“I have so many things to be thankful for, sweet girl. When Tucker and I couldn’t conceive, God sent us dozens of children who needed a safe place to land, if even for only a short time. Our Kentucky ranch was the perfect antidote to the inner city so many came from.” She smiled, lost in thought. “We were able to provide an oasis and share Jesus’ love. Some of those children got in touch years later to let us know they’d found their way.”
“Working with kids is a privilege. I didn’t know what hit me with the Cavanagh twins, though. I’m sure you struggled with some of your foster kids.”
“Tucker and I took some classes through a Christian university. That was a big help. But yes, many times all we could do was plead with our Heavenly Father for wisdom in guiding these precious young ones.”
So many would rise up and call Nancy Morrison blessed. “That’s why I want to become a teacher. I want to touch the lives of kids. Inspire them. Challenge them. But I know I need training to do it well. If I learned nothing else from Emma and Alexia, it’s that.”
The older woman nodded, a soft smile on her lips. “We can love with no training at all... just let the love of Jesus flow through us like a conduit. But for the other parts of those sensitive little hearts, training is very useful. You’ll be a good teacher, my dear.”
Tori’s heart swelled at her calm assertion. Confirmation from a person she was coming to admire deeply. And Garret wanted her to follow her dream, too, though there was so much up in the air right now, she’d decided to try for fall enrollment rather than January.
What would their future look like? How long would his mom be part of it? Maybe not long, but her influence would remain forever.
She swallowed hard. “Garret said he has a brother?”
Mrs. Morrison bit her lip. “Kellen. We gave him everything he needed, same as the others. Same as Garret. But we haven’t seen him in over fifteen years now.” She met Tori’s gaze, sorrow lining her eyes. “It’s hard. You know you cannot save every one, but you want to. You do your best.”
“We plant seeds. We water,” Tori said softly. “But God gives the increase.”
“First Corinthians 3:6-7. And this is why we are so delighted our son has found a treasure in you. You know the Lord. You know your Bible. I’m hoping — praying — God will give you many beautiful years together.”
Tori felt her face flush, even though she was praying the same thing. It felt so strange to actually be acknowledged as a couple since her return from Rockstead a few days ago. The two weeks of texting and phone calls had given way to spending every evening together, often with their friends or families.
They’d visited Carmen and Spencer, and Tori had cradled their newborn in her arms, remembering what James had said about falling for baby Sophia two years ago. She felt the same with Jackson, an overwhelming longing to hold her own baby — Garret’s baby — close to her breast. The sight of Garret holding Jackson had done a number on her heart, especially when he’d caught her watching and a deep look of understanding passed between them.
Sometimes Tori needed to pinch herself to remember this was all real. Garret loved her. The placid mask had disappeared and his own emotions rolled across his face. It helped that Pastor Roland had been counseling him regularly, and they planned to keep meeting together for a long time to come. Tori would join those sessions from time to time, but not yet, though Garret told her all about it. He told her he’d forgiven Chantelle. That he was thankful, even, for the circumstances that had sent him west. West to Tori.
Imagine. Garret talking about his feelings. Admitting he had some. That was the true miracle.
“Tell me all about Garret’s childhood. Everything.”
Garret swung his leg over Domi’s back and slid to the ground, reaching for Tori as she dismounted Coaldust. The meadows above the Flying Horseshoe yellowed in the lazy heat of late August, but there was a little relief in the shadows of the pine forest.
They looped their reins loosely on the old fence, allowing the geldings room to graze in shade or sun and turned to each other without a spoken word. Just pulling Tori close made Garret’s heart feel like he’d stepped into this scene from the depths of a Montana blizzard. So much cold. So many storms. So much blustering wind... and now peace. Warmth.
“I don’t know how I thought I could live without you.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Thank you for being patient.”
She laughed, her breath a soft caress across his cheek. “It wasn’t easy, and I wasn’t very patient.”
“Five years, my love. That’s patience.”
“I didn’t love you for five years. Only maybe four and a half.”
He groaned and kissed her again, deeper this time. He had so much time to make up for. “Thank you for visiting my mom. You brighten her days.” Like she brightened his.
“She’s sweet. And she tells me so many stories of a little boy I wish I’d known.”
“Just as well you didn’t.” Garret ran his thumbs down her cheeks. “But I want you to know it means a lot to her.”
“I know.” She looked about to say more, but shifted her gaze from his.
This was his moment. It was still too soon. Way too soon, by most standards. But he’d been a fool for five years... or maybe only four and a half. Either way, so long that his precious mother was dying before he’d come around.
“Tori?” He nuzzled her temple.
Her hands cradled his back as she turned to look at him. “Yes?”
For a second he forgot what he was going to say, and kissed her instead. “I love you.”
She grinned, and he traced that little dimple on her cheek. “I know. And I’m thankful.”
“I want to marry you.”
