The Rancher’s Frontier Family

by Maya Stirling

  Landon's features tightened with concern. "You're saying I need to lay down some more?" he asked, his shoulders slumping. He didn't seem at all happy about that prospect, Beth told herself.

  "Not so much," the doc replied. "But, you won't be traveling anywhere for at least two or three days. Not until those dizzy spells stop."

  Beth exchanged an astonished look with Landon and then stared at Doc Clanton. "You're saying Landon can't go home?" she said sharply, trying to contain the emotion in her voice.

  "That's exactly what I'm saying," the doc replied. "Not on the back of a horse. Or even on the back of a buckboard. Thankfully that journey from the creek wasn't too far. Otherwise I can't say what might have happened. After that kind of bang to the head, its wise to remain as still as possible for a while." Seeing Beth's obvious distress, the doc touched her gently on the arm. "But you did the right thing, Beth. You couldn't have left Landon down at that creek."

  "I have to remain at the Circle D for at least two or three days," Landon reiterated. "That's it," he added heavily. Looking at Landon's blank features, she couldn't tell whether he was pleased or unhappy about that prospect.

  "Maybe more," Doc Clanton responded.

  A heavy silence hung in the room for a few long moments. The doc picked up his bag. It seemed like, as far as he was concerned, the consultation was over. He gave Landon one final look. "If the dizziness gets worse, you get me out here. If things settle down, then I reckon you could go home in a few days." He patted Landon casually on the shoulder. "How does that sound?"

  Landon's mouth dropped open. Beth asked herself if Landon had simply expected to be given a clean bill of health by the doctor. He seemed genuinely taken aback by the order to remain on the Circle D. As far as Beth was concerned, the fact that Landon Baxter was going to be around for a while longer wasn't exactly unwelcome news.

  Doc Clanton gave Beth a quizzical look. "Are you happy with that, Beth?"

  Schooling her features, Beth nodded. "Of course, doc. If it means Landon will get better, then that's all that matters."

  Beth saw Landon smile up at her. The doc gave Beth and Landon some final advice and then she led him out of the room. Out in the yard, after she bid goodbye to the doc, Beth stood in front of the ranch house, arms folded. She thought about Landon Baxter remaining on the ranch for the next few days. Quietly, and without regret, she told herself that, with Landon Baxter around for the next few days, things were going to be very different on the Circle D.

  CHAPTER TEN

  He was going to have to stay on Beth's ranch for the next few days.

  Up in his room, Landon stood at the window and watched the doc's carriage head down the dusty trail toward Inspiration. For a moment, Landon tried to think about what his enforced stay might mean for him, for Beth and for the children. He felt frustration tighten in his gut. He desperately wanted to get back to the Baxter spread. The doc had told Landon that he'd gone to the Baxter ranch before coming out to the Circle D. The doc had told Landon's family that he'd been told Landon had had an accident, but that he was probably recovering. Landon was sure his family would be worried. His brothers would probably take the news with good humor. At least on the surface. But, Landon was concerned his parents would worry about him. Before leaving, Doc Clanton had told Landon that he'd go the Baxter place on the way back and tell the family that Landon was probably okay. That didn't stop Landon from being concerned about his family's reaction.

  And then there was the prospect of staying at Beth's ranch. As the doc had examined him, Beth had looked genuinely anxious. And, when the doc had told them about Landon not being able to travel, she'd stared at Landon with a blank expression. Landon wondered if she'd welcomed the news. Or whether she simply wanted Landon off her property as soon as possible.

  But, as he recalled the way she'd behaved toward him since yesterday, Landon was convinced that Beth wasn't unhappy about his presence on the Circle D. On more than one occasion, Landon had caught Beth's gaze lingering. He'd seen her heavy lids fluttering when he'd witnessed her soft gaze. There had been approval in her gaze. She had turned her head away, clearly wanting to hide the smile at the corner of her mouth. Beth had been happy for Landon to spend time with Max, trusting him to be around her precious children. All of that made him think she approved of him being in her home.

  But, above all, Landon had felt his heartbeat quicken every time Beth was around him. He'd felt heat rush to his cheeks every time she'd been close to him. And done his best to hide that reaction. He was already beginning to enjoy simply being in her presence; listening to her soft voice; hearing her quiet laughter; catching her scent every time she was near him. And, on those rare occasions when she touched his arm, he'd felt sensations he'd never felt before. Beth Russell had made a big impression on Landon. And he knew it. And now he faced having to spend time beneath her roof. He knew he'd have to hide his feelings. Knew it would be wise to mask how she was affecting him. If only for the benefit of the children. The last thing they needed was a stranger in their home making eyes at their mother.

  No, Landon told himself. If he had to stay on the Circle D, he'd do his best to be respectful to Beth. And to be pleasant to the children. Then, once he was fit to travel, Landon would be on his way.

  Choosing to follow Doc Clanton's advice, Landon went to the bed. Stretching out on top of the blanket, he rested his hands across his middle. Beth had said she'd come and get him once lunch was ready. Thinking about another session at the kitchen table with Doyle present didn't exactly fill Landon with anticipation. But, he'd resolved to see out his time at the Circle D without disrupting things. And that was exactly what he was going to do.

