Coal could create fortune.
Cattle kept identity.
Jeb understood.
He refused to turn the ranch into a mining camp.
The northern ridge would be leased selectively.
Core ranch operations remained.
One evening, Jeb entered the cookhouse after supper.
Hattie was alone.
Apron off.
Hair partly loose.
She stood washing a final cup.
Jeb closed the door.
She looked over.
“That ominous.”
He removed his hat.
“Hattie.”
“Yes?”
“I waited.”
She dried her hands.
“I noticed.”
“I’m done.”
“With waiting?”
“Yes.”
“That sounds threatening.”
He smiled.
Then became serious.
“I want you here.”
She looked away.
“Cook?”
“No.”
“Bookkeeper?”
“Yes.”
Her face changed.
Jeb stepped closer.
“And the woman who scares my men.”
“Important position.”
“Essential.”
He stopped in front of her.
“And the woman I think about when I wake up.”
Hattie’s heart accelerated.
“The one I look for every time I ride back into the yard.”
He touched her hand.
“The one I want beside me when somebody brings a contract.”
“The one I want beside me when nothing is wrong too.”
Hattie looked at him.
Jeb continued.
“I don’t know what this ranch becomes.”
“Coal.”
“Cattle.”
“Rich.”
“Poor again.”
“I know I want you in it.”
Hattie’s eyes filled.
“You practice that?”
“All week.”
“Could tell.”
He laughed.
She moved closer.
“You still staring at my figure?”
“Constantly.”
“Jeb.”
“You asked.”
She smiled.
“Do you want me because I saved your ranch?”
“No.”
“Because I cook?”
“I would be lying if I said the biscuits don’t matter.”
She slapped his chest lightly.
He caught her hand.
Kissed her fingers.
Then:
“I want you because you walk into every room as if truth deserves a chair.”
Hattie’s smile disappeared.
That reached somewhere deeper.
Jeb continued.
“And because when I get stupid, you tell me.”
“Frequently.”
“Very.”
He touched her cheek.
“And because you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen holding a skillet like a weapon.”
Hattie laughed through tears.
“You ruined it.”
“I was nervous.”
She placed both hands on his coat.
“Come here.”
He kissed her.
Longer than the first time.
Hattie’s body softened against him.
Jeb’s hand settled respectfully at her waist.
She moved it slightly lower herself.
He raised one eyebrow.
Hattie whispered:
“Your confidence needs testing.”
“Again?”
“Thoroughly.”
Jeb smiled against her mouth.
The cookhouse door suddenly opened.
Wyatt stepped in.
Stopped.
Hattie and Jeb separated.
Wyatt slowly backed out.
“Never saw anything.”
Hattie pointed toward him.
“You saw enough to wash breakfast dishes.”