The Marriage Ultimatum by Jean Kincaid

Author:Jean Kincaid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

“Did you know that ancient kings would steal limbs off each other’s mango trees so they could graft them into their own, to try and have the finest and best-tasting fruit? Even going so far as to bribe and kidnap the other king’s gardeners?”

“No,” Carina grunted as she swung a machete against the trunk of a young sapling, making a slit big enough to graft in a tiny proto-limb or bud from another variety of mango, a stronger, more durable type. Mingled with the sweeter version Don Rodriquez produced already, his harvest a few years down the road would weather the blights and infestations much better than what he had now. “I didn’t know that. That’s interesting.”

“And do you know how the mango got its name?”

“No. Why don’t you tell me?”

She held the bud in place as Juan Antonio wrapped the bottom of the tree in burlap, securing the grafted limb.

“Well, the mango was the most sold fruit in the world, although at one time the most horrible-tasting. But once the grafting technique became known and used, it produced the mango as we know it today. Man cannot and will not live without this fruit so he takes it with him. Wherever man goes, mangoes.”

She stared at him then burst out laughing. “That was lame.”

“Yes, but it worked.”

“What do you mean?” She blinked so his image would focus clearly.

“You laughed, and your face lights up when you smile. I hoped it would take your mind off how tired you are.”

She pressed both hands over her eyes as they burned with weariness. “I am exhausted, but so very happy we accomplished everything today. Don Rodriquez and his men can finish the grafting tomorrow. His orchard is healthy and has passed inspection, so guess what, Mr. Fuentes?”

“What, Miss Garza?”

“We’re officially out of a job till we start on the Gonzales orchard.”

“Verdad?”

“Yes, and I’m so glad. I want to help Marsha and April with VBS. Did you see what they did to the walls in Abby’s class?”

Carina’s church had only two Vacation Bible Schools in her childhood but she remembered them as very serious classes with Kool-Aid and cookies being the highlight of the evening. Abby’s classroom wall had been painted a blue underwater ocean scene with a treasure chest at the bottom. All types of fish swam on the wall with seaweed and sand spilled along the base of the ocean. Delighted at what they had created, Carina had driven herself to finish work early. For some reason, she wanted to be a part of this VBS.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. They did the same thing last year, but it was a Hawaiian theme. They made leis for all the kids. I cut up the coffee straws.”

Carina washed her hands under the outside faucet then splashed water on her face. She took the towel he handed her. “So do you attend church with the Garretts regularly?”

“If I’m here, I do. Papi knew the senior Garrets and introduced me. Rick Sr.

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