“Don't know why I couldn't go with Bruce. We'd catch a lot more fish and do it faster with the two of us.” Jim's irritated voice drifted inside. “That's my Jim.” Marta grinned between spasms of pain. “Always wanting to be useful and important.” “Just be on the lookout for any strangers,” Flora called, loudly enough for him to hear. “That's what I need thee to do right now.” “Listen, Miz Flora, I don't want Jim to be fretting over me.” Marta held her stomach in a protective manner as she leaned against a trunk. “But I hurt for a while last night.” “Was the pain constant without ceasing, or did it come in spurts?” “Mostly in spurts.” Marta shook her head. “But my back ached something awful, it sure enough did.” “Did thee manage to get any sleep?” Flora felt her forehead with the back of her fingers, but it was cool to the touch. “A little. I feel better on my side. He's got good legs. Jim could feel him kick.” Marta rubbed her belly, a fond expression on her smiling face.
