"Of course we have," Gretchen said. Her eyes shifted down to Lydia's hand. "What's in the basket?"
Lydia glanced at Zack. "A surprise," she stated simply.
Kate frowned. "What kind of a surprise?"
Just at that moment there was a loud bark from inside the basket and all three girls froze for a moment. Daisy took a step back and slowly turned her head, looking in the direction of her two sisters. Kate and Gretchen leapt up and stood stock still on the rug, their eyes wide.
Lydia looked at her daughters and smiled. "I told you. It's a surprise."
A bark followed by a growl came from inside the basket. Lydia reached down and loosened the catch on the lid.
When the puppy stuck his face up and out of the basket and peered around, the girls let out a scream of delight that filled the room and made Zack's ears ring.
"Girls. Girls. Don't scare the little dog." Mrs Brodie tried to say but it was too late.
The three girls ran to their mother.
"It's a puppy!" Daisy cried starting to reach out toward the little dog's face.
"Puppy!" Kate and Gretchen cried out in unison.
"Be careful not to scare him," Lydia said quietly.
"Can I take him?" Daisy yelled at Lydia.
"Not yet. We don't want to upset him. This is his new home, so he needs to get familiar with it."
"He's staying with us?" Gretchen asked, her eyes suddenly moist with emotion. Zack looked down at Gretchen and smiled. "Of course he's staying. He's a part of the family."
Gretchen smiled and gazed down at the puppy who had pulled his head back into the open basket and was looking, obviously puzzled, at all the unfamiliar faces peering down at him.
"He's beautiful," Gretchen said. Zack saw her take a step closer to the basket and reach out a hand. The puppy looked at Gretchen and his eyes widened. "He's just like Scooter," Gretchen said.
Lydia smiled at her daughter. "Isn't he? He's got the same cute little smile too. Look at his little face."
The dog watched as Gretchen reached into the basket and wrapped her hands around his tiny body.
"Careful," Lydia said holding the basket still.
Gretchen looked up into her mother's eyes. Zack hadn't seen Gretchen look so happy since she'd arrived at the ranch.
"Take him out of the basket," Kate said impatiently.
Gretchen gave her sister an admonishing look. Then she eased the puppy out of the basket and up into her arms.
The puppy shifted in Gretchen's arms for a moment and it looked for a moment as if he was going to leap away from her. But then he looked up and barked loudly.
The girls all sighed and started to laugh.
Lydia looked at Zack. Her face was full of joy and happiness and it made Zack glad to see his wife looking like that.
Another bark brought Zack's attention back to Gretchen. Kate and Daisy were stroking the dog's fine fur. He was sure going to be a bundle of fun. As if there hadn't been enough chaos in the house, Zack reflected. They had a dog now!
He smiled as he saw the pleasure on the girls' faces.
Lydia touched Zack on the arm and motioned to the window. "Look at the snow. It's getting heavier."
Sure enough the sporadic flakes of a few moments before had suddenly turned into a thick mass which looked like a white waterfall outside the front window.
"Come with me," Zack said to Lydia. She looked at him, a puzzled expression on her face, but she followed him after a quick glance at the girls and the dog.
Zack led Lydia to the hall and opened the front door. He heard Lydia let out an involuntary gasp as she saw the scene outside. The snow was falling thick and heavy. A layer had begun to settle on the yard.
"It's beautiful," Lydia murmured.
Zack drew Lydia closer to him and they moved to the edge of the door. "It's really beautiful," he said softly. Zack glanced back in the direction of the parlor. Barks and squeals of delight came from there.
"I think they like the puppy," he said.
Lydia looked up into his eyes. "I never had any doubt."
"Do you have any other doubts left?"
Lydia's eyes widened slightly. She smiled and shook her head. "None. All my doubts have well and truly gone," she said.
"All of them?"
Lydia nodded. "Every one."
Zack smiled and leaned down and kissed Lydia softly and briefly. "I'm glad. Really glad."
