Love Reunited (Love Inspired)

by Andrews, Renee

  She wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, Landon, I do love you, with all my heart I do.”

  “Well, it looks like I don’t need to look for her anymore?” Eden’s voice echoed through the barn. “Georgiana, don’t ever scare us like that again.”

  “I won’t,” she said, smiling against Landon’s chest. “I don’t have any reason to run away anymore.”

  “Actually, you weren’t running away,” Landon reminded. “You were running to.”

  She smiled again. “You’re right, I was.”

  Epilogue

  “I got a little wedding present for the groom.” Andy Cothran entered the front room of the Claremont Community Church where Landon, John and Casey waited to be cued. He waved a folded paper in his hand.

  Landon winked at John. “Wonder what that is.”

  “What is it?” Casey asked. He’d come home for the wedding, and his brothers still hadn’t let him in on their upcoming business venture. They’d wanted to make sure the bank was on board first, and it appeared they were getting their wish.

  “What is this?” Andy echoed. “Why, it’s one of the most innovative business plans I’ve seen in quite a while.” He handed the paper to Landon. “And it’s been approved. Y’all have six months to get your fishing camp up and running, and I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna make it happen. We really liked what we saw with that first finished cabin. Thinking I might actually take my granddaughter out there once you get the place rolling.”

  “That’d be great,” Landon said, tucking the paper into his pocket.

  “And congratulations. You’ve got a great girl there you’re marrying.”

  “I’d have to agree.” Landon grinned at the man as he left the room.

  “We’re starting a fishing camp?” Casey asked. “I leave for college, and Landon decides to get married, and y’all decide to start a fishing camp. Anything else I need to know?”

  “Yeah, the next business will be a dude ranch, but we haven’t finalized that business plan yet,” John said.

  Landon shook his head. “I didn’t hear Andy say anything about a dude ranch.”

  “That’s because it’s gonna be the next business plan. I’ll keep you posted. You just worry about getting this wedding done right.”

  Landon laughed. “You do that, and I will.”

  “Y’all never got involved in all this kind of stuff when I was at home,” Casey said.

  “Yeah, we had to wait till you left to have some real fun,” John said, and Landon laughed again. He loved having his brothers together, and he loved all of them being happy again.

  The door opened, and Brother Henry nodded at the trio. “It’s time, boys.”

  Boys. Landon guessed they’d always be boys to their preacher. So they didn’t argue, and the boys walked out to find nearly all of Claremont waiting in the church pews on the other side.

  “Is Georgiana ready for this?” John whispered.

  “We’re about to find out.”

  Landon smiled as Abi, wearing a gold dress and with her hair in adorable ringlets, stepped down the aisle smiling and waving as she tossed rose petals and created a colorful yellow-and-burgundy path for his bride.

  Mandy Brantley came next. She’d been a true friend to Georgie back in high school and the two had grown close ever since that night at the square, particularly in the past few weeks when Georgiana planned the wedding. People didn’t typically get married in October, but neither Landon nor Georgiana wanted to wait any longer. Mandy had been a pro at getting everything lined up and in order.

  The music ended, and the first bars of the “Bridal Chorus” played while Landon watched and waited for his bride. He’d been waiting for her his entire life, and finally, within a matter of minutes, she’d be his.

  He’d never wanted anything more.

  The entire room stood to see Eden walking Georgiana down the aisle.

  Her dress was a combination of satin and lace, fitted at the top and flowing at the bottom. But it wasn’t the dress that Landon noticed the most. Her hair was long and flowing in soft strawberry curls, exactly the way he liked it. But that wasn’t what he noticed the most. Her face was flawless, not overly done with makeup, and he was happy to see the sprinkle of copper freckles across her nose and cheeks as she neared him at the front of the church.

  But that wasn’t what he noticed the most.

  What held his attention, what touched his soul, was her eyes. The hazel shone vibrantly today as she seemed to search him out with every step. The gold flakes catching the light and making them shine. And even though he knew she couldn’t see him with those beautiful eyes, Landon knew she did see him now...with her heart.

  Brother Henry recited the ceremony, and Landon’s heart pounded so loudly he had to focus to hear each word. Because he wanted to hear everything. He wanted to remember everything. This was the beginning of the rest of their lives.

  “Landon,” Brother Henry repeated.

  He looked at her eyes, her smile. “I love you,” he said, and several in the audience laughed softly.

  “He said you can kiss Mommy,” Abi announced, which caused several more laughs.

  Georgie whispered, “Landon, one time you told me you wanted to be the one to kiss me in this church.” She smiled. “Now’s your chance.”

  And, amid the sounds of cheers, applause and Abi’s giggles, he did.

  * * * * *

  Be sure to look for Renee Andrews’s

  next Love Inspired novel,

  HEART OF A RANCHER,

  coming in March 2013!

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt of Montana Dreams by Jillian Hart!

