He Warned Her He Came With Four Children — The Cowgirl Said, “Good This Ranch Needs a Family”
Chapter 13
Winter returned.
But this time, the Mercer ranch was not empty.
Mary learned to read more quickly than Clara expected.
Samuel became skilled with horses.
Ruth followed Clara everywhere.
Joseph refused to sleep unless Thomas told him a story.
The house became noisy.
Warm.
Alive.
Thomas repaired the roof.
Clara expanded the garden.
They bought more cattle.
They rebuilt the barn.
One evening, Thomas stood outside watching the sunset.
Clara came beside him.
“You’re thinking too loudly.”
He laughed.
“I was wondering what happened to the woman who once lived here alone.”
“She disappeared.”
“Where did she go?”
“Somewhere between four children and a stubborn man.”
He smiled.
Then he reached into his pocket.
Clara looked at him.
“What is that?”
“A ring.”
Her heart stopped.
Thomas held it.
“I don’t have much.”
“I know.”
“I can’t promise you a grand house.”
“I don’t need one.”
“I can’t promise you’ll never struggle.”
“I’ve struggled before.”
“I can’t promise life will be kind.”
Clara smiled.
“Thomas.”
“Yes?”
“You’ve spent months warning me about everything that could go wrong.”
He looked embarrassed.
She took the ring.
“What about one thing that could go right?”
Thomas smiled.
“Will you marry me?”
Clara slipped the ring onto her finger.
“Yes.”
From the window, four little faces appeared.
Mary shouted:
“Does this mean we’re really staying?”
Clara laughed.
Thomas looked toward the children.
“Yes.”
Samuel grinned.
“Then you’re our father now?”
Thomas looked at Clara.
She nodded.
He opened his arms.
The children ran toward him.
