That evening, the cowboy found her sitting near the fireplace with a length of brown fabric across her lap.
She was sewing carefully.
He leaned against the doorframe.
“What are you making?”
“A dress.”
“Another one?”
She looked up.
“Are you suggesting I have too many?”
He raised both hands.
“Wouldn't dream of it.”
She smiled.
“It's for winter.”
He approached.
The fabric was rich chocolate brown, with a delicate pattern woven into the surface.
She had chosen cream-colored lace for the neckline and sleeves.
The cowboy examined it.
“That's pretty.”
She looked at him.
“You think so?”
“Yes.”
She lowered her eyes.
“I haven't worn anything this beautiful in years.”
“Why not?”
She shrugged.
“Beautiful clothes draw attention.”
The cowboy considered that.
“People are going to look at you regardless of what you wear.”
She smiled sadly.
“I know.”
He sat across from her.
“Then you might as well wear something you love.”
She stopped sewing.
The simplicity of the statement moved her.
For years, she had chosen clothing designed to make her less noticeable.
Loose, plain fabrics.
Muted colors.
High necklines.
Nothing that suggested she wanted to be admired.
She had convinced herself that beauty was a privilege reserved for women whose bodies fit ordinary expectations.
Now a handsome cowboy was encouraging her to wear a dress simply because she liked it.
She looked down at the fabric.
“I think I will.”
The cowboy smiled.
“Good.”
For the next several days, she worked on the dress whenever the ranch accounts allowed.
The housekeeper helped with the heavier fabric.
The dressmaker sent additional lace.
The woman carefully shaped the garment so that it would be comfortable while sitting or standing.
She wanted it to fit her body rather than force her body into an unsuitable design.
When the dress was finally finished, she hung it beside the window.
The chocolate-brown fabric caught the afternoon light.
She stood looking at it for a long time.
Then she smiled.
It was the first garment she had made in years without worrying about whether someone would approve.
Meanwhile, the merchant's interest in North Creek intensified.
Several ranchers received offers to sell their land.