The Rancher’s Reunion Bride

by Maya Stirling

  "How long you planning on waiting?" he asked.

  "For what?"

  Zacharias looked at her with a disbelieving expression. "Before you go and speak to Gabe." He said the words as if what he was telling her was the most obvious thing in the world. Did her father really believe that it would be that easy?

  Lauren's shoulders tightened. Gazing beyond the yard toward the rangeland, she shook her head. "I'm not planning on doing that anytime soon." She tried to put as much conviction as possible into her voice. Looking back at Zacharias, she saw a look of genuine disapproval written across his features. "I'm not even sure he'll want to talk with me. Not after what happened."

  Zacharias shook his head emphatically. "I think you're wrong there." Her father peered sincerely at her. "I think Gabe will do anything to see you again. Especially if he thinks he can put right what he sees as the wrong he did to you."

  For some reason, the idea of Gabe feeling bad about what had happened just made Lauren feel a whole lot worse. Lauren sighed. "I don't want to make things worse."

  Zacharias paused thoughtfully. "You and your mother have a lot in common," he said. "She could be single-minded, too."

  Her head whirling to him, Lauren exclaimed: "I'm not being stubborn, pa," she objected.

  Zacharias lifted a hand and lowered it gently and repeatedly. "Whoa. Hold on, there, Lauren," he said, trying to calm her spirit. "Let me make my point."

  Settling back in the seat, Lauren rested her hands in her lap. She took a deep breath and waited for her father to continue. This wouldn't be the first time he'd counseled Lauren by referring to the calm wisdom her mother had possessed.

  Zacharias continued. "One thing your mother always used to say was that forgiveness is everything. We never really know the full story." Zacharias glanced up at the sky. "Only God knows everything, for sure. Your mother always let God do the deciding. She used to tell me that all I had to do was try and find out what He really wanted me to do." Zacharias' eyes widened. "And do it."

  Lauren nodded slowly. "I know how much forgiveness meant to ma," she said. "She taught me never to hold grudges. No matter how disappointed you are at other people."

  "Grudges are not what the Lord wants in our lives, Lauren," he said. Zacharias sighed quietly. "I was beginning to think God brought us here so you and Gabe could get together. Settle down. Have a good, peaceful life." He shrugged. "Maybe I was wrong."

  Lauren couldn't find the words to reply to that statement. Had her father been hoping for that all along? She'd seen how he'd apparently changed his mind about going West. He'd seemed happy while on the Munro ranch. And she'd come to believe that he wanted to stay here. "What about California?" she asked.

  "What about it?" Zacharias retorted.

  "I thought you had your heart set on a new life. A fresh start. Something exciting you could build on your own," she said. "What happened to that idea?"

  Zacharias frowned and then thought for a while. His next words surprised her. "It's still a dream," he said matter-of-factly. He nodded. "It's still on my mind."

  Lauren gasped quietly. "It is?" she asked and stared at him trying to see if he was joking. From his suddenly grim demeanor, it looked he was being deadly serious.

  Zacharias gazed at Lauren. "Maybe it is time to move on." He smiled weakly. "We had some good ideas about what we might do once we reach California, didn't we?"

  Lauren recalled their many conversations before setting out. There had been talk of fresh adventures; new places; challenges to be met. And now he was serious about continuing West? For a moment, she wasn't sure she believed him. But, there was a familiar steady look in her father's eyes. One she'd seen plenty of times. It was the look a Munro got when they wanted something bad.

  Zacharias stood and looked down at Lauren. He clearly didn't want to talk about it any longer. "I'm going back inside," he announced. He smiled at her. "Think about what I said, Lauren. Okay?"

  All she could do was nod and then watch her father head into the ranch house. Lauren sat for a while, suddenly aware that her heart was thundering. She was shaking slightly with the realization that her father would even think about giving up what they'd both discovered in Inspiration. And what she had reawakened with Gabe Baxter. Had her father just given her an ultimatum? Or had it been one last chance to claim her life with Gabe?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  "Looks like we're getting a visitor," Landon said to Gabe as he led the horse out of the corral. Holding the gate open for Landon, Gabe turned in the direction of the sound of rattling carriage wheels. It was getting late and would soon be dark, but he could still make out the identity of the driver. Zacharias Munro drove the carriage into the yard in front of the Baxter ranch house. Pulling it to a halt near the corral, Zacharias got down from the carriage seat.

  Gabe went across to meet Zacharias. Both men shook hands. "Evening, Zach," Gabe said. "What brings you here?"

  Gabe saw Zach glance over at Landon. "I thought I'd come over and have a talk with you, son," Zacharias said. Gabe took note of the familiar way Lauren's father had addressed him. The same way he'd done the other night when Gabe had stood at the front door of the Munro ranch house.

  "What about?" Gabe asked. He lifted a brow. "Or should I take a guess," he added. He knew it must be about Lauren.

  Zacharias smiled and watched as Landon led the horse to the open doors of the stable. Once Landon was inside, Zacharias spoke: "I was speaking to Lauren earlier this afternoon."

