Brodie mounted his horse. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Bring Bethany with you,” Aiden told Brodie.
“Don’t worry,” Brodie said. He dug his heels into his horse’s sides. “I’m going to do exactly that.”
And then Brodie started to ride toward the mountains.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
It was getting late when Bethany stepped out of the cabin and stood in the yard. Twilight was descending upon the valley. There was a chill in the air. She wrapped her arms around herself and gazed upwards. The sky was a deep shade of blue. Bethany could see the stars beginning to appear. Away to the south, just above a distant peak, she saw the planet Venus, glimmering like a jewel. The mood in the valley was one of peace and tranquility. A gentle breeze shook the nearby trees. This had always been her favorite time of the day. A time for reflection and planning.
Distant whinnying took her attention to the herd of wild horses which was still gathered by the pool at the base of the waterfall. Some were drinking and some were milling slowly around the edge of the pool.
Calmness filled her heart. Since returning to the valley, she’d been considering, as carefully as she could, all the possibilities open to her. The simplest choice would be to move herself and Noah to Inspiration. There, she might be able to find work. She had some modest savings which she’d kept aside, refusing to spend those reserves on daily necessities. Her desire to hold onto the small amount of money she still possessed had been one of the driving factors behind trading the horses.
The other possibility was to take herself and Noah back east, to Boston. But the more she thought about that, the less appealing it was. There were too many shadows from her past. With so little money at her disposal, life in Boston would be difficult, even though work might easier to find.
She had to think of Noah. He was her priority. He had taken to frontier living with a childish enthusiasm. Noah was happy here, therefore she felt a duty to remain in Montana, and do all she could to rebuild her life with Noah by her side.
Another thought, almost impossible to consider, drifted into her mind.
Brodie Cameron.
Did she have any kind of a future with him? Was it even sensible to think of such a thing?
Bethany sighed, feeling her heart warm as she recalled, moment by moment, everything she had shared with Brodie since they’d met. Thinking of all those special moments, Bethany told herself she’d been happy with Brodie. In fact, she’d felt happier than at any time since Richard’s passing. That in itself was both amazing and wonderful.
She was grateful to God for making all of that possible. Was He leading her to a life with Brodie? If so, was it possible that she and Brodie would form a permanent bond?
Bethany asked herself one more seemingly unanswerable question. As she did so, her heart skipped a beat.
Would Brodie ask her to marry him?
Compared to courtship and marriage back east, on the frontier affairs of the heart worked differently. Out here, she’d seen courtships last barely a few weeks. She’d heard of mail order brides.
Life was hard on the frontier. Tragedy often forced people to seek wives and husbands. Out here, on the frontier, a woman and man could forge a lasting bond easier and quicker than anything she’d ever known.
But there was one rule which was never broken. A woman still could not ask a man to marry her. At least, it wasn’t something she’d witnessed herself.
Bethany frowned, imagining what it would be like to do such a thing. It wasn’t for her to do so. In that respect, the ways of the frontier weren’t much different to those back in Boston.
Once again, Bethany allowed her mind to drift to the possibility that Brodie would ask for her hand.
If he did, what would she say?
In that moment, she knew the answer. It came to her at the exact same instant she heard the neighing of a nearby horse. The sound hadn’t come from the wild horse herd to her right. It had come from the entrance to the valley.
Bethany turned and looked toward the crevasse. She gasped when she saw the two horses there. One, a familiar white horse, the other a brown gelding with the man she’d just been thinking about seated right there on the saddle.
Brodie Cameron had come back!
Bethany came alive with excitement.
“Brodie!” she called out.
He smiled at her and started to guide his mount down the path and toward the cabin. Behind him, attached by a rope, the white horse followed obediently. Bethany heard nickering sounds coming from the direction of the waterfall. Turning, she saw that some of the horses had lifted their heads and were looking in the direction of the white horse and Brodie. Did they sense that one of their own had come back?
Brodie drew rein in the yard and stepped down from the saddle. He tied both horses up at the hitch rail. Joy and delight filled her heart. It had been a long time since she’d been this happy to see someone.
For a moment, she and Brodie stood, facing each other, both hesitating. Bethany was lost for words. But it was mighty good to see Brodie again.
Then, with an explosive move, she rushed to Brodie and threw herself into his arms. Gasping, she sank into his embrace. Brodie held her tightly. She leaned back and gazed into his eyes. “You came back!”
His eyes were filled with warmth. And something more, Bethany told herself. But before she could say another word, Brodie dipped his head and claimed a kiss. Bethany was swept up into that familiar world of delight and joy. The one she’d missed since she’d ridden away from Brodie at the base of the mountain.
Now she was back in his arms. Where she belonged. The kiss transported her to a comfortable and joyous place in her heart.
He lifted his head and smiled warmly at her. “Surprised to see me?”
Running her hand down the side of his cheek, she replied: “I knew you’d come back.” Her gaze softening, she added: “I wanted you to come back.”
Her words made his eyes widen and then he kissed her again. The nickering sound of the two horses alongside them drew her and Brodie apart. “How on earth did you find the wild horse.”
