Love Inspired June 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: The Cowboy's HomecomingThe Amish Widow's SecretSafe in the Fireman's Arms

by Carolyne Aarsen

  “I...I should go,” Abby said, her pulse thrumming in her throat.

  Lee glanced around, then pulled her into a stall in the barn, slipped his arm around her waist and gave her a gentle, lingering kiss. “I’ll see you later,” he whispered.

  Abby swallowed, his promise making her heart race. Then she nodded, ducked her head and hurried out of the barn. She stepped into the bright sunshine, gave herself a moment to catch her breath, cool her cheeks.

  What lay ahead for them?

  Chapter Eleven

  “I, Tanner Fortier, take you, Keira Bannister, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to stand beside you and support you in sickness and in health. I promise to never leave you or forsake you. I make this promise before God and his people gathered here.”

  Tanner’s voice rang out with conviction in the open air as he stood tall, his hands clasped in Keira’s, his dark eyes on hers, and spoke those tender words from his heart. His black suit jacket emphasized his broad shoulders, and the pale blue flowers pinned to his lapel matched the flowers in Keira’s bouquet.

  The bride looked stunning in a simple, flowing dress trimmed with lace on the hem.

  Abby saw Keira’s lips tremble as her hands clung to Tanner’s. She knew some of the difficulties Tanner and Keira had gone through to get to this point. But now they stood with the mountains on one side of them, a gathering of friends and family on the other side, pledging their love for each other.

  They had overcome much; could she and Lee do the same?

  Abby’s eyes drifted over to Lee. He was watching his sister and Tanner, but then he shifted his gaze and unerringly found hers.

  He released a slow, secretive smile that melted her heart.

  She cared for him. More than she thought possible. High school all over again.

  But as soon as that thought was formulated, she knew they were both well past that simpler time. She and Lee had gone through many valleys to get to where they were now. Spending time with him had shown her a man who had faced his faults and atoned for them. A man who had reconnected with his faith.

  Just as she had.

  She made herself concentrate on Keira and Tanner. They were exchanging rings and more vows and another heartfelt smile.

  “In the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost and by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Pastor Dykstra’s words rang out, a joyful benediction on Tanner and Keira. Tanner drew his bride tenderly close, gave her a kiss to seal the promise.

  Before the people surged to their feet, Abby hurried to the end of the aisle to snap them coming down. People were clapping as music burst forth from the sound system, and Tanner took Keira’s hand and together they almost ran down the aisle, Keira’s waist-length veil drifting like a gossamer cloud behind her.

  The bridesmaids looked like blue butterflies in their flowing dresses as they followed Tanner and Keira down the aisle.

  But when Lee and Brooke proceeded down, Abby’s hands trembled. He seemed to know, because just before she clicked the shutter, he winked at her. She didn’t have a chance to check if she’d captured that.

  She took pictures of the receiving line and then commandeered the wedding party again, bringing them to the arch. After that, she took a few more posed pictures, including the one she wanted the most: Tanner’s and Keira’s hands, wearing their rings, silhouetted against the mountains.

  “Are we done?” Tanner asked, obviously eager to get on to the next part of the festivities.

  Abby checked the last couple of shots. “Yes. We are.”

  “I’m so excited to see the pictures,” Keira gushed, giving Abby a thankful smile. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done for us today.”

  “It was my pleasure,” Abby said. “The setting is amazing and you were all so cooperative. I had a great time.”

  “As did we all,” Lee put in.

  Thankfully no one else heard his cheeky comment or noticed the blush warming Abby’s cheeks as the bridal party left to freshen up before making their grand entrance into the tent.

  “Shouldn’t you be going too?” Abby said.

  “Just need to ask you a quick question. Are you saving a dance for me?” he asked softly, tracing the line of her neck with his thumb.

  “I’ll have to see how busy I am,” she said, unable to keep the breathless note out of her voice.

  “You won’t be that busy,” he promised. “I have an inside edge with the bride. Foolproof.”

