The Rancher’s Frontier Family

by Maya Stirling

  Finishing the soup, he leaned back in his chair. "That was good," he announced. He could feel energy surge through him. Patting his stomach, he sighed contentedly. "I don't think I need to lie down any more."

  Taking the plate and placing it back on the tray, Beth shook her head. "Uh uh," she grunted. "I'd be happier if you rested a while longer."

  He smiled. "You ordering me back to bed?"

  Standing, she held the tray at her middle and looked down at him. He'd figured on spending time talking with her. But it looked like she had other ideas. There was plenty he wanted to know about her. And he was sure she must be curious about the temporary guest she had beneath the roof of her ranch house. "Maybe we can talk later. After the children and I have had dinner."

  For a moment, he felt like he was being excluded. Had he made a bad impression earlier? Maybe his rough appearance had scared the children. He stood and faced Beth. He gave her a mock salute of obedience. "Whatever you say, ma'am," he replied with a grin.

  He saw the hint of a smile crease the corner of her mouth. And then she headed for the door, carrying the tray. Opening the door, she edged out into the hall. Before she closed the door behind her she looked back at him. "If you feel better later in the evening, maybe you and I can talk some more." And then she quietly closed the door behind her.

  Landon lay down in bed and started to think about what he wanted to know about his very beautiful host who'd just shown him genuine kindness.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Later in the evening, after the children had gone upstairs to their rooms, Beth was sitting in the parlor when she heard soft footsteps on the staircase. She straightened in the high-backed chair and placed her knitting down on the side table. It looked like Landon was determined not to spend the entire night up in his room, she told herself. Sure enough, she saw him lean his head around the doorway and peer hesitantly into the parlor. Beth stood, resting her hands across her middle. Forcing herself to smile at Landon, she gestured to the sofa. "I see you decided to come downstairs, after all," she said.

  Landon stepped into the parlor. He was dressed as before, in his own freshly-dried jeans, plaid shirt and newly-polished boots. He'd arranged his loose, dark hair so that the head bandage was partially covered. He didn't look as pale as he'd done earlier. She was pleased about that. She quietly admitted to herself that he sure was a handsome figure. He was tall enough that his head almost touched the top of the frame of the parlor doorway. His broad-shouldered physique seemed to fill the entrance. Stepping inside, he glanced around the parlor. "Where is everyone?"

  "The children are upstairs in bed. Sally is resting," she informed him.

  Landon nodded and walked to the sofa. "You don't mind me coming down, do you?" She recalled her earlier instruction to him.

  Was he deliberately defying her wishes? If so, she realized she didn't mind one bit. It felt good to have some company for a change. Beth shook her head. "No. Of course not, Landon. Why would I mind?" she asked.

  He shrugged. "You seemed mighty sure about me staying upstairs."

  Gesturing to the sofa, she said: "Please. Take a seat." She took her place on the high-backed chair and watched Landon carefully sit on the sofa. Running his gaze around the room again, he said: "Pretty place you've got here." He leaned back on the sofa, stretched out his long legs and rested an arm on the back of the sofa. "Comfortable."

  He was right, Beth told herself. The parlor's furnishing were good quality. The chairs and sofas had been brought from Billings. The side board and bureau, constructed of dark wood, were of the best makes. The carpeting, thick and heavy, would last for years. All of it had been chosen by her brother and his wife. Of course, Beth had added her own little touches. The floral decorations, the ornaments, the landscape paintings. But, the room expressed the tastes of her brother and sister-in-law. Every object in the room was an emotional reminder of Luke and Jenny.

  "How is your head?" she asked, eager to shift her attention back to the present.

  Landon tentatively touched the bandage. "Still hurts."

  "And the dizziness?"

  Landon shrugged. "It comes and goes. I guess the doc will tell me if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

  "Doc Clanton says he can't get here until tomorrow," Beth told Landon. "He told my ranch hand that there's a baby to be delivered in Inspiration. He needs to be there tonight. And maybe part of tomorrow, depending how things go."

  Landon nodded thoughtfully. "Baby, huh? That's way more important than my sore head."

  Beth smiled, appreciating Landon modest manner. It made her wonder about who he really was. Where he had come from. His family. Resting her hands in her lap, she gazed steadily at him. "Tell me about yourself, Landon."

  His brows shot up in a line. "What do you want to know?"

  Beth shrugged. "Whatever you think I should know. After all, it's not every day I bring a total stranger to the Circle D." She saw his eyes widen slightly as she said that. Although he was a stranger, she already felt as if she knew him. He'd shown some of his character by dealing with Wes Harding. And she'd seen how strong he'd been in dealing with his injury. Landon Baxter struck her as a patient and strong man. But she was only beginning to get to know him. While he was under her roof, and so close to her family, she needed to know more.

