Love Comes Softly (2003)

[bunniefuu]

[Yelling]

h*! h*! h*!

[Woman Narrating] It's been almost ayear

since I left my home in the East...

and traveled west

with the man I loved.

I was positive

about my future...

full of hopes and dreams.

Our eyes were always

on the end of the trail...

as if life as I envisioned it

would be just that.

In fact, if someone had told me

that I would find myself here today...

I would have

called them crazy.

I was sure of myself

and where I was headed...

stubborn and full of pride.

I was in control.

Or so I thought.

Quit acting like a kid, Marty.

Get back here.

No. Not until you admit

that I am right and head this way.

- We're going in the right direction.

- We're going north.

Mr. Graham said

to go north.

He said to go northwest.

Don't you think it's strange

we haven't come upon it yet?

Well, we'd be there already if the weight

of these books hadn't slowed us down.

Those books will provide us

with a little culture once we get settled.

- It's too bad we can't eat any of that culture.

- [Groans]

That 200 pounds

of beans and rice...

that we had to toss off the wagon

to lessen the weight...

would taste a whole lot better right now

than the 200 pounds of books we got!

None of this would have happened

if you hadn't talked me into coming out here...

to the middle of nowhere,

Aaron Claridge!

We both know that

you don't do anything you don't want to do.

For once in your life,

be reasonable.

I'm tired...

sick and tired

of the dirt...

and miles that seem to

lead nowhere...

and the layers

of dust on my skin...

aching feet, aching back.

If I never sit in that wagon again,

it'll be all right by me.

Marty.

I see.

It's exactly

like I pictured.

Can you see it?

Just over there.

A cabin, with curtains

in the windows.

A-A-And over here,

a barn.

And a garden where we'll grow

our own food.

Those trees are just

made for swings...

for all those kids who are gonna look

just like their mama.

I don't mind if they look like their father.

We did it.

[Laughs]

We actually did it, Marty.

This just feels right,

doesn't it?

This will be the perfect place

to raise a family.

Pass down the land

to our children...

and give them opportunities

that are limitless.

We can do anything

as long as we're together.

[Both Laughing]

Promise me...

that even if

things get rough...

we'll remind each

other of that, okay?

I promise.

[Aaron]

Dad blame it.

Marty.

One of the horses got away.

- Oh, no, Aaron.

- I'm taking the other horse,

and I'm going after him.

Shouldn't be gone too long.

He's probably just a ways downstream.

I'm coming with you.

No need. I'll be back

with the horse before breakfast.

Make up a lot of pancakes.

I'll be hungry.

- [Whinny]

- Got ya.

[Whinnies]

Hyah!

Come on!

Hyah! Come on!

Let's go!

Hyah!

Come on.

Come on. Let's go.

Hyah! Hyah!

[Whinnies]

[Aaron's Voice]

Marty.

[Horse Whinnies]

Whoa. Whoa.

Miss Claridge.

Ben.

Ben Graham, ma'am.

Met you a couple days back.

Found him

about an hour ago.

Miss Claridge.

Can I get you

some water? Ma'am?

[Muffled Sobs]

Miss Claridge?

Well, I guess you'll be

needing time to...

to think, uh...

My wife will see to

your husband.

The preacher's leaving

tomorrow.

I can bring him back here

first thing in the morning...

to say a few words.

Oh.

[MartyWhispering]

We're fine.

We're fine.

We're fine.

We're fine.

- We're fine.

- [Coyote Howling In Distance]

We're fine.

[Woman Clears Throat]

Hello?

Mrs. Claridge?

Marty?

It's me.

Sarah Graham,

Ben's wife.

You met me

a couple days ago.

Marty...

it's time.

We need to start

your husband's funeral.

We don't want to be

starting it without ya.

I can't do this.

You have to do this.

[Whispering]

I would...

I would appreciate just...

just a moment, please.

We'll wait.

[Sobs]

[Man] Aaron Claridge journeyed west

in search of a dream.

