Beauty and The Beastly Rancher

“That’s just it. I can use the space free. All you need to do is stay with me all day and no one will question you.”

“I couldn’t do that!”

“Why not?” His voice changed, filled with bitterness. “Why not? Afraid of what people will say?”

She blinked several times, unsure of the reason for his change of voice.

He continued, “I promise I won’t take advantage of you.”

She turned bright red. “Of course not. I didn’t t-think that.”

“Good. I’m a confirmed bachelor. I’m not offering because you’re pretty, even though you are. And you don’t have to pay me back in any form. We’re just going to sell some vegetables and fruit. Agreed?”

His words were forceful and she sensed that if she refused, it would hurt his feelings. Besides, his offer was a godsend. First the land and now selling her produce. He was like a genie in a bottle, granting her three wishes.

“Mr. Crawford, I didn’t mean—being able to sell my goods there would be wonderful. But it would require you to spend the day in town. I know you have work to do.”

“Always,” he agreed with another grin, but the bitterness was gone. “I can wait to start plowing your land until Monday.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure. Will you be here tomorrow?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Okay, once the leases are drawn up and I have Pete’s check I will come pick you up. Then we’ll go to town, take the leases to the lawyer and deposit the money in the bank. We can look at the space we’ll have for Saturday. Agreed?”

With her mind whirling, she said, “Yes, that would be wonderful, but—never mind. We’ll be ready.”

“What is it?”

“I was thinking of my son’s nap time, but it doesn’t matter.”

“Why don’t we drop the kids off at my Mom’s?” When she started to protest, he held up his hand. “She’s already offered. She likes little kids.”

“That—that would be wonderful. If something comes up, I can take them with me.”

“Fine. I’ll tell her you said that. Now, I’ll go,” he said as he stood, and she was reminded again how tall he was. Julie’s prayer for “the big man” was certainly appropriate.

“Mr. Crawford, you’ve been—so helpful. I can’t thank you enough.”

“I’m getting more land to work, Mrs—Aw heck, we might as well call each other by our names. Otherwise, no one is going to believe we’re friends. I’m happy with our agreement, Anna. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, Joe. Thank you again.”

He was out the door before she could reach it and disappeared in the spring night.

Anna awoke the next morning with a spring in her step that had been absent for the last five years. She was going to have enough money in the bank to make the payment and have some left over. If she sold even half her things at the market on Saturday, she could purchase a few things that they needed.

She’d have to be careful though. Another payment would come around sooner than she’d realize. Now, for three whole months, she’d be able to face each day with a smile. She was thrilled. She was also relieved because she’d dealt with pressing charges against the men over the phone last night.

She took extra care with her hair and donned a blue dress that matched her eyes. She didn’t bother with makeup. That would be too obvious. When Julie got up, having had a restless night, she did a very unmotherly thing. She fed her cake for breakfast.

“Cake? I get cake?” Julie asked with excitement.

“Just this once. Mr. Crawford brought it over last night especially for you. He was disappointed that you were already asleep.”

“He came to see me?” Julie said in reverential tones. Anna realized no one came to see Julie. She had no playmates because Anna kept to herself. She felt doubly guilty at making her daughter pay for her sins.

“Yes, and he’s coming back today. He’s going to rent our land, honey, and that money will help us out. So everything is going to be better.” She lifted Julie in her arms and danced around the table.

“Mommy! I like it when you’re happy!” Julie exclaimed with a joyful laugh.

Again Anna felt guilty. She’d been letting their situation drag her down, but she hadn’t realized how aware of everything Julie was.

“Everything is going to be better, baby. You’ll see.”

“Is Mr. Crawford going to stay for lunch?” Julie asked.

“No, we have to do business today. You and Henry are going to stay with his mother while we go into town.”

“His mommy? He has a mommy?”

“Why, yes, he has a mommy. Why wouldn’t he?”

“‘Cause he’s so big,” Julie said with a look of wonder.

Anna laughed again. “Come to the table, sweetie and start on your cake. I’ll pour you a glass of milk.”

“Are you going to eat cake, too, Mommy?”

Anna stopped in surprise. With a smile, she said, “You bet I am.”

While Pete was signing the lease papers, he said, “If I remember right, Anna Pointer is a good-looking blonde.”

Joe grunted and looked at Kelly, Pete’s wife.

“How’s the store doing?” he asked, deliberately trying to change the topic.

“It’s doing great, Joe. Stop by and visit some day,” Kelly invited, smiling at her brother-in-law. “We don’t see you often enough.”

“I’m not usually in town as much as Pete.”

“I don’t remember ever seeing Anna Pointer either. Doesn’t she ever come to town?”

Joe doubled his hands and slid them into his pockets. “Nope. She has little kids.”

“So do I,” Kelly said with a laugh.