The woman looked around.
“It's beautiful.”
The cowboy seemed pleased.
“She's not the biggest ranch in the territory.”
“I didn't say she was.”
He glanced at her.
“What did you say?”
“That she's beautiful.”
He smiled.
“I suppose there's a difference.”
The woman looked toward the house.
There was something peaceful about the place.
No grand entrance.
No elaborate decorations.
No attempt to impress visitors.
Just a solid home surrounded by land that someone clearly cared for.
The cowboy stopped the wagon near the front entrance.
He climbed down and checked the temporary wooden ramp he had asked a ranch hand to bring from the shed.
The woman watched him.
“You've done this before?”
“Used a ramp?”
“Yes.”
“My father had trouble walking after an accident. We built several things to help him move about the ranch.”
The woman studied the ramp.
It was broad and sturdy, with wooden supports beneath it.
“I appreciate the thought.”
The cowboy looked up.
“Would you like a hand?”
She hesitated.
Then she nodded.
“Yes. Please.”
He did not grab her.
He offered his arm and allowed her to choose how to steady herself.
She moved carefully, shifting her weight and taking her time.
The cowboy remained close without hurrying her.
When her boots finally touched the ground, she exhaled.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
Two ranch hands had appeared near the barn.
Both were young men with weathered faces and work clothes covered in dust.
They looked surprised to see her.
The woman braced herself for the familiar expressions.
But the cowboy spoke before either man could say anything.
“This lady is our guest. Help bring her trunks inside.”
The older ranch hand tipped his hat.
“Yes, sir.”
The younger one nodded politely.
“Evening, ma'am.”
She returned the greeting.
Neither laughed.
Neither stared for longer than courtesy permitted.
The woman felt a small measure of relief.
Inside, the cabin was comfortable and practical.
A large fireplace occupied one wall.
Heavy wooden chairs surrounded a central table.
Shelves held books, folded blankets, and ceramic dishes.
A broad doorway opened toward a ground-floor room that had once belonged to the cowboy's father.