The next morning Ben and Hank went into Sparks. Hank was looking for a least three men willing to work as ranch hands. Ben went to the telegraph office to send some wires to his cattleman contacts. At the saloon, Hank announced that he was looking for hands for the McElroy ran, and that anyone who was interested could meet him at the corner table. It was slim pickings in Sparks. Only two men bothered to stop at Hank's table: a young, freckled, redhead that went by the name of Cam Evans and a good looking blond named Finney Flannigan. Neither had much experience, Hank was desperate and decided he would give them a try. Just before riding back to the ranch, Hank introduced the new hands to Ben. Having seen many ranch hands through the years, Ben was not convinced these two would last long, but of greater concern to him was Finney's attitude. Finney Flannigan had a big head and spoke in a disrespectful manner. Ben told Hank to keep an eye on him thinking that there could be trouble. Ben hoped that the other hands would help to take care of new cow hand's attitude problem.

It was mid-afternoon when Ben, Hank, and others got back to the ranch. The Ponderosa hands were making good progress on the bunk house. With plenty of work yet to do, Ben suggested pairing the new hands with Smokey and Gypsum, two of his most experienced hands. With nothing else pressing, Ben took off his vest and joined in the construction.

Not having seen Ben since the previous evening, Kate wanted to make sure he was planning to come for supper. She went out to the construction to see if Hank knew where he was. Kate was surprised to find Ben working side by side with the ranch hands. Hank noticed her and walked over to find out what she needed. Kate told him that she needed to speak with Ben.

Hank called out over the pounding of nails and sawing. "Mr. Cartwright, Miz Mac would like a word with you."

Ben turned toward them and Hank waved him over. The sight of Ben nearly took Kate's breath away. Sweaty from working hard in the heat of day, his shirt unbuttoned to his belt with a thatch of dark gray and silver hair showing in the gap. She did not realize that she was staring until a slightly self-conscious Ben buttoned a couple of buttons on his shirt.

He led her away from the construction noise. "It's pretty warm today."

Kate blushed and ducked her head; so Ben made sure they were turned away from the men as they spoke.

"Uh…I just wanted to know if you were coming for supper." She felt as though she sounded like an infatuated school girl.

Ben took it all in stride. "I wouldn't miss it. I promise not to look like this when I show up." Ben pulled on his shirt and chuckled. "A clean shirt is definitely in order."

Kate laughed but then was at a loss for words. "I'll see you later." As she turned to walk back to the house, she thought to herself. "You could come to supper just the way you are, but I probably wouldn't be to able keep my mind on the meal."

Finney had been all eyes since Kate showed up. He watched her every move.

He commented to Smokey. "So that's the boss lady. She sure is purty. What's she want with a dried up old bull like that? Bet he's been out to pasture a long time."

Smokey frowned. "That there 'old bull' could probly whoop your sorry tail iffin he had a mind to. Sides, it ain't none of your bizness; so you best keep your mouth shut and get back ta work."

Finney muttered to himself. "I jest may make it my bizness.".

True to his word, Ben was in a clean shirt when showed up for supper that evening. They took their coffee on the porch after the meal to enjoy the cool night air.

Ben sighed with contentment. "Thank you for another delicious meal."

"You are very welcome. You know, Ben, you haven't told me how you ended up here at my ranch in the first place. And Cactus said something once that he used to work for you."

"Kate you can trust that I would not have changed my coming here for anything in the world, but how I ended up here and the part about Cactus are a bit embarrassing. I'm not sure you would understand being so much younger and a woman."

Kate cocked her head to the side and gave Ben an 'I'm waiting' look. "You are not getting off that easily. You may be older, but I was married for eighteen years; so I do know something about men."

"Yes, well, I suppose that's true." Ben chuckled nervously. "Well, as far as Cactus is concerned, he did work for me for a time, and then one day in a fit of anger I let him go. It was over something silly and he didn't deserve that kind of treatment."

Kate looked at him with a satisfied smile. "See now, that wasn't really so hard, was it?"

"Well, I'm afraid that was the easy part." He took a deep breath. "Uh…well..I guess it's like this. I have worked hard my whole life ...and built a successful ranch. I have three fine, hard working sons and now another who is well on his way…..and…..and…"

Kate reached over and placed her hand on his arm, her eyes radiated understanding. "And maybe they don't need you quite as much as they used to. And a man who doesn't feel useful doesn't feel much like a man."

Ben's head hung down as he nodded. It was comforting to know that she understood his feelings, even if he did feel foolish. He placed his hand over hers, looked up at her and whispered. "Thank you." Then he proceeded to tell Kate the whole story about how 'Ben Brown' came to her ranch. "It may sound silly, Kate, but I would do it all again just for the chance to be near you." Ben searched her eyes to determine if his feelings were out of balance with hers.

Kate held his gaze. It felt good have a man want and need her. "How you got here really doesn't matter. I'm just thankful you're here." Taking his face in her hands, she leaned in and tenderly kissed him.