Original subtitles

♪ ♪

[Birds squawking]

[Wind blowing]

- [Sighs]

Are you really here with me?

- I'm here.

- And you'll never leave me?

- Never. - promise?

- Promise.

- How can I be certain?

- Because the two shall become one.

- [Sighs]

What a wonderful life you've given me, Clark.

What a wonderful life we've made together.

[Horse neighs]

[Bell rings]

- Lord, we're grateful

that the soil is warm and ready to be planted.

And we ask that this season's crop be bountiful.

We thank you for this nourishment before us,

bless it to our bodies

and bless this day, amen.

All: amen.

- Hey, where's missie?

- I thank you, again and again,

for the honor you've done me in your proposals.

But to accept them is absolutely impossible.

My feelings in every respect forbid it.

Now, can we speak any plainer?

[Wagon leaving]

[Sighs]

[Growls]

Hya! hya!

- And I think I'm old enough to be riding by myself to school.

Charlie's a good horse,

and he don't like standing around on a day

with nothing to do.

- How do you know he don't like standing around?

- I'm sure of it.

Hey!

That was missie!

[Horse whinnies]

On, Charlie!

- I believe it was.

- Hya!

[Horse whinnies]

All: [talking and laughing]

- [Sighs] take your seats and get out your reading primers.

Quickly, please.

All right, Daniel, please start reading

from the top of page 25.

- [Clears throat]

Just making sure the teacher made it here safely.

- Well, here I am. Safe and sound.

[Clears throat] I would appreciate it, though,

if you made sure that Arnie and Aaron got here on time.

It's disruptive to the rest of the class

when they enter late.

- Well, I think they're going to be

here on time from now on.

You have a very nice day, Ms. Davis.

- All right, Daniel. - Yes, ma'am.

[Door closes]

- Get on up.

Ho. [horse flutters]

How you doing, Zeke?

- Getting by.

- I just took the boys to school.

[Laughing] they're late again.

I tell you, though, I wish they'd stay young forever.

- How old's that boy of yours now?

- He'll be ten on his next birthday.

- And the younger one?

- Arnie? he's seven.

Well, he's got it in his head, though,

that one of these days

he and Aaron are going to swap places,

and he's going to be the older brother.

- Yeah, well...

Boys sure are full of big ideas.

- Yeah. [clears throat]

Any word from your boy?

Hmm.

Well, like you said,

boys are full of big ideas.

♪ ♪

- Lunch! - [excited chattering]

♪ ♪

- I was wondering if you'd do me a favor, Clara.

I'm just not hungry today,

but I don't want my lunch to go to waste.

Maybe you'd eat it for me?

- I'd like to help you, Ms. Davis.

- Thank you, Clara.

I'll be stepping out for a few minutes.

Charlotte will be in charge while I'm gone,

and she'll report to me the names

of anyone breaking any class rules in my absence.

Anyone.

- [Distant yelling]

I got it level.

[Distant laughing]

- Give the men a break for lunch.

I'll be back.

- You're the boss.

All right, that's lunch.

- Is this a private lunch, or can anyone dine here?

I hope I didn't startle you.

- No.

- I'm Grant Thomas.

- Missie Davis.

- Well, missie Davis,

I have surveyed hundreds of miles of land

west of the Mississippi,

but today is the first time I've ever seen

anything as pretty as you in the viewfinder of my transit.

- I'm just picking berries.

- Not a very substantial midday meal,

if you don't mind my saying so.

- [Laughs] did you say you have a transit?

- Yes, it's a device used to measure the--

- horizontal and vertical angles of the land.

- That's right.

- And you have one close by?

- Would you like to see?

♪ ♪

Would you like to look?

- Mm-hmm.

- Allow me. - Thank you.

It's amazing.

- [Laughs lightly]

- What are you all doing here?

- Follow me.

We work for the continental railroad company.

It's our job to survey the lines

to find the best and shortest routes

for the men who lay the tracks.

- Hmm.

- Now, that's a vignette solar compass.

It shows us which direction is true north.

- I've read about equipment like this.

- I know you said you're not hungry,

but maybe you'd consider joining me for lunch.

- I'm sorry. I--i really have to go.

I'm late.

- Late?

- Thanks.

- Are you sure you have to go?

- I'm afraid so.

But it was nice to meet you.

