The Rancher’s Reunion Bride

by Maya Stirling

  "We won't be much longer," Lauren said. Turning to Lily she added: "Will we?"

  "Half hour at most," Lily confirmed. She eyed Gabe. "Plenty of time for you to clean that ranching dirt off," she said narrowing her brows and running her gaze up and down Gabe. He knew that look, and knew the consequences of arguing with Lily. There would only be one winner, and it wouldn't be him, Gabe concluded.

  Zacharias stood. "Maybe once you've done that, you can show me around," he suggested. "I hear you and your brothers have made some improvements in the last year."

  Realizing that Zacharias was providing him with an easy escape from the kitchen, Gabe nodded. He gave Lauren one last appreciative look and then led Zacharias out into the hallway. Landon entered the house and looked with obvious puzzlement at Zacharias.

  Gabe hooked a thumb in the direction of the kitchen. "I wouldn't go in there, if I were you," he advised Landon.

  Understanding immediately, Landon nodded. By the time Gabe had washed and changed, Zacharias had gone out to the porch and was standing waiting for Gabe.

  Zacharias ran his gaze up and down Gabe's tall frame. Gabe had put on his best pants, shirt and waistcoat. He figured he looked as well-heeled as it was possible for a rancher to look. Zacharias nodded. "Looking to make an impression?" he observed wryly.

  Gabe felt his cheeks flush with heat. Was it that obvious? Zacharias shook his head, laughed quietly, and stepped out onto the yard. Gabe followed him. They made their way in the direction of the corral. Zacharias halted and turned, leaning back against the tall wooden fence.

  He stretched his arms out and ran his gaze along the exterior of the ranch house. "Quite a place you got here," he observed.

  Leaning against the fence alongside Zacharias, Gabe nodded. "It's taken ten years to make it look like this. When we took it over, it was rundown. The folks who'd owned it before us didn't have the heart or the cash to make it look like this."

  Zacharias narrowed his eyes. "It's big enough for your family." He paused and then added: "And more, I suppose."

  Now what had he meant by that? Gabe glanced at Zacharias and saw the man's gaze flicker hesitantly in his direction. Gabe had the feeling he was being tested. He wondered how much he should share with Zacharias. How he could tell Lauren's father about the need to marry. Instantly, he realized that, however he worded it, any attempt to explain why he wanted to marry Lauren might only succeed in getting him into hot water with Zacharias. If Zacharias thought Gabe wanted Lauren only for the convenience of finding a wife so he could remain on the ranch, then he would be mistaken. The last few days had convinced Gabe his feelings for Lauren went much deeper than he had ever realized.

  "Our parents have always looked for me and my brothers to stay on the ranch for good," Gabe said tentatively.

  Zacharias turned his head. "Does that include getting married?" he asked bluntly.

  Gabe already knew Zacharias could be wily. Now he had discovered the man could be direct and to the point. Gabe had no option but to agree. "If the right woman comes along, I guess that it does include matrimony."

  Zacharias laughed quietly. "You make it sound so grand." He scoffed good-naturedly. "Matrimony," he repeated, rolling the word on his tongue as if he was making fun of it.

  Gabe felt his face flush and he dragged in a deep breath, trying not to take the bait Zacharias was offering. There would no sense in picking an argument. Not with Lauren's father.

  As if sensing Gabe's discomfort Zacharias reached across and laid a hand on Gabe's shoulder. "Look here, Gabe. I know you have an interest in my daughter."

  Gabe's eyes widened. "You do?" He felt his throat tighten, and he wondered where Zacharias was going to lead the conversation.

  Zacharias nodded. "I can't blame you for trying."

  Gabe gulped. "Trying?" he just about managed to say through a dry, cracked throat.

  Zacharias grinned. "There's something you need to know about my precious daughter." Zacharias leaned his head closer. Zacharias lifted a brow."If you're thinking of winning her affections, you better watch out."

  Gabe stared at Zacharias. "Why?"

  Zacharias fixed Gabe with a stern look. "Lauren has a temper." Zacharias peered into Gabe's eyes as if searching for a reaction. "She's mule-headed." Zacharias laughed and then his eyes softened. "Just like her dear mother. Now there was a woman who knew how to get what she wanted." Zacharias sighed. "But I loved her for every time she did what it took to get her way. I loved Lauren's mother more than you can imagine."

  Gabe's gaze was fixed resolutely on Zacharias. He hadn't expected such an honest conversation with Lauren's father. It was as if Zacharias had chosen this moment to open himself up to Gabe. To find out how serious Gabe's intentions were toward Lauren.

  Gabe knew his next words would be important. He turned and faced Zacharias. "I have something to tell you, Mr Munro," Gabe said.

  "What's that?" Zacharias murmured. He was watching Gabe carefully.

  "I hold your daughter in the highest regard," Gabe stated slowly and carefully, weighing each word. "She's the finest young woman I've ever known."

