The Rancher’s Beloved Bride Read online

  Realizing he still didn't know her first name, Kyle decided it was time to find out. "If I'm going to introduce you to my mother, I'd prefer to know your name, ma'am."

  She nodded slowly. "Veronica," she said quietly. "Veronica Callahan."

  That second part caught Kyle by surprise. Immediately he wondered where Mr Callahan could be. Right now wasn't the time to be asking questions like that. Kyle smiled blankly. "Pleased to meet you Mrs Callahan," he said evenly. She smiled at him as she started to ride alongside him, up the gentle hill toward the ridge.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The ranch house was impressive, Veronica admitted to herself as she drew her mount to a halt in the yard in front of the long porch. White-fronted, well constructed and big enough for a sizable family. The rancher, Kyle Baxter, halted alongside Veronica. Lifting a brow, perhaps taking note of how impressed she was with the ranch house, he dismounted and tied the reins of his horse on the hitching post in front of the porch. Then he came toward Veronica and Molly. She hesitated before starting to dismount. Watching him advance, Veronica had to admit to herself that Kyle was a handsome man. Maybe a year or so older than herself, she guessed. He had the tall, muscular, broad-shouldered physique and sun-kissed skin of a man accustomed to outdoor work. Muscles filled the plaid shirt and his stride was easy, filled with confidence. He wore blue jeans and his boots were well-worn and brown.

  Kyle smiled at her and Molly. His even features possessed a welcoming, open expression. Beneath broad, ridged brows, his green eyes, bright and filled with good nature, regarded her with care and curiosity. She wondered why he hadn't given her a piece of his mind about trespassing. She knew she'd done just that and had expected him to demand an explanation. But, for some reason he'd held back. Maybe he hadn't wanted to upset Molly by having a shouting match out on the range.

  From inside the ranch house Veronica heard voices. She saw movement through the window. Nerves twisted in her middle at the prospect of meeting these new folks. She and Molly had only been back at the Flint mansion for a few weeks. Veronica knew she had plenty to do before she'd feel truly at home. Putting the past behind her would take time, she reminded herself. She and Molly had a new life to build here in Inspiration. Agreeing to meet some of Kyle Baxter's family might be a start. After all, the Baxters and the Flint family were almost neighbors, she reflected.

  Kyle opened his arms. "Can I help you get down off that horse?"

  Veronica shook her head. Letting Molly twist in her arms, she gestured to Kyle. "Maybe Molly needs help."

  Molly smiled broadly and thrust her arms out toward Kyle. The rancher scooped Molly up by the waist and hoisted her down from the horse's back. As Molly's feet thudded onto the yard, the door to the ranch house was thrust open.

  A silver-haired woman emerged. She was dressed in a plain, gray gown. "Kyle?" the woman said. She gave Molly and look which bordered on astonishment. Then the woman's gaze swept to Veronica. There was puzzlement in the woman's eyes.

  "Hey, ma," Kyle replied. "I brought some visitors."

  The woman advanced along the porch, all the while examining Veronica. Maybe it wasn't every day her son brought a woman and child to the ranch, Veronica concluded wryly. Veronica shifted on the horse and then carefully dismounted. As her booted foot touched the yard, she felt pain jolt her ankle. Gasping quietly, she did her best to mask her discomfort. But it seemed there was no hiding anything from Kyle's mother.

  "Are you hurt, dear?" the woman asked, stepping off the porch.

  Veronica shook her head and grasped her skirts, trying to dismiss the woman's concern. "It's nothing."

  Kyle shook his head. "One of our steers took a run at this lady and her daughter while they were on horseback," he explained. "Gave them a fright."

  Kyle's mother's eyes widened with instant concern. "Are you hurt bad?" she asked abruptly.

  "Maybe you can take a look, ma," Kyle suggested.

  "Of course," his mother said. Gazing at Molly, she asked: "And who might this beautiful young lady be?" she asked giving Molly a generous smile.

  "This here is Miss Molly Callahan," Kyle announced. Molly, liking the grand way Kyle was introducing her, grinned up at Veronica. Kyle looked at Veronica. She was sure his gaze lingered a moment before he spoke. "And this is her mother, Veronica."

  Kyle's mother held out a hand to Veronica. "I'm Miriam. And you're most welcome to our ranch." Glancing down at Molly, she added: "That means both of you." Veronica heard Molly gasp with delight.

  Miriam took Veronica by the shoulder and started to lead her toward the porch. "Come with me, dear. Let me take a look at that ankle of yours."

  Despite her best efforts, Veronica couldn't avoid limping slightly. Molly followed alongside her. She noticed Kyle was taking his time tying up Veronica's horse. As if sensing her curiosity he spoke: "I'll just wait out here. Let my mother do what she's good at." Veronica felt a stab of disappointment. If there were others inside, maybe it would have made things easier for her if the handsome, good-natured rancher had helped make some of the introductions. Thinking about it for another moment, Veronica reassured herself she wouldn't be staying long, anyway. Her parents would be wondering where she and Molly had gotten to.

