All language subtitles for Loves.Enduring.Promise.2010.WEBRip.x264-ION10

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.

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

what a wonderful life
we've made together.

- 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.

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?

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!

on, Charlie!

- I believe it was.

- hya!

- take your seats and
get out your reading primers.

quickly, please.

all right, Daniel,
please start reading

from the top of page 25.

just making sure the teacher
made it here safely.

- well, here I am.
safe and sound.

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.

- get on up.

ho.

how you doing, Zeke?

- getting by.

- I just took the boys
to school.

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.

any word from your boy?

hmm.

well, like you said,

boys are full of big ideas.

- lunch!

- 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.

I got it level.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

let me in!

- 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.

- 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.

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.

- 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.

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.

- go ahead.
- be right back, pa.

be right back to help.

- ok.

whew.

- oh!

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.

- you all right, pa?

- come here.

- 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.

oh...come on.

there you go. ooh!

- what do I do again, pa?

- wrap-- wrap it above my knee.
tight.

- pa, help me.
I don't know what to do.

- it's not your fault.

- pa!

please, pa, don't leave me.

don't...

please, pa.

- hya! hya!

hey! hey!

hya!

hya!

whoa. whoa.

- hello.

who are you?

- hya!

- help him, Missie.

- pa...
ma-- mama!

mama!
- what?

- come quick.

- oh, God...

- 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.

- Dear Lord...

you healed the lame.

please...

please help this good man.

give us the strength
to endure this.

- he will.

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.

- I know, but...

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

you know,
I’m figuring that, uh...

a couple days,
I’m going to be right as rain.

- 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.

I know.

that's why Missie and I
will do it.

- you can't.

- we will.

- 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.

whoa!

- thank you.

- here you go, Sir.
- mm-hmm. thank you.

- looks good.

- whoa!

lunch time...

oh...

Saturday? ugh...

- what is it?
what's wrong?

- I’m just redressing the wound.

can you hand me
that canister of yEast?

- elm bark and yEast?

- this should
make it all better.

- and if it doesn't?

oh, God.
please, God, help my pa.

- 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?

- 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.

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.

how is he, ma'am?

- mind if I take a look?

- there's some water
in the bowl, Missie. would you--

- 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.

let me in!

he needs me in there, mama!
let me in!

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.

- he could lose his leg.

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

- no, you're not touching my pa.

- 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.

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

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

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.

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... ♪

- whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

appreciate it.

- the fever broke.

he's awake.
he's even hungry.

he's asking for
my fried chicken.

- 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?

who do you think cooked it?
- come on, who cooked it?

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

- the what?
- my favorite.

- 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.

Amen.

- eat up!
- all right.

- oh!

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.

- do a bunny.

he has a big mouth.

- you better watch out.
he might get ya!

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

do a swan!

- do a bear.

- he has a big mouth.

- better watch out.
he might get ya!

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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!

- what's the matter?
one of the bees not sleepy?

well, what about the honey
for mama?

- I’d, uh...stop talking
and start running if I were you.

- oh...

- come here.

- 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.

- hya!

hup!

- 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.

he had a cane for months.

best if I get the horses
brushed and fed.

- all right, then.

- 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...

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

I believe that's our lunch.

- pardon.

I’m sorry, Sir.

oh!

excuse me.

I’m terribly sorry.

- here you go, Sir.

- thank you.

- a connoisseur of knowledge
and a chicken wrangler.

- 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.

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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- you know what happened
to her?

- no.

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?!

- maybe you should forget
you still have a son.

- yes, we'll take
three of those.

- yes.
- three.

yes, please.

that will be fine.

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?

- 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.

- 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.

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.

- mama's gonna be worried.

- hush.

I’ve got to make
this last trap count.

pa's depending on me.

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.

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...

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!

- Mattie, wake up.

come on, Mattie.
quit fooling.

Mattie?

no, Mattie.
Mattie, come on.

come on, Mattie.
wake up, no.

no! Mattie!

Mattie! Mattie! no!

Mattie...no.

Mattie.

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.

- after you.

- thank you.

Grant...

I’ve never seen
anything like it.

- 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.

honor me with a dance.

- 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 exploring 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.

- 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.

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.

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

I’m grateful to you
and your family

for helping me put down a burden

I’ve been carrying
for a long time.

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.

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...

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.

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--

- dear father, we thank you
for this harvest,

for your faith in us,

and for the time
we spend together, Amen.

Amen.

- pass your bowls down,
gentlemen.

- you working hard?

- trying to.

- oh!

- go again.

- oh!

- all right, you two.
you know what's expected.

- go ahead.
get on up there.

- time's a wastin', boy!

aw...

- I love you, Missie Davis.

I always have.

- Missie Davis...

will you marry me?

- congratulations!

- happy day.

- 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.

not this time.

you go ahead now.

your husband's waiting on you.

- thank you.

- remember his promise!

- no tears!

- no tears.

no tears.