And good luck with all your work here.

[Clicks tongue]

Let me in!

- [Laughing and chattering] - Let me in!

I know you're responsible for this, Brian Murphy!

Now, get off this door!

I'm giving you one last chance.

Fine, have it your way!

I'm leaving and coming back with your pa.

- Do it, she's gonna get your pa!

- I'm sorry.

I assure you it isn't my desire

to startle you every time we meet.

- [Laughs] no, it's fine.

I was just about to go in and teach a class.

I'm the teacher.

- Well, I don't mean to hold you up,

but you left this.

- Thank you.

- I understand now why you couldn't accept

my invitation for lunch.

So...maybe you'll accept my next invitation

to dine with me for lunch?

A week from Saturday?

It's not a school day.

Unless you have a steady Beau.

- No.

- No, you won't dine with me?

- No, I mean, no, i don't have a steady Beau.

- Oh.

- Yes, I would be delighted to dine with you.

- Wonderful.

I hear the hotel dining room has the best food in town.

I could arrange for transportation?

- Oh no, that's all right. I'll meet you there.

Around noon?

- Noon would be perfect.

I'd better get back to my class.

- All right.

Goodbye.

- Goodbye.

[Children laughing]

And this handsome and mysterious stranger

rides up on this mighty steed

and sweeps me off my feet.

- Missie Davis, you are making that up.

- I'm not. It really happened.

His name is Grant Thomas, and he works for the railroad.

- On the crew?

- Yes, but...

I mean, he's different from the other men.

I mean, he was well-dressed and self-assured.

And they treat him like he was the boss.

He even had his own tent filled with food.

- Looks like you're imagining a little more than just food.

- He invited me to dine with him at the hotel.

- He said "dine"?

- Yes. - what'd you say?

- I said yes. - [Laughs]

[Horse flutters]

- [Clicks tongue]

- Pa? when you going to let me do the chopping

and you do the loading?

- When you get older.

- That's what you said about the plowing.

- Well, that's right.

You're going to be a big help with the plowing someday.

- But I want to help now.

- You are helping me.

- But I want to do important work.

A man's work!

- There's all kinds of work, son.

[Sighs]

There's a boy's work.

And there's a man's work.

And there's god's work.

It's all important.

- So feeding the chickens is important?

- Yep.

- And cleaning the pig's pen?

- Oh, you bet.

- Um, pa, I gotta go.

[Logs drop]

- Go ahead. - Be right back, pa.

Be right back to help.

- Ok.

Whew.

[Exhales]

- [Screams]

- Oh!

[Horses whinnying]

Aaron...

Aaron, you hurt?

- Seen 'em trapped lots of times, pa.

I ain't never heard one do that 'til now.

Scared me so bad, pa,

I don't need to pee no more.

- [Gasps]

- You all right, pa?

- Come here.

- [Gasps]

- Listen to me, son.

I need you to take off your belt.

I need you to take off your belt and wrap it around my leg.

[Breathing heavily]

[Grunts and strains]

Oh...come on.

There you go. Ooh!

- What do I do again, pa?

- Wrap-- wrap it above my knee. Tight.

- Pa, help me. [Crying] I don't know what to do.

- It's not your fault.

- Pa! [sobbing]

[Distant crying]

[Horse grunts]

[Sobbing] please, pa, don't leave me.

Don't...

Please, pa.

[Horse approaching]

- Hya! hya!

Hey! hey!

Hya!

Hya!

Whoa. whoa.

- Hello.

[Horse flutters]

Who are you?

- Hya!

- Help him, missie.

[Sniffing]

- Pa... ma-- mama!

Mama! - what?

- Come quick.

- Oh, god... [Horse whinnying]

- Bleeding has stopped for now.

No moving around, Clark. Uh-uh.

Give that wound a chance to heal.

- For how long?

- At least a few weeks. Maybe more.

That's a serious injury.

Gash goes clear to the bone.

- I'll see you out.

- Thanks, doc.

- How's pa?

- He's resting.

Thank you for coming so quickly.

- Now, it takes me a better part of a month to do my rounds,

but I'll-- I'll be back to check on him then.

- I'll make sure he stays in bed.

- Infection-- that's your biggest worry now.

A bad infection could lead to gangrene.

He could lose his leg...

Or worse.

[Crickets chirping]

- Dear lord...