  “Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool,” Abby returned, resorting to humor to maintain her equilibrium. Being around Lee all day, so close and yet only able to see him closely through the lens of her camera, had increased her awareness of him.

  “Ouch.” Lee made a face, pressing a hand to his heart and squishing the flower on his lapel.

  “Don’t mangle the boutonniere,” she chided. “I might need a few more pictures.”

  “You have tons.” He caught her hand and brushed a kiss over her lips. “And that will have to do until I get to dance with you.”

  Then he sauntered away without looking back to check her reaction to his tender caress.

  Abby sucked in a quick breath, then walked back to the tent. Once she was inside, all she could see was a sea of unfamiliar faces.

  It was a testament to how well liked the Bannisters were, she thought as she looked around the gathering. The sun was going down and the glowing lanterns, mini lights and candles gave it an air of festive celebration.

  Then she saw Monty standing up toward the front of the tent, waving at her. Abby ducked past the rows of tables set out on the grass and made her way across the wooden dance floor made especially for the occasion. Adana, John’s daughter, and John’s in-laws sat at the table, as did Alice, Tanner’s stepmother. Adana sat on Paige Argall’s lap, toying with her necklace. The little girl’s hair had fallen loose from her floral headpiece and her flushed cheeks and bright eyes showed her weariness.

  Abby gave everyone a quick greeting, feeling as if Lee’s kiss still lay warm on her lips.

  “So, how is it going?” Ellen asked. “I’m hoping for some good family photos to send out with the Christmas cards. We have so much to celebrate this year. So much good news to share.”

  “I got some good shots.” Abby adjusted the settings on her camera for the lighting inside the tent, trying not to feel the weight of the family’s expectations for the perfect shot. “I’ll know best when I put them up on the computer.”

  “I can’t tell you how happy Keira is that you were able to fill in at the last minute. She was so distraught when the photographer cancelled.”

  “Glad I could help,” Abby said with a gracious smile.

  Then the MC told everyone to stand while he announced the entrance of the bridal party. Raucous country music blasted from the speakers as John and Heather, then Lee and Brooke, sashayed into the tent, the girls waving their bouquets. Abby clicked as many photos as she could as Lee and John lifted up their escorts, spun around once and set them in their chair. Then Keira and Tanner came in, looking both radiant and relieved. They didn’t repeat their bridal party’s antics; instead, Tanner pulled out the chair for Keira, bent over and gave her a sweet kiss.

  Everyone sat down and a quiet expectation fell on the crowd.

  “I think the food is ready,” the MC announced. “We’re going to pray and after that please go up and partake in the sumptuous dinner buffet that has been laid out.” He flashed a big smile as he looked down from the stage at the wedding guests. “Once we’re done eating, I’m going to need a few volunteers to clear the edges of the dance floor so we can move onto that portion of the celebration. But before we start, let’s bow our heads, thanking the Lord for this food and for this very special day...”

  Abby set her camera down and looked across the table at Monty and Ellen, who were holding hands. Alice, Tanner’s mother, sat beside them, smiling across the table at Adana, who had laid her
head on Paige’s shoulder. This was an eclectic group, she thought, remembering what Lee had told her about Tanner’s stepmother and John’s in-laws. Their differences. Their struggles.

  But here they sat, united by the joy of the union of a new couple. This family was truly a gift, she thought with a start. A true example of Christian love in action.

  Her eyes drifted to the head table, latching on to Lee. To her surprise, he was watching her. He gave her a wide grin and she couldn’t help return it. As she turned back to her table, she caught Monty watching her with a benign smile on his face as if he knew exactly what was happening between her and his son. She held his gaze, and Monty nodded once, as if giving her his blessing, then lowered his head.

  And just before she bowed her own head, she felt a sense of immeasurable peace wash over her.

  * * *

  “And so, dear sister, as you and Tanner start this new journey, I want to wish you a life of happiness and joy. I want to wish you strength in times of weakness and comfort in the hard times and love over all.”