  Gabe eyed Zach expectantly. "How is she doing?" he asked. Gabe was desperate to know how she was. He'd been thinking about Lauren every moment for the last forty-eight hours. He hadn't been able to shift the feeling that he'd lost any chance of winning her heart.

  Zacharias shrugged. "She's cut up about what happened, Gabe," he said. "Real troubled. Hasn't been her usual self these past two days."

  Gabe ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "That makes two of us."

  "She's been moping around the ranch house," Zacharias revealed. "That's whenever she isn't knitting that shawl for Victoria's baby. I wonder if she'll get a chance to finish it." Gabe let that last part pass him by. He was too busy feeling bad about how he'd been the cause of Lauren's distress. Zacharias peered intently at Gabe. "You two know exactly how to make each other miserable, don't you?"

  "Isn't that what you do sometimes when you got feelings about a person?" Gabe countered. He wanted to say that he loved Lauren, but maybe her father didn't want to hear those words. Not right now. Not even if it was the truth.

  "I guess so," Zach replied. "Lauren's mother and I used to have plenty of friendly disagreements." Zacharias smiled and then laughed quietly. "Those were some of the best times." His gaze softened, as if he was back there, years before, reliving the good times.

  Gabe was touched by Zach's obviously warm memories of Lauren's mother. But he felt the need to make something clear. "There was nothing friendly about what happened the other day between me and Lauren."

  "It's nothing that can't be fixed," Zach declared, peering straight into Gabe's eyes. "Lauren's mother and I always managed to patch things up." Zacharias gazed off into the distance. Gabe watched him, fascinated. Was Lauren's father thinking of better days? Happier times? Was that why he'd come all this way? To help Gabe and his daughter fix what was broken? Zacharias drew in a deep breath. "Thing is, Gabe, my daughter is the kind of young woman who makes her mind up and finds it hard to change her opinion. I've tried to bring her up to be a forgiving type of person."

  "She is, Zach," Gabe said. "You brought her up right."

  Zacharias' gaze became suddenly intense. "But, maybe in this case, even though I've done my best to teach her right, forgiveness might be a step too far. She's hurting real bad."

  For a moment, Gabe was taken aback by Zach's forthright manner. He stared disbelievingly at Zach. Had he just declared there might be no way back? "It's just a misunderstanding," Gabe said abruptly. "That's all. A terrible misunderstanding. I know
I should have told her sooner. And I'm real sorry I didn't. Did you tell her I said that? That I regret what I did?"

  "She's trying to understand," Zach said. "But, it ain't easy." He thought for a moment. "Why don't you try and tell her yourself?" Zacharias asked.

  "You know she won't see me," Gabe objected.

  Zacharias lifted both brows and nodded. "She might if she thinks there's a chance of clearing this whole thing up." Zacharias shook his head. "But, once Lauren gets an idea into her head, there's no shifting it."

  Gabe forced a smile, recalling all the little moments he'd shared with Lauren when she'd been stubborn and strong-minded. He realized those were some of his most prized moments with her. "Does she believe I deceived her?" Gabe asked breathlessly.

  Zacharias looked unsure. "I think the other night she was so shocked she would have believed anything," he said. "Good and bad," he added giving Gabe a stern look. "I've done my best to help her see sense." Zacharias' shoulders slumped. "Maybe she's coming round." Gabe's heart sank into the pit of his stomach. He didn't know what he could say next. "Come on over to the ranch," Zacharias said.

  "When?" Gabe asked, his heart filling with hope.

  Zach shrugged. "How about tomorrow? You can talk to her yourself."

  Hardly believing what Zach was saying, Gabe furrowed his brows. "Do you think she will?"

  Zach sighed. "Look, Gabe. I think I know my daughter pretty well. She's a woman who's been brought up in a godly home. And that means there's no resentment allowed." Zach shook his head. "Not under our roof. That ain't something her mother would have tolerated for a minute."

  Hope strengthened inside Gabe. "All I need is one chance. Help her to understand why I took so long to tell her my reasons for wanting to marry." The words were out before Gabe had a chance to consider them carefully. Gabe saw the corner of Zach's mouth crease with the beginnings of a smile. Gabe shifted on his heels. "I mean, wanting to marry Lauren."

  Now the truth was out in the open. He'd spoken the words to the one man who had the power to stand in Gabe's way. Zach nodded thoughtfully. Lifting a brow, he said: "You sure have a way with words, Gabe. It can't have been easy to say that to me."

  Gabe looked earnestly at Lauren's father. "They're the truest words I've ever said, Zach. I love your daughter." Drawing in a deep breath, Gabe lifted his shoulders and met Zach's gaze. "And I mean to ask her to become my wife." Realizing just how presumptuous those words must have sounded, Gabe backtracked. "If you'll give me your consent, sir," Gabe said stiffly.