His untimely death means

that one journey is over.

Another has just begun.

[Sighs]

[Sarah] Winter is coming, and there's

no wagon train heading east till spring.

I don't know how you're fixed for money

to board in town, but...

you're gonna have to make

a decision... and soon.

[Sighs]

Well...

you take tonight

and think on it, and...

Ben'll come

and check on you tomorrow.

Thankyou.

[ThunderRumbling]

Excuse me, ma'am.

I'm Clark Davis...

and I'm truly sorry

about your loss.

I have a proposition for you.

I know it's not the right place

or the right time.

[ThunderRumbling]

But I figure if we marry...

it'll help solve

both our problems.

You'll have a roof

over your head...

and all your needs

will be met...

and my Missie,

well, she'll have a mama.

I know it sounds crazy...

and the timing is unlikely...

but you have to understand

the preacher's leaving the area today...

and he's not gonna be back

until spring...

and I ask this

only for my daughter.

I'm thinking...

that she needs a woman's hand

in parts ofher life.

I know it's not

the perfect solution...

but when the wagon train

heads back east in the spring...

I'll pay the passage

so you can go home.

You'll help me get home?

If that's what you want.

I'll leave you

to think on it, ma'am.

[Child]

Get her off of ya!

[All Shouting]

So I had to be chasing after 'em.

The next thing... Hey!

- I tried to stop them.

- [Ben] Hey! Hey!

- [Grunting]

- Missie.

Hey, hey.

Come here.

[Panting]

He started it, Pa.

You get up.

Get up!

Clint says I got a new ma.

He's lying to me.

- Is that true, Clint?

- No, sir.

She poked me right in the nose

for no good reason.

You're a liar.

That is so a good reason.

[Clark]

Hey. Where do you think you're going?

Apologize.

[Panting]

Sorry.

Sorry.

What'd I tell you about fighting with girls?

I ain't fighting with no girl.

It's just Missie.

Get inside.

Go on.

- No worries.

- Come on, Missie.

We need to talk.

[Indistinct]

Oh, God,

I don't want to do this.

- I just wanna go home.

- Now you listen to me.

There is no place

in this part of the county...

to waste your time

cying overwants.

Your life's

about needs now.

You need a roof overyour head

for the winter.

That's what

you bargained for.

We are here today,

gathered in the Lord's name...

to join this man

and this woman in marriage.

Please join hands.

Will you, Clark Davis, take Marty Claridge

to be your lawful wedded wife?

I will.

And will you,

Marty Claridge...

take Clark Davis

to be your husband?

Come on now. Let's go.

Just answer, "I will."

I will.

Then I pronounce you

man and wife.

[Dog Barking]

[Missie]

Buddy. Come here, Buddy.

I'll bring in your trunk.

[Clears Throat]

This is the bedroom you and Missie will be sharing.

I'll get my things moved

into the lean-to.

[Owl Hooting]

[Plates Clinking]

[Door Opens]

Good mornin'.

[Clears Throat]

Saved you some ham. I'm...

I'm not much of a cook,

but it's usually pretty fillin'.

I've never seen

nobody sleep so long.

I thought you might be dead.

[Clark]

Missie.

Go and wait for me

in the wagon.

- [Footsteps Departing]

- [Sighs]

Got some things

I need to tend to.

I'll be taking

Missie with me.

[Clears Throat]

Won't be back till supper.

Ma'am.

[Wagon Departing]

[Weeping]

[Sobbing]

[Door Opens]

[Footsteps Approaching]

- She's sleeping again.

- Mm-hmm.

[Whispering]

Let's go have our supper.

Pa, is she all right?

No.

But she will be.

Come on.

- [Horse Whinnies]

- [Gasps]

[Panting]

[Horse Whinnies]

- [Clark] Come on. Come on.

- [Whinnies]

Come on.

And bless this dear child

in her time of grief...

and bless this food before us, and we thank you

for the fine day ahead of us.

Amen.

