The Rancher’s Frontier Family

by Maya Stirling

  Placing her gloved hand in his, Beth stepped down from the carriage. From across near the church, heads turned in the direction of the carriage. Suddenly she, Landon and the children were the focus of attention.

  Landon's gaze drifted down the length of Beth's dark gray gown. "May I say how pretty you look today," he told her.

  Beth's cheeks flushed and she fussed momentarily with the collar of her gown. "Thank you." Her voice shook with emotion. She wasn't sure if it was because of the compliment Landon had just paid her, or the fact that they were the center of attention for so many curiosity-filled faces.

  Beth distracted herself for a brief moment by fussing with Katie and Max's Sunday outfits. Then all four of them made their way to the church. At the top of the stairs, Pastor Joseph smiled warmly at them all. "Good morning. It is good to see you all here on this fine day which the Lord has provided," he said glancing appreciatively up at the blue sky.

  Glancing through the open doors, Beth could see that the church was almost full. "We're so happy to be here," she said and smiled down at Max and Katie. "Isn't that right, children?"

  Katie nodded vigorously. "Max and I have been looking forward to this ever since you came to the ranch," she declared. Max nodded his head in an equally forceful manner. His wide-eyed gaze was fixed on the interior of the church.

  Beth stood between both children and reached down a hand to each of them. Katie took her right hand and Max took her left. Somehow, holding onto their hands made Beth feel calmer. More ready. She'd talked so many times with Landon about the regret she felt about staying away from the church. Now that she was here, she felt eager to be inside the high-ceilinged interior. The quiet, steady murmur of many voices drifted out through the open doors. Beth turned to Landon and smiled. By the slight narrowing of his eyes, she could tell he was wondering how she felt about this. His concern made her heart warm. It felt good to have Landon by her side on such an important day.

  "Ready?" he asked.

  Beth nodded and glanced down at each of the children. "Let's go into church, children," she said.

  And then she walked with them through the open doors. Landon walked a couple of steps ahead and found empty spaces in one of the pews down near the front. Landon exchanged greetings with many people in the church. Once again, eyes wide with curiosity watched carefully as Landon led Beth and the children. He stood silently, waiting while Beth got the children seated. Sitting down next to them, she watched as Landon eased himself into the wooden space on the long seat next to her. Max and Katie sat to Beth's left, while Landon sat on the end of the pew.

  Landon continued to exchange greetings with various people all around them. Finally, everyone fell silent when the pastor walked slowly up to the front and gazed out across the congregation.

  Beth's right hand rested on her lap, while she held Max's hand with her left. Smiling at Max, Beth felt a gentle touch on her right hand. She gasped quietly and looked down. Landon had reached across and curled his fingers across her hand. She gazed up into Landon's eyes. He smiled warmly at her and then, almost imperceptibly, he nodded his head. It was a gesture of reassurance, and one she appreciated.

  When the pastor finally started to speak, Landon eased his hand away from Beth's and lifted his chin, peering intently at the pastor.

  Listening to the pastor words, Beth glanced around the inside of the church. She was back. This was where she belonged. With the faithful of the town. She could sense the good-feeling and the love which filled the inside of the church. All around she saw faces full of delight and careful attentiveness. The pastor's passionate voice echoed all the way up to the wooden beams which stretched below the ceiling. He spoke of the importance of always keeping God in our hearts. Of never forgetting his boundless love. And that, even in the darkest moments, when we told ourselves that life was too hard to bear, God was always there. The Lord was always seeking us out. Never letting go. Always giving us the strength to carry on.

  As she listened, Beth felt that the words had been spoken to her. To encourage her, now that she had come back. Because, she knew one thing for sure. Looking across at the two children who she loved with all her heart, she told herself that nothing would tear her away from the Lord ever again. He had brought all three of them out of a dark place, and into the light. And, to make her joy even more complete, the Lord had brought a wonderful man into he life. Someone she could trust.

  Someone she could love.

  That simple thought caught her unawares for a moment. Peering at Landon, she asked herself if it could be true. Did she love this man? And did he love her? The magnitude of the answer to that last question was so great that she felt her heartbeat quicken.

  As far as the first question was concerned, she already knew the answer to it. Beth turned her attention back to the front of the church and considered what she knew to be the truth.

  She did love Landon Baxter.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  After the service, Landon introduced Beth and the children to every member of his family. Doing that, out in the yard in front of the church, made Landon feel a delight he'd never known was possible. Beth took it all in her stride. She didn't seem in the slightest bit overwhelmed by the warm greetings she received from Landon's parent, and his two brothers and their wives. In addition, Landon's sister Victoria came up to them with her husband Wyatt Munro. Everyone made particular fuss over Max and Katie. Both children looked delighted by all the attention.

