The first thing people noticed about Caleb Boone was his size. The second thing they noticed was how quiet he was. At six-foot-six and built like a mountain, the giant cowboy rarely spoke more than a few words to anyone in town. And for ten long years, no one had ever seen him smile. Ever since the day his wife died in a winter accident, Caleb had turned into a ghost of a man. He worked his ranch alone. He ate alone. He spoke to no one except his horses and the wind that rolled across the plains. – Part 3

Ethan bent down.

Emily reached up and the valley erupted in cheers.

Later that night, after the music ended and the guests rode home, Ethan and Emily sat quietly together on the porch.

Snowflakes drifted softly across the prairie.

“What are you thinking?” Emily asked.

Ethan wrapped his arm around her.

“That hiring a cook might have been the best decision I ever made.

” Emily laughed softly.

“And feeding a hungry cowboy might have been the best thing I ever did.

” The ranch stood peaceful beneath the falling snow.

The house glowed warmly behind them, and for the first time in both their lives, neither of them feared the quiet night because they would never face it alone again.

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Until the next tale, ride on, partner.