[Sniffs] you healed the lame.

Please...

Please help this good man.

Give us the strength to endure this.

- He will.

[Whispering] he will.

That look of worry on your face,

it hurts a lot more than this leg does.

- I'm fine.

- I'm right here.

- [Sniffs] I know, but...

- I'm right here, Marty. I'm not going anywhere.

[Sighs]

You know, I'm figuring that, uh...

[Grunts] a couple days, I'm going to be right as rain.

[Groans]

- You can't work the fields, Clark.

- I...have to.

If we don't get a good crop this year,

we're going to lose everything.

- [Sniffs] i know.

That's why missie and i will do it.

- You can't.

- We will.

- [Sighs]

- Shh. pa's asleep.

- Go on and eat your lunch.

- I want to stay here with pa.

- I'll be right here with him.

- Pa needs me.

- [Breathing heavily]

[Sniffs]

[Chains dragging]

Whoa!

[Horse flutters]

[Sniffs]

[Coughs]

[Groans]

[Horses grunt]

[Straining]

[Thunder rolls]

- [Wheezes]

[Rain pattering]

[Horse neighs]

- Thank you.

- Here you go, sir. - Mm-hmm. Thank you.

- Looks good.

♪ ♪

- [Sighs]

- Whoa!

[Sniffs]

Lunch time...

[Sniffs]

Oh...

Saturday? ugh...

[Straining]

- [Whispering]

- What is it? What's wrong?

- I'm just redressing the wound.

Can you hand me that canister of yeast?

- Elm bark and yeast?

[Gasps]

- [Sighs] this should make it all better.

- And if it doesn't?

[Straining]

[Sighs]

[Crying]

Oh, god. Please, god, help my pa.

[Distant horse neighs]

- Whoa, whoa.

Afternoon.

I think this belongs to you.

- You're the man that helped bring my pa home.

- How is he?

- He's alive.

How did you happen upon him?

- I was out checking my traps.

- What do you think you're doing?

- Thought I might have a turn at the plow.

- Why are you helping me? - [Kiss noises]

- Wait a minute. What's your name?

- Nate.

- I thought maybe we'd met before.

- I don't think so.

- Got, uh, Anders and Malone

working on the next quarter mile, like you asked.

- I'm glad someone is where they're supposed to be.

- Yeah, I know it's none of my business, boss,

but maybe the lady had a good reason

for standing you up.

- [Grunts]

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

- So you've handled a plow before.

- Yep.

- Are you from around here?

- Here and there.

- Just passing through?

- Do you always ask so many questions?

- Just wondering on your work experience,

because it seems to me you should be spacing the rows

a little closer together,

because the more rows you plow, the more seeds I can plant,

and the bigger the harvest is.

- Do I tell you how to braid your hair?

Don't tell me how to plow a field.

[Kissing sounds]

How is he, ma'am?

- [Groans]

- [Sniffs]

- Mind if I take a look?

- There's some water in the bowl, missie. Would you--

[sniffs]

- Best if your boy wasn't in here.

- Aaron, pa needs fresh water.

- Missie can.

- No, I want you to get it.

- No, mama. I'm not leaving pa!

- Pa will be all right.

We're here to see to that right now.

- I'm not going! No! - Do as I say. Aaron!

- No! - go and get fresh water.

- I'm not leaving! - Now.

- Pa needs me!

- Hand me that chair.

- [Pounding on door] Let me in!

He needs me in there, mama! Let me in!

[Sobbing] please!

- What didn't you want him to hear?

- We're going to have to open that wound very clean.

It's the only way to get rid of the infection.

- I thought the elm bark would help dry it out.

- [Sobbing] - he could lose his leg.

Or his life, if you let the infection get worse.

- No, you're not touching my pa.

- [Crying through door]

- Have you ever done this sort of thing before?

- Been a ranch hand for years.

Seen a lot of mishaps.

So I've taken care of my share of accidents.

- [Sniffs]

- Mama, can't we just wait for doc?

- The doc won't be around for another three weeks.

- [Clark groaning]

- [Sighs] what do you need?

- Take my knife and clean it with whatever you got.

Brandy or iodine.

I'm going to need some hot coals and a fry pan.

[Door opens]

It would be best if you take your brothers out of earshot.

- I love you, pa.

