The Rancher’s Christmas Wish (Brides 0f Inspiration Book 8)

by Maya Stirling

  Ever since they'd arrived at the mercantile, Ethan had done everything he could to delay leaving the store. He'd fussed and hesitated over every one of her suggestions. Whether it had been about the right materials needed to make their own bunting, or the perfect color and quantity of the many candles Ethan was determined to purchase. Clearly, money was no problem. Chloe glanced at the materials and supplies, bagged and boxed and piled high on Mr Murchison's counter. Now that she considered Ethan had everything he needed, she was eager to get back to the Buchanan ranch.

  Chloe folded her arms and tried not to groan again. If she wasn't mistaken, she might suspect that Ethan was in no hurry to return to the Armstrong ranch. Why would that be? There was only one reason she could think of. And it had everything to do with the way she'd caught him looking at her up at the ranch. When she'd turned suddenly around, as she'd walked to the carriage, and looked at him, she'd seen an expression in his eyes which had shocked her at first. She'd done her best to mask her reaction. But there was no denying the way Ethan had been looking at her.

  His gaze had been filled with appreciation.

  At first, she hadn't been sure whether she should be flattered or appalled. The temptation to scold him had hovered briefly in her mind. But she had restrained herself. However, after thinking about it during the ride into town, sitting alongside Ethan as he held the reins, she'd come to the conclusion that she was secretly pleased that Ethan Armstrong would regard her favorably. Of course, she would never reveal her hidden pleasure at that discovery. It would do neither of them any good to encourage Ethan's advances. She'd be gone from Inspiration a week after Christmas. That was what she was used to doing, and nothing would change that.

  Chloe sighed and glanced at Mr Murchison. He lifted his brows and smiled at her. He didn't need to say anything. Mr Murchison was probably just happy that today's sales would be good.

  Finally reaching the end of her tether, Chloe called out to Ethan. "Aren't you finished?" she asked loudly.

  Ethan turned to Chloe. "Just coming," he replied. He'd said that five minutes ago, Chloe told herself.

  "We have to be going, Ethan," she said irritably. "I have things I need to do."

  Lifting his brows, Ethan nodded. He made his way back to the counter. Looking down at the huge pile of stuff arrayed there, he frowned. "You sure this is all I need?"

  Chloe scoffed. "If you need anything else you can always come back," Chloe said. She turned to Mr Murchison. "Isn't that right, Mr Murchison."

  The elderly proprietor smiled apologetically. "After all this, my stocks will be running low. Won't be getting anything else in until after Christmas." He squinted at the packages and boxes. "You planning on decorating the town hall?" he joked.

  Ethan and Chloe exchanged looks. Chloe smiled. "You know what it's like at Christmas. You can never have too many decorations." She hoped her answer would satisfy Mr Murchison's curiosity. The store was a hotbed of gossip. If anything got out about the plans up at the ranch, the whole town would know within a day. It was bad enough that she and Ethan were in the store together. Alone. Word would be out about that soon enough.

  "Let me pay for all this," Ethan said. Having done that, Ethan hesitated and looked at Chloe. "You know what I'd like to do?"

  "What?" She didn't like the look in Ethan's eyes. She'd seen it before when he wanted to persuade her to do something impulsive.

  "Let's leave all this here for a short while," Ethan suggested.

  Chloe opened her mouth, intending to object, but he cut her off.

  "Why don't we take a stroll and see how the town does its own Christmas decorations?"

  Chloe could hardly believe her ears. "Are you serious?"

  Ethan nodded. "I sure am."

  Chloe saw Mr Murchison watching them with obvious interest. She frowned and was about to object when Ethan spoke to Mr Murchison. "We can come back for this, can't we?"

  Mr Murchison looked surprised at the request, but he nodded. "I can keep it all here. As long as you return before I close at six."

  "Then that decides it," Ethan replied, looking at Chloe. He flicked his head in the direction of the door. "Shall we go?"

  Not wanting to create a scene, Chloe reluctantly agreed. She followed Ethan to the door. He held it open for her. She stepped out onto the boardwalk. As she did so, a couple slid past her, giving her and Ethan an inquiring look. This was going to be catastrophic, Chloe told herself as Ethan followed her outside. Everyone was going to be watching them. And getting entirely the wrong idea.

  Outside, it was even cooler than it had been when she and Ethan had driven down in the carriage. The light was softer and shadows were beginning to settle in corners of Main Street. There were still plenty of townsfolk out and about. Store were still open. She wondered what Ethan had in mind. He'd been determined to dictate terms inside the store. And, with Mr Murchison watching, Chloe hadn't felt able to refuse Ethan's request. Now there was nothing else for it but to go along with what he had in mind.

