The Lawman’s Frontier Bride Page 18

  Suddenly, he saw the arm move. Frank reached for his pistol. Tate was quicker. Dragging his Colt out from its holster, he fired at Frank. The roar of the Colt echoed across the street. Frank screamed and clutched at his hand as his pistol flew into the air and landed heavily on the boardwalk behind him. Frank winced, grasping his hand. Blood stained his flesh.

  Frank glared at Tate with hate in his eyes. Frank flashed a look across at the men. "Get him!" he roared.

  From the dark alley next to the bank, a figure emerged. Sheriff Nathan Cameron held his rifle, trained on the riders who were reaching for their guns. Nathan spoke with steady authority. "Don't reach for those guns, boys."

  Tate turned, pointing his Colt at the men. From out of the corner of his eyes Tate saw movement on both sides of the street. Ten men emerged from the shadows, five on both sides of the street. Each carried pistols trained on the riders. The deputies had been waiting for the signal from Nathan. The deputies walked slowly across the street and converged in a circle around the renegades.

  Nathan glanced at Tate. "You okay?"

  Tate went to Frank Wolfe and seized him by the arm. Frank groaned as he held his blood-soaked hand. He dragged him to Nathan. "This belongs to you now," he said to the sheriff.

  Tate started to walk away from Nathan. "Where are you going?" the sheriff asked Tate.

  Tate turned to Nathan and grinned. "There's someone I need to speak to."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  The distant sound of the single shot was muffled and barely audible. Gretchen had been on tenterhooks since coming to her room earlier before midnight. The abrupt roar of the gunfire made her leap up from her chair. She dashed to the window and peered into the gloom, searching for any clue about the location of the gunshot.

  The street was deserted. Gretchen leaned against the windowsill and pressed her face near to the glass. Her heartbeat was thundering frantically. She lifted one hand and pressed it against the cold glass, waiting for the shooting to continue. But it didn't. Instead, there was an awful, agonizing silence.

  A chill ran up her spine. The shooting must have involved Tate, she told herself. She knew it must be true. He'd warned her earlier. And she had done what he'd asked of her. She'd forced herself to remain at the Cameron house all night. Of course, Sophie had been polite and pleasant. But Gretchen had seen the worry in the other woman's eyes. It couldn't be easy being married to a sheriff. And, as she'd reflected on that, Gretchen had wondered what it would be like to be married to a US marshal.

  One like Tate.

  Gretchen heard a door opening in the house. Footsteps pounded on the wooden floor and then, after a cursory knock, the door to Gretchen's room flew open.

  Sophie rushed into the room. Her eyes were wide with worry. "Was that a shot I heard?" Sophie asked urgently.

  Gretchen nodded. "One shot. I haven't heard any others."

  Sophie came to Gretchen's side. Both women peered out the window and down into the empty street. Just as Gretchen had done, Sophie paused for a long moment, simply listening. Waiting for another thunderous roar to come from the direction of Main Street.

  No sound came.

  Sophie and Gretchen exchanged worried looks. Gretchen could see the hint of desperation in Sophie's eyes. "At least there's been no more gunfire," Sophie said. She wrapped her arms around herself. "Whatever they're doing, it must be over."

  Gretchen nodded. But they still didn't know what was happening, she told herself. "Did Nathan tell you what they were going to do?" she asked.

  Sophie shook her head. "He never tells me anything about his work. I guess he doesn't want me to worry." Sophie laughed quietly. "There isn't much chance of that."

  Gretchen's heart was still pounding. Her breath was tight in her chest. She tried to remain calm, but it was proving almost impossible. The words Tate had spoken to her were still echoing in her mind. She desperately wanted to run to the Main Street and see for herself what had happened. She needed to know that Tate was okay. That he hadn't come to harm.

  Sophie reached across and laid a hand on Gretchen's arm. "Everything will be fine, Gretchen," she said reassuringly.

  Gretchen shook her head. "No, Sophie. It won't be," Gretchen exclaimed.

  Sophie's eyes widened. "Why not?"

