A Man To Be Proud Of by Leah Atwood

Author:Leah Atwood [Atwood, Leah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Falling Leaf Press
Published: 2014-01-10T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

Morning’s light penetrated the curtains hanging over the bedroom window. Slade looked over at his still sleeping wife and smiled.

Two weeks. Slade couldn’t believe he’d been married for fourteen days. At times, he felt like he’d known Sarah forever. Other times, the sensation of being married still felt new and foreign to him. One thing that was consistent was the affection he harbored for his wife. Dare he call it love?

Today he had something special planned for them. Ma had already agreed to do all the cooking for the day, freeing Sarah to spend her entire day with him. During her first week at Bent Dove, he’d shown her around the ranch, but only the area immediately surrounding the house. Yesterday, he’d decided it was time to show her more.

Of course, he couldn’t show her the full scope of their before they had to return tonight. One day though, when they’d become more comfortable in their new roles as husband and wife, he’d take her on an overnight trip.

Gently, he nudged Sarah to awaken her. They’d already slept later than normal, but he wanted her well rested for the trip today.

“Good morning.” When she looked at him that way, he felt like a king.

“Time to wake up. We’re taking a day off.”

Sarah sat upright in bed so quickly, Slade almost laughed. “What are we doing?”

“We’re going for a ride. I thought you’d like to see some more of Bent Dove’s land.”

“I can’t wait,” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. As though realizing what she’d just done, she released him, a shy expression crossing her face.

“Meet me downstairs when you’re ready.”

Before he could respond, he got out of bed, prepared himself then went down to the kitchen. His Ma had already fed the other men and had a basket waiting for him.

“Everything you requested.” She handed the basket to him and turned back to the stove, but not before winking at him.

“Are you sure you’ll be fine today?” Part of him felt guilty for asking his mom to do all the kitchen work completely on her own, so soon after she finally had some help, but he really wanted this day with Sarah.

“I’ve been doing it all these years on my own, son. Enjoy your day.”

“Thank you again, ma. I owe you.”

“Seeing you happy is all I need.”

Slade went out to the barn to saddle the horses and give his foreman the final instructions for today. When he went back inside, Sarah was dressed and waiting for him.

“Ready?”

“Yes.” The lilt in her voice reminded him of a child waiting for Christmas. Knowing she was so excited to share the day with him, warmed his heart.

They rode for hours, crossing the vast prairie. Occasionally they would stop, and Slade would point out something of interest—an animal track, a wildflower, even a wild mustang.

Sarah’s displayed nothing but amazement and rapture as they explored this land. Her questions were intuitive and thoughtful. She belongs here, he mused.

Stopping for a rest, he brought his mount to a halt.

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