  Ethan looked pleased with himself. He gazed along the length of Main Street. "Why don't we just walk a little," he suggested.

  "Of course," Chloe replied stiffly. He hadn't even noticed she was annoyed by his presumptuous request. In fact, he looked far too satisfied with what he obviously thought was some kind of victory. Keeping her in town suited him for some reason.

  They strolled side by side along the boardwalk. Passing couples nodded greetings. More than a few of them gave Chloe and Ethan looks containing barely-disguised curiosity. They didn't say anything to each other for a few minutes.

  He broke the silence. "I think I see what you mean about how much work is involved in making Christmas special."

  "You do?"

  Ethan nodded. "Just look at the amount of money I've just spent."

  Chloe's mouth opened and she gazed incredulously at him. "Is it only about money?"

  Ethan laughed quietly. "Only joking," he said and looked at her. She saw bright humor in his eyes. "But, seriously, I take my hat off to you. You've got some great ideas. Even if they need a lot of materials to make them reality."

  "It'll be worth it," Chloe reassured him. "When you see the glow of delight in your father's eyes, you'll be thankful you made the effort."

  Ethan slowed and he turned to face her. "Thanks to you," Ethan said quietly. She halted and looked up into his eyes. His gaze lingered on her. She felt her pulse race. As usual. It was becoming a habit. There was something about Ethan's eyes, the way his gaze shimmered with emotion, which never failed to trigger a reaction. An intensity that suggested a connection she still wasn't willing to admit existed. Suddenly needing to change the subject, Chloe glanced over to the other side of the street. She saw the town Christmas tree there. The perfect distraction from this awkward moment, she told herself.

  "Let's go see the tree," she said pointing across the road.

  She saw a flicker of disappointment on his face. She stepped off the boardwalk and he followed her. They reached the other side of Main Street and paused in front of the huge tree which had been erected next to the town hall. It was standing on what was clearly the former sight of a building, now demolished. The tree was at least twenty feet high, gloriously green with full branches, and tethered by wires which extended outward on all sides of the base. The tree was bare. For now. There wasn't even a nativity scene placed at the foot of the tree.

  Chloe knew the public ceremony for decorating the tree would take place the following week, a few days before Christmas day. All the townsfolk would attend a procession down Main Street. Children would then be called upon to hang decorations on the tree. It would be one of the most wonderful evenings of the year. Carols would be sung and roast chestnuts eaten. Hopefully, it would snow. That would make it completely perfect. Chloe had enjoyed those nights on the two previous years. Each time, she'd attended with her Buchanan family members. Hopefully, this year would be no different.

  "That's quite a tree," Ethan observed.


  Chloe nodded. "It sure is." She described the events of the town procession to Ethan. As he listened to her with rapt attention, she saw him edge closer to her. In spite of all her earlier reservation, she did nothing to discourage him. For some reason she couldn't understand, allowing Ethan to be this close felt natural. It felt right. Looking up into his eyes, she sensed a warmth in her heart. How was it possible that her feelings toward Ethan could have changed so dramatically since their encounter at the station? Was it simply because they'd been thrown together as a result of the difficulties up at the ranch? Or was it something deeper than that? Chloe drew in a deep breath and tried to slow her thundering heart. Ethan leaned his head closer.

  Suddenly, a voice called out Ethan's name. "Mr Armstrong. I thought that was you. And who is your lovely companion?"

  Ethan stiffened and turned to face the man who'd spoken his name. Chloe heard Ethan sigh. Exasperation flare across Ethan's features. He rolled his eyes. And, when he spoke, there was sudden anger in Ethan's voice.

  "Calhoun. What do you want?"

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  As Ethan advanced toward Brett Calhoun, he heard Chloe gasp. Ethan halted and glanced at Chloe. There was genuine puzzlement in Chloe's eyes. Ethan realized she might not even know who Calhoun was. That he was responsible for most of the trouble in Inspiration. Ethan forced himself to calm down. He schooled his features and moved back to Chloe's side. He resisted the urge to slide a protective hand around Chloe's waist. Even though he and Chloe had been warming to one another, Ethan still wasn't convinced how she'd react to such a familiar gesture.

  Brett Calhoun's fox-like eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze upon Chloe. "I don't believe we've met, ma'am," Calhoun said, lifting his gray Derby hat from his head and smiling.

  Chloe glanced at Ethan. Was she seeking some kind of reassurance that she could even acknowledge this stranger who'd intruded on their private moment in front of the town Christmas tree? Chloe peered at Calhoun. "We certainly haven't been introduced, sir," she said coldly.

  Unperturbed, Calhoun grinned. "No time like the present. My name is Brett Calhoun."

