Deceiving the Bride

©2019 by Stella Clark

All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, events or locales is completely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

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Chapter One

Tucking the book under her arm, Grace waved to the neighborhood children as she passed through the alley and promptly hitched up her skirts to slide down the five steps on the railing. They cheered her on as she landed. Laughing, she offered a bow before turning on her way.

It was a beautiful day in New York City, after all.

She had the day to herself since the factory had closed last week. There was nothing more she could do until more work was publicized. In an attempt to find more jobs, she had wandered around the city for two days.

But then she’d stopped. All her life had been hard work and school. There had been lessons to learn but ultimately, it was boring. She needed space for her imagination, after all.

New York wasn’t much, but as long as she could sneak off to Central Park with a book, there would be something for her. Just a little bit of adventure tucked between the pages of a bound story waiting to be explored.

The afternoon passed in a daze as Grace devoured the pages. It made her smile and laugh and pause breathlessly at all the right points. But as the sun began to set and she finished the final page, Grace found herself frowning.

“It’s still just a pattern with the same sequences,” she murmured to herself. “The same characters over and over. Doesn’t anyone create something new?” It had happened in a couple of the last books, but she had thought it was an accident. Now, she slumped on the bench and wondered.

Eventually, she came to only one conclusion. Grace would have to write a book herself. That made her smile. She had considered it before. It had kept her awake in the factories where she stood on the line to count soap bars. Biting her lip, she started home. It felt simple enough, pulling out paper to write.

“Good evening, Archie,” Grace paused by the newsstand. “The usual, please.”

The big, bushy-browed man chuckled as he gathered one of every newspaper. “You keep me in business, young lady. Have a fine evening. Here you are.” She offered a few coins in exchange. No one wanted the news at the end of the day, so she could always get one of every paper for her father for half price. It had taken a while to make her bargain, but Archie hadn’t failed her in the last three years. “Take care, kid,” he hollered as she headed home.

Smog touched down on the tops of the red- and brown-bricked buildings, creating a hazy look to the city. Grace sighed, knowing she wouldn’t see the blue sky until she returned again to Central Park. With all the factories going full steam ahead, it was tarnishing the beauty of the city. But no one else cared.

When she reached her family’s apartment, she paused in the doorway and wondered if she was in the wrong place. Her heart skipped a beat. There was her coat hanging on a nail on the wall. The window to the fire escape that was cracked when she’d attempted juggling four years ago. And the familiar scent of her father’s cheap cologne mixed with ash.

Everything was familiar except for the man standing at the end of the hall, holding a cigarette and eyeing her. Grace reluctantly closed the door as she called out, “Mother?”

“Come in, Grace.”

Only then did she take a breath. The shoes came off, the book went in the pile with the others, and she scooted around the stranger to find her mother in the kitchen. “Hello, Mother. We’re not having a party tonight, are we?” She glanced at the stranger.

“Mr. Post.” Her father’s voice came from their other window that led to the roof. “Here we are. Come on out.”

The stranger disappeared as Grace watched. She tried to think back in case her mother had mentioned anything before they had parted ways that morning. But there was no memory of any of that.

“Mr. Andrew Post,” her mother answered as she tasted the soup. There was the ripe smell of onions simmering with cabbage. Grace glanced in the bucket to see if they were able to include anything more, but it didn’t look like it. Not even potatoes. “He’s our new boarder, dear.”

She jerked back. “Boarder?”

Her mother kept her gaze down. “We need the money, Grace. Since you can’t find work, and they’re cutting pay at the hospital again soon, we … we had to do something. Your father works with Mr. Post.”

“For how long?” Grace frowned, trying to imagine living with a stranger. The man had eyed her with such disinterest that she felt affronted. “And where is he going to sleep? The couch? The roof?”

Sighing, her mother shook her head. “Your room.” Lifting the ladle, she gestured over to the lumpy couch. “You’ll be sleeping out here from now on. I moved your dresses under the table. You will keep it tidy, won’t you?”

Grace stared in disbelief. “What? But it’s my room, I …” She glanced around hopelessly. “Mother, I … I’m eighteen. I need my own space.”

“You’re eighteen and unemployed,” the woman corrected her. Grace stared at the sharp nose and small, watery eyes. Red splotches appeared on her cheeks meant she was holding back tears. Grace looked away as her mother continued, “We’re struggling, can’t you see? Yes, you’re eighteen. Most girls are married by now. I had already given birth to you when I was eighteen. We don’t have the money to let you keep buying those silly stories and do nothing. We need the money and you clearly aren’t bringing it in.”

Stung, she took a step back. Grace bumped into the counter in their tiny kitchen and glanced around for relief. But there was none. She knew the cupboards were mostly empty and she knew there was nowhere for her to hide now that she had lost her bedroom.

“I’m not hungry,” she decided. If her parents didn’t have the food, then why should she eat it? It wasn’t like the onion soup was any good. Swallowing hard, Grace forced herself out the side window to the fire escape.

She took a seat between the next floor and sighed. There was no arguing with her parents, she knew that. Life was growing hard for them and she knew she wasn’t skilled enough in most jobs to get hired even if they did need someone. If only there was somewhere else she could go, Grace pondered.

Pulling open the newspapers she was still carrying, Grace read. Her eyes skimmed the pages, but she didn’t understand a thing as her brain started to move ahead. She couldn’t stay there forever. Not on the fire escape and not with her parents. But where would she go?

The West, she mused, would be exciting. She wanted more adventure than the gray streets and machines of the city. She had seen the pictures, and many of the stories she read talked about thrilling places like Wyoming. A state like Wyoming would be a fresh start, certainly, away from her hardscrabble childhood and boring introduction to adulthood.

Like an answer from the heavens, the second-to-last magazine answered her prayers. Grace had never seen it before, but Archie had to have included it.

“The Matrimonial Times,” she read aloud to herself with a furrowed brow. Glancing up towards her window, she could hear her father in the kitchen telling her mother to cook faster for their guest. As though soup could be hurried. Grace shook her head and started leafing through the booklet.

There were people from all over the land, she discovered, looking to marry strangers. The idea of marriage was ridiculous, of course, but the second page offered three testimonials from happy women. That they liked being somewhere new with someone new. That it was the best adventure.

“I suppose.” Grace rolled her eyes as she flipped the page and began looking at the ads. It was only out of curiosity, she told herself. Just to see what people were looking for. There were a few women who were offering themselves and their skills. And there were a few men with various properties who needed someone.

She was about to close it when she saw the last advertisement. “Wade Shelton, 24, in need of a wife in Riders Creek, Wyoming. Handsome, smart, young. Foreman for the Center S Ranch. Looking to settle down and marry. Contact Mr. Shelton through the Riders Creek Post Office.’”

Grace read it again. There was very little to understand. But she saw the state and wondered if this was meant to be. “Wyoming,” she murmured and tried to imagine herself there.

It was easy. She’d wear a big hat and good boots. She would learn to ride a horse and meet all the animals. No more factories, and all the blue sky she had ever wanted. The more she thought about it, the more she couldn’t help but smile.

***

When the night descended on the city, Grace heard her parents retire. Only then did she step inside.

The newspapers went away as she searched for a pencil. She had made up her mind. The last two hours had been spent playing around in her mind just how she would talk to Wade Shelton. Because she wouldn’t marry just any man, and he wouldn’t be just marrying any woman.

Chapter Two

Jeb tasted his coffee and paused to add a spoonful of sugar. After a moment’s hesitation, he added two more. Quickly he stirred them in before his wife Leona made her way in from the kitchen. Glancing up, he grinned as she walked over to the table with two full plates.

“What a beautiful sight, my dear.”

“I saw that,” she informed him as she set the plates down. He offered a sheepish grin and she shook her head. “You’re only getting half a piece of pie tonight, then, and there’s no other way about it. If you’re not careful, you’re going to have another heart attack.”

He sighed at the mention. “It wasn’t a heart attack, I told you. The doctor told you. It was a …” Jeb couldn’t remember the word.

“I don’t care,” Leona told him firmly. “Because it’s not going to happen again. It’s almost been a year and I’m not going to get lazy just because you are. Only one spoonful of sugar. But I wish you wouldn’t drink the blasted coffee in the first place. It can’t be good for you.”

His eyes drifted over to the fresh orange juice. “It keeps me going. Besides, what’s life all about if you can’t enjoy the little things?”

She gave him a firm look that immediately told Jeb he’d said the wrong thing. “You can enjoy the little things, Jeb, or you can enjoy me.” She picked up her fork and pointed it at him. “You behave yourself today or you don’t get any pie.”

“I don’t even like pie,” he grumbled as he turned to his eggs and cheese.

“Yes, you do,” Leona corrected him. But she was smiling, so he figured he wasn’t in too much trouble. Jeb chuckled to himself before digging into his food. They ate quietly for a minute before Leona changed the subject. “Have you talked to Wade yet?”

The mention of their son made him hesitate. He had always considered himself a stubborn man, but his boy just had to beat him. Shaking his head, Jeb put his fork down. “Not yet. He’s moved everything into the foreman’s cabin, you know.”

Leona hesitated. “Oh really?” she asked lightly, but he heard the worry in her voice. Wade was their only living son; after they’d suffered three miscarriages and lost two daughters within the first three years of their lives, Leona was protective. Though she was kind and careful, she hated to see him go far away.

