The Rancher’s Reunion Bride Read online

  Then, finally, Victoria spoke: "I heard you had a wonderful day at my family's ranch, yesterday."

  Lauren thought it was strange to hear Victoria refer to the Baxter place as her family's place. The Munro ranch was Victoria's home, and would be for years to come, Lauren reminded herself. "Your brothers were the perfect hosts," Lauren replied.

  Victoria scoffed good-naturedly. "It's just as well they have Lily there to help." She laughed. "My brothers aren't exactly skilled in the kitchen."

  Lauren grinned. "We had to shoo them away," she revealed. "They were getting in the way when we were preparing lunch."

  Victoria's brows furrowed. "You were a guest. You weren't supposed to be helping in the kitchen."

  Lauren shrugged. "I was happy to help out."

  Victoria shook her head. "I can see my brothers still have some manners to learn."

  "Gabe seemed to know what he was doing most of the time," Lauren commented. Immediately, she realized bringing up the subject of Victoria's eldest brother might take the conversation in an uncomfortable direction. It might prompt questions about just how friendly she and Gabe had become these past few days. "I mean, he follows Lily's orders to the letter," Lauren added abruptly.

  Victoria nodded. "She sure knows how to boss my brothers around." Lauren saw Victoria glance at her. "Your pa told me you and Gabe took a ride around the ranch."

  Lauren felt her cheeks flush warm. "Did he?"

  "He said you and Gabe were gone a long time. And that when you got back to the ranch, you and Gabe were sharing a saddle," Victoria stated.

  Lauren frowned. "My pa has been telling you plenty, it seems." She couldn't be angry with her father. It was natural for him to take an interest in her acquaintance with Gabe Baxter. But, she wished her pa wouldn't go around spilling the beans about every little detail. It was proving hard enough keeping her friendship with Gabe private without the entire Munro clan getting to know about it.

  Victoria laughed quietly. "I have to admit, I did insist he tell me all about that lunchtime visit. He didn't really want to talk about it."

  Lauren looked thoughtfully at Victoria. "When it comes to getting at the truth, there's no stopping you, it seems."

  Victoria smiled, clearly pleased at what she thought was a compliment from Lauren. It was impossible to be upset with Victoria. She was obviously thinking about the happiness of her brothers. And when they would each get married. That thought made butterflies tumble in Lauren's middle. The thought that Gabriel Baxter could be her husband was appealing and worrying all at the same time. She'd seen what life could be like on the Baxter ranch. It was a place made for family; for happiness; for wedded bliss. Right now, though, the idea of her living there as Gabe's wife seemed impossible.

  Trying to change the subject, Lauren chose something as far from Montana as she could. "When are your parents coming back to Inspiration?" she asked Victoria.

  To her surprise, Victoria's features darkened. "I'm not sure they'll be back anytime soon. They went back East to help my aunt. Seems like things are more complicated than they thought when they decided to go to Philadelphia."

  Concern flared inside Lauren. "You think they might stay there for good?"

  Victoria shook her head. "We won't know that for a while."

  Lauren thought about what that would mean for the Baxter ranch. "Are you telling me they might sell up the ranch?"

  Victoria's eyes widened with surprise, almost as if Lauren had accidentally stumbled on a secret. "No. I don't think they'd ever do that. Even if my father says he's getting too old to work the ranch the way he used to." Lauren thought the smile Victoria gave her looked forced. She could see concern in Victoria's bright eyes. "In any case, my brothers wouldn't let that happen. They'd probably do anything to stop from losing the ranch."

  "Anything?" Lauren asked sharply.

  Victoria's shoulders stiffened. She flicked the reins, making the horses pick up their pace. "My brothers are all determined men. One way or another, I'm sure they'd find a way."

  That last comment seemed puzzling to Lauren. She wondered what Victoria could be talking about. Lauren had seen just how much the ranch meant to the Baxter siblings. It was their life. Faced with the choice of leaving it or staying put, Lauren knew there would only be one choice Gabe, Landon and even Kyle would make. They'd make whatever sacrifice was necessary to stay.

  For the remainder of the journey into town, she and Victoria chatted about everything but the Baxter brothers and their ranch. They arrived in Inspiration and Victoria drove the carriage up the narrow road off Main Street leading to the church. There were already townsfolk congregated outside the church. All three Munro carriages drew to a halt.

  As she stepped down from the carriage Lauren saw the three Baxter brothers standing over by a tree. Lauren saw the tall figure of Sheriff Nathan Cameron talking with Gabe. Gabe's brows were furrowed as he listened to what Sheriff Cameron was telling him. When Gabe looked across at Lauren his features broke out into a wide grin. Lauren felt her spirits instantly lighten. The urge to go to him was suddenly tempting, but she restrained herself and allowed Victoria to lead her to Grace, Josh and Ryan.

