By the time Beth had followed everyone into the ranch house for lunch, Beth had begun to feel at home with the delightful Baxter family. Lunch had been a pleasant affair. Landon had said grace at the table. The food had been good. And the children had eaten enthusiastically.
Now, they were all heading back to the Circle D. The carriage made its way slowly along the trail. Around them, the late afternoon sun shone down upon a beautiful landscape. Rolling grassland and undulating hills filled her vision. Distant forests and mountains delighted her eyes. This was God's land, she reflected. She couldn't imagine being anywhere else. And the fact that Landon was with her simply made things even more perfect.
The day had gone better than she could ever have wished, Beth reflected. It had been a perfect day. Church. Family. It had all been joyous. Glancing across at Landon, she concluded that he had been a perfect companion. Landon glanced at her as he held the reins. Beth smiled at Landon. He was more than just a companion, she told herself. Much more. He'd found a way into her heart. Landon Baxter had showed her a glimpse of future delight and hope.
Realizing the children had become suddenly quiet, Beth glanced back and saw Max and Katie leaning their heads against each other. They were sound asleep. Smiling at Landon she said: "Looks like they've worn themselves out."
Landon turned to see them and grinned. "They must have had a good time, if they're that tired."
"They had a wonderful day," she said.
Landon quirked a brow at Beth. "Did you?"
Beth nodded. Her heart warmed as she gazed at Landon. There was only one answer she could give to that question. "It was perfect, Landon."
He grinned appreciatively. "I'm glad, Beth." For some reason, she took a special delight in hearing the way he said her name. In the last few days, there had plenty of other instances when she'd savored simple things with the handsome rancher. Like when he helped her down off the carriage; or when he let her hook her arm inside his when they were out walking together; or when she'd been riding alongside him across the rangeland. All these little moments added up to one simple truth. Beth enjoyed being with Landon. She took pleasure from every moment she spent in his company.
And then there were the kisses they'd shared. Beth could hardly get those out of her mind. Not that she wanted to, she told herself. Being in Landon's arms felt, somehow, right. As if she belonged in his tender embrace. Only one thought marred that happy realization. How long would Landon stay at the Circle D? She'd been trying not think about that all day. She knew he was well-enough to go home to the Baxter ranch. And she figured, once she and the children had been returned safely to the Circle D, Landon might tell her the time had come for him to go home.
Beth furrowed her brows. Seeing her do that, Landon asked: "You okay?"
Beth nodded, tight-lipped. She said nothing, feeling the fresh sense of worry which her thoughts had awakened. She and Landon were quiet for a while. Beth distracted herself by gazing out across the beautiful Montana landscape. She knew a reckoning was coming. She and Landon had to speak the truth to each other. So much depended on that. Thanks to Landon's help, the future fortunes of the Circle D had been improved. And, because of that, the children would be safe for a long time to come.
But there was one other part of the future which needed clarity. Her and Landon. What was to become of them?
The children remained sleeping for a long time. Then, with the sun sinking behind the distant mountains, and the air becoming noticeably cooler, the carriage crested the final ridge on the trail. Down in the valley lay the Circle D ranch house. It looked beautiful. Slowing the carriage slightly, Landon said quietly: "Home."
It was only one word, but it held so much meaning, Beth told herself. Her heartbeat quickened and she added: "It's good to be back." She saw Landon nodding his head. Was he agreeing with her, or simply being polite? His features were passive and unreadable. He looked like he was battling to control some kind of inner turmoil.
Landon continued to guide the carriage slowly down the hillside, heading toward the high, wooden gateway to the ranch complex. The words "Circle D" were written on the broad piece of plain wood which linked the two tall pillars on either wide of the trail. The carriage rode beneath the entrance. As the carriage rolled into the yard, Beth asked herself if this was a new beginning for herself and Landon or the end of something, the memory of which she'd treasure for a long time to come.
Landon drew the carriage to a halt in front of the ranch house. Behind her, Beth heard the children waking up. They rubbed the sleep from their eyes and listened attentively as Beth instructed them to go into the house. Max and Katie leaped down from the carriage and dashed inside. Beth heard the faint sounds of Sally welcoming the children. Beth knew the children would keep Sally busy with their account of the trip into town. That meant Beth would have some time to speak with Landon.
Landon and Beth remained seated on the carriage seat. A long, awkward silence ensued. To Beth, it felt as if it lasted for an eternity. Finally, Landon turned and faced Beth. "I have to say something to you." His brows furrowed. "If I don't get this off my chest, I think I'm going to burst." He tried to smile at Beth, but she could see the worry was burning him up.
"What do you want to say to me, Landon?" Beth asked in a quiet voice.
