Chapter 35

The first snowfall of winter came to the Golden Ranch, coating the land in a blanket of pure white. Despite the biting cold that seeped through the cracks in the walls, the warmth of their newfound family kept them snug.

Marcus and David, once feared as the auction enforcers, had become trusted allies and dear friends. Their strength and loyalty were invaluable in the rebuilding of Lawless Ridge. They had discovered a new purpose in life, serving not just Ben and Goldie, but the town itself. Their days were spent constructing sturdy fences and stables, ensuring that the ranch could withstand any future threats.

The wooden house beside the barn grew from a mere vision into a reality. The scent of fresh-cut lumber filled the air as they worked tirelessly, their muscles flexing with each swing of the hammer. The structure grew, each nail driven home a testament to their commitment to the new order. It was a simple two-story building, but to Effie and Genevieve, it was a palace compared to the squalor they had known.

Marcus and David took the lead in the construction, their slave backgrounds serving them well. They had built houses in their time, but never had they constructed a home with such care and love. The house was sturdy, with thick wooden beams that whispered promises of protection and shelter. It had three bedrooms upstairs, each with a window that looked out over the ranch, offering a view of the life they had helped to build.

Effie and Genevieve watched with excitement as the house grew, their eyes shining with the prospect of a future they had never dared to dream of. They had found refuge in the Blossom, but this was different. This was a place that was theirs, a place where they could truly heal.

When the house was finally completed, they each picked a room, claiming a space that was a symbol of their newfound freedom. Marcus and David took the room at the back, their deep chuckles and gentle banter a comforting presence in the night. Effie and Genevieve, the more outgoing of the two, chose the one at the front, their laughter often floating downstairs to the Blossom.

In the mornings, Ben, Goldie, Beulah, and Lois would gather around the kitchen table, the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon mingling with the chilly air that snuck in through the cracks. They would chat about the day’s plans, their voices a mix of determination and camaraderie. Beulah, ever the strategist, would lay out the tasks for the sherrief assistant, her sharp mind already several steps ahead of the rest. Lois, with her calming presence, would listen intently, offering her insights when needed.

One crisp winter morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the frost-covered windows, Ben looked at the two women with a serious glint in his eye. “You know, with Marcus, David, Effie and Genevieve taking on more responsibilities around the ranch, we’ve got more hands than we know what to do with,” he said, sipping his coffee. “We need to keep our focus on the sherrief’s office. We can’t let our guard down, not even for a second.”