She Was Forced to Marry a Poor Rancher — Not Knowing He Owned Half the Valley
Chapter 2
The journey lasted nearly two hours.
Margaret expected a small cabin.
Instead, Thomas led her through a narrow mountain pass.
At the end stood a house.
It was not a mansion.
But it was large.
Built from thick timber and stone, with wide windows, a covered porch, and a stable large enough for twenty horses.
Margaret stared.
“Whose house is this?”
Thomas climbed down.
“Mine.”
She looked at him.
“You live here?”
“Yes.”
“Alone?”
“Usually.”
Margaret stepped onto the ground.
The house was nothing like she expected.
Inside were wooden floors, a large fireplace, shelves filled with books, imported glass lamps, heavy furniture, and a dining table made from walnut.
A woman named Mrs. Cooper appeared from the kitchen.
She looked relieved.
“You’re finally home.”
Thomas nodded.
“This is Margaret.”
Mrs. Cooper smiled.
“Your wife?”
Thomas glanced at Margaret.
“Yes.”
Margaret noticed something strange.
Mrs. Cooper did not look surprised.
She looked pleased.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Reed.”
Margaret stiffened.
“Thank you.”
Thomas carried her trunk inside.
She followed.
There were two bedrooms.
One was already prepared.
Fresh linens.
A fire.
A basin of warm water.
Margaret looked at Thomas.
“You knew I was coming.”
“I knew we were getting married.”
“You didn’t know whether I would agree.”
“I hoped.”
She stared.
“You expected me to marry you?”
“No.”
“Then why prepare a room?”
“Because you deserve one.”
She looked away.
That answer unsettled her more than cruelty would have.
She had expected a cold marriage.
A poor man’s cabin.
Perhaps even resentment.
Instead, Thomas treated her as though he had been preparing for her arrival for years.
That night, they ate in silence.
Margaret finally asked:
“How much land do you own?”
Thomas looked up.
“Some.”
“How much is some?”
“Enough.”
She almost laughed.
“That isn’t an answer.”
“No.”
“Why don’t you answer questions?”
“I answer the ones that matter.”
She put down her spoon.
“This marriage matters.”
Thomas looked at her.
“Yes.”
“Then tell me the truth.”
He held her gaze.
“The truth will come.”
“When?”
“When you are ready to hear it.”
Margaret frowned.
“I was forced to marry you.”
“I know.”
“You don’t seem angry.”
“I am.”
“At me?”
“No.”
“Then at whom?”
Thomas looked toward the dark window.
“Everyone who made you believe you had no choice.”
