Then the rancher slowly stood.
“I'm not discussing her body, her marriage prospects, or anything else that has nothing to do with this mortgage.”
The banker looked offended.
The rancher placed the statement back inside his coat.
“I asked about the debt.”
The banker stared.
“And I expect an answer supported by records.”
Then he turned toward the door.
The banker called after him.
“You're making a mistake getting involved with her.”
The rancher stopped.
For a moment, the banker seemed pleased.
Then the rancher turned.
His voice was quiet.
“The mistake would be believing you have the right to decide what that woman deserves.”
He walked out.
When he returned to the mountain property, the woman was waiting beside the smokehouse.
She had baked bread.
A pot of stew simmered near the kitchen stove.
And she had dressed in a deep blue gown with delicate white embroidery along the sleeves.
The rancher noticed immediately.
He smiled.
“You look lovely.”
Her cheeks turned pink.
She glanced toward her dress.
“It's only an old gown.”
He shook his head.
“Still lovely.”
For several seconds, she stared at him.
Then she looked away.
“You're making a habit of saying things that embarrass me.”
He smiled.
“Could stop.”
She shook her head quickly.
“No.”
He laughed.
She laughed too.
They entered the kitchen.
He washed his hands.
She prepared the meal.
For a while, the ordinary work of supper allowed them to avoid the questions both wanted to ask.
Then she looked toward him.
“Did you speak with the banker?”
He nodded.
Her smile faded.
“What did he say?”
The rancher considered how to explain.
Then he told her about the disputed charges.
He described the banker's refusal to show the original account.
And he explained what he'd learned about the planned supply depot and the value of the spring.
The woman sat motionless.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she slowly looked toward the smokehouse.
“He wants the land.”
The rancher nodded.
“I believe so.”
She stared at the window.
Her father had spent decades building the business.
He had borrowed money to repair it because he believed the property was worth preserving.
Now a banker who had treated her as incapable was apparently trying to obtain the land through a debt she could not even reconcile.
Her hands began trembling.
The rancher noticed.
He moved closer.
“Darling?”
She shook her head.