Jeb stared at his food, reminded of two years ago when the young man had gone on a cattle drive all the way to Texas. Sure, they didn’t mind sending him down to Colorado. But Texas meant he was gone for nearly four months. Leona had made herself sick during that time, spending many weeks in bed. After that, Wade wasn’t allowed to go past Colorado.

It was only one of their many arguments.

“He’s not far,” Jeb reminded her. “And you know he’ll probably return. Who wouldn’t miss your cooking?”

She smiled lightly at his attempted joke but shrugged it off. “Well,” she cleared her throat. “Perhaps I’ll take him some bread this afternoon. And pie. I thought I’d make blackberry, you know. That’s his favorite,” Leona added as if Jeb didn’t know.

He scraped his plate clean, full and satisfied. “And mine.” Jeb had already forgotten his earlier lie. “That sounds great, dear. He’ll appreciate it. Thanks for the food, but I’d best be getting over to the pens.” Standing, he headed out of the dining room but paused by the cabinet. “Is this mail? From town?”

Leona nodded. “I told you yesterday, remember? After I bought the extra sugar?”

Shrugging, he shuffled through the documents. Mostly they were telegrams from old neighbors and friends and business partners. But tucked beneath an opened letter from Leona’s brother was an unfamiliar script that asked for “Mr. Shelton.”

He took that with him.

***

Jeb was halfway down the valley by the time he ripped the letter open. The unfamiliar scrawl continued, addressing him and a desire for marriage. Marriage?

Jeb was confused for two whole minutes before he remembered. He stopped short. It was the letter. It was what he had been looking for. Hastily, he glanced around to make sure there was no one nearby. When he could only find the cowboys’ cook, Tom, near the blackberry bushes, Jeb felt safe enough to continue reading.

“Grace Landers,” he said out loud. That was a nice name, an upright kind of name. And she came all the way from New York. Then that meant she was cultured, didn’t it? Jeb reread the letter and chuckled. The young lady was fiery, for sure. She had a heart, and he liked that.

It was that kind of woman, he suddenly felt certain, that could convince his son to settle down.

He tucked the letter into his saddlebags and made his way down to the mess house where he found all of his hired help pausing for a quick meal. There were nearly twenty of them now, and they all waved as he entered.

Jeb tipped his hat. “Good morning, gentlemen! Good to see you all here. Rather see you on your horses, though,” he chuckled and finding his son nearby, took a seat right beside him.

“Pa,” Wade said with a sigh. “You can sit with the other men, you know.”

“But I want to sit with my boy,” Jeb offered mildly. “It’s not like I get to see you too often, now, remember? Besides, your ma wanted me to make sure you’re doing all right.”

Wade raised an eyebrow skeptically which was fair, since this was technically a lie. But Jeb reasoned to himself that Leona would want to know. If she had thought to ask, she would have asked.

Wade turned back to his food. “I’ll go see her later today, then.”

Two of the men besides them tipped their hats and excused themselves. Jeb waved them off and grinned at his son now that they had the table to themselves. Wade glanced around slowly as he looked to be deciding if he should get up and go. The boy needed a haircut, Jeb noticed. He’d have to tell Leona to get to it soon, or the boy would get the notion that he should do it himself.

As much as Jeb and Leona wanted to be in their son’s life, Wade had always been a willful and independent child. He craved the chance to run off and disappear, having his own adventures. They worried, and he said they didn’t need to. He just didn’t understand what it meant to be a parent.

Sighing, Jeb knew he had to get to his point before Wade finished. “Are you helping with the branding today?”

“No.” Wade gulped his water down. “I’ve got Henson on that. I handed the first batch two days ago,” he added. “So I’m taking some of the guys around to the canyon. Want to make sure they know every part of the area in case anything happens. You know, blizzards, runaway cows, that kind of thing,” he added when Jeb raised his eyebrow. “I don’t want any accidents on my watch, Pa. Things are going to go right. I told you.”

He had a good point. Jeb nodded slowly as he knocked his knuckles against the table. “That sounds good, son, right good. You’ve got a head for this work. I always said you’d do right, didn’t I?

“Now,” he continued with a hopeful grin that he couldn’t keep tucked away, “if you could just put your mind to finding a nice girl to settle down with, you could do that, too. Don’t give me that look. You are a handsome young man, a fine, smart man who will have this ranch someday.”

Wade tossed his fork down so it clattered against the half-eaten plate. “Look at that. I just lost my appetite.”

Jeb stood when he did. “Now, come on, boy. You can’t avoid this forever.”

“Can’t I?” Wade had his mother’s eyes. They were soft blue and usually crinkled and kind. Usually. But lately when they talked, they grew dark.

“Now, Wade,” Jeb tried to be patient. “It’s something you need to consider. You’re twenty-five, aren’t you? Your ma and I just want you to be happy. We know what marriage can do for a man, and we want the same for you.”

It was the natural course of things. Jeb had had a wonderful life with his Leona for so long that he wanted Wade to have the same. It was time for more Sheltons in the world. They hadn’t fought him when he was younger since there were plenty of women that Wade spoke with. But Jeb had recently felt he needed to start pushing the young man to take action.

Wade didn’t appreciate it. Children rarely did. “I’m not interested. There aren’t any girls in town I like, all right? Besides, I’m having fun and you’re not going to take that from me.” He tossed his fork and left his father sitting there.

That wasn’t the first time his son had stormed off and it wouldn’t be the last. Jeb watched him go before carefully patting his jacket to ensure the letter was still there. “Then maybe you’ll like the next girl who isn’t from town,” he murmured. Jeb stood and left, waving to his men. He had a letter to write.

Chapter Three

It was a train ticket. A real train ticket. Grace played with it, reading the words in the dim light of the setting sun. She could hardly believe it was real. She read it over and over just to be certain. But there were few details and she realized she might rub off the ink.

Grace stopped, but she continued to clutch it in her hands.

“My ticket to Wyoming.” The words had to be said out loud. Just to know it wasn’t a dream.

Then she pinched herself, just to be certain.

She didn’t wake up. Her heart dropped at the idea of losing the ticket. So, hurriedly, Grace tucked it away in her pockets, using both hands to secure it within the folds of her dress. That’s all she had done this Tuesday.

With cloudy skies and the threat of rain, Grace had crossed the boroughs to the station and bought her train ticket with the money provided in the letter she had received just two days prior. She remembered handing over the money and accepting the ticket with shaking hands. It was really going to happen.

“Grace! Where are you?”

She clutched the letter to her chest as she looked up, finding her father poking his head out of the window. “Yes?”

“Why are you out here?” he demanded. “You’re filthy now. Come wash up this instant for supper. There’s food on the table.”

Just the thought of a hot meal made her stomach growl. The meager portions they were forced down to meant she was only eating twice a day, and a little more whenever she found an odd job around the city. It wasn’t often. For the last three months, Grace had spent most of her days rereading her dime novels and dreaming about Wyoming.

It was happening, though. She was really going to Wyoming.

Grace obediently hurried up the stairs, tucking the letters away before climbing back into the house. She skirted a glance at Mr. Post, who preferred to pretend she didn’t exist as her mother finished setting the table.

“Not like that,” her husband scowled before changing around the silverware. “Don’t be preposterous, Mary.”

“Of course, dear,” she murmured quietly before offering a grim smile to their audience. “We were able to get some potatoes today; can you believe it? Please sit down and enjoy.”

Everyone ignored Mr. Landers’ huff as they took their seats and began to eat. Grace took two bites slowly and carefully as though to make them last. She could feel the crinkling of the paper in her dress. Glancing at her parents, she wondered how to tell them the news. She had to say goodbye, after all.

She had meant to tell them earlier, but it was hard to decide on a right time. But certainly, they would be happy for her. Soon she would be off on her very own adventure and out of their hair. One less mouth to feed. Swallowing hard, she put her spoon down.

“I’m leaving for Wyoming,” Grace announced, sticking her chin out.

Their boarder said nothing, only giving her a strange look before turning to his food. He had the most potatoes, after all, and he wanted to enjoy them.

Her father continued to eat his food as if she hadn’t said a thing, but her mother reacted with a jerk before giving her a frown. “Wyoming, dear? Why ever are you going to Wyoming?”

Grace offered a hopeful smile. “I’m going to get married, Mother. I’ve found a man who will have me. He owns a ranch, you see, and—and he’ll have my hand even though he hasn’t seen me. It will be strange at first, I grant you, but I believe it will go well. I’ve always wanted to go west and now—”

The clanging of a fork shut her up as her father gave her a hard look. “You think you’re going to get married?”

“I am, yes,” she nodded hesitantly. Biting her lip, she wondered about the harsh tone and tried to find something to say to assure them she would be well. “I’ll write, I promise.”

“You think someone would marry you?” Her father snorted. “Who marries someone they’ve never met? You’re ridiculous.”

Blood drained from her face, not having expected a response like this. “I assure you …”

Her mother interrupted as she patted her husband’s hand. “I’m sure she’s only joking. She doesn’t know anyone in Wyoming, after all.” He tossed her hand back to her. “Right, Grace? You’re only joking?”

“No, no, I’m not. I’m really going. Tomorrow, in fact,” Grace added. “I wanted to tell you both sooner, but I didn’t know how to.”

“Why? Because you’re not really going? Huh? Or is this code for something? You’re working the streets. Is that it? You’re working the streets? I won’t have a daughter out there selling her body!” Her father slammed the table. Both women jumped but Mr. Post continued to eat as though he were alone.

