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“Well, if it isn’t Wyatt Cole, the luckiest man west of the Mississippi,” Martin declared as he stepped down from his horse, extending a rough hand toward Wyatt, who was leaning against the porch railing. The old rancher’s eyes twinkled with mirth under the brim of his dusty hat.
Wyatt grinned and took Martin’s hand, giving it a firm shake. “Martin, it’s so good to see you. What brings you out this way?”
“Just had to see for myself the young lady who finally managed to tie you down,” Martin chuckled, his gaze shifting past Wyatt to where Abigail was coming out of the house, a welcoming smile on her face.
“Martin, it’s wonderful to meet you,” Abigail said, extending her hand. “Wyatt’s told me all about your adventures together.”
Martin took her hand gently, his weathered face softening. “The pleasure’s all mine, ma’am. Congratulations to you both. I hear you had quite the wedding.”
As they shared a laugh, Silas joined them, his expression a mix of joy and concern. “Glad you could make it, Martin. Wyatt mentioned you’d been having some trouble with your knee. How’s the ranch holding up?”
Martin’s chuckle faded into a sigh. “Ah, that knee of mine chooses the worst times to remind me I’m not as young as I used to be. It’s been tough, Silas, running things with one good leg.”
Abigail’s expression turned thoughtful. “Actually, I might know someone who could be of help. Rose has been looking for new opportunities, hasn’t she, Wyatt?”
Wyatt nodded slowly. “She has. And she’s sharp as they come. Helped us out a lot around here.”
Martin’s face was lined with skepticism, but he was clearly intrigued. “Is that so? Well, I suppose I’m in no position to turn down a capable hand.”
“Let me talk to her,” Wyatt suggested. “She’s been wanting something to keep her busy, and it sounds like she could really help you out.”
Martin nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon as the sun began to dip lower, casting a beautiful orange glow across the fields. “I’d appreciate that, Wyatt. Thank you.”
“Of course,” Wyatt responded. “But first, let’s get you something to eat, my friend.”
**
Later that evening, Wyatt and Abigail found Rose in the garden, her hands deep in the soil. Abigail knelt beside her, a gentle touch on her shoulder. “Rose, have you got a minute? There’s something we want to discuss with you.”
Rose wiped her brow and sat back on her heels, looking up with interest. “Of course. What’s up?”
“It’s about an old friend of mine, Martin,” Wyatt started, squatting down to her level. “He’s looking for someone to help manage his ranch. He’s had a rough time with an injury and could really use someone with your knack for organization and hard work.”
Rose paused, the idea clearly taking her by surprise. “A ranch, huh? That’s quite the responsibility,” she mused, her gaze drifting off as she considered the opportunity.
Abigail smiled encouragingly. “We think you’d be perfect for it. It could be a good change, and you’d have full authority to manage things your way.”
Rose looked between them, a mix of excitement and uncertainty in her eyes. Finally, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll give it a try. For your friend’s sake and mine. Let’s see if I can turn that place around.”
Wyatt clapped his hands together, pleased. “That’s the spirit! I’ll let Martin know you’re on board.”
As the evening shadows grew longer and the cool breeze of dusk began to sweep across the ranch, there was a sense of new beginnings in the air. Little did they know just how much this decision would change not only Rose’s life but also the lives of everyone involved.
**
A couple of months had passed since Rose agreed to help Martin with his ranch. She arrived at the sprawling acreage that bordered a meandering river, her heart filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Martin was waiting for her by the gate, his stance a bit awkward due to his injury, but his smile was warm and welcoming.
“Welcome to Cedar Grove Ranch, Rose. Glad you could make it,” Martin greeted her, his voice carrying over the wind that rustled through the tall grasses.
Rose smiled, stepping out of the buggy with a small suitcase in hand. “Thank you for having me, Martin. I’m ready to get to work and learn all about how you run things here.”
