The Rancher’s Frontier Family

by Maya Stirling

  "Nothing you need to bother yourself about, Baxter," Doyle barked.

  "Doyle!" Beth snapped. She glared at Doyle. "What did I tell you about shouting when you're around the ranch house. I don't want you upsetting the children."

  Sheepishly, but not exactly sincerely, Doyle lowered his head and nodded. "Sorry, Beth," he said. Doyle's horse snickered and tried to pull away from him. Doyle tugged on the reins, keeping the animal from wandering toward the open stable door. Maybe the horse could feel Doyle's tension, Landon told himself. Landon knew that horses could be sensitive that way. Especially if they sensed something wrong with their rider. And there was definitely something wrong about Doyle.

  Doyle lifted his head and stared evenly at Landon. "Beth was telling me you had visitors this afternoon. Your brother and his wife."

  Landon nodded. "That's right."

  "Why did they come?" Doyle asked.

  "They were concerned for Landon's well-being, that's why," Beth said with mild irritation in her voice. "I'd have thought you'd be concerned as well, Doyle," she added.

  Doyle's eyes narrowed and he smiled slyly. "I'm concerned, alright," he said. Landon told himself Doyle's worries had nothing to do with his head wound. They were more about getting rid of Landon as quickly as possible. "How's that head of yours, anyway?" Doyle asked.

  "Doing fine," Landon said abruptly. Doyle's brows furrowed. "In fact, I figure I might be fit enough to go home," he said. Beth's eyes widened and he heard her gasp. Before she had a chance to say anything about that, Landon continued. "But I don't think I'll be going. Not just yet."

  Beth's mouth dropped open. "You won't?" she breathed.

  Landon shook his head. "If you'll let me stay a while longer, I'd like to help around the ranch. I figure I can attend to a few things while I'm here," he said. Landon smiled at Beth. "If you want me to stay, that is," he added softly.

  Her cheeks flushed a delightful shade of pink. "You haven't had any more dizzy spells, have you?"

  Landon shook his head. "None since yesterday morning. And that was nothing compared to what I felt on the first day." Beth looked relieved at that news. Thumping both palms hard on his own chest, Landon grinned at Doyle. "In fact I'm beginning to feel like I'd like to get back to doing some ranch work." Landon ran his gaze around the yard, the stable and the corral. "And I figure there'll be plenty here to keep me busy," he added making sure his voice was filled with satisfaction and anticipation in equal measure.

  Landon heard Doyle drag in a harsh breath. "We have all the help we need," he objected.

  "Landon is welcome to pitch in," Beth snapped. "If he feels up to it, of course," she added giving him one more concerned look.

  "I surely feel up to helping you, Beth," Landon said softly. He softened his gaze and added: "But I think I told you that before." Beth smiled softly at Landon. She said nothing, but he figured she knew exactly what he'd meant.

  Doyle's horse jerked its head down, pulling hard on the reins in Doyle's hand. He staggered to one side and muttered an inaudible curse. Then he glared at Landon. "I just realized I need to see one of the ranch hands before dinner. About a fence that needs mending," he said abruptly. Doyle mounted his horse, touched the front brim of his Stetson, smiled weakly at Beth, and then rode off.

  Waiting until he was well along the trail, Beth spoke: "I don't think he's too happy you're staying."

  Landon shrugged. "I'm not surprised. He's done plenty to make me feel unwelcome."

  "I don't know why he'd do that," Beth said.

  "I think I do." Beth narrowed her eyes at Landon. Hesitating a moment, Landon considered what he was about to say to Beth. It was a gamble, but one he was willing to take. "He sees me as a rival."

  "Rival?" Beth countered, her brows rising in a line. "For what?"

  "For you?" Landon said quietly.

  A long silence settled between him and Beth. She gazed into his eyes. Her lashes looked heavy and her lips tightened into a thin line. She seemed momentarily taken aback. Landon told himself he'd been too bold. He'd moved too quickly.

  "I told you, Landon. Doyle is only an employee," Beth insisted.

  "Have you told him that?"

  Beth shook her head. "Not in so many words," she replied. "But I'm sure he understands how things are."

  Landon shook his head slowly and thrust his fingers into the pockets of his jeans. "That's not how I see it. I've seen how he looks at you when you've got your back turned."

  Beth's brows became deep ridges. "Katie said the same thing to me. She said that's why she doesn't like Doyle. She said he has a bad look in his eye."

  "But you trust him, right?" Landon asked.

  "What was I supposed to do?" Beth retorted. "When I took over the ranch, Doyle was the only one who knew how to do things around here. He had all the ranch hands already set up. He knew the spread like the back of his hand." Beth sighed heavily. "I had no choice but to rely on him."

  Landon moved closer to Beth. "But now you do have a choice," he said firmly. Reaching out, he took her hands in his. The feeling of her warm skin was instantly intoxicating. Thankfully, she didn't pull her hands away from him. Instead, her gaze became suddenly more intense. "You have me, Beth," Landon murmured. "I can help you more than Doyle can ever do."