  Gretchen sighed heavily and rolled her eyes. She shook her head and then peered at Sophie. "Can I tell you something?"

  "Of course," Sophie replied.

  "I don't know how to say this," Gretchen moaned. "Or even if I should."

  Sophie frowned. "You know you can trust me, Gretchen."

  Gretchen smiled at the woman who'd done everything possible to make her feel welcome and comfortable and safe. If there was anyone she could trust, it had to be Sophie Cameron.

  Gretchen peered steadily at Sophie. "Tate told me he loves me."

  Sophie's mouth formed into an O shape and her eyes widened. Then she smiled. "That's wonderful, Gretchen."

  Gretchen moaned once more. "No it isn't."

  "Why not?"

  "Because I didn't tell him I love him." Gretchen felt a heavy sensation in the pit of her stomach as she said those words. It was true. She hadn't had the courage to tell Tate how she felt about him. She thought about the single gunshot she'd heard. Maybe she'd never get a chance to tell him. Perhaps, right now, he was lying on the dusty street, having been shot by that single bullet. Horror tightened a hand around her heart as she pictured that scene in her mind.

  "Sophie! What have I done?" Gretchen exclaimed.

  Sophie came to Gretchen and hugged her. Being held by the kindly matchmaker made Gretchen feel a momentary relief. But the fear still clung to her. How would she live with herself if she'd thrown away a chance at love?

  Sophie leaned her head back. Still holding Gretchen gently, she asked one simple question. "Do you love Tate?"

  Gretchen didn't hesitate before answering. "I do. I really do, Sophie. I wasn't being honest with myself. Not until this moment. Not until I heard that awful gunshot," Gretchen exclaimed. "I love Tate Campbell," she added with utter certainty in her voice.

  Sophie smiled. "Love is the most important thing in the world. Its what God wants us to do above all else."

  "I know that," Gretchen agreed. Her heart was aching now. All she could think of was what she was going to do.

  There had been no more gunshots from Main Street. Perhaps it would be safe to go and see, she told herself. Tugging herself free from Sophie, Gretchen threw a shawl over her shoulders and went running out into the hallway. Behind her, she heard Sophie come racing after her. "Gretchen, wait!" Sophie called out. But Gretchen was already at the bottom of the stairs.

  Gretchen halted before opening the front door. Sophie came running down the staircase. Her eyes were feverish with concern. "It might not be safe to go out there," Sophie said abruptly.

  "I'll have to take that chance," Gretchen declared. "I have to know that Tate is still alive."

  Sophie's features became grim. "And if he isn't?"

  Gretchen sighed and felt a heaviness descend upon her. "I have faith in God. I know he wouldn't let that happen. Not to the man he brought into my life. Not to the man I love."

  Then Gretchen grasped the door handle and tugged hard. The door flew open. Gretchen stepped out onto the porch and gasped. Her footsteps slid to a halt as she gazed at the figure standing at the garden gate.

  "Tate!" Gretchen exclaimed.

  Tate smiled and pushed open the gate. He looked just as he'd done back at the jailhouse. There wasn't a scratch on him. "I came to get you," he announced, his voice filled with delight. "I want an answer. And I'm not leaving until I get one."

  Gretchen could hardly believe he was standing there. Relief swept through her. Joy vanquished all the worry from her heart.

  She wanted to run to him, but her booted feet seemed to be stuck to the wooden surface of the porch. Her breath became tight as she stared, incredulous, at the man who'd told her he loved her.

  Tate
took a few steps up the garden path. "Well? What are you going to say to me?"

  Gretchen turned and peered at Sophie. She was holding the front door wide open. She smiled at Gretchen and, with one quick movement of her head, made it clear that Gretchen's moment had come.

  Gretchen turned and gazed lovingly at Tate. God had delivered this amazing man back into her life. Safe and sound. Gratitude filled her heart. Just as it had done for so many things in her life. But, this time was different. This time was special. Tate was the man she loved. She and Tate had traveled through a wilderness to find one another.

