It was late morning when she stood in the store, talking with the locals. Since the death of her father weeks ago, Isabella had struggled to keep the family ranch going, but was nearly ready to admit defeat. So that morning, she had ridden into town in a form-hugging dress with a long, full skirt and bonnet. As she stood there, she pondered over the changes that had come about in her life. She spoke with the shop owner about any local boys who may be willing to come work for her, knowing all the while that few young men would agree to work for a woman.
As they discussed this, the sound of hooves echoed outside as a stranger came trotting up. The big muscular chestnut walked up to the tie rail without urging. A man wearing brown pants and a denim shirt slid off and pulled off his hat. He ran a sun bronzed hand over his equally bronzed face and looked around, eventually glancing through the window into the store. Isabella glanced up and found herself staring as he stretched and pulled his hat back on, walking up the steps. He carefully dusted himself off before walking inside and looking around. She took in his build. He was muscular, and stood at around six foot two with deep hazel eyes and shining red hair.
He walked across the small shop, greeting the owner. Bella smiled shyly at him, feeling her heart flutter in her chest. He spoke with a deep, sure voice and a definite, lilting southern drawl.
"Good afternoon," he smiled as he made his way over to the counter. As he passed, he smiled politely at Isabella, tipping his hat as he greeted her with a "Ma'am." He looked back to the girl behind the counter. "I'm looking for work, but I don't need a lot of pay. As a matter of fact, I'd work for room and board for the right job."
Shannon's eyes widened and she glanced at her Daddy coming up behind her. Few in this sleepy little town would trust a stranger, though at one point they were all strangers themselves. She glanced at Isabella and subtly began to shake her head. But before Shannon's father could speak, Isabella heard her own voice.
"Well," she spoke softly, not yet making eye contact. The man looked at her as she began to talk, quickly removing his hat. "I could use a hand running our ranch. My father used to take care of everything," she paused, a ghost of a smile on her lips, "but he's not around now. It's a big old house, and there are plenty of empty rooms." She blushed, looked down. "I mean, if you want. I just can't do it all myself."
He gave a sympathetic smile, "sounds like it's a lot of work. You'll need help with it, especially now that summer's here.
She nodded. "Yes," she stated, looking up at him for the first time. He was shocked at the depth of her green eyes. There was innocence in them, yet also a sense of having seen too much already in life.
He cleared his throat. "If you'll have me, I'd be happy to work for you."
She smiled gratefully, and he was taken aback at how it lit up her whole face. She ignored the narrowed eyes and disapproving glances of the store's owner and patrons. "That's wonderful. If you'd like to ride home with me now, I'd be happy to take you there."
He smiled back. "Sure, my name's James by the way." He offered her his hand. She smiled as she took it, her still soft skin meeting his that was work-roughened.
"Isabella," she stated softly, yet confidently.
"Pleasure to meet you Isabella," he smiled down at her. "I'm ready whenever you are."
She smiled back up at him. "OK. Follow me then. Mr. Davis, Shannon, I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon."
She waved pleasantly at the other townsfolk whispering in the store and headed out into the hot sun. The fact that Isabella Murphy had taken a man into her home to live would spread through the town before lunchtime was upon it. He turned to follow her, unable to help noticing how pretty she was. She walked out to a large black stallion, rubbing his flank gently. As she unhooked his reigns from the pole, James swung back up onto the chestnut. He glanced over at her and then back inside.
"People gossip too much don't they, Miss Isabella?" Smiling, he steered the horse out into the street.
She looked up at him and smiled back. "They sure do, James."
She easily climbed up onto the strong black horse. "Ready?"
"When you are," he smiled as he trotted up next to her.
"Alright, then we'd best get home."
She nudged the horse into a trot, heading off down the road. As he moved along next to her, he struck up a simple conversation, watching her easy way with the horse.
"How much livestock do you have?"
She tilted her head to the side, thinking about the question, "We have a small herd, but they're good animals."
"If you're not sure, it's fine. I can ride out and do a count either this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning."
She blushed, embarrassed to not know everything she should about her own ranch. She smiled at him even still as she nodded. "Tomorrow will be fine. I took care of the work this morning."
He nodded, the simple act assuring her that he did not think her incompetent due to her lack of knowledge. "So, it's just you by yourself out here?"
She nodded, a sad smile gracing her lips. "Yes. Well, it used to be just me and Daddy. He didn't like a lot of outsiders 'mixing in his business.'"
"You must be one special gal to keep it going all alone." He spoke softly, but with great respect as he glanced over at her.
"Well, it's only been just a few weeks since Daddy died. It didn't take me long to admit defeat," she returned the glance with a rueful smile.
"I'm so sorry." And he was. He was surprised to feel so protective of this small creature. But he already knew he didn't want to allow anything further to happen to her.
She looked to him, surprised at the sincerity in his voice. "Thanks."
He nodded. "Is that it?" He pointed to a large two story house with several large barns around it about 2 or 3 miles away
She smiled, looking at her home fondly. "That's the one."
"Looks like a nice place Miss Isabella. I'm surprised you don't have a line of beaus after you."
She laughed, and he smiled. It sounded like a bell ringing to his ears. "Oh, daddy used to scare them all away when he was here. Now that he's gone, none of them will come near me still."
"Lucky me," he I said, grinning. His face suddenly registered shock at his own forwardness. He looked contrite, until he heard her whispered response.
"Perhaps."
He smiled back over at her as they turned down the main drive.
"Race you there!" She called back over her shoulder as she took off, her long skirt flying out behind the horse.
He carefully nudged the chestnut, and they flew down the drive, slowly catching up to her. He leaned down over the horse's neck and clucked to him. Surging past the big black stallion, he pulled further away with every stride. He eventually slid to a dusty stop at the front porch and she rode up next to him.
She grinned up at him as she slid down off the horse. "OK, fine. You win this time."
