The Rancher’s Reunion Bride Read online

  Gabe's eyes lit up. He smiled. "Thanks for that. It means a lot." Realizing he still hadn't told her what had brought him to the Munro spread, Lauren asked: "Why did you come?"

  Gabe stiffened and drew his arm back. Her hand slid loose. She leaned back in her saddle. "One of the Munro ranch hands came to our spread this morning. He told me Kyle had left the Munro ranch. And someone had seen him riding off with another rider."

  Lauren frowned. "How long has he been gone?"

  "An hour. I don't think he's planning on coming back today," Gabe said heavily.

  "Are you going to try and find him?" she asked.

  Gabe nodded and tugged on his reins. "Right now, in fact. I have an idea where he might be."

  Lauren considered asking Gabe if she could go with him. However, she saw a sudden grim determination in Gabe's eyes and told herself he might not look too kindly on that suggestion. Just like too many times before, when Gabe Baxter wanted to do something on his own, he put up a wall between him and everyone around him. She could see that wall, right now. In his eyes. In every taut muscle of his powerful body. She knew when to back off. This was one of those times.

  "I'll speak to you later, Lauren," Gabe stated turning his horse away from her.

  And then he was riding away and she was left asking whether the only reason he'd put up that wall was his brother. Or had it also been intended to keep her at bay?

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Gabe spent much of the afternoon riding around the territory surrounding town and even searched town itself. Eventually, he decided it was time to head back to the Baxter ranch. Arriving there, he found the house quiet, except for Lily who was preparing dinner. Gabe went to his room. Getting changed, he noticed, with puzzlement, that the belongings in his drawer were arranged different from usual. His brothers were often in the habit of raiding his room for stuff, so he put the disarray down to that.

  Gabe headed out onto the spread in search of Landon. He wanted to share the news abut Kyle, and talk with Landon to see if his brother had any ideas about what might be going on with their younger sibling. Gabe found the herd on the south side of the spread. He saw Landon riding amongst the ranch hands. As usual, everyone was working hard. Riding closer, Gabe's eyes narrowed when he saw a familiar figure riding close by Landon's side.

  Kyle.

  Gabe sighed heavily. He picked up the pace of his mount, riding over to the herd. Halting alongside Landon and Kyle, Gabe schooled his features and his emotions, eager not to speak too harshly with Kyle. As Gabe drew up, tugging on his reins, he saw Kyle's eyes narrow. There was a hesitant look in his brother's eyes.

  Landon smiled at Gabe. "Look who we got here this afternoon," he said brightly and gestured to Kyle. "Our little brother has been working hard on our very own ranch." Landon laughed quietly. "I don't know how they've done it, but Josh and Wyatt have sure put a hunger in Kyle for the ranching life."

  Gabe stared disbelievingly at Kyle. This had been the last place he'd have thought to come in search of Kyle. He saw an expression of modest delight spread across Kyle's features. "Is that right," Gabe replied in a flat voice. It wasn't a question, more like a skeptical statement.

  Landon nodded, seemingly still unaware of the fact that Kyle had deserted the Munro ranch, and in the company of a good-for-nothing, probably Murray. There had been no sign of Murray during Gabe's earlier search of town. Gabe still couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing.

  Gabe glanced in the direction of the herd and the ranch hands. Before he could say what he had to say to Kyle he wanted to make sure they wouldn't be overheard. Lifting a hand he gestured for his brothers to ride a short distance away from the herd. Landon frowned. Kyle gave Gabe a dark look. That look told Gabe that maybe Kyle knew what was coming. Or perhaps he had words of his own in mind. Some kind of defense of his actions. As far as Gabe was concerned, Kyle had explaining to do.

  Horses facing each other, Gabe peered at Kyle and spoke quietly, but firmly. "Why'd you leave the Munro ranch like you did, this afternoon?"

  Kyle's mouth opened and he glanced at Landon, who looked instantly puzzled. Kyle hesitated before answering.

  "You didn't tell me that," Landon said to Kyle, staring at him. Landon peered at Gabe, seeking an explanation.

  "I was called over to the ranch while you were out here," he explained to Landon. "When I got there, Josh told me Kyle left without asking. And with someone whose description sounds very familiar to me." Gabe gazed steadily at Kyle. "Murray?" he asked abruptly.

  Kyle stiffened in the saddle. He clutched the pommel and straightened his shoulders. Jaw firming into a hard line, Kyle stared defiantly at Gabe.

  "I thought so," Gabe declared. He sighed. "Well?" Gabe continued. "I'm waiting for an answer. Why did you head off with Murray? Especially after I told you not to hang around with him."

  Landon frowned. "Is that true, Kyle?" he asked.

  Gabe had always known that Kyle and Landon had a brotherly bond which Gabe had never been able to form between himself and Kyle. Maybe it was the fact that Gabe was the older brother that meant he and Kyle would always have a barrier standing in their way.

