Page 13

Just like Ford’s body when he was around Jolie.

Apparently, his own curiosity was also strong. He should probably pull out his list and start working on the red items. Instead, he watched in fascination as Jolie opened another box and took out a pair of moccasins and switched into them from her rubber boots. These bright pink ones sported zebras holding umbrellas.

Then she sat on the ground beside her waders and wiggled herself into them.

He couldn’t pull his gaze away.

Once she had her feet in the bottoms, she hiked up the rubber as far as she could and then hopped to her feet before he could offer her a hand to haul her up.

Then she wiggled some more and brought the thick material up over her butt. She slipped her arms through the straps and then cinched the tie around her waist.

It all took less than thirty seconds. “Impressive.”

She laughed. “In my first field assignment, I thought I could get away with regular hip waders.”

“I take it that didn’t work out well?”

“Nope. My feet were soaked in no time, and I had to spend the entire day squelching and uncomfortable.”

He grinned. “That would suck.”

Her face was full of fun and fond memories. “Oh, it did. That night, a bunch of us dove into researching the best replacement. I’ve had these for years and they’re amazing. I just wish they came in better colors.”

He studied her. “The blue is good.”

She shrugged. “It’s boring. I think they missed out on a huge marketing bonus. Imagine if they came in different patterns like they do with rubber boots? I’d love to have a pair with Sponge Bob or the Little Mermaid on them.”

Ford wondered if he’d ever laughed this much. “I can see that. Although that might be a bit of a niche market.”

She grinned. “Even better. It’s good to be just a little different.”

From where he was standing, a little different was pretty great.

Chapter5

The First Battle

Jolie loved the initial inspection stage of a new biome. Having Ford along made it even better. So far, he’d shown no signs of heading off to do his own work. She didn’t mind one bit. She should probably try to brush him off so she didn’t get more attracted, but she didn’t.

It was fun explaining to an interested party how she worked and what people could do to help nature along. Even better, what humans could do to help repair the damage their species had inflicted on the planet.

She filled the pockets on her chest waders with a few sample bottles and the waterproof camera she’d bought a few years back after she’d destroyed yet another phone. The camera might not have as great a resolution as modern phones, but it was good enough for her needs.

Mostly, she wanted to identify the species in the pond and find out which ones belonged and which ones were harming the others and keeping the pond stagnant.

She’d done more research online the previous night, and had a better idea of what was native to this area of Vermont. Thea knew a lot about the plants in the orchard, but the pond’s species were a little different.

First, Jolie walked around the outside edge of the pond and took overview photos from various angles. Ford followed along and she kept her steps in the dry areas so he didn’t get soaked. There was no need at this point.

“What are you looking for?”

“I’m wondering where it would be best to change the slope of one edge of the pond.”

“Why?”

She grinned. His curiosity was proving as strong as her own. “Birds and animals will want to use the pond for both drinking and bathing. Having a shallow slope on one edge gives smaller creatures easier access and an easier escape route if needed. If we can attract a variety of animals and birds, it’ll help keep things in balance.”

“Like the good predators you mentioned yesterday?”