Page 28 of The Rancher's Bride
He could feel a heavy sadness weighing on his heart, knowing once he reunited her and Tommy, he would have to leave and return home alone, without her by his side.
Chapter Nine
Bethany stood by the corral, her arms crossed as she watched Ben tighten the leather straps of his saddle. She was impatient to get to Tommy and make sure he was all right.
They had informed Tessa about Bethany’s departure, and the teenage girl hung onto Bethany’s sleeve, tears glistening in her eyes.
She promised to visit again soon as she gathered up her torn dress and gave Tessa one last embrace.
“That’s about it. Let me help you up,” Ben offered, stepping closer and extending his hands. As he helped Bethany onto the horse, his touch lingered on her waist, sending a shiver down her spine. The warmth of his fingers seemed to seep through thefabric of her dress, silently conveying his affection. She didn’t want to read too much into it.
“Are you certain you’ll go directly to Pa and let him know where Tommy is?”
“I said I would, Beth.” He rested his hand on the horse’s neck. “Is there a reason you don’t believe me?”
She shook her head, wishing she had some pins to put her hair up. Marmee would have something to say about it falling and what was proper. “I’m just worried.”
“I know you are. Are you all right up there?” Concern etched on his face as he looked at her.
She focused her gaze on the horizon, hoping the reddening sky would hide her flushed cheek, and nodded. “Let’s go see your brother, then. Move forward.”
Bethany scooted forward as much as she could, and Ben swung up behind her. She felt his arms wrap around her to grab the reins, and she stiffened slightly before relaxing. Ben’s breath tickled her ear as he called to the horse and led them from his ranch. They rode along the water, which was still right up to the top of the creek bed. It wasn’t as rough as it had been, but Bethany didn’t want to go swimming again.
Though she tried to focus her thoughts on Tommy’s wellbeing, she couldn’t ignore the fluttering in her heart whenever Benjamin’s chest pressed against her back.
Bethany glanced over her shoulder at Benjamin, his brow furrowed in concentration as he guided the horse along the muddy bank and onto the stagecoach bridge. She was struck by how caring he was towards her. He had dropped everything to escort her to check on Tommy.
The horse tromped through a muddy section, splashing water all around as it left the bridge. Bethany adjusted herposition in the saddle, leaning back against Benjamin for support. She felt conflicted as they rode along. On one hand, she was worried about Tommy and wanted to make sure he was recovering well, but being this close to Benjamin stirred up feelings about the kiss he gave her earlier that morning.
The warmth of his body against hers made her cheeks flush. She was unused to being touched so intimately by a man, even if it was unintentional. Benjamin’s powerful arm wrapped around her waist made her heart quicken, and she wondered if he would kiss her again.
She chided herself for allowing her thoughts to drift in such an improper direction. Benjamin was escorting her out of chivalry and concern for her brother.
Bethany straightened in the saddle and fixed her gaze firmly ahead. She needed to remain focused on poor Tommy. Still, she couldn’t deny the tiny thrill that went through her every time Benjamin shifted behind her.
As they rode up to the Chapmans’ homestead, Bethany could see a group of people clustered on the front porch, watching them approach. Ben smiled and waved at the group before urging his horse forward, causing it to trot up the road and stop with a gentle nudge in front of the main house.
“Kendrick,” Weston Chapman greeted them as he grabbed the horse’s halter. “Miss Moore. I take it you heard about your brother?”
“Yes, sir,” Bethany replied. “I ran into Petunia Beale, and she told me he was here.”
“He’s at the bunkhouse right now. Ingrid is down there with him, and Doc is looking him over. I’m surprised to see you here.”
Benjamin slid from the horse and Bethany missed his touch immediately.
“The creek is still high, but the water isn’t covering the stagecoach bridge right now,” Ben explained as he carefully lifted Bethany down from the saddle. She nestled into him, her cheek brushing against his chest as she slid down his body and landed softly on the ground, their eyes locked in a moment of intimate connection.
Bethany felt his hand reach for hers, but she quickly withdrew. She didn’t want his touch to linger, as it would only make it harder when he eventually had to leave and go back home. Turning to Mr. Chapman, she forced a hesitant smile.
“Which way is the bunkhouse, Mr. Chapman? I’d like to go see my brother.”
“It’s the long building over there, by the creek. Be careful, it’s rather muddy.”
“Thank you.” Bethany hitched her skirt and took off past the barns and paddocks towards the bunkhouse.
“Rich,” Weston called. “Water this horse.”
She heard Ben say something, but she was already past the first barn, so she couldn’t make out the words. A tug on her elbow made her turn around, and Ben was right next to her.