♪ My Shepherd will supply my needs ♪

♪ jehovah is his name ♪

♪ in pastures fresh, he makes me feed ♪

♪ beside the living stream ♪

♪ he brings my wandering spirit back ♪

♪ when I forsake his ways ♪

♪ and leads me for his... ♪

- [Clark yelling out]

[Screaming]

- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Water sloshing]

Appreciate it.

[Slurps]

[Harrowing music]

♪ ♪

[Water sloshes]

- The fever broke.

He's awake. He's even hungry.

He's asking for my fried chicken.

[Uplifting music]

♪ ♪

- [Kissing sounds]

- Make sure you thank him

and invite him for supper tonight.

- I will.

Nate!

- Whoa, whoa, whoa! Whoa. Whoa.

- Thank you... for everything.

- Just glad I was there.

Especially wouldn't want your brother

watching his pa die and then living a life wondering

what he could have done different.

- Well, I hope you like fried chicken.

That's what we're having for supper.

- I'm hungry.

Can you hear my stomach growl?

- We're all hungry. We've been waiting all day.

- So, who cooked this fine feast, anyway?

- [Laughing]

Who do you think cooked it? - Come on, who cooked it?

- I cooked it, of course. - ...All this chicken.

- The what? - [Laughing] My favorite.

- [Laughs]

- He's here. Can we start eating?

- Patience. - Nate, come on in.

- We're having a picnic. We made you a plate.

- Pa's leg is getting better, Nate.

And I'll be right here to make sure

you have everything you need, pa.

Like if you need water or biscuits

or someone to get you a piece of ham

or your Bible.

- How about you give me some help with the chores?

- Pa needs me. - All right, you two.

Let's say the blessing,

so we can eat this fine meal that your mama has prepared.

Lord, we thank you for the blessings

that you've bestowed on this family,

my family,

and to Nate, our very own miracle,

who has reopened our eyes to your enduring promise.

Amen.

All: amen.

- Eat up! - All right.

- Oh! [winces]

Marty tells me that you've done more work in that field today

than she and missie have been able to do all week.

- Well, it wasn't my first time behind a plow.

- You got your own piece of land?

- No. no land yet.

Just plans.

- Oh. never despise meager beginnings.

Got some wheat and corn that needs to get in the ground

next couple weeks.

I'll pay you a fair price soon as the crop comes in.

But missie here, she's young and able.

And I'm sure she'd be happy to help you with the planting.

- Um, I'll be out there at sunup.

- All right.

[Crickets chirping]

- Do a bunny.

He has a big mouth.

- You better watch out. He might get ya!

Both: [laughing]

- What I won't give for a handful of quiet.

- [Laughs]

Do a swan!

- Do a bear.

- [Growls] - he has a big mouth.

- Better watch out. He might get ya!

All: [laughing]

- Cut your hair for two bits.

- Oh actually, I'm not here for a haircut.

I just need a little information.

- Information's two bits.

[Coins rattling]

- I'm looking for a young woman. Missie Davis.

- I can tell you just where to find the Davis place.

- I'd be most appreciative.

- [Sighs] want to head back out of town,

go south from the post office,

get to two big oak trees, head west.

- Head west. - You can't miss it.

- Thank you very much.

- Sometimes when I'm outside like this,

surrounded by all this beauty,

it feels like I'm walking through one of god's paintings.

It feeds my soul.

- Speaking of god,

what did your pa mean by "his enduring promise"?

- That someday, he'll wipe away all our tears,

and that all pain and suffering and heartache will be gone.

That evening when we were all together

feeling joyful that pa wasn't in pain,

you helped give us a glimpse of that promise.

We have plenty of wood back at the cabin.

- Not a sturdy piece of oak like this one.

- What's it for?

- Ain't none of your beeswax.

[Bee buzzing]

- [Laughing] are you all right?

Crazy.

You're foolish to mess with bees.

- I've done this plenty of times.

Smoke puts them to sleep.

We'll surprise your mama with some honey.

Ouch! hey, ouch!

- [Laughs] what's the matter? One of the bees not sleepy?

[Buzzing]

Well, what about the honey for mama?

- I'd, uh...Stop talking and start running if I were you.

[Laughs] - [screams]

[Panting] - oh...

- [Screams]

[Heavy buzzing]

[Screams]

- [Laughs] - [screams]

- Come here.

