Cole grinned as Gus dismounted. “Let’s get that sweet horse of yours into the barn.”

“Ah, the paddock’s good enough for him.” Gus patted Cole’s back. “He doesn’t like being cooped up much, and he had to put up with it all winter long.  He’ll be happy as anything just running around and nibbling on the grass.”

“If you say so.” Cole led Gus’ beautiful black horse toward the paddock instead of the barn.  Gus did know his horse best, after all.  “How are things going over at the Quincy Ranch?”

“Things are going great now that calving season is over.”  He made a face. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m beyond happy to have increased my herd like that.  But—well, you know.  Calving season is a bear.”

“That it is.”  Together they managed to get the saddle off the horse and rubbed him down. He promptly rolled in the green grass and ran around the enclosure as fast as he could.

“I see what you mean about him being a bit wild still.” Cole laughed at the horse’s antics.

“We’re well-suited to each other.” Gus’s smile was gentle. “I still can’t believe I ever came from New York City. This land is in my bones, you know?”

Cole snorted. “Well, you were pretty sickly when you came. Maybe this really is where you were meant to be. And I’m glad you’re here, personally.”

“You and me both.” Gus watched the horse again. “I’m thinking of adding sheep to the mix.”

Cole did a double take. “Sheep? Why?”

“Wool. You know what they say about not putting all your eggs in one basket, right? I figure if the beef market dries up, people will still want wool.  And if the wool market goes south then I’ll still have the beef.” He grinned, but Cole thought he looked a little anxious.

“Sounds like genius to me.”  Cole wasn’t the type to puff someone up. He fully believed in Gus’s plan. “Wish I’d thought of it.”

“Ah, you’re just saying that.”

“Nope. I really do. I think you should go for it.  I think you should also make sure to bring on a ranch hand who knows how to shear a sheep.”

Gus laughed so loud even his horse stopped frolicking. “That’s a mighty good point, Cole. Let’s head inside to check on Diana. I know you don’t like to be too far away from her right now.”

“It’s true.  She says she’s fine, but I’m not sure what to believe.”  He shuddered. “I know I wouldn’t be fine if I was in her condition. But I suppose that’s why we’re built differently.”

“And I for one am grateful for it.”  Gus led the way to the house.

They found Diana in her kitchen, as usual.  She was hard at work kneading bread dough, but when the men entered, she patted the dough into a shape and covered it with a cloth.  She brightened up the dark kitchen with her radiance as she slowly waddled over to the washstand and scrubbed her hands.

“Give me a second, and I can properly greet you both.” She smiled at them, dazzling Cole, and then dried her hands on a dishtowel. Then she walked back over to the men and hugged Gus. “I’m so glad to see you!”

Cole got a hug too. His was longer, and he could feel their baby kicking as her belly pressed up against him. It was such a strange sensation, one he couldn’t quite describe. It filled him with pride to know he’d created this thing within her, but he also worried. Childbirth was a fraught time for all women, but out here there was no one to help if things went bad.  The nearest doctor was in Fargo, and it would take days to bring him back to Spring Sky.

Diana smiled up at him before pulling back.  It was almost as if she could read his mind, and who knew? Maybe she could. “Let’s sit down in the parlor.  I’ll bring coffee and muffins.”

Cole and Gus moved into the parlor, and Diana followed a moment later with a tray of treats. She set it down and took a seat on the sofa beside Cole. “You look great, Gus.  How are things going out on the new place?”

“They’re going pretty well if I do say so myself.” Gus shone with quiet pride. “Food is kind of an issue, but one of my guys used to be a cook in the Union Army, so that’s something, at least.”

“Wow, lucky for you.” Cole put his arm around Diana’s shoulders. “So, one meal out of every four comes out edible?”

“Pretty much.” Gus shrugged. “It’s a start.”

“You could always get married.” Diana’s eyes danced with mirth. “It has its benefits, you know.”

“There aren’t a ton of eligible ladies in the area, in case you hadn’t noticed.” Gus rolled his eyes, but he never lost his grin. “Plenty of men moving into Spring Sky. Not a whole lot of single women.”

“There’s a simple solution. I mean I seem to recall someone deciding to take the bull by the horns when I was the one in need of a wife. Maybe you just need a little push.” Cole raised his eyebrows.

“A few words in the paper back in New York should do it. Or Boston, or Philadelphia.” Diana rested her hand on her belly. Young Christian rancher seeks bride. Must be able to cook. Serious inquiries only.” She was already laughing.

“Don’t worry.” Cole couldn’t keep a straight face while his wife laughed too. “We’ll go through all the letters for you. All you have to do is show up. The rest will take care of itself.”

Gus laughed. “Now now. You know it’s not the same.”

“I don’t know, turnabout is fair play.”  Diana turned her head to face Cole. “And I have to say, the results have been amazing. I couldn’t have imagined myself happier if I wrote myself into a fairy tale.”

“I’m your Prince Charming in boots and a ten-gallon hat.” Cole took her hand and squeezed it. “And you’re my princess.” He turned to look at Gus.  “You know what? I can’t think of a better way to find a wife. I’m the happiest man in the world, but you’d probably be almost as happy.”

Gus wouldn’t find anyone like Diana.  She was unique, and she was Cole’s. Looking down at her sitting in their parlor, carrying his baby, in their home, Cole couldn’t have wished for more.

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