Martin led her on a tour of the ranch, pointing out the sprawling fields that needed tending and the cattle that grazed lazily under the sun. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding,” he explained, his eyes scanning the horizon with a sense of pride.
As the days turned into weeks, Rose immersed herself in the daily operations of Cedar Grove. She introduced new systems of tracking the cattle and rotated grazing patterns that increased the productivity of the pastures. Martin watched her work with a growing admiration, impressed by her innovative methods and her ability to handle the ranch hands with a blend of firmness and fairness.
One evening, after a long day of work, they sat together on the porch of Martin’s ranch house, overlooking the fields bathed in the glow of the setting sun. The air was cool, carrying the scent of fresh hay and the distant sound of the river flowing steadily.
“You’ve done wonders for Cedar Grove, Rose,” Martin said, his voice tinged with gratitude. “I haven’t seen the ranch this efficient in years.”
Rose turned to him, her cheeks flushed from the compliment. “I’m glad I could help. It feels good to be part of something like this, to see the immediate results of our hard work.”
Martin nodded, his gaze lingering on her face. “It’s more than just help, Rose. You’ve brought a new life to the ranch… and to me.”
The air between them charged with an unspoken understanding, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other, the world around them fading into the background.
“I’ve been thinking,” Martin began hesitantly, “about how nice it’s been having you here. Not just for the ranch, but for me personally.”
Rose felt her heart beat a little faster, unsure of where the conversation was heading. “Martin?”
“I know this might seem sudden, but I’ve grown very fond of you, Rose. And I was hoping… perhaps you might consider staying here permanently?” Martin’s voice was hopeful but laced with an undercurrent of nerves.
Rose took a deep breath, the magnitude of his words sinking in. “Martin, I… I’m fond of you too. These months have been some of the happiest I’ve ever had.”
Encouraged, Martin reached for her hand, his eyes searching hers. “Would you think about it? Staying here, with me?”
Before she could answer, a commotion at the edge of the property caught their attention. A group of the ranch hands were rushing toward the barn, shouting about a loose stallion. Martin stood abruptly, the moment interrupted. “We better see to that,” he said, a touch of regret in his tone.
They dealt with the emergency, working side by side to calm the stallion and secure the barn. As they walked back to the house, the adrenaline slowly subsiding, Rose found her decision made.
“Martin, about what you said earlier,” she began, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. “I would like that. Staying here, with you.”
Martin stopped walking, turning to face her with a look of disbelief that quickly turned into joy. “Really?”
“Yes,” Rose affirmed, her smile bright under the moonlight. “I feel like I’ve found a place where I belong, and a person I belong with.”
That night, as they shared a quiet dinner in the cozy kitchen, the bond between them deepened, paving the way for a future neither had expected but both eagerly embraced. The days that followed were filled with planning and discussions about the ranch and their life together, each conversation bringing them closer.
**
The season shifted gently around them, the coolness of early autumn casting a golden hue across the sprawling fields of Cedar Grove Ranch. It was during one of these crisp mornings that Martin and Rose decided to venture out to the old town of Willow Creek for supplies. The town, nestled beside the bustling creek it was named after, held a quaint charm with its small shops and friendly faces.
As they walked through the bustling market, Martin couldn’t help but notice how Rose interacted with the townspeople. She had a way about her that made people feel instantly at ease, her laughter ringing clear and bright as she chatted with the vendors. He felt a deep warmth watching her, realizing how integral she had become not only to his life but to the heart of Cedar Grove.
“Martin, look at this!” Rose called out, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she stood in front of a stall selling handcrafted quilts. She held up a beautiful patchwork quilt, the patterns reminiscent of the vibrant sunsets they often watched together. “Wouldn’t this look wonderful in our home?”
“It surely would,” Martin agreed, smiling at her enthusiasm. He purchased the quilt, pleased to see her so happy. As they continued their walk, he felt a growing sense of contentment. The decision to propose to Rose had been the easiest choice of his life, and every moment since had only solidified his certainty.
