"Roy, kissing me won't make the problems go away or create any more money."
"Well, you can't blame a guy for trying."
Sara shook her head. "Get me a receipt please, so I can keep track of the bill." Sara grabbed the other unpaid receipts from the crock and set them on the table in a pile. "It can join these and be paid at the end of the season; if we have any money left."
"May I take Billy with me tomorrow?"
Before Sara could answer, Abe fiercely protested.
Looking at Abe right in the eye, Roy sternly chastised Abe.
"Look, you and I have been spending a lot of time together my friend. Don't you figure it would be fair if Billy had some time with me too? You'll have to share."
Abe knew Roy was correct, but it didn't make accepting the decision any better. "I guess so, Roy."
"Great, so is it okay with you Sara?"
Keeping a motherly eye on Abe, Sara nodded her approval and Billy leaped into Roy's unsuspecting arms. Meanwhile, Abe was in a bad mood for the rest of the day. When Roy began to saddle up, Abe followed close by. Roy halted his work and looked at Abe.
"If I was to go hunting next week, you think you and Billy would like to join me?"
Abe's face lit up. "Sure."
"Now listen, when I come by tomorrow to pick up Billy and the mare, I'll talk to your maw about it, but not a word from your lips until I speak to her first. Do you understand?"
Abe nodded vigorously. Roy patted the boy's head and then jumped into the saddle. Sara waved goodbye from the porch watching Roy ride off.
At eight, the following morning, Roy showed up riding in the buckboard. He tied the Johansson's mare to the back of the wagon and loaded Billy. Abe was nowhere to be found.
"Where's Abe off to, Sara?"
"I really don't know. He was here a minute before you drove up and now he disappeared."
"Would you mind if I took the two boys out hunting with me next week?"
Sara pondered this question. "Would you be gone more than one day?"
After giving it some thought, Roy replied, "I suppose it would be at least one night out. Are you okay with the idea?"
Nervous, Sara reluctantly agreed. "It's not you Roy, but I worry about my boys and even more so if they're gone overnight."
"Sara, I'll take excellent care of them and get them back safe."
Nodding, Sara said, "I know Roy. Now, what are your plans with Billy today?"