“I'm tired of men making my body the center of an argument,” she told him one evening.
He nodded.
“Then how would you like me to respond?”
She considered the question.
“By telling the truth.”
He smiled.
“Which truth?”
“That you love me.”
His expression softened.
“And that I run a good business.”
He laughed.
“Both easy enough.”
She smiled.
“And if they still don't understand?”
He took her hand.
“Then we leave them to their foolishness.”
She nodded.
“Exactly.”
One Saturday, they attended a small market gathering in the valley.
The woman traveled in a broad wagon with a reinforced seat that the rancher had helped modify according to her instructions.
The trip was tiring, but she wanted to meet customers and negotiate several orders in person.
She wore a beautiful burgundy dress with cream lace along the neckline.
Her chestnut hair was braided over one shoulder.
The rancher walked beside her as she entered the market area.
People stared.
She noticed.
Then lifted her chin.
The rancher offered his arm.
She accepted it.
Together, they approached the stalls.
A merchant who had previously mocked her looked toward them with a smirk.
“Well, look at that. The mountain man found himself a bride.”
The woman stopped.
The rancher looked toward her.
She gave him a small nod.
Then faced the merchant.
“Not yet.”
The man laughed.
“Then perhaps there's still time for him to think clearly.”
Several people nearby turned.
The woman's cheeks flushed.
But she remained calm.
The rancher stepped beside her.
“I'm thinking clearly enough.”
The merchant grinned.
“Are you?”
The rancher nodded.
“I've been courting the most capable woman I know.”
The merchant's smile tightened.
The rancher continued.
“She runs her business honestly, keeps better accounts than half the merchants in this valley, and knows more about preserving meat than anyone I've met.”
He looked toward the woman.
“And she's beautiful.”
Her lips trembled.
The merchant snorted.
The rancher turned back.
“That's the truth. You can do what you please with it.”
Then he offered the woman his arm again.
She took it.
They walked away.
For several minutes, she said nothing.
The rancher glanced toward her.
“Too much?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
Her voice was barely audible.
He looked concerned.
“Darling?”
She stopped.
Then looked up at him.
“Thank you.”
He smiled.
“For telling the truth?”
She nodded.
He gently kissed her forehead.
“Anytime.”