Eighteen Months Later

Penny closed the straps on the saddle of the horse herself, feeling extremely proud. It wasn’t so long ago that she was terrified of the horses, and wasn’t even  able to touch one. Now, saddling one up to ride into town felt like it was the easiest thing in the world. 

She had spent the morning making breakfast with Eleanor and then putting things back in order for Rosa’s arrival. Rosa had been away visiting her grandchildren for the week, and Penny couldn’t wait until she came back, so she could share all her news. 

For the moment though, Penny had a few errands to run in town. She had told Eleanor she was happy to go herself, because it meant that she could get a visit with Nora in. 

Penny pulled herself up onto the horse and then pulled the reins. The gentle mare started her trot down the path and into town without Penny so much as directing her. These days, rides into town were much more frequent. There wasn’t a soul in town who said that Arthur Scott was a hermit now, not with a wife that was delightful at every church event and happy to lend a hand whenever she could. 

Penny had a list of fabric and yarn she wanted to get from the general store, and she spent most of the ride focusing on the projects she wanted to knit in the next few months. She had been able to knit before, but Eleanor had taught her all sorts of new stitches and now Penny felt like she could make anything. 

“Good morning, Penny,” Mrs. Rodgers said, as she slowed her horse on the main road. “What a beautiful dress! Is it new?” 

“It’s not new,” Penny said as she dismounted with a smile. “But Eleanor and I redid some of the lace and then redyed it and it’s good as new. I’m learning so much. I feel like a proper ranch wife now.” 

“Well, goodness, of course you are,” Mrs. Rodgers said. “And how is Mr. Scott and his mother?” 

“Everyone is fine,” Penny said. “They did say to thank you again if I ran into you. Supper the other night was the most delicious we have ever had.” 

“I will have to have you over again soon,” she said. “Reverend Rodgers is used to my cooking, so I never get such enthusiastic responses from him when I try something new.” 

“We would be grateful for an invitation anytime,” Penny said with a smile. The two chatted for a few more minutes and then Penny headed into the general store. 

Nora was at the counter, working on the ledger, and she looked up with a smile. 

“Oh, I was hoping you’d come today,” she said. “You just have to see the new gloves we’ve stocked. There was a traveling man who came through yesterday, and I’ve never seen anything like them.” 

“I’d be happy to,” Penny said. “And you’ll probably be happy to see the list I brought you. I have a shawl I want to make and I think it has about eight colors in it.” 

“How ambitious,” Nora said with a grin. “But then, if anyone can do it, it’s you. I also have your husband’s order all set aside, because he said someone would be in this week.” 

“I know we’ve been married eighteen months,” Penny said with a grin. “But it’s still such a thrill to hear him referred to as my husband. It feels as if I’m living in a dream.” 

“You are lucky,” Nora said, as she steered her towards the glove display. 

The shop bell rang as they were looking. Penny was inspecting a pair of green lace gloves and didn’t look up, but Nora did. 

“Welcome,” Nora said and Penny heard something in her voice that made her turn. 

There was a stranger in a three piece suit standing at the front of the shop, his hat in his hands. His dark hair was half in his bright green eyes and his smile was polite but a bit nervous. 

“Is this the general store?” the man asked. Penny looked from the man to Nora. She had never seen such an expression on her friend’s face. Nora’s eyes were wide, and her mouth was slightly agape. Penny nudged her with a little smile. 

“Yes,” Nora said. “This is the general store.” 

“Oh good, someone pointed me in this direction,” the man said. “I just moved to town to start a new job at the bank. Do you carry tie clips?” 

“They are over here,” Penny told him, because Nora seemed to have trouble forming words. 

“Thank you,” the man said. “And then I apologize for asking so many questions… Is there somewhere in town where I can get a decent cup of coffee? Haven’t quite got my room set up yet.” 

“The hotel,” Nora finally blurted. “The hotel serves coffee. It is my favorite place to go.” 

“I see,” the man said. “Well… Thank you so much. Just the tie clip then.” 

Penny stayed quiet while Nora rang up the sale, but she could barely contain her smile once the man had left. 

“What was that?” she teased Nora, who was blushing scarlet.

“What?” Nora asked. “I was just serving a customer.” 

“Your jaw was practically on the floor,” Penny replied. “You couldn’t stop staring at him.” 

Instead of denying it, Nora giggled. 

“Do you think he noticed?” she asked and Penny nodded. 

“I think so,” she replied. “But I think he seemed like he would have asked you to join him for a cup of coffee.” 

“Penny, you are scandalous,” Nora said, but in a tone that told Penny she didn’t really mind. 

