*****
BRENDA SET ABOUT HERwork, a determined glint in her eyes. She moved with purpose around the yard of her modest homestead, tying colorful ribbons to the branches of the old oak tree and setting up tables groaning under the weight of potato salad, cornbread, and jars of sweet tea.
“It’s so hot,” she muttered, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.
“Looks wonderful,” chuckled her sister Amy, stepping into the yard with a basket of freshly picked peaches. Her husband, Tim, followed close behind, already strumming his guitar, filling the air with the lazy notes of a familiar tune.
“Where’s Seth?” Amy asked, glancing around the bustling space.
“Off mending stalls or fences or dealing with an injured hoof. Where else?” Brenda replied, a touch sharper than intended. She took a deep breath, plastering on a smile. “But today’s not about him—it’s about family.”
“Mrs. Hackenschleimer sent pie!” Susan called as she and David walked through the open gate, arms laden with blankets and more food. They settled in quickly, laughter and chattering rising above the clink of ice in glasses and the sizzle of meat cooked outside.
“David, do you think you could find Seth for supper?” Brenda asked, her tone light but her request clear.
“Sure thing,” David said with an easy smile, nodding toward Amos, who had just arrived. “Pastor, care to join me?”
“Of course,” Amos replied, his gentle eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. He touched Hannah’s arm before walking away with David.
Together, they made their way to the barn where Seth was holed up, hammering away.
“Evening, Seth,” David greeted, leaning against the door frame. “Brenda’s whipped up a feast fit for kings, and there’s dancing to be had after. You wouldn’t want to miss it.”
“Supper can wait,” Seth grunted, not looking up from his work. “This stall won’t fix itself.”
“The work of our hands is important,” Amos chimed in, his voice soft yet firm. “But so is the work of our hearts. Come, your wife has put in too much work planning this evening and getting everything ready. It would be rude for you to be late.”
Seth paused, considering the pastor’s words. He wiped his brow and finally met their gazes. There was something in the way Amos looked at him—a quiet understanding—that nudged at Seth’s conscience.
“All right,” Seth conceded, setting down his tools. “Just give me a minute to wash up.”
As he walked past David and Amos, the faint sound of laughter drew him in, the warmth of the gathering calling to something deep inside him that he hadn’t realized was yearning for connection.
“Seems like a mighty fine evening,” Seth admitted, almost to himself, as he glimpsed Brenda through the window, her laughter mingling with the golden hues of the setting sun.
Later, Seth stood with a group of his friends, all sharing a laugh about a story Tim told about his daughters.
“Say, Seth,” Aaron, one of his new brothers-in-law said, his chuckle fading into concern. “You think Brenda’s all right with how much time you spend working? She seems a little put out with you tonight.”
“Course she’s all right with it,” Seth replied, a tad too quickly. “Why wouldn’t she be?”
“Women need attention, Seth,” Joel said. “And Brenda, she’s a gem. She was there for Tim and Amy when they needed her. All the girls talk about what a good person Brenda is.”
Seth shifted uncomfortably. He had been more interested in the ranch than his new wife. But wasn’t that what a man was supposed to do? Provide?
“Look here,” said Tim, taking a step closer to Seth. “Brenda’s not just any woman. She’s got spirit, that one. And if you don’t pay attention to her, you’re gonna lose her.”
“Tim’s right,” Amos added, nodding. “We’ve seen how she looks at you, like you hung the moon and stars. But lately...well, those stares look more like she wants to throw a brick at your head.”
“Aw, come on,” Seth protested, though doubt niggled at his heart. “She knows I have work—”
“Work can wait,” Andrew cut in, holding up a hand. “A good woman won’t. She made you supper, dressed up nice, and you walked right past her. That’s no way to treat a lady.” He shook his head. “Cassandra told me that she made her a pretty dress, and you didn’t even notice, and didn’t talk to her. Instead, you went out to the barn to work. She said Brenda cried to her about it the next day.”
“I’ve heard stories about Brenda when she’s angry,” Aaron said with a wry grin. “I hear she has a sharp tongue and a temper to match.”
“Being present ain’t about being in the room, Seth,” Tim said softly, placing a hand on Seth’s shoulder. “It’s about being there for her.”
“Besides,” Max piped in, “if she leaves, who’s gonna put up with your grumpy mug every morning?”
