Angel of the Cove by Sandra Robbins Page B

shouldn’t have asked.”
    Before Granny could say anything, a voice called from the front yard. “Anybody home?”
    Granny glanced in the direction of the sound, and a broad smiled deepened the creases on her face. “It’s Simon. That boy sure is a-comin’ round here a lot.”
    Anna busied herself shelling the peas as Simon walked around the house. She hoped her face didn’t give away the fact they’d been discussing him a few moments before.
    Simon stopped beside Granny’s chair and held out a string of fish. “Here you are. I been over to Abram’s Creek and thought you might like to have these.”
    Granny’s eyes widened. “Rainbow trout! You shore do know how to make yourself welcome. We’ll have ’em for dinner. I ’spect you ain’t got no plans, so you can eat with us too.”
    He laughed. “Thanks, Granny. I’ll clean these for you.”
    She motioned to the house. “There’s a pan on the table inside you can put ’em in when you git through. Then I got another job for you.”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œMe and Anna been a-peelin’ more of them June apples, and we got a big bucketful. I need you to climb up on the roof and spread ’em out to dry for me.”
    Simon nodded. “Just as soon as I get the fish cleaned.” He glanced at Anna. “Afternoon, Anna. How did you make it with the Ferguson children?”
    She looked up and smiled. “Fine, Simon. At least I survived.”
    He whistled a tune as he turned and headed to the house. Granny watched him go. “That boy shore do seem happy lately. Wonder what’s gotten into ’im?”
    Anna picked up a handful of peas. “I’m sure I don’t know.”
    Granny chuckled and resumed shelling. By the time they’d completed their task, Simon had the fish ready. Granny stood up and started scooping the pea hulls from the ground and dumping them in a basket. “Anna, you take them fish and the peas inside. I’m gonna toss these hulls in the field past the chicken coop. I’ll be back in just a minute.”
    Anna took the fish from Simon and grinned. “I’ll take these inside then come back to help you. I want to make sure you do it right.”
    His mouth curled into a smile, and he cocked an eyebrow. “I tell you what. If you have any doubts about my ability to do the job, maybe you should be the one to climb to the roof. I’ll hand the bucket of apples up to you.”
    She sniffed and straightened her shoulders. “No thanks. I’ll just watch.”
    â€œThen the least you can do is hold the ladder for me while I climb up.”
    â€œOh, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll remove it while you’re on the roof and strand you up there.” She grinned and backed away.
    He wagged a finger at her. “You have a wicked streak in you, Anna Prentiss.”
    She turned toward the house and looked over her shoulder. “Just wait until you get to know me better. Remember, I grew up with an older brother.”
    His laughter followed her as she stepped into the house. There wassomething about Simon that made her feel good when she was with him. It was so easy to laugh and joke with him. She’d never felt that way with any other man she’d known, not even Paul, who had practically grown up at their house. Even though he’d been her friend, she had known she could never fall in love with the serious-natured young man. When she fell in love, it would be someone who made her laugh and someone she respected because he was good and kind and made her happy. Somebody like Simon.
    Her eyes widened at the thought, and her face grew warm. She set the pan of peas on the kitchen table and pressed her palms to her hot cheeks. The pulse in her neck pounded. What was the matter with her? She couldn’t think about falling in love. Nothing was going to distract her from