Her smile faded as her eyes searched his. “I want to marry you, too.”
His heart surged. “I’ve been thinking... please tell me what you think of my idea. I know it’s unorthodox, but I guess I’m not ordinary, and circumstances really aren’t, either.”
“Tell me,” she whispered.
“I know not everyone is engaged for a whole year like Trevor and Denae were, but most seem to be for at least a few months. And then there’s this big church wedding.”
Tori nodded.
“My mom... she doesn’t have months from what the doctors say. At least not multiple good months. She’s been doing well, all things considered, but—” he swallowed hard “—it’s not going to last.”
Garret dared to look at Tori. She patiently waited for him to get it all out. “I was wondering if you’d be willing to marry me at Canyon Crossing. Soon, with just our parents as witnesses. I want my mom to be there. To be well enough to appreciate it and celebrate with us.” Celebrating might be the wrong word. It wasn’t like she’d be dancing.
“Yes.”
“I talked to your dad yester — wait. Did you say yes?”
She nodded, those hazel eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Yes.”
He kissed her then, marveling at the trust she showed in him. He, who’d been so unworthy and hurt her so many times.
“We could maybe have a second ceremony?” she asked. “Our friends could join us out in the arena afterward. It doesn’t have to be in the church. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but I know they’ll want to celebrate with us. It can be a potluck even. Denae and Cheri would have a ton of fun decorating the arena.”
Now there was a plan. It would take longer to get his bride to himself, but it was a good compromise. “Good idea. If my mom is up to it, Dad could even wheel her out there for a bit.”
Tori’s face brightened. “She’d like that. I know she would.”
This woman. She was so thoughtful, helping him make their wedding day into a special occasion for his mother. Not every bride would do that. Jenna would have, though. In his mind, he kissed her goodbye, vowing to remember the good times and not the horrific end.
Still, the thought of driving to their honeymoon hotel after the wedding shafted him with arrows of fear. H
e wouldn’t let them take root, though. And maybe, just maybe, there was a way around that.
Two weeks later, on a sunny September Saturday, Tori stood in what would become her and Garret’s bedroom at Canyon Crossing. This day had suddenly come upon them... and yet, not so suddenly. It had been five years in the making.
“You’re beautiful.” Voice choking, Mom smoothed Tori’s hair and straightened her borrowed veil. “My baby girl.”
“Ready for round one?” Pastor Roland peeked around the open door.
Tori beamed at him. “So ready.”
“I’m proud of you, princess.” Dad tucked her hand through the crook of his arm while Mom took his other arm. It was a question of who was holding up whom, but she was so blessed to have her daddy here to give her away.
The three of them made their way into Mrs. Morrison’s studio, now her sickroom. Her body might be wasting away, but her eyes were bright. Her husband sat beside her, his arm around her shoulders, his other hand covering hers.
Tori’s throat constricted and tears filled her eyes. If she and Garret could have half the love his parents had, their lives would be rich indeed.
She met the gaze of her beloved. He stood tall at his mom’s bedside, his hands clasped behind his black tux. Tori’s breath caught. He looked amazing, and the love that shone from his eyes filled her heart.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” asked Pastor Roland.
“Her mother and I do.” Dad searched her face with gentle eyes then he turned to face Garret. “Take care of her, son. She’s a precious gift.”
“I know it, sir. I will. I promise.”
Mrs. Morrison pressed a tissue to her eyes as Tori leaned by her bedside and tucked her bouquet of flowers into a vase on the side table. “For you. Thank you for raising your son to honor the Lord.”
Her thin hand pressed over Tori’s. “We’ve prayed for you for more than twenty-five years,” she whispered.
“Thank you.” Tori wanted to say more, but she’d said it all in brief visits over the past few weeks. This was a moment for celebrating, not lingering in the past. Not for grieving what was coming.
She turned to Garret and took both his hands in hers, carefully angling so that their four parents all had a good view of their faces.
“We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Victoria June Carmichael and Garret Steven Morrison in holy matrimony.”
Tori had never been more sure of anything in her life. To this man, she’d pledge herself gladly.
Garret bent and kissed his mother’s soft cheek. She blinked at him with a gentle smile and drifted back asleep. But she’d witnessed the ceremony. She knew Tori was now his wife.
Wife.
Whoever would have thought?
Dad rose and gave Garret a swift hug. “‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.’”
Garret blinked back emotion. “Proverbs 18:22. Thank you, Dad. You and Mom not only gave me a family, but you loved me and taught me every day.” He laughed, but his throat clogged. “You were so patient with me. I owe you everything.”
“You’re mixing me up with your Heavenly Father, son. Now get going. There’s another wedding with your name on it.”
He glanced up at the clock. Cars and trucks already lined the driveway as their friends and neighbors gathered to witness their vows, though his father and Tori’s mother had signed the legal documents as their witnesses. Now he waited for a text from James to say he and Lauren were back from setting up the trapper’s cabin for the wedding night. Some couples might have to worry about allowing their friends access for fear of a short-sheeted bed or other pranks, but James knew Garret’s history. He could be trusted.
