The Rancher’s Reunion Bride

by Maya Stirling

  Gabe exchanged an angry look with Landon. Then, he seemed to calm, as if common sense had taken hold of him. "As long as you don't mind," he said to Lauren.

  She shook her head. "I'll see you later," she said. Those words brightened Gabe's expression. After saying farewell to Mrs McLaren and thanking her for her efforts, Lauren followed Gabe and Landon outside. On the boardwalk she exchanged an awkward goodbye with Gabe and Landon. Then she got up onto the carriage seat and grasped the reins. She gave Gabe one final look and then turned the carriage and started back to the ranch.

  As she drove the carriage up Main Street, Lauren couldn't help wondering what Gabe had been about to tell her.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  "We should go tell Sheriff Cameron," Gabe said to Landon as he stood outside the cafe and watched Lauren driving away in the carriage. Out of the side of his eye, Gabe saw Landon nod in agreement. Gabe saw Lauren glance back toward him as the carriage made its way up Main Street. He felt his heart sink. The conversation had been going his way before Landon had arrived with the bad news. Of course it wasn't his brother's fault that he'd frustrated Gabe just at the moment when he'd been about to tell Lauren about one of his reasons for wanting to get married. Not the most important one. Saving the ranch was necessary. But being in love with Lauren was all that mattered.

  "You coming?" Gabe heard Landon ask. He turned to him and saw Landon peering at him with obvious curiosity.

  "Sure," Gabe said, feeling distracted. All he wanted to do was call Lauren back and get the truth out in the open. The wait was killing him. He wanted to be sure that, once she knew Gabe's need to marry, she'd understand. That there wouldn't be any misunderstanding. The last thing he wanted was for all the progress he and Lauren had made these past days to go up in smoke.

  Landon tugged on Gabe's sleeve. "C'mon," he said.

  Gabe and Landon headed south along the boardwalk. The sheriff's office was opposite the hotel. When they reached the office Gabe started to turn the door handle when it was wrenched from his grasp. He stepped back, startled for a moment, expecting to see the tall figure of the sheriff emerge from inside. To Gabe's consternation another person stepped out onto the boardwalk.

  "Murray!" Gabe exclaimed.

  Murray halted and locked his gaze on Gabe. "Baxter," Murray blurted out. He glanced hesitantly at Landon. "And two of them," he added, giving Landon and Gabe a yellow-toothed grin. "It's my lucky day, I guess," he said, his voice oozing with sarcasm.

  Gabe ran his gaze down the length of Murray's squat frame. The man was neatly-dressed in a black suit and waistcoat. His boots looked new. The collar of his white shirt looked well-pressed and fresh. Something about the unusual tidiness of Murray's appearance made Gabe wonder where the money had come from to buy all the new apparel.

  Gabe heard heavy footsteps behind Murray. Sheriff Cameron appeared from inside the office. The tall, even-featured lawman grinned at Gabe. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked Gabe. The sheriff lifted a brow at Landon. Gabe was still thinking about Murray, and what he was doing at the sheriff's office. He wondered how he could bring up the subject.

  Sheriff Cameron spared Gabe all the trouble by laying a hand on Murray's shoulder and laughing quietly. "Murray here was just answering some questions I had about the goings-on around some of the ranches in the territory," the sheriff said. He patted Murray on the shoulder. "Weren't you," the sheriff added.

  Murray jerked spasmodically, clearly feeling the sudden strength of the sheriff's hand. Murray's eyes widened and he nodded abruptly. "I sure was, sheriff," he agreed.

  "Seems like we're the latest on the list, sheriff," Landon said.

  The sheriff's brows rose. "Don't tell me. Horses went missing."

  Gabe nodded and glanced at Murray as he did so. He saw the color change on the man's cheeks. His eyes shifted rapidly from side to side. Murray swallowed hard. It was clear to Gabe that the man wanted to be somewhere else. And in a hurry. Gabe's earlier suspicions grew even more. There was plenty Gabe wanted to say to Murray. Especially now that they were all in front of the law. Lying wouldn't come so easily with the sheriff listening to every word.

  Sheriff Cameron removed his hand from Murray's shoulder. The man stepped away from the sheriff and paused. "You finished with me, sheriff?" Murray asked.

  The sheriff narrowed his eyes at Murray. "For now, at least. Just don't go wandering too far. I might need to speak to you again."

  Murray rubbed his hands nervously together. "You don't mean to say you think I'm involved in any of this," he said and glanced at Gabe and Landon. "I've never been anywhere near the ranches around these parts." He gestured across Main Street toward the hotel. "I'm too busy with my new job."

  Gabe moved closer to Murray. "And what's that?" he asked.

  "Mr Calhoun gave me a good position at the hotel." Murray laughed nervously. "Plenty of responsibility. Taking care of the guests. Looking after things around the hotel." Murray gasped. "It's a whole lot of work."

  "I'm sure Mr Calhoun keeps you real busy," Gabe said. He didn't even try to disguise the acid in his voice.