  After a short nap, Sally came to his room and told him lunch was ready. Landon made his way downstairs and found Beth, the children and Doyle already seated at the kitchen table. For the next hour, Landon shared the meal with them. He did his best to be on his best behavior, even if that meant not gazing at Beth. Landon joked and laughed with Max and Katie. When Beth announced, halfway through the meal, that Landon would be staying at the Circle D for a few days longer, Max and Katie cheered excitedly. Upon hearing their delight, Doyle drew Landon what could only be described as a menacing look from beneath his dark brows. Landon noticed that Beth had seen the way Doyle had looked at him. And, to Landon's delight, Beth didn't seem impressed with the way Doyle had looked at him.

  Finally, after lunch was finished, the children raced out of the kitchen and through the open door to the yard. Landon made his way out to the porch, while Beth remained in the kitchen with Sally. After a few minutes, Doyle appeared on the porch. Landon was sitting on the wooden bench beneath the the parlor window. Doyle moved slowly to Landon's side. Landon resolutely refused to look up at Doyle. The memory of the way the man had looked at him was still fresh in Landon's mind. Landon guessed Doyle had decided to have words with him. When the ramrod took his place beside Landon, he knew his prediction had been correct.

  "So you're staying on at the Circle D," Doyle said in a matter-of-fact tone of voice. Landon thought Doyle didn't sound too pleased.

  Landon peered at Doyle. The man's gaze was steady, but Landon could see barely disguised fury behind those eyes. "The doctor's orders," he replied curtly.

  Doyle nodded slowly. "That head of yours must have been a bit on the soft side, if you ask me. Especially you being a rancher, and all."

  Landon felt his jaw tighten, but he was determined not to take Doyle's bait. Nothing good would come of arguing with him. "I won't be here long," he replied, ignoring Doyle's insult.

  "Seems to me that a few days is still on the long side," Doyle murmured.

  Landon shifted on the bench and faced Doyle. "You want me off this spread?"

  Doyle grinned and lifted a brow. "Now did I say anything like that?"

  Landon shook his head. "In any case. This place doesn't belong to you. This is Beth's ranch."

  "Beth," Doyle said quizzically. He nodded thoughtfully. "You an
d her on first name terms already?"

  "What's wrong with that?"

  "Nothing," Doyle said. "Just that you've only been here a day and night." Doyle gave Landon a skeptical look. "You don't waste any time, do you?

  Now Landon felt indignation twisting in his gut. "What are you trying to say, Doyle?"

  "I've heard about you Baxter boys," he muttered. "You like to get your way in most things. Word gets around. Heard about how you helped out Dominick Flint a couple of months ago when his daughter was almost abducted. And how you and your brothers stopped those horse thieves a while back." Doyle laughed quietly. "You Baxter boys are regular heroes." Doyle sounded disgusted.

  "Comes of being God-fearing men, Doyle," Landon countered. He squinted at Doyle. "I don't recall seeing you in church at Inspiration. Have you ever been?"

  Doyle scoffed. "I don't go," he blurted out. Stretching his legs out and leaning against the bench, he curled his hands around the back of his head and laughed cynically. "I've never seen the point."

  Landon figured Doyle hadn't set foot inside a church in a long time. "There's plenty of reasons to go to church," Landon said. "Now that I think of it, I reckon I've seen Beth and the children there." It was true. Landon recalled seeing Beth and the children. But they'd kept themselves to themselves. He hadn't thought much of it at the time. Prying into the lives of other people wasn't something he did.

  That statement seemed to rile Doyle. He dragged in a deep breath and shifted, facing Landon. Suddenly, there was a sense of threat in Doyle's demeanor. Landon met the man's gaze with a steady, unflinching one of his own. "What are you trying to say, Baxter?"

  Landon furrowed his brows. "Nothing. Apart from the obvious fact that this is a godly house. And the woman who owns this spread is obviously a woman of faith" Landon eyed Doyle steadily. "I think you should keep that in mind when it comes to your dealings with this fine family."

  "Family?" Doyle snapped. "It ain't a family until there's a pa here."

  Puzzled by that last remark, Landon paused before saying: "I think Beth can take care of herself, and those children," Landon declared. And he meant what he'd said. He didn't believe Beth Russell needed a man to help her run the ranch. And she seemed to have won over the children. Even if, after what he'd witnessed yesterday, she still had some work to do with Katie.

  To Landon's surprise, Doyle nodded. "Beth's a fine woman. And no mistake." There was suddenly a satisfied tone to Doyle's voice. "She'll make a lucky man a fine wife." Doyle rubbed a hand across his stubble-covered chin. "If you know what I mean," he added and lifted a brow.

  Landon frowned at Doyle. He thought about how Doyle seemed to have become a close part of the life at the ranch house. Previously, Landon had assumed it was simply because Doyle was the foreman on the ranch. Being a ramrod meant Doyle would naturally spend time around Beth, making sure the ranch was being run right. But, Doyle had seemed curiously sure of himself when he'd uttered those last words. An awful thought flashed into Landon's mind. Did Doyle really think he had a chance at winning Beth's heart? And her hand? The thought made Landon almost recoil in disgust. Doyle was no man for Beth Russell. She deserved better than him.

