"Ah Roy, I'm okay, you didn't need to come up here. I can do a man's job."
Roy leaned in close and whispered. "Abe, I have no doubt about your skills. Do you remember all that concern you had about your maw and her needing a man?" Abe nodded. "Well, this is the same thing. You just need to show the same concern and care right now. It was bad enough losing your paw; she just doesn't want anything happening to you." Abe reluctantly agreed. "Now, let's untie that rope and you climb down with me."
Abe followed Roy's instructions, and the two climbed safely to the ground. Sara ran over and squeezed Abe hard. A slight breeze was blowing and in no time, the blades on the windmill began turning. A few seconds later, water started splashing out, and the pump started filling the cistern. Sara and Abe held hands and began to dance around. They then grabbed Roy's hand forcing him to join awkwardly in their celebration.
Without a thought, Sara grabbed a bucket and filled it from the cistern splashing it on Roy. She repeated her actions again and doused Abe. Roy grabbed another bucket and retaliated. Abe took his hands and began swinging big scoops of water at both Roy and his maw. Laughing hard, the three people stood around panting, dripping wet. Billy ran and joined the trio, and soon the four individuals played like children without a care in the world.
While sitting at the supper table, their wet clothes hung on various lines, drying by the warm, crackling fireplace. Everyone had wet hair. The boys received dry clothes, and Sara was wearing a loose fitting dress that shapely hugged her attractive figure. Wearing some of Olof's clothes, Roy was obviously taller than the man because they didn't fit correctly. Everyone giggled and laughed during supper.
Abe proudly exclaimed, "I guess I won't need another bath until next year."
Billy asked, "Is that true, Maw?"
"Now Abe, you stop that. You're upsetting your brother."
Sitting by the light of the fire, Roy gazed across the table at Sara. Her appearance was like an angel. The fire behind her created a yellow halo around her face. Reflecting on his situation, Roy noticed Sara was gentle like Nurse Lefebvre and strong and sweet like Michelle Dubois, the women he met in Europe during the war. All three women were of a kindred spirit, and Roy felt secure being around all of them. Sara looked up at Roy and studied his gaze. She smiled at Roy who smiled back. Abe observed their actions and winked at Billy, who then started laughing out loud.