  Kyle sighed heavily and nodded. "It's true. Murray came to the ranch late this morning." Kyle tilted his head and peered at Gabe. "Me and him went into town for a while."

  Gabe dragged in a sharp breath. "Why?" he demanded.

  An even sterner expression swept across Kyle's features. He shrugged. "Seemed like something good to do."

  Gabe leaned on his saddle and craned his head toward Kyle. "Haven't you learned anything about responsibility while you've been at the Munro ranch?"

  Kyle's features hardened. "Of course I have," he replied. Glancing at Landon he added: "If you don't believe me, ask Landon. He'll tell you." Kyle looked imploringly at Landon. "Tell Gabe," he instructed Landon. "Haven't I changed? I know I wasn't always the best I could be before. Ranching just didn't seem like something for me. But, things are different now."

  Landon looked steadily at Gabe and nodded. "He's a different man, Gabe. You've seen it yourself, haven't you? He's taken an interest." Landon glanced at Kyle. "I don't know what Josh and Wyatt did over at their spread, but it sure fired Kyle up about ranching."

  Kyle peered intently at Gabe, an eagerness in his eyes. Gabe's brows furrowed thoughtfully. He recalled the complimentary words he'd heard about Kyle over at the Munro place. And he'd seen the way Kyle had warmed to the task in the corral when Lauren and her father had visited. "I suppose I have seen some encouraging signs."

  "Is that all you think it is?" Kyle snapped. "Encouraging?" He tugged the reins of his horse, edging closer to Gabe. "What do I have to do to convince you that I've realized the mistakes I made in the past?" Kyle sighed loudly. "That I've turned over a new leaf."

  Gabe was taken aback by the conviction in Kyle's voice. Kyle sounded like he meant every word.

  "The other day in church," Kyle continued. "I heard the pastor's words and they made me think. Really think. Made me consider what I've been doing these past couple of years. How I got myself caught up in fancy ideas. Listening to the wrong people." Kyle peered at Gabe. "The pastor was right. The Lord wants us to stay together. As family. And that's always been His wish. Even if I didn't see it before, I realize it now." Kyle breathed out noisily. "I don't know what I have to do to convince you and Landon," Kyle concluded, clearly exasperated.

  Gabe glanced wide-eyed at Landon. For his part, Landon looked as surprised as Gabe at hearing Kyle talk like this. Gabe saw Kyle tugging at the red bandanna wrapped around his neck. Gabe recognized it as one of his own bandannas. Partly to relive the tension, and partly to try calm Kyle down, Gabe said: "I see you've been rooting around in my stuff again," he said glancing at the bandanna.

  Kyle looked evenly at Gabe. Suddenly there was a strange expression in Kyle's eyes. Gabe felt instantly uneasy. Kyle touched the bandanna. "This wasn't the only thing I found in that drawer," he stated in an eerily steady voice.

/>   "What are you talking about?" Gabe asked.

  Kyle's eyes narrowed. He glanced at Landon, who frowned back at Kyle. Then Kyle reached into the pocket of his jacket and drew out a piece of paper. Gabe felt himself freeze. It was the letter from their parents. The letter that contained the one piece of information Gabe had needed to tell his brothers, but hadn't because he'd feared for the consequences. That it would break up the family for good.

  "I found this letter from ma and pa," Kyle said. He unfolded it and regarded the contents carefully. "It says that ma and pa aren't coming back to the ranch. Not for a while, at least. And that they want you, me and Landon to do one thing."

  Landon squinted at the letter Kyle was holding. "Do what?" he asked sharply.

  Kyle looked evenly at Gabe. "Why don't you tell Landon."

  Gabe drew in a sharp breath and looked from Kyle to Landon. His hand had been forced. Kyle had backed him into a corner. He'd known this moment would come. And had dreaded it. Because, it was possible that both his brothers would refuse to co-operate. That they would say there was no way they would agree to marriage. Not on the terms contained within the letter.

  Landon reached out a hand toward the letter. "Give me that," he ordered Kyle. Slowly, Kyle handed Landon the letter. Gabe watched as Landon read the words on the paper. Reaching the final sentence, Landon lifted his gaze to Gabe. "When were you planning on telling us?" Landon asked.

  Gabe was momentarily lost for words. He glanced from Landon to Kyle. "It's complicated," was all he could say at that moment.

  "You could have told us," Landon complained.

  Kyle nodded. "We're your brothers," he stated. "Or wasn't that what you were thinking about?"

  Gabe frowned at Kyle. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "You've been too interested in Lauren Munro to do what was decent for your own flesh and blood," Kyle accused.

  "That's unfair, Kyle," Gabe objected. "This has nothing to do with Lauren."

  "Hasn't it?" Kyle retorted. "I think it has everything to do with you wanting to marry her. And then put pressure on me and Landon to find wives." Kyle lifted his brows. "Isn't that right?"

