Chapter 9
Cade took the tongsand lifted the thick cuts of meat onto the little portable camping grill he’d purchased. Then he placed two corn cobs still in their husks next to them. It barely fit, but he made it work. After he seasoned the steak, he pulled one of the logs over to sit on while they cooked. As he sat, he could hear the faint strains of Meg in the great room playing her music.
When the meat was done, he put everything on a platter and brought it into the house. He lit all of Meg’s jar candles and put them on the table then set out the plates and dished up the steak and corn.
Before he finished setting the table he walked down to the river and filled the stockpot with water. Then he put it on the camping burner he’d purchased to let it heat up. He’d have to do that a few more times before Meg would have enough for a bath, but he figured he could let it heat while they ate.
After the table was set and ready, he walked toward the great room. He slowed as he heard Meg singing. It was a song he recognized.I’m Yoursby Jason Mraz.
He stopped in the doorway and listened to her singing. She was curled up on the couch, strumming her ukulele. She looked so comfortable in her own skin. Her voice was amazing, and yet unique. She had a tone to her voice that he hadn’t heard before. He stood there, mesmerized.
When Meg was done, he entered the room. She yelped and put her hand on her chest. “Cade. You scared me.”
“Sorry, just wanted to tell you that dinner’s ready.”
She set her ukulele down and stood up. “Okay.”
He wasn’t sure if she’d be upset that he’d listened to her but figured it was better to let her know. “You have a wonderful voice.”
“Oh, you heard that?” A delightful blush graced her cheeks.
He pulled a chair out for her and she sat. The candlelight flickered over her features. “Yes. You could go far in the music industry.”
Meg made a face. “Singers are a dime a dozen. I don’t think I’m anything special.”
Cade wanted to argue with her but just shrugged. “I guess we’ll see. Someday when you’re famous, you’ll have to give me props.”
“Yeah, right.” She picked up her fork. “This smells delicious.”
“Thanks. I’ve been known to cook a few good meals in my day.”
She cut into the meat. “Women love a man who can cook.” Her cheeks colored. “I mean...some women...”
Cade couldn’t help it. He laughed. Meg was clearly embarrassed, but she looked adorable. “I know what you meant. You don’t have to stammer.”
“Oh, yes I do.” She fanned her face. “Is it hot in here?”
“It’s delightfully cool in here.” Cade chuckled and picked up his corn. He spread butter on it then took a bite. The flavor burst in his mouth. It was the best corn he’d eaten in a long time. Or maybe he was just hungry. He’d skipped lunch.
Meg motioned to him. “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?”
Cade chuckled. “I actually like living in Omaha. But out here, in nature, I’ve kind of fallen in love. If I can prove my innocence...” He let his voice trail off. Who was he kidding? He had a trial and everything. No one believed him. The bloody knife was in his bedroom.
“You’d live here?” Meg finished for him.