Grace could hardly talk. Stunned, she glanced around at the faces before her only to find no one offering comfort or answers to her confusion. Scrambling for a defense, she tried to figure it out. “No. No! I-I only mean that I … I’m not a—Father, I just want to—I thought you would be happy for me. I just …” She turned to her mother for support, but the woman wouldn’t look at her.

“I won’t have a woman like that in this house,” her father announced loudly. “You had best pack your bags and be gone in the morning.”

She stared at her father in disbelief, trying to understand if this was simply ridiculous or a joke. Gulping, she shook her head. Had they not heard a single word she said? While they’d made it clear they couldn’t manage to keep her at home, Grace felt her hope fading away.

The rest of supper was quiet. Once she’d helped dry the dishes, Grace returned to the fire escape. It had been her haven before, and it would be her haven one last time. With a little light from the sky and the city still shining upon her, she picked up the letters again and read them for comfort.

Mr. Wade Shelton was a frank and honest man, one whom she felt assured was an upstanding member of society. Her first letter in response to his ad had also been honest in stating her desire for independence within the potential union. It wasn’t that she wasn’t a good person, she had mentioned, but she only wished to be able to speak her mind and act as she saw fit. She wanted a marriage unlike the one her parents had; there would be no living under the thumb of another man ever again.

And he hadn’t been bothered. Instead, he had written her back and thanked her for her frank nature. In turn, he was honest with her on why he’d placed the ad. The family ranch had been established and he wanted to have an heir to pass it down to one day.

That had not been what she had expected, but she had continued to read his letter.

In following, he’d assured her that he wouldn’t expect a rushed marriage by any means but that she could come to Wyoming, stay in town, and they could grow accustomed to one another. Then whenever they were ready, they could wed.

The thought of finally going to Wyoming sent a shiver down her spine. She was most certainly nervous. It filled her with trepidation, just the idea of leaving New York. But then she pictured the green valleys and the blue mountains. The time could hardly pass soon enough. Only one more night.

Yawning, Grace closed the letters and folded them up before leaning against the brick wall. She hadn’t thought of children much. Though she knew most of those in the neighborhood and had even played nanny to one or two on rare occasion, she hadn’t ever considered herself a potential mother. There had been so few thoughts of marriage. When the girls in school giggled over the boys, she was too busy reading adventure stories.

***

The night passed and Grace wound up sleeping on the fire escape, curled in a ball. The sunrise pulled her from her drowsy state, reminding her it was time. Her parents were already up as she returned to the front room to gather her things. They all fit in a single carpetbag. The letters fit nicely inside, and her train ticket was still in her pocket.

“Well, I’m off,” Grace called out as she went to the front door. But no one said anything as they gathered around the table to eat. They didn’t even invite her. The young woman swallowed the lump in her throat. Not wanting to be a bother, she put her house key on the table and left out the front door. She had an adventure waiting for her.

Chapter Four

Jeb checked his reflection in the mirror as he fixed his collar. For some reason, it kept wrinkling. With a frown, he tried to flatten it out. First impressions meant a lot. As he continued working on his shirt, Leona came from the hall and crossed her arms.

“And who are you trying to look so handsome for?” she asked with her half smile.

He winked through the mirror. “Only you, my darling. And of course, our guest. We are going to have a guest,” he realized his mistake as his wife’s mouth dropped open. She was supposed to know about that earlier.

“Jebediah Shelton! What are you talking about?” she cried out in surprise. “Who is it? When? The guest room isn’t ready! What were you thinking?”

The collar would have to wait. Hastily he caught up to his wife down the hall to calm her down. “It’s nothing, really, my dear. The room probably won’t even be used. Well, perhaps just for tonight. But I’ve booked a room in town. It’s just for a little while,” he added as she frowned.

“It at least should be aired out,” she sniffed. This time when she crossed her arms, it was not a casual move.

He tried to give her his most charming smile. After all, it had won her over thirty years ago. “My dear. My dear, sweet, beautiful Leona. So, we air out the room. That’s all. You don’t need to worry. I already have everything ready to go. I even have Wade heading into town this very minute to pick them up.”

Leona frowned before glancing down the hall. “No, Jeb, he’s not. I just talked to him at his cabin and he was headed out to look for coyote tracks. He said something about Thomas …”

“What!” Jeb roared.

Though his wife told him not to worry, it was too late. She went off to fix the guest room and Jeb went to hunt down his son. Wade protested higher priorities when he eventually found the young man a mile out on their property. Their argument died soon enough when Jeb didn’t know how to explain who the guest was or why this mattered.

“Well you’re expected at supper tonight,” he mustered finally. “And you had best clean up before your mother sees you. If you’re a hair late, boy, well—well, don’t be.”

Wade scoffed, putting his hat back on and swinging back into his saddle. “I’m never late for food. Or Mother,” he added, and headed off without so much as a farewell.

Jeb was forced to return to the house alone, wondering if he’d ever be able to rein in that boy. But there was little time to think as he found Thomas and his wagon in front of the house, having already returned. Since he didn’t see the girl, that meant she was inside. He hesitated. That meant Leona had met her.

“There’s the man of the hour,” his wife gave him a stern look as he peeked his head inside. She was sitting in the parlor with their guest. And she did not look happy. “We were wondering where you had gone off to.”

Trying to chuckle, he entered the room. “Dear, I was just coming to … Well, I won’t be rude. Miss Landers, is it?” Jeb turned his attention to the young lady, who stood immediately. She was a skinny little thing, with long brown hair and a sharp nose. The girl wasn’t dressed up much, but she was a beauty. And she looked as cheerful as his wife did.

“Yes, sir. The very one who’s clearly been sending letters to the wrong person. Now, am I to understand that Mr. Wade Shelton doesn’t know I exist?”

Jeb grinned, already like her gumption. Her letters had been simple but clear, hopeful and strong. Clearly, she would be a match for his son. A good one, he hoped. When he glanced over to Leona, however, she apparently didn’t share the same thoughts.

Rubbing his hands on his pants, he gestured for the young woman to take a seat. “Please, sit. I had best explain myself.” Once they were all in their chairs, the two women stared at him. Jeb tried to remember the speech he had prepared for this very moment. Rather, he’d expected it to start out better. But he was hopeful for the right conclusion.

“Wade is our son. Everything in those letters, miss, is correct. The minor detail that was, well, avoided, was that I was writing on behalf of our son.” Jeb shot a glance at his wife and offered a sheepish grin. “He doesn’t know it yet.

“But he needs a woman,” he added hurriedly when the young woman opened her mouth to protest. “And he needs one just like you. A bold woman, a woman with grit. One who isn’t afraid to speak her mind or—or have opinions. Your letters made that very clear. If you two just meet, I’m certain you could change his mind. If you just give him a chance, I think this could work.”

Miss Grace Landers stared at them in disbelief. Slowly, she shook her head. “I must apologize. I know I come from the city and I’ve had a very long train ride. But you must understand how crazy this sounds.”

His smile began to fade as he glanced back at his wife. She didn’t offer him any support as she sighed. “No, my child, don’t apologize. That’s my husband’s job. He should have been honest from the start. What did you expect to happen when you told the truth?” Leona asked him.

Jeb hesitated. The girl had agreed to the idea of the marriage, so he didn’t see why that wasn’t likely anymore. “I thought this would be all right. Doesn’t everyone want to be married?”

“Not like this.” Leona shook her head and moved to the couch beside the girl. “I apologize on behalf of my husband for this confusion. Can we purchase you a ticket home?”

Miss Landers covered her mouth as she turned away. He thought she might be laughing, but then he heard a loud gulp and awkwardly realized she was holding back tears. “I-I don’t know. I didn’t think I’d ever return. I …”

Perhaps he should have thought this through a little more. It just didn’t make sense. Surely once she saw Wade, she would change her mind. He was a handsome young man, after all. There were several girls in town who would like to marry him. Why not her? Jeb coughed loudly. “Well, I-I suppose I could have tried …” Leona gave him a look that told him to be quiet.

“Here’s what we’re going to do.” His wife took charge as she wrapped her hands comfortingly around the girl’s shoulders. “We’re all going to put some food into our bellies, all right? That will help us all feel a little better. Then everyone is going to go to bed, and we’ll discuss it tomorrow. There is a guest bedroom with your name on it, Miss Landers, and after breaking our fast we will see about fixing this marriage mess.”

Jeb opened his mouth to protest but his wife stared him down. Just as he closed his mouth, however, Wade spoke up from behind.

“What marriage mess?”

Chapter Five

Grace could never have imagined such an incident. In all her days, in all the possibilities, she wouldn’t have imagined she would be trapped at a supper table with these folks. Certainly, they all appeared kind enough, friendly enough, but she had never felt so betrayed. She had been so honest in her letters. Now everything was a lie.

The food was delicious, but she had no appetite. Swirling the food around on her plate, Grace glanced up at the man across from her. Wade was eating slowly as well. When he glanced her way, she dropped her stare back to her plate.

He was handsome, she could admit that much. Thick blond hair curled around his face and ears, framing refined features and blue eyes that kept skirting around her. Was he as confused as she felt? Surely he had to be. But he’d hardly said a thing as his mother explained what had happened. She couldn’t recall the exact words, but he had scoffed at his father and attempted to leave.

“You’re already here,” Mrs. Shelton had pointed out. “Be a gentleman, would you?”

Everyone had tucked into their food and eaten quietly, forks scraping against the plates in the silence. And now here they all were. She had never eaten such a tense meal like this one.