  Lee lifted his glass, his throat thickening as he thought of all that Keira and Tanner had gone through to get to this day.

  During the ceremony, as he watched Tanner and Keira exchange vows, and now as he saw his new brother-in-law lovingly take Keira into his arms, as he saw John and Heather exchange adoring looks in anticipation of their own wedding, he felt a surge of hope for he and Abby.

  Granted theirs wasn’t the same journey as what his sisters each had to deal with, but he and Abby also had hurdles to overcome, past events to get through. Keira and Tanner, along with John and Heather, had the love and support of a family and a community holding them. He knew he and Abby could count on the same backing to help them through their own difficulties.

  And Abby’s parents—would you have their support?

  The questions nagged at him as he sat down, but though he buried them, he knew they would have to deal with them someway along the journey.

  He walked over to his sister and gave her a tight hug, holding her close.

  “Love you, girl,” he whispered, then pulled back and, as he did when they were kids, tweaked her nose.

  Keira gave him a radiant smile. “I hope the same for you someday,” she returned. “Abby is a wonderful person. I’m praying things work out for you two.”

  “Thanks for that, sis, but today is your day.” He returned her smile and then offered his congratulations to Tanner, shaking his hand, giving him a manly one-armed hug.

  As he sat down, the MC announced the first dance and Tanner and Keira took to the floor. Abby was unobtrusively taking pictures, her flash going off only occasionally.

  Lee did the obligatory groomsmen dance with Brooke as Abby took their picture, as well. Then he took his mom for a few turns. Watched as Keira and Tanner cut the huge slab cake they had chosen for their wedding cake. It was decorated with a saddle, the only nod they had made through all the preparations to Tanner’s saddle bronc past and Keira’s leather work.

  Then, finally, the formalities were over and, he presumed, Abby’s duties. Lee tried not to rush to her side as the DJ put on some lively country music. Tried to look all cool and in control.

  “So, done now?” Lee asked, one hand on the table beside her, the other on his hip.

  “I am,” she said with a shy look his way. “Keira has asked a couple of friends to take some candid pictures of the reception and told me I was done. I just hope they’ll be happy with the results.”

  He heard an anxious edge to her voice. “From what I’ve seen, they’ll be thrilled. Keira was impressed with how you set up some of the shots. And, let’s face it, as long as you pointed the lens in the right direction, I’m sure they’ll be great.”

  “I think I got that part right,” she said lightly as she slipped her camera in its bag and then into her backpack.

  “So, can I have this next dance?” he asked, hoping he didn’t sound as desperate as he felt.

  She looked up at him and nodded. “I’d like that,” she whispered, smoothing her hand down the folds of her rust-colored dress. When Lee saw her for the first time wearing the simple sheath, her hair pulled back to one side with a silver clip, falling in a cascade of curls over her shoulder, he felt as if his breath had been pulled out of him. She looked stunning.

  He took her hand and led her to the wooden dance floor that he and his father had spent an entire afternoon putting together. The whole time he’d been nailing down the sheets of plywood, he imagined himself twirling Abby around on it.

  And now it was a reality.

  He took her hand in his, and they quickly caught the rhythm of the bouncy, country song. She was light on her feet, graceful and easily matched his steps.

  “You’re a good dancer,” she said as he spun her around.

  “You are too.”

  “You’re just saying that because I did.” She grinned up at him, ducked under his arm, added a quick twirl and stepped back into his embrace.

  “Getting fancy on me now.”

  “Practicing for my audition on Dancing with the Stars,” she quipped, making another quick turn.

  “And they would be lucky to have you.”

  She laughed as they worked their way around the floor, avoiding the other couples. People were talking and laughing and a party atmosphere had invaded the tent. His father had gotten hold of his phone and, ignoring Lee’s and Abby’s protests, had snapped a quick picture of the two of them. Not that Lee had much to protest. The idea that they were captured as a couple seemed to make it more real.

