Chapter Eight

Bethany blinked away the sleep from her eyes and her eyelids fluttered open. As she basked in the peacefulness of waking up, a small smile formed on her lips as she remembered the dream from last night. In it, she was wrapped in Ben's firm embrace as the rain poured outside. As she tried to shift closer to where she thought he was, disappointment washed over her when all she felt were the smooth sheets tangled around her limbs.

Groaning, she sat up and untangled herself from the sheets. She tugged on the soft fabric of Tessa's borrowed dress, adjusting the hemline to skim her ankles before stepping out into the fresh morning air. The storm had moved on, but the scent of damp pine and earthy rain lingered in the air. She could see the sun rising in the east as it cracked above the horizon.

She had been at the Kendrick ranch for five days, but only four of those she was awake. Now the sun brought with it a myriad of emotions. Even though she wished she could stay forever, she knew she had to head home. If she didn't, it wouldn't be long before Pa came looking for her.

As she walked towards the outhouse, she couldn't help but wonder if Tommy had made it back home. She imagined him returning with his own wild stories about his adventure in the storm.

When she was done with her morning ablutions, she gathered eggs from the three chickens she noticed the day before in the barn. Making breakfast for Tessa and Ben was the least she could do for them taking care of her. There was a loaf of bread left over from dinner, which Bethany could use to make one-eyed jacks for breakfast.

Ben was already sitting up on the settee when she returned to the kitchen. His eyes met Bethany's as she placed the eggs on the table. He gave her a small smile as he tried to wake up.

"Morning," he said gruffly.

Bethany returned his smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Well enough," he replied, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Would you like coffee? I can it started first."

He raked his fingers through his thick, unruly hair until it stood up in every direction. Bethany couldn't help but smile at how endearing he looked. "I'll fill the pot. No need for you to go outside in the rain twice."

She picked up the coffeepot. "The rain's stopped."

"Really?" He pulled his suspender straps over his shoulders. "I'll be right back." He headed outside, and she watched as he trotted through the yard towards the creek.

Of course, he'd check the water , she thought. He wants to get his bed back as soon as possible. She tried turned crimson at the thought and remembered she was simply a guest.

As she listened for Ben to return, she got busy making breakfast. She fried slices of bacon in a large pan. As the bacon was crisping, she cut thick slices of bread and used a small biscuit cutter to make a circle in the middle of each slice. Once she cooked the bacon, she put the slices on a plate and gently placed the bread in the grease.

Cracking an egg on the side of the pan, she dropped one egg in a hole in a piece of bread, then sprinkled it with a bit of salt. When the bread was toasty on one side, she flipped it over to continue cooking.

Tessa came out of her room, leading Marigold on a bright green ribbon just as Bethany put the plates on the table. "Good morning!" She spied breakfast on the table. "You didn't need to cook for us."

"It is just breakfast. Go get your brother. He's outside. Put Marigold outside while we eat."

She regretted being short with Tessa, but the overwhelming emotions of having to return home were getting to her. Bethany shook off the melancholy and focused on her task at hand. She had just started pouring coffee when Tess and Ben returned.

"Smells good," Ben said, hanging his hat on the peg and shrugging out of his coat.

Pouring coffee in Ben's cup, Bethany moved it closer to his plate. "It's still hot. Where's Marigold?"

"Ben had me put her in with the goats today. If she's left alone for too long, then she destroys the house." Tessa picked up her fork and poked the egg in the middle of the toast, watching it jiggle. "What's this?"

"Ma called them nested eggs. Pa called them one-eyed-jacks, but I call them delicious." Bethany sat down in the chair beside Tessa and offered her a hand. "It's something simple you can make yourself."

Once Ben sat down, he said the blessing and they ate the simple meal. "The water is still high. Might not go down for a few more days."

Bethany tried not to appear too excited. It meant the possibility of spending more time with Tessa and Ben. She poked at her egg with a fork, allowing the yolk to run over the fried bread. "Oh? At least it isn't raining today."

Ben chewed thoughtfully before pointing at her with his knife. "I thought we'd take a walk over to the beaver pond. You said Tommy was checking his traps, and that's on this side of the creek. It's not too far from here."