  Inside the ranch house was as lovely as the exterior. Wood-paneled walls, richly-covered sofas, intricately detailed carpeting, the scent of flowers, and a variety of tasteful decorative ornaments gave the interior of the parlor a welcoming, homely feel. Much like the people who lived in the house, Veronica reflected as Miriam led her toward one of the two long sofas in the middle of the room. As he sat down, Veronica could hear voices coming from another part of the house. She heard the familiar sounds of kitchen work.

  Miriam brought a stool and lifted Veronica's foot onto it. Sitting by Veronica's side, Molly watched with a worry-free expression, eyes rapt with steady concentration. Molly had never seen her mother suffer any kind of physical injury, Veronica reminded herself. And that could only be a good thing. Veronica knew how hard she'd worked to shelter Molly from the harsh realities of life. And to have confidence that her mother would do whatever it took to make sure she was safe in this hard and dangerous world.

  Miriam unlaced Veronica's boot and slid it from her foot. As she did so, Veronica flinched. Miriam examined Veronica's ankle for a few moments, testing it with gentle changes of position. One particular position seemed to cause Veronica the most discomfort.

  Miriam leaned back and sighed. "The good news is I think you've only twisted your ankle badly."

  "I had to move quickly to avoid that steer," Veronica explained. "I did feel it collide with my foot, though. I should have moved quicker than I did."

  Miriam shook her head. "Those steers can be ornery," she stated. Miriam stood, planting her hands on her hips. "I'll get something to put on that ankle for a little while. And I'll get Lily, our housekeeper, to make some coffee." She smiled at Molly. "And I believe there are some cakes, too."

  Molly grinned and glanced excitedly at Veronica, seeking permission. The promise of cake always brightened her spirits, Veronica reflected. Veronica nodded at Molly. Clearly understanding what had passed between mother and daughter, Miriam headed off to the kitchen. As Miriam left the room, Veronica heard footsteps on the hall's wooden floorboards.

  Kyle leaned his head into the parlor. "What's the verdict?" he asked.

  "Nothing is broken," Veronica told him.

  Kyle's shoulders dropped with visible relief. "That's good news." Advancing into the room, he seemed set on waiting around. At least until Miriam brought the coffee and whatever was needed for Veronica's ankle. She saw Kyle glance hesitantly at her ankle which was still propped up on the stool. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, Veronica swept her loose skirt across her leg, covering her bare foot. Glancing back at Kyle, she saw his cheeks flush pink. She turned her head away and smiled to herself. It hadn't taken much to embarrass the rancher, she told herself. Her earlier impression that he was very much a gentleman had just bee
n confirmed.

  Kyle sat on a chair in front of a wooden writing bureau, upon which were strewn papers. A rifle hung on the wall above the bureau. Veronica wondered how often guns were used on this ranch. Back at the Flint mansion, guns were forbidden. Her father, Dominick was emphatic that no guns were allowed inside the mansion's walls. For a few long moments, a heavy silence hung in the air. Perched on the edge of the sofa, Molly swung her legs, child-like and innocently unaware of the sudden awkwardness between Veronica and Kyle. From the kitchen came the sounds of voices.

  Finally, Veronica decided she had to say something. Anything to break the silence. "How long have you and your family lived here?"

  Kyle leaned back on the chair. "About ten years. Pa bought this place when it was pretty rundown. We've been building it up ever since."

  He looked suddenly thoughtful. She was sure he was about to ask her a question. Needing to prevent that from happening, she blurted out the next thing which came to mind. "Did you say your brother is getting married this weekend?"

  Kyle hesitated. From the narrowing of his eyes she thought he'd figured out that these questions were her way of keeping him from prying into her own circumstances. Well, if that was what he was thinking then he was entirely correct, Veronica told herself. Now wasn't the time for her to reveal personal details about her own and Molly's life. She hoped he'd realize that and restrain his curiosity. For now, at least.

  "My big brother, Gabe, is getting married on Saturday," Kyle said brightly. "Him and Lauren Munro. She's related to my sister's husband, Josh Munro." He lifted his brows. "Do you know the Munro family?"

  Veronica shook her head. "We only just moved to Inspiration," she explained. "We haven't had a chance to meet a whole lot of people. Most of our time has been spent getting used to living at the mansion."

  Veronica could tell he was desperate to follow up on what she'd just revealed. Maybe he wanted to ask her if she had a husband. Did he realize she was only talking about herself and Molly? Or had he simply assumed there was a Mr Callahan, waiting for her back at the Flint mansion? Because there wasn't. And there never would be.

  "Maybe you and your family can go to one of the town socials," Kyle suggested. "That's a good way of getting to know folks."

  It was an innocent suggestion. Veronica nodded. "I'm sure it is," was all she said in reply. She could imagine what the town's social gatherings were like. Friendly, well-organized and with plenty of townsfolk eager to know more about the new arrivals. Veronica had attended events like that back in Chicago. If folks knew only half of what she'd been through these past few years, then a night at a social would be an ordeal of disapproving looks and judgmental glances. Her history would remain private. If for no other reason than it had to be that way to protect Molly.