Finally Wade stood, and everyone jerked their heads up. “Mother, thank you for supper. In case anyone was wondering,” he added mildly, “I’m still not planning to get married. Good night.” And he left out the back door.

Grace felt her cheeks heat up, embarrassed and humiliated. She had been such a fool. Even afterwards as Mrs. Shelton quietly led her to the guest bedroom for the evening, Grace could hardly talk. “Thank you,” she managed. “You’ve been too kind. I’m sorry to—to have come and bothered you.”

“Nonsense,” the woman patted her arm. She had kind eyes, Grace decided. “I told you, you have nothing to apologize for. Besides, it’s nice to have another woman in the house again. So no matter what you decide tomorrow, I do hope you’ll stay a while.”

***

Though she tossed and turned for the entire night, hardly sleeping a wink, Grace couldn’t sort out what to do. Even as dawn arose, she hardly knew what she wanted. Mostly just her books, she thought to herself. She’d managed to bring three of them with her. And there was a pen and paper, so she could write.

Gathering her courage, Grace informed the Sheltons that she did not appreciate the misleading communications and that she refused to go through with any sort of marriage. It wasn’t like Wade wanted that, after all. But, she added, she didn’t have anywhere else to go. So she would take up the offer to stay with them in the house.

“That’s great!” Jeb offered so cheerfully that it made her hesitate. But Grace decided to put that behind her and turned her attention to trying to write her very first story.

Sitting on the porch, she was trying to piece together the first chapter when loud footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. Grace froze when she noticed who it was.

Wade was drenched in sweat. But he was beaming with a toothy smile. “Hello. Miss Landers, right?”

She felt her heart skip a beat as she tried to remember the answer as his damp shirt hinted at his thick arms. “I … Yes, sir. But please, call me Grace,” she offered, wondering why she felt so shy and bold at once. “Your parents have allowed me to stay for some time, so I’m afraid you’re stuck with me here.”

“Then that means you’re stuck with my parents, so I’m sorry,” he chuckled. “They can be a little much.”

Clutching her papers, she stood and tried to focus on his face. The man was in a much better mood than when she had met him for the first time. “Oh, I don’t mind. This is—it’s better than home. New York, I mean. It was … well, not like this.”

He cocked his head, tossing his hat on the bench beside her. She wondered what was going on since he hadn’t wanted anything to do with her the other day. “How do you mean?”

Though she preferred honesty, Grace hesitated to dive into her pitiful childhood. “I just mean that it’s nice to—to see a couple who love each other. And green everywhere. Back east, everything is gray. It’s gray and loud. But here, I can actually think. I feel like I can breathe here.” Blushing, she shook her head. “That sounded childish and silly, didn’t it?”

Wade studied her curiously. “Not at all. That’s what Wyoming is, you know. Fresh air and freedom. That’s why I’m never inside,” he added mildly as he moved to sit on the bench. Not knowing what else to do, she copied him. “You’ll have to come out for a ride on the range. I can show you around. If you think this is fresh air, well, just wait.”

She couldn’t help the smile growing on her face. “That sounds incredible.” But then Grace frowned, realizing how close they were, how intimate they were acting. She leaned back, trying to force herself to look away. It wasn’t like she was drawn to him. It couldn’t be. He had no interest in marrying her; he’d told everyone that immediately.

“Right,” Wade started when she said nothing more. “Maybe tomorrow then.”

Be smart, she told herself, and don’t be fooled again. “I can’t,” she took a deep breath. “I just realized I can’t. I don’t know how to ride a horse. And besides, I have a book to write.” She held up the pages. “If you don’t mind, I had best return to it.”

He didn’t say anything after that, but she could feel his gaze on her. Hunched over the paper, Grace begged an idea to come to mind, any idea, just so she could look busy. Before the awkwardness could grow any louder, she reluctantly started to draw squiggles on the paper in the hopes that he might get the idea.

Eventually, Wade did. He picked up his hat, paused, and disappeared inside. Only then did Grace take a deep breath. Whatever had just happened could not be allowed to happen again. For the most part, it didn’t.

***

Soon, she had been there for a month. She had half of a story outlined and drafted. Inspiration came best when she sat in the shade of a sunny day on the porch, but she had to keep a wary eye out for Wade Shelton. Though she couldn’t explain it, she could hardly think when he was around. When he joined them for supper, it was easy enough to distract herself with her food. But outside in the fresh air, it was impossible to ignore him.

Chapter Six

She was pretty. Wade wasn’t stupid. The girl was pretty and smart and clever. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or her opinions. At least, most of the time. But every now and then the young woman would pause, and after that she would turn away from him.

It would be amusing if it wasn’t so annoying.

The girl frustrated him for some reason and he just wanted to figure it out. Wade found himself stopping by the house more often, hoping he would come across her. Usually he was lucky. She’d made herself a comfortable spot beneath the willow tree in the front of the house. There was a blanket she’d spread out, and always a snack with juice to her left with her papers and books on the right.

Clearly, she knew what she wanted. She was driven, more so than any of the other girls he knew. Most of them were also pretty, but they only ever talked about going to church or the store or ribbons or other things he would never understand. Whereas evening meals in his parents’ home were becoming a highlight of his week.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Grace laughed at another one of his statements. He hid a grin as he chewed on his broccoli. “A horse could never fly.”

He shrugged. “I’m telling you, it did.” But then he caught his father shooting him a curious look and Wade hesitated before clearing his throat. What was that look supposed to mean? Realizing he’d been a little loud, he toned himself down. “Maybe next time we drive into the canyons, you could come along.”

“I’d love to,” she started.

But Leona shook her head. “I’m sorry, but that wouldn’t be proper. All those men, Wade, and it could be dangerous. What if the snows came early? Or she fell?”

“I’d watch out for her,” he defended himself. “And so would the team. We’re all gentlemen, aren’t we? Pa, you say those are the only folks you hire,” Wade pointed out in his defense. “Besides, she’s our guest.”

Jeb shrugged when his wife gave him a look. Then he put on a familiar grin that made Wade’s stomach drop. The man was up to something. “You heard him. He’ll watch out for her, so I think that should be just fine. Tomorrow, then?”

“No, not tomorrow.” Wade found himself backing out with a shake of his head. It suddenly all felt like a trap and he needed to take a step back to see what he was missing. Dropping his utensils, he stood to leave. “Maybe—maybe next week. I just remembered I have to go.” And he made his escape out the back door.

Cursing under his breath, he headed back to his cabin and kicked the rocks in his path. How had he not seen this before now? How had he forgotten his father’s agenda? The man wanted him to get married. He wanted grandchildren. And even after Wade had said no, his pa had still brought a woman into town and kept dangling her in front of Wade like a carrot in front of a horse.

He was a horse. Groaning, he made it home and collapsed on the bed. He had been so stupid. There was still so much he wanted to do with his life. He had plenty of time for there to eventually be an heir.

Sure, Grace wasn’t all bad. And Wade thought he could see himself marrying the girl. But the point was that he didn’t want to be married in the first place. Not yet. He’d been concentrating on making sure everyone else knew that when he forgot whether or not he knew it as well.

***

For the next week, Wade avoided the house.

He only returned when he started dreaming about the pretty brunette. Just itching to see her again, he headed back to the house one morning as he thought up excuses to tell her when he saw her next. Maybe he just needed to know something about New York. Or that book she was working on.

“Wade, darling?”

His ma was in the parlor darning a sock. He hesitated before coming around the corner. “Hi, Ma. I was just stopping by for something.”

She beamed, beckoning him in. “Your father just left for Colorado, and Miss Landers is exploring the garden today.”

“I didn’t ask,” Wade frowned.

The woman smiled anyways. Then she held up one finger and picked up her basket of yarn. “You didn’t ask for these either, but I’m giving them to you all the same.” Out came a small bundle of folded paper. “Miss Landers’ letters. I thought you might be curious.”

“I’m not,” he shrugged. “I’m not going to marry her, remember?”

His ma shook her head. “I didn’t say anything about marriage. And these aren’t the letters that your father wrote in your place. It’s what Grace wrote when she thought she was writing to you. Do with them what you will,” she added. “And grab whatever it is you were looking for.”

Studying the letters, he frowned. “What I was looking for?” Wade was tempted to read those letters right then and there. Forcing himself to be casual, he put the papers in his pocket. “Right. I should go.”

But Wade didn’t go far. Instead, he stopped on the empty bench on the porch. His curiosity couldn’t take it any longer. He opened the letters and found stamped dates, showing when they were each sent.

The first one made him grin since the first paragraph sounded so much like Grace. She mentioned her desire for honesty and stated that her life would not be controlled by a man, but that it would need to be a relationship built on trust and kindness. It appeared important to her.

He liked it. She talked about wanting to be true to who she was, that she couldn’t hide herself in a way that would hurt her or others down the road. Grace has listed some of her finest qualities and mentioned a few things she was working on. Wade chuckled and dove into the other letters, finding them very similar in their mannerisms.

She was a strange woman, for he had never met anyone like her before. Even the women in Texas weren’t like Grace Landers. Carefully tucking the letters away once he had read them thoroughly, Wade found himself wandering towards the garden where she was clearly taking a break from writing since she was elbow-deep in the dirt.

“You don’t know how to garden, do you?”

Her head peaked up from beneath the wide-brimmed hat she had borrowed. It didn’t fit her very well and when she fidgeted, it bent at an awkward angle. “I certainly do,” Grace promptly corrected him. “Do you not?”