Zack pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her as much to protect her against the chill from outside as to make absolutely sure that she knew he would never let her go. Lydia leaned in closer against him. Zack savored the feeling of her head resting on his shoulder. He turned his head and inhaled the sweet scent of her hair.
"Do you think the snow is going to settle?" Lydia asked.
"Maybe. It's sure cold enough. But, it's December."
"It'll be Christmas soon," Lydia said. "We'll need to start making plans."
Zack nodded. It was going to be a new kind of Christmas for him. And for Lydia and the girls. He suddenly wanted to make sure that it was special in every conceivable way. He'd have to figure out just how to do that. Every Christmas in recent years had been all about him and the ranch hands and Mrs. Brodie trying to keep them all under control. Now that he, Joshua and Aaron were married, maybe they could arrange a real special Christmas.
"How do you feel about inviting Joshua and Laura? Aaron and Eva too."
Lydia looked at him in surprise. She hesitated and he could see she was busy giving it some thought. "Sounds fine. There'll be plenty to do to prepare for something like that. But, I like the idea," she concluded with a nod.
Zack pulled her close and glanced out at the snow. He couldn't wait for Christmas day. For the first time it would really feel like he and Lydia had embarked on a new life together. It would be real good to share such a special day with all the people who now meant so much to him.
Mrs. Brodie strode out of the parlor, went to the door and pushed it shut. "You two will catch cold if you're not careful."
"How is the dog coping with the girls?" Zack asked.
Mrs. Brodie sighed. "They'll have to wash their hands. That's for sure. It's almost time for dinner. Goodness knows where that little puppy is going to sleep," she said.
"I'm sure we can find somewhere cozy for him," Lydia said.
Zack thought about sleeping cozy. There was only one place he wanted to be tonight. And that was sleeping cozy by Lydia's side in their bedroom. As he turned and headed back to the parlor with Lydia he had a sudden feeling that tonight was going to be a whole lot different
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"Do you want to blow out the candle?" Lydia heard Zack ask.
She glanced around the bedroom, wondering just how it would feel to spend the night under the bedclothes in the dark with Zack right by her side. Because that was where he was right at this moment. Zack's strong body was lying next to her, this time under the bedclothes for the very first time. His wonderful presence was unavoidable and Lydia struggled to keep her gaze on any other part of the room except where Zack lay. He glanced over toward Lydia and gave her a gentle, understanding smile.
"Sure," she said quietly, starting to turn toward the candleholder on the bedside table. She blew on it and the room was suddenly thrown into a temporary pitch darkness.
They had said goodnight to the children after a wholesome dinner and an evening by the parlor fire with a little dog causing complete and delightful mayhem. When bedtime had eventually come around the puppy had been given a makeshift place under the stairs. It had taken all Lydia's patience and powers of motherly persuasion to assure Gretchen that the dog would be comfortable and safe. But, eventually Gretchen had admitted defeat.
All three girls had taken what, to Lydia, had seemed like an inordinately long time to say goodnight to the happy little puppy. Zack had assured everyone that Scooter, as he was now known, would be safe under the stairs until they could find a more suitable place
for him.
Lydia glanced out the window. The snow had stopped falling leaving a thin covering on the ranch. It hadn't been as bad as she'd feared. It sure looked beautiful, she thought. Almost as beautiful as her husband who was lying so close to her she could hear his soft breathing. She wondered if he was feeling as awkward as she was. Judging by his silence it seemed as if he was.
Lydia moved slightly but avoided giving Zack the impression she was turning her back to him. The truth was she wanted to be here by his side, feel his reassuring, strong presence.
Zack cleared his throat. She heard him sigh slightly. That made her smile a little. She could just imagine Zack's mind filled with a whirl of thoughts, wondering to himself just what was the right thing to say.
Lydia heard a noise from the hallway. It sounded like a door opening and then the creak of a floorboard. She began to wonder what the noise had been but, at that exact moment, she felt Zack turn in the bed. He moved closer to her and Lydia felt a tingle throughout her body as his hand rested gently on her shoulder.
"Are you okay, Lydia?" Zack asked in a soft voice. In the darkness, in the silence, his voice sounded deep and mellow.