You got an awful lot

of pretty dresses.

You got an awful lot of fancy things

that aren't good for much anythin' at all...

We fetched your wagon yesterday

and brought it into the barn.

What are you gonna do

with all them books?

I checked to see if there was any food that was

spoiled when I was picking up your things.

We planned on buying supplies

as soon as we found our land.

Books must be

pretty important toya.

I'll see if we can

find space for 'em in the cabin.

I'm not sure what you're

expecting from me.

Come with me.

Missie's nine years old.

She works almost as hard as I do,

sunup to sundown.

Has been for the last

couple of years.

She never complains...

but the work is stealing

her childhood.

She doesn't know

what she's missin'...

but I do.

Maybe if somebody's there

to share the chores...

she'd have time to learn...

some of the things

I think you could teach her.

Things she'd learn

from her mother.

And when I go home

in the spring?

I figure I'll cross that bridge

when I come to it.

The books.

How did you know they were mine and...

and not Aaron's?

Oh, well, a man would have

thrown them offthe wagon at the first big hill...

unless he was tying to please

a stubborn woman.

[Chickens Clucking]

Why areyou here?

[Sighs]

I thought you could use

some help.

What would you

like me to do?

You may need a place to stay, but I don't need

a mother. Pa and me been doin' fine.

I'm a little unsure

about what to do.

Why don't you show me how to

get those eggs out from underneath their...

you know.

Their rears?

[Sighs]

[Marty]

Spell "cow. '"

K-A...

Close. It's C-O-W.

Gertie don't care

if I know how to spell "cow" or not.

Gertie doesn't care...

but I do

and so does your pa.

So let's try another one.

Spell "fun."

F...

[Moos]

- How do you spell "warm"?

- Warm? W-A-R-M.

I think you better

W-A-R-M your hands.

- What?

- Well, how do you expect Gertie

to give you good milk...

when you're freezing her

like that?

Probably spell "milking. '"

[Whispers]

Sure can't do it.

[Groans]

How'd you get to be so old

without not knowin' how to do nothin'?

[Squeaking]

[Marty Panting]

- [Marty Grunts]

- [WaterSloshing]

[Gasps]

[Grunts]

Oops. I really didn't mean to.

I know exactly what you're meaning to do,

Missie. Now you listen to me.

You're not my mother,

and I don't have to listen toyou.

- As long as I am here...

- I don't want you here.

I've got news for you!

I don't want to be here either...

but the fact of the matter is

I made a bargain with your father...

and I intend to keep

my end of that bargain...

even if you do everything

short of trying to k*ll me in the process.

So the way I see it...

if I can survive traveling for months

in a covered wagon...

losing my husband,

marrying a complete stranger...

I can survive you.

[Exhales]

So how was your day?

- Fine.

- Yeah, fine.

[Clears Throat]

I ran into Ben and Sarah Graham in town today,

and they were asking after you.

That was kind of them.

Actually, they invited us all

to their annual get-together.

- Is it already time?

- It is.

You see, the Grahams have a party,

uh, this time of year...

so all the folks can get together

before we're stuck inside for the winter.

We'd understand it if, you know,

you weren't up for a party...

but it's up to you.

You probably wouldn't like it.

There's tons of people you won't know.

You'd probably just like

staying home better...

- don't you think, Pa?

- I think I will go.

Good.

[Soft Knocking On Door]

- What is it?

- I just need to talk to you.

Missie's asleep, and I'm ready for bed.

Can't we talk tomorrow?

Well, that's just it.

I won't be here tomorrow.

I'm, uh... I'm leaving

before sunup.

- I'm gonna help our neighbor.

- Fine.

W-Wait. It...

What else?

I'll be leaving Missie

here with you.

That is why I'm here.

Yeah, I... You know...

I just wasn't sure if you were

up to dealing with a spirited...

I'm fine.

Something else?

No. Ye...

I'll be back by supper.

- Fine. Good night.

- Good... night.

[Sighs]

Missie.