  Dear Reader,

  Some of life’s most crucial decisions are made in those late teenage years, when hormones are still out of whack and emotions are running wild. It always amazes me when, later on in life, I run into someone from my teens who says, “I never told you, but...” You can fill in the blank.

  I’m hoping Love Reunited will open your mind and heart to the possibility of addressing a situation rather than ignoring it. But, as we learned in the book, everything happens for a reason. And God has a plan. I love that His plan for this book had Landon, Georgiana and Abi all together in the end!

  I enjoy mixing facts and fiction in my novels, and you’ll learn about some of the truths hidden within the story on my website, www.reneeandrews.com. You can even see the actual tattoo from Landon’s wrist, because it is an actual tattoo on the inner wrist of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Johnny Matherne, Jr. That tattoo gave me inspiration for creating Landon Cutter’s character. While you’re at my site, you can also enter contests for cool prizes.

  Blessings in Christ,

  Renee Andrews

  Questions for Discussion

  Both Georgiana and Landon were devastated when their close friendship ended. Have you ever been in a similar situation? Please discuss.

  How hard is it to rekindle a warm friendship that has grown cold, either by circumstance or by neglect?

  So many teens find it difficult to share their feelings the way Georgiana and Landon found it difficult. Does this also happen with adults? What can we do to overcome this fear?

  Georgiana’s husband, Pete, couldn’t handle it when Georgie lost her sight. Why do you think this is? How could he have done things differently?

  Landon and Pete could not be more different. Are there qualities that one has that the other doesn’t?

  Landon mentions that many people aren’t sure how to react or what to say when they meet someone who has fought for their country in the military. Do you find it easy to talk to and appreciate those who have served in the armed forces?

  John doesn’t enjoy working at the steel plant, but he does it witho
ut complaint because it is necessary. Do you know people who sacrifice for their family this way? Are you making sacrifices for your family? Discuss.

  John helps Casey go to college. Landon helps John. When times are tough, their family pulls together. On the other hand, when times are tough for Pete, he pulls away. What makes people either grow closer or apart during tough times?

  Georgiana thinks her wreck is God’s way of telling her to stay with Pete. Do you ever find yourself trying to determine what God meant or didn’t mean by an action?

  Georgiana is afraid to go into town on her own and tries her best to avoid it when possible. Have you ever found yourself going out of your way to avoid a task? Why or why not?

  Landon offers to help Georgiana learn how to ride a horse. Is this a selfless offer on Landon’s part, or does he have ulterior motives?

  Aside from her blindness, Georgiana has a young daughter. Does her single-motherhood ever deter Landon from pursuing a relationship with Georgiana? Have you ever known other men who were unsure about dating a single mom?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

  You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.

  Visit Harlequin.com to find your next great read.

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  Chapter One

  “You always were good for nothing, girl.” Her father’s bitter voice grumbled through the small, unkempt house. “Get the lead out of your lazy butt and fetch me something to eat. I’m gettin’ hungry.”

  Millie Wilson straightened up, mop handle clutched in one hand, closed her eyes and prayed for strength. The Lord had to help her because she wasn’t sure she could do this without Him. The call in the middle of the night, a doctor’s voice on the other end of the line, her father’s collapse and terminal prognosis. If only there had been anyone—anyone at all—to take over his care. “I have to go to the market, Dad.”

  “You should have thought of that earlier,” he barked from the other room.

  And I came back, why? She swished the mop into the sudsy bucket, wrung it out and scoured the last patch of kitchen floor. Marginally better, but it was going to take more than one pass over. She didn’t want to think how long it had been since the floor had a proper cleaning—it would take a scrub brush and a lot of elbow grease to get out the dirt ground into the texture of the linoleum—a job for another time. Her back ached just thinking of it.

  “Millie?” A knock echoed above the hum of the air conditioner. A familiar face smiled in at her, visible through the pane of glass in the door. The foreman tipped his Stetson and rolled the tobacco around to his other cheek while he waited for her to open the door.

  “Hi, Milton. What’s up?” She squinted in the bright summer sun.

  “We got problems. Paychecks bounced. Again.” Milton paused a moment to gather his spit, turn aside and spew a stream of tobacco juice into the barren flower bed. “The boys aren’t going to stand for this. They’ve got rent due and mouths to feed.”

  “I know.” Why didn’t this surprise her either? She rubbed her forehead, which was beginning to pound. “I’m overwhelmed here. I haven’t even thought about Dad’s finances.”

  “They’re a shambles, that’s what.” Milton shook his head, his weathered face lined with a mixture of grief and disgust. “Work is scarce in this part of the county. No one wants to walk away from a job right now. I know Whip is sick, but if he doesn’t take care of his workers, then we can’t work for free. Those cows need to be milked no matter what.”

  “Give me a day to problem solve. Can you ask everyone to wait? I’m here now, I’ve been here for two hours. Let me figure out what’s what, and I’ll do everything I can to make good on those checks.”