  Footsteps sounded in the hallway and Miriam entered the room. She was carrying a thick, damp-looking cloth. Halting suddenly, she squinted at Kyle. "Keeping Mrs Callahan company?" she asked.

  Kyle stood quickly. "I'll be outside," he said abruptly. He glanced at the cloth in Miriam's hand. "Let me know if you need anything." Then he made his way out of the parlor. As Miriam took her seat on the sofa, Veronica heard the front door close heavily. Miriam proceeded to attend to Veronica's ankle. The cloth was damp and cold. Wrapping it around Veronica's ankle, Miriam leaned back and smiled. "Leave that on for an hour or so. Then we'll see about getting you home."

  "An hour?" Veronica asked surprised at the proposed duration of her visit.

  Before she had a chance to say another word, she heard the rattle of crockery and rhythmic beat of footsteps. A woman entered the parlor carrying a tray upon which were set cups, plates, cakes and a coffee pot. Her white hair was neatly tied back and she was dressed in a plain white gown and apron. She had a kindly expression on her even features and bright, blue eyes filled with curiosity. Veronica guessed the woman was the same age as Miriam, perhaps in her fifties. Miriam stood and fetched a small table, placing it close to the where Veronica and Molly sat. "This is Lily, our housekeeper," Miriam explained. "And she's the one who has made these tasty cakes," she added giving Molly a knowing glance.

  Lily set the tray down on the table. Plates of cake and cups of coffee were handed out. Molly smiled contentedly and nibbled on a scone. Lily left the room. All Veronica could think to do was be as pleasant to Miriam as possible. After all, the woman had simply welcomed Veronica and Molly into her family home with hardly any word of explanation from her son. Did she trust her son's judgment so much that even bringing home a stranger didn't even cause Miriam a moment's concern?

  Back at the Flint household, Veronica's own mother had encouraged her to do as much as she could to become a part of the local community. Even if that meant socializing with the folks of Inspiration. And especially if it meant doing what her father seemed so determined to avoid. Getting to know the neighboring ranching families.

  Veronica heard footsteps in the hallway. New voices. A man and woman talking quietly. Murmuring.

  Miriam smiled at Veronica. "That's Gabriel and Lauren you're hearing. And I think that's my husband, too. I'll introduce you," she said. Miriam placed her cup on the table and stood. She called out into the hall, beckoning her son and soon to be daughter-in-law. Veronica smiled at Molly. Meeting new people was still a novelty for her daughter. But she was young and adaptable. Thankfully all the tragedy of the past had occurred when Molly had been too young to know what was going on. She'd been sheltered from the worst of it.

  It was time to open up their lives to new people. It was time for a new beginning for her and Molly. That was why Veronica had come here to be with her parents. This was clearly her chance to begin afresh. It seemed that, on this bright sunny Montana day, God had brought her into the lives of the Baxter family. All Veronica could hope for was that she could keep the details of the last few years to herself.

  The last thing she ever wanted to talk about was how, four years ago, she'd become the widow Callahan.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Kyle stood on the porch of the ranch house, gazed out across the yard and drew in a contented breath. Cool air filled his lungs. Fresh scents of the rangeland awakened his senses, lightening his mood. Bright, late-morning sunshine bathed the Baxter spread making everything seem more vivid. The birdsong was sweet music. The big Montana sky was azure blue and clear of cloud.

  Kyle leaned against the porch support and cocked his head, listening. Quiet voices drifted on the air. The excited babble came from inside the house. His brother Gabriel and Lauren, Kyle's about-to be sister-in-law were discussing, yet again, and in high spirits, the details of Saturday's upcoming wedding. Their wedding. He smiled wryly to himself, wondering what Veronica would make of all the excitement. Almost two months of planning were about to come to fruition. Gabe and Lauren would be man and wife. Finally. After all the delays, their wedding would take place. Kyle frowned, wondering if he should go back inside the house. He decided against it, thinking he didn't want to crowd Veronica and Molly any more than necessary. He'd done what he'd needed to do by bringing them to the ranch house.

  Only a few short months ago the idea of Gabe getting married would have seemed improbable. And, even more inconceivable had been the notion that Kyle himself and his brother Landon would also be seeking wives this summer. But that was how it was turning out. Although he and Landon had been too busy helping with the wedding preparations to engage in any serious courting.

  Kyle had to admit he'd been relieved the wedding preparations had provided a useful distraction. Besides, neither he nor Landon had any realistic prospects in mind from amongst the many young ladies of the town of Inspiration. Of course, since word had gotten out that the two remaining Baxter brothers would be needing wives there had been no shortage of surprising and, Kyle was sure, carefully staged encounters. It seemed that every time Kyle and Landon were in town there was always some fine young lady eager and determined to catch the eye of Kyle and his brother.