  Finally came the invitation which Landon had known would come. They were all invited over to the Baxter ranch for Sunday lunch. Beth accepted the invitation. The children were thrilled at the prospect of seeing another ranch. And of seeing more of town. What had started as a visit to church was about to become a family get-together.

  The carriages made their way out to the Baxter ranch. As they rode south out of town, Beth turned to Landon. "You're family don't seem surprised to see us here today."

  "I suppose Lauren and Gabe told them all about the visit they made. And the fact that Pastor Joseph was sure we'd come," Landon replied. Holding the reins, and guiding the horse along the trail behind the other Baxter carriages, Landon quirked a brow at Beth. "They like you," he said bluntly.

  Beth's cheeks flamed. "You think so?"

  Landon nodded and grinned. "I can tell."

  "Really," she said in a flat voice. "No-one mentioned your head."

  He shrugged. "They know I can take care of myself."

  "They must have missed you. Being away from the ranch for so long must have caused some problems."

  Landon sighed. "We've got plenty of ranch hands."

  "Doesn't it concern you that the ranch runs so well even when you're not around?" she asked in a slightly teasing tone of voice.

  He flashed her a mischievous glance. "Maybe they think I've got more important things to attend to than coming home to work at the ranch."

  Beth frowned and looked away quickly. Now what had she meant by saying those things, he asked himself? She was quiet for a while.

  Finally, they arrived at the Baxter ranch house. Beth seemed impressed with the white-fronted home built on two levels. Landon had to admit the big house looked well-maintained and clean. Like the Circle D, there was a corral, stables, barn and bunkhouse and a long porch stretched the length of the front. Looking at it as he stepped down from the carriage, Landon realized he'd missed being home.

  Now that the carriages were all pulled up in the yard, it was just like back at the church. A hubbub of excited conversation filled the air. Gabe and Lauren, Kyle and Veronica spent a long time talking with Beth and Landon. There was some good-natured teasing between the three brothers. Veronica's five-year-old daughter Molly went to spend time with Max and Katie, leaving the grownups talking out in the yard. There were a hundred questions fired at Beth and Landon. Everyone wanted to know what had happened over at the Circle D. Landon took over the task of telling everyone about events. To Beth's apparent relief he left out some of
the more unpleasant details about Wes Harding. But he spoke plainly about the cattle being taken and the problems they'd had with the tick fever. Gabe and Kyle were particularly interested in that last part.

  Landon's mother and father chatted politely with Beth for a while. Glancing over at them from time to time, Landon saw a familiar look on his mother's face. It was the same look he'd seen when she'd met Lauren and Veronica for the first time. Before either of them had become Baxter wives. Trying not to seem to eager, Landon watched out of the side of his eye as Beth was drawn into a quiet conversation with Landon's mother and father. He knew what was going on. They'd heard so much about Beth from Gabe and Lauren that they just had to know more about her.

  Did that mean there had been conversations about him and Beth while he'd been over at the Circle D? Landon knew how eager his parents were for him to marry. Did they think that Landon intended to ask Beth for her hand in marriage. Trying not to reveal his innermost thoughts to his brothers and their wives, Landon reflected on the possibility. Of course, he'd come to realize the depth of his feelings for Beth. But, he hadn't dared ask himself if he could take that final, momentous step. Proposing marriage to Beth seemed like something out of a dream. And, most importantly, Landon wasn't sure if she would ever agree. Even though he was sure she had feelings for him, he didn't know what she would say if he asked her to marry him. Landon's parents promised there'd be a big lunch ready soon and made their way into the house.

  Beth came back to Landon and the others. He gave her an inquiring look, just to make sure she was doing okay. She smiled warmly at him and joined in with the conversation. After a short while, Lauren and Veronica drew Beth away from Landon and his brothers. As she was led away from him, Landon saw Beth glance at him as if she was wondering what she could say to the two women. Knowing Lauren and Veronica like he did, Landon was sure of one thing. Both of them would make Beth feel right at home on the Baxter spread. And, just to confirm his assessment, he saw the three women take their seats on the long bench on the porch. Pretty soon their laughter drifted across the yard as Landon, Gabe and Kyle made their way across to the corral. Judging by the way his brothers were looking at Landon, they wanted to speak to him about things that weren't for the ears of Beth, Lauren and Veronica.

  The three brothers leaned casually against the corral's wooden fence. Peels of laughter rang out from back on the porch. Landon turned and smiled. Beth, Lauren and Veronica were sharing a joke about something.

  "Beth's quite something," Kyle commented quietly.

  Landon nodded. "She sure is."

  "I told you, didn't I?" Gabe said to Kyle.

  Kyle nodded. "But you didn't tell me how beautiful she is. And those children are adorable." Landon followed Kyle's gaze and saw Katie, Max and Molly racing each other around the barn. Just watching them was enough to make a man tired, he told himself.

