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 coming together 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. "I think 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 of how 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?"

"Everyone's at the house," she answered, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I just needed some fresh air." She giggled. "I forgot how pungent a lamb can be."

"I don't know what Tessa is going to do when I tell her Marigold is going to have to sleep in the barn."

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. Benjamin inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar scents of home. It felt like an eternity since he had last seen her and held her in his arms.

"I guess Tessa will spend more time out there, too. Benjamin," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper as she glanced down at her hands. "I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. I don't know if I ever properly expressed my gratitude for rescuing me, but I owe you my life."

"Bethany, there isn't any need to thank me," Benjamin said softly, pushing off the tree and taking a step closer to her. "I'd do anything for you."

"Your bravery and kindness," she continued, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes, "showed me the depths of my own feelings for you. I've realized I care for you more than I ever thought possible."

"Really?" The word escaped his lips, barely audible, his heart thundering in his chest.

"Really," she confirmed, her voice wavering with emotion. "I can't imagine my life without you. You've become so important to me, and I'm grateful beyond words for you."

Grateful failed to describe how Benjamin felt in that moment. All the hardships he had endured through his life suddenly seemed worthwhile, knowing Bethany may feel the same way about him.

"Grateful?" He ran a hand along his jaw. "That's not how I'd describe it."

Her eyebrows drew together, creating lines of worry and confusion on her forehead. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to understand Benjamin's statement. A few strands of hair fell out of place from behind her ear and she absentmindedly pushed them back, her forehead wrinkling even more.

"How would you describe it, then?"

"I've been doing a lot of thinking since I pulled you out of the creek that day. I told your pa I was going to court you, but it doesn't appear I can wait any longer. Beth, I love you. I've loved you since the moment I held you in my arms, and every day that love has grown stronger." He paused for a moment, searching her face for any sign of rejection. Seeing none of it gave him the courage to continue. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Bethany," he confessed, the vulnerability in his voice making it clear just how much this meant to him. "I want to build a future together, raise children, and grow old by your side. Will you marry me?"

For a heartbeat, the world seemed to stand still as Bethany stared at him, her green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Then she broke into the most radiant smile he had ever seen, her joy shining through like a beacon in the fading light.

"Benjamin," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder and happiness. "Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes! I will marry you!"

A surge of relief and elation bubbled up inside him, like a tidal wave crashing onto the shore and washing away all lingering doubts and fears. He reached out with trembling hands, delicately cupping her face in his palms. His thumb traced small circles on her soft skin, and he could feel her tremble underneath his touch. Pulling her into his embrace, she willingly melted against him, her heart racing as their bodies pressed together.

As they stood there wrapped in each other's arms, time seemed to stand still. Slowly lowering his head, he brushed his lips against hers in a tender yet passionate kiss. She responded eagerly, her hands finding their way to his broad chest as they explored each other with a kiss.

When they finally drew apart, Bethany couldn't keep the smile from spreading across her face. Her hands remained on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath them. Benjamin took her hands in his, intertwining their fingers as he gazed deeply into her eyes.

"I want to give you everything you deserve, Beth," he whispered, his voice filled with love and sincerity.

Bethany's eyes welled up with tears as she was overcome with emotion. Slowly, she leaned in and kissed him again.

The sudden rasp of Joe's throat clearing shattered their kiss, making Benjamin and Bethany jump apart from each other.

"Seems to me, Ben, you've skipped the courting part and gone straight to marrying."

A flush crept up Ben's neck as he turned to face Bethany's father, who stood with one eyebrow raised, hands resting on his hips with his brother Devin standing beside him. He knew he needed to tread carefully. For while Joe respected him as a man and a friend, he was now dealing with the man's eldest daughter, and that was an entirely different matter.

"Joe," Benjamin cleared his throat, taking Bethany's hand in his once more. "My intentions are nothing short of honorable, I assure you. I intended to court Bethany properly, but I couldn't contain my feelings any longer."

"Pa, I—," Bethany started, but Joe held up a hand to stop her.

"Ben, I know you're a good man," Joe said, his eyes never leaving Benjamin's face. "I trust you'll do right by my daughter. You need to take this slow. I don't want no one getting hurt—especially my Bethany."

"Of course, Joe," Benjamin agreed earnestly. "I promise you."

"Good," Joe said, nodding his approval before softening his gaze on his daughter.

"Joe," Benjamin asked tentatively, "does this mean you give your blessing for me to marry your daughter?"