  Murray's eyes narrowed. As if sensing an opportunity to shift attention from himself, he said: "Ask your brother, Kyle. Seems like he's become a regular expert when it comes to ranching. Thanks to those men up at the Munro ranch." Murray's glance shifted toward the sheriff. "At least that's what I've been hearing in the saloon."

  Gabe felt a familiar indignation sweep through him. He took a step toward Murray. "Keep Kyle out of this," he ordered Murray. The other man, seeing Gabe's barely contained outrage, cowered visibly. "Saloon gossip doesn't mean a thing. Especially since Kyle doesn't set foot in the place."

  "You sure about that?" Murray asked sharply.

  Gabe groaned. But, before he could do anything he would regret, he heard Sheriff Cameron's voice. "Why don't you and Landon come into my office. You can tell me all about what happened up at your place."

  Murray's defiant gaze was steady as he watched Gabe back off. Landon cupped Gabe's elbow in his hand and began to lead him toward the sheriff. Giving Murray one last scolding look, Gabe let himself be guided into the cool interior of the sheriff's office. Sheriff Cameron murmured one final word to Murray and then slammed the door firmly behind him.

  The sheriff's office was small with wood-paneled walls, a gun rack and a large desk on one side of the room with two chairs in front of it. Gabe and Landon took their places in front of the sheriff's desk. Sheriff Nathan Cameron sat on his wooden chair and propped his booted feet against the corner of the desk. He eyed Gabe and Landon warily. "Tell me what happened," he instructed.

  Gabe let Landon tell Sheriff Cameron about the horse theft at the Baxter ranch. When he'd finished, the sheriff was quiet for a few moments. Removing his feet from the corner of the desk, he leaned his elbows on it and peered at Gabe. "You know we've had a lot of these in the last few days."

  "It's a first for our spread," Gabe replied. "Sure we've had trouble with trespassers and the occasional rustler in the past, but nothing has been taken."

  "Our best horses, too," Landon added. "Whoever took them has an eye for horse flesh, Nathan."

  The sheriff nodded and looked thoughtful. "That might narrow things down when it comes to finding out who's behind this."

  "Who else has been hit by this?" Gabe asked.

  Nathan sighed. "You see, that's the thing which got me thinking. There's one factor linking all these robberies."

  "What's that?" Landon asked.

  Nathan narrowed his eyes. "Every ranch that has been hit has somehow been connected to the Buchanan family."

  Gabe gasped. "What! Are you sure?"

  Nathan nodded. "The Armstrongs up north lost a couple of horses two nights ago. You know their daughter-in-law is a Buchanan cousin. Then there's Noah and Abigail over to the west of town. Abi is related to Caleb Buchanan. They lost Abi's favorite pinto." Nathan peered at Gabe and Landon. "And now you. Need I remind you that your sister Victoria
married into a family that already had Grace, who was formerly Grace Buchanan."

  "What are you getting at?" Landon asked.

  Nathan stroked his darkly-stubbled chin. "I'm not sure, yet. But it makes me think that whoever is behind this might have an axe to grind with the Buchanan family and that includes anyone who's related."

  Gabe figured he knew who might have a grudge against the Buchanans, but he preferred to let the sheriff find his own way in any investigation. Besides, Sheriff Nathan Cameron was well aware of the history between the Buchanans and a certain newcomer's family. Namely, that of Judah Calhoun.

  The sheriff stood. "Leave it with me," said coming out from behind his desk. "I've got some folks I need to see."

  "If you need us, you know where to find us," Gabe said.

  "At the Munro place?" Nathan said, lifting a brow. "Or have I been misinformed about you and Lauren."

  Gabe exchanged a surprised look with Landon. "Who's been talking?" Gabe asked.

  Nathan smiled and shook his head. "Everyone in town. You know what this place is like."

  Gabe frowned and nodded. He sighed. "I sure do. News travels fast."

  "Is there something I should know?" Landon asked abruptly, looking suddenly desperate.

  Gabe shook his head. "I'll let you in on things later." He saw Landon look at Nathan. Both men wisely decided not to pursue the matter any further. Outside, they shook hands with the sheriff and headed up the boardwalk.

  "You want me to take you up to the Munro place?" Landon asked. "The buckboard is right over there," he added pointing to it a short distance away.

  Gabe thought for a long moment, reliving the frustration he'd felt at not being able to tell the full story to Lauren. Maybe it wasn't too late. He was eager to get it over and done with. Then he'd see if he'd be able to do what he really wanted. Ask Lauren for her hand. Just that thought made his heart race faster. There was nothing worse than leaving important things unfinished. And this was just about the most important thing in Gabe's life.

  He looked earnestly at Landon. "Sure. Take me to the Munro place." He laid a hand on Landon's shoulder and smiled. "I've got to finish what I started over at that cafe."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Arriving back at the Munro ranch a short while later, Lauren saw a horse tied up at the hitching rail next to the porch. Someone had come visiting. For a brief moment she wondered if somehow Gabe had made his way to the ranch and beat her home. She dismissed the idea. She'd seen the serious expressions on his features and on Landon's. Lauren figured they'd be with the sheriff for a while. However, she was sure what Gabe would do after concluding his business with the sheriff. He'd probably make his way to the Munro place without hesitation. That thought brought butterflies to life in her middle. He was going to say something important to her. She could guess what it might be.

