Page 37 of Prairie Sky

“Do you have an appointment?” he questioned. “I can stay here in the truck and wait for you.”

“We have an appointment.” She informed him as she opened the door and hopped out of the truck.

Confused, Ben followed her into the building and watched as she told the receptionist they were there to see Mr. Estes, who he knew was Hardin’s lawyer.

Mr. Estes came out of his office and greeted them. “Ever. Ben. So glad you could come in!”

Ben shook his hand and followed Ever into his office, taking a seat across from the desk. Ever sensed his confusion, took his hand, and gave it a squeeze of reassurance.

“So, Ben, you are probably wondering why you’re here with Ever and I.” offered Mr. Estes.

“Yes.” he replied, confusion overtaking his expression as he looked from Mr. Estes to Ever and back.

“Ever has decided on the future of the farm and has given Prairie Sky to you.”

Ben felt his throat constrict and his stomach do a flip flop. Had he heard him correctly? “Excuse me?” he asked, eyes wide with shock.

“Ben, I know my dad would want you to have the farm. He knew how much you loved it and treated it like you would your own. You were not just his farm hand; you were like a son to him. He saw the future of our family farm in you.”

Ben leaned back in his chair, shock clear on his face, and wiped his hand over his beard in disbelief. His eyes welled up with tears.

Ever slipped out of her seat, crouched down in front of him, and caught his gaze. “Bear. I want this for you. I don’t need anything, no money. Nothing. I’m okay. I just want you to have your farm. I want you to have your dream.”

He closed his eyes, feeling overwhelmed by this generous life changing gift he was being given. Prairie Sky was everything he always dreamt of owning someday and now the woman he loved, his girlfriend, his future, if she was willing, was gifting him the Wolton family farm. A place her father fought to keep through blinding grief and insurmountable challenges. She wanted him to carry their legacy.

Opening his eyes, a single tear rolled down his cheek and Ever caught it as she caressed the side of his face. “Will you accept this gift from me?” she asked, her hazel eyes searching his.

Ben met her gaze, so full of love and sincerity. In her eyes he saw hope, resolution and an excruciatingly beautiful kindness that made his throat tighten with emotion. “Are you sure?” he questioned, his deep voice cracking.

“I have never been more sure. Daddy would have wanted you to have it.”

“I agree.” confirmed Mr. Estes. “Hardin had a deep respect for you, Ben.”

Ben looked at Mr. Estes and back to Ever’s loving eyes. “I accept,” he agreed as he wiped another tear away, stood and pulled Ever up to her feet. Taking her into his arms, he hugged her tightly with all the gratitude he could give her. “Thank you,” he whispered.

* * *

Sitting on the front porch steps, a morning coffee in hand, Ever looked out over the front lawn of Prairie Sky. The summer was almost over, and she could not imagine spending her mornings any other way. Watching the sun come up over the horizon, a glowing orb slowly breaching the skyline, reflecting on the gold of the wheat fields across the way. How can I leave all this beauty behind? What if I stayed? The internal struggle made her head spin and heart ache.

Last night she dreamt about her mother again. The dream started as it always did. Walking towards her in the wheat field, her angelic figure taking her hands. This time she looked Ever in the eyes, smiled, and spoke. “You know where you belong. I am close if you need me.” Her words were so clear and reassuring. She woke up feeling an immense peace.

Ben came around the house, already in his work clothes, and made his way down the walkway to the house. Climbing the stairs, he joined her on the porch and looked out over the emerging sky. Leaning into him, Ever relished the warmth of his presence next to her. She wanted him next to her always, every day. She smiled up at him and he met her eyes, his smile bright and wistful. Leaning down, he gently brushed his lips to hers so full of love and devotion. His arm came around her as she melted into his side, both watching the sky unfold before them. These quiet moments like this was one thing she loved about Ben. How he could just be still with her.

“Ben?” she asked, breaking their reverie.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Can we go for a ride today? Could you saddle up my dad’s horse for me?” she asked. “I don't have much time left and I haven’t had a chance to ride yet.”

“Sure!” he replied excitedly. “I didn’t know that was something you would want to do. I would love to go for a ride today. It’s Sunday and not much going on, so let’s pack a picnic and saddle up the horses.”

“Awesome! But let’s just sit here a bit longer.” She said, looking towards the awakening sky. “It’s just too beautiful to miss.”

He leaned his head onto hers as they shared the sunrise together.

* * *

Ever strapped on the backpack she’d loaded with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks, then rubbed the soft nuzzle of her father’s Arabian gelding.

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