Stranded with the Rancher

A father’s love was instrumental in forming a young girl’s sense of self-worth. Beth had learned that bit of information from a college psych class and she’d never forgotten the professor’s words. It explained a lot, since in her case all she could remember were a couple of foster fathers who’d looked right through her with disinterest.

Elsie sat and gave a nod. Amy placed her tiny hand in Beth’s left one and Dan took Beth’s right hand in his large one. They all bowed their heads and Beth followed their motions.

Beth hadn’t prayed over a meal since she’d been a senior in high school, living with Ben and his family. Yet this seemed so natural, so right. How could that be?

“Daniel, please lead us in prayer,” Elsie said.

“Dear Lord, we thank You for the safety of this home. We ask You to take care of everyone out in the weather. We are thankful for this meal and ask You to bless this food to our bodies. Amen.”

“Amen,” Beth murmured.

Elsie jumped up after the prayer and ladled out the stew. When she offered Beth the basket of bread, Beth lifted her arm to reach for it, and grimaced.

“We need to check that shoulder,” Dan said.

“It’s not a big deal,” she replied as she smoothed her napkin on her lap. “Hardly hurts at all now.”

He raised a brow.

“Really. Besides, I heal extremely fast.”

He laughed. “I bet you do. But you still need some ibuprofen and ice, Wonder Woman.”

Beth arched a brow. She’d known the man four hours and already he knew how to push her buttons.

“Is Dr. Beth really Wonder Woman?” Amy asked, eyes wide.

“Daddy is kidding,” Elsie answered, her lips twitching. “Right, Daddy?”

“Right.”

“What happened to your shoulder?” Elsie asked.

“She fell,” Dan explained.

“It’s nothing,” Beth insisted.

Dan raised his eyes from his meal to meet hers in a silent challenge.

“You really should have that checked, dear,” Elsie admonished. “I’ll get you an ice pack and some ibuprofen after we eat.”

“Did I mention that Dr. Mom trumps a medical degree?” Dan said.

Beth suppressed a laugh.

“How’s your stew?” Elsie asked.

“Delicious, thank you.” Beth took another bite. It was good, savory and filling. Real food, not from a can, as was her usual fare.

“You’re welcome. The beef is from our own ranch.” Elsie looked at her. “Are you from Colorado?”

“I was born here, and I’m licensed in Colorado, but I haven’t lived here in a very long time.”

“And you’re on your way to Gunbarrel,” Elsie mused, as she buttered her bread and placed it on her plate. “Not much in Gunbarrel.”

“It’s halfway to the airport,” Dan answered.

Elsie immediately looked up. “You’re leaving? In the middle of a blizzard?” she exclaimed. “The weatherman says it’s not going to stop snowing for another forty-eight hours. There’s a second storm system moving in after midnight. Some sort of freak meteorological conditions. Why, they’re saying we’re going to break records.”

“The weatherman has been known to be wrong,” Dan stated.

Beth swallowed past the lump in her throat.

“Oh, I sincerely doubt it in this case,” Elsie said.

Beth glanced at Dan, not missing the irony of the exchange. Hours ago he had made the same practical observation about the weather as his mother, but now he was offering Beth a tiny glimmer of hope. The gesture was kind, considering the reality she was faced with. Appetite waning, she stared unseeing at the remaining stew in the pottery bowl.

“Beth? Are you all right, dear?” Elsie probed gently.

“Yes. I’m sorry. I was supposed to start a new job Monday—that’s why I needed to make my flight.”

“Where is this job?” Elsie asked.

“A clinic in New York City.”

“Oh, my. That’s not good,” she said. “Shall we pray about it? I know the good Lord is aware of the situation and has a solution in mind for you.”

Beth had trouble meeting the older woman’s eyes. “No, but thank you.” She doubted the Lord cared about her job interview. He was busy taking care of important things, like people stranded in this blizzard.

“We’ve got a landline,” Elsie added. “Perhaps you should try to leave a message for that clinic in New York soon, in case we lose the phones in the storm.”

“That’s a good idea. Thank you,” Beth said.

“By the way, I called Ben and Sara to let them know you’re safe, and staying here with us,” Dan interjected. “But I bet they’d like to hear from you.”

Beth nodded and met his eyes. He was a thoughtful man and he was right, of course. She should have thought of calling Ben, but she wasn’t accustomed to checking in with anyone.

“You look exhausted,” Elsie observed. “I’ll wrap up your stew and we’ll save it for later. Okay?” She looked to her son. “Show Beth the guest room, won’t you, Dan?”

After stopping in the hall to grab her tote bag and coat, Dan led her to the other side of the big house. The Gallagher home was warm and friendly and it seemed to have been updated recently. The paint was fresh and the furniture new. Comfortable oak pieces filled the living room, and the burgundy-and-green color palette ran through the house. It was a no-fuss place that welcomed friends, family, children, grandchildren and very enthusiastic dogs.

“I want to apologize for my behavior this morning,” Beth said as she followed Dan down the hall.

“What behavior?” he asked, moving her tote from one hand to the other.

“Are you kidding? I was freaking out.”

“Totally normal.”