Missie!

Missie, answer me.

Where are you?

Missie?

Missie!

You better get out of here.

[Sighs]

Why don'tyou come down so we can get to work?

Okay.

Just as soon as he leaves.

He?

[Gasps]

Just come down slowly.

I've read that they won't spray

unless they feel threatened.

You read that

in one of your books?

Uh-huh.

- And you believe it?

- I do.

Well, not me.

I'm starving, and I gotta use

that outhouse something fierce...

- but I'm not coming down.

- [Dog Barks]

Buddy, no!

[Screams]

[Whimpers]

[Coughs]

[Marty Groaning]

Guess he felt threatened.

[Groans]

[Groans]

Are you sure this is going to take

the smell away?

More or less.

Some of it's just gonna have to wear off.

[Groans]

[Coyote Howling]

- The fire's dyin'.

- Could you?

I ain't supposed to.

I could burn myself.

[Sighs]

Something's burnin'.

Oh, no.

Oh!

[Marty]

Oh, dad blame it!

- Ouch!

- Let me help you. Hold on.

Hold on, hold on.

Missie, get me some butter, would ya?

- Come on. Sit down.

- [Marty] It's fine.

No, you sit down here.

I'm gonna wrap it up now.

- [Marty Groans]

- [Sighs] Here.

Thank you.

It's nothing, really.

Okay. Now this will just

take some ofthe sting out.

- [Sighs]

- Pancakes are all burned.

Here you go.

Like that.

You know, you'll get the hang of that stove.

It just takes a little practice. That's all.

- [Sighs]

- [Clears Throat]

So where'd the skunk

find you?

The barn.

Better get

some more tomatoes, Pa.

Took almost a whole bushel

to get her smelling this good.

Well, I'll see what we've got

for supper in the icebox.

Missie, why don'tyou go ahead

and stoke that fire?

[DoorCloses]

I'll ty to get all the things on your list

foryou while I'm in town.

[Clears Throat]

You sure you don't want to go with us?

No.

She said she don't.

Doesn't.

Hope you can make something better

than burned pancakes.

Too bad I'll be gone,

'cause I can make some real good fried chicken.

I'm ready, Pa.

Mm-hmm.

We'll see ya soon.

Tsk, tsk.

How hard can it be?

[Sighs]

If a child can do this,

I can do this.

[Chickens Clucking]

Come here, chickie.

Come here.

[Grunts]

Come here!

Come here!

Dad blame it!

[Panting]

[Grunting]

[Chicken Clucking]

"Pull feathers out

with the grain."

You better be worth it.

Huh.

Looks like a coyote

got in there.

More like a wild woman

with an ax.

Good. You're back.

Supper's ready.

You made fried chicken.

Good, 'cause I was

getting awful sick of panc...

[Clears Throat]

Me too.

Sure won't want to

have to wash all that.

I left half my things

at home.

- It's kind of wasteful, don't you think?

- Wasteful?

To have so many.

You can only wear one dress at a time.

Surely you must have

some dresses of your own.

One for when the reverend

passes this way and holds a service...

but like I said,

you can only wear one dress...

At a time.

My mama made

beautiful quilts.

Hers would put this here

pattern to shame.

She made quilts for all the neighbors

when they had their babies.

I'm sure

they appreciated that.

Folks loved my mama,

especially my pa.

That's why his eyes ain't sparkly

like they used to be.

She certainly was beautiful.

She was the prettiest

thing you ever saw.

Eveybody said so.

You must miss her

vey much.

[Shivers]

[Gasps]

Oh, Lord.

[Gasps]

I'm sory.

[Screams]

- [Gasps]

- Oh!

[Groans]

[Murmurs]

[Murmuring]

- Where's your father going?

- On his Sunday walks.

It's his time to be alone

and talk to the Lord.

I'll bet he has a lot

to talk to him about this morning.

- What'd you say?

- I think I'll take a little walk of my own.

Are you all right here

by yourself?