  Landon thought for a moment. "I've lived on the Baxter family ranch for over ten years. We moved to Inspiration to take over a ranch my father bought. I have two brothers and one sister." He smiled. "My sister, Victoria married a rancher, Wyatt Munro. They live local, on the ranch Wyatt shares with his brother. Victoria's expecting later this year."

  "How lovely," Beth said brightly.

  Landon nodded and then continued. "My older brother, Gabe, married Lauren earlier this summer. And my younger brother Kyle just got married to Veronica."

  Beth lifted her brows. "That's a lot of marriages in a short time."

  Landon tilted his head. "My parents were back East this year. Visiting my aunt. They wrote and told my brother Gabe that he better find a wife. All of us, in fact." Landon frowned ironically. "Gabe was getting on in years, you understand. Seemed like my mother and father didn't want Gabe waiting any longer before finding a wife. They said they'd sell the ranch if we all didn't marry. But, turns out they were just trying to give me and my brothers a friendly kick in the pants. Anyhow. Gabe and Kyle both got married." Landon smiled. "Ma and pa came back with Aunt Mabel for the weddings in the Inspiration church."

  Beth schooled her features as she heard the last part of Landon's speech. Had he just said that himself and all his brothers would have to find wives? She was certain her hearing hadn't deceived her. That meant Landon was the only unmarried brother in the Baxter family.

  Beth's straightened in her chair. "So you all live on the Baxter ranch."

  Landon nodded. "Gabe and Lauren are building a place of their own on the spread. Kyle and Veronica are staying in the big house with my ma and pa. Veronica has a little girl, Molly, five years old, from a previous marriage. She was a widow when Kyle met her."

  Beth narrowed her eyes. "Widow?"

  "It's a long story," Landon replied, his gaze softening. "Veronica's father is well-to-do. He owns a big place outside Inspiration. Kyle is helping Dominick turn it into a going concern as a ranch," Landon explained. "It'll take some time, but I'm sure they'll make something good. Dominick has plenty of land and the money to spend putting a herd on it."

  Landon was quiet for a long moment. Then he said: "And there you have it. The whole story of the Baxter clan," he said with a smile. He looked proud of what he'd just told her. And he had every right to be. It sounded like marriage was important to the Baxter family. As well it should be, she told herself. Family was something which pleased God. It was what He wanted for His children. The joy and delight of family. A place where love could be. Beth was acutely aware that her own life lacked that certainty. That balance. Of course it was good to run the ranch and to look after the children as be
st she could. But, every day that had passed since she'd taken on the ranch and the care of Max and Katie, she'd felt there was something missing.

  "It's quite a tale," Beth said carefully.

  Landon nodded and was about to respond when Beth heard the front door open and heavy footsteps on the wooden floorboards. Landon turned his head. One of the ranch hands, Doyle, walked into the parlor. Doyle, roughly dressed in a heavy woolen jacket and jeans, froze when he saw Landon sitting on the sofa. His eyes narrowed, and he looked across at Beth. Doyle was holding his gray Stetson in his hand.

  For a moment, Doyle looked like he was about to say something to Landon. But then he forced a smile. "Beth. I didn't realize you had company."

  Beth stood and moved to the center of the room. "Doyle. This is Landon Baxter." Landon stood, slightly unsteadily, and went around to Doyle.

  Beth spoke: "Landon this is Doyle. He's the ramrod on the ranch."

  Extending his hand, Landon smiled warily. "Pleased to meet a fellow rancher," Landon said, clearly trying to be friendly.

  Doyle shook Landon's hand and then glanced at Beth. "Maybe I should come back later," he suggested, starting to turn toward the door.

  "Wait, Doyle," Beth said going to the thirty-year-old man who was in charge of supervising much of the work on the ranch.

  Doyle's dark, swarthy features tightened as he glanced from Beth to Landon. "I don't want to interrupt anything. I can speak to you later, Beth," he said. "I just wanted to let you know about today's work."

  Beth saw Landon watching her carefully. Had he taken note of the familiar tone with which her employee had spoken to her? "I guess you heard about Landon," Beth said to Doyle.

  Doyle's lips formed a thin line. "I have." He drew himself up to his full height as he peered at Landon. Doyle was shorter and heavier than Landon. He was a good man, and a hard worker. But, there had been times recently when Beth had noticed a hard edge to Doyle's character. And she was seeing it now in the impassive expression on his features. He glanced toward Landon's bandage. "That looks like you took a hard knock."

  Landon touched his head. "I've had worse," he said casually. "I work my family's ranch over by Inspiration. I've had plenty of falls before." Landon peered at Doyle. "But I guess you know that tumbling from a horse happens all the time in our line of work."

  "It sure does," Doyle said evenly. "Most times, though, we do our best to avoid rocks." Doyle fixed his gaze on Landon. "If we can."

  Beth frowned. Had Doyle just criticized Landon? Taking Doyle's elbow, Beth led him toward the parlor door. "Tell me what you came to say."

