Page 40 of The Rancher's Bride

“That’s mighty kind of them,” Ben said, as he watched Tessa and Millie run off like two schoolgirls. “See?” He lifted his eyebrow towards Bethany. “Sometimes she acts like she’s old enough. Other times she’s too young.”

“Let’s not worry about that right now.” Bethany gave him a shy smile. “Do you want to stay here for dinner, or would you like to head home?”

“I’ll saddle the horse.” Ben gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and practically raced from the barn.

He reappeared a few moments later as Bethany was saying her goodbyes to Marmee and Weston. “I knew several of the couples would leave early, so I already packed you an easy dinner to take with you. It’s just ham and some sides, but it will fill you up.”

“Thank you, Marmee,” Bethany said, accepting the basket.

Ma and Pa walked them towards the front of the barn. “We can’t talk you into staying longer?” Ma asked.

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Moore,” Ben said. “We’re grateful for your kindness and generosity, but we should get back home before it is really dark.”

“You are welcome to come for dinner tomorrow. We will eat early.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I... we appreciate that.”

“Of course, son,” Ma replied, her eyes misty with emotion as she embraced Bethany, then Ben. “You’re family now.”

As they said their goodbyes, Bethany felt a mixture of happiness and sadness, grateful for the love and support of her family, but also longing for the quiet solitude that awaited them at Ben’s cabin.

Ben lifted Bethany onto his horse, as a sudden burst of laughter and excitement erupted from the barn. Bethany craned her neck to see what was happening, but Ben had already clicked his tongue, urging the horse into motion. She turned back to face him, her curiosity unsatisfied.

“Did you see what happened?” she asked as they rode away from the barn, their families’ cheers fading into the distance.

“Missed it,” Ben replied with a grin. “But I’m sure it was nothing important.” He tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.

She adjusted the picnic basket so it wouldn’t fall off her lap.

They continued in comfortable silence until they reached the bend in the creek where Bethany had seen Tommy’s coat caught on a tree branch. The creek waters glistening under the moonlight. Ben reined in the horse, and they stopped to watch the water go by for a few minutes.

“This is where I fell in the creek,” Bethany said. “Who knew it would actually make you notice me?”

His arms tightened slightly around her, and Bethany sighed. “I noticed you before that.”

“When?”

“I remember you from finding that little girl. I also remember you in town. You were wearing those pants.”

“My buckskins?”

“Yeah. I think everyone noticed you in them.”

“I didn’t want anyone but you to notice me.”

“Well, you got my attention. I reckon it was when you screamed about the sheep in the house I truly fell in love with you, Bethany.”

Her heart swelled at his words, and she reached for his hand, fingers intertwining. “Please tell me Marigold is in the barn.”

“She is in the barn.” He breathed against her hair.

“I think I knew I loved you even before that,” she admitted softly. “When we first met during the summer, I just knew... I was meant for you.”

“Is that so?” Ben raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing. “Quite presumptuous of you, darling.”

“Maybe,” she conceded with a playful grin. “I was right, wasn’t I?”

“Indeed, you were, Mrs. Kendrick,” Ben said, his expression tender. “I thank the Lord every day for bringing you into my life.”

“Me too,” Bethany murmured, her eyes shining with emotion.

“Let’s go home.”

As they crossed over the creek, she felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. This was where their love had begun, and now it would continue to grow as they embarked on their journey as rancher and wife.