The Rancher’s Beloved Bride Page 10

  Kyle said. "I'll help you out."

  Flint's brows rose and he smiled broadly. "That's great, Kyle."

  Kyle held up a hand. "But I can't promise to be there every day."

  Flint nodded. "I know, son. I understand you and your brothers have a ranch to run."

  "I'll come over to your place as often as I can," Kyle said. "I don't know exactly how much advice I can give you about turning your place into a going concern, but I'll do my best."

  Flint smiled. Seizing Kyle's hand, he shook it firmly. "That's great, Kyle. Thank you."

  Kyle could see how much his agreement to help meant to Flint. It seemed like the man's intentions were sincere. He really looked like a man who wanted to turn his life around. For a moment, Kyle wondered what Flint was trying to leave behind in Chicago. Maybe there were dark secrets Flint wanted to leave buried. For now though, Kyle told himself that for the next few weeks he was going to be able to see more of Veronica. And that was good as far as Kyle was concerned.

  Only one doubt hovered in the back of his mind. What was Veronica going to say when she found out that Kyle intended to spend plenty of time on her father's property? And that he was going to be around her almost every minute of that time.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  "We're going to church?" Veronica asked the next morning over breakfast in the dining room of the Flint residence. Veronica glanced at Molly and saw her eyes widen with surprise.

  Sitting across from her, Augusta and her father nodded in perfect unison. "You best finish up your breakfast and start getting ready," Augusta said gently. "The service starts at eleven. So you should have plenty of time to get yourself and Molly prepared."

  Veronica wanted to ask one question of her father. Why had he suddenly changed his mind about going to church? Only yesterday, as they'd all been getting ready to attend the Baxter wedding, Dominick had reminded everyone that he hadn't set foot inside a church in a long time. Too long, as far as Veronica was concerned. But all that had changed after yesterday.

  Continuing with her breakfast, with the early morning sun streaking in through the tall windows, Veronica asked herself, not for the first time, what her father and Kyle had spoken about yesterday at the Baxter ranch. During the ride home after leaving the ranch, Dominick had flatly refused to divulge what he and Kyle had spoken about. Being honest with herself, Veronica had found that mildly irritating. But she had kept her peace, not wanting to spoil the perfection of the day she and her family had spent at the wedding and at the ranch. It had been a delight to witness a loving family with an extensive group of related family members and friends all joined together in celebrating the wonderful union of two people who clearly loved each other. Gabe had told Veronica that he and Lauren would be building a place of their own on the Baxter land. There was plenty of it, Veronica reflected. She thought about how idyllic it would be to live with a husband on such beautiful land. How perfect each day would be, sharing life with rancher. And, maybe having children. Lots of them. Bringing up a family on a ranch seemed like a whole new world to Veronica. A better world than the one she'd left behind in Chicago. She could imagine how wonderful it would be to watch children grow up amongst the awesome beauty of this special place. How it would feel to share every day with a man she loved. Her heart ached as she let those thoughts drift idly through her mind.

  After breakfast, Veronica spent time in her room getting herself and Molly ready for the trip to church. She picked out the nicest of Molly's many gowns. It was a lovely pale blue gown and matching bonnet. She helped Molly put on her prettiest little shoes. The color of Molly's gown was the same as the blue sky Veronica could see out of her bedroom window. For herself, Veronica thought long and hard about what to wear. Eventually she settled on a gown of the same color as Molly's. She figured mother and daughter would look nice in matching gowns.

  Coming downstairs, she was surprised to find Vogel standing at the open door of the mansion. Unusually for him, he was neatly attired in a dark brown suit, one Veronica knew he only wore for special business meetings. Veronica knew that Vogel wasn't a regular churchgoer.

  Vogel smiled at Veronica and Molly as they reached the bottom of the staircase. "May I say how pretty you both look," he murmured in a low voice. Vogel's manner of speaking had always struck Veronica as very singular. There was a harsh, sibilant quality to his voice. It always sounded as if he was trying to force the words out from the back of his throat. There was something serpent-like about Vogel which had always troubled Veronica. His eyes were narrow and his features angular. All of that combined with his gaunt figure created an unsettling impression in most people who met him for the first time. He'd been an advisor to her father for many years. Too many, Veronica told herself repeatedly.

  "Are you going to church, Mr Vogel?" Veronica asked.

  He nodded. "Mr Flint specifically requested my presence this morning."

  "Did he?" Veronica asked, feeling surprised. Her father must have made his request a command, she reflected. In spite of his forced smile, she could tell Vogel wasn't too pleased with his employer's order.

  Through the open door, Veronica saw the carriage come to a halt. One of the estate's workers slid down from the seat. From behind her, Veronica heard footsteps. Her father and mother emerged from the sitting room. Both were immaculately dressed in their finest Sunday outfits. Her father wore an elegant gray suit and held a Derby hat in his hand. Veronica's mother wore a lovely gray gown which almost matched Dominick's suit. Veronica figured they all looked like a true family, wearing matching outfits.

