Brenda didn’t need to ask what—or who—that something was. She already knew, felt it in the way her heart skipped when he smiled, how the future seemed brighter with him in it.
“Me too, Seth. Me too.”
Brenda smiled as she saw the river, and she and Seth dismounted by the water’s edge. Their horses grazed nearby, content in the lush grass.
“Feels like the world’s just ours for the taking,” Brenda said, easing down onto the soft earth. She stretched her legs out. “I’m so glad you decided to take the day off. Have you ever done this before? Not when you were sick, of course, but just because you wanted to?”
Seth shrugged. “Not really. My pa only cared about the land. Ma died when my sister was born, and Pa cared about the legacy he was leaving me and nothing else.” He shook his head. “I think that’s where I got it from.”
“How old were you when she died?”
“Two. I don’t remember anything about her. We had a housekeeper until my sister married and Pa died. Then there didn’t seem to be any point.”
“I’m sorry you’ve been alone.”
He sighed. “I had my work to keep me company.”
“I’m not sure that was the best thing for you!” Brenda said. “Does it feel good to not be alone anymore?”
“Sure does,” Seth replied, sitting beside her with a relaxed slant to his shoulders. He pulled off his hat, running a hand through his hair before settling back, his gaze fixed on the water. “You ever been to a spot like this before?”
“Never quite like this,” she confessed with a smile. The simplicity of the scene, the gentle flow of the river, it was all new to her. But it felt comfortable there with him.
They shared tales of their childhoods—his on the expansive ranch, hers in the crowded orphanage.
“Did you really trade your sister’s pie for a frog?” Seth asked, one eyebrow cocked in amused disbelief.
“Guilty,” Brenda admitted. “But in my defense, it was a very convincing magic frog.”
“Ah, I see. And did it grant wishes?”
“Only the wish of seeing my sister’s face turn the color of her cherry filling,” she chuckled. “I thought Amy was going to strangle me in my sleep, and let’s be honest. I deserved it.”
Seth shook his head, still grinning. Without a word, he stood up and wandered a few steps away, stooping down to where the wildflowers grew thick and abundant along the riverbank.
“Here,” Seth said upon returning, holding out a small bouquet of wildflowers. The colors were vibrant—a mix of blues, yellows, and purples, woven together by his rough hands into a token both delicate and strong.
Brenda looked up at him, surprise etched on her features before shifting into a warm, appreciative smile. “For me?” Her voice was soft, touched by the simple kindness of the gesture.
“Thought they’d look nicer with you than with the dirt,” Seth replied.
“Thank you, Seth,” she said, taking the flowers and brushing her fingers over the petals. “They’re beautiful.”
“Figured they matched your spirit,” he added, watching her reaction closely.
“Is that so?” Brenda asked. “Wild and untamed?”
“Exactly,” he said, settling back down next to her with a contented sigh.
*****
“SURE IS A BEAUTIFULevening,” Seth remarked.
“Sure is,” Brenda said, her lips curving into a smile. She was almost disappointed to walk inside, but she was hungry, and she knew he must be as well.“Go on and wash up, I’ll call you when supper’s ready.” she instructed.
“Need any help?” Seth offered.
“I think I can manage,” Brenda replied, her tone playful yet firm. “But thank you, Seth.”
