"I must confess I'm rather excited this is the first barn-raising I've ever been to." I said brightly, trying to make some conversation.

"Ours too." Ben smiled at me. Ben! I only just met him a few minutes ago. He is Mr. Pontipee to me. But, there are seven of them… if I call them all the same that'll be so confusing. Should I call him Mr. Benjamin? That's too formal and sounds queer. I am so confused.

"I saw you in town a while back." I confessed as I half-sat on the table. "I hadn't seen you before. Do you come to town often?"

"Not really. Adam's the one who usually comes in. He knows the most about trading and such. I'm just labour." And what labour you could provide with those strong arms… Dorcas, stop it! You've only just met the man.

"Oh? Do you – own a farm?" I asked hesitantly, not wanting to offend him. If I called Joe Miller a farmer, he'd never speak to me again. His daddy owned a ranch, and the two professions were fierce rivals. I was still unsure about the difference between the two.

"Well I guess you could call it a farm." He smiled and his eyes got a far-away look in them. I could tell he loved it very much. "It's a farm because we grow wheat. But we've also got livestock, which makes it kind of a ranch. And one of us brothers goes to a little cabin we have way up in the mountain and is responsible for some trapping during the wintertime. We take turns each year. We all do a little bit of hunting and fishing. It's a great life."

"I can tell you love it very much." I said softly. Unbidden, an image came to my mind of Ben, coming home from a long, hard day's work. Entering a little cabin and finding warmth and love inside: with me. I shook my head slightly, trying to clear the image away. What has gotten into me? "So what made you boys decide to come to this little get-together?"

"Milly wanted to come." His eyes softened when he mentioned her, and I could see that he loved her very much. It was obvious that all the brothers did, and looking at him I could see the difference her short stay had already made. This man was different from the man who had easily beaten up three men without breaking a sweat. Although I had no doubts that he could do it again, this man was also gentle and kind. I couldn't help but smile at him.

"Dorcas," the strident voice of George Straither came to my ears. "Who's this?"

I turned and saw the tall dark-haired man approach. "Mr. Straither, this is Mr. Benjamin Pontipee." I never liked George Straither, but he seemed to latch onto me the moment I came to town. He was so persistent and I'd given up trying to persuade him to call me by my proper name.

Looking at George Straither's smug smile and odious moustache, I realized that this was a perfect time for revenge. And perhaps a slight warning?

"Ben," I smiled up at him andtook his arm. He stiffened at my touch, but relaxed at my smile. "This is Mr. George Straither." His gaze shifted from me to the man in front of us and it hardened.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance." Ben held out his hand and gripped the other man's. I could see George Straither's knuckles turn white from the enormous amount of pressure that Ben was obviously giving. I tried to conceal my smile at the power-play between them. I felt a little thrill go down my spine seeing the two at odds over me.

"I'm sure." George Straither gasped out as they released each other. "What I came over here for was to remind you, Dorcas, that you promised me the first dance."

"I did? Oh right. Yes of course Mr. Straither, if you would be so kind as to come and get me when the time comes?" I had completely forgotten the promise that I had made. It had happened before; I would agree to something just to get him to stop nagging me.

"Of course. I just wanted to make sure you hadn't forgotten." He narrowed his eyes and looked at Ben.

"Of course I hadn't. Mr. Straither, it looks like Mr. Miller is trying to get your attention." I gestured to the young man who was opposite the barn floor which we'd be using to dance on.

"Ah yes, well I'll be back when the music starts playing. Until then ma cherie." He took my hand and kissed the back of it before turning away to run across the floor.

"Is he allowed to do that?" Ben asked, his deep voice containing a tone that I couldn't quite place.

"No." I turned to Ben, trying to judge how much I should tell him. He stood there quietly, waiting for me to continue. I decided to throw caution to the wind and be honest. "He's been proposing to me for the past month. I can't stand him."

"So why don't you tell him to get lost?" Ben asked, genuinely confused.

"I have! He just doesn't get the message." I said with a wry smile. "Do you dance, Mr. Pontipee?"

"Please call me Ben, Miss Gailen. There are seven of us Pontipees floating around here, and I wouldn't want them stealing you away from me." His grin was wide and easy, and I felt my heartbeat slow.

"Alright, Ben. But you must call me Dorcas." He took my hand in his and I held my breath.

Until the music started to play.