Bethany's eyes lit up with excitement and gratitude. "Oh, thank you, Ben! That would mean so much to me." She glanced down at her borrowed dress. "I wish I had my buckskins right now, though."

"Your buckskins?" Tessa asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yep," Bethany replied with a wistful smile. "They're made from deer hide and stitched together by hand. They're waterproof and mud slides right off them."

"Wow," Tessa breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "I've never seen buckskins before. What do they feel like? Are they heavy?"

"They're pleasantly soft and very light. They're also strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. I always feel more at home in them than in any fancy dress."

"Why weren't you wearing them the day you fell in the creek?" Ben inquired.

Bethany paused, hesitant to reveal why she changed from the soft buttery leather to a dress. Nothing ever good came from a lie. Pa had taught her that. Her gaze drifted to the ground before she finally mustered up the courage to tell the truth. "I was hoping I'd see you while I was looking for Tommy but wasn't expecting to get caught in the rain or the creek." She ran all the words together, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment to even say it out loud.

Ben froze, his fork hovering halfway between his plate and his mouth. Bethany's confession hung in the air between them.

"You were hoping to see me?" he finally asked, his voice low. Her blush deepened and she nodded, unable to meet his gaze. "Why?"

She glanced up at him shyly through her lashes. "I saw you in town the other day, and I remember you were easy to talk to when we were looking for Hope."

Ben slowly set his fork down as if he lost his appetite. In hindsight, she wished she hadn't spoken. Maybe it was just her imagination, but she had a feeling he felt the same connection as she did. Now she would have to let go of that idea and put it down to wishful thinking.

"Bethany, I-" he began haltingly.

A sudden crash from the barn made them both jump. Tessa leapt from her seat. "That'll be the goats getting out of the barn again. I need to get Marigold before she wanders off."

The young girl raced out of the room, leaving Ben and Bethany alone in the kitchen.

"I better clean up if we are going to walk to the beaver pond," Bethany said, carrying her plate to the scrap bucket.

She finished scraping the plate, then added the dish to the wash bucket. As she turned around, her body collided with Ben's solid chest, his hands on either side of her against the wall. She looked up at him, her heart racing as she tried to figure out what he was thinking. His face remained unreadable as their bodies pressed closer together, his powerful arms enclosing her in his embrace. She couldn't escape even if she wanted to.

In his arms was exactly where she wanted to be. She didn't want to escape.

"I didn't finish my thought." He looked at her, and she could see his pupils dilating as he took her in. His gaze was intense and unwavering, making her heart flutter and her breath catch in her throat.

"Let's just forget I said anything. I've embarrassed myself enough while I've been here." She moved to go under his arm, but he was too quick, caught her, and returned her to where she was.

"If you will not let me tell you, why don't I show you instead?" He leaned his head towards her. "Bethany, may I kiss you?"

A noise escaped her lips, and she nodded slightly. That was all the invitation he needed. Her heart pounded as Ben's lips met hers. She had dreamed of this moment, never expecting it to become real. His kiss was tentative at first. When she responded, leaning into him, the kiss deepened, his arms encircling her waist and pulling her close.

For a blissful moment, time stood still. She lost herself in the sensation of his muscular frame pressed against hers, his woodsy scent filling her nostrils. She ran her fingers through his tousled hair as his hands traced her back. A warmth spread through her she had never felt before.

Footsteps sounded outside, breaking the spell. Bethany pulled back, her breaths coming fast.

"We should..." Bethany gestured vaguely toward the door as Tessa bounded back inside, leading Marigold by her green ribbon. As Bethany spoke, Ben's gaze remained fixed on her face, his eyes never straying from her lips as a playful smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach, wondering how he could remain so calm with his sister catching them in an intimate moment.

"I put the goats back in the pen and..." Tessa stopped by the table and looked at Bethany and Ben. Bethany was sure her face was seven shades of crimson as Tessa blinked rapidly at her. "What are you doing over there, Ben?"

Ben cleared his throat and released Bethany. "I was making sure she had recovered enough to walk to the beaver pond. It appears she has." Giving Bethany a wink, he headed towards the door. "I'll meet you outside when you're ready."

