The Rancher’s Bride Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  "I'm sure Micah thanked you for saying that," Matilda scolded jokingly. Abigail smiled. She could see the pride in her mother's eyes. Just like Abigail, Matilda thought the world of Jake.

  "It's only been a week since you last saw him," Grace reminded Jake.

  "Must be the Buchanan in him. That boy is going to grow up to be a mighty fine rancher," Jake observed brightly. "I can tell."

  "What brings you here so early, son?" Matilda asked.

  "Heard the new fella is in town," Jake replied. "And that he was heading for his ranch."

  Abigail scoffed. "Why is everyone so fascinated by the newcomer? He's just a ranch owner."

  Jake came to Abigail and scooped his arm in hers. "That's the thing, sis," he said. "It isn't every day one of the ranches in these parts is sold off like that. It's natural we'd want to know who's taking over. Especially since he's our neighbor."

  "Abigail met him," Grace announced. Her sister's pretty features fixed into a steady expression. Grace's brown eyes locked on Abigail, awaiting a response.

  Jake's brows shot up in a line. "Did you, now? What's he like?"

  Abigail shifted a shoulder. "Typical Easterner. You know the type."

  Jake shook his head. "No, I don't. I haven't been farther east than the territory border, sis."

  "He's rich," Grace exclaimed.

  Matilda bristled visibly. "That is neither here nor there, Grace. What matters is his character. And whether he is a God-fearing man."

  "Well? Is he?" Jake asked Abigail gazing inquiringly at her.

  "I can't rightly say," Abigail admitted. "I only spoke with him for a short while before he asked me to leave his land."

  Jake loosened his grip on Abigail and frowned. "He ordered you off his spread?"

  "I was trespassing," Abigail admitted. "He had every right to ask me to leave, I suppose."

  Jake shook his head. "He wasn't rude to you, was he? Because, you know how I deal with men who don't treat my sisters right."

  Abigail knew exactly how Jake treated any man who made the mistake of treating the Buchanan girls with anything less than the respect he felt they deserved. There had been plenty of times since the family had moved to Inspiration from their small spread near Helena two years ago when Jake had faced down young men who'd made the mistake of being discourteous to his two precious sisters. He had a reputation for plain speaking and was respected in town.

  "Come, now, Jake," Matilda said smiling. "No sense in getting yourself all worked up. I'm sure Mr MacKendrick was polite enough." She glanced at Abigail. "Isn't that right, Abigail?"

  Abigail nodded. "He was polite," she agreed. "In all honesty, I can't say he was rude." She thought about adding that he hadn't been rude at all. That, in fact, he'd made quite the impression upon her. But, after what had happened earlier when she'd said he was handsome, she decided it might be wiser to keep that to herself for now. Merely thinking about Noah MacKendrick was enough to bring betraying color to her cheeks. Abigail hoped the others wouldn't notice.

  Abigail saw the other three looking straight at her. What else did they expect her to say? Abigail's thoughts became a sudden jumble. She glanced in the direction of the corral, hoping someone would change the subject.

  "I'm hungry," Jake declared. Abigail looked at him and smiled when she saw him patting his belly. There wasn't an ounce of fat on Jake's body. Hard, physical work made sure of that.

  Matilda started to lead Jake back toward the house. "I'm sure Hettie can fix you up something."

  "Hettie can always find a way to fill my belly," Jake admitted. "She knows what I like."

  Once Jake and Matilda had gone inside the ranch house, Grace hooked her arm into Abigail's. They started to make their way toward the stable, walking slowly across the yard. "I can't go tomorrow," Grace announced.

  Abigail halted in her tracks. "But, you promised, Grace."

  Grace nodded. "I know I did. And I'm sorry. But, you know how I feel about some of the ladies who attend those meetings."

  Abigail frowned. "The Society just wants to do the best for the town."

  "Including spending most of the meeting talking about other people. Most of whom aren't at the meeting." Grace shook her head. "It sounds like a gossip society. Not a Benevolent Society."

  "It does good work, Grace," Abigail insisted. "Look at how we helped those nesters who got into that trouble with Calhoun recently. We made sure they had a place to live after they were burned out of their home."

  "Sheriff Nathan was sure it was Calhoun who arranged that," Grace said.

  Abigail rolled her eyes. " Of course no-one could prove anything," she stated. "But those folks needed looking after. If it hadn't have been for the Society, they wouldn't have had anywhere to go."

  Grace sighed. "I know, Abigail," she agreed. "They do good. And, with people like Calhoun around, that is surely needed." She groaned and gazed around the ranch. "But, you know how I feel about leaving mama here on her own. I can't help thinking that if I leave the ranch for too long, she'll get all cut up about pa. Like she used to after he died."