  Landon saw the corners of Beth mouth crease with the beginning of a smile. His heart quickened, not just because he was holding her hands, but also because he could see the delight in her eyes. It was good to see her smile, he told himself. Beth had endured so much in recent months that she deserved every moment of happiness she could find. And, Landon told himself he could only begin to hope she would let him provide happiness in her life. And the life of the children.

  Landon moved his head closer, inexorably drawn closer. Thoughts of what he should do next drifted into his mind. Temptation flared into life inside him. Instantly recollecting he and Beth were standing in full view of the ranch house, Landon dragged in a deep breath and lifted his head back. He felt as if he'd stepped back from the brink.

  The second he moved his head away from Beth, he saw her brows furrow. Her lips pursed and he wondered if he'd made a mistake. Maybe she'd wanted him to kiss her. Perhaps she felt rejected.

  As if to confirm that thought, Beth gently eased her hands out of his. "I'm happy for you to stay a while longer, Landon," she said. There was a new coolness in her voice. She glanced over toward the ranch house. "If you'll excuse me, I have to help Sally prepare dinner."

  She turned abruptly and started to walk toward the house. As he watched her, Landon knew he'd misjudged the situation. Badly.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Beth left the ranch house early next morning before breakfast. She made sure Sally had the breakfast prepared for the children and Landon. Beth wanted to get to work on the spread. Anything to take her mind off what had happened yesterday. Being busy was the best way of keeping thoughts of Landon Baxter out of her mind. Even if she couldn't stop thinking about Landon, she told herself she might, at least, get a chance to figure out where she stood with him.

  Beth had dressed in her brown, split riding skirt, calfskin jerkin and riding hat. She rode away from the ranch house soon after the sun rose. It felt good to be on horseback. This summer, she'd learned to ride. And she was riding her favorite horse. A chestnut mare she'd named Lady. Leaning forward, she patted Lady on the side of her strong neck. "Come on, Lady," she murmured as the horse began to pick up speed across the grassland and passing a cluster of low buildings. Soon the horse was pounding hooves against the grassland as Beth guided it toward the south-east of the Circle D. Last night, when he'd returned, Doyle had told Beth that he and some ranch hands had found multiple cuts in the boundary fence over by the south-east. Repairs would be started today. But one thing worried Beth about the location of the damaged fences. That was also where the main body of the herd was located. Cut fences usually meant rustlers at work. Beth needed to know what was going on.

  Beth held on tightly to the
reins of her horse. It was a beautiful morning. The air was clear and crisp. The sun was shining in an azure blue, cloudless sky. She saw mountains, forests and rivers in the far distance. On days like this she felt she'd made the right decision in taking on the challenge of building a life for herself and the children on the Circle D.

  Her riding ability had improved steadily over the summertime, thanks in part to Doyle's patient instruction. At least she had that to be grateful for, she told herself. She was less grateful for the presumption of Doyle's interest in her. There was no way she and Doyle would ever be able to forge a relationship. Especially if it involved marriage and allowing Doyle to become the father to Max and Katie. Holding onto the reins of her horse, Beth shook her head at the thought of Doyle becoming anything more than a valued employee. Of course she was grateful to him for what he'd done for her and the children. But yesterday had been a turning point for her. Doyle had stepped too far over the line between employee and family member.

  Last night's dinner had been an awkward affair. Landon had been quieter than usual at the kitchen table. And, throughout the meal, Beth hadn't been able to clear her mind of the image of Landon's features close to her. Of the way he'd looked at her. Of how close he'd come to kissing her. Because she was sure he had intended to do just that. However, at the last moment, he'd pulled away. She didn't know what had caused that change of heart. Perhaps he didn't want to pursue that rkind of relationship. Or maybe he'd realized his mistake and had backed off, never to repeat the mistake again.

  All last night, Beth had wondered what it would have been like if Landon had kissed her. She knew it would have melted her heart. The same heart which had been shattered by tragedy this year. She asked herself if she was ready for Landon giving her hope. Asked herself if she was ready to open up her heart to someone like Landon. The conclusion she'd come to had been simple.

  Of course she wanted to be closer to Landon. She'd wanted that ever since she'd seen him at the creek. Ever since he'd stepped forward and protected her. Beth held the reins of the horse tightly as her heart filled with warm sensation. It was the kind of feeling she'd been used to when she'd been a regular attendee at church. It was the feeling of promise and hope. And love? That last thought caught her by surprise.

  The Lord had been gracious and generous. He had brought Landon Baxter into her life. She was grateful for that, even if her faith had endured blows in recent times. Landon coming into her life had reawakened hope. And, for that, she was truly grateful.

