by Jenna Brandt
As Miranda got Elle ready, and then herself, she went over and over in her head what just happened with Cade. It wasn’t like her to give into impulsive behavior. She prided herself about being thoughtful in what she did. Somehow though, lately, whenever she was with Cade, it was like she couldn’t control herself anymore. Why was that? Was it because he was so devastatingly handsome? Or was it because they spent every day together, working side-by-side on projects around the ranch? Or was it because she wanted to kiss him? She’d never been kissed by a man before. What would it feel like? Would it be like all the stories she read? Would her toes curl? Would she feel weak in the knees? Would she know in that instant that she loved him? She suspected, part of her already knew it to be true.
There was commotion from down the hall, and she realized guests must be arriving for the party. She lifted Eleanor up and placed her on her hip before heading out of the bedroom.
As she reached the foyer, she saw the smiling faces of Jake and Rebecca Bolton with their three-year-old daughter and son, who was right around the twins’ age. Jake was the town sheriff and a famous military hero before that, where he got his nickname, ‘Bullseye’ Bolton. Behind them were Levi and Abigail Emerson, with their adopted daughter, Tabitha, who was nearing her teen years. Levi was Jake’s senior deputy and a former bounty hunter. Abigail headed up the women’s auxiliary in town, which Miranda had just joined recently. Bringing up the rear of the group was Paul and Judy Breecher, the general store and dress shop owners. Judy was pregnant with their first child, and due to have the baby in a few months.
“Welcome, everyone,” Miranda gushed. “I’m so glad you all could come today. Why don’t you all come into the parlor where we can have appetizers and play a few games before dinner.”
The group of friends made their way into the other room. Cade came up beside Miranda and looped his arm through hers. “It’s nice to see the house full of people again. Thank you for this.”
Cade’s compliment warmed Miranda’s heart. She liked pleasing her husband, and knowing she was making him happy. “It’s nice, isn’t it.”
The next couple of hours passed with fun-filled activities including games for the children, presents for the boys, and a delicious meal that Miranda was mighty proud of. To top the afternoon off, she brought out the cake and set it in front of the boys. Cade lit the candles while everyone clapped and cheered ‘happy birthday’ to the boys. With gusto, Ezra and Isaiah blew out the candles, spraying everyone with a bit of wind in the process. She was grateful no one complained as some of it most likely got on the cake.
As the day wrapped up and Miranda and Cade said farewell to their friends, Miranda was grateful the birthday party for the boys had turned out wonderfully. They were starting to feel like a real family, which was more than Miranda could ever ask for.
8
“Are you exhausted, or do you have a little energy for one more activity?” Cade inquired after they tucked the children into their bed and the crib.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking we could go for a walk around the ranch,” he suggested. “And don’t worry, we can be back before Elle’s waking hour.”
“Actually, she’s been doing much better since she started sleeping in her new crib, thanks to you.” Miranda reached out and placed her hand on his arm. “Thank you for that.”
Cade felt his cheeks heat under the compliment. “It was nothing; I’m just sorry it took me so long to think about doing it for you and Elle.”
“You’re really good with her, you know that? When you feed her at dinner time or when you play peek-a-boo with her on the parlor floor, I can’t help but smile at how sweet you are with her.”
He let out a chuckle as he took her hand and led her out of the house. “Babies are easy. I’m just lucky you can handle toddlers so well; if not we would be in huge trouble.”
“I’ve always wanted a house full of children. I didn’t expect to have three become mine nearly all at once, but I’m grateful for however God wants to give them to me.”
“I’m glad you see it that way. Children truly are a blessing. I remind myself of that fact whenever they’re being difficult or keeping me up at night.” Cade guided her through the trails that weaved around the pastures, making sure not to go too far from the house in case the children started to cry. “The weather is a bit cool tonight. Do you want me to take you back to the house to get your shawl?”
“I’m fine. We don’t need to go back,” Miranda assured him, but just as she said the words, he could feel a shiver shoot up her spine.
“You’re not fine,” he objected. “If you won’t let me take you to the house, at least let me warm you up.” Cade stopped walking and turned to face Miranda. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her. When she didn’t resist, he pulled her closer, enjoying the feel of her against him.
“That feels nice,” she cooed, as she laid her head against his chest.
“I think so, too.” Just like before, her soft, petite frame fit perfectly against his own taller, thicker one. Every time he held her, it made him feel like she was always meant to be with him. “If I could, I would stay like this with you forever.”
“Too bad we have a house full of children and a ranch that needs our attention,” she joked with a small laugh. “We should just be grateful for the time we have together alone.”
“Then we should make the most of it.” Cade reached out and lifted her chin, so that their eyes could meet. This was it—this was the moment he was going to show Miranda how he felt. Slowly, he let his head drift down until his lips met hers. When their lips touched, it was like a bolt of lightning struck between them, igniting them into an inferno.
Miranda sighed against his mouth, then moved her arms up, her hands wrapping into the hair at the base of his neck. Her actions caused him to deepen the kiss, pulling her firmly against himself until he could feel her heart beat through her chest, echoing his own heart’s frantic pace.