- [Sighs, coughs]

- That was close.

- Smoke puts them to sleep?

- It's always worked before.

- Well, throwing a rock at them didn't help either.

No...

Oh, no. - What is it?

- My locket.

It can't be gone. - Missie.

- My mama gave it to me.

Come on.

- Ha! ha!

- I can't believe it.

- Someone you know?

- Someone I never thought I'd see again.

- Good afternoon, missie.

- Good afternoon, Grant.

- Ah, I was worried

when you didn't show up at the restaurant.

It took every bit of my surveying equipment to find you.

Actually, I hope you don't mind,

but I took the Liberty of asking around in town.

- I had planned to be there.

Uh, my pa had an accident and was quite ill.

- Is he all right?

- He's still recovering,

but I think the worst is behind him.

- Oh, I'm so glad.

- Oh, this is Nate.

He's been working for my pa since his accident.

This is Grant Thomas.

Oh, we had a mishap with some bees.

I'm a mess.

- A beautiful mess,

if you don't mind my saying so.

- Well, would you like to meet my folks?

My pa might be sleeping, but--

- well, I don't want to disturb them

with this unannounced visit.

But, if it's all right, I'd like to come back

and do things the right and proper way.

- Things?

- Yes. I'd like to ask his permission

to court his daughter,

if that's all right with you.

- Yes.

That would be fine with me.

- Then I'll look forward to my next conversation with him

when he's feeling up to it.

It's nice to meet you, Nate.

I'll see you soon.

All right, John.

- [Kiss noises] Hya!

Hup!

[Horse flutters]

- Mama sent me to get you. She's got supper ready.

- I'm not real hungry.

But thank her for me anyway.

- All right.

Well, I could bring you something for later.

- No.

But you, uh, you can do something for me.

Give this to your pa.

He's going to need it to get around.

- A sturdy piece of oak.

I know how much he'll appreciate it.

- 'Night.

Whoa, whoa.

Good to see you up.

- I just wanted to thank you

for making this fancy cane for me.

It's mighty thoughtful of you.

- Well, I know what a chore it can be to get around at first.

- Had some experience with a bum leg yourself?

- My pa. [Horse flutters]

He had a cane for months.

Best if I get the horses brushed and fed.

- All right, then.

- [Kissing sounds]

- [Grunts and groans]

[Inhales]

[Sighs]

[Grunts]

- How was your walk?

- Well, felt good to get out for a while.

Thanks to you.

I went back to that spot in the woods

where I had my accident.

- Woods are nice and green this time of year.

- Yep.

Fella could get lost in those trees if he wanted to.

Willie...

- [Sighs] how long have you known?

- Boy does a lot of growing and changing in his teen years.

When you told me about your pa's leg, well,

that kind of confirmed it for me.

- My middle name's Nathan.

Nate.

Been using it for years.

Guess I thought if I changed my name,

I could change my past.

- Hmm. how's that working out for you, son?

- Most days it seems like

the past is breathing down my neck,

reminding me I'm Willie,

even in a room full of folks who call me Nate.

- Well, your family had a lot to deal with.

And it must have been awful hard.

- When a tragedy happens,

a real family pulls together,

and mine ripped apart.

My ma, she...

Grieved herself crazy, and she...

Went back east.

Our pa, he just quit.

So I left home six years ago.

- I imagine you've got your reasons for coming back now.

- I got some things that need to be said.

Then I came close to going home,

and I couldn't face my pa.

Not after I left like I did.

- And then you found...

Aaron and me.

Yes, you did.

I saw your pa today, son.

I don't know what happened between you two.

I do know you're never going to step out of the shadow

of your past until you see him.

- Did you-- did you tell him about me?

- That's not up to me.

- He probably doesn't even want to see me.

- I saw a man

with a face full of regret.

Seeing you,

talking to you,

that might help him put his past to rest.

- Suppose you think I'm a coward for running the way I did.

- The way a man grieves, that's a personal thing.

I do know there are times

when a man can be driven to take a trip

in search of answers.

- And if that man doesn't find the answer he's looking for?

- Most often we're not looking for answers.

We're in need of comfort.

And for me, the only trip worth taking

is when I kneel to pray.

All the comfort I could ever ask for is right there,

in god.

You'll be fine, son.

- [Whispering] why, yes, of course.

- What's your business here?

