Chapter Fifty-Six

The Heart of the Mountains Ranch

“Such a beautiful spot,” Ashley whispered, snuggled in Francis’s arms, his hands locked together in front of her. Her back was to his chest as they gazed over the patch of land that would, after today, be their orchard, and where their house would someday be built.

“I don’t think a dream could be prettier,” she said. “The stream, the mountains, and the hill where the wildflowers will grow in the spring. I’m beside myself with happiness.” She turned in his arms and his lips claimed hers, shushing all the talk.

The warm sunshine on his shoulders felt nice. He’d been impatient for a few kisses but had learned over the two months since she’d moved to Y Knot that giving her time to express her feelings was always a good thing.

She pulled back but kept her hands up around his neck. “Are you as happy as I am?”

The feeling of his heart expanding had become a regular occurrence these past few months. “Happier. The happiest I’ve ever been. And I’ll be even happier come spring, when you become my wife. The baby green grass just sprouted, wildflowers blooming everywhere, hundreds of calves bawlin’ for their mamas…” He glanced up at the clouds filled with wonder. “That’s a heady thought. You, my wife. Me, your husband. This whole thing has been quite the surprise.”

Smiling, she nuzzled his neck. “I hope you like surprises. I’ve always been fond of giving them. I’ll fill your days with surprises and your nights with love.”

A flush broke out on his face. When they were alone, she wasn’t shy in the least. He loved that about her but was still getting used to being one half of a couple.

“The Klinkners were kind to invite you to live with them until the wedding. Lots of exciting events planned for next year. We’ll start on the house. Then, after the wedding, you’ll keep teaching for as long as you can…”

Dreaminess filled her eyes and she smiled. “You mean until we’re blessed with a babe?”

He nodded. “Well, yeah, that usually…”

“You’ll be a fine father, Francis.” She went up on tiptoe and kissed his chin. “You’re so patient. I’ve seen you with Holly and Dawn, and even Rachel and Amy’s little fellas. They’re all so cute.”

More wonder filled his chest. A husband was one thing; he was ready for that, no question, but a father? A tiny niggle of alarm traced up his spine. What had happened to his father? Had he been killed, leaving Francis an orphan, or had his sire tossed him away unwanted? No way to know. None at all. He’d never want to be like that.

“All this talk of being a father—” He chuckled, but the humor wasn’t there. “Let’s take one step at a time. We still have a long winter to get through. Only after that, we’ll start talking spring flowers, calving season, and weddings.”

She quickly pulled back to read his expression. “Are you getting cold feet?”

Seemed she wasn’t afraid to talk about anything. She’d said she liked open communication, and she’d proven that fact more times than he could count.

“Not on your life. I just like taking things slow and easy when the talk turns to young’uns. I never had any parents, and I don’t really know why. Maybe my father was some horrible person. I just get a little anxious, is all.”

She lowered her hands from around his neck and rested them on his biceps, feeling his muscles ever so gently. “And maybe he was a very loving man who was accidentally killed, as well as your mother, leaving you an orphan and no one alive to tell the tale. That explanation is just as plausible as the other. Don’t let your fear undermine who you really are, my love. Who I know you to be.”

Her understanding smile chased away his anxiety.

She reached up and finger combed his hair behind his ears and then played with the curls around his collar, knowing very well he liked the caress. “You’re a natural,” she went on softly. “Even the baby animals respond to you. You have the touch.”

“Well, your mother finally likes me, and that fact must mean something. She sure enjoys her job with Berta May, sewing and darning all day long.”

“I think she enjoys the larger town. Having friends, male and female. Starting out new. And I’m enjoying having her in town but living in separate places. I’ve never done that before. Her at Berta May’s and me at Ina’s. The move has been good for both of us. And she’s the apple expert. Taught me all I know, but there’s always more to learn.”

Sounds of a jangling harness made them both turn.

“Here come your trees. I hope you’re ready.” They’d been keeping the saplings inside one of the covered lumber sheds at Klinkner’s mill for a few days since the trees had arrived from Priest’s Crossing. The ranch hands had come out one day and helped prepare the land to Mrs. Adair’s specifications, for the trees from the original orchard in Priest’s Crossing and others Ashley and Angelia had ordered. The hundred and fifty holes were dug in one day. Today, the trees would be planted, followed by a picnic with everyone in attendance.

Behind Hayden and Heather’s wagon came Roady with Sally and the baby. More townsfolk would arrive any time as well.

When the wagons were close enough, Roady called, “Thought we’d come out early. Hope you don’t mind.”

Francis smiled and found one of Ashley’s hands, a feeling of wonder, peace, and love swirling around inside his heart. His life, one that began on such unstable ground, was now one of deep gratefulness and love. “’Course not. Always glad to see you.”

Hayden expertly circled the wagon, parking close to the straight rows of holes, and pulled the team to a halt, the saplings in the back slowly swaying.

Roady followed suit. Gillian howled loudly in her mother’s arms.

In all the catching up after they’d come back from Priest’s Crossing, he’d only seen Roady’s daughter once, and only for a moment. Curious now, he and Ashley walked close as Hayden and Roady helped the ladies down, making sure everyone was safe.

Sally held Gillian to her shoulder, vigorously patting her back. “I think she has a pesky bubble stuck in her craw. Poor baby has been fussing and fretting since we left the mill. I’d hoped the bumpy ride would work out the nuisance, but we’ve had no luck with that. My little princess is miserable.”

Just as Roady went to take Gillian, Francis stepped up with outstretched hands. “Can I give her a go? I’ve had some experience with Dawn and Holly.”

Hayden and Roady exchanged a look and then Roady winked. “As her sleep-deprived father, I give you my blessing.”

Francis carefully lifted a squalling Gillian from Sally’s hands.

When she looked into his face, she howled so loud an enormous burp sounded, and then she settled down, her face wet with tears.

Francis pushed out his chest and then let his gaze stray over to Ashley, so thankful for the young woman who’d captured his heart. “See, darlin’. One way or the other, I get the job done. You can count on me.”

Smiling, Ashley snuggled under his free arm, gazing at the now sleepy-eyed infant. A moment later she looked up at him in adoration.

Their life was just beginning. If he felt this good now, contemplating the rest of his life was exciting. “I love you,” he whispered as he fell into her eyes as if the others weren’t there, standing nearby. “I promise that will never change.”

She ran a hand over his chest, staying clear of Gillian who had fallen asleep. “I can see your feelings deep in your eyes, Francis, and it makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I love you more than you could ever know. I promise I’ll never forget the way I feel this moment in your arms.”