[Missie] I picked this dress

because I know pink is your favorite color.

I love it

when you wear pink, Mama.

You always look so pretty.

There.

Letting in the sun

will make you feel better.

[Sighs]

L... I don't know why

they didn't let me come here, Mama.

[Sighs]

'Cause I would have sat here

just like this...

and I wouldn't have

madeyou tired or sad.

I just wanted to tell you

that I loveyou...

and I miss you.

[Sobs, Gasps]

You were spying on me!

- No.

- You're lyin'.

I saw you. You were watching.

How could you do that?

Missie, I didn't mean

to be there...

but I do know

what you're feeling.

Don't say that.

You don't know nothin'.

I do want to help you.

I don't want your help!

I hate it that you're here.

It was fine before you came.

I wish it was spring

so you would leave.

[Sighs]

I didn't mean to.

I... I was cold. I... I didn't mean to

walk in on her like that.

Well, I know what you mean.

About last night, l... I'm sorry.

- I didn't mean to walk...

- I don't know what I was thinking.

I can't stay here.

- Why?

- Why? That little girl hates me.

You were right.

She does need a mother...

but I'm not

the right person.

She doesn't know it,

but she's still grieving.

- That's why you're the right person.

- It's just not going well.

It's going just the way

I thought it would.

- I knew she wouldn't like it at first.

- Then why put her through this?

Because I love her...

and she needs more

than I can give her.

Seems like an awful lot

oftrouble to go through...

for just a few months of lessons

in letters and sewing.

Nothing's a waste oftime.

It adds to the person that you are...

and I'm counting

on the fact...

that knowing you is gonna add to the person

that Missie will become.

I know you can find a way

to get through to her.

- How do you know?

- That's what I prayed for.

[Sighs]

Maybe I will.

We're ready.

You look beautiful, Missie.

[Chuckles]

Thanks, Pa.

[Mouthing Words]

[Children Chattering]

Whoa.

Whoa.

[Chattering Continues]

[Chattering]

Gonna catch flies

with your mouth hanging open like that.

[Gasps]

When are you expecting?

February.

How did you know?

When Ellen was

expecting Missie...

she'd hold onto her belly

like you just did.

Oh.

I was going to tell you.

The baby won't be a problem...

and I'm sure it won't change the fare

for when I go home in the spring.

You must be thinking

I should have told you.

Actually, I was thinking

I'm glad you're gonna have the little one...

to remember him by.

[Missie]

"In the wa... '"[Groans]

"Wa... Wa...

Wajon... Wagol..."

Keep trying

to sound it out.

"In the... wagon. '"

Good.

I'm tired of tryin'.

It's too hard,

and I don't need to read anyhow.

Okay. Fine.

- You don't care if I do it?

- No, not if you don't like adventures.

Reading ain't no adventure.

Once you can read, you can have

every adventure you ever dreamed of.

In the pages of a book,

you are a princess in a tower...

or the best shot

in the West.

In those pages,

there are no limits...

to where you can go...

who you can be.

No one will ever tell you

you're too young to slay the dragon...

because it all happens

right here where it's safe.

[Sighs]

I guess it wouldn't hurt none

to practice a little bit more.

- I'll be back.

- Okay, Pa.

I think a walk

will do me good as well.

??[Clark Singing]

- ??[Singing Continues]

- [Chuckles]

??[Singing Continues]

[Ends]

[Horse Whinnies]

Aaron.

[Wind Howling]

Pa!

Winter's coming on with

the subtlety of a snakebite.

- It's a whiteout.

- Where's Marty?

- Isn't she here?

- She went walking about when you did.

If I'm not back here in 10 minutes,

you use the g*n.

You open the door, two hands,

raise it above your head.

You keep firing

until you see me.

All right?

What ever you do,

you don't leave that door. Come here.

It's all right.

It's gonna be fine.

Gonna be fine.

I'll be right back.

Marty!

Marty!

Marty!

Marty!

Marty!

Marty!

Marty!