- Pa, it's me, Willie.

- Oh, my...

I guess you would be old enough to have whiskers by now.

- Yes, sir.

- I'm going to make some coffee. You want a cup?

- Coffee would be good.

- Maybe I'll fix some eggs.

[Door shuts]

[People chattering]

- I found your parents to be very gracious

about our lunch together, missie.

Back east, young women must often be accompanied

by a chaperone.

- Mothers and sisters are too busy with the tasks of the day

to spend time chaperoning.

- If you don't mind my saying so, Mr. Thomas,

the entire town is very happy

that your family's bringing the railroad

right past our doors.

- Glad to hear we have the support of the community.

- Oh, the cook is preparing that special chicken dish

that you requested.

Well, whenever you're ready for your first course,

just signal me.

- Very good. - I thought you were a surveyor.

- I am.

When your family owns the business,

it's only smart to know every aspect of it.

I hope you find everything to your satisfaction, missie.

- [Laughs] oh, everything's so lovely.

The table linens, the crystal,

the beautiful lagerson China.

- You know the pattern?

- Her majesty's filigree.

See, the scroll designs along the rim give it elegance.

And the raised accents make it unique.

I spend an exorbitant amount of time reading.

[Chicken clucking]

[People gasping]

I believe that's our lunch.

[Clucking] - pardon.

I'm sorry, sir.

Oh!

Excuse me.

I'm terribly sorry.

- Here you go, sir.

- [Laughs] - thank you.

- A connoisseur of knowledge and a chicken wrangler.

- [Laughs] the advantage of being raised in the west

and educated by a woman from the east.

Um, my mother died when I was just a child,

and my father ended up marrying a woman from the east.

[Glass shatters] Oh, no!

Oh, I'm so clumsy. - Oh, no, no, not at all.

Missie, no, missie. - No, I know they're expensive.

I can pay them back. - Missie, missie!

The crystal is mine, as are the plates.

They are easily replaced. Sit.

- They're yours?

- I wanted the table to be perfect,

so I had my man John bring them over this morning.

Now, don't worry another moment about it.

I have 20 more crystal glasses just like that one at home.

- 20 more? - Yes.

And I would happily let you crack each and every one

if you'll dine with me 20 more times.

[Laughs]

- Well, maybe next time we'll have to have a picnic instead.

You can leave all your crystal at home.

- I'm already planning the menu.

- [Snickers]

- This is potatoes with scrambled eggs.

Just like you always used to have.

- Well, that wasn't me. That was Matt.

- Mattie...

Hate to waste good food.

- Well, you know, pa, I could probably eat some of this.

- Just don't do me any favors, Willie, all right?

It ain't going to break my heart if you don't eat the eggs.

- Really, pa, i could eat some of that.

[Pan clattering] - Well...

You're going to eat nothing now.

Six years since I've seen or heard from you.

I guess I'm entitled to forget a few things.

- Pa...

I'm sorry I left like I did.

- Well, at least your ma

had the guts to tell me to my face she was leaving.

[Sniffs]

- You know what happened to her?

- No.

[Sniffs] I guess you're a lot like your mama.

- Well, I'm here now.

I came back to set things right.

Hope you could--

- what can I do?

I could pretend that none of this ever happened?

- I'm not asking you to pretend nothing, pa.

I'm asking you to forgive me.

- You want me to forgive you?!

[Silverware rattles]

- Maybe you should forget you still have a son.

[Door slams]

[Horse flutters and neighs]

[Townspeople talking]

- Yes, we'll take three of those.

- Yes. - three.

Yes, please.

[Thump]

That will be fine.

[Birds tweeting]

- [Laughs] my goodness.

You make him sound like a fictional hero

from one of your novels.

- Grant is educated

and handsome,

attentive.

He's traveled all over for his job

and seen places I've only read about.

- Just remember

that god has written his own story for you.

And it's not the feelings of your heart

that it should be based upon

but rather the thoughts of your heart

that you need to hear,

that inner voice that tells you

that this man will care for you no matter what,

that he'll still want to kiss you when you're old and gray,

tend to you when you're sick,

honor you.

- And if the thoughts of my heart say yes,

he is the one?

[Horse whinnies]

- Then you should trust your instincts

and pledge your heart to him,

because a man like that is as rare as a diamond in the rough.

- Like pa.