Wade chuckled. “Ma never liked my help in the garden.”

She tutted. “You pulled all the wrong things out, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t say that,” he protested. “Did Ma tell you?”

Chuckling, Grace shook her head. The hat moved to another odd angle as she pulled another weed. “She didn’t have to. I could guess.”

He hesitated as he tried to decide what that meant. “Well, anyways. She’ll kick you out soon enough as well. You pulled out one of her prized radishes.”

“What!” the young woman yelped, jumping to her feet. Her hat slipped off as she looked around, scrambling to find the ruined vegetable. “Not the radishes! Not the—” then she stopped and turned to him. The grin on his face was so wide that it hurt his cheeks. “I can’t believe you teased me like that.” Dropping to her knees, she threw a couple weeds at him.

Wade laughed, only half-heartedly dodging them. “You should have seen your face! That was funny.”

“No, it wasn’t,” she said hotly, and then paused before grudgingly admitting, “well, perhaps a little. But it was cruel,” Grace decided with a firm nod. “Your mother would be very disappointed in you.”

Shrugging, he bent down to gather the weeds she had tossed his way. When she opened her hand for them, he offered them back so she could return them to the pile. Back down on her knees, she looked determined to return to work.

“All right,” Wade found himself still grinning. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Oh? I like the sound of that.” Grace grabbed the hat. “How do you propose to do that?”

He shrugged. “Tomorrow, I’ll take you around the ranch. You could use it for your book,” Wade added when she looked up suspiciously. “Besides, I already said I would take you, didn’t I?”

Grace bit her lip. For a minute he wondered if she would refuse. But finally, she nodded. “All right. I accept. Tomorrow it is. Finally,” she added with a look.

Chuckling, Wade shrugged and tapped the brim of her hat to make it sit even more crookedly this time. “Tomorrow, then.” And he turned around, whistling as he left the garden and headed back to his job.

Chapter Seven

“I really think we should take this more slowly,” Grace called after Wade the following morning as he started off with his horse. In her hands, she gripped the reins for her own horse tightly, trying not to move. The ears flicked in front of her and suddenly she felt certain the animal had heard the hitch in her breathing.

Turning around, Wade fixed his hat to get a better look at her. “You’re going to be fine. He’s our best horse. Just cluck your tongue like I told you and he’ll follow. It’s not like he’ll take off with you down the hill or anything.”

That was exactly her concern. But as he shouted across the distance, she could feel her cheeks beginning to burn. Clearly, the man had never once felt anxious on top of a horse; he was a natural and moved easily, as though they were one.

It was fascinating to watch. How did he do it?

“Are you going to stand there all day?”

As usual, the moment he opened his mouth all potential kind thoughts of the young man dissipated. Grace tried what he suggested, and loudly clucked her tongue to the roof of her mouth. The horse took a single step before deciding that was far enough.

“See?” She groaned in exasperation.

He chuckled as he trotted over to her. “You’re going to want this.” Wade passed close enough to put the hat he’d been wearing on her head and slipped beside her to take the reins. “I’ll lead him for a while, but that’s it.”

Unable to suppress a grin, she nodded her thanks and held tight to the pommel as they plodded forward. It was the strangest sensation, sitting so high above the ground under a beast of four legs. Some writers had described the act of riding a horse, but Grace realized it was something that she only now understood. It was strange, and rather uncomfortable, but somewhat soothing.

“We’ll stop by the mess house first,” Wade started talking. “There’s a trail there that we can take. See it there? The bigger one. There’s a large kitchen for us boys to eat at, and then it breaks off into rooms. Since I’m foreman, I’ve got the cabin.”

She squinted as they headed towards it. While it was much smaller than his parents’ house where she stayed, it was half the size of the mess house and built in a similar manner. Grace suddenly wondered if it looked the same inside but flushed for such a silly thought.

“It looks nice,” she volunteered. “Though perhaps a little lonely.”

Wade shrugged. “It’s nice and quiet. No one watching over my shoulder, you know?”

Grace tried to imagine that. “Strange. In New York, you see, we all live on top of each other. If it’s not noisy at night, then I can’t sleep. Well, couldn’t sleep,” she corrected herself. “I suppose it’s completely opposite.” She grinned. “I really like it.”

He glanced back at her with a smile. “I’m glad.” They shared a look before he cleared his throat and turned back to the path. “Think any of this will fit well in your book?”

Clutching the pommel even tighter as they headed downhill, Grace bit her lip. “I certainly hope so. My first story is about a young man, you see, who, like me, leaves the city for the West. He goes on adventures and learns to build a life of his own. Independent, strong, and brave.”

“Are you talking about yourself or your book?” he teased her as they passed the mess hall. Grace stared at him as he turned to wave to a couple of men heading out of the mess hall. “Hey, Thomas! Did you check on the calves yet?”

The taller of the two nodded. “Sure am. Bringing Miles here for backup. One’s growing in his horns and is already nasty.”

As ever, Wade only laughed. “All right. Have some fun.”

Her heart fluttered as she studied the young man curiously. Though she had met many people in New York, there was no one like Wade. He was mild and strong, proud and humble, playful and serious. Sometimes it made no sense and sometimes she was having too much fun to care. Did he treat everyone like this? Or just her?

“You really like being foreman, don’t you?” she asked as they headed down the trail.

Wade gave a short whistle. “I sure do.” He glanced back to offer her his most charming grin. “I’ve been riding horses since before I could walk. Pa brought me on my first cattle drive when I was only four. They may not smell great, but being here keeps me going.”

Eventually, as they talked, he returned the reins to her and offered a few more instructions. It made her nervous, but he never stepped out of reach. Soon, her heart felt like it was beating in sync with her horse as Wade took her around to all of his favorite spots. They came across several of the team, and he knew every single one of them.

***

By the end of the evening, Grace couldn’t take her eyes off Wade. The sun was nearly over the mountains as they made their way back to the stables, still laughing about how he’d tried helping untangle her hair from a tree branch, only to tangle his own sleeve in it as well.

“No, come here,” she convinced him when he stepped back after helping her get off the horse. Trying to ignore the way it had felt with Wade’s arms around her waist, she urged him back to her side to check on his hand. “Those silly branches were rather sharp. How’s your hand?”

He grinned as he offered his arm with the sleeve rolled up. “Battle scars, that’s all. See? The blood already dried.”

Grabbing his arm, she inspected it carefully. “I didn’t see the blood earlier. Oh, I’m terribly sorry for that. I knew I should have pinned my hair up for today.”

Putting his other hand over hers, he patted it. “It’s the least of my worries. By morning, it’ll be like nothing even happened. But turn to the light, would you? What about your face? Any blood?”

She scoffed lightly as he wrapped his hands around her cheeks and turned her towards the light. “Of course not. I’m much more careful than you, which we both learned today.”

His lips quirked. “All right, there’s no blood. But how can you be more careful when you’re the one who caught her hair in a tree branch? That doesn’t strike me as very careful. If anything, that strikes me as a very careless person.”

As Grace opened her mouth to protest, a smile already reaching across her cheeks, she paused when she caught the shine in his eyes. He wore that sweet smile again, cocking his head to the side as though he needed a better look at her. A soft tremor danced through her body, urging her to take a step forward. She obeyed helplessly, wondering if it was possible for hands to fit that perfectly around her face. They were rough and warm as one of his thumbs caressed her cheek.

Just as she was wondering how to breathe, she accidentally blinked.

The moment broke. Grace tried to catch up to her wildly beating heart. Wade dropped his hands and took a step back, turning away. Clearing his throat, he stumbled over his next words. “I should, well, put the horses away.”

“Right, and I should … go back to the house,” Grace mumbled.

She turned to leave, trying to process what had just happened. Because nothing had happened. But certainly, something must have.

As she reached the barn door, his familiar footsteps followed in a hurry. Grace paused, clutching her skirts. Her cheeks heated madly in the fading light as he fiddled with his hat. Neither of them could look the other in the eye. “I realized that I should probably walk you up to the house,” he pointed out hesitantly. “In case of, say, snakes or something.”

Grace gulped before offering a quick nod. “Yes, of course. I would like that,” she added and then immediately regretted it. That had been too much, too unnecessary. But perhaps the half grin he offered her afterwards was worth the embarrassment.

They walked up to the house quietly. He trailed beside her close enough to where she could smell his familiar scent of hay, leather, and grass. The close proximity drove her crazy as Grace tried not to look at him. She didn’t know what to say. But she noticed how their hands nudged one another’s not once, not twice, but three times before they made it to the back door.

There, he put his hand on the handle for her. When he didn’t immediately open it, she shyly glanced up. Her heart was already beating so quickly, she wasn’t sure she could take being near him any longer. Grace’s breath caught as his eyes met hers.

The corners of his eyes were crinkled with his large smile. It was the tiniest bit crooked, which had bothered her incessantly when they met. But now, for some reason, she couldn’t seem to get enough of it. Grace searched his gaze, wondering what he was thinking. Could it be what was on her thoughts as well? It hardly seemed possible.

He took a small step forward. Bound by an invisible force, she did the same. If she breathed too deeply, she was certain they would touch. Grace swallowed and waited for him to talk. Surely he would say something. Anything. She just wanted him to say anything. To do something. The anticipation was driving her crazy. Her eyes drifted down to his rather attractive-looking lips just as they heard voices inside.

“Dear, where did you put that towel?”