  Abigail nodded. Grace was right. Their mother was taking a long time healing. "I know, Grace. And I feel just as bad about her as you do. But, you know what she told us when we had that disagreement with her a few weeks ago."

  "Ma is proud of her independence, Abigail," Grace said. "That's all. She won't admit she needs our help, even if she does want us to be around more. She's always been strong-minded."

  Abigail sighed. "Yesterday, she flat refused to let me stay at the ranch any more than I have to," she reminded Grace. "Told me I need to find myself a husband."

  "Again?" Grace exclaimed.

  "Said the best place for me to do that would be if I stay a member of the town's Benevolent Society." Abigail frowned. "I think she figures I'll make such a good impression on the townsfolk that someone is bound to notice."

  "And ask for your hand," Grace added. It was like the sisters could read each others' minds. There was nothing new about this conversation. She and Grace had shared it many times before. Being the eldest sister, matrimony for Abigail was always on their mother's mind.

  Abigail saw Grace's features soften thoughtfully. Although they were sisters, Grace and Abigail differed markedly in appearance. Grace's features were slightly darker than Abigail's. Grace had lustrous brown hair and dramatic dark brows. Her skin had a pleasing sun-burnished quality to it that made Grace seem quite exotic looking. The keen intelligence in Grace's eyes was on full display now as she considered what she and Abigail had been discussing.

  Abigail's thoughts turned to her mother. Matilda was only trying to make sure her daughters did the right thing, Abigail told herself. Settle down. Start a family of their own.

  And finding a husband was surely the most important step in that direction, now Abigail was twenty-two and Grace twenty-one years of age. But marriage wasn't why Abigail attended the regular meetings in town. There was so much more to her wanting to be a part of the Society than only finding a husband. Abigail wasn't sure she was ready to settle down. It seemed like there was so much for her to do, so much to be involved in.

  Like Sophie Cameron, the sheriff's wife who was bringing brides to the town with her matchmaking enterprise, Abigail wanted to help make Inspiration a better town. The best it could possibly be. At least that was what she told herself, even though she knew in the back of her mind that a part of her desire to be involved with the Society was also to play a bigger role in the affairs of the town. Even if meant turning her back on her life at the ranch. The subject had caused some disagreements between Abigail and her mother. Seemed like Matilda worried that Abigail wanted to give up the ranch life altogether.

  Abigail knew her mother was still hurting from the passing of their father. Malachi Buchanan had been a good husband and perfect father. He'd died of a fever two years ago, but the pain of it still burned inside Abigail. Inside each of the remaining Buchanans. None more so than Caleb Buchanan, Malachi's ol
der brother. It had been Caleb who had insisted Matilda bring her family to Inspiration after Malachi's death.

  At first Matilda had been reluctant, obviously not wanting to seem like she was accepting charity. Grief had clouded her mother's judgment, Abigail had told herself at the time. And maybe a little bit of pride, too. That was understandable, given the suddenness of Malachi Buchanan's passing. Matilda was a determined woman who'd always done her best for her family.

  But, after plenty of late night talks with her two daughters and son, Matilda had relented and the whole family had sold off their spread near Helena. They'd moved lock, stock and barrel, and taken possession of this modest spread out to the west of Inspiration. Caleb had made sure the move had gone smoothly, even taking care of some of the money matters. It was near enough to Caleb's family ranch that there were regular family visits and get-togethers. Those gatherings had made all the difference these past two years. They had made it easier to get through the tough times. And there had been plenty of those. Getting used to Malachi Buchanan not being around had taken some real effort on all their parts. But, the move had been worth it. It had meant they could all start their lives again as a family. Together.

  Abigail reckoned the move had been for the best. There was nothing like having family near at hand. As far as she was concerned, being together like this was what God would have wanted. And that meant it was good enough for her. Malachi had made sure his family had been brought up to be devout and regular church-goers. His legacy was real and had helped them all find hope again.

  Abigail and Grace reached the stable. Abigail was tempted to go for another ride on Rebel, again. Maybe even over to the Double T. Perhaps the newcomer needed help or advice. But, she immediately dismissed the idea. Curiosity could be a fast road to error, she reminded herself.

  "I'll go the meeting myself, tomorrow, Grace," Abigail announced.

  Grace looked relieved. "Hettie wants me to help with the baking. I think she's planning something special."

  Abigail tugged on Grace's arm. "Mama will be pleased to have you here. Even if she won't admit it."

  "I'm sure she will," Grace agreed. Grace thought for a moment and then gazed at Abigail. "What did you really think about Noah MacKendrick?"

  Abigail did her best to mask her reaction to the question. No sense in giving Grace a clue to how Mr MacKendrick had impressed her. "He's a very pleasant gentleman, Grace," Abigail said coldly. "A typical Easterner. I'm sure he'll make a very polite neighbor." Abigail lifted her chin. "And that's all I have to say about Mr MacKendrick."