  Her heartbeat quickened at the thought. Was he about to propose marriage to her? She felt her face flush with heat. All of a sudden her mind was filled with warring thoughts. She wondered what she could say to such a proposal. Every moment since she'd returned to the ranch had been leading up to this. From the first time she'd seen Gabe again, vague thoughts had flickered constantly, day and night, in her mind. What would it be like to be his wife? A rancher's wife. What would it be like to pass the rest of her life in Inspiration? It was a beautiful town and the people were civil and godly. Her life with Gabe could be perfect, she admitted. If only she had the courage to accept his proposal.

  Lauren lifted her heart up to God and prayed silently. Lord, grant me the wisdom to do what is right. I know I love Gabe. Even though I haven't told him so, I believe he already knows. Only with Your guiding hand will I be able to do what's right. Lord, You have placed Gabe in my life again. And for that I am truly thankful. Lead me to find out the truth, Lord. So that I may do what is pleasing to You.

  Drawing the carriage into the yard, she halted it over by the corral and got down. The sun was high in the sky and the air was clear and cool. It was turning out to be an almost perfect day. If only she and Gabe could say the truth to each other, then everything would be perfect. Her spirits lifted by that thought, she made her way to the ranch house. She didn't recognize the horse which was tied up. Lauren wondered who the visitor could be.

  Lauren opened the door and stepped into the hallway. She paused, thinking she would go in search of her father. Turning toward the parlor, she heard voices coming from the kitchen. Victoria and what sounded like Kyle. Lauren frowned.

  Kyle was speaking, his voice tense. "So why didn't you tell me, Victoria?" he asked.

  "I told Gabe I'd leave that up to him," she replied. "He is the head of the family over at the ranch, after all. Now that pa has gone back East with ma."

  Lauren froze, realizing she was eavesdropping on a private conversation. Obviously neither Victoria nor Kyle had seen her arrive. She concluded it would be best to leave them alone. Lauren took a step toward the foot of the staircase, hoping a creaking floorboard wouldn't betray her presence. She grasped the wooden banister before starting up the stairs.

  "But what about Lauren?" she heard Kyle object.

  Lauren froze at the sound of her name. "What about her?" Victoria countered.

  "Surely Gabe should have told her," Kyle continued. "You and I both know what he's planning on doing."

  Lauren heard Victoria sigh heavily. "I'm sure Gabe has his reasons for doing things the way he wants. He didn't want to keep the truth from Lauren. He had no choice." Lauren heard Victoria pause. Then she added, softly: "He loves her."

  There was a long silence. Lauren felt her heart pounding furiously. It was true. Everyone knew Gabe loved her. Except herself, it seemed. Well, now she knew for sure. Her spirit sang momentarily at the realization of the truth about how Gabe felt about her. Then she was dragged back to the moment when she heard Victoria continue.

  "You know Gabe was put in an impossible situation." Lauren frowned, wondering what Victoria could mean.

  "Are you telling me Gabe was only thinking about what was best for me and Landon?" Kyle snapped.

  "He was," Victoria snapped back instantly. "Gabe had his hands tied. He had to judge what was best. For all of us. He had to make sure you all kept the ranch." When Victoria spoke her next words, they hit Lauren like a hammer blow. "If the only way to keep the ranch is for all three of you to get married, then that's the way it'll have to be."

  On hearing those last words, Lauren frowned. Keeping the ranch? The only way Gabe and his brothers could keep the ranch was if they each found brides? Something heavy sank in Lauren's stomach. Was that why Gabe had been courting her? Because of some family necessity? And she just happened to be here when he needed a wife? She gasped quietly, unwilling to believe it. Gabe wouldn't have done something as calculated. Would he? Lauren's grip on the wooden banister tightened. She felt herself begin to shake. Disbelief crowded her mind with terrible thoughts. All along, Gabe had known what he was doing. He was using her to save his family ranch.

  "I have complete faith in our brother," Victoria said, sounding assertive now. "He told you and Landon when the time was right. And, I expect he'll tell Lauren today."

  "Today?" Kyle replied sharply.

  "I think he's was planning to tell her when they're down at the cafe in town," Victoria stated. "He's real nervous about it. But he hopes she'll understand."

  Kyle scoffed. "That's a tall order. He should have been straight up about it from the start."

  "He knows that, Kyle," Victoria replied. "And he regrets it. But, he's just trying to do what's right."

  That explained the cryptic way Gabe had spoken to her, Lauren told herself. He hadn't been about to ask her to marry him. He'd intended to try to explain himself. Justify not telling her the complete story. Indignation and sorrow swept through Lauren in equal measure. Her pulse pounded in her ears, drowning out the voices from the kitchen. Calming herself she listened again. She heard movement from the kitchen. Footsteps. She didn't want them
to see her standing, listening. And, she was sure her pale, shocked features would betray what she'd just heard.