The Rancher’s Christmas Miracle

by Maya Stirling

  "Okay, pa," Ryan said.

  When Linus looked at Josh with apparent surprise, Grace wasn't sure if it had been Ryan's obedience or the fact that he'd referred to Josh as his father. Linus didn't say anything. He simply patted Ryan on the shoulder. "Let's go say hello," he said. "You can introduce me to your friends," he said to Ryan.

  Grace watched Ryan and Linus walk toward the house. Ryan left the toboggan on the yard and went inside with Linus. Even from where she was standing, Grace heard the squeals of delight when Ryan and Linus entered the busy house. The sound of happy voices drifted out of the open front door. Now, Grace had a chance to be alone with Josh, she found she couldn't think of a single thing to say to him. So much had happened this morning, even before she'd arrived. There was genuine good feeling in the air at the Munro ranch. More than she'd felt on any other day.

  She leaned against the corral's wooden fence. It felt good to be with Josh again. All morning, she'd been thinking about what it would be like to be with him. And she'd worried about how Linus and Ryan would react to one another. Now that she'd seen how warm each were being toward each other, she was unsure whether or not that was a good sign for the future. Looking at Josh, she could see uncertainty on his features. Josh was worried. But, even though he looked concerned, she still thought he was the most handsome man she'd ever seen. He was wearing his heavy woolen jacket, dark pants and Stetson. Just being close to him like this was enough to send her heart racing. Even in the cold of the day she felt her cheeks flush warm with heat.

  Josh turned and faced Grace. "Did I wish you a Merry Christmas, yet?"

  Grace pouted her lips and rolled her eyes. "I don't think you did."

  Josh moved closer. With one last glance toward the house, he dipped his head and kissed her. His lips were warm and sweet. She felt her entire being come to life. Then he leaned back and the kiss was over. Josh's gaze softened. "Merry Christmas, Grace," Josh murmured.

  "Merry Christmas, Josh," Grace replied, looking at him from beneath her lashes. Josh's smile stretched from ear to ear. She could tell he wanted another kiss. And, so did she. But, before he could act on his impulse, Grace heard her name being called out from the ranch house. Miriam was standing at the open door. "We could do with some help in here," she shouted good-naturedly.

  Grace felt frustration flare into life. It would have been so sweet to spend more time out here with Josh. But, it wasn't to be. She turned toward the ranch house. "I have to go inside," she said to Josh.

  "I understand," he replied. "There's a ranch house full of hungry folks."

  Grace tugged on his jacket. "And you're going to help, too," she ordered him. He swept his arm around her and drew her closer to him. She giggled as he nuzzled at her neck. She felt his warm breath against her skin. Grace drew away from Josh. "They'll notice," she objected with a smile.

  "I don't care," Josh replied. She was pleased to see that his spirits had lifted. It was amazing what a kiss could do, she told herself.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  For the next hour, Grace and Josh worked side by side preparing the Christmas dinner. Including the food which Miriam had already made and that which Grace's family had brought, every part of the table in the dining room was covered with dishes. By the time it was all ready, and everyone had made their way into the dining room, Grace was hungry. Every seat at the table was taken. There was no room for anyone else. It was as if the exact number of guests had been brought to the Munro ranch to ensure that the dining room was completely full.

  Matilda said a solemn grace before the meal. That had been her custom since her children had been small. All throughout the meal, Grace saw Josh glancing across at her. There was a look of love in his gaze. There was no other way to describe it, Grace told herself. Every time she caught him glancing at her, she felt her heart quicken. Just having Josh Munro gazing upon her was the greatest gift she could have hoped for on this Christmas day, she told herself.

  Linus sat next to Ryan and Josh. All through the Christmas meal, Linus talked quietly with Ryan, sometimes teasing him, at times encouraging him to try the various foods on the table. Ryan seemed to have taken to his uncle real quick, Grace reflected as she watched them both.

  Back at the Buchanan ranch Hettie had made some of her specialities. Roasted chicken came with a secret sauce, the recipe of which Hettie kept a well-guarded secret. There were dishes of sweet, baked fruits in delicious crusts. Vegetables had been expertly prepared so that when Grace put them in her mouth she experienced an explosion of flavors. Hettie had remained at the Buchanan ranch to make sure all the ranch hands enjoyed a Christmas meal. It was the least they deserved after all their hard work throughout the year.

  Here at the Munro ranch, Miriam had also pulled out all the stops. Her contributions to the Christmas dinner were as wonderful as Hettie's. Grace felt humbled that she was enjoying such a perfect dinner, cooked at two ranch houses, and with a delightful mixture of guests. By the end of the meal, Grace concluded that it was just about the best Christmas meal she had ever had.

  Occasionally, Clara and Bethany became boisterous and, when Ryan joined in, the dining room filled with the delightful sounds of joyously happy children. Every grownup in the room could only look on with patient expressions. Wyatt attended to Victoria the entire time with all the devotion and care Grace would have expected of a man who had reawakened an affection he'd once believed lost forever.