Marty!

Marty!

[Horse Whinnies]

[g*nsh*t]

[g*nsh*t]

[g*n c*ck]

[g*nshots]

[g*nsh*t]

[Clicking]

[Whimpers]

Pa?

[Whispers]

She's all right. Go back to sleep.

- Well, what about the baby?

- The baby's fine.

Okay? Go on

and get some rest.

He should never have

gone after that horse.

A man loses a horse,

he goes after it.

It's as simple as that.

[Turkey Gobbles]

Thank you, Father,

for this food...

and this shelter

and this companionship.

And as we come into the season

ofthe birth ofyour son...

please make our hearts

thankful that he came.

Amen.

I love Christmas.

- And I already know what I'm gonna make you, Pa.

- Is it something I can wear?

[Sighs]

He's always tying to trick me into telling him...

but I'm smarter than that.

- Yes.

- So, what do you do to get ready

for Christmas at your house?

Well, about a week

before Christmas...

we go to Franklin's

and pick out a nice pine tree.

There's pine tree

growin' in the city?

No. It's a tree lot.

Someone has already cut them down.

You don't get to

pick your own tree and...

see which one smells the best,

which one looks the prettiest in the snow?

Not exactly.

But we find one we like...

then someone

delivers it to us.

Then we add to our ornament collection

by going to Purcell's Store.

They have the most beautiful

glass ba*ls and red ribbons to put on the tree.

We make hot cocoa,

drink it by the fire.

And then your pa reads you

the Christmas stoy.

- Um, no.

- Why not?

Well, it just wasn't

something that we did.

Christmas without

a Christmas stoy.

Well, when you get back,

you have to tell him to read it to ya.

My father passed away

a couple years ago.

What about your mama?

Actually, she's...

gone too.

So, who will you spend Christmas with

when you get back home?

Well, I used to have it

with Aaron, of course.

I have an aunt

that I'm close to...

and... and I have

friends there...

you know, back home.

You can certainly have Christmas

with your friends, can't you?

I mean, there's no hard, fast rule

that it has to be with family.

Well, you'll have

your baby now.

You could spend Christmas

with it...

Missie. [Clears Throat]

Your supper's gettin' cold.

How about a little less talkin'

and a little more eatin'?

Anyway, the joy ofthe season is...

It's a gift.

It's right there for everybody,

right for the takin'.

Doesn't matter

where you spend it or...

or who you spend it with.

[Laughs]

One, two...

[Indistinct]

Yes, that's right.

[Door Opens]

[Indistinct]

- Mery Christmas, Pa.

- Mery Christmas.

Thanks, Pa.

[Reading Quietly,

Indistinct]

"Where is he who has been born

the King of Jews?

"For we have seen his star

in the east...

and have come to worship him."

[Continues, Indistinct]

[Bird Hooting]

- Marty?

- Hmm.

Where'd this baby

come from?

Well, you know, from...

Hasn't your pa

ever told you?

No.

Maybe you should ask him.

Don't you know

where your own baby come from?

Came from.

And, yes, of course I do.

[Sighs]

Well...

it's the same as you.

My husband Aaron

loved me so much...

it spilled over

and made a baby.

- What spilled over?

- It.

- What's "it"?

- The love.

- I think that button is still loose.

- Wow.

- What?

- I'm just thinking about...

all the brothers

and sisters Clint has.

There's been a lot of love

spilling over at the Grahams'.

Indeed.

I wonder if my pa could ever feel that way

about someone again.

He could, I guess.

Give me your hand. Feel.

What's that?

That is someone who's getting

pretty impatient to get out and meet you.

Marty?

I thought it was just back pain that I was having,

but now I'm not so sure.

You're having regular pains?

- Just starting to.

- Uh-huh.

I think it's time.

I'm gonna go get Missie.

[Marty] There is no way Iam letting you be my...

my midwife. Find someone else!

- There ain't no time for that.

- Isn't!

And it's okay.

I'll make time.