  Over by the steps to the church, Lauren saw the entire Buchanan family all grouped together as one. She'd met them at the wedding of Victoria and Wyatt. There were the four brothers, their wives and various little ones running around their feet. In the middle of the crowd she saw the Buchanan parents, Caleb and Eugenie. It seemed like everyone knew each other. Inspiration was a close-knit community. Lauren had witnessed that first hand plenty of times during her visit last year. It was heart-warming to see the simple joy people got from being friendly and welcoming. Church day was special, of course. Gazing around at the dozens of regular churchgoers, Lauren could see the plain delight the folks felt at attending church on this fine, sunny day.

  "Good morning," Lauren heard a deep and very familiar voice say from behind her. She turned and saw Gabe standing there. He looked elegant in his dark gray suit, freshly polished boots and Stetson. No, she told herself. He looked more than just elegant. He looked amazing. Her heart quickened and she felt her face warm in the most delightful manner. She saw his eyes narrow slightly, examining her features. She was becoming accustomed to that look. He'd noticed the effect his fine appearance had had on her. She was sure of it.

  "And a fine morning it is, too," she replied brightly. She looked over his shoulder. "I see you persuaded Kyle to come."

  Gabe nodded and shrugged. "It wasn't too difficult. He's changed a lot since he started going to the Munro ranch."

  "I saw that yesterday," she agreed. "The way he was dealing with that horse in the corral at your ranch. He looked like a real rancher."

  Gabe tilted his head. "He has a long way to go. But I think he's on the right track." Gabe sighed. "At last."

  Lauren clutched her Bible and ran her gaze around the yard. "Looks like the whole town turned out for church," she observed.

  "It's a godly town," Gabe replied. "The folks with faith never miss a Sunday."

  "What about those who don't have faith?" she asked.

  Gabe smiled and shook his head. "It's never too late for anyone to find the faith. Not even if they're the worst person imaginable."

  "Not even if they're a Calhoun?" she asked.

  Gabe lifted a brow. "Maybe the Lord will have to work a little harder to make that happen," Gabe said with a glint of good humor in his eye.

  Suddenly, Lauren saw Gabe's brows furrow. She followed his gaze and saw the man who had helped Judah Calhoun move his bags into the town hotel earlier in the week. The man, squat and dark-haired, was dressed in a ill-fitting dark suit. He was moving amongst the crowd and looked as if he was searching for someone. Lauren wondered why Gabe seemed annoyed. But, before she had a chance to ask him, she heard the voice of the pastor call out to the gathered worshippers, informing them it was time to enter the church.

  Gabe dragged his attention away from the man he'd been wat
ching. When he smiled, it seemed forced. He cupped Lauren's elbow in his hand. "Would you do me the honor of allowing me to accompany you into church?" he asked.

  She smiled up at him, pleased at his sudden courteous manner. "I certainly would," she replied, feeling her heart lift with instant delight.

  Then she walked alongside Gabe, making her way up the stairs. She knew folks were watching her and Gabe. But, right now, she didn't care what people might be thinking. Walking into church with Gabe was just about the finest thing she could imagine.

  Inside, the whole Munro family took seats on the left, while the Buchanan clan occupied the pews on the other side. Lauren found herself sitting right next to Gabe. And that was fine, as far as she was concerned. Next to Gabe sat Landon and then Kyle. In front sat Victoria and Wyatt, with Josh, Grace, Zacharias and Ryan alongside them.

  Lauren shifted closer to Gabe, savoring the feeling of being so close to him. Then, she saw him glance at the row behind Landon and Kyle. Instantly, Lauren sensed Gabe become tense. She saw the man Gabe had glared at. He was seated immediately behind Kyle and was leaning forward trying to catch Kyle's attention. Kyle wasn't turning around to face the man. That fact didn't do anything to lessen Gabe's obvious annoyance at the man's presence.

  Any moment now, Lauren felt Gabe was about to say something to the man. However, Pastor Joseph stood in front of the congregation now filling the church and asked everyone to stand for the first hymn.

  As she stood and joined in with the singing voices Lauren couldn't help wondering what would happen once the service was concluded. And whether Gabe was about to do something he might regret.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  The service concluded, Gabe stood, intending to turn and seek an explanation from Murray. As he rose, he felt Lauren tugging gently on his arm. Any hint of ill-feeling immediately vanished to be replaced by delight as he looked into her beautiful eyes. She was smiling up at him, a fact which awakened instant joy in his heart.

  "What?" he asked Lauren softly.

  "Will you see me out?" she asked.

  He squinted at her. "Try and stop me," he replied and grinned. Churchgoers glanced in his and Lauren's direction but, right now, he didn't care what people thought. This was really the first time he and Lauren had stepped out in any kind of public gathering since she'd returned. He was glad folks understood he and Lauren were renewing their friendship.