Lydia nodded. "Yes, Zack. I'm fine." She tried to make sure her voice didn't sound tense or uncertain, but it was impossible, for that was just how she felt.
Zack's hand remained on Lydia's shoulder for what seemed like an eternity. The only sound in the room was their breathing. Lydia noticed that they were breathing in unison.
Another sound from outside the doorway caught her attention. Lydia glanced toward the bedroom door.
"What is it?" Zack asked.
Lydia shook her head. "I thought I heard something."
"Do you want to go and check?" he asked.
Lydia frowned. "No. It's fine. Probably nothing."
She lay her head back down on the pillow and turned to Zack. By the soft glow of the moonlight through the window she could see his bright, clear eyes. They were fixed on her face. Zack dug his elbow into the pillow and propped his head up on his hand.
"What?" she asked with a smile, suddenly conscious of his fascinated scrutiny.
The corners of Zack's mouth turned up. "Nothing. I'm just enjoying watching my beautiful wife," he whispered.
Lydia was glad he couldn't see the change in the color of her face by the soft moonlight coming in through the window.
Zack leaned his head closer. Lydia could feel his breath against her cheek, smell his wonderful scent. His head moved closer to her and she began to open her lips, ready to welcome his tender attentions.
Suddenly Lydia heard a voice. It was coming from outside, in the hallway. It was Kate's voice.
"Mama! Come quick," she heard Kate say. It was followed by a hurried rapping on the bedroom door. Zack turned away and Lydia threw the bedclothes away and drew on her heavy gown. She went to the door and opened it quickly. Kate was standing in the hallway, her face pale, her eyes wide.
Lydia reached for her daughter. "What is it?" she asked hurriedly.
"Gretchen's gone out!" Kate stated. The little girl was breathing fast and Lydia could see the fear on her daughter's face. Lydia saw Daisy standing at the open door of the girls' bedroom. The little girl looked confused.
Zack came up and stood behind Lydia. He already had his shirt and pants on. "What do you mean, gone out?" he asked Kate.
"She's gone outside to find him," Kate said breathlessly.
"What are you talking about. Find who?" Lydia demanded.
"Scooter," Kate stated firmly.
"The dog?" Lydia heard Zack ask, incredulity apparent in his voice.
Kate nodded. Lydia could see tears welling up in her daughter's eyes. She hugged Kate and turned to Zack. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. Lydia heard Kate's muffled voice and drew her closer trying to comfort her daughter as best she could. "Scooter got out of his place under the stairs and went outside. Gretchen's gone to find him," Kate explained finally.
Lydia felt a sharp stab of panic. "But, it's freezing outside," she said glancing with concern toward Zack.
Zack sighed and moved past Lydia.
"Gretchen hasn't got a coat on," Kate stated. Lydia looked at Zack and saw the worry flash across his features.
"Girls. Go inside your room and stay there. We'll be back once we've found Gretchen," Lydia said.
Zack came to Lydia. "I can handle this myself. I'll find her. She can't have gone too far."
Lydia shook her head. "I'm coming."
Zack's mouth opened as if he were about to say something. But, when he saw the expression on Lydia's face he changed his mind. "Okay. I understand. I'll meet you downstairs. Wrap up warm," he said and headed off down the stairs.
Lydia ushered Kate and Daisy back into their room and took a few moments to make sure they were safely in their beds. When she came back out into the hallway she took a deep breath trying to control the rising panic inside her.
Gretchen was out there. In the cold and the snow. Searching for a dog!
Lydia raced into the bedroom and dressed quickly in the warmest gown she could find. She threw on a heavy overcoat and woollen hat and dashed downstairs. Zack was waiting for her at the open door. He already had on his thick jacket and boots.
Lydia glanced at the small door to the cupboard beneath the stairs. There was no sign of the dog. "Where could Gretchen have gone?" Lydia asked Zack.
He shook his head. "There're tracks. They lead off behind the house. They can't have gotten far. But it sure is darned cold," Zack said.