After finishing their errands, they took a detour on their way back to the ranch, driving the buggy through a scenic route that Martin had always loved. The road wound through rolling hills and lush meadows, the trees starting to show the first signs of autumnal color.
“There’s a special place I want to show you,” Martin said as he guided the horse down a narrow path that veered off the main road.
They came to a stop beside a serene lake, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky and the fiery leaves of the nearby trees. The beauty of the place took Rose’s breath away. “Martin, it’s beautiful here,” she whispered, her voice full of wonder.
“I used to come here to think when I first bought Cedar Grove,” Martin shared, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “It’s been my place of peace. And now, I’d like it to be ours.”
They unpacked a small picnic by the lakeside, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore providing a tranquil soundtrack to their meal. As they ate, the conversation turned to dreams for the future, discussing everything from the upcoming harvest to potential improvements on the ranch.
Rose was animated, sharing her ideas with a passion that Martin found both endearing and invigorating. It was during these moments of shared visions that he felt their connection deepen, rooted in mutual respect and a burgeoning love.
The picnic beside the serene lake, with gentle breezes rustling the autumn leaves, created the perfect backdrop for heartfelt discussions. As they finished their meal, they lingered over a pot of freshly brewed coffee, watching the sun’s rays dance across the water’s surface.
Martin watched Rose as she laughed at a story he had just told about his early days on the ranch. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and her easy smile made his heart swell. He thought about all the laughter and light she had brought into his life since her arrival. It was then, with the golden afternoon light enveloping them in its warm embrace, that Martin felt a surge of certainty.
“Rose,” Martin began, his tone shifting to something more serious. He waited until she met his gaze, her expression turning curious. “You know, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about us, about all the things we’ve shared and planned together.”
Rose nodded, her smile softening as she sensed the shift in his mood. “So have I,” she said, her voice gentle, encouraging him to continue.
Martin took a deep breath, the ring box feeling heavy in his pocket. “I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. These past months, having you here, working alongside you… it’s made me realize how much I don’t want this to just be a temporary arrangement.”
Rose’s breath hitched slightly, her hand coming to rest over her heart, her eyes wide with emotion.
Martin reached into his pocket and pulled out the small velvet box. He held it, unopened, between them. “I brought you here today, to this place of peace, because it’s here that I’ve made some of my most important decisions. And I can’t think of a more perfect moment than now, with you by my side, to ask you this.” He opened the box to reveal the ring, its diamond catching the light of the setting sun.
Rose gasped softly, her hands coming up to cover her mouth as tears glistened in her eyes.
“Rose, will you marry me? Will you make this place, and my life, as full of joy and passion as you’ve made these past weeks?”
Tears streamed down Rose’s cheeks as she nodded vigorously, unable to find her words at first. Finally, she managed to whisper, “Yes, Martin. Yes, I will marry you.”
Martin took the ring and slipped it onto her finger, his hands trembling slightly with emotion. They embraced tightly, neither wanting to let go, their hearts beating in unison against the backdrop of the tranquil lake and the golden hues of the evening.
As they pulled back to look at each other, Martin brushed away a tear from Rose’s cheek with his thumb, his eyes shining with happiness. “I promise to make you as happy as you’ve made me,” he murmured, sealing his vow with a tender kiss.
“You know, Rose,” he chuckled, gazing into her eyes with affection, “Wyatt was bragging the other day about how he was the luckiest man in the west after marrying Abigail. I think he’s about to be outdone.”
Rose laughed, the sound mingling with the rustling leaves around them. “Oh, is that so? Well, we might just have to prove him right. Imagine the look on his face when we tell him we’re next.”
Martin’s laughter joined hers, echoing across the serene lake. “He’ll have to pass that title over to me, I suppose. But for tonight, let’s just enjoy being the happiest couple here.”
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Heroes of the Wild Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hey there, I really hope you liked my new western adventure story and the extended epilogue! I would be glad to read your comments below.