Landon leaned closer to Beth. His arm stretched across the back of the seat, but he didn't touch her. Was he that determined to keep his distance? If so, what was he about to say to her? Judging by the darkness in his eyes, Beth told herself it couldn't be good news.
"Beth. You know how much this last week has meant to me," he said. "I can hardly believe what has happened." The corner of his mouth creased with a smile. "It's been a miracle. Coming into your life like this. Finding you."
Beth's heart warmed instantly. "I feel the same, Landon," she admitted. "I never thought anything like this would happen."
Landon shifted suddenly. Moving closer, he said: "But it has happened, Beth. There's no denying how we feel about each other."
Beth lowered her lids. They seemed suddenly heavy with emotion. She felt emotion rise in her chest, tightening her throat. Trying to swallow, she found it was impossible. Looking back up into Landon's eyes, Beth said: "You're right. There's no sense pretending, any more."
Landon reached across to her lap and laid his hand across her gloved fingers. "You're the most amazing woman I've ever known, Beth Russell."
Gazing into the deep pools of his eyes, she felt herself shake slightly. Now it was her turn to feel dizzy. Only, for her it hadn't taken a blow to the head to bring on this exquisite feeling, she told herself. "I don't know what to say, Landon." Mingled with the delight of Landon's presence, Beth felt the stirrings of unease. "I'm glad you've made a full recovery."
Landon's brows furrowed as if he'd sensed she was suggesting it was time for him to move on. She felt his fingers tighten around hers. But, before he had a chance to say anything, Beth heard a familiar voice echo across the yard.
"Just so you know, ma'am," Doyle called out. Beth whirled around and stared across toward the path which led to the bunkhouse. "It looks like we sorted that problem out with the herd. I don't think we'll be having any more problems with tick fever."
Beth gasped as she felt Landon tug his hand away. He leaped down from the carriage seat. "Landon, no!" she cried out as she watched Landon start to make his way quickly across the yard.
But, he didn't pay her any heed. He just kept on walking toward Doyle. Any moment now, trouble would break out.
CHAPTER THIRTY
"What are you planning on doing, Mr Baxter?" Doyle asked Landon in a taunting tone of voice. "You looking to end your stay on the Circle D with some kind of trouble?" His voice was quiet, but Landon could sense the familiar resentment in Doyle's manner.
Landon halted in front of Doyle. "What are you doing here?" he snapped.
Doyle rolled his eyes. "Last time I checked, I work on this spread."
Landon heard Beth striding
up to his side. "Doyle. What were you saying about the herd?" Landon figured Beth was simply trying to calm things down. Landon had been shocked by the sudden appearance of the other man. It couldn't have come at a worse moment. For almost the entire duration of the journey to the Circle D, Landon had been trying to figure out how to say something really important to Beth. And, just as he'd been on the verge of uttering those words, Doyle had appeared.
"We've been checking them throughout the day," Doyle explained. "No sign of fever in the ones we dipped."
"That's good news, isn't it, Landon?" Beth said.
Landon nodded. "It's good," he declared as he peered straight into Doyle's eyes. He wondered if Doyle had any other intentions. The man had done enough interfering. It was time he was on his way. "You've delivered your news." Landon flicked his head. "Maybe you should be on your way."
Doyle's eyes widened and his jaw tightened. Glancing downward, Landon saw Doyle's fists curl into tight balls. Beth stared up at Landon, but she didn't say a word.
Doyle looked at Beth. "How was your trip into town?" he asked casually.
Still trying to calm things, Beth smiled. "The children loved it. Church was wonderful. And we met Landon's family." Landon asked himself how Beth could be so cheerful. Wasn't it obvious that he and Doyle were on the verge of trouble?
Doyle nodded thoughtfully and peered into Landon's eyes. "Is that so. That sounds real nice. Real homely," Doyle said with heavy sarcasm.
For the first time since Doyle had appeared, Landon noticed a large bag on the ground next to Doyle's boots. "What's in the bag?" Landon asked.
"My things," Doyle replied. "I cleared out my stuff from the bunkhouse."
Beth breathed out noisily. "Cleared out? Why?"
When Doyle smiled at Beth it was with a sudden warmth which took Landon by surprise. "Because I'm moving out, Miss Russell. That's why."
Beth glanced up disbelievingly at Landon. "Are you quitting, Doyle?" Landon asked.
Doyle nodded. "I sure am. I know when it's time to move on. And that time has come."
Beth took a step toward Doyle. "You can't leave, Doyle. You're the ramrod on the Circle D. You've been running this place since we moved in."
"And sometimes a man knows when his time on a spread has come to an end," Doyle explained. "I figure my time at the Circle D is over."
