Where the Lovelight Gleams by Keira Andrews

Author:Keira Andrews [Keira Andrews]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Published: 2013-12-02T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

“See how thick that ice is? Tell your mother she’s worrying for nothing.”

Ryan nodded dutifully. “Yes, Dad. Although this is early to have the hut out. I can’t remember the last time you fished in December. It’s nice.”

Next to him, Cary shifted on the wooden bench, his knee brushing Ryan’s. Quarters were tight in the hut with Ryan, Cary, and Tony squeezed onto the bench. On the other side of the fishing hole sawed into the ice, Ryan’s father sat back on his folding chair.

A fire in a metal drum kept the hut relatively warm, and of course the wooden walls and roof protected them from the wind. A chimney funneled the smoke from the fire outside and a gas lantern hung from a hook in the ceiling.

“Now I know it isn’t much, Cary, but I’ve caught thousands of fish in this hut. Plenty of people today want all the mod cons, but all I need is a seat, a fire, and a hole in the ice for my pole.”

Cary smiled. “It’s great. I wish I’d been able to go fishing as a kid.” He ran his gloved fingers over the rod and reel he held. “I love it out here.”

“You’re not too cold? It’s a far cry from Malibu, I know.” Jack smiled kindly.

Cary’s lips were practically blue, but he shook his head. “I’m good. How many years have you had this place?”

“Hmm. I suppose it’s almost twenty years now. Ryan was about five when we bought it. It was awfully run-down, but we fixed it up over the years. If Ryan had his way, he’d have built us a mansion, but it suits us just fine the way it is.”

Ryan rolled his eyes. “I didn’t want to build a mansion. I just wanted to help pay for the work on the roof. You know you can’t put it off for another winter.”

“And I won’t. I’m retiring this summer, and I’ll have plenty of time to do the work.”

“Ryan said you work for the government. Are you looking forward to retirement?” Cary asked.

Jack grinned. “Am I ever. I’ve spent long enough as a civil servant. Have to spend some time catching fish before the bay dries up. Water levels keep going down and last year we barely had a white Christmas.”

Ryan and Tony shared a glance. Jack could talk for hours about global warming and the water levels and the impact on the environment—and fishing.

Tony stood. “Well, I’ve had enough for today, fellas. I’ll take the catch in.”

Jack checked his watch and sighed. “I suppose we should call it a day.”

“I just want to catch one more. Is it okay if I stay?” Cary asked.

“Sure. I’ll stay with you,” Ryan quickly replied.

His father chuckled as he stood and stretched his arms over his head. His hands brushed the ceiling. “I’ve never seen you so eager to fish, son. I used to have to drag you out here.”

Shrugging, Ryan fiddled with his rod. “It’s not so bad after all.”

“I suppose you’re older and wiser and can finally appreciate the finer things in life.

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