Dinner is served, Mr. Turner. Mrs. Abernathy announced from the doorway. And if I do say so myself, it's one of my better efforts.
The dining room was as impressive as the rest of the house, with a long oak table that could easily seat 12. Only four places were set, however, with Yates at the head, Faith to his right, Emma beside her, and Mrs. Abernathy at the foot. "Mrs. Abernathy always joins me for Sunday dinner," Yates explained as he held Faith's chair.
"Keeps me from feeling like a king holding court alone in this big room. The meal was indeed spectacular, tender pot roast with vegetables from the garden, fresh bread still warm from the oven, and pickled beets that Mrs. Abernathy proudly declared had won a ribbon at the county fair. For dessert, apple pie with thick cream delighted Emma so much she asked for seconds, which Mrs. Abernathy happily provided.
After the meal, Yates suggested a tour of the ranch. I'd like to show Emma the gentle mayor I've been training. She might be ready for her first riding lesson if her mother approves. Emma's pleading eyes turn to Faith. Oh, please, Mama.
I've always wanted to ride a horse just around the corral with me leading the horse. Yates assured Faith. Perfectly safe. Faith hesitated then nodded. Very well, but be careful.
The afternoon passed pleasantly as Yates showed them around his property. Emma was delighted with her brief riding lesson on a patient chestnut mare named Penny, while Faith admired the well organized operation Yates had built. The ranch hands they encountered treated their boss with obvious respect, but also an easy camaraderie that spoke well of his leadership. "You've created something remarkable here," Faith commented as they walked back toward the house. Emma skipping ahead to check on the kittens once more before they departed.
"It's been my life's work," Yates admitted. Sometimes I wonder if I've focused too much on building and not enough on living. What do you mean? He gestured toward the sprawling property. All this the land, the cattle, the horses, it's what I wanted since I was a boy, but lately I've been thinking there should be more.
A house needs a family to be a home. Faith's heart quickened at the wistful tone in his voice. You're still young. There's time for that. Yates stopped walking, turning to face her.
"I'm 34, Faith. Not so young anymore, and out here, eligible women aren't exactly plentiful." "I find that hard to believe," Faith replied, trying to keep her tone light. "Surely the most successful rancher in the county has had opportunities." "A few," he acknowledged with a slight smile. "But I've never been one to settle. When I marry, it will be for the right reasons for companionship, respect, understanding.