Page 26 of The Rancher's Bride
“It was very warm by the stove, that’s all. Would you like me to do the dishes before I leave?”
“That’s unnecessary. I can do them.” Tessa removed Marigold’s ribbon, and the lamb trotted off next to the fireplace. “Have fun with Benjamin.”
Bethany prayed for the floor to open up and swallow her, but since it didn’t, she grabbed her duster and followed Ben outside.
Ben stepped out into the crisp morning air, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. The memory of Bethany’s kiss still lingered, making his heart race. He ran a hand through his unruly hair, exhaling slowly.
What was he doing?
This woman had turned his world upside down in a matter of days. He knew it was foolish to get attached. He needed to return her to her ma and pa, but he couldn’t deny his growing feelings for her. She was a woman of strength, faith, and conviction. Qualities he had always hoped to find in a wife.
He wondered if it was God’s plan she came into his life? Ben didn’t want to let his heart get ahead of itself, but the spark between them was undeniable. Perhaps after all these years, the Lord had finally brought him someone to share his life with.
Looking up at the brightening sky, Ben pondered what the future held. Would Bethany want a life here on the small ranch with him? He shook his head, not wanting to get ahead of himself. He thought he felt her respond to the kiss, but there was the possibility the the attraction was a fleeting moment born of their unusual circumstances.
Bethany emerged from the cabin, cheeks flushed and smiling shyly. She was unlike any woman Ben had ever met. As she approached, her beauty and grace struck him. Her hair curled around her face as the morning breeze stirred it, and her eyes were bright and clear, shining with an inner light that seemed to illuminate her from within.
Benjamin smiled warmly as she approached, setting her nerves at ease. “Ready for that walk?” he asked.
Bethany nodded, a pretty blush still staining her cheeks. “Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing more of your ranch.”
They set off down the path together, the crunch of gravelunder their boots the only sound. At first neither spoke, both suddenly shy.
After a few moments, Benjamin spoke. “Bethany, about what happened back there…” He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. “I hope I didn’t overstep. It’s just I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I saw you in town. You’re unlike any woman I’ve ever met. You were wearing your buckskins and had your hair braided. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so beautiful.”
Bethany’s eyes softened, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “You didn’t overstep at all. I feel the same way. Being here with you and Tessa has been wonderful.”
Benjamin’s face lit up at her words. “Truly?”
Bethany nodded, suddenly unable to meet his earnest gaze. She turned her attention to the path ahead. Ben grabbed her hand and tucked it under his arm. Her hand was small compared to his, but it fit perfectly in his as his fingers wrapped around her palm. He was content just being with her.
They quickly arrived at the beaver pond, and Ben felt disappointed as he let go of her hand. The pond was surrounded by tall trees, many of which the beaver family had gnawed down to build their home.
“There’s someone there,” Bethany said, pointing to the edge of the pond. She lifted her skirt and took off down the path.
“Beth, come back.” Ben raced after her. No one knew about this location, so Ben didn’t know who would be there. He couldn’t protect Bethany if she ran headfirst into danger.
A figure hunched over near the edge of the pond, fumbling with a long trap. The trap had a chain attached to it, and someone would tie it to a tree before placing it in the water. An animal would swim through the trap, triggering it to snap,causing instant death.
“What are you doing?” Bethany called out, confronting the interloper.
A raccoon popped up from between the grass and spun around.
“Bethany! I wasn’t expecting no one over here.”
Ben recognized the figure beneath the raccoon as the young woman from the store when he saw Bethany. The woman was selling furs that day. He wondered if she was getting her fur by stealing it from other people.
“That’s plain to see, Petunia Beale. Just what do you think you’re doing here with my brother’s traps?”
Petunia’s cheeks flushed pink. “I-I was just checking on the traps for him. He asked me if I could stop by. Honestly, he did.”
“How do you even know where they’d be?”
Petunia grinned. “Why, Tommy showed me. He’s been teaching me all about trapping.”
Bethany tapped her foot. “You were stealing from my brother? Why I ought to…”
Ben could see Bethany clenching her fist and her jaw was tight. He placed his hands on her shoulders to reassure her. “Petunia, was it?”