Landon saw Beth stretch out a hand toward Doyle. "You can't leave, Doyle. Is it about money? If it is, I can pay you more."
Doyle shook his head slowly and smiled at Beth. For the first time, Landon saw real appreciation in Doyle's eyes. Appreciation for Beth and what she was capable of doing. "It ain't about money, Miss Russell." Doyle glanced at Landon. "I reckon you have someone who might be able to help you just as good as I did."
Beth turned to Landon. "Tell him he has to stay," she told Landon.
There was a note of anxiety in Beth's voice. Until now, Landon hadn't realized just how reliant she'd become on the ramrod. He could see worry in her eyes. "If Doyle's made up his mind to leave, there's nothing I can do to stop him, Beth."
At the sound of Landon's familiar use of her name, Doyle's eyes narrowed. But the moment of indignation passed as quickly as it had appeared. Doyle quickly composed himself and smiled at Beth. "I got another offer of work."
"Where?" Beth demanded sharply.
"Wes Harding wants me to work his spread. He's made me a fine offer, and I've accepted."
"You're going to work for Harding?" Beth exclaimed. Landon could hear incredulity in her voice. "Why?"
Landon thought about Harding's attitude when he'd come to the ranch asking for oil to treat his cattle. He was convinced Harding was a changed man. And now he had Doyle by his side. Maybe things had changed for good for all of them, Landon told himself.
"Harding's decided he wants to make a fresh start," Doyle explained. "He figures I'm the man to help him do that."
"You're sure about this," Beth said.
Doyle smiled at Beth. "Miss Russell. You were mighty kind to me. And I appreciated it." He glanced knowingly at Landon. "But I'm going to to give way to someone who can continue to help you. I've done all I can."
Landon was taken aback by how resigned Doyle sounded. For the first time, the man sounded genuine. Landon weighed up the possibility that this could be another one of Harding's schemes. But, Landon had seen the way Harding had behaved when he'd come to ask for help. Maybe something greater than Harding had persuaded him that it was time to mend his ways. Taking on a man like Doyle would make that new start a whole lot easier.
Doyle touched the brim of his hat and bent down to lift up his bag. With one last glance from Beth to Landon, Doyle started to move off. Beth moved to Landon's side. Watching Doyle make his way to the stable, Landon slipped his arm around Beth's waist.
She lifted her head and gazed inquiringly up at Landon. "He did a lot for me on the Circle D."
"Men like Doyle are used to moving from job to job," Landon said. "They're drifters by nature."
"Still. I didn't expect him to just up and leave," Beth said.
"Him and Harding are like two peas in a pod," Landon stated. "They'll get on fine. And Harding's spread is big. That'll keep Doyle busy."
Doyle emerged on horseback from the stable. He took one final look at Landon and Beth and shook his head resignedly. Maybe the sight of Landon's arm wrapped around Beth's waist had been the last straw. Doyle didn't say another word and then rode away down the trail. He was soon lost to sight.
Beth gasped suddenly. "I just realized what this means."
"What?"
Beth frowned. She gazed up into Landon's eyes. He felt something warm shift in his middle. He could get used to Beth looking at him like that, he told himself. There were times when her natural beauty knocked him sideways. And this was one of those times. "I don't have a foreman for the Circle D."
Landon immediately knew this was the moment he'd been waiting for. "Sure you have a foreman." He took Beth gently by the shoulders, feeling the softness of her body beneath her gown. Her mouth opened as she waited for him to continue. Her lashes looked heavy and her gaze softened. "You have me," he murmured.
When Landon saw the way she was looking at him, he knew what he had to do. Leaning his head down, he kissed Beth.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Beth gasped as Landon's lips settled upon hers. Sinking into his warm embrace, she realized she'd been waiting for this kiss all day. At least that was how it felt as she lifted her chin and let the delight of Landon's tender kiss sweep over her. She curled her arms around Landon's shoulders, drawing him closer. She wanted the kiss to last forever. Feeling the ground shift beneath her feet, she let Landon hold her gently but firmly. The kiss was exquisite, filling her with joy.
Landon lifted his head and gazed into Beth's eyes. "Beth," he breathed. "I love you."
Shocked by the directness of his declaration, she gasped and then quickly composed herself. Smiling up at him, she lowered her eyes and whispered: "And I love you, Landon."
His eyes widened and he smiled broadly. "You do?"
She grinned at him, feeling ten years younger. "I do."
Landon let out a soft, ecstatic howl that echoed across the yard. "That makes me so happy, Beth," he positively growled. He drew her closer to him. He held her as if he never wanted to let her go. She was happy with that. As far as she was concerned, she and Landon belonged together.
The Rancher’s Frontier Family Page 19