Page 17 of The Rancher's Bride
His quiet contemplation gave Bethany a chance to study him further. His eyes were warm and inviting, a deep brown that reminded her of freshly turned earth in the spring.
A day’s worth of stubble darkened his square jaw, rough against the smooth skin of his high cheekbones and wide forehead. His hands, she saw, were large and calloused from hard work, but steady and gentle, nonetheless. These were the hands that had saved her life.
“I’m glad you were there.”
“How did you end up in the creek, Bethany?”
“I saw Tommy’s coat on a branch. When I tried to grab it, Ifell in.” She looked up at Ben, feeling hope for the first time in days. “Have you seen him?”
Ben shook his head. “No. Do you think he fell in the creek?”
Bethany’s body trembled as she tried to hold back her tears. Her shoulders hunched forward, and her hands tightened around the blanket. “I hope he didn’t,” she choked out between sobs, unable to look up at Ben. “I could never explain that to my ma.”
Ben kneeled in front of her and lifted her chin with two fingers. “I’m sorry I even suggested that.” He wiped her tears away with his thumb. “He may have lost his jacket further upstream. Don’t cry, Beth.”
She sniffled, nodding at his words. She felt a fresh wave of hot tears spilling over her lashes, but she brushed them away with her hand. “You’re right,” she whispered, “He would have come home by now if he was all right.”
“Hey,” Ben’s voice was soft and comforting as he interrupted her thoughts. “We know nothing for sure. It’d be best not to assume the worst yet.”
Bethany nodded again, although the knot in her stomach didn’t ease. She felt Ben’s rough hand squeeze hers gently before he got up and moved away from her.
“I will help you look for him once the storm passes. I promise.” He gave her hand a quick squeeze. “I’ve got chores to do. Tessa will bring you some fresh clothes now that you’re awake.” He turned to leave but paused at the door. “Would you like a bath?” He chuckled for a minute. “I know you had a good soak in the creek, but a warm bath might make you feel better. You can get the last bit of the mud out of your hair.”
She reached up with delicate fingers and felt the dried clumps of dirt and leaves still tangled in her auburn curls,nodding at his suggestion. “Yes... yes, I think a bath would be nice. I should probably head home. My family must be worried sick.”
“There was a man on the other side of the creek.”
“That was my Uncle Devin. He’s a tracker and trapper too.”
“I told him I’d bring you back as soon as the water recedes.”
“Is it still high?” She bit her bottom lip. Pa must be so worried. She couldn’t imagine how Ma and Millie were handling it.
“It hasn’t stopped raining in days. I don’t know when the water might go down.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience you.”
“It isn’t a bother, Bethany. I’ll get the water heated.” His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he turned and disappeared through the door.
As he left the room, Bethany allowed herself to relax slightly into the coarse but comforting bed linens, her heart heavy but warmed by Ben’s promise. She had been alone in her fear for Tommy since she’d stumbled upon his jacket. Now, she wasn’t alone anymore.
She tossed the blanket back on the bed and pushed herself to her feet. Her muscles were still weary of fighting the current, and she wanted to lie back down. A knock on the door had her scrambling back under the covers. “Come in,” she called.
Tessa pushed the door open and entered with a small bundle in her arms. “Ben said you were staying awake.” She smiled as she placed it at the end of the bed. “Here’s a dress and some fresh sheets. I’m not as tall as you, so it will be a little short, but it is clean. I scrubbed your boots, and they are dry now. They sat by the fire overnight. If you strip the bed, I can wash those sheets.”
“Your name is Tessa. Right?”
The young girl nodded. “Yes. I’m Ben’s sister. We didn’t meet properly when Ben brought you in. You’re Bethany.”
“Yes.”
“Ben said you were here when someone left that little girl in the ravine.”
“Yes. We followed the horse thieves into the mountains. He wasn’t very talkative then.”
Tessa giggled. “He’s not very talkative now. Although there is something about you that makes him want to talk. I made some breakfast, if you’re hungry.”
“Thank you,” Bethany replied, grateful for the kindness but still feeling disoriented.