  Soon they were making their way into town. Vogel drove the carriage with Dominick sitting next to him in the front seat of the carriage. In the back seat sat Veronica, Molly and Augusta. The overheard canopy of the carriage cast a welcoming shade across them. The day promised to be warm. It was going to be another beautiful day in Inspiration, Veronica told herself. She wondered if she would find Kyle at church.

  "I wonder if the Baxter's will be there today?" Veronica wondered out loud.

  She saw her mother smile knowingly at her. "I think we can be pretty sure they'll be there."

  Veronica met her mother's gaze. "I guess it will be busy. Of course, yesterday being a wedding, there were probably more folks than usual."

  Augusta looked thoughtfully at Veronica. "It'll be interesting to see. Everyone I saw yesterday looked right at home in the church." Glancing up at her husband, Augusta called out. "What do you think, Dominick?"

  "Huh?" he grunted. Veronica figured her father's mind must have been miles away. Usually he paid close attention to Augusta when ever he was around her. She wondered what her father could be thinking about. Maybe he was going over whatever he and Kyle had spoken about yesterday. Now wasn't the time to bring that up, she told herself. But she'd be sure to ask him later in the day.

  "I said, the church will be busy today," Augusta reiterated loudly to her husband.

  Dominick nodded vigorously. "No doubt," he agreed firmly. "Kyle was telling me just how godly the folks of this town are." Dominick peered at Vogel and grinned. "Isn't that a fine thing," he said abruptly to Vogel. Dominick rested a firm hand on Vogel's shoulder and squeezed. Veronica had seen her father do just that many times in the past. It was her father's way of making sure Vogel would agree with him.

  Vogel hesitated a moment before answering. Veronica frowned. Did Vogel really have to think first before agreeing that having God-fearing townsfolk was a good thing? "Of course, sir," Vogel exclaimed as if realizing that his boss was waiting for an answer. "Most excellent," he added. Veronica didn't think Vogel sounded too convincing.

  The ride into town gave Veronica a chance to take in the natural beauty of the landscape around Inspiration. The carriage crested a high ridge and, off in the distance, she could see valleys and hillsides, green with grass. Dense forest were dotted around the territory. A river wound its course southward through the countryside. Mountains rose high and glorious away at the horizon. Montana
was a beautiful land. There was no mistaking that simple truth. Her father had made a good choice in coming to this place, Veronica told herself. The contrast between their comfortable life in Chicago and this land could not have been more striking. But, as far as Veronica was concerned, now that she had come here, she would probably never leave. This was the perfect place for Molly to grow to womanhood. In Chicago, Veronica's own childhood had been a mixture of good times and those which had been none too pleasant. But all that was in the past now. There was no going back.

  They reached town and the carriage made its way up Main Street. It was almost time for the church service to begin and folks were already making their way up the boardwalk toward the corner of the street which led to the church. Veronica recognized some of the well-dressed couples, some of whom were accompanied by their children. Today was a day for family, Veronica reflected. That thought warmed her heart. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that Inspiration was that rare place which evil couldn't touch. Even though she knew that thought was naively hopeful, Veronica told herself she could begin to believe she'd found a place where all that was bad in life would find its ultimate defeat. Maybe God had put this place on earth for a reason. Perhaps He'd created this little Eden with a view to providing His own people with a safe haven away from the evils of the world. Running her gaze up the length of Main Street, Veronica couldn't imagine anything bad happening in the town.

  Finally they reached the church. Already carriages were crammed in every bit of empty space near the church. Plenty of townsfolk were making their way into church. The bell started tolling, slowly and loudly, calling people to worship their Lord. "It's busy," Veronica observed.

  Stepping down from the seat, Dominick straightened his jacket and reached out to help Augusta down. "Sure is," he replied. Veronica glanced across at Vogel and watched him tie up the reins of the carriage. He shifted awkwardly, glancing furtively up at the white-painted church.

  Standing alongside Vogel, Veronica asked him: "Is everything all right?"

  Vogel nodded, too quickly as far as Veronica was concerned. "Sure, Miss Flint. Couldn't be more perfect."

  "Come along, Molly," Augusta said reaching out and taking her grand-daughter's hand. Molly smiled up at Veronica and stretched up her other hand. Veronica took it and smiled across at her mother. Augusta looked delightedly at Dominick who was watching the large crowd of churchgoers walking down the street.

  "How are they going to fit all those people in the church?" Veronica's father asked.

  "God will find a way," Augusta replied. "He always does." Then she, Veronica and Molly started to make their way toward the church. Vogel and Dominick followed behind.

  "It's been a while since you set foot in church, hasn't it, Vogel," Veronica heard her father say to his assistant. Significantly, Vogel didn't make any reply.

