She Was Forced to Marry a Poor Rancher — Not Knowing He Owned Half the Valley
Chapter 12
After Gideon’s arrest, Margaret expected life to become easier.
It did not.
The valley changed around them.
People who had ignored Thomas suddenly wanted invitations to his house.
Merchants offered partnerships.
Landowners sought his friendship.
Men who had called him a poor rancher now called him “Mr. Reed” with exaggerated respect.
Thomas hated it.
One evening, Margaret found him outside the stable.
“You look miserable.”
“I am.”
She laughed.
“Because people know you’re wealthy?”
“Because people now care.”
She stood beside him.
“Did you enjoy being unknown?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because no one expected anything from me.”
She leaned against the fence.
“Then perhaps you need one person who expects something.”
He looked at her.
“What?”
She smiled.
“A dance.”
“Here?”
“Yes.”
“There is no music.”
“There is in my head.”
Thomas laughed.
Then took her hand.
They danced beneath the stars.
No musicians.
No guests.
No servants.
Only the sound of horses shifting in the stable.
Margaret rested her head against his shoulder.
“I thought I was marrying a poor rancher.”
“I know.”
“I thought my life was ending.”
“I know.”
“Instead, it began.”
Thomas held her closer.
“So did mine.”
