Page 35 of The Rancher's Bride
“Millicent,” Ma chided. “You shouldn’t say such things.”
“Well, it’s true,” Millie said, climbing into the front of the buckboard. “Petunia is always following him around. He’s silly if he doesn’t see it.” She adjusted her skirt before tucking the fabric under her legs. “Tommy might as well marry her.”
Bethany turned away before Marmee and Ma could see her snicker. Tommy had nothing but contempt for Petunia. He had mentioned before how she shouldn’t be running around the woods in buckskins with a slingshot. Now that Millie had mentioned it, Tommy seemed increasingly upset when it was Petunia that was doing it, but not any of his sisters or cousins.
Interesting.
As she led the horse into the barnyard, Grandma Moore wasclimbing the porch stairs. She had tied her mule near the house. Bethany ran over and wrapped her arms around Pa’s mother. “Will you still be here when we get back?”
Gnarled fingers reached up and patted Bethany’s cheeks. “Unless your pa or Uncle Devin take me home.” Grandma Moore pressed her leathery lips against Bethany’s forehead. “Have a good time today.”
Did everyone but her know what they were doing?
As Bethany descended the porch steps, she saw Ma already seated on the buckboard, waiting for her. Just as she was about to walk over, Marmee reached out and grabbed her hand, halting her movement.
Marmee studied her for a moment, her keen eyes seeming to penetrate straight to the heart of Bethany’s inner turmoil. “Bethany,” she began, the softness of her tone belying the weight of her words, “I want you to understand something. A woman must secure her future, after all. Marriage isn’t to be taken lightly, but it is a matter of survival out here. If you can find love along the way, that is a blessing not to be taken lightly.”
“Thank you, Marmee,” Bethany whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and resolve.
“You’re welcome,” Marmee replied, a warm smile spreading across her face as they walked toward the buckboard. “Now, enjoy the rest of your day. I’m going to have a cup of coffee with your grandmother.”
Chapter Eleven
With a tired sigh, Ben took out a bandana and mopped his forehead. He could feel the weight of exhaustion in his muscles, but he couldn’t suppress the small grin that crept onto his face. It had been a successful day.
He had prayed for an opportunity to own at least part of a ranching operation, one with fertile land for grazing and space for a substantial garden to provide food for his family. Eventually, he dreamed of having a small herd of cattle as well. The land Theodore had purchased was everything Ben wanted, and now a third of it was his.
Ben couldn’t believe how many blessings God had provided since he and Tessa had arrived in Flat River. He finally understood what Marmee meant about the town comingtogether to help each other.
With the help of the Moore brothers, Weston Chapman and his son Caleb, Ted and Ben had meticulously marked off a significant portion of the land they now shared. They had mapped out spring planting strategies and fence lines, each taking turns pointing and nodding in agreement as they surveyed their new property.
“Never thought I’d see the day Joe and Devin Moore would stop by to lend a hand,” Benjamin muttered to himself, recalling their unexpected arrival earlier in the day. Weston and Caleb Chapman had been right behind them, forming an unlikely alliance. It warmed Benjamin’s heart, solidifying his belief that settling in Flat River had been the right choice.
He wasn’t worried about leaving Tessa alone at the house for the day, as he knew Marmee and Doc were stopping by before they headed to see Tommy. Ben leaned against the fence post, taking a moment to catch his breath. His thoughts wandered to Bethany. He had been so preoccupied with securing a future for Tessa and Bethany he hadn’t found the time to see her. The ache in his chest deepened as he imagined a life without her. He didn’t want to just court her, as he told her father. Instead, he intended to marry her. He wanted a house filled with children and a home filled with love and laughter.
He knew that Beth,his Beth, would include Tessa in their home. Although with the way Ted had been asking questions about her, Ben realized Flat River’s newest resident might have set his sights on his little sister.
“Tessa is not ready for marriage,” he told his new friend firmly. Ted nodded, but Ben could sense his disappointment. Ted had taken a liking to Tessa, but Ben wouldn’t allow it.Not yet.
“Kendrick!” Ted called out, snapping him back to reality. “Ithink we’re done for the day. Why don’t you head home? We can finish up tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Are you coming for supper tonight?”
“Not tonight. I’m going to go rest these tired bones.”
Ben could see the weariness etched into Ted’s features as he shook hands with the Moore brothers and the Chapmans. With a last nod, Ben wearily climbed onto his horse and began the journey back to his humble abode.
He guided the horse at a steady pace, the rhythmic sound of hooves hitting the soft ground with a gentle thud. He couldn’t shake the image of Bethany from his mind as he rode along the creek winding through the overgrown grass. The goats were making quick work of the weeds as Ben trotted past them.
His heart ached to embrace her, to confide in her, and to share his hopes and dreams. He prayed someday, he would turn those dreams into reality and create the family he had always longed for. As he rode around a curve in the path, he caught sight of a familiar figure near the beaver pond. It was Bethany, her skirt held up as she strolled along the water’s edge. A smile spread across his face, and he urged his horse to move faster towards her.
“Evening, sweetheart,” he called out, trying to keep his voice steady despite his racing heart. “What are you doing out here?”
“Ben!” Her eyes sparkled with happiness at the sight of him. “I wanted to look at the pond. Tommy mentioned he might stop trapping, and I couldn’t imagine him doing such a thing.” She kicked a rock with her toe. “I guess things change.”
“Indeed, they do,” Benjamin replied, dismounting his horse and walking toward her. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her, but he hesitated, as she had wrapped her arms around herself in almost a protective measure. Unsure ofhow to approach her, he settled for leaning against a nearby tree, gazing at her with a mixture of longing and admiration.
“Change can be a good thing,” he agreed, his gaze never leaving her face. “I don’t think Tommy’s feelings will last long. Remember, he’s just in pain right now. Are you alone out here?”