Joe looked at Ben once more, his eyes probing beneath the surface, searching for any sign of insincerity. "I'll think about it," he finally replied, his voice gruff but not unkind. With that, he strode over to his daughter and tenderly kissed her forehead, a silent promise he would always protect her.

"Ma is waiting at the house. We should head back." Bethany took her father's hand.

"All right, Bethy," Joe agreed, giving her a reassuring nod. "Let's get moving." He tugged her towards the Kendrick homestead.

Devin looked at Ben with a crooked smile.

"What?" Ben asked as he watched Joe and Bethany move up the path towards his home.

"He likes you."

Ben grabbed the lead to his horse and headed towards the barn. "How do you know?"

"You're still alive after a kiss like that." Devin patted Ben on the shoulder. "I'll get our horses saddled and we'll get out of here."

"Do you think he'll give his blessing?" Ben watched as Bethany looked over her shoulder and smiled at him.

"Son, you already have it. Like I said, you're still alive after that kiss."

After exchanging their farewells, Joe climbed into the buckboard with Regina and Millie, while Devin and Bethany mounted the horses that had been grazing behind Ben's house.

"I'll see you after church on Sunday?" Bethany asked.

"I promise I will be there. It is too cold for Tessa to be outside that long."

Bethany nodded and urged her horse forward to fall in line behind the buckboard.

"I'm glad you are marrying her," Tessa said, leaning into Ben's side. "I like all of them."

He tapped her nose. "I think they like you, too."

"Will I get a new dress?" Tessa turned on her heel, tugging Marigold behind her. "You'll need a new ribbon, too," she said to the lamb as she disappeared inside the house.

Ben shook his head as he placed his arm up high against one of the porch posts and leaned against it. He would stand out here until Bethany disappeared in the trees. He watched as she moved alongside her uncle and then turned her horse around and galloped across the field back towards the house. Ben straightened up and stepped off the porch.

"Is everything all right?" he asked, reaching out to grab the horse's halter.

Bethany lifted her leg over the saddle horn and slid down to the ground into Ben's arms. Lifting her hands around his neck, she pulled his head down towards her.

"I forgot something," she whispered, as her lips brushed his.

Ben reached around and placed his hand on the small of her back, pulling her closer. "You did?"

She nodded and tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Ben's heart raced as he leaned in closer, feeling the soft brush of her lips against his. Her hands tangled in his hair, causing his hat to fall backwards from his head, but he didn't care. A quiet moan escaped from her throat as he pulled away slightly, only to be pulled back in by her insistent touch. He gently placed his hands on her arms and pulled back, their heavy breathing filling the air between them.

"Better?" he asked, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"Better, for now." She looked at him with a twinkle in her eye. "I don't want to wait to get married, Ben."

He wrapped his hands back around her waist, clasping his fingers together. "I promised your father we'd take it slow."

"Winter is almost here. I would like to be married on Christmas Eve if that is all right with you. Marmee and Weston have a huge dinner in their barn, and the preacher marries everyone who wants to be married that night. It's the last chance until after spring planting."

"Then we can do that."

"My parents were married Christmas Eve."

"So you told me." As he gazed into her eyes, his love seemed to transcend the heavens. Unable to help himself, Ben leaned in and captured her lips once more. "I hope, my love," he whispered against her mouth, "our marriage will be as strong and enduring as your ma and pa's, and that I will be just as good of a father to our daughters as you pa is to you."

Bethany's laughter rang out like music, filling the evening air with its sweetness. "You mean overbearing and protective?"

"If that is what it takes."

"That is exactly what I've been dreaming of, Benjamin."

"Christmas Eve sounds perfect, Beth."

"Christmas," she replied without hesitation, her eyes shining with unshed tears, "is the perfect time for new beginnings."

"Christmas it is, then." Benjamin couldn't think of anything more perfect either as he pulled her close once again, their lips meeting in a tender, loving embrace that seemed to bind their souls together for all eternity.

"Bethany Moore!"

Bethany pulled away, laughing. "I have to go." She pressed a quick kiss on his cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too." He held his hands together to help her into the saddle. She adjusted her skirt before blowing him a kiss and turning her horse to gallop towards her family who were waiting for her at the edge of the woods.

He lifted his hand as Joe Moore stood at the front of the buckboard and cupped his hands around his mouth.

"You have my blessing."

Ben smiled and did a little dance as he headed inside to see what Tessa had made for dinner.

Yes, God had blessed them indeed.