  Hearing the voices of his two brothers, Gabe started to turn to see what was going on behind him. But, yet again, Lauren tugged hard on his arm, forcing his attention on her. She scooped her arm inside his and smiled up at him. Seeing the brightness in her gaze, his heart filled with emotion all over again. There were times when it only took a look from Lauren to make him feel instantly glad to be alive.

  "Well, let's go then," Lauren insisted good-naturedly. "And when are you going to take me to that cafe I've been hearing so much about?"

  "Any time you like," he replied.

  "What about today, then," she said. Pulling on his arm, Lauren guided Gabe out into the aisle between pews. The crowd of worshippers was dense at the door. It took a few long moments to make it out onto the open space at the top of the stairs. Pastor Joseph was there, shaking hands with townsfolk as they left the church.

  Tall and lean, the pastor smiled broadly at Lauren and Gabe. "Thank you for coming," he stated. He glanced from Gabe to Lauren. "And, may I say what joy it is to see you two are such good friends."

  Gabe's throat tightened. For a moment he was at a loss for words. He glanced at Lauren who was smiling at the pastor. "I enjoyed your sermon," she declared. "Your words struck a chord with me."

  Lauren hadn't been the only one. Gabe recalled listening to the pastor's words with particular care and appreciation. They'd been about the importance of family. During the sermon he'd glanced across at Kyle, wondering how his brother had been reacting to the words. To his surprise, Gabe had seen Kyle listening intently, his head nodding slowly. There had even been a faint smile at the corner of Kyle's mouth, as if he agreed with the sentiments he was hearing. It was a pleasing change from the last time Gabe had attended church with Kyle. On that occasion Kyle hadn't seemed interested at all.

  Bidding farewell to the pastor, Gabe escorted Lauren down the steps. As he did so, with Lauren's arm still holding onto his, Gabe was aware that both the Munro and the Buchanan family members were watching with more than casual interest. At the foot of the stairs, Lauren finally let go Gabe's arm.

  The yard in front of the church was packed with churchgoers. It was customary for folks to spend time catching up on the latest goings-on. Today was no exception. For the next ten minutes, Gabe mingled, first with the Buchanans and then with other townsfolk. He kept his eye on Lauren throughout, and was pleased to see her displaying a casual, effortless charm with everyone to whom she spoke. He told himself he would have liked the mingling even more if could have done it with Lauren on his arm. But he knew that would have just set tongues wagging.

  Finally, it was time to leave. The Buchanan family mounted their fine carriages and headed off. Gabe realized he'd lost sight of his brothers. He was in the process of trying to find them in the crowd when he heard the rolling of wheels. This time the carriage concerned wasn't leaving. It was arriving in the yard in front of the church. Looking closely at the driver, Gabe was shocked to see Judah Calhoun drawing his carriage to a halt. Onlookers glanced with obvious disbelief at the latecomer. Gabe felt a hard knot tighten in his middle.

  The carriage halted and Calhoun stood, readying himself to descend. He raised himself up to his full height and tugged on the lapels of his dark brown suit jacket. He wore a Derby hat of matching color. When he stepped down from the carriage Gabe saw Calhoun's shiny shoes glisten in the sunlight. It was clear from the reaction of some of the churchgoers that some of them knew exactly who had just arrived. Seemed like it hadn't taken long for Judah Calhoun's reputation to spread. Even though it had been Brett Calhoun who'd been responsible for all the trouble in town, the sins of a family could tarnish those unfortunate enough to be related.

  Holding himself imperiously erect, Judah scanned the faces of the churchgoers. Then, apparently sighting who he was looking for, he lifted a hand and, curling his fingers, beckoned someone to him. Curiosity flared in Gabe as he waited to see who it was Judah was summoning.

  He heard a voice behind him. Lauren. "What's he doing here? Doesn't he know the church service is finished?"

  Glancing at Lauren, Gabe smiled sarcastically. "I hardly think the likes of him is worried about arriving late for church." Tilting her head in agreement, Lauren looked past Gabe and lifted both brows in obvious surprise. "What is Kyle doing talking with Judah Calhoun?"

  Gabe gasped and whirled around. It was true. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. His brother Kyle was standing right in front of Judah. Then Gabe saw the probable reason why Kyle would have even approached Calhoun. Next to Kyle stood the squat figure of Murray. Gabe's fists clenched instinctively.

  He felt a hand on his arm. "What are you going to do, Gabe?" Lauren asked quietly.

  Gabe dragged in a deep breath. He thought for a moment, weighing up his options. He knew he'd have to control the bubbling emotion he was feeling. Outrage would have to be tempered with self-control. He felt Lauren's fingers curl gently around his arm. She didn't have to say anything else. He knew what she wanted him to do. Resolve the situation without resorting to anything resembling a physical confrontation. Words would have to do. Gabe had never been a man of violence. He never would be, either. That wasn't the Baxter way.