Relationship between Beth & Jaime?

The following is a massive spoiler:

If it's anything like the story from which it's adapted, there is no relationship. There's only an unrequited infatuation, and one character's coming to terms with his/her romantic limitations. There is a kiss, but it's met with alarm. Not because of anything sexual, but because one character had been so self-involved up to that point that it's really the first moment she comes into contact with the world around her.

I've read that Maile Meloy was very pleased with Reichardt's adaptations of her stories, so I'm assuming the above is what happens in the movie. BTW, in the story, Travis, B., the ranch hand is a young man, not a woman.

Spoilers ahead:








It's a completely unrequited love. As an audience member, even though you know it would be cheesy and cliche for Stewart's character to show up at the end, you sill want it to happen but Reichardt is unrelenting. She drives back home, falls asleep at the wheel and has a minor accident and then it cuts to her working at th farm again. Alone with the horses. It was absolutely heart wrenching but a brilliant ending. Anyway, no kiss or romantic relationship at all. Just ambiguous characters who may have a crush on one another (Stewart's secretive, hopeful smile as she waits for the horse suggests she's also suffering) or who may just be in desperate need of some meaningful human contact. Or both.