He quickly settled the horses in their stalls and went to Rosalind. She was standing at the open doors, gazing out at the rain. Looking closely at her, he was pleased to see that she hadn't gotten too wet. The last thing he wanted was for her to catch a chill.
He stood alongside her and followed her gaze. "That was close," he exclaimed.
"You were right," she said peering at him. Her eyes narrowed slightly and she smiled. "But, then again, you are a rancher. You ought to know those kind of things."
He shrugged. "You get to know this landscape if you spend enough time in it."
She wrapped her arms around herself. Gideon too a step closer. "Are you cold? I can go get a blanket, if you need one," he offered.
She smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine Gideon," she said softly.
Her eyes brightened as she regarded him. Once again, Gideon felt drawn to her. Just as he'd been earlier when they been talking down by the river. He drew in a slow breath, thoughts suddenly tumbling in his mind. He knew what he wanted to do; knew what he was being drawn to do. He asked himself if it was right to even consider taking the next step with Rosalind. The answer, when it came, caused him to move closer to her.
Rosalind's gaze flickered down slightly, as if she was also hesitating. As if she was having the same thoughts as him. There was a rumble from the skies above, and the rain started tumbling even heavier. Gideon saw Rosalind shiver and then he closed the distance between them.
He gently took hold of her shoulders, savoring the touch of her gown against his skin. She said nothing and, more importantly for him, did nothing to move away from him. He knew she was welcoming his touch, accepting that he felt the same way she did. For a last, brief moment, they looked at one another. He could see that she knew what this moment meant. To her. And to him.
When he leaned his head closer, and kissed her, he felt all the tension, all the uncertainty, ease out of him as he savored the softness of her lips. She lifted her head and shifted closer to him. He held her gently, as if she was the most precious thing in the world. And, the truth was, right now she was.
As the kiss ended, so too did the rain. Abruptly and suddenly. In the silence that followed, all Gideon could hear was the pounding of his heart and the soft sound of Rosalind's breathing. She gazed up into his eyes and smiled. "I think we just stopped the rain with a kiss," she said.
He laughed quietly and nodded. "We sure did," he agreed.
He continued to hold her tenderly, not wanting to end the moment he'd once thought would never come.
From outside he heard the sounds of footsteps in the muddy yard. Someone was coming to the stable. Maybe they'd been seen on their arrival, he told himself. Quickly he released his hold on Rosalind and took a step back.
Moments later, his mother, Eugenie appeared. "There you are," she said. "I thought we saw you both arriving."
Rosalind shifted awkwardly as Eugenie entered the stable. "We made it just in time," Rosalind said.
Eugenie glanced at Gideon and lifted a brow. "You certainly did," she observed, looking from her son to Rosalind. Gideon felt heat rise to his cheeks. Was it that obvious?
Luckily, his mother knew when to be diplomatic. "You both get back into the house. We've got some hot coffee there. And you can dry yourselves off," she suggested. Eugenie hooked an arm inside Rosalind's. "Now you can tell me what you think of our wonderful ranch," she said as she started to lead Rosalind away from Gideon.
And, just as the two women exited the stable, his mother turned her head and peered at Gideon. There was a knowing look on his mother's face. "You coming?" she said to him.
And then he followed them out and toward the house knowing he was going to answer plenty of questions once Rosalind was safely on her way back to Inspiration.
CHAPTER TWENTY
"Do you think Gideon is going to propose today?" Sophie asked Rosalind the following morning. Rosalind felt her face flush with heat, although she knew she shouldn't be surprised at the directness of Sophie's question.
"How would I know? Rosalind muttered weakly.
Sophie smiled at Rosalind. "If you don't know after what happened yesterday, I don't know who will."
It was late Monday morning, almost lunchtime, and they were walking along the road, away from Sophie's house. Rosalind gazed ahead toward Main Street. They were going to the bakery to buy a special cake for Gideon's impending visit to the Cameron house. Although this wasn't going to be anything like his previous visits, she told herself. This time, something truly momentous might happen. Just like what had taken place in the stable at the Circle Cross yesterday.
"What happened yesterday?" Rosalind asked softly, knowing full well that she couldn't fool Sophie. Not for one minute.
Sophie scoffed. "Everyone in the house was talking about you two. Eugenie saw you both riding up when the rain started. And then you didn't come out of the stable." Sophie tilted her head and grinned. "What do you expect people to think?"
Rosalind shrugged. "That we were just taking shelter from the rain?"
Sophie snorted and laughed out loud. "Rosalind. People in Inspiration might have good hearts, but that doesn't make them simple-minded."
"I wasn't suggesting they are," Rosalind said.
"Everyone at the Circle Cross is excited at the prospect that Gideon has finally found someone," Sophie declared. She scooped her hand through in Rosalind's arm and leaned her head closer. "And I, for one, am really delighted. Tell me more about Gideon."