- Did you deliver Missie?

- No, no. There was Sarah.

But Pa's delivered

plenty of calves.

Oh, that's good.

I feel so much better.

We're gonna need plenty of hot water.

Run to the barn, get my shears.

- We'll need to sterilize 'em.

- Missie, don'tyou dare!

Go on.

I would rather give birth in a field

than have you in here!

Birth is a...

is a natural event, Marty.

Oh, you feel what I'm feeling and tell me

how natural it is! Now, get out!

[Groaning]

Oh, God,

I can't do this alone.

Please help me.

Please, please help me!

[Groans]

[Marty Yelling]

[Clark]

Push. You're doin' fine. You're doin' fine.

- Push. Push.

- [Groaning Continues]

- Come on, push. You're doin' fine.

- [Marty Yells]

You're doin' fine, Marty.

Come on.

[Baby Crying]

[Baby Cooing]

[Whispering]

I t's a boy. Come here.

You were mooing louder than Gertie

when her baby came out.

Have you got a name?

Aaron Luke.

Aaron after his father,

Luke after mine.

- It's amazing, isn't it?

- What's that?

- This...

- [Cooing]

Powerful love

that just sweeps over you.

It's amazing.

Weather's mighty temptin'.

I thought the fresh air

might do us both some good.

- Yeah. You warm enough?

- Mmm.

- He seems to be enjoyin' it.

- [Chuckles]

Hey.

[Whinnying]

- Looks like we got company comin'.

- Pa.

Go ahead. You can

do your chores later.

[Ben]

Whoa. Whoa.

Hi, Clint.

Let's go play.

Whoa.

- Howdy.

- Ben, Sarah. Welcome.

You're lookin' a little more rested

since the last time I paid a visit.

I can hardly believe he's already a month old.

It just doesn't seem possible.

[Chuckles]

Yeah, they grow when you're not lookin'.

Blink and you just

might miss it.

That's what Clark said

about Missie.

Clark understands

and appreciates that.

He seems to be right fond

oflittle Aaron.

I think he is.

[Sighs]

I bet little Aaron has you thinkin'

on his pa a lot lately, huh?

He would have been

so happy...

and proud to have a son.

Babies are a testament

to love.

They're livin' proof of what

you and your husband share together.

Nobody can ever

change that.

I still see Laura's dad

every time her curls are bouncing in the wagon.

Ben had blond curls?

Not Ben, Marty.

Laura's daddy.

He was my first husband.

Thornton.

I was a widow.

I had two little ones.

When I met Ben Graham,

he had two young uns of his own.

I guess you might say we joined forces

out of sheer need.

But, Sarah, I...

You and Ben,

I just assumed you loved each other.

Oh, we do.

Now.

I got more love in my heart

for that man...

than anybody

oughta be allowed.

I can't even tell you

when it happened.

You know...

sometimes love

isn't fireworks.

Sometimes love

just comes softly.

If you two are through gabbing,

it's time we best be gettin' on.

I will come when

I'm good and ready, Ben Graham.

That's fine, then. Can't say for sure

if the buggy'll still be here when you're ready.

Enjoy your pie.

[Both Chuckle]

Orney old goat.

- [Groans]

- [Giggling]

[Chuckles]

Oh!

[Screaming]

[Yelping]

No! Clark, stop!

Stop! Stop!

Pa. Pa.

[Laughing]

Stop.

You gotyour laugh back.

I think I did.

[Baby Cries]

Aaron's cying.

[Baby Crying]

- Marty. Marty.

- What?

The barn's on fire.

Staywith the children.

Please, God, if you're really there

and listening to me, take care of Clark.

Please let him

come out all right.

Please, God.

- Come on! Come on! Hyah!

- [Sighs]

[Missie]

Marty, what's happening?

[Groans]

Marty...

you realize

you lost your wagon...

and all your possessions

in the fire?

I know.

I made you a promise last fall,

and I intend to keep it.

I'll be going into town soon

to replace that feed.