  “We appreciate that, Millie. I know you’ll do your best by us, but I don’t know what the boys will go for.” Milton tipped his hat in a combination of thanks and farewell before he ambled toward the steps. “Keep in mind that if things don’t get better...”

  “I hear you.” Someone had to do the work, and it took a team of men to do it. As Milton headed off back down the driveway, Millie wondered if she remembered how to run a milking parlor. That part of her life seemed a world away, nearly forgotten. Probably intentionally.

  “Put ice cream on that list, girl, and get a move on.” In his room, Pa must have hit the remote because the soundtrack from a spaghetti Western drowned out every other noise in the house and kept her from arguing. The pop of gunfire and the drum of galloping horses accompanied her while she upended her mop bucket over the sink, stowed the meager cleaning supplies and made a mental grocery list.

  Time to blow this place. She grabbed her purse and the big ring of farm keys. She called out to her dad, not sure if he could hear her over the blaring television and hopped out the front door.

  “Mom.” Simon looked up, pushed his round glasses higher on his nose with a thumb and held out a handful of wildflowers. “I picked them for you.”

  “You did?” Just what she needed. One look at her nine-year-old son eased the strain of the tough last couple of hours. Love filled her heart like a tidal wave as the black-haired boy with deep blue eyes ran across a lawn that had gone wild. Blossoms danced in his fist as he held them up to her.

  Better than roses any day. “Thank you. They’re wonderful. I love them.”

  “I thought you needed something, you know, to make you smile.” He shrugged his shoulders, his button face puckered up with worry. “You’ve frowned the whole time, ever since you said we had to come here.”

  “Really? Oh, I didn’t mean to. Sorry about that, kiddo.” She took a moment to admire her bouquet of yellow sunflowers, snowy daisies, purple coneflowers and cheerful buttercups. “These certainly should do the trick. Am I smiling?”

  “Yeah. Much better.” When he grinned, deep dimples cut into his cheeks, so like his father’s that it drove straight to her heart.

  It was one pain that would never fade. She’d stopped trying to make it disappear years ago. There was just no use. Once, she’d loved Simon’s father with all the depth of her being. Losing him had shattered her. Ten years later and she still hadn’t found a way to make her heart whole.

  Being back home in this little corner of Montana made her wonder. Just how much would she remember—things she couldn’t hold back? She sighed, thinking of how young she’d been, of how truly she’d loved the man and, yes, it hurt to remember. She ran a hand along her son’s cheek—such a sweet boy—and kept the smile on her face.

  Simon was what mattered now.

  “Guess what?” she asked. “I need a copilot.”

  “I’m on it.” Simon leaped ahead, dashing toward the old Ford pickup. “Where’re we goin’?”

  “To the grocery store, unless you want to eat stale crackers and dried-up peanut butter for supper.”

  “Not so much. Can we have pizza?” He yanked open the black truck’s door. The rusty old thing squeaked and groaned as he scrambled behind the steering wheel and across the ripped bench seat. “It could be the on-sale kind. Want me to see if we got a coupon?”

  “That would be a big help.”

  She eyed the truck warily. It had been a long time since she’d driven a pickup. Totally different from her compact car and she had to adjust the seat, the mirrors and dig for the seat belt—it was buried in the crumbs, hayseed and grain bits that had accumulated in the crack of the
seat over what had to be decades.

  “I’m on it.” Simon slipped his hand into the outside pocket of her handbag, extracted an envelope and began sorting through her coupon collection. His forehead furrowed in concentration. His cowlick stood up straight from the crown of his head in a lazy swirl.

  Just like his father’s.

  Stop thinking about that man. She had enough to contend with without borrowing heartache. She refused to wonder what had happened to the man. The love she had for him was long dead and buried. Did he still live around here or had he moved? It wasn’t as if she’d kept in touch with anyone in the valley, so she’d never heard a scrap of the news since her father had thrown her out of the house when she was nineteen.

  “Found it!” Simon’s triumph was drowned out by the roar of the badly timed engine. He waved the coupon while she dug out his seat belt, too. “I hope they have the pepperoni kind at the store.”

  “Me, too.” She couldn’t help trying to smooth down the ruffle of hair, but his cowlick stayed up stubbornly.

  “Mom?”

  “What?” She wrestled the truck into Drive, which shouldn’t be so hard with an automatic, and nosed the pickup down the driveway.

  “How long do we gotta stay here?” He tucked the coupon in the front of the fat envelope.

  “I don’t know. I wish I did, believe me.” Gravel crunched beneath the tires as she fought the pickup around a curve. “I want to go home just as much as you do.”

  “I miss my friends.”

  “Me, too.”

  They smiled together as the pickup bumped down the last stretch of driveway. Cows grazed behind sagging fences. Across the county road, moss glinted on the barn’s roof, which happened to be missing more than a few shingles. As she cranked the steering wheel to the right hard, manhandling the rattling truck onto the pavement, she wondered just how long Dad had been letting things slide and why no one had looked her up to tell her. She may have moved out of state, but she wasn’t that hard to find.