Rosalind smiled. "What's there to say? You know what he's like."
Sophie pulled Rosalind's arm tighter. "I haven't seen Gideon like this before. No-one has. In the house yesterday, all the talk was about how Gideon has become a new man since he started stepping out with you, Rosalind."
"Really? Is that what they're saying?" she replied. The idea that everyone was paying so much attention to her and Gideon was vaguely unsettling to Rosalind.
Sophie nodded. "And I agree. He's changed so much. He just looks happy."
Rosalind thought a moment and nodded. "I guess he is," she agreed. "But that can't surely be down to me," she said quickly.
"Who else could have caused it?" Sophie asked.
Finally giving in to Sophie's persuasion, Rosalind sighed. "I suppose you might have a point," she conceded.
"There," Sophie ejaculated. "I knew you'd come around to my way of thinking."
As they walked on, Rosalind recalled what had happened after she and Gideon had come in from the stable. There had been some friendly talk, including some brotherly teasing from Gideon's brothers and Nathan. Gideon had taken it all with good humor. Eugenie and Sophie had been more measured in their response, perhaps sensing that Rosalind would find it uncomfortable to talk about her private time with Gideon. After all, this was supposed to be a courtship, Rosalind had reminded herself. Surely there had to be at least some delicacy in the way things were handled.
On the journey back to Inspiration, both Sophie and Nathan had avoided any mention of that part of the visit. Rosalind had been relieved to have a chance to think over what had happened.
It was simple really, she'd told herself. Gideon had taken a final, decisive step toward her. His former reluctance had been swept aside by that wonderful kiss in the stable. And it had been memorable. She savored the memory of the way Gideon had held her. Gently and with such tenderness. His kiss had been equally as tender. Unforgettable, really, she said to herself.
She wondered what had prompted him to do such a thing. Had it been her declaration to him about what she'd experienced at the church? Or had it been her honesty in revealing to him the dark episode she'd experienced before coming to Inspiration? Maybe all of it, she'd reflected. Perhaps he realized that, for the first time since she'd come to Inspiration, she felt able to leave her past behind.
All she knew was that, after speaking to him out on the ranch, as they'd faced each other, before the rain had come, she had witnessed a subtle change in Gideon's attitude toward h
er. It had been as if the barrier, which had stood between them from the first moment they'd met, had been gently, irrevocably pushed aside.
Did Gideon really believe that there was hope for them both now? Was he really going to propose marriage to her today?
All she knew for sure was that he was paying a visit. Yesterday, up at the ranch, that had been the last thing he'd said. Rosalind had been sitting on the seat of the carriage, with Nathan and Sophie right alongside her. The entire Buchanan family had been standing behind Gideon as he'd looked up at Rosalind and told her he intended paying her a call the next day. If that was acceptable to her, he'd added.
Rosalind had seen the looks his family members had exchanged after he'd uttered those words. They'd all known what he'd really meant. And so did she. Gideon had finally made his mind up. Who was she to stand in his way when it was also what she wanted? Because she, too, had made up her mind. If Gideon Buchanan wanted her as his wife, then she was quite happy to agree. More than happy, in fact. The prospect filled her with joy and anticipation.
The bright sun shone down on Main Street as she and Sophie made their way up onto the boardwalk and started in the direction of the town bakery.
For some reason, everything looked so much brighter today, Rosalind told herself as she and Sophie made their way along the boardwalk. The smiles on the faces of the townsfolk were even more pronounced today. Of course, that had nothing to do with the prospect of seeing Gideon. She smiled quietly to herself. Who was she trying to fool? Of course her good feelings were everything to do with that fact.
"What are you thinking?" Sophie asked, smiling mischievously at Rosalind.
"Can't you guess?" Rosalind replied.
"Don't tell me you're thinking about the chocolate cake we're going to buy," Sophie teased.
Her mood lightening by the second, Rosalind leaned closer and spoke in a quiet voice. "Someone much sweeter," she murmured and laughed.
They were just about to pass the entrance to the hotel when two figures emerged. The men, obviously in a hurry, and oblivious to the presence of the passersby, almost collided with Sophie and Rosalind. For a second, Rosalind was too occupied with making sure she didn't tumble off the side of the boardwalk to pay attention to the two men. She gasped and then grabbed hold of Sophie. For her part, Sophie staggered slightly and, thankfully, held on to Rosalind, preventing them both from tumbling onto the dusty street.
Then Rosalind turned to face the two men. She froze and felt an icy chill sweep up her spine as she gazed, incredulously, at the two men.
One of them was Calhoun. His dark gaze regarded her and Sophie with a casual indifference. A cheroot hung from the corner of his mouth. There was not even a hint of apology in the man's demeanor.
