“Perhaps he assumed you already knew,” Susan replied, gently touching Jane’s hand.“Or maybe he wanted to marry for love alone.”
Jane smiled at the thought of love beyond riches, warmth blossoming within her like dawn breaking after a long night.
As Jane climbed the narrow staircase to her room, Susan’s revelation echoed in her mind.She had been captivated by Jack’s affections without considering their future together.Lying in bed, she whispered about Jack’s waiting ranch, wondering why he hadn’t mentioned it.
Her money worries may be over, but that didn’t stop all worries.
At dawn, Jack knocked on Susan and David’s door.Jane greeted him with a furrowed brow.
“Jack, what brings you here at this hour?”she asked.
“Can’t a man visit his betrothed with the dawn?”he replied.“I have something pressing to discuss.”
Inside the parlor, Jack clasped his hands and spoke of his father’s desire to pass down the ranch and retire back East.He proposed marrying soon.
“Your father’s ranch?”Jane repeated.“Why have you never spoken of this?”
“I thought everyone knew,” Jack said, surprised.
A mix of emotions flooded Jane—relief, confusion, and affection for Jack.His confession solidified their future together.Agreeing to marry soon, they joined hands with relieved smiles.
Together, they would forge a path under the vast Texas sky – grounded by land and lifted by love.
*****
JANE SAT AT THE KITCHENtable, her fingers tracing the wood grain, lost in thought.The morning sun cast a glow over the sisters as Cassandra spread out fabric swatches of ivory and lace.
“Jane, what do you think of this one?”Cassandra asked, holding up a delicate silk piece.
“It’s beautiful,” Jane replied, picturing herself wearing it on her wedding day.
“I’ll start on the dresses straightaway,” said Cassandra.
Amy chimed in, “I’ll take care of the feast—fresh bread, apple pie, and a hearty stew.We’ll get it to the church right before the wedding.”
“Thank you,” Jane answered, grateful for her sister’s generosity.
“An intimate wedding with all those we hold dear,” Jane mused, thinking of Jack’s reaction.
“Especially when he tastes my cooking,” Amy teased, causing laughter among them.With her sisters’ support, Jane felt ready for life’s next great adventure.
*****
JANE WATCHED JACK FROMthe porch as he leaned against the fence, his gaze lost on the horizon where the sun began to dip low in the sky.He had that faraway look he often got after a long day working with his hands, and she knew better than to disturb him when he was like this.But the wedding was looming, and her heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and unease.
“Jack,” she called out gently, hesitant to break his reverie.
He turned, a slow smile spreading across his face as he saw her.“Evening, Jane.You look beautiful as always.”
“Thank you, Jack.”She twisted the fabric of her apron between her fingers, a habit when nerves caught her tongue.“I wanted to talk to you about the wedding plans.There’s much to decide, and I thought...”
“Whatever you want, Jane,” Jack interrupted with an easy shrug, pushing away from the fence and sauntering over to her.“I trust your judgment.”
Her heart sank a little.His nonchalance felt like disinterest, and she couldn’t help but voice her concern.“But don’t you care about our wedding?It’s our day, not just mine.”
“Of course I care,” he said, his dark eyes meeting hers earnestly.“It’s just...Well, there’s been a lot going on, and Pa’s been having me up each night, talking about the ranch.”
“Is something the matter?”Jane asked, her brows knitting together in worry.
