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Ruugar grunted. “It’s a fishing spear.”

“Ah, yes, of course.” I lifted it, puzzled, glancing between him and the carved point. “For fishing?”

“To hunt food.” A muscle ticked in his jaw, and he shifted his weight between his feet. “With this, you will not go hungry.”

My words got tangled between my ribs. I nodded to shake free whatever this feeling was. “Thank you.”

At the firepit, Mary let out a quiet squeal and Carol nudged her with an elbow. Pete lifted his glass in a toast.They were all watching again, their eyes darting between us like they were witnessing something big.

Pete, clearly trying to be helpful, chimed in. “That’s a very responsible gift. Thoughtful too.” He nodded sagely, sending Ruugar a grin.

I stared at the spear, my chest aching. Warmth spread through me, tugging at something deep inside I wasn't ready to examine.

“Thank you,” I said again, softer this time.

All the tension whooshed from Ruugar's body, and his face smoothed with relief.

I hesitated. “I’ve never fished before.”

Silence fell over the group sitting around the fire. Even the breeze through the trees seemed to hush, like the entire forest was absorbing my words in absolute horror.

Ruugar's body went rigid. His eyes widened, then narrowed in what appeared to be alarm.

Joel, sensing the sudden crisis, cut in quickly. “All the more reason to have a good spear. You can learn.” He nodded toward Ruugar.

“He's right,” Ruugar said, his voice gruffer than before. “I'll teach you.”

Heat fluttered in my belly.

I wanted that. Not only to learn, but to learn fromhim. To have his attention, his guidance, even if it was only because he felt responsible for me for some bizarre reason.

I tightened my hold on the spear, pushing down the foolish thrill bubbling up in my chest.

“I—” I cleared my throat. “I’d like that.”

Chapter 21

Ruugar

Beth held the spear like she wasn’t sure what to do with it, but she'd accepted my gift anyway. Pride swelled in my chest. I felt good about this. It was going to show her I cared even more than the rock.

I cleared my throat, hoping to push away the feelings floundering around inside me.

“Would you like to learn how to fish with your new spear now?” I asked.

She blinked up at me. “Um, sure.”

A slight hesitation, but not outright refusal. Encouraging. My heart beat faster. “The fish are there now. We can stab many for dinner.”

“Stab.” Beth’s face lost its color.

“Yes, with a spear. How else do you kill fish you plan to eat?”

“I’ve… The only fish I’ve eaten came in packages from the supermarket.”

“Ah, yes. I went there once with one of my brothers.So many items to choose from. How do you decide which is best?”

She shrugged. “Some use the price to decide, others the quality of the item.”