Page 19 of Paroled on Love

That night she thought about the sweet kisses and the things he'd said to her at the dance. He'd made quite an impression on her. But when she thought about him, she realized it wasn't just the kisses she liked about him. It was his way of thinking. His reactions to people. His manners, his work ethics. In fact, there wasn't a thing not to like about Jeremiah. Still, she had to remember, she was here because she was in trouble. She didn't want Jeremiah to suffer because of her. She wanted the best for him, because she liked him a lot, and she had a feeling he deserved the best.

The second month she was doing great, getting her work done, and more familiar with the animals and routine of her work. She no longer was scared of the chickens, she reached right in and took their eggs and even talked back to them if they eyed her while she did it. Slopping the hogs was a dirty job, but kind of fun. And Pinky, was expecting. Clarabelle had gotten used to her touch and Leah smiled at her, petting her when she was through. "You're a good girl."

The horses were great too. She loved running her hands over them and looking at their shining coat of hair when she had finished currying them. They looked so pretty.

One Sunday afternoon, Jeremiah even packed a picnic lunch and offered to let her ride one of the horses. She was elated. She'd never ridden, but was excited to learn.

They rode around the property and she got to see where his brothers worked most of the time. They stopped to talk to them and then continued on for their picnic.

Jeremiah laid a blanket out to sit on and she took the food that Carol had packed for them out and they ate and talked for a while. She had Saturday afternoon off and Sunday's.

"So, I guess you'll be going back to school before too long, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Do you come home on the weekends?"

"Most of the time I do." He studied her a minute.

"So, what kind of work are you going to look for?" He asked.

"I have no idea. I'd kind of like to work in a store, you know groceries, or a specialty shop. Something like that."

"Dad told me he would help you find something. I guess if you work around here, I might see you when I'm home then."

"If I find something, yeah."

"That's good. 'Cause I like you Leah." He said very seriously.

She got very quiet.

"But you don't like me like that, do you?"

"Oh no, I do…" She rushed to say. "But…you'll meet someone where you go to school I'm sure…"

"I like you Leah." He said and leaned toward her.

"Are you sure?" She looked at him now.

"Very," He leaned to kiss her and she kissed him back this time with all she had.

When he came up for air, he stared at her surprised face. "I'd like to date you, when I'm home. I'd like you to be my girl."

"Jeremiah?" She gasped.

"I told you I hadn't found anyone before. But…now I think I have." He smiled and kissed her again.

After a few hot kisses, she stood up and smiled. "We better get back."

"You haven't answered my question."

"What question?" She asked.

"Will you be my girl?"

"Yes," she answered breathlessly.

He helped her back on her horse and smiled. "Good."

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