Chapter Two
Steven Miller reinedin his newly purchased horse, the expanse of Elaina’s ranch sprawling before him. The wild grandeur of the West lay open and inviting, with skies so vast they promised freedom and renewal. Yet, as Steven’s gaze descended upon the ranch itself, a sobering sight replaced the spark of hope that had carried him this far.
Dilapidated buildings dotted the property. The barn, its red paint faded to a mere whisper, sagged under the weight of neglect, its doors hanging off hinges too tired to protest. The corral lay in disrepair, its broken fence posts jutting out.
As he urged his mount forward, Steven’s eyes swept across the fields, where weeds had claimed the land meant for grazing. The soil was parched and cracked, and he wanted to plow it all up and plant something. He noted the stunted growth of the garden.
A sense of duty stirred within him. The land was aching for revival, and Steven felt the weight of responsibility settle upon his broad shoulders. He knew the labor would be backbreaking, but the land called to him.
The horse beneath him snorted, uneasy with the stillness that hung over the place, and Steven offered a calming pat to its neck, whispering assurances to both the animal and himself. “We’ve got our work cut out for us, boy,” he murmured.
He dismounted with the grace of a man accustomed to the saddle. In the distance, the mountains stood watching over everything. He wished they could tell him of the things that had happened since Elaina’s father had died.
Steven set his jaw with quiet determination. With each step toward the heart of the ranch, Steven embraced the challenge that awaited him, ready to breathe life into this corner of the West that time had seemingly forgotten.
Steven was examining the splintered wood of the corral fence when he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. He straightened, turning to see a woman walking toward him. She moved with purpose, her long strawberry-blonde hair trailing behind her.
“Mr. Miller?” Her voice carried across the expanse, a clear note in the vast silence of the ranch. As she drew closer, Steven could see the resolve etched on Elaina’s face, her green eyes lit with intensity.
“Miss Walstad,” he greeted, tipping his hat in respect. “I’ve just arrived.”
Elaina stopped before him, her gaze taking him in. “I hope your journey was tolerable. There’s much to discuss and even more to be done,” she said. The weariness of her tone made him wonder how long she’d been fighting against her father’s men to do the job.
“I agree,” Steven replied. “You mentioned urgent matters in your letters. I’m here to assist in any way I can.”
She sighed. “It’s the foreman,” she began, hesitating for a fleeting moment before the floodgates opened. “He’s been betraying my trust, selling off my cattle under pretenses. The profits were substantial, and none made it into the ranch’s ledgers.”
Shock rippled through Steven’s frame, a silent wave that tensed his shoulders. His hazel eyes narrowed sharply. “Selling your cattle?” he asked, disbelief lacing his words. “How long has this been going on?”
“Months,” Elaina admitted. “Since shortly after my father passed. I only found out recently. The foreman was careful, but not careful enough.”
“Miss Walstad,” Steven said. “I give you my word, we’ll set this right.”
Elaina’s eyes searched his. She gave a curt nod, the flicker of gratitude apparent despite her efforts to remain composed. “Thank you, Mr. Miller. Your promise gives me hope.”
“I think we need to figure out exactly what he’s been doing,” Steven suggested.
“Agreed,” Elaina said. “It’s not going to be easy, and I know the foreman won’t give up when he’s challenged. But we must protect what’s rightfully mine.”
Steven looked up at the sky, seeing that the sun was starting to set. “Are we going to marry today? Or do you want to wait a day or two before we get the legalities out of the way?”
Elaina didn’t like her wedding being referred to as legalities, but she knew that he was right. She didn’t need rumors flying around about her character at such a difficult time for the ranch. “Let’s ride into town and get it done now.” She started toward the stable, aware that he was right behind her.
When they reached the stable, Steven saddled a horse for her. “You sure you don’t want to take a buggy?” he asked.
“I’m sure. I don’t know what women are like where you’re from, but I can tell you that around here, women can take care of themselves.”
Steven shook his head. “My sisters are perfectly able to spend the morning cooking, the afternoon helping birth a cow, and the evening planting crops. I assure you, I will not underestimate you because I know full well what women can do.”
Elaina nodded. “Good, then you won’t argue with me when there’s work to be done.”
“Do you cook?” he asked.
“No, my mother died when I was a girl and never taught me. We have a live-in cook who has been around for as long as I can remember.”
He nodded. “Just so someone is feeding us,” he said with a grin.
They made the ride into town without saying much else to one another. It was hard to carry on a conversation with both of them riding into town. Once there, she led the way to the church, and then behind the church building to the parsonage. The pastor made the wedding quick, and soon they were on their way back. As they rode back, he realized the pastor hadn’t invited him to kiss her, which had been what he’d wanted out of the ceremony. It didn’t matter though. He’d find a way to kiss the girl before the night was over. She was too beautiful not to.