  Gabe saw Zach's gaze soften. The older man's eyes brightened with obvious delight. He gently took hold of Gabe's upper arm and grinned. "Son. I couldn't ask for a better man to seek the hand of my only daughter."

  Gabe matched Zach's grin. His shoulders sagging with relief, Gabe took Zach's other hand and shook it enthusiastically. "Thank you, Zach. You don't know what this means to me."

  "I think I do," Zach retorted. "I remember what it felt like to find someone special. Lauren is more than special to me. She's everything." Zach looked skeptically at Gabe. "May I remind you there's still plenty for you to do. You're going to have your work cut out if she's even going to let you ask her the question."

  Overcome by the relief that Zach looked favorably upon Gabe's intentions, Gabe realized he didn't have the faintest idea how he was going to bring the subject up. And that assumed she'd even talk to him. Right now, that seemed as impossible as ever.

  As if sensing Gabe's concern, Zach spoke: "I'll do my best to help you."

  Zacharias left shortly after. Gabe had agreed he'd be at the Munro ranch around noon the next day. As far as Gabe was concerned there were two ways of looking at that. Either it meant he had plenty of time to prepare what he had to say to Lauren. Or it gave him too much time worry about the possibility she'd say no. Later, over dinner in the ranch house, Gabe told Landon he'd be visiting the Munro family the next day. Landon smiled, not requiring any further explanation. Lily was pleased, of course. She didn't hold back from telling Gabe that he better not make a mess of his chance if Lauren was kind enough to even speak with him. Gabe knew that their housekeeper had strong opinions about him and his brothers finding wives. Gabe was sure Lily's opinions had been shaped by long talks with his parents. Especially when all three Baxter men weren't around.

  It was impossible to ignore the fact that Kyle had been absent at the dinner table. Landon didn't know where Kyle could be. Darkness had fallen and there was still no sign of Kyle. As the evening wore on, Gabe told Landon he'd wait up for Kyle. Landon headed to his bed, leaving Gabe sitting out on the porch. For a long while, Gabe sat and thought about his talk with Zacharias. It looked like there was still a chance to win Lauren's hand. Gabe had already convinced himself he'd succeeded in winning her heart. Even though he'd almost thrown it away by not telling her sooner about his need to find a wife, he figured there was still a chance she'd let him propose marriage. Because, as he sat in the porch seat, and gazed up at the starry sky, as he listened to the soft sounds of night, Gabe knew that, come tomorrow, he was going to get down on bended knee and ask Lauren the most important question of his life.

  Gabe had been on the porch for a long while, and was thinking of retiring to bed when he heard the thundering beat of horses hooves. Gabe stood when saw Kyle riding into the yard. His brother drew his mount to a halt and leaped down from the saddle. By the light from inside the ranch house, Gabe saw Kyle's features were distorted by concern. Striding rapidly to Kyle, Gabe laid a hand on Kyle's arm.

  "What's wrong?" Gabe demanded.

  Kyle was sweating and clearly breathless. "I came as fast as I could," Kyle exclaimed barely able to get the words out. "They don't know I'm here." Kyle swallowed nervously and turned, peering along the dark trail.

  "Who?" Gabe asked, squeezing Kyle's arm.

  Kyle turned and faced Gabe. Kyle's features looked tortured, pale and drawn, as if he was harboring a terrible secret. Gabe had never seen Kyle like this before. He led Kyle to the porch and sat him down on the seat. Taking his place next to Kyle, Gabe asked: "What's going on, Kyle? You look like you've seen a ghost."

  Kyle dragged in a deep breath and took a few moments to calm himself. Finally he peered at Gabe. "First of all, you need to know what I've been doing this last few days. Every time I've been in town. And that time I went with Murray when he came to the Munro ranch."

  Gabe frowned. Of course he wanted to know the truth, but he wasn't sure he was going to like it. "Tell me," he said to Kyle.

  Kyle sighed heavily. "I know I made you worry. And I'm sorry about that. But I had good reasons for doing what I did. You have to believe me." Gabe frowned and waited for Kyle to continue. "I know you only wanted the best for me," Kyle said. "And I was sure trouble to you and Landon. But I've learned the lessons you and Landon tried to teach me. And, most of all, the lesson the Lord has been trying to teach me. That it's time to take responsibility for keeping this family together."

  Gabe smiled. "I'm glad."

  Kyle drew in a deep breath. "Over at the Munro place, I've seen what it means to really be a part of a ranching outfit." Kyle laughed nervously. "Those ranch hands tested me. They treated me hard. But they were fair. And I think I found out what it takes to do this ranching work. And I realize, for the first time, what a burden I've been to you and Landon."

  Gabe shook his head and laid a hand on Kyle's shoulder. "You were never a burden to us. We just want the best for you. For all of us."

  Kyle nodded. "And so do I."

  "What are you really saying Kyle?" Gabe asked.

  "I'm staying on the ranch," Kyle admitted. "For good."

  "You are?" Gabe asked feeling delight sweeping through him.

  Kyle nodded and grinned. "I might even think about finding me a wife."