The kiss was better than he ever could have imagined. Her mouth tasted like rich honey slathered on billowy clouds of perfection. It was all he could do to pull back, but he knew if he let it go much longer, he wouldn’t be able to stop at all.
Reluctantly, he started to move towards the house, guiding Miranda beside him. “I hate to admit but I’m awfully tired. I should get some sleep; I have an early morning.”
“I bet you aren’t getting much rest in that tiny bed, are you?”
They’d made such progress in their relationship, Cade didn’t want to make Miranda feel bad by admitting she was correct. He avoided the subject, saying, “I’m managing just fine.”
“That’s kind of you to say so, but I know a man of your size can’t possibly be comfortable in your current sleeping arrangements. Why don’t we rectify that tonight?”
Cade gave Miranda a side-glance, wondering if he was correct in what he thought she was offering. If he was wrong, it would embarrass them both, and set back their progress. He decided his best option was to just directly ask her. “What do you mean, Miranda?”
“I’m telling you that you can move into the bedroom with me, at least if that’s what you want.”
“Are you sure about that?”
She nodded. “Since I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve become comfortable enough to know I trust you.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” he said with a smile. “And I think I will take you up on your offer.”
Cade hadn’t expected things to go the way they had after the party, but he couldn’t say he wasn’t pleased with the outcome. When he placed an advert for a mail order bride, the last thing he had wanted or needed was to find happiness again. As it turned out, however, he was finding himself smitten with his new wife and ready to find a way to open his heart to her.
9
The townsfolk had been talking about the Founder’s Day Celebration for weeks, and the day for the big event was finally here. Miranda was giddy with excitement, ready to
have some fun with her friends and family. It would be a welcome change after spending several weeks on the ranch without reprieve, other than for church services or auxiliary meetings.
The town square, which was situated between the church and general store, was ready to entertain the entire population of Rockwood Springs. On one side of the square, there was a shooting gallery and a puppet theater, as well as an area for ring toss and horseshoe games. On the other end, there was a long table set up for the pie-eating contest, along with a dozen round tables and chairs with red and white checkered tablecloths set up for eating. There were also two more tables filled with food provided by the women from around town and the nearby ranches.
Miranda made her way over and placed her chicken and rice dish on one of the tables. It was the best meal she made, and she hoped it would be a hit at the potluck.
“You make chicken rice, Mama? Yippee, my favorite,” Ezra called out with glee.
Miranda rocked back on her heels, shocked that for the first time, one of the boys had called her by the endearing name. Eleanor had started to call her it already, but she hadn’t expected it to happen with the twins so soon.
Miranda bent down and touched his cheek with her hand. “Don’t tell anyone, but I made it because you like it so much.”
“He’s not the only one,” Cade said, coming up beside them with Isaiah following right behind. “The boys are now signed-up for all the kids’ races. I can’t believe they insisted on competing in all of them.”
“We win,” Isaiah shouted with determination. “You watch us, Mama?”
Her heart melted hearing the name again. Each time, it sounded better and better to her ears. “Of course, I’ll be there,” she promised with a smile. “I have to be there to cheer on my best boys.”
“I hope they’re not the only ones. On the way back, Isaiah insisted I sign-up for the pie-eating contest.”
“Now that I have to see,” Miranda teased with a wink. “I can only imagine how you’re going to look with your face covered in cherry pie.”
“I can’t wait to see that myself,” Levi jested as he and Abigail joined them. “I’m just lucky my own daughter didn’t try to talk me into it.”
“It hasn’t started yet, Father,” Tabitha joked with a playfully wicked grin. “Don’t be surprised if your name ends up on the list before the competition starts.”
“You wouldn’t,” Levi said with a frown. “It wouldn’t be right for a deputy to be seen doing something like that.”
“I don’t see the problem,” Jake said, coming up to the group with Rebecca by his side. “And as your boss, I can give you my complete support to participate. It’ll be good community relations for one of our deputies to represent the department in the contest.”
“I hardly think so,” Levi objected gruffly. “It’s just not dignified, I tell you.”
“Well, I’m grateful you aren’t going to enter. You’d be some stiff competition, considering how I’ve seen you put food away at a party,” Cade joked with a grin. “I actually might stand a chance if you don’t decide to join.”
“Let’s forget about the pie-eating contest for now, boys,” Abigail interjected sweetly. “It isn’t until much later anyway. In the meantime, why don’t we head over to hear the opening speech for the celebration.”
The group made their way over to the grassy area in front of the church and joined the growing group of townsfolk. Standing just at the bottom of the steps was Paul and Judy Breecher, along with a few other town council members. Paul was the head of the town council, and headed up the committee for the Founder’s Day Celebration every year. He climbed the church steps and turned to face the crowd, raising his hand to stop the chattering. “Good afternoon, everyone. I’m happy to see all of you today as we celebrate the founding of Rockwood Springs. We are a growing town, thriving against all odds. We are grateful for all our blessings, and know that without God’s divine guidance, Rockwood Springs would not be standing today.