Sighing, Bethany watched Ben snatch his hat off the peg and shrug on a heavy overcoat before striding out the front door. She trudged towards the kitchen table where Tessa stood, a sly smile playing on her lips as if she knew something Bethany didn't.

"What?" Bethany asked, grabbing the dishes from the table.

"I don't think you have fully recovered. You look very flushed."

"It was very warm by the stove, that's all. Would you like me to do the dishes before I leave?"

"That's unnecessary. I can do them." Tessa removed Marigold's ribbon, and the lamb trotted off next to the fireplace. "Have fun with Benjamin."

Bethany prayed for the floor to open up and swallow her, but since it didn't, she grabbed her duster and followed Ben outside.

Ben stepped out into the crisp morning air, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. The memory of Bethany's kiss still lingered, making his heart race. He ran a hand through his unruly hair, exhaling slowly.

What was he doing?

This woman had turned his world upside down in a matter of days. He knew it was foolish to get attached. He needed to return her to her ma and pa, but he couldn't deny his growing feelings for her. She was a woman of strength, faith, and conviction. Qualities he had always hoped to find in a wife.

He wondered if it was God's plan she came into his life? Ben didn't want to let his heart get ahead of itself, but the spark between them was undeniable. Perhaps after all these years, the Lord had finally brought him someone to share his life with.

Looking up at the brightening sky, Ben pondered what the future held. Would Bethany want a life here on the small ranch with him? He shook his head, not wanting to get ahead of himself. He thought he felt her respond to the kiss, but there was the possibility the the attraction was a fleeting moment born of their unusual circumstances.

Bethany emerged from the cabin, cheeks flushed and smiling shyly. She was unlike any woman Ben had ever met. As she approached, her beauty and grace struck him. Her hair curled around her face as the morning breeze stirred it, and her eyes were bright and clear, shining with an inner light that seemed to illuminate her from within.

Benjamin smiled warmly as she approached, setting her nerves at ease. "Ready for that walk?" he asked.

Bethany nodded, a pretty blush still staining her cheeks. "Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your ranch."

They set off down the path together, the crunch of gravel under their boots the only sound. At first neither spoke, both suddenly shy.

After a few moments, Benjamin spoke. "Bethany, about what happened back there…" He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. "I hope I didn't overstep. It's just I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since I saw you in town. You're unlike any woman I've ever met. You were wearing your buckskins and had your hair braided. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so beautiful."

Bethany's eyes softened, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "You didn't overstep at all. I feel the same way. Being here with you and Tessa has been wonderful."

Benjamin's face lit up at her words. "Truly?"

Bethany nodded, suddenly unable to meet his earnest gaze. She turned her attention to the path ahead. Ben grabbed her hand and tucked it under his arm. Her hand was small compared to his, but it fit perfectly in his as his fingers wrapped around her palm. He was content just being with her.

They quickly arrived at the beaver pond, and Ben felt disappointed as he let go of her hand. The pond was surrounded by tall trees, many of which the beaver family had gnawed down to build their home.

"There's someone there," Bethany said, pointing to the edge of the pond. She lifted her skirt and took off down the path.

"Beth, come back." Ben raced after her. No one knew about this location, so Ben didn't know who would be there. He couldn't protect Bethany if she ran headfirst into danger.

A figure hunched over near the edge of the pond, fumbling with a long trap. The trap had a chain attached to it, and someone would tie it to a tree before placing it in the water. An animal would swim through the trap, triggering it to snap, causing instant death.

"What are you doing?" Bethany called out, confronting the interloper.

A raccoon popped up from between the grass and spun around.

"Bethany! I wasn't expecting no one over here."

Ben recognized the figure beneath the raccoon as the young woman from the store when he saw Bethany. The woman was selling furs that day. He wondered if she was getting her fur by stealing it from other people.

"That's plain to see, Petunia Beale. Just what do you think you're doing here with my brother's traps?"

Petunia's cheeks flushed pink. "I-I was just checking on the traps for him. He asked me if I could stop by. Honestly, he did."

"How do you even know where they'd be?"

Petunia grinned. "Why, Tommy showed me. He's been teaching me all about trapping."

