This time, he stayed long enough for supper.
They ate at the kitchen table while the evening light faded across the mountains.
He told her about his ranch.
It wasn't a sprawling western cattle empire, but a hard-working mountain property with pastureland, a small herd, several horses, and enough timber to keep the buildings warm through winter.
He had inherited part of the land from his father, then purchased adjoining acreage over the years.
His work required long days.
Some seasons were profitable.
Others barely covered expenses.
He was proud of what he'd built.
But he spoke about it without boasting.
She listened.
Then asked why he'd never married.
The question escaped before she could stop it.
Her cheeks immediately reddened.
“I'm sorry. That's none of my business.”
He smiled faintly.
“Not married.”
She nodded awkwardly.
“I gathered that.”
He laughed.
Then his expression became more serious.
“I was engaged once.”
She looked up.
“What happened?”
He considered the question.
Then shrugged.
“Didn't work out.”
She lowered her eyes.
He continued.
“She wanted to live in a city. I wanted the mountains.”
The woman nodded.
“Sometimes wanting different lives is enough.”
He looked surprised.
Then smiled.
“Exactly.”
He studied her for a moment.
“Were you married?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
He nodded.
She waited for the question that usually followed.
Why not?
Was it because of her body?
Had nobody wanted her?
But he didn't ask.
Instead, he looked toward the smokehouse through the window.
“Your father must've depended on you a great deal.”
She blinked.
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“Looks like you knew how to keep everything running.”
The simplicity of the compliment made her throat tighten.
She looked down at her hands.
“I tried.”
He smiled.
“Seems you did more than try.”
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she asked whether he'd like another serving.
He accepted.
After supper, he helped carry the heavy meat parcels toward his horse.
Before leaving, he turned back.
“Would it be all right if I brought another job next month?”
She stared.
Then smiled.
“Of course.”
He hesitated.
“And perhaps stayed for supper again?”
Her heart began pounding.
She tried to sound casual.
“If you're willing to eat my cooking.”
He grinned.
“That's the easiest part.”
Then he rode away.
She watched until he disappeared behind the trees.
That night, she sat beside the fireplace with a cup of the coffee he'd brought.