Garret marveled to think he was married to Tori. He tugged her closer to his side, where she nestled against him. They’d make their home at Canyon Crossing for now. They’d be here for Mom’s passing and Dad’s initial adjustment at the least, allowing time for a decision on whether to sell the riding stables or keep them.
The thought that his mom would not be around to meet her grandchildren still hurt. It probably always would, but today he was stepping into his future.
His phone chimed with an incoming text. James and Lauren were back. Everyone was waiting. “Ready for another wedding, Mrs. Morrison?” he asked lightly.
Tori wrinkled her nose at him. “Must we?”
He laughed. “I think we must. It was your idea to do the whole thing twice, after all.”
With one more quick clasp of his dad’s hand, Garret slid his arm around his wife and led her from the room. “Quick stop in the music room? I’ve got a song for you.”
“Oh? I want to hear it.”
He settled in front of the grand piano, flipping the tails of his tux like he used to do when he was performing... a lifetime ago. His fingers found the melody, but Garret focused his gaze on his bride. “Hazel eyes with glints of green and brown and gold. Gazing into the windows of your soul. Everything you think is mirrored there — I’m powerless against you. I’m drowning in you...”
And his wife dabbed a tissue to those beautiful eyes.
Next up: The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride
Montana Ranches Christian Romance 6
coming Spring 2020
Acknowledgments
If you’ve read previous stories of mine, you’ll know that cowboy romance is a minor variation on my usual themes of farm-and-garden such as in my flagship Farm Fresh Romance series. The Montana Ranches overlap slightly with both the Garden Grown Romances (part of the multi-author Arcadia Valley Romance series) where Cheri (Mackenzie) Delgado played a small role, and with the Urban Farm Fresh Romance series, where Denae Archibald appears as a friend to Sadie Guthrie in Raindrops on Radishes.
Thanks to Elizabeth Maddrey for being Chief Prodder and First Reader as well as a terrific author whose stories I enjoy reading!
I also appreciate my beta readers: Amy, Paula, and Gretchen. Thanks for loving this new direction, encouraging me, and catching my errors… although I’m sure I managed to leave a few in, even after my fabulous editor, Nicole, had her input. Thanks for sticking with me through all these years and stories, Nicole.
I’m also grateful for the Christian Indie Authors Facebook group and my sister bloggers at Inspy Romance. These folks make a difference in my life every single day. I’m thrilled to walk beside them as we tell stories for Jesus!
Thank you to my Facebook friends, followers, street team, and reader group members for prayers, encouragement, and great fellowship. If you’d like to join other readers who love my stories, please find us at Valerie Comer: Readers Group.
Thanks to my husband, Jim, whose love for me never fails and who encourages me in every endeavor. Thanks to my kids, their spouses, and my wonderful grandgirls for cheering me on. To them, having an author for a mom/grandma is “normal.” Imagine that!
All my love and gratitude goes to Jesus, the One who is my vision, the High King of Heaven, the lord of my heart. Thank you. A thousand times, thank you.
Dear Reader…
Thanks for reading The Cowboy’s Belated Discovery! I'm so honored that you chose to spend the last few hours with Garret, Tori, and me. You are appreciated.
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The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride
Chapter 1
“Jericho!” Sawyer Delgado bellowed his nephew’s name as the kid slid off the rail fence amid a frenzy of bawling calves and billows of dust. “Nooo!”
Sawyer pivoted Debonair into the melee, his heart in his throat and his gaze lassoed to the spot where the child-size Stetson had disappeared. The wiry pinto cut between dozens of five-hundred-pound calves. How could this have happened? The five-year-old knew better. Who’d even let the boy near the sorting pens? And where was his father, Sawyer’s brother Kade?
Totally oblivious, that’s where.
Sawyer broke through the corral dust and pulled Debonair to a halt.
His nephew grinned up at him from a closed-off chute, his eyes bright with excitement. “Uncle Sawyer! Those calves are crazy!”
They were. Sawyer willed his heart rate to slow down, but superimposed on the boy was a vision of what could have been: Jericho’s body battered by sharp hooves, his skull broken, blood everywhere. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, but that was even worse, since there was no reality to block the nightmare of his buddy’s horrific rodeo accident a few weeks back.
Sawyer forced his breathing to steady and stared out at the mountains beyond his father’s western Montana ranch, far from that Texas arena. When he could trust his voice, he turned back to his nephew. “You okay, Jer?”
The boy frowned in confusion. “Yeah, why?”
“You scared me when you jumped off the fence.” Nothing had ever frightened Sawyer Delgado before that last rodeo. “I thought you’d fallen in with the calves.” The calves that were now milling on the other side of the corral, far from Debonair.
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