  She saw Landon's gaze drift down to her hand. He was watching the way she was holding Doyle's arm as she made her way to the hallway. Did Landon think there was something familiar about the way she'd done that? Beth knew that Doyle was a loyal employee. Recently, he'd become someone she felt she could trust. And, in relying on him, Beth had found herself, inevitably, being more friendly toward Doyle. Spending so much time around the ranch meant she and Doyle were frequently together. But it was only the amicable relationship between a boss and an employee. Nothing more.

  Out in the hallway she listened as Doyle updated her on the events of the day out on the rangeland. Beth listened attentively. As Doyle spoke, she glanced back at Landon and saw he'd regained his seat on the sofa. She noticed that his head was tilted slightly, as if he was listening to what Doyle was telling her. Finally, Doyle finished talking.

  Dismissing him, she saw Doyle peer across at Landon. "Hope you get better quickly," Doyle said sharply.

  Landon didn't even turn his head. He lifted a hand and said: "I sure will."

  Doyle left and Beth went back to her chair. As he gazed into the fireplace next to her chair, Landon's features were now blank and unreadable. She wondered if, somehow, Doyle had gotten beneath Landon's skin. If so, she asked herself why Doyle would even want to do such a thing. And why it would have bothered Landon that she enjoyed a friendly relationship with the ramrod of her ranch.

  She assumed Landon would want to continue their conversation. But he surprised her by standing up and saying: "I think I'll go upstairs and rest. You're right. I probably should sleep a while longer."

  Taken aback by his sudden change, Beth simply nodded. "Of course. You'll join us for breakfast in the morning, won't you?"

  Landon smiled. She could get used to seeing that smile more often, she told herself. "Sure. Goodnight, Beth."

  "Goodnight, Landon."

  And then he walked out of the parlor, leaving her wondering why the Lord had brought the handsome rancher into her life.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Landon had just finished shaving in his room next morning when he heard Sally call his name out from the hallway next to the kitchen. He opened his room door and stuck his head out into the hall. "I'm on my way," he yelled. His voice echoed along the corridor and all the way down the stairs. Back inside the room he wiped his face clean over the pitcher of water and examined himself in the small shaving mirror which Sally had brought up to him earlier. Landon nodded to himself. At least the day-old stubble had gone. He looked fresh-faced. Not like the bedraggled jasper they'd seen yesterday. At least there was a chance the children might change their mind about him.

  He put his shirt on and made his way downstairs. Walking down the steps he could already hear the excited babble and laughter of the children from the kitchen. He heard Sally and Beth talking. It sounded like a family kitchen. Just like he was used to. He readied himself. The smell of cooking wafted on the air. Landon heard his stomach rumble. He'd slept well during the night. Better than he might have expected. Landon felt rested and ready for a new day. He wanted this breakfast to go well. He planned on being charming and friendly to the family. Especially to the children.

  Walking into the kitchen, Landon froze. Doyle was sitting at the table alongside Max and Katie. Over by the sink stood Sally. Beth was laying out plates on the table.

  Doyle looked up at Landon, but didn't say anything. He merely nodded a silent greeting and went back to his business with Max and Katie. Max and Katie were dressed in neat little outfits. Katie wore a pink gown. Max wore white shirt and dark pants. Sensing his presence, Max turned and looked up at Landon. Max gasped. Landon figured maybe it was because his own appearance wasn't as frightening as it had been the day before. Katie turned and smiled at Landon. That simple gesture immediately brightened Landon's spirits.

  Beth smiled at Landon. "Morning."

  "Morning," Landon replied. "I hope I didn't keep you all waiting."

  Sally whirled around to face Landon. "Nonsense." She examined him for a long moment. "Anybody ever said you look better when you're scrubbed up?"

  Landon stared at Sally, surprised at the approving words. Landon heard Beth's gasp. He saw her cheeks flush pink. "Sally. That's no kind of thing to say to Landon."

  "Why not?" Sally objected. "It's true, ain't it?"

  Landon saw Doyle eye him steadily. Maybe Doyle wasn't used to getting compliments of his own, Landon speculated. "Thank you for those kind words, Sally."

  Sally waved a fork at Landon. "Don't go getting big-headed," she told Landon. She smiled broadly as an idea seemed to come to her. "Otherwise that bandage might snap loose," she added and then howled with laughter at her own joke. The kitchen filled with laughter. The only person who didn't laugh was Doyle.

  Landon shook his head and smiled. "I try to keep my feet on the ground Miss Sally. You don't need to worry about me getting all high and mighty."

  "Sit down, please," Beth instructed, indicating the empty seat at the head of the table. Landon did what he was told and watched as Beth filled each plate with everything on the tasty breakfast menu. The biscuits and gravy, bacon and eggs looked irresistible. Once that was done, Beth sat at the opposite end of the table to Landon. On his right, Doyle sat between Max and Katie. Sally sat down on Landon's left.