  Gabe lowered his head and sighed. Of course Kyle was right. That was exactly what Gabe had done. And, in doing so, he'd disrespected his brothers. He felt bad. That feeling had been gnawing at him for days. But, when he'd embarked upon his courtship of Lauren, Kyle had been a wild card, an unpredictable, uncontrollable force that had threatened the very existence of the Baxter ranch. Gabe looked up at Kyle, who was awaiting an answer. Had Kyle changed that much, thanks to the work he'd done at the Munro ranch? Had the pastor's words changed Kyle's heart? More importantly, had he judged Kyle too harshly and not given him credit for being able to turn his life around? Thanks to God that was exactly what had happened.

  "Is he right, Gabe?" Landon asked.

  Gabe looked at Landon. He could see hurt and confusion in his brother's eyes. He and Landon had always been close. And now this threatened to ruin that close relationship forever. There had to be a way to get this brothers to understand, Gabe told himself.

  "I'm sorry I didn't tell you both about this," Gabe declared. He sighed. "I don't know how to explain what I did. Except maybe that I wanted to do everything I could to make sure we hang onto what we've got here," he said. Running his gaze around the spread, Gabe shook his head. "I hate the idea of moving away from here."

  "Ma and pa can't be serious about staying back East, can they?" Kyle asked sharply.

  "You know how much ma has missed all her family back there. And pa says he's getting to old to keep working this place." Gabe peered at Landon and then at Kyle. "They're relying on us to keep this place running. But they want us to do it as men who have families of our own." He smiled weakly. "With wives of our own, too. I don't think that's a bad thing."

  Landon frowned. "Where are me and Kyle going to find ourselves wives?" he asked.

  Immediately the words left Landon's mouth, Kyle grunted. "Speak for yourself, Landon. I don't aim to marry anytime soon."

  Gabe's heart sank upon hearing Kyle's defiant declaration. "You know what that will mean. Don't you, Kyle." Gabe pointed at the letter in Landon's hand. "The answer is written on that paper. It'll mean giving up all this, and probably moving back East."

  "They can't be serious," Kyle exclaimed.

  Gabe nodded slowly. Decisively. When he spoke his voice was low and grim."I think they're deadly serious. They just want the best for us. And they figure this is the way to do it."

  Gabe's words hung heavy in the air for a few long moments. He could see his brothers thinking carefully about that all this would mean for them. Gabe knew this must be a shock for them. Probably that was what their parents had figured they all needed. A kick in the pants to find some brides. To settle down once and for all. It wasn't the worst prospect in the world, Gabe told himself. Although, judging by Kyle's expression, he still had some way to go before he'd be convinced.

  Landon handed Gabe the letter. Gabe thrust it into his jacket pocket. Once again, Kyle grunted noisily. He tugged hard on the reins of his horse. "I need some time to think about this." His eyes were filled with warring emotions. Gabe felt that, if Kyle hung around, an argument might break out. He didn't want that. Today had been hard enough. For all of them.

  Kyle started to move off, but Gabe called out to him one last time. "Think about what we've been saying."

  Kyle shook his head, threw one last harsh look in Gabe's direction, wrenched hard on the reins, and rode off quickly, leaving behind him a cloud of dust. Gabe turned to Landon. His brother's expression was steady-eyed and serious. Landon had never been a hothead like Kyle. He'd always been thoughtful and careful in all matters. Landon's gaze was even and unmoving.

  One of the ranch hands called out and Landon squinted in the man's direction. "I better get over there. See what's happening."

  Gabe nodded and watched Landon ride over toward the herd. The truth was out in the open now. For some reason, Gabe felt a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Maybe now they could all work out what should be done. Once his brothers had some time to think about it, maybe they'd see things differently.

  And even as he told himself that, Gabe knew there was one more thing he had to do. He would have to tell Lauren the truth. That his intention was to take her as his bride not because of the needs of his own family. But simply because he loved her.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  The day after the meeting with Gabe, Lauren was sitting on the porch when she heard the thundering of horses hooves. Looking up, she saw Gabe riding into the yard. Instantly, her spirits lifted. She'd been mulling over yesterday's meeting all night, wondering what had happened after Gabe had gone off in search of Kyle. Not having heard anything, she was concerned something bad might have happened. Gabe's features were an unreadable blank. Maybe things had turned out fine, after all, she told herself.

  Suddenly conscious that she might not be looking at her absolute best wearing a plain brown gown, Lauren stood. She clasped her hands and stepped out onto the yard. The warm sun beat down on her face. She squinted her eyes and smiled at Gabe. He leaped from his horse and tied the reins to the hitching rail. She took a moment to savor his tall, handsome figure. He was dressed in an elegant gray suit, waistcoat and Stetson. His shiny black boots scuffed on the loose earth of the yard. Lauren felt a tingle of delight. Just looking at Gabe had become a source of delight.

  Gabe hesitated a moment, gazed at her with such obvious appreciation that she felt her cheeks flush, and then strode toward her. There was an eagerness about his manner which had been absent the day before. Then, he'd been preoccupied and worried. She could understand that. It couldn't be easy trying to keep Kyle from getting into trouble.