Page 11 of Wherever My Heart Roams

"You think Ma and Pa loved each other when they got married?" Martina asked her.

Beth studied on that a moment. "I don't know. I think it is like she said, she just woke up one morning and realized she loved him."

"Yeah…Pa's a story teller, and a fair farmer, but he sure isn't that ha

ndsome."

Beth frowned at her sister.

"Well, he isn't."

"He's a good man, and that makes him handsome."

For hours her and Martina talked, and then they went to bed. But Beth didn't sleep. She was so afraid of her new fate. She didn't know this man. She tossed and turned all night long.

Why would he want her in the first place? What would he expect of her?

Beth realized now that she had to grow up. Her youthful days were gone and now she had to act like an adult. That wouldn't be easy because Beth was a dreamer.

Chapter Three

The bluebonnets were in full bloom, and the meadow was decorated with their beautiful color. Beth glanced out the window to admire them. She loved this time of year, it wasn't so hot and she could enjoy working outside.

She was out on the porch, looking about, wondering how much she'd miss the place and her brothers and sisters when Jacob ambled out.

"So you really gonna marry this fella?" Jacob asked staring at her.

Beth whirled around to see his face. He looked almost as upset as she felt.

"I guess I am…" Beth muttered miserably.

"Do you have any feelings for him?" he asked.

"Jacob, I don't know him. How could I?" She shrugged. "But, I am fully growed."

"I'm sorry sis…" He said. "I guess it's pretty tough around here being a girl."

She hugged him and smiled sadly. "I'm getting used to the idea. But it will be hard to leave all of you…"

"Write to me, will ya. I wanna know you are alright."

She looked up into her brother's warm brown eyes and smiled. "I promise…"

"I guess Martina will be next, huh?" Jacob frowned.

"I reckon so." Beth said softly.

"I knew I'd lose a sister someday, just didn't figure on it this way…" He shrugged.

"Neither did I." She stared off into the fields. "But I've thought about it. I am grown. I guess I never paid much attention to that."

"I love you Beth, and I'll sure miss you."

Jacob hugged her and went inside, there were tears in his eyes.

Wade came to see Beth two days later. They walked slowly out toward the south meadow, where oak and pecan trees were scattered along the way. The wind was light, the sun was just announcing itself. He'd come early, as though anxious to talk to her, but now as they walked he was silent.

Beth was nervous, anxious to dispel her fears.

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