  Landon wondered how much Kyle knew of Beth's recent history. He figured Gabe would have told Kyle some of it. But Gabe still didn't know the full story. Landon had no intention of going into any of that with his brothers. Not today. This was a day for celebrating Beth's return to the church. And the beginning of a long road of faith for the children. That was more than enough cause for joy.

  Gabe slapped Landon's shoulder and grinned. "How's that head of yours?"

  "Never been better," Landon replied.

  Kyle leaned in and examined the partially-healed wound on Landon's head. "Gabe was right."

  Landon squinted at Kyle. "What do you mean?"

  "You still haven't learned how to stay on a horse," Kyle said and laughed loudly.

  Landon shook his head. "I can see I'm never going to live this down."

  "That depends on what happens with Beth," Gabe said. "You and her seem to have really hit it off."

  Landon narrowed his eyes. "What do you think is going to happen?" he asked. He'd valued his brother's wisdom for many years. And, right now, he was eager to know what Gabe thought about things.

  Gabe peered at Landon. "That's up to you, brother," he said evenly. Gabe peered across at the porch. "She's one amazing woman. And, judging by what I've seen and heard, she's got you hooked."

  Landon's brows lifted sharply. "Is it that obvious?"

  Gabe smiled. "I know how it feels when a woman captures your heart. And I think Beth has taken hold of yours." Gabe laid a hand gently on Landon's shoulder. "She took good care of you over at the Circle D. And I reckon you've showed her what it means to have a real rancher around the spread."

  "And a good man in the home," Kyle added. "Those children were looking at you in a way I recognize. It's the same way Molly looks at me, now."

  Kyle wasn't Molly's real father. Veronica's husband had died a few years back. Veronica had moved out to Montana to be with her father and mother. She'd brought Molly with her, seeking a new life for them both. Then Kyle and Veronica had fallen in love and married. Kyle was Molly's father, now. Landon knew Kyle was enjoying every moment of being father to the little girl, although he'd admitted he had a whole lot to learn about parenting. Veronica was doing her best to show Kyle what was needed.

  "I reckon Molly loves the fact that you're her father," Landon said.

  Kyle nodded. "Maybe you're right. All I know is that we're all happy. Me, Veronica and Molly." He sighed and raised his shoulders. "I've never been happier in my life," Kyle added and peered at Gabe. "I think Gabe and I want that same happiness for you, Landon."

  Landon could believe that. And, deep down, he knew the Lord had given him a chance for the same joy with which his brothers had been graced. All he needed to do was have faith and courage. Maybe, if he asked for her hand, Beth would say yes. He could only hope she'd accept his proposal. But there was a problem. Thinking about asking her to marry him was enough to make his stomach churn with nerves.

  "Are you going to ask her?" Gabe said, coming right out with it.

  Landon looked steadily from Gabe to Kyle and nodded. "I am."

  Gabe and Kyle smiled at each other. "When are you going to ask her?" Gabe asked.

  Realizing he hadn't yet decided, Landon frowned. "After lunch, I'm taking her and the children back to the Circle D. I'll think about it on the way there."

  Kyle's brows furrowed. "Don't think about it too much. The Lord has given you a wonderful grace, Landon. You need to accept it and act."

  Landon drew in a deep breath. "You're right."

  For a while, Landon and his brothers talked ranch business. Then everyone was called in to the ranch house for lunch. As he made his way back to the ranch house, Landon reflected on what he had to do. It was simple. He was going to ask for Beth's hand in marriage. And, in doing so, he was accepting one plain and unavoidable truth. If she said yes, not only would he become her husband. He'd also become father to two wonderful children.

  Landon had decided it was time for him to find out if he was to become a family man.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Landon, Beth and the children left the Baxter ranch in the middle of the afternoon, giving them plenty of time to get back to the Circle D before nightfall. Beth sat alongside Landon. The children took their places in the rear carriage seat. During the first part of the journey, Max and Katie talked excitedly about their day. The church had made a huge impression on both children. That fact warmed Beth's heart. These Sunday trips to church would be as regular as possible until the weather closed in for the winter months. Then she would ensure the children's religious instruction continued with regular Bible readings and talks with them about important aspects of their growing faith in the Lord.

  The children talked incessantly about the Baxter ranch, asking Landon many questions which he seemed more than happy to answer. In fact, as he talked with the children, Beth figured she hadn't seen Landon so pleased since the day she'd met him. She'd seen the way he'd talked with his brothers over by the corral. On the porch seat, the other women had told Beth how they were getting used to ranch life. And how they'd met their husbands.
It was clear to Beth that the women adored their rancher husbands. Sometimes, during the long talk with the women, Beth had allowed herself to wonder what it would be like to have them as sisters-in-law. She quickly came to the conclusion that she would like it very much. There was a wonderfully joyous feeling around the Baxter ranch. Everyone seemed settled and happy with their lives. The talk of children was constant. As were the discussions about family and how important it was, especially out here on the frontier.