- Yes. like your pa.

- Aaron said he saw you packing up your horse.

You plan on going somewhere?

- Took your advice. I saw my pa.

- I figured that's where you were.

- According to him, i ruined his life.

- I'm sorry

that it didn't work out the way you hoped, Willie.

I really thought your father was ready to make amends with you.

- He'll never be ready to do that.

He'll never forgive me.

- You're his son.

- Not anymore.

- You want to talk about it?

- Talking about it don't change anything.

- Sometimes just talking it through,

it will help you see things in a whole different light.

- There ain't no light in the world

that will make this better.

- Can't hurt to try.

Unless you're afraid.

- I used to set traps for pa.

Mattie was always after me to let him come along.

I didn't want him to.

I just figured he'd slow me down.

I didn't want him to.

Just figured he'd get in the way.

But he had a way about him.

He knew just how to get ma and pa to let him have his way.

- When are we going to set the first trap, Willie?

- When I find the right place.

[Coyote howling]

- When are we gonna eat the food mama sent?

- When we get hungry.

- How do you know when it's the right time for the traps?

- Can't you hush up for just two seconds?

I can't concentrate with you yammering on and on.

[Voiceover] I don't know how I lost track of the day.

Guess I was just so intent

on getting those traps set

so pa would know what a good trapper I really was.

Thinking back, I don't know how I couldn't see

how tired and worried Mattie was.

- I'm cold, and it's getting dark.

Don't you think we better head back?

- Got one more trap to set.

[Night bird calling]

- Mama's gonna be worried.

- Hush.

I've got to make this last trap count.

Pa's depending on me.

[Voiceover] it was like a curtain dropped over the sun.

One minute I could see where I was going,

and the next minute, it got so dark,

I couldn't make out the right way to go.

I'm so sorry, Mattie.

I should have listened to you.

There's no way I can get us home in the dark.

- May-- maybe pa will come find us.

- Maybe.

More than likely,

we'll just have to wait out the night,

start home at first light.

- I'm awful cold, Willie.

- Here, stay close to me.

[Sniffs] I'll keep you w-warm.

- Thanks, Willie.

- "Thanks, Willie."

Kid is shivering and shaking in the cold,

and he says "thanks."

- Then what happened?

- Then...

Then he, uh...

[Sniffs] you know, I was right.

Talking about it doesn't change anything.

Plowing's about done.

I think it's time I moved on.

I did what I came for.

- Did you?

- Came home, saw my pa.

- Are you sure that's who you really needed to face?

- I should be on my way.

- Them doors will always be open to you, Willie.

And our prayers will be with you.

- Get!

[Horse snorts]

[Wind howling]

- Mattie, wake up.

Come on, Mattie. Quit fooling.

Mattie?

No, Mattie. Mattie, come on.

[Breath trembling]

[Sniffs] come on, Mattie. Wake up, no.

No! Mattie!

Mattie! Mattie! No!

[Sobbing] Mattie...no.

Mattie.

[Sobbing] Mattie.

It was my fault, Mattie.

I was supposed to protect you, and I didn't.

I didn't want it to happen.

You slipped away, and I didn't even know.

You were so brave, and I didn't even get to tell you.

I'm sorry, Mattie.

Please, forgive me.

[Distant horse whinnies]

- After you.

- Thank you.

Grant...

I've never seen anything like it.

- [Laughs lightly]

- It's just like a real home.

- It is my home.

The tent goes up wherever I am.

I don't see any purpose in depriving myself

of the comforts I've become accustomed to.

- You travel with all these books?

- Books and music.

[Classical music playing]

Honor me with a dance. - [Laughs]

- You're an excellent partner. - Thank you.

My father taught me.

- Missie?

I'm not generally a man who thinks much

past the next site I'm working,

but since we've met, I've found myself

daydreaming about a future with you.

- What do you see for us in your dreams?

- Well, I see us traveling

and ploring together.

Midnight picnics under a canopy of the brightest stars

or dining in the finest hotels.

A life brimming with anything and everything

you could ever want.

- That life sounds like a fairytale.

- That life could be ours.

You would never have to turn a spade in soil again

or-- or toil at planting your own food.

- And if I did have to plant and plow?

Do you see yourself right there beside me?

- You're missing my point.

I wouldn't have to be there,

because no wife of mine would ever struggle

if even for an hour in a field.