It made Grace jerk out of the moment. The moment dissipated as she took a step back, blinking. Were they about to do what she thought? Inhaling deeply, she cleared her throat and rubbed her hands. “I-I should go inside now, I suppose.”

“Oh. Right, yes.” Wade’s gaze had dropped away as well as he slowly opened the door.

She stepped in only to hesitate, not wanting to lose his company just yet. “You’ll join us, won’t you?” Her cheeks began to warm. “Your parents wouldn’t mind, of course.”

“Of course.” He nodded quickly, meeting her gaze. “I mean, yes, of course, I’ll come. They won’t mind. I … I’ll just get the horses brushed and come straight away. Save me a seat?”

Grace’s heart thudded. “Always. Yes, I mean.” Her tongue felt all tied up around him now. Knowing her cheeks were still hot, she gave him one more smile and hurried inside. The door closed behind her, but she knew it was only temporary. As Grace went to help with supper, she found herself unable to stop smiling.

Chapter Eight

Wade found himself whistling as he trailed the cattle through the canyon. They were just heading a few miles north for greener pastures, and he’d be home in time for supper again. He grinned as he whistled. Usually, he avoided his parents. They were good people, but Ma worried too much and Pa nudged too much.

But everything was a world of difference with Grace. She was funny, smart, playful, and even kind. The woman was talented and a fast learner. Within a week, she was a natural on a horse and had joined him with the men on several rides around the territory. That worried his parents, but everything had gone well. And it wasn’t like they stayed out late or anything.

“Someone’s in a good mood,” Thomas sang as he came around after bringing a young steer back into the herd. “Have you kissed her yet?”

Wade stopped short. “What?”

Beside Thomas came Miles, who burst out laughing. “You’re spending all this time with a gal who isn’t giving you anything! Thought you knew better, Wade. Ha! Even after your pop went out and brought the finest lady from the East for you. Aren’t you a plumb-crazy kind of guy?”

“He’s just over the moon for her,” Thomas volunteered in a suspiciously sweet voice. “Why, I believe he’s becoming something of a missionary, helping his young parishioner all about. On the horse, off the horse, up the hill, down the hill, with her errands, and anything else she asks.” By the time he finished talking and gave Wade a sly look, he knew the man was making fun of him.

This wasn’t something he was used to. Sure, there were jokes about the girls that would make eyes at him in town. That had always been humorous. Even the comments about him not having a girl, he was used to. Now, however, something settled in his stomach in a heavy way. After all, he wasn’t courting Grace, whom they were clearly talking about. They were just … well, he didn’t know what it was.

Frowning, he shifted his horse a little further away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t you two have work to be doing?”

His attempt at sidetracking the conversation didn’t work, however, before his two workers made a couple more jokes at his expense. They laughed and he found himself getting riled up. “This is none of your business,” Wade choked out with a frown. “Don’t you put your noses into my life. Now get back on the road or you can walk off a cliff.”

It wasn’t supposed to sound so rude, but that did the trick. Thomas and Miles shared a look and fell silent, shrugging at each other before leaving Wade there. He thought he had wanted to be alone, but suddenly, now that he was, his brain started working, and it asked questions that he didn’t like.

***

He worked through the afternoon. But instead of staying later with his men as planned, Wade rode back alone as he tried to think. They weren’t courting, he reminded himself. Perhaps they were just friends. He didn’t want to court anyone. Right now, he wasn’t ready, he wasn’t interested, and he most certainly didn’t want to do it with the person his father had attempted to set him up with.

Though Wade considered not joining his parents for supper, he reluctantly did because he’d already agreed. His mother had promised to make his favorite roast and he couldn’t not show up. But even as he took his seat around the table, he said very little.

“Is everything all right?” Grace walked him out afterwards. She rubbed her hands together against the brisk evening air as he opened the back door. He glanced up as she offered a shrug. “You were quiet tonight and not very annoying. It was pleasant, but strange. You’re not dying, are you?”

His lips quirked upwards. The young woman seemed to always know what to say to make him grin. It was charming. But remembering his thoughts from that afternoon, Wade glanced away and shrugged. “Everything’s fine. It’s just been a long day.”

Stepping out onto the porch, she tugged her shawl closer and nodded. “Oh I’m sure. I talked to Miles the other day and he said that trail you said you were going on was one of the harder ones to manage the cattle. But it went smoothly?”

Wade frowned at the mention of Lawrence. “Yeah, I said everything’s fine.”

“Oh.” Grace hesitated. The young woman glanced down, and Wade realized he was coming across as rude. Inwardly groaning, he shook his head. But even then, he didn’t want to leave her. Nothing made sense anymore.

After a moment of silence, Grace said, “Well, I’m glad, then. That everything’s fine, I mean. Do you remember we had mentioned going on a picnic the other day? I thought tomorrow would be nice. What do you think?”

“I … I think … I’m busy,” Wade managed grudgingly. “There’s some work to do. More cattle that need branding.” He couldn’t remember if it was true, but he knew she wouldn’t know either way.

She bit her lip. “Of course. What about the next day? It will be Saturday, then. Or perhaps Sunday; it might be pleasant to picnic by that stream after church. You’ll be joining us, I presume?”

She presumed much. Grinding his teeth, Wade wondered why she couldn’t get the hint. Taking a deep breath, he considered just walking away without saying anything more. But he tried to remain calm. He could end this without any concern. “I think the picnic will have to wait.”

Grace fell quiet. He could feel her watching him. Trying not to give anything away, he fidgeted with the fraying edge of his sleeve. “I see,” she said slowly. “No picnic, then. Are you sure you’re all right? You’re acting rather odd.”

“Odd?” he scoffed. “If anyone is acting odd, that would be you. Expecting me to drop everything to go on picnics? I eat outside for my meals half the time. I’m a foreman, Grace. I have work to do every day; it never stops. I can’t drop everything just to—to play around with you.”

The young woman came around to try and get a better look at his face in the moonlight. “Play around? Is that what you think I’m doing? See here, Wade, you said we would go on a picnic and I was following up on that agreement. Don’t blame me when you’re saying things don’t work out. I know you have a job, and I also know you have a tendency to do whatever you want.”

She had a sharp edge in her voice that grated on his nerves. Shaking his head, Wade pulled the hat off and glared at her. “Just because I’m the boss’ son doesn’t mean I do whatever I want! I’m here to make a living, to have a purpose. I work. And what about you? You moved right in and made yourself at home. What, are you just going to live here forever and pretend to be a cowboy?”

“How dare you!”

“Oh please, we’re all thinking it. I’ve seen you try to make up for it. But we all know—”

Grace gave him a push. It wasn’t a hard one, but it was enough for him to pause so she could interrupt. “At least I’m trying to do something with my life. You never think about the future, do you?”

“Some people need to know how to live in the moment.” He shrugged her off and gave her a pointed look, feeling his blood boil. “That’s how anything gets done.”

Her nostrils flared. He could feel the heat of her glare and wondered why he’d ever spent time with her. She was just one of his father’s mistakes, wasn’t she? “You’re a spoiled brat who doesn’t respect his parents. I don’t need picnics, you know. I don’t need to ride a horse to feel like an adult. It’s not like I need an animal or a man to feel useful.”

Wade’s hands tightened into fists as she tried to push him a second time. But he didn’t budge. All the same, her final words somehow managed to hurt the most. “And I most certainly don’t need you!”

“Well, it’s not like I need you,” Wade spat back.

“Good!” Grace folded her arms. How could anyone so small be so conceited?

He couldn’t stand to look at her anymore. “Good!” Wade turned his back on her, taking the last word as he stomped off into the night. He just needed to get away from the proud and unbelievably obnoxious Miss Grace Landers.

***

After that, Wade couldn’t think of her without getting angry all over again. Within two days, every cowboy knew not to even hint at the young woman staying at his parents’ house. He skipped church to stay with the cattle and took every shift he could manage without fainting from lack of sleep. Anything to get her out of his mind.

The next week, his pa came into the mess hall saying that he needed errands handled in town. Grace had asked to go as well, he added, looking at Wade hopefully. Apparently, she had dived into writing her story and wanted to see about getting it published, and there was a print shop in town.

But Thomas was there and glanced at Wade before volunteering himself. “I’ll go. I could use a few things in town,” he offered. “Wade here already agreed to lead the wiring fix on the fence, after all, and you know he doesn’t like to break his word.”

When his father eventually left, Wade managed to give Thomas a nod. The man nodded in response and turned back to his food. Nothing more had to be said. Wade turned back to his meal and sighed. Now he couldn’t even enjoy a basic meal, let alone his days in the saddle. All he wanted was his freedom. But her words rang in his mind over and over.

Grace had said she didn’t need him, hadn’t she? Wade frowned and finished off his coffee. Well, he didn’t need her either.

Chapter Nine

For the first time since her arrival, Grace found herself wondering if Wyoming was the right place for her to be. Sitting on the porch, she glanced around curiously. The sky was still cobalt blue and the valley was still stunning in its hues of green and brown. Mountains in the distance still towered over them, aiming to touch the heavens. It was a beautiful place that held her captive every time she looked.

Yet nothing had felt right for the last two months. In reality, it had been nearly nine weeks. But she was trying not to keep track. Besides, snow was beginning to fall and she wanted to think about that more than anything else.

Except she noticed a cowboy farther down on the range and her stomach did that ridiculous flip again. As if it might be him. She scoffed and looked away. If she never saw Wade again, then she would be just fine. He was a fool, a proud fool who had tricked her time and again with his silly words and cowboy drawl.

