“I’d love that,” she said.
“Nothing comes easy out here,” he admitted, reaching for her hand. His grip was strong, calloused from labor, yet gentle as he traced circles on her palm.
“Didn’t expect it would,” she said, her gray eyes meeting his in the pale moonlight streaming through the slats. “We’re made of sterner stuff, you and I.”
“Like iron tempered by fire,” Harvey agreed, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.
“Pa thinks you’re trouble,” Barbara confessed, her resolve hardening like the packed earth underfoot.
“Let him think what he will,” Harvey replied, his jaw set. “I am not my father, and you’re not yours. We write our own story now.”
“Harvey Bedwell, you have yourself a deal.” Her words were a vow, stronger than any fear or doubt that lingered at the edge of her consciousness.
“Then let’s shake on it.” He offered his hand, and she took it, pulling him closer to her for a kiss.
They stood there, in the meadows of Clover Creek, locked in a tender embrace. The cool breeze swept through Barbara’s hair, as Harvey’s rough hands held her closer. Their lips met in a sweet, lingering kiss that spoke volumes of their newfound connection.
As they pulled away, a smile stretched across Barbara’s face. “I never thought I’d find love,” she confessed, “I never thought you’d notice me.”
Harvey chuckled softly, his warm brown eyes gazing into hers. “Sometimes life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it, Barbara. And I think it’s always been right here for us, just waiting to be discovered.”
Barbara nodded, her heart fluttering like a bird in flight. “You know, Harvey, there’s something about this place that feels so alive. It’s like we’re part of something bigger, something timeless.”
“Tomorrow,” she said, “we take the first step.”
“Tomorrow,” he echoed, the word a pledge of journeys yet to come.
Chapter Three
The wooden steps of the church groaned under Barbara’s boots as she descended, her hand lingering within Harvey’s calloused grip. His dark eyes twinkled with a quiet courage that set her heart aflutter. She glanced back to see her father, his face stern and unforgiving.
“Barbara,” her father’s voice called out.
Harvey had invited her to go for a drive, though, and she planned to go with him. She wasn’t going to give up a day with the man she loved simply so her pa would be happy. “Pa,” she called back, “I’ll be home later.”
With that, they hastened their pace, Harvey’s wagon awaiting them. The leather reins creaked in Harvey’s grasp, and with a gentle nudge, the horses ambled forward. Barbara dared not look back again, but she could close her eyes and see her father’s scowl.
The ride to the boarding house was a silent one.
Harvey broke the silence as they neared their destination. “Barbara,” he began, his voice strong like the planks of wood he’d hauled to build his cabin, “I thought you might be hungry after the service.”
“I am, Harvey,” she replied, lips curving into a smile. She wouldn’t let herself feel bad that her father and mother would be eating her ma’s cooking instead of hers. They’d eaten it for many years, and they would need to continue to do so when she was out of the house, and she hoped that day wouldn’t be too far off.
Inside the boarding house, the scent of fresh bread and stewed meat greeted them. It was a simple fare, but every mouthful was a luxury. It had been seven years since they were on the trail, but neither of them would forget how difficult it had been. They settled at a small table in one corner of the dining room.
“Thank you for bringing me here, Harvey,” Barbara said, her gray eyes reflecting the earnestness of her words.
“Only the best for you, Barbara,” he replied with a shy grin. He didn’t mention the boarding house was the only place to have someone cook for you in the valley unless you were visiting a friend. There was no need. They both knew it was true.
“Something on your mind?” Harvey asked, noting her pensive expression.
Barbara shook her head. “Just enjoying having time with you,” she said softly. She’d had feelings for him for so long, and she was thankful he finally seemed to notice her.
“I asked your pa if I could court you last year, and he said no. I asked again, and he said no. I tried to forget about you, but I can’t. You needing my help at school that day was a godsend.”
“Pa’s said the same thing to me. Repeatedly. It’s not you he doesn’t like, Harvey. It’s your father, and the things that happened on the trail.”
Harvey nodded. “I want to marry you anyway.”