Penny eventually made her purchases and said her goodbyes to Nora but not before telling her she wanted a full report on the stranger the next time she visited. She would have stayed longer, but she had a plan for how the afternoon would go, and she didn’t want to spoil it. 

That morning, she hadn’t been quite as nervous as she knew that she had the whole ride in front of her. Now that she was riding back, however, she felt her heart flutter in her chest and her mouth go dry. She had wanted to wait until Rosa was back to tell everyone the same day and based on where the sun was in the sky, Rosa would be back any minute. 

Arthur was in the barn when she returned and he met her with a wide smile, reaching out to take the reins of her horse. 

“Did you get everything that you wanted in town?” he asked, as he helped her down. 

“Yes,” she said. “My saddlebags are nearly full but I’m happy.” 

“As long as you’re happy,” he said, smiling. He was about to let go of her to take the horse to its stall but she squeezed his hand. 

“There’s something I just want to tell you first,” she said. “If you have a spare minute.” 

“Of course I have a spare minute,” he said. “For you. What is it? Is something wrong?” 

“Quite the opposite,” Penny replied, meeting his eyes. “We’re going to have a baby.” 

She said it bluntly and quietly, not wanting to overwhelm him. 

Arthur stared at her for a long moment, his eyes wide in shock. 

“We are?” he asked. “You and I are going to have a baby?” 

She smiled. 

“Yes, Arthur,” she said. “We’re going to have a baby.” 

He reached out and hugged her quickly, covering her face in kisses. 

“Penny, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world,” he said. “I have prayed and prayed for this news. When are we going to have a baby?” 

“I think before Christmas,” she said. “If I’m counting right.” 

“Then it’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever had,” he said. “Thank you. Thank you! You have to tell Ma.” 

“I wanted to wait until Rosa was home so I could tell them both at the same time,” she said. “But I think that must be any moment now?” 

“I think I saw Rosa’s wagon pull up,” he said. “Let me just put the mare away and then we’ll go into the house together.” 

Penny grinned as Arthur brushed the horse and closed the stall door. He took her hand as soon as they were done and they walked across the field to the main house. 

Inside, Rosa had just arrived. She was sat at the kitchen table with Eleanor, and the two of them were chatting up a storm. Rosa looked refreshed after her week away. Penny was glad that she had been able to see her family, for she knew that Rosa missed them quite a bit. She was always sharing the letters from her children and grandchildren out loud. 

“Welcome back,” Arthur said, and Rosa looked up at them. Penny caught her eye, a smile coming to her lips. 

She didn’t even have to say a word. Somehow, Rosa just knew. 

“Oh my goodness!” Rosa blurted out, startling Eleanor. “Penny! Oh dear Penny! Congratulations.” 

Eleanor turned around in surprise and then saw the look on Penny’s face. Instantly, it seemed the older woman knew as well. 

“Right under my nose,” she said. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice! Congratulations to the both of you.” 

“Well, she had to tell me in no uncertain terms,” Arthur said. The women laughed and hugged both of them. 

That night, on the porch with a cup of tea and her feet up, Penny leaned her head against Arthur’s shoulder. 

“Is it everything you dreamed of?” she asked. “When you bought the ranch?” 

“When I bought the ranch, I didn’t even know what I was dreaming of,” he said. “I thought that I would be happy just working, if there was no woman who wanted me. And then when my pa died… Well I thought I would never be happy again. I thought I would be alone forever and I thought that’s what I wanted. I convinced myself of it, Penny. But then you came along and changed everything.” 

“Well, it wasn’t always like that,” she reminded him and he laughed. 

“No,” he said. “I had convinced myself so well that I didn’t even know what I wanted for a while. God had other plans and I am so grateful.” 

“I didn’t know it was what I wanted either,” Penny admitted. “I thought I was just a charity case, and this was my temporary home.” 

“The Lord words in mysterious ways,” Arthur replied. “This is our temporary home though, until we are called to our real one, in Heaven.” 

“Well, I hope that isn’t for many years to come,” she said. “When we are old and grey and surrounded by grandchildren laughing. Hopefully, too many to count.” 

He kissed the top of her head. 

“I think we should focus on children first,” he said with a laugh. “Our first son before Christmas and then one every year.” 

“That would be a blessing,” she said, resting a hand on her still flat belly. “I hope that ten years from now, this porch is crowded with little voices. I don’t even mind if my tea is spilled.” 

“It would be for the happiest of reasons,” he said, as he kissed her again. “I love you, Penny.” 

“I love you too, Arthur,” she said and closed her eyes. The crickets were chirping and inside, she could hear Eleanor laughing. Penny couldn’t think of a more perfect evening. 

Thank you, God, she thought to herself as she took a deep peaceful breath. Thank you God for bringing me home. 

THE END