  Once at the doors of the church, Veronica saw that almost all of the pews were already filled. Down near the front she saw the whole Baxter family. Kyle turned and, seeing Veronica and her family standing at the door, he stood quickly. His brows furrowed as he scanned the pews, clearly trying to find somewhere for Veronica and her family to sit. But, right now, there was space for five only in one corner of the rear pew near the door. They all took their place. Some folks, arriving last, could only find standing room near the back of the church. Some chairs had been squeezed into the few empty spaces available. But still, it surprised Veronica just how many folks had to stand. They were certainly determined to attend the service, she concluded.

  Defeated in his purpose to find her family some seating, she saw Kyle take his seat with the rest of his family. Veronica's father examined the inside of the church with a steady gaze and concerned features. She wondered what he could be thinking. Maybe he was feeling strange being in church. She was glad he'd made the effort to come today. And that they'd all come as a family. It felt good, and it was something she hoped would become a regular feature of their life in Inspiration.Veronica glanced at Vogel who was sitting next to her father. The man's forehead was covered in sweat. Veronica frowned, wondering if there was something physically wrong with Vogel. Maybe he was ill, she told herself.

  Then, she dragged her attention away from Vogel. The pastor was standing at the front of the church. He was surveying the congregation with a look of approval on his features. The service was about to begin.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Afterwards, out in the yard in front of the church, Kyle mingled with those who'd just attended the service, exchanging greetings and catching up with some of his thanks for those who'd attended Gabe and Lauren's wedding. Yesterday, he hadn't been able to thank everyone. In amongst the crowd, over by their carriage, Kyle saw Veronica, Molly and her parents, and Mr Vogel. They were busy chatting with some of the regular congregation. Kyle was pleased that folks were taking the time to make the newcomers feel welcome. He wasn't surprised by that.

  Earlier in the year, just when his own faith had been faltering, owing to his own foolish choices, Kyle had benefited from that same support from the regular members of the church. It had gone along way to helping him find his way back to the Lord. And for that, he'd be eternally grateful. He'd been shocked when he'd seen the whole Flint family walk into church. He hadn't expected it. But he was pleased too. Thinking back to what Dominick Flint had said to him at the wedding, it all fitted in with Flint's declaration that he was determined to make a new start in life. And to give his whole family the best life possible, now that they had committed themselves to their life in Inspiration.

  "I see you're admiring our new member of church," came a voice from behind Kyle. He turned as he felt his brother Landon's hand on his shoulder.

  "I'm just pleased they made the decision to come today," Kyle replied. "I'm sure Veronica had something to do with it."

  "You think so?" Landon asked.

  Kyle nodded. "I'm positive." Kyle saw the pastor making his way down the staircase. Pastor Joseph saw Kyle and immediately started to make his way toward the two Baxter brothers.

  "May I say what a delight it was yesterday to marry your brother to his lovely wife," Pastor Joseph announced as he halted alongside Kyle and Landon.

  "Thank you, pastor," Kyle replied. "Everything was perfect. Those words you had to say about the sanctity of marriage sure touched my heart."

  Pastor Joseph grinned. "I'm glad." He lifted a brow. "I'm hearing one of you two boys might be next."

  "How do you mean?" Kyle asked, even though he knew exactly what the pastor meant. He knew the pastor would do everything he could to encourage himself and Landon to find wives.

  "Maybe the Baxter ranch might be getting another two brides this year," the pastor said. "We know the Lord has only good things in mind for us."

  Kyle glanced at Landon. His brother had taken a sudden interest in the folks heading for their carriages. "I'm sure He does, pastor," Kyle said.

  "It would be a blessing for both of you," the pastor said, his eyes filled with brightness. He glanced over Kyle's shoulder. "Looks like our new member is coming over to talk."

  Kyle turned and saw Dominick Flint heading in their direction. "Good morning, pastor," Flint said lifting his Derby hat.

  The pastor and Flint shook hands. "Thank you for coming," the pastor said. "I do believe you are Mr Dominick Flint. Am I right?" the pastor asked.

  Flint looked surprised for a moment. "I see that nothing much happens in town without your knowing about it, pastor."

  Pastor Joseph smiled. "I like to know who might be coming to my church."

  Flint's brows rose. "You expected me and my family today?"

  The pastor tilted his head and smiled. "Let's say I saw how impressed you were at the wedding yesterday. And I figured the Lord might move you to come here today."

  Taken aback slightly, Flint glanced at Kyle. Maybe Flint had met his match, Kyle told himself. "The thing is, pastor," Flint said. "I wanted to talk to you about something that has come into my mind this morni
ng. While I was inside the church."

  "Really," the pastor replied. "And what would that be?"

  Flint dragged in a deep breath and cleared his throat. For a moment, Kyle saw something in Flint's eyes he hadn't seen before. Doubt. "You know my family is new to these parts. And we're aiming to stay," Flint said.