Jake frowned. "I told him that is woman's work. I think Lilian and Gretchen can take good care of that."
Chloe shook her head. "But Ethan wants to really make this first Christmas in Inspiration special. He's got some great ideas," she blurted out before realizing it might lead to some awkward questions.
Jake narrowed his eyes. "He has? I thought he was too busy taking care of the ranch to get involved in any of that."
Chloe clamped her lips tight and gazed into the fire. "Well, we did find a nice tree," she admitted hoping that would shift the topic of discussion away from Ethan and Christmas.
Jake sighed heavily. "I don't have time for Christmas, this year," he muttered. "Don't see the point in celebrating."
For a moment, Chloe wasn't sure what she could say. She knew she could simply remain quiet, avoiding the need to talk about what she really believed. But, her conviction that she'd been brought into the lives of the Armstrong for a purpose was too strong to ignore. Since being around Ethan's family, Chloe had felt she had some important part to play in their lives. Not just healing the division between them and the Buchanans. But also with regard to something much deeper. More profound. She realized an important moment had come.
Chloe turned and faced Jake. "Christmas is a time for celebrating with family, of course," she said. "But the real message of Christmas is something I believe we can all take into our lives."
Jake frowned. "And what's that?"
"Hope, Jake," Chloe said simply. "We can find hope at this time of the year. And let God enter our lives and change us for the better."
As he regarded Chloe, Jake's expression was blank. She wondered if she'd said the wrong thing. Perhaps he'd order her out of the house and tell her never to come back.
Then Jake spoke: "How can I believe that, Chloe?" Jake asked softly. "When there are things I can't even remember." He dragged a hand across his chin. "Important things." When he lifted his gaze, she saw real emotion in his eyes. For a brief moment, he was willing to open up to her. She knew her next words would be crucial.
"We have to have faith, Jake," Chloe said gently. "Ethan told me you used to be a man of strong faith."
Jake scoffed and shook his head. "That was in the past. Before all this."
Chloe leaned closer to Jake. "But God has given you so much, Jake. He has blessed you with a prosperous ranch, a beautiful wife and two wonderful children. Those are blessings beyond imagining. Don't you agree?"
Jake stared at Chloe, almost as if he couldn't quite believe what she'd said. He was silent as Chloe continued. "Who knows why you had that accident. Only God knows what he has in mind for you. But there is one thing I know for certain." Chloe gazed intently at Jake. "God will bring even more blessings into your life if you only have hope and faith. With those, you can move mountains. You can regain everything you've lost."
Jake's gaze was unflinching. Chloe met his gaze, feeling her heart fill with sympathy, and hoping she'd said the right words.
Jake swallowed and then sighed. He looked thoughtful. Chloe wondered what he was about to say. But, before Jake had a chance to say anything, Lilian came striding into the room carrying a tray.
The moment had passed. Chloe's middle sank with a heavy disappointment. She'd desperately wanted to hear what Jake would say. Perhaps she'd have to wait to another time, she told herself.
As Lilian placed the tray down on the table in front of the fire, she asked: "You two seemed to be having quite a discussion," she said. "What were you talking about?" she asked lifting her head and looking at Jake.
Chloe saw Jake's features once again become impassive. The mask had been placed back on, she told herself. "We were just talking about Christmas, Lilian," Jake said.
"That sounds nice," Lilian replied, smiling politely. But, when she gave Chloe a knowing glance, it was clear that she didn't believe a word her husband had just said.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
It was almost dark by the time Ethan guided the buckboard to a halt in front of the Buchanan ranch house. The sun was setting behind the distant mountains. The air was chilled and clouds were gathering in the sky. Maybe it was going to snow again, Ethan told himself as he tied up the reins. He'd just about managed to keep his word to Eugenie by getting Chloe home on time. Ethan leaped from the seat and went around the buckboard to help Chloe get down.
Holding onto her hand for an instant, Ethan's gaze met hers. "Just in time," he joked.
Chloe nodded and smiled. "I'm sure Eugenie will be pleased."
The door to the ranch house opened. Eugenie came striding out. "So you're both back."
Chloe tugged her hand loose from Ethan's gentle grasp and went to Eugenie. "Lilian insisted I stay for dinner up at the ranch."
"So you've both eaten?" Eugenie asked. She glanced at the buckboard. "What's that I see there?" she said pointing a finger.
Ethan pulled the tarpaulin away, revealing the tied-up Christmas tree. "A gift from the Armstrong family to you and yours, Mrs Buchanan," he announced.
Eugenie examined the tree. "I see you've both been busy," she said. Looking at Chloe, she added: "Did everything go well?"
Ethan saw Chloe's cheeks flush slightly. Her gaze flickered away from Eugenie for a brief moment. Then Chloe smiled. "It couldn't have been more perfect, aunt."
