Chapter 24 - Page 338 - Jim's Big Surprise

   Rhasha wrinkled her nose. "Nah," she said, "I'm already in love, and someday, I'm going to be your wife. People will call me Mrs. Rhasha Brown."

   Jim was flattered, but he still felt it was wrong. "You're nuts. There are so many good-looking young men who would love to marry you. Why do you want to waste your life with a broken-down old man like me?"

   Rhasha had a serious look on her face as she caught his eye. "Love," she said.

   "Rhasha, I love you the most."

   Rhasha smiled. She had no doubt about Jim's love, or hers.

   Rhasha turned right onto the road that led to the waterfalls. She drove slowly to their favorite parking place, at the top of a gradual incline that sloped down to the water's edge. Jim and Rhasha watched the water falling off the top of the mountain to collect in the mist-shrouded pool below. The roar from the crashing water was muted by distance, where Jim and Rhasha were. Beyond the beach area was a damp, green wall of large trees and grass. Birds flew from tree to tree.

   Some of the Angel Town residents were already at the falls. They had blankets spread on the ground with picnic boxes resting on top. Other people were unloading vehicles and carrying their picnic paraphernalia down to the pool's edge. Three more cars were driving down the road, looking for a parking place.

   Rhasha and Jim climbed out of the jeep and carried their picnic supplies down to their favorite picnic spot. Jim spread two blankets on the ground and Rhasha arranged the contents of the picnic box on top of the blankets. She began making sandwiches as Jim poured two glasses of tea.