  All through this, Matilda sat at the head of the table, her head leaning on her hand, watching all the happy goings on. Matilda's eyes were filled with contentment. Grace could tell that Matilda was enjoying every moment of this wonderful Christmas dinner.

  Finally, the meal was over and everyone made their way to the sitting room. As they all gathered around the tree and exchanged small gifts, Grace saw through the window that the snow had begun falling, heavier than before. The sight of the pretty snowfall drew gasps of appreciation from everyone. It was the final, perfect touch to what had been an unforgettable day. As she took her seat near the fireplace, Grace glanced at Josh. He was standing near the window alongside Linus. Neither man was speaking. They both seemed lost in their own thoughts, watching the magical sight of the snowfall.

  Then, Grace saw Linus lean his head closer to Josh and quietly murmur something. Josh's brows rose and he looked quickly across at Grace. Josh nodded to Linus who then walked slowly out of the room. Grace heard the front door opening. Josh caught Grace's attention with a lifting of his brows. He tilted his head, making it clear he wanted her to follow him in the direction of the front door. Grace rose and went to the hall, feeling the cold air against her skin as she advanced toward the open door. When she stepped outside, she found Josh and Linus standing together on the porch. Snow was falling more heavily now. It was beginning to settle on the ground. Pretty soon, getting away from the ranch might prove to be difficult, Grace told herself. The prospect of having to remain at the Munro ranch on Christmas day didn't bother Grace at all.

  Linus smiled nervously at Grace. "I'm glad you came outside," he said. "I've got something important to tell you and Josh."

  Grace wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep out the cold. Seeing her do that, Josh curled his arm around Grace, drawing her nearer to him. She saw Linus look approvingly at them. The man was calmer than he'd been on Wednesday, Grace reflected. At the hotel, there had been an anger inside him. A frustration which had been visible in his every gesture. But now, he seemed like a man who'd been transformed. Grace was sure she knew what had brought about that change.

  "It's been a beautiful day," Linus said. He smiled. "A real surprise. I didn't expect to find this here, today," he said. He ran his gaze around the ranch. "When I came up to Montana, I figured Ryan might be living in poor circumstances. Maybe worse than that." Linus sighed. "But, this place is okay." He peered at Josh. "You have a nice ranch here, Mr Munro," he added.

  Josh nodded. "I think it's good," he said and looked at Grace. "Don't you agree?"

/>   Grace smiled up at Josh and then looked at Linus. "You wanted to say something to us, Linus?"

  The man nodded and kicked some loose snow away from the porch. "I owe you two an apology," he said. "I came here figuring I'd find something bad. Something only I could fix." He looked at Grace. "Instead, I found the most perfect place for Ryan to grow up in."

  Grace gasped quietly. She felt Josh's arm tighten around her.

  "I can't compete with this," Linus continued. "If I was to try taking Ryan back to Texas, I wouldn't be able to give him half as much as this."

  "But, you'd give him the only real relative he has," Grace objected.

  Linus smiled weakly. "There's more to family than just blood, Miss Buchanan. But, I think you already know that. Seems to me your whole family has that one worked out. I see a whole lot of faith here. And goodness."

  Josh released Grace and went to Linus. "Ryan loves you like he did his real father," Josh said.

  Linus lifted a brow and shook his head. "I know you're only trying to be kind by saying that." Linus laid a hand on Josh's shoulder and peered deeply into his eyes. "You're his real father now, Josh. I know that, now. I've seen it here today. As plain as day."

  Grace sensed where Linus was going with all of this. He'd made his choice, and he was telling them the truth as he saw it. Even if it hurt. She had to respect the man for showing his true character. Christmas had a way of bringing that out in folks, Grace told herself. Her heart began to fill with hope. She praised God for finding a way to show Linus the truth.

  "So, here's what I've decided," Linus said. "This is where Ryan belongs. And I'm happy for him to stay here." Grace restrained the urge to cry out with delight. Linus continued. "I'd like to stay around for a few days before heading back to Texas." Linus raised a brow. "If you don't mind. Just to get to know Ryan a little better."

  Josh glanced at Grace and she saw joy in his eyes. He turned back to Linus. "Of course you can stay here with us, Linus." Josh scoffed. "Get your things out of that hotel in town. There's a room for you here. Ryan will be so happy that you're visiting."

  Linus nodded. "Thanks, Josh. I'll do that later." He lifted his gaze up to the sky. "When the snow stops falling, and I can get back to town."

  "You could do worse than get stuck on the Munro ranch over Christmas," Grace suggested, smiling at Linus.

  "I guess you're right, Grace," he replied. He narrowed his gaze and looked from Grace to Josh. "You two look like you're more than friends. If you don't mind me saying."

  Grace's face flushed with heat. Was it so obvious that a complete stranger could see it within hours of being in their company?