  "I think you better get back to work," Landon ordered the other man.

  Doyle stood quickly and glared down at Landon. Landon saw him glance through the window of the parlor and then toward the front door of the ranch house. Whatever he was about to say, he didn't want it heard by Beth, Landon told himself. Turning back to Landon, Doyle spoke in a quiet, but threatening tone. "See you get off this ranch as soon as you can, Baxter. You here?" Doyle's eyes flashed with anger. "I don't want you hanging around that woman. Or her children."

  Landon was tempted to rise to his feet. He felt the impulse to stand, but contained it, knowing it might lead to trouble. Facing Doyle down would achieve nothing. Instead, Landon remained seated. He crossed on booted foot over a knee and stretched an arm out across the back of the bench. Peering casually up at Doyle, Landon smiled. "As I said. I'm sure you've got plenty of work to do, Doyle," Landon said in a measured tone. "I'll see you at dinnertime."

  Doyle grunted and curled his fists into balls. Landon stared up at him. Landon had seen men like Doyle before. Men who found it difficult to control themselves. Men who were comfortable with lying. He knew he was looking at one of those kind of men, right now. Rage and deception lay hidden inside Doyle. Landon wondered if Beth knew what Doyle was really like.

  The ranch house door opened and Beth stuck her head out. "You still here, Doyle?" she asked.

  Doyle's transformation was instantaneous. He smiled at Beth. "Me and Landon were just getting to know each other," Doyle exclaimed. He grinned weakly at Landon. "Ain't that right?"

  Landon stood finally and faced Doyle. Landon nodded slowly and peered intently at Doyle. "I think we understand each other a lot better now, don't we?" he said to Doyle. Doyle's gaze, blank and unmoving, fixed on Landon. A moment passed between both men. An instant of understanding.

  Then, Doyle turned away from Landon and stepped out onto the yard. "I'll be getting along," he said waving to Beth.

  Landon looked at Beth. A puzzled expression appeared on her face. Had she sensed the tension between himself and Doyle? However, almost like she wanted to ignore it, she just smiled at Landon. Hearing Sally calling to Beth from the kitchen, Beth nodded to Landon and then went back inside.

  The door closed and Landon sat back down and watched Doyle head inside the stable. Moments later the man emerged and rode quickly away.

  A new sensation flared into life in Landon's gut. Something he hadn't expected. It was an urgent sense of worry. There was something going on at the Circle D. Something involving Doyle and the man's obvious interest in Beth.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Later that evening, as she sat in the parlor with the children, Beth realized she was relieved that Doyle hadn't appeared for dinner. Sometimes he ate chow with the ranch hands in the bunkhouse. It seemed he'd either been too busy to come for dinner, or he'd decided to eat over at the other place. Beth sat on her chair by the fire. Max and Katie were kneeling at her feet, playing a game on the carpet. Beth smiled inwardly. The parlor was warm and comfortable. The sounds of the children laughing filled the low-ceilinged room. It was on nights like these that Beth could take time to enjoy what her life had become. The life of a mother. A family. Although it wasn't a complete family, she knew it was all the children had. For the moment. On nights like these, thoughts of the future drifted into her mind. It had only been months since the sudden change the Lord had brought into their lives. Hardly any time at all, she reflected. But still, she felt she was beginning to adjust to life on the Circle D. She'd been making good progress.

  Until, that is, Doyle had started paying her more attention. At first, Doyle had been indispensable to Beth. She'd leaned on him heavily, seeking his advice and expertise with regard to running a ranch. And, she had to admit, he'd been helpful. She probably wouldn't have been able to hold onto the Circle D if it hadn't have been for Doyle. She liked him. She'd come to feel less uncertain when he was around. But, lately, his friendly demeanor had become something else entirely. Doyle had started to make it clear to Beth that his attachment to her was becoming more than just professional. And that had been when she'd had to put her foot down. Two weeks ago, she'd tried to remind Doyle that he was a ramrod, and nothing more. He was her foreman, her advisor, and that was the way it was going to stay.

  Frustratingly, Doyle had almost completely ignored what she'd said to him. He'd listened, attentively, and nodded when she'd finished making her speech out on the rangeland. But then, the following day, almost as if she hadn't said a thing to him, he had carried on making eyes at her. And now he was getting friendly with the children. Maybe he was trying to use them to overcome Beth's resistance. The incident at the kitchen table when Katie had ran off wasn't unusual. Max and Katie hadn't warmed to Doyle, despite what the man seemed to believe.

  Of course, Beth knew
what Doyle was hoping for. He was trying to win her heart. Maybe he thought he could become father to the children. Husband to her. As she sat by the fire, Beth felt a chill settle over her at the thought of being Doyle's wife. She knew that, at some point, she might have to agree to marry. The children deserved a whole family. Not just the partial one they had at the moment. But, Doyle wasn't the right man for her. Beth knew that simple truth in her heart. There was only one question remaining. Who could be that man?