room.
Julie fell back against the couch and rolled her eyes. Sam only laughed. âI donât intend to forget that your sister saved my life. Iâd like to do something nice for her. Something special.â
âYouâve already done plenty,â Julie said as she got to her feet.
Knowing that August couldnât see him, Sam made a face, nearly causing Julie to laugh. âI think Iâll see if Pa needs any help,â she said, struggling to keep a straight
Murder in the Pleasure Gardens