“It’s a long story,” Brodie murmured. “I’ll tell you later.”
She tilted her head. “There’s going to be a later?” she asked with a lifting of her brow.
He tightened his arms around her. She felt his warmth enfold her, keeping away the chill of the coming evening. “That’s the real reason I came back.” He gazed intently into her eyes. She felt her heartbeat quicken. “I want to tell you something real important.”
“You do?”
Brodie nodded. “And I figure I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t.”
Her pulse began to race. The spinning of the whole world seemed to slow as she waited for him to continue. She felt so warm and happy, here in his arms.
Brodie’s eyes moistened. “I love you, Bethany.” His voice was warm and his words had been spoken with absolute sincerity.
Her heart swelled with emotion. She tried to swallow, but it was impossible. Her breath caught in her chest as she gazed into Brodie’s eyes. There was love in those eyes, she realized. She could see that love, plain and true. She knew what she had to say.
“I love you, Brodie.” She smiled once again and, just like before, Brodie drew her close and kissed her. This time emotion took complete control of Bethany, lifting her spirits to impossible heights. Joy filled her soul. Eyes closed, she savored every instant of his kiss.
“It’s a miracle,” Brodie said a few moments later. “We found each other and, ever since then, I’ve felt I was being led closer and closer to you.”
The Lord had brought Brodie into her life. Bethany offered up her gratitude to her Lord for making this happen. She’d been led out of a dark place, and now she could see the light of the future.
Then Brodie took a step away from Bethany. He gently took hold of her hands. Lowering himself down onto one knee, he gazed up at Bethany and smiled hesitantly. She ga
sped, looking down at him. Suddenly, for a brief moment, he looked uncertain, even worried. When she smiled at him, all of his doubts seemed to disappear. A determined look filled his eyes.
Brodie cleared his throat. “Bethany. Would you do me the greatest honor possible by agreeing to become my wife?” He gasped. “Will you marry me?”
Bethany dragged in a deep breath. She felt herself sway slightly, but Brodie’s fingers kept hold of her hands. He would never let her go. Never let her fall. She knew that was true.
Bethany looked down at Brodie, astonished and yet joyously happy that such a fine, decent and handsome man had come into her life. He’d been so kind to her; he’d made her feel loved again. The thought that she would ever refuse him seemed absurd.
Impossible.
Bethany squeezed Brodie’s hand softly and smiled. “I will marry you, Brodie.”
He didn’t cry out with joy or leap to his feet. Instead, his features glowed with happiness. He stood slowly, his eyes shining with delight, his face a picture of absolute joy. He took one step, embraced Bethany again, and kissed her.
Bethany heard the cabin door open. She and Brodie parted abruptly and turned to face the cabin. Brodie still had his arm around her waist when she spoke to the two figures standing at the door. They were both staring incredulously at Bethany and Brodie. “Noah. Nate.”
Bethany made no effort to separate herself from Brodie. Instead, she leaned into him as if to show Noah and Nate that everything had changed. That, from now on, she and Brodie would be inseparable.
“Ma? What’s happening?” Noah asked. He and Nate stepped out onto the yard.
Wondering how she could explain this to Noah, Bethany chose the simplest thing of all.
The truth.
“I have some wonderful news, Noah,” Bethany said.
Brodie corrected her gently. “We both have an announcement to make, Noah.”
Bethany smiled at Brodie. “You know that Brodie and I have become very close since we met.”
“We sure do,” Nate said. He lifted his brows and gave Bethany a big smile.
Noah was looking straight at Bethany, hanging on her every word. Her heart was pounding like the hooves of a galloping horse. “Brodie has asked me to marry him, and I have accepted.”
Her son’s mouth dropped open. To her astonishment Noah turned to Nate and laughed. “You were right, Nate.”
Nate howled with a laughter that made the horses jump. “I knew it! We saw Brodie arriving. Me and Noah stayed inside because I reckoned something big was about to happen.” Nate slapped his hand across his thigh. “And I was right!”
Noah came to Bethany and hugged her. “Congratulations, ma.” Noah turned to Brodie and extended a hand. “And to you, Brodie.”
Brodie grinned as he shook Noah’s small hand. Maybe Brodie had been worried how Noah would take the news. Relief was written all over Brodie’s face.
“Does this mean we’re going to live on your ranch?”Noah asked.
Bethany frowned. “Noah! What kind of a thing is that to say?”
Brodie chuckled. “He’s right to ask, Bethany.” He rested a hand on Noah’s shoulder. “I guess it does.” Then Brodie turned to Bethany. “It does mean that, right?”
Bethany thought about how wonderful it would be to live on the ranch she’d visited that day when she’d gotten lost in the snow. She recalled thinking that it had felt like a home, perfect for a family.
Bethany nodded. “The ranch is beautiful.”
“I’m going to make sure you both are real happy there,” Brodie announced to Bethany and Noah. And then he added in a low voice filled with certainty: “I give you both my word about that.” Brodie turned to Nate. “You’re welcome to visit us any time, Nate.”
Nate seemed genuinely touched by Brodie’s offer. “I sure appreciate that.”