"If she isn't dressed warmly she'll catch her death," Lydia moaned.
Zack placed a hand on Lydia's arm and looked earnestly into her eyes. "Don't you worry. We'll find her. And soon. Let's go," he stated.
Lydia followed Zack outside. The transition from the relative warmth of the inside of the house to the sharp cold of outside took Lydia by surprise and intensified her panic. The cold wind blew into her face, chilling her cheeks and freezing her lips.
Zack pointed down at the ground. Aided by the moonlight Lydia could see the little paw prints of the dog, and the trail of Gretchen's bare feet by their side.
Bare feet! Gretchen had come out of the house with no shoes on! How could she have done something like that?
"She's wearing no shoes," Lydia yelled at Zack.
"Must've thought she'd only be out for a moment. But that little dog is faster than she thinks," Zack said.
Lydia followed Zack as he started to move fast, following the trail of the dog and her daughter. Sure enough the trail led behind the house. Lydia paused and gazed ahead. She could see the bunk houses, barn and stables spread out in front of her. Beyond them the landscape looked dark and foreboding. Surely Gretchen wasn't out there somewhere. Surely her otherwise smart and clever daughter hadn't just followed the little dog out into the dark, unaware of the dangers.
Lydia tried to keep up with Zack, but his pace had become faster, more urgent.
"She can't have gone out there, Zack," Lydia said pointing out away into the darkness.
Zack drew closer to Lydia and took her hand, wrapping his fingers around her own. "We're lucky there's a full moon tonight. It gives us a chance."
Lydia saw Zack's face in the reflected light of the snow underfoot. She could see grim determination written on his features. He knew how serious this was for his adopted daughter. She had no doubt that he was going to do whatever it took to find Gretchen.
They both called out to Gretchen, but there was no reply.
Lydia peered down at the ground. The wind had swept over some of the tracks and they were becoming difficult to see. "We're losing the tracks," she exclaimed, a note of panic rising in her voice.
Zack didn't immediately reply. He just looked down at the ground as if looking for something that Lydia couldn't even imagine being able to discern. This was his land, his domain. If anyone would know how to find a lost child in the cold darkness, it would be Zack.
"I think she might have c
hanged direction at some point in the last few yards," he said looking around.
Lydia leaned in against Zack savoring the warmth of his tall figure, the strength she could feel in his arms. "We've lost her," she let out with a gasp. She buried her face in the depths of Zack's heavy jacket. With her hair being blown loose by the wind and her head close against his chest, Lydia started to feel that everything that was happening had an unreal quality to it.
How could Gretchen have done such a thing? She was always so grown up, so mature, so sensible. But, her attachment to the dog was obviously strong and real. Lydia understood things had been hard for Gretchen. She knew that the confrontations, the temper tantrums, the arguments had all been Gretchen's attempt at putting a brave face on the chaos that her life had descended into these past few weeks.
Lydia suddenly wanted to hold Gretchen in her arms, tell her everything was going to be alright, that she would never have to worry about anything ever again. Not now that they were all safe in the arms of Zack, all protected by this good, kind and generous man who had taken them all into his life.
Lydia felt Zack's body tighten. He twisted and she heard him grunt. "Of course. Why didn't I think of that before?" he blurted out.
Lydia looked up into Zack's eyes. He was looking down at her, the sympathy, the feeling for her clearly visible in his tender gaze.
"What are you thinking about?" Lydia asked, her body breaking out into a bout of shivering.
Zack's brows furrowed, but there was a hint of certainty in his eyes. "I think I might know where Gretchen ended up," he stated.
"Where?" Lydia gasped.
Zack wrapped an arm around Lydia's waist. "Come this way," he said and turned back toward the house.
Lydia froze on the spot. "They can't be back there," she said resisting the pull of his arm.
Zack's lips turned up at the corners. "Trust me, Lydia. This once. Just trust me," he said above the sound of the wind.
Lydia peered into Zack's eyes and saw him beg for her agreement, imploring her to follow him, to let him lead her to where there would be at least a chance to find Gretchen.
Zack's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) Page 11