  Then the song faded away, the lights dimmed and the gentle strains of a waltz filled the night.

  Lee pulled Abby close and tucked her hand against his chest, and as she settled into his embrace, he felt his breath leave him in a gentle sigh. This felt right, he thought, swaying slowly, his head bent over hers, her arm around his neck, her other around his waist.

  He felt her chest lift and she exhaled softly.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “I’m perfect,” she said, resting her head on his chest. “Absolutely perfect.”

  They made a few more turns around the floor and he felt as if his life was coming to a good place. The last time he’d felt this way was the last time he was with Abby.

  Before he went to prison.

  “Hey, you,” he murmured, pulling back. “Can we go somewhere private?”

  She shot him a wide-eyed look, then slowly nodded. “Sure. Of course.”

  He took her hand and made his way through the people still circling the dance floor. When they passed his parents, he ignored his mother’s knowing smile, his father’s grin.

  The moon was no longer full, but it was still light enough to make his way across the yard, away from the music and noise of the wedding tent.

  “So, where are you taking me?” she asked, nervous laughter edging her voice.

  “Right here,” he said, stopping at a pile of square bales he and John had set up for some of the photos Abby had requested. The bales were stacked two down, one up for a backrest and draped with cloth. He settled down on the lower one, leaning against the one behind, and held out his hand for Abby. She didn’t seem to need another invitation and sat down beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. She fit perfectly in his embrace.

  In the corrals beyond, the horses whinnied softly, sensing their presence.

  “How is our baby calf?” Abby asked, her voice a murmur in the night.

  “Doing great. He’ll be pail-feeding soon.”

  “How do you do that?”

  Lee gently tucked a wisp of her hair around her ear and smiled. “Abby, I didn’t take you out here to discuss the care and feeding of calves.”

  “So, what did you want to talk about?”

  “Are you being coy with me?” he asked, resting his chin on her silky hair.

  “Who, me?”

  He smiled, pulling her closer, took a breath and decided to go for broke. “Dad and I
are going into town next week to sign me up as partner in the ranch. I’m going to make it official.”

  “That’s great,” Abby said, drawing back, but keeping her hands on his chest. “As I mentioned before, I think that’s the right thing to do.”

  He looked down at her, thinking of the conversation they’d had at the cattle drive. About her finding other work. He wasn’t sure what to expect of her, but one thing he did know. He wasn’t going to let her leave on him again.

  “I know that we have a few issues to settle yet,” he said, tracing her features with his finger, then pressing a kiss to her lips. “And I know I can’t make any assumptions, but I want to think that there’s an us. A future.”

  Abby was quiet and his heart lodged in his throat.

  Then she looked up at him and smiled. “I’d like to think so too.”

  He felt they were still edging around what he wanted to say, but at the same time, other shadows hung over them.

  “But there is one thing I need to do before anything can be settled between us,” he said softly.

  He caught a flare of panic in her eyes.

  “I need to talk to your parents. Especially your father. I need to ask their forgiveness.”

  Abby’s hand clung to his, her fingers like a vise. “So soon?”

  “The sooner the better. I sense that you’re uneasy about it?”

  Abby looked down at their joined hands, the moonlight casing her features in shadow. Lee couldn’t read her expression. He wanted to tip her face up so he could see, but instead he waited.

  “When my folks split up, my father was a broken and hurting man with a lot of problems,” she said. “I’ve struggled with my own difficulties with him, but he has been calling my mom more often the past few weeks. I think he wants to come for a visit. He says he’s a different man—that he’s turned over a new leaf—so we’ll see.” She gave him a gentle smile. “Maybe he’s different enough from who he was before. Maybe he’ll accept what you have to say.”

  “Then I’ll pray that’s the case,” Lee said.

  She looked up at him, her gaze intent, as if she needed to impress whatever she was about to say on him. “You need to know, though, that whatever happens with my father, I hope we can find a way through all this. You matter more to me than anyone I’ve ever met.”