  Josh cleared his throat. "Grace and I have known each other for years, Linus," he said, trying to be casual. Grace didn't think it sounded too convincing. "We're just good friends."

  Linus's brows shot up in a line. "You want me to believe that?" he exclaimed, grinning broadly. "I've seen plenty of folks in love during my time on this earth." He peered at Grace and Josh. "And I figure I'm looking at two, right now." He laughed and patted Josh on the shoulder as he headed for the door. "I'll leave you two friends to enjoy the snow," he said and smiled, shaking his head.

  Once Linus was back inside the house, Josh came straight to Grace. "You know what this means, Grace," he said.

  "Ryan will grow up on the ranch," Grace exclaimed. Her voice was shaking with sheer delight. She smiled at Josh. "That's the best Christmas gift you could have had, Josh."

  Josh tilted his head. "One of them," he murmured.

  Grace furrowed her brows. "What do you mean?"

  Josh stepped forward quickly and swept Grace into his arms. She sank into his embrace and his lips claimed another kiss. She threw her arms around Josh's shoulders and savored every moment of the tender kiss.

  He lifted his head back and gazed into her eyes. "I love you, Grace," he murmured. His eyes shimmered with emotion. A sudden swirling wind enveloped Grace and Josh in a cocoon of tumbling snowflakes. She felt like she'd been swept up into his world. As if she'd become a part of his life. But then, she'd felt that way about Josh for a long time.

  "And I love you, too, Josh," Grace replied. Her heart was singing with joy as she gazed into his eyes and sank into his warm embrace, resting her head against his shoulder.

  "You know what would make this day even more perfect?" Josh said. Grace looked up at him. Some flakes of snow landed on her nose. Josh swept them away with the tips of his fingers. Grace tilted her head quizzically at him. "Come on inside and I'll show you," he said, reaching down and taking hold of her hand. Josh briskly led her into the hallway.

  Grace giggled, following behind him. Josh halted suddenly at the entrance to the sitting room. She could hear all the happy voices of this perfect family Christmas. She asked herself if it was even possible that things could get more perfect. Away, in the deepest corner of her mind, she already knew the answer to that question. Of course things could become truly blessed if Josh was to do what she believed he was about to do.

  Joy filled her heart as she considered that possibility. Josh swept his arm around her waist and, drawing her close, kissed her briefly. It was as if he didn't care any longer whether or not people knew the truth. God had brought her and Josh back together again. Her heart was filled with a humble gratitude. All her resistance of the last weeks faded into nothingness. She felt a blissful joy take hold of her.

  Josh smiled at her. "Come on."

  She let Josh lead her into the sitting room. Everyone turned to look at her and Josh as he guided her toward the Christmas tree in the corner of the room. For some reason, probably her joy, Grace thought the light in the room seemed brighter. The room was filled with love, she told herself. And that love was flooding the room with light. As she followed Josh, Grace saw her mother's eyes widen with delight. Jake's look of visible shock suggested he knew what was about to happen.

  Josh halted in front of the tree. Grace faced him. Josh took her hands, clasping them gently. Grace heard gasps of delight. Her heart was racing and every one of her senses was alive like never before. She'd dreamed of this moment so many times. And now it was about to become real.

  Josh smiled at Grace. His eyes were moist with emotion. "Grace Buchanan," he said. Her name sounded sweet on his lips. "I've told you how I feel about you. Many times." Josh laughed quietly. "So often, I've lost count." Josh breathed out and she could see he was trying to calm his nerves. "I love you, Grace. More than you can ever imagine."

  Grace heard gasps from the others in the room, but she didn't stop looking into Josh's eyes. Her gaze was locked on him. He was all she could think of, right now. All she would ever think of for the rest of her life.

  She felt his fingers tighten their gentle grasp of her hands. "I know you love me," Josh continued. He smiled. "Because you told me so."

  Grace nodded. "I do love you, Josh." Grace heard her mother's sudden sob, but still she didn't look away from Josh.

  Then, Josh sank down onto one knee and gazed up at Grace. He didn't let go of her hands. She saw love in his eyes. And there was love in her heart as she waited a few moments for him to say his next words.

  "Grace Buchanan. Will you do me the greatest of honors by agreeing to become my wife?" Josh asked, his voice quivering with emotion.

  More exclamations of delight filled the room. Then there was a long, expectant silence. Grace's heart overflowed with joy. She gasped and nodded, gazing down at Josh. "Yes. I will become your wife, Josh Munro," Grace said, barely able to control the delight in her voice.

  Josh rose quickly and swept Grace into his arms. When he kissed her, cheering and thunderous applause filled the confines of the small room. Grace allowed herself to sink into Josh's embrace. When the kiss was over, she turned and saw the ecstasy on the faces of all the guests in the room.

  Matilda came running to Grace and hugged her. "Oh, Grace," Matilda sobbed. "I'm so happy for you."