“To kick off the celebration, we will be starting with some races right here on the church grass. We want to encourage you to watch and cheer on your favorites from the sidelines, or join in if you dare. There’ll be plenty of delightful activities for the entire family throughout the day.”
“What do you guys want to do first?” Miranda inquired, turning to face her family.
“Eat,” both boys shouted at the same time.
Miranda should have known this was what the twins would want to do. It seemed like they were bottomless pits and could eat nonstop if she let them.
“All right, I guess we’re headed back to the potluck area,” Miranda stated with a laugh, following behind the boys, with Eleanor on her hip and Cade next to her.
Her husband helped the boys pick out several of their favorite items while making his own plate, making sure to leave room for Miranda’s chicken and rice dish which sat at the end of the table. They finished off at the dessert section and found an empty spot tucked away in the corner of the eating area.
“Do you want me to take Elle so you can grab yourself a plate?” Cade offered, stretching his hands out towards them.
“Thank you, that would be wonderful,” Miranda said, handing over the baby to him.
She turned around and headed back over to the potluck area. She was mid-way through the line when she noticed a man watching her at the end. She avoided making eye contact, figuring he would move along once she didn’t pay him any mind. She finished up at the drink table, pouring herself a tin cup full of punch.
“You’re new around here,” she heard a man’s deep voice say beside her. “I’m Andy Wilson. What’s your name, pretty little thing?”
She glanced over, immediately recognizing the tall brawny man with brown hair and cold, gray eyes still staring at her.
“Mrs. Tanner,” she said, putting the emphasis on Mrs., hoping he got the message that she was taken.
“Come now, you don’t need to be that formal with me. Surely there’s another name I can call you. I can think of a couple.”
Apparently, he didn’t get the message. “I think I already answered with the only name you should call me,” Miranda snapped out in irritation. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to be returning to my husband and children.”
Mr. Wilson moved to block her path of escape. “If you’re Tanner’s second wife, believe me, you don’t need to rush back to him. I never saw a man more enamored with a woman than he was with his late wife. There’s no way he’ll ever care nearly half as much for you. Since that’s the case, you might as well enjoy yourself with someone else. I’m available, if you’re obliged,” he said with a lecherous grin.
His words pierced through her like a knife. Miranda felt like she and Cade had grown to care for each other and had something special. She didn’t expect to replace his late wife’s place in his heart, but she hoped she could carve out her own spot over time. From the way Mr. Wilson was going on about Cade and Carol though, it sounded like trying to find a way to make her husband love her was a lost cause. She wondered if he regretted letting their relationship become more than friendship in the first place, but didn’t know how to tell her. If that was the case, was she holding out hope for something that was never going to happen? Even if there was not a chance for love with her husband, she wasn’t about to take up with the likes of Mr. Wilson, or any other man, for that matter.
“You’re mistaken if you think I’m that kind of woman. I’m married, and my vows mean a great deal to me.” Miranda didn’t wait for a response before turning around and taking off towards her family.
When she reached the table, Cade had a concerned expression on his face. “Was that Andy Wilson bothering you over at the drink table?”
“What would he have to bother me about?” Miranda asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I don’t know, exactly, except that he has a bad reputation as a woman chaser, married or not. I wouldn’t want him to try anything with you.”
“Is that
so,” Miranda stated sarcastically. “Making sure to stake your claim. You may not love me, but you sure don’t want anyone else too, either.”
As soon as she said the words, she wished she could take them back. The hurt look that crossed Cade’s face right before he masked it, made her feel like the worst person in the world. Before she could apologize though, the twins were begging to head over to the races.
They spent the rest of the afternoon watching the children play games and compete in races, as well as competitions at the shooting gallery.
Miranda did her best to try to let go of the frustration she felt from her conversation with Mr. Wilson. She didn’t want to mistrust her husband, and knew they were both doing the best they could under the circumstances. She sent up a silent prayer, asking God to help her figure out the best way to handle the situation.
The pie-eating contest was last. Cade didn’t win, not by a long shot, but everyone enjoyed watching him make his best attempt. Afterward, Miranda picked up one of the rags from the table and helped him wipe his face. “That was quite a show you put on for everyone.”
“Well, I had a feeling I wouldn’t even come close to being real competition because Georgie Caldwell wins every year. I figured the least I could do was put on a good show.”
“Mission accomplished; the way you let that cherry filling drip off your face was hilarious.” Cade tried to stand up, but Miranda gently pushed him back in his chair, leaning closer. “Hold on, there’s still a few spots I need to get.”
She looked into his eyes as she gently dabbed away the final remnants from the pie. He was even more handsome up close. With his piercing, blue eyes staring back at her, it was all she could do to keep from bending down and kissing away the last traces of the cherry filling. Quietly chiding herself that they were in public, she made one last swipe across his face and stepped back, hoping some distance would make being around him less tempting. “We should probably head home now that the afternoon activities are over.”