Page 13 of Tank

“I’ve not done any fighting or anything of interest in a while.” Missy observed.

“That’s not something good to do, but I’ll admit if it’s needed, it’s good to know.”

“While I try to keep up some practice, I don’t know if I’m any good. Not really. My cousins may take it easy on me.”

“You practice fighting? Any particular stye?”

“A little Kung Fu and some hillbilly scrapping.” She grinned at him and took his breath away. “I bet you’ve watched some of that, maybe even participated.”

“Some call it no rules fighting.”

“Yup. You’ve got it.”

“Maybe some time we can give it a try. Just playing round a bit.” Tank suggested.

“Sounds like fun.” She winked at him. That made him feel warm and reminded him of last night.

He dug into his work to wear the newfound excess energy out of him and she managed to keep up. It was clear she wanted to get this work done and the farm back in top shape. They worked hard until lunch when she called a stop.

“I need to fix us lunch. Is there something you can do for a half hour or so?”

“Sure. How about I check out the barn to see what needs doing there?”

“Yes, that sounds good. If you find tasks you can do, could you make me a list of supplies?”

“Certainly. I’ll do that now.” They both went to do what they needed to. Hopefully, everything would go well.

Once he was done, he hurried to the house hungry as a bear. No surprise there. She’d cooked the food some other time because the aroma of baked chicken filled his senses. Missy had made picnic style foods he loved. Potato and macaroni salad and barbecued beans with French bread just to name the ones he saw easily as he rushed by to clean up.

When he returned, his clothes had been brushed off and his hands were squeaky clean. His plate was ready for him full of good food. The coleslaw and dessert on the table but not his plate the only two items he’d missed in his earlier evaluation. His stomach growled like a hungry wolf.

“Lunch is a tad late. At least we’ll both have good appetites.” Missy observed.

They ate quickly and got back on the fences. This field would be done tomorrow. Then she could use it for whatever animals she still had. At least he thought that’s what she’d do. Their day ended and as they headed back to the house, as soon as they drew near the aroma of good food hit him. Missy must have tossed something in the crockpot to make supper easier.

As soon as they were cleaned up, she dished out an extra big bowl of chicken and dumplings for him. A side of coleslaw and some bread finished the meal. Dessert was banana cream pie, probably the leftover from lunch because he would bet she’d made two. Missy even knew how to get a bear full.