Then Calhoun turned to his companion. The man from whom Rosalind could not avert her astonished gaze.
It was Jesse Brown. And he was looking straight at Rosalind.
Rosalind drew in a deep breath and tried to still her frantically pounding heart. Sophie released her grip on Rosalind's arm. "Mr Calhoun. You almost outdid yourself this morning."
Calhoun glanced at Rosalind, clearly enjoying the look of shock on her face. He looked back at Sophie. "How so, Mrs Cameron?"
"You nearly threw us down onto the street," Sophie snapped. "I presume you'll apologize."
Calhoun dipped his head and spoke with deep sarcasm. "My friend and I were in a hurry," he said. He looked at Brown. "Isn't that right, Mr Brown?"
Brown nodded, saying nothing. His gaze was still locked firmly on Rosalind. She saw a familiar cold expression in those eyes. The same eyes which had tormented her dreams since her escape from him. He was dressed in a dark suit, light-colored waistcoat and derby hat. She thought he looked tired, older than the last time she'd laid eyes on him. His skin was parchment dry and, in the bright sunshine, he looked pale.
Upon hearing her former tormentor's name, Rosalind saw Sophie's body stiffen. She glanced at Rosalind, her eyes wide with disbelief. Although she didn't utter a word, Rosalind saw that Sophie immediately understood who was standing in front of her.
"May I introduce my new acquaintance," Calhoun said acidly. He gestured toward Brown. "Lately arrived on the morning train. This is Mr Jesse Brown." There was triumph in Calhoun's voice. Rosalind could hear it. And it made her feel sick.
Calhoun looked from Brown to Rosalind, clearly eager to witness the reaction. Rosalind knew Calhoun must not have been disappointed with the horrified look on her face.
Brown took a step forward. Almost instinctively, Sophie stepped between Rosalind and Brown. "I don't think introductions are needed," she said. "Do you, Mr Brown?"
Brown hesitated a long moment and then peered at Sophie. "It would appear Miss Grover has spoken to you of me," he said slowly.
"Indeed she has, Mr Brown," Sophie snapped. "I'm surprised at your presence here, Mr Brown. What brings you to Inspiration?"
It was so like Sophie to get to the heart of the matter, Rosalind told herself. Her question had the effect Sophie had intended. Brown looked as if he'd been momentarily pushed off balance. Gone was that easy confidence of a moment ago. Now, he looked puzzled and uncertain.
Rosalind realized she still hadn't said a word to the man who had almost ruined her life.
In answer to Sophie's bold demand, Brown peered at Rosalind. "I'm sure Miss Grover can explain my presence here," he replied. Brown lifted a brow. "Is that not so?"
Rosalind fixed Brown with a stern look. His gaze matched hers. At last, she found her voice. "Mr Brown and I have met before." She narrowed her eyes. "Briefly," she added sharply. "Very briefly," she snapped.
She felt her jaw tighten as she stared at him, defiant and determined he should see no weakness in her demeanor.
Brown's eyes flickered with momentary doubt. A few townsfolk moved slowly past the quartet who were facing each other off outside the hotel. Rosalind saw a few puzzled looks on the faces of those who, awkwardly, weaved their way past.
Calhoun eased his way toward Sophie and Rosalind, but halted when he saw the way both women looked at him. "Come, come, ladies. What way is that to welcome a newcomer to our town?"
Rosalind frowned at Calhoun. "What do you mean?"
Calhoun flicked some ash from his cheroot. "Mr Brown is interested in taking up residence in our fair town." Calhoun peered at Brown. "Isn't that right, sir?"
Brown nodded. "I already like what I see," he replied. As he said those words he gave Rosalind a look which made her skin crawl. "I think I could be right at home here," he added. "Don't you think, Mr Calhoun?"
Calhoun nodded. "I've already spoken of the opportunities which await a man of your fine qualities, Mr Brown."
"You certainly have, sir," Brown replied. "I couldn't have come here without your kind assistance.
"That's kind of you to say so, Mr Brown," Calhoun exclaimed with mock appreciation.
Indignation flared inside Rosalind. Calhoun had done this. He had arranged all of this. She knew it, as certainly as she'd ever known anything. Calhoun must have seen this as the only way he could stop Gideon from marrying her. And if he succeeded in doing that, Gideon might conclude that he should never marry.
Anyone.
Bringing the one man who could stop her from becoming Gideon's wife must have seemed like an easy solution to Calhoun. Rosalind wondered how Calhoun had managed to pull this off. She made her mind to find out. But that would have to wait until later.
Both men were toying with her, now. They were determined to ruin all her prospects for happiness. She'd come so close. She'd almost been able to grasp a future of joy. Now it was being snatched from her.
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