I'm a very wealthy man.

What's wrong?

- I just always thought my first kiss

should be for the man I marry.

- Then marry me.

Missie?

You don't want to say no to a man

who's offering to save you from a life of adversity.

- I'm saying no to a man

who doesn't think adversity is something

you get through together.

It's just not real, Grant.

- I'll tell you what's real.

You've just given up the chance of a lifetime.

I could have any heart I want.

- Until now.

I'm sorry, Grant.

- I'll get someone to take you home.

- [Sneezes]

- God bless you.

- Nate, hi.

- Actually, I'm Willie...

Nathan lahaye.

Willie lahaye.

- You were the boy that stole my hair ribbons

and dipped my braids in ink.

And then when your brother...

And then you were gone.

[Clears throat]

So, why didn't you tell me who you were?

- I've been Nate for years to strangers.

Guess I wasn't ready to be Willie again,

un--until now.

- Well, you don't look like anything I remember.

- Oh, I was just a boy when I left.

Been a while.

People change.

- They do.

Well, how about your--your pa? Have you seen him?

- I've seen him.

But he's not ready to see me.

- Well, you know, i wanted to thank you

for all you did for my family.

But you--you left without saying goodbye.

- [Sighs]

Had some thinking to do, some things to get right.

[Sighs] I'm grateful to you and your family

for helping me put down a burden

I've been carrying for a long time.

[Clears throat]

Actually, I'm-- I'm headed for the west.

- You've got land to farm?

- No. not yet.

When I do claim my land, it will be for raising cattle,

not crops.

I've worked on a couple cattle ranches,

and it's what suits me.

The thing is...

I came by today because I didn't want to make the same mistake.

I wanted to see you

and, um...

And give these back to you.

- My ribbons. [Laughs]

You kept them all these years?

- No, not silly.

It's sweet.

- Well, anyway, that's what I came for,

to give you those and...

Say goodbye.

- Bye.

Never despise meager beginnings.

Wait!

Willie...

[Horse snorts]

Willie!

I was just wondering...

Um, are cattle ranchers tied to the seasons

the same way farmers are?

- No.

Not in the same way, I suppose.

- So, it wouldn't make a difference

if you leave now or leave later?

- I--i guess not.

- After all the work you did plowing and planting our fields,

it would be a shame for you to miss the harvest

and not collect your pay.

And I make really good cornbread pudding

once the sweet corn is shucked.

- [Laughs]

I bet that fella Grant Thomas will really like that.

- Yes, I bet he will,

if he finds someone to make it for him.

It won't be me.

- I guess I could postpone my trip

long enough to be here for the harvest.

- Good.

♪ ♪

- They named him big Earl.

Big Earl, he didn't--

- [laughs] - [laughs]

- Dear father, we thank you for this harvest,

for your faith in us,

and for the time we spend together, amen.

All: amen.

[Chattering]

- Pass your bowls down, gentlemen.

- You working hard?

- Trying to.

[Fiddle music playing]

All: [clapping and yelling]

[Music stops]

- Oh!

- [Laughing]

[Fiddle music starts again] - Go again.

[Music stops] - Oh!

[Oohing and laughing]

- All right, you two. You know what's expected.

- Go ahead. Get on up there.

- Time's a wastin', boy!

[Women fawning]

All: aw...

All: [laughing]

[Applause]

- I love you, missie Davis.

I always have.

- Missie Davis...

Will you marry me?

All: [cheering] [Corn raining down]

- Congratulations!

All: [yelling]

[Applause]

- Happy day.

[Scattered conversations]

[Horse flutters]

- Try and send word as soon as you're settled.

- I will.

- And walk as much as you can.

It's better than riding.

You know how much we love you.

I know it's not so far,

but send word once you're settled.

- I'll take go care of her.

- I know you will.

You take good care of both of you.

Ever since you were just a little baby,

I knew this moment would come.

You always had an independent spirit.

- Pa...

My heart's breaking.

- Mine, too.

- Can you fix it?

- Not this time, little one.

[Sighs]

Not this time.

[Sighs] you go ahead now.

[Breathing heavily]

Your husband's waiting on you.

- Thank you.

- [Kissing sounds]

- Remember his promise!

- No tears!

- No tears.

[Whispers] no tears.

♪ ♪