Chapter Five
Brenda couldn’t helpthe flutter in her stomach as Seth Clinkinbeard pulled his horse to a stop in front of the sprawling ranch. It was dark and all she could do to see anything, but the house in front of her looked large. Large enough for all the children she could want. She dismounted from the back of Seth’s horse and she took a deep breath to steady herself. Now that she was actually married, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d lost her mind agreeing to marry a stranger.
“Quite the place you have here,” Brenda said. She brushed a stray blond lock from her face, hoping her tone conveyed more confidence than she felt. “Must be a lot of work running it all.”
Seth’s lips quirked up at the edges. “It is, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he replied.
Brenda followed him toward the main house, taking in the worn wooden planks and the porch that wrapped around the front. A sense of purpose filled her chest. “I’d like to learn, you know. About ranching.” Her words tumbled out, eager and earnest.
“Would you?” There was a hint of surprise in Seth’s tone, and he glanced over at her.
“Sure.” Brenda nodded, her spirit undampened by his brief silence. “Never been one to shy away from getting my hands dirty. Plus, I think it’s better than spending my days talking to the chickens and waiting for the walls to answer back.”
“Is that so?” Seth’s mouth twitched again, this time a smile threatening to break free. He led her up the steps, his stride confident and sure. “You know part of your day will need to be spent cooking, cleaning, and doing all those things wives do.”
“Absolutely,” Brenda affirmed, following close on his heels. “And don’t worry about me keeping up. I’m quick on the uptake, and I’ve got a knack for...well, most things.” She let out a soft chuckle. “Except maybe singing. I’ve even had small children cover their ears and run for the hills when I start singing.”
“Most things, huh?” Seth’s voice carried a note of amusement, and when he looked back at her, there was a warmth in his eyes she hadn’t seen before.
“Except cooking,” Brenda added quickly. “Well, I’m a decent cook, but I don’t much care for it.”
“Guess we’ll see about that,” Seth said, opening the door to the house for her, the flicker of a challenge in his gaze.
“Guess we will,” Brenda agreed.
He stepped closer, and she could feel the heat of his body even before his lips met hers.
“Wha—” Brenda started, but the question was swept away by the sudden rush of the moment. She’d meant to learn about the ranch, but this was the kind of learning she should have on her wedding night. His kiss, hesitant at first, grew more confident, mirroring the boldness that often characterized her own spirit.
They stumbled as they kissed and stroked and learned each other. With a bashful yet earnest clumsiness, they found their way to Seth’s bedroom, leaving the world behind.
The room was simple, the bed unadorned, but none of that mattered as they made love for the first time. It was a mix of awkward pauses and soft laughter. Every touch was a revelation.
Afterward, Brenda lay beside Seth, her skin still tingling from their shared experience. She turned her head, watching him as his breathing slowed and deep sleep claimed him. She wanted to talk, to get to know him better and talk about shared dreams for their future. But he was asleep, and she was left alone with her thoughts.
She stared up at the ceiling. Her heart was a tangle of emotions—joy, yearning, a touch of uncertainty. Her life had been a series of moments leading to this, and she still clung to the hope of sunshine, unicorns, and rainbows.
