A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride: Four Generations of Wyoming Ranchers Celebrate Love at Christmas Read Free

this and Rosemary could be one of Belle’s first success stories.
    “Rosemary,” she announced, gliding over to the mattress and settling gracefully onto the bed, “if you believe Mr. Covington is a suitable match for you, then we shall see what happens.”
    “He’s … he’s coming to supper tonight. Ma takes pity on him, says someone needs to feed the bachelors, and Pa said he ought to come while the weather holds, before another snow comes in.”
    “Well, you should practice tonight on your conversation and manners.”
    “Oh, my heart flutters at the idea. But what if he’s not interested? What if he doesn’t want a wife?”
    Belle took Rosemary’s hand and squeezed. “Dear Rosemary, a man gets to a point in his life and he will see the need he has for a good wife. And when Zebulon Covington does, you’ll be right there.”
    “Please, please, Belle, stay for supper. Ma won’t mind. And I’ll feel so much better to know you’re here. I’m so afraid I’ll say the wrong thing or look like an imbecile. And my little brother will only vex me, by teasing me unmercifully. He’ll accuse me of putting on airs if I try to show my manners.”
    Belle pondered that for a moment. “I suppose I can. But I can’t stay too late; I’ll need to see to the animals in the evening, and I don’t like the idea of caring for them in the dark.”
    “I won’t keep you one moment longer than you may stay. Perhaps Pa can send one of his men to your place to feed them.”
    “I wouldn’t want to put them through the trouble. Mr. Tolliver will be coming to work tomorrow.”
    “No trouble. You’ll be helping me, too.”
    “All right, then. Supper it is.”
    “Belle, thank you, thank you. I’m ever so grateful. Ma, she doesn’t … she doesn’t understand. It’s been hard sometimes, living here. We were in Missouri when Pa got the idea to move to Jackson. Sometimes I miss knowing the latest news, seeing the latest fashions.”
    “Ah, I see. How long have you lived here?”
    “Two years. I miss living back East, but my mother won’t agree to send me.”
    Belle nodded. “I understand. But here, it’s so … unspoiled. It’s beautiful.” Beautiful wasn’t an adequate word to describe the Teton Range. “I still remember the first time I caught sight of the mountains. I had no words. All I could do was stare.”
    “Yes, they look like they’re so close they could fall on you, don’t they?” Rosemary stood then crossed the small room to stand before the mirror again. “So, should I change my dress before supper? Is this day dress good enough?”
    “You look just fine. Besides, manners and decorum will make up for any lacking in wardrobe, although a lady should always try to look her very best in any situation.” Belle joined Rosemary at the glass. “Perhaps we should do your hair again, with a fresh braid and pins.”
    “We should.” Rosemary pulled the first few pins from her hair. “Because I want Zebulon Covington to notice me, and notice me but good.”

    Zebulon noticed the Smythes had set an extra place for supper at the table, making six for supper instead of the expected five. The four Smythes and him, plus one more.
    “Coffee, Zeb?” Mary Smythe asked from her place at the stove.
    “Yes, ma’am.” He removed his hat and set it on the nearest empty hook on the wall by the door.
    “Mary, I hope the brew’s hot and strong tonight,” Jake Smythe said as he gave his wife a peck on the cheek.
    “Strong and hot, just like you like it, Jake.” She took the coffeepot from the stove and poured coffee for all of them. “We have another guest for supper, my love. That sweet, young Belle Murray. She’s spent the afternoon tutoring Rosie.”
    “As long as we have enough to feed her, too.”
    “Oh, you—“ Mary grinned and shot her husband a look, and the two commenced a banter perfected after nearly two decades of marriage.
    The sight was both mighty cozy and mighty constricting at the same time.