  A short while later, she rode down into a wide valley and found the herd. Five hundred strong, the cattle huddled together, grazing, while the dozen horse-mounted ranch hands attended to them patiently. The lowing sound of cattle drifted on the cool morning air. Beth drew her mount to a halt and gazed at the herd. It was a wondrous sight. She still found it hard to believe that the herd belonged to her. But it did. This would be her life for years to come. And, hopefully, when Max and Katie reached maturity, it would become their life, too.

  Beth rode down into the valley and located Doyle. Seeing her arriving, Doyle left the two ranch hands he'd been talking with and rode to Beth. Drawing to a halt, he peered at Beth. "What are you doing here so early?"

  Ignoring the presumptuousness of the question, Beth frowned. "I want to see those cuts in the fence."

  Doyle's features darkened. "Like I said yesterday. The men will be working on them throughout the day. They've got everything they need to fix the gaps."

  "I still want to see what work is involved," she insisted. She wondered why he would even want to prevent her from seeing the work which the fence needed. But that was exactly what he seemed to be doing.

  Admitting defeat, he turned his horse. "Okay. Let's go." He sounded annoyed. But then, that wasn't unusual for Doyle, she told herself. Since Landon had arrived at the Circle D, a day didn't pass without Doyle losing his composure.

  Beth rode in silence alongside Doyle for a while. Occasionally he glanced across at her as they rode across the rangeland. Finally, he seemed to reach his limit when it came to holding his tongue. "About yesterday, Beth," he said evenly. "I want to offer you my apologies."

  Feeling instantly uneasy, Beth schooled her features. "It's okay, Doyle. There's nothing you need to apologize for."

  "But, you see, that's where you're wrong, Beth," Doyle insisted. "I know I was in the wrong. Flying off the handle like that. I was tired. And it'd been a long day."

  Beth gave Doyle a stern look. The only excuse he hadn't offered was the fact he couldn't get along with Landon. "It was a misunderstanding. Nothing more than that."

  Doyle shrugged and sighed loudly. "You know I only want the best for you and the children, Beth," Doyle pleaded, sounding suddenly emotional.

  "I never doubted you did," Beth replied. Realizing Doyle wasn't going to let things go that easily, Beth added: "You've been a great help to us since we came here." She smiled at him. "And I'm truly grateful. I've said that to you before. And I mean it. We couldn't have done all of this without your help."

  Those words seemed to pacify Doyle. At least for the moment. He smiled at Beth. "So that means you and I are back on good terms?" he asked.

  Beth narrowed her eyes. "We'll always be workmates and the best of friends," she said choosing her words cautiously.

  Doyle's features became an unreadable blank for a long moment. Then he turned his head and gazed straight ahead. It was as if he didn't want Beth to get a full view of his expression. Doyle was silent for the remainder of the ride out to the damaged fence. Doyle pointed ahead. "There's where the trouble starts."

  Gazing at the line of fencing posts, Beth could see the cuts in the wire. And it wasn't just one gap. She could see multiple gaps in the wire fence all the way out to the eastern edge of the spread. Beth rode alongside the fence until she came to the last visible cut in the wire. Halting, she gazed out past the boundary. A sick feeling twisted in her belly. There could only be one person responsible for this, she told herself.

  Wes Harding.

  Beth looked across at Doyle. "One man arranged this," she said abruptly.

  Doyle's steady nod told her he knew the name she was about to pronounce next. "There's something else you need to know. I didn't want to tell you back there in front of the men."

  "What's that?"

  Doyle frowned. "We lost some beeves last night."

  Indignation surged inside Beth. "Rustlers?"

  "Maybe." Doyle peered down at the grass. Beth followed his gaze and saw evidence of tracks leading through the gap in the fence. Beth groaned with frustration. Evidence of the theft of cattle was clearly visible on the ground around them.

  Beth thought for a moment and then made her decision. "Its time we paid Mr Harding a call," she said. She looked at Doyle. "You're coming with me. We're going to sort this out. Once and for all."

  And then she flicked the reins and kicked her mare forward with Doyle riding alongside her. Her next stop would be the Harding ranch.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Mid-morning Landon made his way into the kitchen. "How long has Beth been gone?" he asked Sally who was sitting at the table cutting vegetables.

  Sally put down the knife and onion. "She left a while ago. Said she was going down to the herd." Sally's brows rose. "Why?"

  "I think I'll go see her," Landon replied.

  Sally glanced at the bandage on Landon's head. "You sure you're up to it?"

  Landon smiled. "I'll be fine."

  "Just you take it easy," Sally ordered. "We don't want you breaking that head of yours, again." She grinned. "And I'm sure Beth doesn't want you hurting yourself. I think she's getting used to having you around the Circle D."

  Landon felt his face flush with heat. "You think so?"

  Sally quirked a brow. "I know so," she joked and then lifted up the onion and started cutting it with the knife. Sally had ended the conversation abruptly, but Landon knew exactly what she'd meant. The truth was, he was getting used to being around Be
th. It seemed like that simple fact hadn't gone unnoticed.