  Grace's eyes narrowed and she gave Abigail one long, penetrating look. As she turned away from Grace, Abigail knew her sister wasn't in the slightest bit fooled.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Noah woke early in his hotel room, feeling tired after a difficult nights sleep. He was glad his stay there would only be temporary. He figured a week at most. It would take that long to get the basic furnishings delivered up to the ranch. They were being brought from Helena about fifty miles distant, but there was no guarantee they'd arrive on schedule.

  So, Noah had resigned himself to an uncomfortable stay in the one and only hotel in Inspiration. Even though the owner had obviously given Noah what he considered to be the best room, nevertheless it was more basic than anything Noah had ever experienced. The creaky bed had proven impossible to get comfortable in. The room was dusty. And the noises from the street during the night had kept Noah from sleeping soundly.

  Noah planned to spend the morning after his arrival making inquiries in town. He'd washed and dressed and then taken breakfast in the hotel dining room. Stepping out onto the boardwalk, Noah paused and surveyed the early morning scene of Inspiration waking up to a new day. He ran his gaze along the length of the Main Street. He saw the various stores beginning to open for the day. A few folks were making their way up and down both sides of the wooden boardwalk.

  On the opposite side of the street he saw the saloon, the bank, the land office, the livery and, at the far end of the dusty street, the squat wooden structure of the train station. Riders ambled slowly up the main drag. A wagon rolled to a halt outside the General Store. A well-dressed couple, arm in arm, strolled past Noah. They both nodded a polite greeting to the stranger standing outside the hotel.

  Noah nodded back to them appreciatively. The couple walked on, another courtesy satisfied. Noah smiled to himself and breathed in deeply. This was the place he'd chosen to spend his life in, he told himself. It was all so simple. So basic. Primitive, even, he told himself. But surely that wasn't for him to judge. Even if it didn't compare to the grand cities back East, Inspiration seemed like a comfortable place. A town where people could pursue their happiness in peace. Seeing it like this, Noah found it impossible to imagine anything bad ever happening in the town.

  As if in answer to the thought, he heard a loud roar coming from the direction of the saloon. The batwings swung open and a roughly dressed man tumbled out, barely managing to keep his balance. He halted, hat in hand, and turned blurting out some words back in the direction of the saloon. Noah couldn't make out what the man had said but it sure hadn't sounded friendly. Noah frowned. Maybe his first impressions needed amending, after all. Perhaps Inspiration had its own problems, just like any town out in the west. Maybe he was being naive thinking he'd found an Eden in the west, Noah told himself.

  Noah turned his head at the sound of wheels. What he saw made his heart leap. A buckboard was coming up the Main Street looking to pass by the hotel. And perched on the seat, chin raised proudly, gaze fixed straight ahead, reins in her gloved hands, was a most welcome sight.

  Abigail Buchanan.

  Noah cleared his throat and ran a hand quickly across his hair. The buckboard was passing by him, but Abigail seemed like she was lost in a world of her own. Beginning to think she hadn't noticed him, he stepped down off the boardwalk and onto the dusty street.

  His movement seemed to catch her eye, because she glanced across at him. He saw her mouth open and her eyes widen. She tugged on the reins and steered the buckboard toward Noah. He felt a surprising sense of relief at that, but didn't ask himself why it could be.

  The buckboard drew to a halt in front of the hotel. Abigail peered down at Noah. "Mr MacKendrick. I'm surprised to see you here so early this morning." Her voice was bright and friendly.

  Noah flicked a thumb in the direction of the hotel. "I'm staying here until what I need up at the ranch is delivered." He couldn't help that his gaze lingered on Abigail for a long moment. She looked resplendent in a green gown, matching bonnet and shiny boots. Her pretty features were bright with early morning expectation. He wondered where she could be going at this time of the day.

  Abigail frowned. "You're staying at the hotel?" she exclaimed. She lifted a hand to her chest as if she could hardly believe he would do such a thing.

  He nodded. "It makes sense, I suppose. Gives me a chance to arrange a few things before I move in permanently." He glanced up the length of Main Street. "And it gives me a chance to get to know Inspiration."

  Abigail looked up at the exterior of the hotel, still apparently struggling to accept that someone like Noah would stoop to staying in such a modest place. "How long are you planning on staying in the hotel?" she asked breathlessly.

  "Maybe a week or so," he replied.

  "A week!" she said sharply. "Mr MacKendrick. I am shocked a man of your means would have to do such a thing."

  "Means?" he asked. Although he knew what she meant. The news of his wealth must have preceded him. "If you want to know, I'm kind of enjoying it." He lifted a brow. "Makes a change from all those expensive hotels I've been used to all these years," he said. He gave her a mischievous grin and saw her face flush with color. She knew he was teasing her.

  "But, what about the ranch? Surely it came with everything you need."