Chapter Thirteen
Brenda and Seth satside by side on the porch swing, each lost in their own thoughts.
“Beautiful evening,” Seth remarked.
“Sure is,” Brenda replied, her gaze lingering on the horizon . She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her chest. It was now or never.
She turned toward him, her green eyes locking onto his. “Seth, there’s something I need to tell you,” she said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach.
Seth felt the shift in Brenda’s posture. He peered at her, his brow furrowing slightly as he took in her earnest expression. Without a word, he reached out and enveloped her hand with his own—large, warm, calloused from years of ranch work. It was a silent vow of support, a tender gesture from a man who spoke more in actions than words.
“All right, Seth,” Brenda began, drawing in another deep breath, “I’ve been turning things over in my mind, and I have to lay it out straight.” She paused, her thumb idly stroking the back of his hand. “It’s just...do you care about me at all? Or am I just convenient for you?” Her voice was steady, but her eyes searched his, hunting for truth.
Seth’s grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly.
“See, I’m not sure what you really want from our marriage,” Brenda’s voice wavered, her usual sass softened. “I mean, a ranch needs a lady, but do you need me, Seth?”
Seth’s eyes, the color of the Texas earth, never left hers. He waited, silent as the old oak tree that shadowed their modest porch.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Brenda’s next words tumbled out, more fragile than she intended. “I’m...We’re going to have a baby.” Her green eyes shimmered, betraying her fear. “And I’m scared, Seth. Scared you won’t be in our marriage with your whole heart.”
Seth’s calloused hand, firm yet tender, enveloped Brenda’s. “Brenda,” he began, “I know I’ve given you reasons to doubt. I regret that more than you can imagine.”
His gaze held hers, warm and sincere like the fading sunlight that bathed them both. The tension in Brenda’s shoulders eased just a fraction as she listened.
“Truth is,” Seth continued, “you’ve upended my world in ways I never saw coming.” A chuckle escaped him, softening the edges of his confession. “Before you, it was all about acres and cattle. Now...” He paused, searching for the right words.
“Look at me, talking about feelings and futures.” His thumb brushed over her knuckles. “You’ve brought something into my life I didn’t even know was missing. You’ve made me care, Brenda, really care, about more than land and profit.”
“Love and companionship,” he said firmly, “are now the richest parts of my life. And they’re all because of you.
“Every morning,” he said, “I promise to be there. For you, for our child.” He looked into her eyes. “We’re in this together, Brenda. I aim to cherish every moment.”
She couldn’t help it—her eyes widened. In the soft glow of dusk, surprise mingled with a blossoming hope. She’d expected evasions, perhaps even excuses, but instead, Seth offered her unwavering support, a pledge to stand by her side. It was more than she’d dared to imagine.
“Really?” she whispered, her voice laced with the remnants of disbelief.
