UNBROKEN PROMISE

~58~ Harvest

Four Months Later.....

The early morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth. The sun had barely begun to rise over the horizon, casting golden streaks through the fading night as the ranch came alive. It was the first morning of harvest, a time of hard work and long days, and the entire family, from the youngest to the eldest, would be pitching in.

Oma had known it was coming. Logan had warned her earlier that week, explaining what would be expected of everyone during the season. Still, knowing it was one thing—experiencing it was another.

She stood in front of the small mirror in her room, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress, her apron tied snugly around her waist. Her hands trembled slightly, nerves bubbling under the surface. This was her first harvest, and she didn’t want to slow anyone down or make mistakes.

As Oma left the room and stepped into the corridor she met Logan

“Ya ready?” he asked, his deep voice still rough from sleep.

Oma met his eyes, nodding hesitantly. “I think so.”

Logan grunted. “You’ll be workin’ with the negan in the threshin’ barn. She’ll show you what needs doin’. It ain’t easy work, but you’ll get the hang of it.”

She nodded again, fiddling with the end of her apron string. Logan watched her for a moment longer before reaching out, resting a warm, calloused hand on her shoulder.

“You’ll do fine, Oma,” he said, his tone softer. “Just pace yourself.”

Her heart thumped a little harder at the unexpected reassurance. She turned to face him fully, offering a small, appreciative smile. “Alright.”

At the main house, Breakfast was a hurried affair. The kitchen bustled with movement as Megan, Mama Becca worked quickly to fill everyone’s plates. Caleb was bouncing in his seat, barely able to contain his excitement, while Cookie sat attentively at his feet, waiting for any scraps that might fall.

Oma listened as Jacob and Logan talked over last minute preparations, their voices low and steady.

“We’ll start with the east fields,” Jacob said between bites of bread. “Weather’s been good, but we don’t wanna push our luck. Best get it done while we can.”

Logan nodded, chewing thoughtfully. “Got the men spread out?”

“Yeah. Splitting them between the fields and the barn. That way, the threshin’ don’t pile up too quick.”

Megan huffed from across the table. “Means we women best be ready to work fast, else we’ll have an awful mess to clean up.”

Mama Becca chuckled. “That’s why I made sure to get an extra pot of coffee goin’.”

Oma ate quietly, taking in the conversation and the energy buzzing through the room. This was different from the usual day to day life on the ranch. There was a sense of urgency, a rhythm to everything.

After breakfast, Logan stood, brushing crumbs from his lap. “Alright, let’s get movin’.”

He glanced at Oma, nodding toward the door. She quickly wiped her hands on a cloth and followed him outside.

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The ranch was already a flurry of motion by the time they stepped outside. Men carried heavy sacks of wheat from the wagons to the threshing barn, their voices calling out instructions over the din of horses and tools clanking. The scent of freshly cut wheat filled the air, mixing with the faint trace of dust that lingered from the field work.