  They had been separated momentarily. But now they were back together again.

  "What happened over there?" she asked.

  Tate took another few steps toward her. Now he was close enough to reach out and take her in his arms. "I'll tell you about that later." Tate lifted a brow. "I'm still waiting," he murmured. His gaze became serious.

  Gretchen smiled at him. When he took her hands in his, she felt every nerve in her body tingle into exquisite life.

  Heart pounding, Gretchen curled her fingers gently around Tate's hands. Gazing at him, she whispered: "I love you, Tate Campbell."

  His brows rose and he smiled from ear to ear. He gasped. "Those sure are sweet words."

  Gretchen nodded. "I think they're the sweetest words I've ever said."

  Tate nodded. "Then you won't mind if I seal them with a kiss."

  Gretchen shook her head. Tate moved forward and swept Gretchen into his embrace. She sank into his arms as his lips claimed a kiss. Delight took hold of her. Joy filled her soul as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She treasured every moment of the delightful kiss.

  Suddenly remembering that Sophie was standing right behind her, Gretchen leaned away from Tate. She felt her cheeks flush with heat.

  Tate wrapped his arm around Gretchen's waist and grinned at Sophie. "I hope we didn't make you blush, Sophie," he joked.

  Sophie shook her head. "Nope. I like seeing people in love."

  Tate smiled warmly at Gretchen. "Did you hear that. She's right. We're in love."

  She couldn't reply. He was right. They were in love. And it was wonderful.

  Tate grinned at Sophie. "I hope you don't mind, but I've got one more thing I have to do."

  Thinking he was going to leave her, Gretchen frowned. But Tate merely lifted a brow and shook his head. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere." He leaned forward and kissed her softly. Ending the kiss he gazed into her eyes. There was warm expression in those eyes, she told herself. He looked like he never wanted to be apart from her ever again.

  Then, he suddenly sank down onto one knee. Looking up at her, he held her hands. "Gretchen Ryan. You know I love you. And I always will. Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?"

  Gretchen gasped. Gazing down at Tate, she saw the love in his eyes. Saw the purest affection he felt for her. This was why God had brought her to Montana. To find this wonderful man. A man who'd saved her; protected her. And now he was a man who loved her.

  There was only one thing she could say. She nodded. "I will become your wife, Tate," she said. Her voice quivered with emotion.

  "You will?" he said, with the barest hint of disbelief in his voice. Had he doubted he could win her heart? Had be feared she would refuse him? Gretchen knew, in her heart, that becoming Tate's wife was all she would ever want.

  Tate rose quickly and, sweeping her into his embrace, he kissed her. Gretchen sank into his arms. This was where she was meant to be. Where God had always intended her to be.

  The kiss ended, Tate gazed into Gretchen's eyes. "I promise to do whatever it takes to make you happy. Nothing will stand in my way." Tate quirked a brow. "You believe me, don't you, Gretchen?"

  Gretchen nodded and rested a hand on Tate's broad chest. "I believe in you, Tate." She smiled. "Didn't you tell me you're a man of your word?"

  Tate grinned. "I surely am."

  From behind Gretchen came Sophie's voice. "Congratulations," she exclaimed, delight making her voice quiver.

  Gretchen and Tate turned to face Sophie. "Can you believe what just happened, Sophie?" Gretchen asked.

  "I believe the Lord can make miracles happen," Sophie replied. "And, right now, I think I witnessed one."

  Tate glanced at Gretchen. "Sophie's right."

  Sophie came to Gretchen and Tate. By her smiling face, Gretchen could see how much this meant to Sophie. "You must be just about the fastest bride in town," Sophie declared looking straight at Gretchen. "You only just got here."

  Gretchen gazed at Tate. "That may be the case. But I feel like I've been waiting for Tate forever."

  And then Tate embraced Gretchen and kissed her one more time.

  THE END

  THANK YOU

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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 Christmas Wish

  The Rancher's Reunion Bride

  The Rancher's Beloved Bride

  The Rancher's Frontier Family

  The Cowboy's Frontier Courtship