Eugenie gave Ethan a stern look, as if she could read his and Chloe's minds. Ethan was sure nothing would get past Eugenie Buchanan. Especially when it came to matters of the heart. "That's mighty kind of you, Ethan," Eugenie said glancing at the tree. "Why don't you stay a while."
Ethan froze. He was being invited into the Buchanan household? He could hardly believe his ears. What if some of the brothers were already waiting inside, he thought to himself. The last thing he wanted was for the day to end on a sour note. "That's kind of you, Mrs Buchanan. But, I think I'll be moving on," Ethan said. "Got plenty to do up at the ranch."
"Nonsense," Eugenie countered. "You come on inside and share a little Christmas cheer with us. We got cake and wine." Eugenie lifted a brow. "You're not going to turn that down, are you?"
Ethan saw Chloe look hopefully at him. Judging by her expression, she was hoping he'd accept the offer. He thought that was strange, considering she hadn't said much to him during the ride down from the Armstrong ranch. It seemed like Chloe was still thinking about that kiss up at the forest. Ethan had to admit, he couldn't get it out of his own mind. Ethan nodded. "Okay, Mrs Buchanan," he agreed.
"Call me, Eugenie, young man," Eugenie instructed. She led Chloe to the house and Ethan followed close behind.
Inside, the house was warm. Ethan listened for the noise of any voices but didn't hear any. The only sounds were their footsteps on the wooden floors and the crackling of a fireplace. They both hung their coats on the rack at the foot of the steps and made their way into the parlor. The room was empty. Chloe took her place on a chair next to the fireplace and started warming her hands. Ethan sat opposite Chloe. Eugenie smiled at them both, apparently pleased with the sight of Chloe and Ethan sitting together.
Eugenie headed to the kitchen, leaving Ethan and Chloe alone. It felt good to be by the fireside. And it felt even better to be sitting opposite the woman he'd kissed hours before. The memory of how her sweet lips had tasted possessed his mind. He wondered if she was thinking the same as him. She hadn't mentioned it to him the whole way home. He asked himself, again, if he'd made a mistake in revealing how he felt about her. He hoped not. But, ever since that kiss, her features had been set in an unreadable blank expression. And now, sitting across from him, with the firelight casting a warm glow on her astonishingly pretty face, he saw the same inscrutable look in her eyes. Was she trying to send him a signal? That he should never think to do such a thing again?
A few moment later, and to his surprise, she spoke: "I was talking with you father up at the ranch."
"You were?" he asked. "What was he saying?"
Chloe's brows furrowed. "I'd say it was more about what he was
willing to listen to, rather than what he had to say to me."
During the small meal they'd all shared up at the ranch, Ethan had noticed that his father's mood had been better than usual. Once, his father had even laughed at one of Ethan's jokes. That was really unusual. He'd put the change down to his father feeling better. Or even having slept better. But, it seemed Chloe had had something to so with it. "What did you say to him?" Ethan asked.
Chloe looked thoughtful for a moment. "I just spoke to him about faith. And hope."
"You did? How did he respond?" Jake didn't take too kindly to people speaking to him about such things. Matters of faith had been strictly off-limits recently.
"Better than I thought he would," Chloe admitted. "I know things have been hard for him. I can see it in his eyes."
"I'm surprised he let you speak about those things," Ethan said. "Normally, he loses his temper when we try and talk like that." Ethan smiled at Chloe. "Maybe it was because it was you."
"He seems to think you and I are more than good friends," Chloe stated quietly.
"He does?" Ethan scoffed. "What gave him that idea?" The minute the words left Ethan's mouth he knew he'd made a mistake. Chloe's gaze clouded and she turned her face away from Ethan. He felt a sinking sensation in his gut. He chided himself. Sometimes it was better to say nothing, Ethan thought. And this was most definitely one of those times.
"Chloe," Ethan said quickly. "That didn't come out right."
When Chloe looked back at him he saw her eyes were moist with emotion. "On the contrary. I think that came out exactly the way you intended, Ethan," she said sharply.
Ethan heard footsteps in the hall. He turned and saw Caleb Buchanan walking into the room. The man stopped in his tracks and stared disbelievingly at the sight of an Armstrong sitting in his parlor.
"What are you doing here?" Caleb asked sharply.
Instinctively, as if someone had prodded him in the back with a stick, Ethan stood. Across from him, Chloe also rose to her feet. "Ethan brought us a Christmas tree, uncle Caleb."
Caleb looked confusedly from Chloe to Ethan. "I meant what are you doing here with my niece, Armstrong?" Caleb clarified. His gaze swept the room. "And under my roof." Ethan could see the beginnings of fury beneath Caleb's deeply furrowed brows.
"Your wife invited me in," Ethan said. He started to move toward the door. "But if you'd prefer me to leave, I can."
"No!" Chloe exclaimed. Ethan stopped in his tracks and stared at Chloe. She was pale and wide-eyed. Clasping her hands at her middle, she peered at Caleb. "Ethan is here at my invitation, too," she said in a steady voice.