“Never again,” she swore to herself.

Shaking her head, Grace wondered how she had even allowed things to get that far out of control. She’d put off writing to spend time with him and tried daily to make him laugh and tried everything to get his attention. Such a waste of her valuable time. After her desire for adventure and independence, she’d still managed to find herself caught up with a man’s attention.

Just the thought of it made her shudder. She didn’t want to end up like her mother. It was enough to bring tears to her eyes; it wouldn’t be the first time. Though her father had never been violent, they were no strangers to his raised voice telling them—mainly her mother—how to behave and how to cook and how to clean and how to do this and that.

Grace hurriedly wiped her face clean. No, she told herself, it won’t happen. Besides, they were taking care not to have to see each other. For the past months, he’d had his cows and his cowboys. Mr. Shelton had mentioned sending his young man off on a short cattle drive, but she knew little about it. Only that they saw each other from a distance. He had come to dinner twice and both evenings, learning of his expected arrival, she’d feigned headaches to avoid him.

“Miss Landers?”

She jumped off the steps, clutching the railing. Everything had been getting icy lately, and she didn’t want to slip again in her city-style boots. Which was why she needed to go to town, to get better ones. But Mrs. Shelton worried about her going alone, even if she could ride a horse as well as anyone on the ranch by now.

Offering a polite smile to Thomas, Grace said, “Hello. It’s good to see you again. I hope I didn’t pull you from any important tasks?”

Shaking his head, he stepped forward as he led two horses. “Not at all, miss.” Thomas offered a toothy grin. “Thought the gray one might be better this time since we’re going through the snow and all. It should stop before we reach town,” he added.

“Sounds perfect,” Grace beamed. “Though we might need to stop for coffee while we’re there.”

He helped her into the saddle. “That sounds like a bright idea.” He paused after swinging into his saddle. Grace fixed her gloves and raised her eyebrow. Realizing she was watching, he hesitated. “Wade said he needed to stop in town. I told him we were going, and he was welcome to join us, but maybe he decided against it.”

“Ah.” Grace swallowed. Her heart skipped a nervous beat.

The man looked like he wanted to say something more, but then he decided not to. Closing his mouth, Thomas shrugged it off and led the way towards the road. He was a kind enough man, someone who Grace had learned enjoyed working hard and sent half his wages to his sister and her kids in Philadelphia. They rarely had anything to say to each other, but Grace was glad that she was accompanied by him other than by any other particular cowboy.

***

Thomas was right: the snow stopped before they reached town. She shook off the snowflakes and tried not to shiver. Mrs. Shelton had given her a small purse of money to fetch clothing for the cold, like the boots, but Grace hated the idea of using someone else’s money. She only had a little left of her own now, after all. So she worked hard, when she wasn’t reading or writing, to try her best and take care of the Sheltons.

Of course, they preferred to take care of her. It was somewhat frustrating. But it made them happy, strangely enough. They had a marriage that had evolved into a relationship she had never seen before, where they made each other very happy. Grace wondered how they made that work as she stopped by the cobbler’s and then the haberdashery.

When she left with her purchases, Grace stopped to find Thomas beside Wade. The young man had put his horse next to theirs and they were talking avidly to one another. Her cheeks burned as he jerked his head up and looked her way. What was he thinking? He wore his hat too low for her to read his expression.

Thomas noticed her as well, hurrying over to help with her packages. When he reached her, he blocked her view of the other man. “Thank you,” she murmured, handing him her boxes. “Do you mind holding on one moment? I want to stop at the bookshop,” she gestured across the street.

“Of course,” he grinned. “If they have your book ready, bring me a copy.”

Chuckling, Grace grudgingly nodded. “All right. I won’t be but a moment.”

She hurried over, pushing the heavy door open. Mr. Andrew Henderson managed both the weekly newspaper as well as the bookshop with his printing press. The crowded space smelled of ink, and every bit of it reminded her of New York.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Henderson. Are you here?” Grace called as she closed the door.

Four bookshelves welcomed her in. Browsing them, she ran a finger over the spines to see if there was anything new since she had last stopped there. It had been over two months, after all. Grace hardly dared to hope, even as her heart began to beat loudly. Would he have even had the time to get it completed?

And then she saw it. The Prairie at Sunrise. Grace’s fingers shook as she pulled the recently bound dime novel off the shelf and looked it over in amazement. There weren’t any pictures, but it had a nice brown cover with a silver title. The most indescribable feeling swept over her as she tried to take it in, joyous and thrilling, before she glanced at the bottom.

“Andrew Henderson” was written there.

Right where her name should have been. Grace nearly dropped the book. Confusion flooded her senses as she frantically opened the book. She hadn’t stolen his title, had she? Or had he copied her title? But even as she skimmed the carefully typed pages, a lump formed in her chest. Every word was hers. Her characters, her story, everything was hers. Except for the name.

“What is this?” she cried out. Grace whirled around, desperate for an explanation. Running around the shop, she found him in the back room where he sat at his desk with his account book. “Mr. Henderson! My story!”

He looked at her over his large glasses, nestled on top of his bulbous nose. Then he nodded. “Yes, thank you for that. Isn’t it nice, seeing it print?”

She shook her head. “Yes, and—and no. This is—what do you think you’re doing? This is—these are my words, my story. It’s supposed to be mine,” she stammered. Grace blinked hard, trying not to tear up. “I demand an explanation, sir. I came to you in good faith to publish my story.”

Shrugging, he turned back to his papers and made a notation in his book. As if she wasn’t even worth his time. “And I published it, as you requested.”

“But you stole it,” Grace groaned. “What were you thinking? You can’t sell what is mine. We had a contract.”

Shrugging, he turned the page in his book. “You can’t prove it. Besides, you’re a young girl. You shouldn’t be wasting your time on stories. Go back to the city where you belong. Find yourself a man, won’t you? It’s not like anyone would believe a girl wrote that.”

Grace’s jaw dropped in disbelief. Never in her life had she been treated in such a manner. He had made her disappear; he had discounted her for nothing. She glanced at the book. All of her hard work, and she couldn’t even claim it.

“I can’t,” she started, but the tears interrupted. Refusing to let him watch her cry, she clutched the book to her chest and stumbled out all blurry-eyed.

Pushing the front door open with all her might, Grace drew in a deep breath. It should have helped, but it didn’t. The tears came faster then, so quick that she couldn’t wipe them all away though she tried. Trying not to panic, she tried to look for Thomas and the horses through the snowy street. She just wanted to get out of there, far from that bookshop.

Chapter Ten

 Wade pulled his hat on as he saw Grace step out of the shop. His chest tightened as he nodded to Thomas. He’d kept the man too long. “I should get going,” he interrupted. “We’ll talk back at the mess house. I’ll just …” But he trailed off as he glanced at Grace again. He didn’t mean to, but he couldn’t help himself. Something felt wrong.

Frowning, he watched as she scrubbed at her eyes. Once, twice, and three times. Wade took a step back towards his horse but then one forward. He hesitated long enough for her to arrive. Thomas grabbed the horses, but Wade shook his head, following after Grace before she could get to her horse. He heard her sniffling.

“Grace?” Wade asked hesitantly as she covered her mouth to hide a muffled sob. His glaze flickered to the bookstore and back. Then he noticed something in her hands. “What’s going on?”

“I hate this,” she suddenly cried out, tossing the object into the dirt and snow. A book. Then to his surprise, knowing her passion for the written word, she stomped on it twice. “I hate it, I hate it! Unbelievable!” Then she hid her face again, talking unintelligibly.

Wade picked up the book, wondering why it bothered her so much. Immediately there was something about it that bothered him. “Isn’t this the title of your book?” he asked her. “Did Mr. Henderson write one like it?” She groaned as he flicked through the pages. A few names stood out to him and something clicked.

“He stole it,” Grace finally choked out. “It was mine, I swear. I wrote it. But he—he—”

He’d never known anyone to be so cruel. This was against the law, it was wrong, and to do this to Grace—Wade clamped the book shut with a loud thump. This wouldn’t do. Shaking his head, he grabbed her by the elbow. “We’re going to fix this.”

“Wade?” Thomas called after him.

“We’ll be fine,” Wade replied over his shoulder. “Take our purchases home, would you?” He had business to take care of first. Grace did little but tighten her grip on him as he guided them back into the shop. She slowed down, hiccupping, but he picked up their speed.

It was a quiet shop. Bookshelves, mostly, with the printing press in the back. Wade glanced at Grace, who wiped one cheek before shakily pointing towards a cracked open door in the back. He tugged Grace forward.

“Who’s there now?” came a disgruntled tone.

Deciding that a knock would require too much patience, Wade kicked the door and flung the book onto the desk. Immediately, Mr. Henderson stood with his hands in the air. But his gaze quickly dropped as he stared in dismay at his now muddy papers.

“What is this?” he cried out. “What is the meaning of this?”

But then the man noticed who was there. First, he glared at Grace. Then he noticed Wade and hesitated. Tugging at his collar, Mr. Henderson glanced between them warily. “Ah, the young Mr. Shelton. To what do I, erm, owe the pleasure?”

Scoffing, Wade pointed to the book “I’m afraid you’ve made a terrible mistake, Mr. Henderson. You’ve put your name on the wrong book. The last time I checked, it belonged to Miss Landers here.”

The man sputtered. “Now look here, sir, you don’t know the whole of it.”