  Zacharias' eyes moistened for a moment. It seemed Gabe's words had touched him deeply. Then the man composed himself and dragged in a deep breath. He looked straight at Gabe. "Thank you, son," he murmured. "Those are the kind of words that reassure a man when his daughter is about to make an important choice."

  Then Zacharias reached out a hand. Gabe took the hand and shook it. Had Zacharias just given Gabe permission to continue to court Lauren? It certainly seemed that way. Gabe smiled at Zacharias and then glanced up at the clear blue sky.

  Suddenly the sun seemed a whole lot brighter, Gabe told himself.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  They set the wooden table and long, twin benches out in the yard. Lauren agreed with Gabe's idea that, since it was such a beautiful day, it would be a waste to eat lunch inside the ranch house. On one side of the table sat Kyle, Landon and Gabe while Zacharias, Lauren and Lily sat opposite them. Despite Lily's cries of resistance, Gabe insisted she join them all for lunch.

  After the lunch was finished Gabe sidled alongside Lauren while Landon and Zacharias watched Kyle struggle with a particularly ornery pinto inside the corral. The high spirits and good humor of the lunch seemed to have gotten to Kyle. Lauren hadn't seen Kyle look so bright and cheerful since her arrival. She figured perhaps his time at the Munro ranch was paying off, after all. She knew that would please Gabe.

  She and Gabe watched the goings-on over at the corral for a while. It felt good to be sitting next to Gabe, Lauren told herself. Throughout the lunch he'd chatted excitedly about many things. He'd drawn Lauren into the conversation on plenty of occasions. She wondered what had happened to brighten Gabe's spirits. It was such a contrast to the way he'd behaved when they'd been at the hotel restaurant. Earlier, Lauren had watched with barely concealed curiosity when Gabe and her father had walked across to the corral. She'd seen them talking for a while, even going so far as to shake hands. That had set her to wondering what the two men had agreed.

  Gabe leaned his head closer to Lauren. "I have an idea," he murmured.

  Lauren turned her head and gazed into his dark eyes. "You do?"

  Gabe nodded. "You know where I'd like to go, right now?"

  "Where?"

  "The river view," he said quietly.

  Immediately, images flooded her mind. A place she'd thought about countless times during the past year. The one refuge which was truly hers and Gabe's. A place where they'd been alone. Where words had been spoken and kisses exchanged. Lauren felt her heart quicken at the prospect of going there with Gabe. She didn't reply. Instead, she glanced over toward the corral, lost in thought. She wondered how it would look if she and Gabe suddenly left together. What would her father think?

  Lauren turned and faced Gabe. She bit her lip, a habit she had whenever she was nervous or unsure. Just like she was at this moment. She saw Gabe's gaze drift down to her mouth. Recall
ing he had once told her he found that particular habit alluring, she immediately released her lower lip from her teeth. Momentarily, he seemed disappointed. Then he recovered himself. "Well?" he asked.

  Lauren sighed softly. "I don't know."

  Gabe lifted a brow and smiled. "Scared what others will think?" he teased.

  She felt a flush of indignation. Frowning, she said: "No! Why would I care about that?"

  Gabe shrugged. "For a moment there, I thought you were scared."

  Even though she knew he was teasing her, she bristled. Straightening, she lifted her chin defiantly. "Where are the horses?" she demanded.

  Her indignation was made even worse when she saw the grin on his face. Did he think he'd won some kind of victory?

  Lauren stood and looked down at Gabe. "Well? What are you waiting for?"

  Gabe stood. For a moment, she felt the sheer extent of his stature. He looked handsome in his gray waistcoat, freshly pressed white shirt, dark pants and cleaned-up boots. He held out a hand. "Can I help you?"

  She squinted up at him. "To do what?"

  Gabe glanced down at the long bench upon which they'd been sitting. "I thought you might like some help stepping over this bench."

  Now she knew he really was playing with her. She refused his hand and shook her head. "I can manage quite well without your help," she announced. She lifted her skirt with both hands and hoisted her booted foot over the bench. Thankfully she didn't stumble as she reached the other side.

  "I'll bring horses," Gabe stated and then made his way to the stable. While she waited she debated whether to go to the corral and tell her father where she and Gabe were going. But, after a moments consideration, she told herself it was unnecessary. Her father had told her more times than she cared to remember that she was all grown up now and that she should do whatever she thought best. And, right now, spending some solitary time with Gabriel Baxter sure qualified as doing what she thought best.

  Gabe emerged from the stable leading two saddled horses. When he arrived at her side, he grinned at her. "You do know how to ride, don't you?" he asked, giving her a mischievous grin.

  "Of course!" she snapped, trying not to sound angry.

  Refusing Gabe's offer to help her up onto the horse, Lauren mounted it. Looking defiantly down at Gabe, she saw a wry smile crease his mouth. Then Gabe mounted and they rode away from the ranch. Lauren glanced back toward the corral and saw her father watching as she and Gabe headed out toward the rangeland. He did nothing to indicate his displeasure at the sight of his daughter and Gabe riding away together.