“When are we going to leave?” Noah asked abruptly.
“You’re in a hurry?” Bethany asked Noah. “It’ll take us a while to get things ready,” Bethany replied.
Brodie shrugged. “I reckon it’ll take a day at most. Maybe tomorrow.”
Bethany saw Nate’s eyes glaze over. She went to the mountain man who’d done so much to make her life manageable. “We’ll miss you, Nate.”
Nate’s smile was soft. She could see the emotion behind his eyes. He’d already accepted the truth. “I’m glad you found happiness, Bethany.” Nate grinned at Noah. “And you, too, Noah.” Nate went to Brodie and shook his hand. “You got yourself a real special woman there, Brodie. But I guess you already know that.”
“I sure do, Nate,” Brodie replied and looked appreciatively at Bethany.
The white horse nickered and pulled at the rope tying it to the hitch. “There’s something I want to do,” Bethany declared.
She walked across to the hitch rail, untied the rope and led the white horse to Brodie, Nate and Noah.
Brodie’s brows furrowed. “What are you doing?”
Bethany peered at the herd of horses over by the waterfall. “Putting something right,” she declared.
She untied the rope from the white horse’s neck. The instant the animal felt its freedom it lunged away from Bethany and started to run down the trail straight toward the herd. With an exultant cry which echoed across the valley, the white horse joined the herd. As if it had been waiting for this exact moment, the herd moved away from the pool by the waterfall. Hooves thundering, dust rising into the air, the herd made its way out into the valley.
Bethany turned to Brodie. “That’s how it should be.”
He nodded. “Together.”
Brodie swept his arm around Bethany’s waist and pulled Noah to him. “You’re right,” he said softly, and smiled at her and Noah.
And then they all headed into the cabin.
There was lots of work to be done.
EPILOGUE
Two months later
It was near the end of March, the first day of spring, and the mid-morning sun was shining brightly. Bethany Cameron stepped out onto the yard in front of the ranch house which had been her home since she, Noah and Brodie had left the mountain valley for the last time. Sheltering her eyes with her hand, she gazed out across the rangeland. Brodie had left earlier after giving Bethany the promise he’d return before lunchtime. She looked forward to seeing him. Every day with Brodie was special. He was a fine husband, and had become a loving father to Noah.
Bethany heard the enthusiastic shouting and laughter of two children. Noah and Grace, who was the same age as Noah, were playing in the barn. It sounded like they were having a fine old time. From inside the ranch house Bethany heard the familiar voices of Aunt Edith and Mara, mother to Grace. They were discussing what they were going to cook for the lunch. Bethany would help them out, of course. Each morning since moving to the ranch, she’d taken to stepping out and taking a moment to savor her new life. It was her quiet time.
Bethany drew in a deep breath of fresh air, feeling peace settle in her soul. Life had been wonderful since coming to the ranch. Soon after arriving at the ranch, she and Brodie had been married at the church in Inspiration. It had been a wonderful occasion. Brodie’s entire family and many of his friends and coworkers had attended the wedding. Nate had made a special journey and had looked on happily, along with the other fifty or so people inside the church, as Bethany and Brodie had exchanged their vows.
Later that day they’d all attended a celebration back at the ranch. Aunt Edith had supervised the preparation of a sumptuous meal. Tables had been laid out in front of the ranch house. There had been music and dancing throughout that most wonderful day. The memory of it would be with her forever.
Bethany lifted up her heart and offered a prayer of thanks to her Lord. Truly He had led her out of darkness and into the light.
Life at the Cameron ranch was very different to anything she had ever known. But she was starting get used it. There was plenty of hard work to do. Noah had been attending the schoolhouse in town and was making
good progress.
Aiden, Brodie, Paton, Mara and Edith had done everything possible to make Bethany feel at home. This was her new family. A new beginning.
She was sure Richard would have approved. He’d told her many times that her happiness was important to him. And, now that she had moved on from losing him, the sadness and pain had faded. But she would never forget Richard.
Beyond the corral, she saw three riders heading for the ranch house. Bethany smiled, feeling her spirits lift instantly.
She recognized Aiden in the middle of the three riders. To his left rode Paton, Mara’s husband, who was a charming and good-hearted man.
But it was the rider to Aiden’s right who took all of Bethany’s attention. He sat tall in the saddle. Seeing her standing in the yard, Brodie lifted a gloved hand and waved to her. Joy filled Bethany’s heart as she prepared to welcome him.
Brodie was coming home to her.
THE END
Read more about the Cameron family in A MONTANA RANCH CHRISTMAS
Brides of Inspiration series.
The Rancher’s Bride Arrangement
The Rancher’s Marriage of Convenience
The Rancher’s Second Chance Bride
The Rancher’s Bride Surprise
The Rancher’s Bride Blessing
The Rancher’s Devout Bride
The Rancher’s Christmas Miracle
The Rancher’s Christmas Wish
The Rancher’s Reunion Bride
The Rancher’s Beloved Bride
The Rancher’s Frontier Family
The Cowboy’s Frontier Courtship
Montana Mountain Valley Bride (Western Romance) Page 18