Page 35 of Family Bonds- Jarrett & Andi

“You’d be surprised,” he said.

This date was one for sure.Couldbe why he was single for so long.

He just didn’t always feel comfortable making the first move. Or the second.

Putting himself out there.

The beginning of any new relationship always felt off to him.

This time it didn’t and he wasn’t sure the reason.

She helped him untie the canoe, and though he wanted to tell her he had it,there was something tellinghim that she’d argue she wasn’t weak.

But when it came time to get the canoe off, she said, “I’ll grab the paddles.”

Which was what he was going to suggest.

He slid the canoe down and then turned it so that he had it over his head. It wasn’t even sixty pounds and light enough. Easier to carry this way too.

When they got to the edge, he dropped the boat in the water at the dock so they could climb in. He held it for her and she sat efficiently enough letting him know that she’d done this before.

“Hang onto the side and I’ll get the poles and tackle box.”

She sat there and waited while he went back to his vehicle and got the rest out and put them in front of her. He had her sitting in the back. Then he climbed into the front.

She handed over a paddle and he pushed off from the dock. He’d had the life jackets strapped inside the canoe so they were already there. They weren’t going to be far from shore and she’d said she was a strong swimmer.

There wasn’t a lot of action on the water where they were and wouldn’t be where they were going.

“Do you always paddle along the shore?” she asked.

“I do,” he said. “I like to stay out of people’s way. It’s almost standing depth here. Once we get to where I think is a good spot, we can cast the line. We’ll drift some and then I’ll bring us back.”

“Guess it was a good thing you were so close when I tumbled down the slope.”

He laughed. “I almost jumped out and swam, then ran, but then I knew it’d break my phone and I’d need it to call for help so I paddled until I knew it was up to my knees and then yanked the canoe to land and raced to you.”

It was an afterthought, but he knew if he didn’t do it, he’d lose his canoe tooandwould need it to get back to his SUV.

He supposed he was always thinking several steps ahead in his mind.

They were silent as they paddled together smoothly and got to where he’d planned.

A nice little spot with no one around. Not that he worried he’d see anyone.

“What kind of bait do you have?” she asked. “Worms?”

“Are you grossed out by worms?” he asked. “I can put a lure on if you are.”

“I’m fine with either,” she said.

He grabbed a pole for her and pulled out the container of worms, then baited her line and handed it over.

“I figure the least I can do is set up the first one for you.”

“Thanks,” she said. “It’s been a minute since I’ve done this.”

Yet he watched her bring the pole back and then toss it over her head and land it out damn near close to where he would have.

---