  They made their way southward, along the trail. Then she followed Gabe down a long valley and up into a range of hills. He kept a steady pace, looking across at her from time to time. He seemed unconcerned about her ability to keep up with him. The truth was, she hadn't ridden a horse this fast for weeks. But she wasn't going to show even the slightest hint of weakness. Not after the way he'd spoken to her at the ranch.

  They crested a ridge and she saw the forest which was their final destination. Picking up another trail, which rose steeply, she followed Gabe into the trees. Riding through the sparse forest wasn't too difficult since Gabe had slowed the pace. In the dense tree cover the light was soft and the afternoon air much cooler than out in the valley. Lauren had to duck her head from time to time to avoid hitting her head on low branches. The scent of the trees filled her nostrils. She felt as if she'd entered another world. His world was the ranch, the rangeland, the valleys and the forest. All of it lay on the Baxter spread.

  Gabe hadn't said much to her during the ride. She didn't know whether to be pleased or disappointed about that. Maybe, like her, he was anticipating what lay ahead.

  Finally, they emerged from the edge of the forest. Gabe halted his mount and turned to Lauren. She drew her mount to a standstill alongside Gabe and gazed out across the wondrous scene before her.

  They were on the edge of a high cliff roughly fifty feet above a fast-flowing river. Down below, the river tumbled across huge rocks. The roar of water was loud. White foam spilled in a long line across the rocks. The course of the river twisted out across a broad flat plain. The land beyond, south of Inspiration, was a beauty to behold. Forests, plains and valleys which stretched all the way to the distant mountains. Lauren felt as if she could see the whole of Montana, just from this vantage point. She knew that wasn't true. Montana was so big, she'd never be able to see it all in one lifetime. But, it was Gabe's home, and that made it special to Lauren.

  Gabe dismounted quickly and came to Lauren. He lifted up his arms. She glanced down at him, seeing the delight in his bright eyes. Willingly, she allowed him to help her down onto the grassy flat near the edge of the cliff. For a moment, their eyes met as Gabe let his gentle grasp remain around her waist. She felt her heartbeat quicken. Gabe released her and took a step back. Lauren gazed along the edge of the cliffside. There was a flat, wide area leading to the edge a few steps away. Plenty of room for her and Gabe, she told herself.

  Gabe went to his saddle bag and pulled out a wool blanket. Wrapping her arms around herself, Lauren watched as he set it out on the flat grass. Standing alongside it, Gabe looked across at her and lifted a brow. She smiled back at him. He'd thought of everything, she reflected.

  Gabe dropped down onto the blanket and looked expectantly at Lauren. Slowly, she lowered herself down next to Gabe. For a few minutes, they simply gazed out across the landscape. Lauren had dreamed of this place so many times it had taken up a special place in her heart. And, judging by Gabe's expression, he also found it equally wonderful. She wondered what it would be like to live in a world like this. He already knew what it was like. For Gabe, this was part of his everyday life. The beauty; the grandeur; the majesty which God had bestowed upon this place.

  Finally, he turned to her and smiled. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

  Lauren drew in a deep breath and sighed contentedly. "I've thought about this place every day for the last year."

  "You have?" he asked, his brows lifting. "Me too."

  "At least we have that in common," she said casually.

  Gabe frowned and leaned closer. "I think we've got more than this in common, Lauren," he murmured.

  Tension flared in her shoulders. She thrust her hands behind her, curling her fingers into the soft wool of the blanket. She knew what he was trying to do. It wasn't just small talk. She could see the emotion in his eyes. He was right, though. The last few days had shown her that she and Gabe hadn't put the past completely behind them.

  As if noticing her reaction, Gabe turned and gazed out over the landscape. "I come here myself, from time to time," he revealed.

  Surprised, she lifted a brow and peered at him. "Why?"

  Gabe's eyes darkened again. "Why do you think?" He shifted closer. "Because it reminds me of you."

  Lauren's heartbeat began to thunder. Her breath caught in her chest and she met Gabe's gaze with a steady one of her own. "It's easy for you," she said quickly, trying to shift the conversation. "You live here. It's on your land."

  "And it always will be," he added. He dragged in a deep breath and seemed suddenly thoughtful. He swallowed, clearly emotional, and turned back to the view. "This is my home. I'll never live anywhere else."

  Puzzled, she squinted at him. "Why would anyone ask you to leave the ranch behind?"

  She saw his shoulders stiffen. He was silent for a long moment. Then he turned to her. Once again, he moved imperceptibly closer. Now, he was almost pressed against her. Remaining impassive, she tried not to show that she was aware of his gradual advance. She'd always felt safe with Gabe. And she always would, she told herself.

  Suddenly, from behind them she heard the cry of a bird. With a flutter of wings, the bird crashed out from the branches behind her and glided out over the cliff edge. Startled, she lifted her hand to her chest as she watched the bird's progress.