The Cowboy's Love

Eight: Foreman

Laura smiled as her brother's ranch came into view. She hadn't seen him since she and John got married. She grew nervous and began running her hands through her hair, before braiding it. Wes rolled his eyes and said," Laura, you look beautiful. Stop fretting about yourself." She sighed and began tieing off her hair. She smiled to Wes and gave him a a quick kiss on the cheek and began straightening out her dress. Wes just chuckled as Caleb stood behind them. He pointed towards a large farmhouse and said," Is that where Uncle Danny lives?" Laura nodded as she looked to the old house. Laura teared up as she remembered growing up in that house. She wiped at her eyes and said," Yep. That's the house me and my brothers grew up in. Danny says that your Uncle's Kevin and CJ still live nearby too. You'll be able to meet all your cousins." Wes noticed the tears and went to comfort her but Matthew started whining. Laura quickly turned and grabbed ahold of the almost ten month old. She cooed to him and held him to her chest. Immediately the baby calmed and laid against her. Wes began turning the wagon onto a long dirt driveway with a big sign above them saying," Hilltop Ranch." He looked around them and saw fields of cattle and crops all around them. He hadn't seen a ranch this size before. He straightened up as they neared the house. Seeing there was a man and woman waiting for them by the big farmhouse. He heard Laura gasp as she saw the two. She covered her mouth in surprise as she saw her brother Danny and his wife Lottie standing by the house. He looked do much like their father, she couldn't believe it was him. Wes brought the wagon to a stop several feet from the couple. He hopped down with a smile and walked over towards Laura. He took Matthew and helped her down. Laura ran to her brother as Matthew cuddled into Wes' side. Wes smiled down at the boy before helping Caleb down. Caleb and Wes watched Laura hug her brother as he spinned her around. Laura giggled as her brother brought her to a stop and set her down. He looked her over and noticed her growing belly and gave her a surprised look. Laura smiled and looked to Wes and waved them over. Laura smiled and said," Danny this is my Husband Wes and my son's Caleb and Matthew." Danny smiled to Wes and held his hand out. Happy that Laura had found Wes. He always had a bad feeling when it came to John. Danny pulled his hand away and went to Caleb. Danny teared up at the boy and said," I met you and your sister when you two were barely two. You've grown up so much." Caleb awkwardly smiled at his uncle before Danny brought him in for a long hug. Laura smiled as she watched Caleb awkwardly pat his back. Lottie came over towards Laura and brought her over for a side hug. Lottie smiled and said," Wait till you see your nephew. You'll be absolutely shocked." As if on cue her nephew stepped out of the barn carrying a dusty saddle. Her mouth dropped as she took in her adopted nephew.  Danny and Lottie were never able to have children so they adopted a little black boy named Psalms from the orphanage and everyone fell in love with the little boy. He was ten when she left, now he was a man. Psalms stopped in his tracks and dropped the saddle, making Lottie giggle. He ran over and immediately hugged his Aunt. Laura smiled and wrapped her arms around his middle. She couldn't believe how tall he was, he had to be as tall as Wes. She pulled away and cupped his face. She looked over his features and said,"You done turned into a man on me, Psalms." Psalms chuckled as he looked over to Wes. He frowned and stepped away from Laura. He stalked his way towards where him and Danny talked about the ranch. Lottie's eyes grew and said," Psalms?" Psalms ignored him as he stood beside his father looking into Wes' eyes. Wes matched his intensity and as Psalms said," You her new husband?" Wes nodded and introduced himself. Wes held out his hand as Psalms began laughing. Wes smiled as Psalms said,"Well at least you'll shake my hand. John used to just call me-" Psalms was interrupted by his father clearing his throat and giving him a stern look. Psalms just shrugged as Danny said,"Let's all fo inside. Tomorrow morning we'll get y'all settled in the foreman house." Wes stopped in his tracks and gave Danny an odd look. Wes frowned and said," No offense is meant and I'm beyonf grateful for your hospitality. But ain't your foreman gonna need it?" Danny smiled as he looked to Laura who had the same odd look. Danny shrugged as put his hand in his pocket. Danny nodded and said,"He will, that's why were settling him in tomorrow. Laura told me about some of your past jobs on ranches and told me you were a foreman for Walter Brigg's ranch down in Virginia. I contacted Mr. Briggs and he highly recommended ya'. And It works mighty well, my foreman up and quit on me a few months back." Wes' eyes grew as he looked to Laura who had tears in her eyes. Wes smiled and shifted Matthew on his hip. Wes nodded in thank unable to speak. Lottie teared up at the sight. She knew this man was shocked beyond belief that a perfect stranger would be so kind to him. Lottie folded her hands together and said," It's the least we could do since you've made our Laura so happy." Wes looked to Laura with a twinkle in his eyes. Laura blushed, knowing exactly what that meant.