And if you're wantin' to...

we could see about

your way home.

We should put some

ointment on your hands...

and wrap them

so they won't get infected.

- Here's some coffee.

- Thankyou.

What are you

going to do?

The neighbors have offered

to collect some logs and raise a new barn.

Ben said he'd take care

of the milk cow...

feed her in exchange

for some milk...

until I get my feed

built back up.

I think it's gonna be fine.

Pretty much got it worked out.

Just keep praying

for answers.

- Why do you think he'll answer your prayers?

- He always answers my prayers.

Really?

Did you pray for this?

Marty...

Did you pray to have Ellen

taken away from you?

Did you pray that little Missie

would grow up never knowing her real mother?

I just don't understand

why the god that you pray to...

would let such unthinkable things

happen to decent people.

Come with me.

Where?

What about the children?

Missie can watch Aaron

for a little while.

- Where are we going?

- Going to church.

Missie could fall down

and hurt herself...

even if I'm walking

right there beside her.

That doesn't mean

that I allowed it to happen.

But she knows,

with a father's unconditional love...

I'll pick her up

and I'll carry her.

I'll try to heal her.

I'll cry when she cries.

And I'll rejoice

when she is well.

In all the moments

of my life...

God has been

right there beside me.

The truth of God's love...

is not that he allows

bad things to happen.

It's his promise

that he'll be there with us...

when they do.

I'm gonna go back

to the cabin.

Do you wanna stay a while?

All right.

Missie...

would you do me a favor

and get your pa's dirty clothes?

Get. Would you get?

Yes, ma'am, I will.

Oh, Lord.

Mornin'.

Good morning.

Smells good.

Excuse me.

That wet winter we had

sure did make the ground soft for plantin'.

I haven't seen you

turn a page for 30 minutes.

I can't seem to concentrate.

I'm going over to

the Grahams' tomorrow.

I'm gonna help Ben brand his new calves.

You wanna come along and visit with Sarah?

I don't think so.

I should probably spend the day packing.

It's about that time.

Areyou sure?

I'll let Missie know.

- Missie, come here.

- [Missie] Okay, Pa.

[Indistinct]

[Faint]

I don't want her to go.

[Indistinct]

[Chattering]

Eveything seems to be

in order.

You'll be leaving shortly.

Would you?

[Cooing Softly]

- I wish I didn't have to leave.

- Then stay.

I just can't.

I want you to have my books.

And this.

My mother gave it to me.

I might be leaving...

but my love is

staying here with you.

Please say good-bye

to Sarah and Ben for me.

I'll always be grateful

thatyou were there that day.

I don't know

what I would have done.

[Softly]

Bye.

Bye.

Might as well get my things

moved out ofthe lean-to.

Okay.

Father...

I don't know why

you brought Marty into my life...

only to have her

leave like this.

I know I don't always

understand your plan...

but I ask you...

with a shattered heart...

please help me

to accept it.

[Sobbing]

Amen.

Missie!

I'm going to bring Marty back. You don't

leave the cabin. I'll be back as soon as I can.

Hyah! Hyah!

Come on!

I'm glad to be leaving

this god forsaken part of the country.

I wouldn't call it

god forsaken.

Horrible snowstorms.

Beautiful sunsets.

Rich soil.

A woman has to be crazy

to stay.

Crazy.

Or in love.

[Clark Yelling]

[Faint]

Marty!

Marty! Marty!

Marty! Marty!

Marty!

What's going on?

Who's Marty?

- [Man] Whoa, whoa.

- [Whinnies]

Clark, what are you doing?

A man loses his woman, he goes after her.

It's as simple as that.

I thought you wanted me to go.

- I didn't see the note.

- You didn't try to stop me.

Until today.

Don't leave.

Stay with us.

Stay with me.

Please.

But... But I have to stay

for the right reasons.

Stay because I love you.

I... I love you.

Or maybe...

I should stay

because I love you.

That's a good reason too.

Whoa.

Mama.