Lauren's heart quickened. She could not shift her gaze from his startlingly steady eyes. Determination had tightened his perfect jawline. Feeling that it was the right thing to do, she lifted a hand to his stubble-covered cheek and ran her fingers across the roughness. "I'm glad you came," she said sincerely. "Really, I am."
Instantly, his features softened with obvious delight. He moved closer to her. For a moment, she was sure he was going to lean his head down and kiss her. But, he restrained himself, drawing in a deep breath. Disappointment flared into life in her heart. Removing his hand from beneath her chin, Gabe shifted on his heels and cleared his throat, his eyes shifting hesitantly, clearly unsettled by something which was on his mind. Voices drifted across the air from the stable as final preparations were made to take Murray and his accomplices into town.
She knew he would be leaving soon. Wondering what it would mean if he did, she tried to come up with words which would express how she felt. He'd rescued her; fought for her; saved her. Gabe would never have done that if he didn't feel strongly about her, she told herself. His planned visit tomorrow suddenly seemed like it was an eternity away. Impatience swelled within her.
As if sensing her impatience, Gabe straightened his shoulders. Reaching down quickly he startled her by seizing her hands. Holding them tenderly in his powerful grasp, he peered intently into her eyes. She could see he was desperate to say something. "Lauren. I need to tell you something real important Something true. And right now seems like the perfect time." He drew in a deep breath. His gaze softened. "I love you, Lauren Munro."
She gasped. Her heart began to thunder and her pulse raced. Feeling suddenly unsteady on her feet, she curled her fingers around Gabe's, holding on. Managing to smile, she gazed into his dark eyes. There was only one thing she could say to that, she told herself. "And I love you, Gabriel Baxter."
Gabe's brows shot up together and he smiled. "You do?" Emotion shook his voice. Now it was his turn to gasp. Delight was written across his features. Gabe's face flushed red as the truth of her words hit him with full force.
Lauren shook her head and laughed quietly with her own delight. Gabe's eyes narrowed slightly. His gaze was filled with love and appreciation. His head dipped slowly and his lips settled upon hers. Sensation overwhelmed Lauren as Gabe kissed her tenderly. His scent, manly and intoxicating, filled her senses. Releasing her hands, he embraced her, drawing her against him. Lauren lifted her hands up to Gabe's shoulders, feeling the power in his broad physique. It felt good to be in Gabe's embrace. For a long moment she allowed herself to be swept up in his arms, in his embrace and in his love.
Then, reacting once again to the sound of voices from the stable, Lauren felt Gabe's body tighten. Lifting his head, the kiss suddenly ended, Gabe gazed into Lauren's eyes. He was so close she could feel his soft breath against her cheeks. Gabe ran his gaze across her features, regarding Lauren as if she was the most precious thing in the world to him. And that was exactly how his kiss had made her feel. Loved. Needed.
"I've been a fool," Gabe admitted breathlessly. "I waited too long to tell you how I feel. And I hung back from telling you all the reasons why I needed you in my life."
Lauren smiled gently. "You don't need to explain anything. There's nothing more to say about any of that." She ran her hands along the side of his face. "All that matters is that we love each other."
Gabe nodded. "God brought us together because He knows we belong with each other. And He wouldn't let anything tear us apart." There was utter conviction in Gabe's voice. A resolve she hadn't heard before. "That's wonderful enough, don't you think?" he concluded with a smile.
Lauren nodded. "I think the Lord wants the best for us all."
The corner of Gabe's eyes creased with delight. "He does," Gabe murmured.
From the stable, she heard Landon call Gabe's name. Gabe glanced toward the stable but didn't react to the call. She didn't want him to leave. Not now they'd said those words to one another. Not now the truth had been spoken, at last. Lauren wanted this moment to continue forever. "What about tomorrow?" she asked.
"What about it?" Gabe asked, his brows furrowing.
"Are you still planning to come over for a visit?" she asked.
Gabe thought for a long moment. Then, as if he'd made his mind up, he shook his head firmly. "I won't be coming over like I planned," he stated.
Lauren felt her heart sink. "You won't ?"
Gabe shook his head slowly. "There's no point."
Lauren swallowed. "Why not?" she just about managed to say through her tight throat. Her heart pounding faster, she peered up into Gabe's eyes and saw something flicker into life. A hint of mischievousness.
Taking Lauren's hands again, Gabe peered intently at her. "I won't be coming because, right now, I'm going to do what I was planning on doing tomorrow."
Lauren gasped as Gabe sank down onto one knee. Lauren's eyes widened as she looked down at Gabe, seeing his eager and determined expression. She let out a little whine of delight. Gabe held her hands tightly in his own. She couldn't take her eyes off his face. Lauren knew exactly what he was going to say.
"Lauren Munro," Gabe said decisively. "You know how much I love you. How much I want you in my life. There's only one question I need to ask you."
Lauren's heartbeat was racing faster than a stallion's hoofbeats. "There is?"
Gabe nodded firmly. He took in one last deep breath and gazed up at Lauren. "Will you do me the great honor of agreeing to become my wife?" On that last word, Gabe's voice finally cracked with emotion. It was almost as if he couldn't believe what he was saying.
Lauren gazed down at Gabe. She could see the love in his eyes. Her heart filled with joy. She didn't want to make him wait for her answer. He'd already waited long enough. Lauren nodded. "Of course I will, Gabe," she said.
"You will?" he exclaimed.
Did he doubt what she'd just said? How could he? She'd never been more certain of anything in her life. "I will marry you," she said softly. This time her own voice weakened with emotion.
Gabe rose and faced her, still holding onto her hands. He looked almost shocked. Lauren felt her hands shaking. Gabe swept Lauren into his arms and kissed her again. Lauren settled into Gabe's embrace, welcoming the peace which had taken hold of her. A wondrous peace which filled her entire being. The Lord had brought this amazing man into her life. All she could feel was an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Finally, the kiss ended. Gabe held Lauren in his arms, gazing longingly into her eyes. Then he spoke, quietly and sincerely: "I promise to do everything in my power to make you happy. The Lord has blessed me with the most beautiful and wonderful woman on this earth. I will cherish and love you forever."
His words sent waves of delight crashing over her. Resting her hand against the side of his face, she smiled. "And I will do all I can to be a good and loving wife to you."
Gabe smiled contentedly. Lauren heard voices from the stable. Glancing over Gabe's shoulder she saw Grace, Victoria and Zacharias coming toward them. "I think we better get ready to give everyone the good news."
Turning, Gabe saw the others. "You're right." He looked at Lauren. "What do you think they'll say?"
Lauren tilted her head. "I think they've all known this was coming for quite some time."
Gabe nodded thoughtfully. "I think you might be right." He lowered his head and spoke in a quiet voice. "Looks like you and I were the last to know we loved each other."
Lauren touched Gabe's chin with the tip of her finger. She grinned mischievously. "Well, we've got plenty of time to fix that, haven't we?"
Gabe smiled and leaned in closer to Lauren. She knew she'd never get tired of seeing Gabe look at her with such love. "We have the rest of our lives together," he murmured.
Lauren smiled at Gabe. And then he kissed her.
THE END
The Brides of Inspiration series will continue in the next novel which will tell the story of Kyle Baxter's search for love.
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Brides of Inspiration series.
The Rancher's Bride Arrangement
The Rancher's Marriage of Convenience
The Rancher's Second Chance Bride
The Rancher's Bride Surprise
The Rancher's Bride Blessing
The Rancher's Devout Bride
The Rancher's Christmas Miracle
The Rancher’s Reunion Bride Page 21