“I don’t care,” Wade scoffed before raising his voice. “And we’re not interested in your excuses. We’ve heard plenty of them before. Now, if you don’t want to be run out of town, I suggest you fix this problem immediately.”

Mr. Henderson hesitated. “What problem?”

Stepping forward as he let go of Grace, Wade picked up the book and shoved it into the other man’s chest. “This book was written by the one and only Miss Grace Landers. It was written by no one else, especially not you. Grace is too smart, too clever, and too good for a place like this. She will get published properly by a—by whatever company publishes books. She deserves the best, not this trash.

“We’re going to fix this problem by taking back every copy you have of her story. Manuscript, prints, everything.”

“But,” the older man scrambled, “I don’t—that’s so much. It’ll take forever. I’ve already sold two copies today and—”

Wade shook his head. “And you’ll retrieve those copies, return their money, and apologize for the mistake. You will tell them who wrote the book, and you will pay Grace whatever you received. Tomorrow, you’re going to come to our ranch—I don’t care if you have to walk through the blizzard—and return absolutely everything.”

“And if I don’t?” Mr. Henderson raised his chin stubbornly like a child.

Narrowing his gaze, Wade faced the man sternly as though to remind him that not only was he taller, but he knew the man’s history and their sheriff would be more than happy to make sure the man left town. “Then you’ll never work here again. Do you understand me?”

He glanced back at Grace, who was hurriedly wiping her splotchy cheeks clean. She had shiny eyes that looked at him, stunned. But she was a little less upset now, and he decided this was the best he could do. Wade turned back to the man. “Well?”

Mr. Henderson swallowed hard as he realized he was out of options. Glancing down, he nodded. “Yes, sir. Do send my regards to your father.”

“If I feel like it.” Then Wade offered a bitter smile. “I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, Mr. Henderson. I’m looking forward to it.” With one more glare, he turned guided Grace back out to the street. “Come on,” he grumbled. “Let’s get out of here.”

She trotted after him, close at his elbow. Glancing back at her, he took a double take before they reached the horses. There was a smile on her face. Between the ruddy cheeks and the sniffling, Grace was smiling. Wade stopped abruptly in the middle of the street. How could he be angry now and she so joyful?

“What?”

“What, what?”

He frowned. “What is that? What are you doing?”

Grace bit her lip to hide the smile but it didn’t work. If anything, she was smiling wider. “Did you mean it?” she asked after a heartbeat. “What you said in there?”

“Of course.”

“About me?” she reminded him.

Wade shifted uncomfortably. Blinking, he thought back. He had said several things. The book needed to be fixed. Grace deserved better … Chewing on the inside of his cheek, he tried to think of an excuse for confessing feelings he hadn’t known about, but Grace followed it up with that ridiculous grin of hers.

“It’s all right, you can say you love me.”

His eyes widened as he took a step back, ready to run. “What?” Wade glanced around incredulously. “What are you talking about? I don’t—that’s … you’re crazy.”

“Don’t call a girl crazy just because she’s telling the truth.” Grace shook her head with a short sniff. “And don’t deny it just because you want to spite your father. It’s okay, you can admit it. Just say it, Wade. Please? Just say it.” She cleared her face as she took a step forward.

Shaking his head, Wade stammered as he tried to think. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It was a foolish notion, after all, and his kind words had been said in the heat of the moment. Now the thought that she expected him to say something so public was just laughable.

“Fine.” Grace’s smile slipped off and his heart dropped as she turned to leave. His throat turned dry, not wanting to upset her again, not wanting to leave her again. It had bothered him the first time around, and he was finally getting his head on straight. Or so he had thought. “Then that’s fine. I’ll just leave, then. I don’t want to be around you if …”

But he couldn’t let her go. It was in that moment Wade realized he had to bite the bullet. He’d never liked the saying, but it made sense. There was a sour taste in his mouth as he struggled with his words, so he decided to do something about it. Reaching out, he gripped Grace’s arm and tugged her back to him.

She spun as the momentum swung her straight into his arms. A thrill ran through his body as she bumped into him with wide eyes. When Grace looked at him, Wade smirked at the chance to surprise her. But that didn’t matter now.

They’d stood face-to-face before, but they’d never done the one thing he’d been itching to do since that first day. Only now did he recognize that ridiculous itch. With his other arm, he wrapped his hand around her chin and tugged her the final inch so they could kiss.

Her lips were sweet and salty from her tears. Part of him expected her to resist, but she stood on her tiptoes to press herself against him, her free arm securing his around her waist. Wade had kissed a few girls before but forgot everyone else with Grace. Only when they needed air did he finally pull away.

“I can’t believe you did that,” Wade muttered, and she furrowed her brow in confusion. He couldn’t help but wonder if she felt as light-headed as he did. His eyes glanced around the surrounding street. “You kissed me so publicly that I had best marry you to preserve your honor now.”

Somehow, her cheeks turned even pinker. But she beamed as she responded, “I wouldn’t accept anything less.”

Epilogue

Everyone gathered around the table, eager to get a better look at the freshly printed pile of books. In front of them, Grace beamed as she carefully flipped through the pages. She had already read through them, just to be sure. But the idea of having her book printed still felt surreal.

“All right, all right.” Wade slapped Thomas’s hand away from the table. “Everyone, back up. You all get a copy. Miles, hand them out, will you? And if anyone doesn’t like it, then you’re fired.”

The talk in the mess house faded awkwardly as the cowboys glanced at each other to see if he was serious. Grace elbowed him before shaking her head. “You don’t have a single obligation to read this,” she assured the group. “Your only obligation is to be cleaned up and freshly shaven for the wedding tomorrow.”

“Oh?” Wade raised his eyebrow. “Who’s getting married around here?”

Grace shrugged as she tossed a book to Thomas. “Whoever will have me, I suppose. Do I have anyone willing to—” But she was cut off as Wade spun her off her feet and finished with a kiss that left her dizzy. Their audience cheered as she straightened, flushed.

“All right, all right,” came a booming voice. “Boss coming through. I’m expecting a signed book over here. Is there one left for me?” Jeb appeared with a grin of his own as he dusted off his jacket. Leona trailed over as well, already talking to the cook about herbs.

With a nod, Grace tossed a book to him. “Of course, Mr. Shelton.” He raised his eyebrow. “I mean, Pa.” The word felt strange. But she supposed she might get used to it. A small thrill ran through her body at the thought of being surrounded by so many people who actually liked her. She was so happy she could cry.

“Enough of that,” Wade chuckled, catching a stray tear. “You’re not going to cry every day now, are you?”

Grace shook her head. “Of course not. Just when I’m very happy. Or very angry.”

That made him frown. “Then how am I supposed to be able to tell the difference?”

She shrugged. “You’re going to be my husband. You should probably sort that out.” Then she turned back to Jeb as he studied them with a proud grin. “Thank you again for helping me get this published, sir, I’ve never been so happy.”

The older gentleman chuckled. “Don’t you worry; that’s all I wanted. The most important thing is that my son is finally settling down. Somewhat,” he added with a chuckle when Wade gave him a look. “If I hadn’t taken action, who knows where we’d all be? Remember, it’s because of me that we’re all happy here.”

“Because you assuredly make the world spin.” Leona came over with a small basket Her eyes crinkled up when she turned to her husband. “You’re like a peacock all on display, dear. You had best watch that your feathers don’t poke out someone’s eye. Just congratulate them and move along. Besides, Cook wants to ask you about Christmas supper next week.”

The older couple turned away as Wade and Grace shared a glance. Silently, they both understood that they were never going to confirm Jeb’s thoughts on his bringing the two of them together. The man didn’t need the additional ego and they didn’t want to start any arguments.

Still, Grace chuckled and shook her head. “He’s never going to stop, is he?”

He made a face. “I’ve never known him to do such a thing, I’m afraid.”

Leaning into him, she sighed as he wrapped his arm around her. The man was warm, and she could hear his heart thudding in his chest. Grace wondered again if she was dreaming. How had all of this happened? She’d come expecting a marriage of convenience, only to wind up a pawn in a father-son game. And yet here she was, a published writer, about to be married.

“He’s sweet,” Grace murmured. “And he means well. I’m rather fond of him now. However, I don’t want any more of his shenanigans. If he lies to me again, we’re moving to Colorado.”

She felt his chin rest on the top of her head. It tickled as he said, “Even if it’s about a surprise supper? Or a gift horse? Or about the snap peas in the garden?”

Trying not to giggle, she nodded slowly. “Even then,” she attempted to sound serious. “If supper is two minutes later then he said—”

“Then Colorado,” Wade chuckled. “Understood.”

It was only a joke, and they both knew it. Grace covered Wade’s arms that were wrapped around her, wondering how it was possible to feel this content. Her heart was so full that it felt like it might burst. And she wouldn’t mind; she wanted the moment to last forever.

But then Grace added, feeling it was necessary, “We’re not going to talk to him about grandchildren. At all.”

He snorted. “Heavens, no. We’ll let him meet them when they’re adults, and that’s a maybe.”

Grace grinned and finally looked up at him. Wade raised his eyebrow at her. But she didn’t have anything to say.

She just wanted to look at him. To look at that soft blond hair framing those dreamy blue eyes. From the first time they had met, she had been attracted to him. That felt like a lifetime ago, after all they’d been through with their flirting and their hardships. As she stood on her tiptoes to steal another kiss, Grace hoped that she had another lifetime to go with Wade Shelton.

The End