"He is?" Caleb responded. Ethan wondered if Caleb really knew just how much time Chloe had been spending in the company of his rival rancher. Maybe Eugenie hadn't explained the attempt being made to heal the divisions between the families. And how part of that involved Ethan and Chloe spending a whole lot of time in one another's company.
"Ethan and I have struck up quite a friendship," Chloe declared. Was that how she saw it? A friendship? Ethan wanted to say something about that, but he knew now wasn't the right moment.
"Have you, now," Caleb drawled, fixing Ethan with a weary look. "And just what does this friendship involve?" Caleb asked.
Chloe looked momentarily lost for words. She flashed a pleading look at Ethan, perhaps seeking help, he told himself. "Chloe has been helping me prepare Christmas at my parents' ranch," Ethan stated.
Caleb's eyes narrowed. "What exactly does that involve?" Caleb's suspicions were growing stronger by the moment, Ethan told himself. Caleb looked straight at Chloe. "Mmm?" he added, lifting both brows.
"I've been visiting the Armstrong ranch," Chloe said. Ethan saw Chloe lifting her chin in a familiar gesture of defiance. It seemed that she was willing to stand up to her uncle's scrutiny. "And making a few helpful suggestions, here and there."
Caleb folded his arms and frowned. "Mmm," he muttered once again. Ethan didn't like the sound of that. He was seized, yet again, by the instinct to bring this visit to a premature end.
The sound of footsteps from behind Caleb, made Ethan pause. Eugenie entered the room and squinted at the three people facing each other in the middle of the parlor. "What's going on, Caleb?"
Shifting on his heels, Caleb sighed. "I was just trying to get to the bottom of what's going on between Chloe and this here Armstrong," Caleb said and pointed dismissively at Ethan.
"Really," Eugenie scoffed. "Caleb Buchanan. What kind of welcome are you giving our guest?" Caleb's head lowered. "I invited this fine gentleman into our home. In case you hadn't noticed Caleb, it'll be Christmas in a week." She folded her arms and peered at Caleb. "Don't you think it's about time we put all this bickering and arguing behind us?"
Caleb was suddenly silent, although Ethan could see the tension still reigning in the burly man's body.
Eugenie waved her hands at Ethan and Chloe. "You two, sit down, right now. I promised you some Christmas cheer and I intend to give you just that."
Ethan saw the corner of Chloe's mouth crease with the hint of a smile. He and Chloe took their former places by the fire.
"You come help me in the kitchen, Caleb, you hear?" Eugenie commanded.
Caleb followed Eugenie out of the parlor. Once they were gone, Chloe laughed quietly, hiding her mouth behind her hands.
"That was a close call," Ethan admitted, settling back in his chair.
"It sure was,"Chloe agreed.
Ethan heard voices coming from the kitchen. He held back the laugh which bubbled up in his chest. He glanced across at Chloe and caught her looking at him with something that seemed suspiciously like favor. Maybe today hadn't been so bad, after all. First, he'd kissed Chloe Forsyth. And now it looked he was welcome beneath the roof of the Buchanan household.
But, even as he sat across from Chloe, Ethan knew there was one thing he hadn't yet mentioned. One very important detail about when he and Chloe had been in the forest, cutting down trees and kissing.
Ethan had seen tracks in the snow. The tracks of a solitary mounted rider.
They hadn't been alone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Two days. It had been two days since the trip to the forest and Chloe hadn't seen Ethan since he'd left the ranch after sharing drinks and cake with her, Eugenie and Caleb.
Late morning, determined to distract herself, Chloe was putting the finishing touches to some decorations in the dining room of the Buchanan ranch house. She was glad she was on her own, because she had to try and figure out why Ethan would have decided to stay away from her. Why he would avoid her. Had she done something to drive him away? Or had he simply been put off by the fact that he and Chloe had finally kissed? Was he frightened of something? The reality of their friendship becoming something more serious. Because, in the days leading up to their forest encounter, every time she'd been with him, in town and at the ranch, Chloe had wondered what it would be like to be kissed by Ethan. And then she'd finally found out.
It had been wonderful. Glorious.
For the past forty-eight hours, and during two long sleepless nights, she hadn't been able to banish the memory of Ethan's kiss. The tenderness of his lips. His gentle touch on her face. The passion in his gaze. It had been one of the most wonderful moments of her life. And then, the joy she'd felt had turned quickly to coldness.To worry. Ethan had been distracted and distant ever since that kiss. She could only assume it had been something she had done which had upset him. As far as she could tell, that was the most reasonable explanation.
However, lingering at the back of her mind was the vivid memory of being with him in the forest. The silence and the sense of being alone. The truth was, she had trusted Ethan and he'd proven himself to be a perfect gentleman. A man of faith who could be trusted. She knew that, out here on the frontier, that was a rare commodity. The newspapers and magazines she read were filled with stories of robbers, cheats, swindlers and men who were just plain unfaithful.
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