Bethany tapped her foot. "You were stealing from my brother? Why I ought to…"

Ben could see Bethany clenching her fist and her jaw was tight. He placed his hands on her shoulders to reassure her. "Petunia, was it?"

"Yeah. Folks call me Pet."

"All right, Pet." Ben gave Bethany a light squeeze. "Have you seen Tommy? Do you know where he is?"

"Sure, I do. He's at the Chapmans. Been there since…" She looked at the sky and started counting on her fingers. "Seven days, I think."

"That must have been right after he left," Bethany murmured.

"At least you know where he is now, Beth," Ben reassured her. "Do you know what he's doing over there?"

"You see, I was out hunting…"

"Tommy. Tell me about Tommy, Petunia," Bethany huffed.

"I'm getting there." Petunia put the trap back in the water. "I was hunting, and I heard this horrible sound. You never want to hear a sound like that. Sounded like something was screaming, but it wasn't no fox or coyote. So, I went to go find out what it was. Tommy's horse had caught its leg in a hole and snapped it right in two. When the horse went down, so did Tommy. It trapped him underneath it. I don't know how long they were there."

"You went and got help?" Bethany asked.

"No. The rain was coming down again. Tommy had already taken care of the horse. I just needed to get him from underneath it. Once I did that, I took him to the Chapmans because it was the closest. I knew the bunkhouse was right along the creek."

"You got him on your horse and took him there?" Ben asked.

"Oh, no. I carried him."

"You carried Tommy?" Bethany stammered. "I can't believe you carried him."

"Well, I did. I lifted him up and carried him across my shoulders. Want me to show you?" Petunia moved towards Ben.

"That's all right," Ben said, putting his hands out to block the young woman. "Is Tommy all right?"

"Marmee says he's all bruised up. She didn't think he had broken any bones, but he was going to need to rest for a while. They couldn't take him back home on account it was too dangerous to bring him back across the creek."

Bethany looked at Ben. "I wonder how his coat ended up down here, then."

Petunia scratched her face, leaving behind dirt streaks on her already dirty skin. "You found his coat?"

"It got caught on a tree. Bethany fell in the creek when she was trying to grab it."

Petunia snorted, then looked at Ben and stopped. "When we were going to the bunkhouse on the Chapman property, the wind was really whipping. He was using his coat to cover both of us against the rain. That wind snatched it from his hands and blew it right into the creek."

"Has Doc seen him?" Bethany's voice trembled, and she turned to face Ben, not waiting for Petunia to answer. Her small hands gripped onto his arms for support. "Ben, I need to get to the Chapmans. Can you bring me to him? I must make sure Tommy is all right."

"Of course I can, Beth." Pausing for a second, he looked at Petunia once more. "You live on the other side of the creek, don't you? How did you get over here?"

Petunia shrugged and picked up another trap. "I had to walk down to where the stagecoach goes over towards town because that bridge is higher than all the others. The water is just at the bottom of the planks. Once I was over, I just walked the long way around and through the trees to make sure no one saw where I was coming."

"Pet, you are a very smart girl."

Petunia beamed from ear to ear. "Aw, shucks."

Ben tenderly tucked a strand of Bethany's brown hair behind her ear and gently lifted her chin with his calloused fingers. She met his gaze with tear-filled eyes and a quivering lip. "We need to tell Tessa where we are going, and then we'll head over there right away."

As they prepared to leave, Bethany cast a wary glance at Petunia, who still stood by the traps. Benjamin watched as a flicker of resistance danced across Bethany's face at the idea of someone else tending to Tommy's belongings. He could see her wrestling with the notion, and after a moment, he noticed her shoulders slump in resigned acceptance. With an audible exhale which seemed to carry the weight of her worries, she appeared to set aside her objections, at least temporarily.

"Thank you, Petunia," she mumbled. "Take good care of those traps."

Petunia nodded, relief clear in her eyes. "I will, Bethany. I promise. After this, I'll check my trap line." She smirked as Bethany's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Yes. I have a line of my own. The only person who knows about it is Tommy."

Before Bethany could respond, Ben clasped her hand and pulled her toward the house.

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.