  Then, Chloe said something which almost made Ethan burst out laughing. "So you're the man I've heard about from my cousins. The one who caused so much trouble for them," she stated sharply. Ethan heard Chloe sigh heavily as she took one step toward Calhoun. "If what I've heard is true, then I hardly think it's appropriate for you to even be introducing yourself to me."

  For a moment, Calhoun hesitated, his eyes flashing from side to side, as if he hadn't expected such forthrightness from the petite blonde standing in front of him. He cleared his throat and looked at Ethan. "Your companion seems to have strong opinions, Ethan," Calhoun observed, completely ignoring Chloe. Ethan knew that was a mistake.

  Chloe took one more step toward Calhoun. It seemed like she meant to cause some trouble of her own. Maybe she'd been storing this up after hearing some of the tales of what had happened three years ago, Ethan told himself. "Mr Calhoun, I'd be obliged if you would be on your way," she snapped. "Myself and Ethan were just trying to enjoy a quiet moment before you decided to intrude."

  Calhoun stiffened and his brows shot up in a line. For a long moment, he looked startled by the vehemence of Chloe's outburst. Immaculately turned out as usual in his gray suit and necktie, Calhoun ran a hand across his cleanly-shaved chin. Finally, seizing control of himself, he glanced up at the tall Christmas tree. "A wonderful tree. Perfect for our lovely town. The children will love it once it is decorated," he said, although Ethan thought his sentiments sounded hollow and false. Calhoun was no man of the community. Ethan had never seen Calhoun anywhere near the town church.

  Then, Chloe did something which startled Ethan. She came quickly to him and scooped her arm inside his. Ethan felt the blood drain from his face and he gazed incredulously at Chloe. She smiled defiantly up at him. Was she using Ethan to somehow annoy Calhoun?

  "Ethan and I are planning on coming to the procession," Chloe announced. She looked up at Ethan. "Isn't that right?"

  Ethan hesitated momentarily and then nodded quickly. "We sure are, Chloe," he agreed, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

  Calhoun examined Chloe and Ethan, his gaze settling on their interlocked arms. Was he judging whether this whole thing was a charade? Ethan wasn't about to complain that Chloe was hanging onto his arm. Gently, he tugged her arm closer, against his side. In response, Chloe's gaze flickered up at Ethan. But she didn't do anything to loosen his grip on her arm.

  "I take it, from what I can see, that you and Mr Armstrong are stepping out." Calhoun's brows furrowed. "I didn't catch your name, Miss."

  "Chloe Forsyth," she declared proudly. "Cousin to the Buchanan family. And I believe it is none of your business whether Mr Armstrong and I have formed an attachment," she added.

  Calhoun nodded and stared at Ethan. Was he waiting for Ethan to confirm or deny Chloe's impulsive statement? Because Ethan wasn't sure how he could respond to such a declaration. He knew what he wanted to say. That it was true. That he and Chloe were courting. But, he knew it wasn't factually correct. And he wasn't in the habit of lying. His faith made that impossible.

  Ethan met Calhoun's steady gaze. "As Miss Forsyth says, Calhoun. That isn't any of your concern," he stated firmly.

  Calhoun's dark features set into an inscrutable expression. Ethan wondered what was going on inside the man's devious mind. He knew one thing for certain. Calhoun was always on the lookout for trouble. It was how he made his living. It was how he'd maintained his position as one of the wealthiest and influential men in Inspiration.

  Ethan tugged on Chloe's arm. "We'll be on our way, Calhoun," he announced.

  Ethan saw Calhoun watching carefully as Chloe picked up her feet, trying to keep up with Ethan as he started to make his way along the boardwalk. Just as he thought they'd put Calhoun well behind them, Ethan heard Calhoun call out one last question. "How's your pa doing, Ethan?"

  Ethan froze and released his grasp on Chloe's arm. He turned to face Calhoun. "What's that to you?"

  Calhoun tilted his head. "Just showing some polite concern. I heard he still hasn't recovered from his very unfortunate fall."

  Ethan's fists tightened as he advanced toward Calhoun. "Now, look here, Calhoun. You know fine well that my pa was badly injured. He isn't himself, right now." Ethan dragged in a deep breath. He felt his heart pounding and the pulse raging in his ears. "So I'd be obliged if you keep your interest to yourself."

  Unaffected by Ethan's outburst, Calhoun stared Ethan down for a few long moments. Finally Calhoun spoke: "I suppose you never did find out how that happened, did you?"

  Ethan frowned at Calhoun. "What are you saying?"

  Calhoun lifted his chin and gazed idly away from Ethan burning gaze. "Nothing, really. But, from what I heard, seems like Caleb Buchanan wasn't where he claimed he was when your pa had his accident."

  Ethan glared at Calhoun. What was the man saying? Ethan felt the boardwalk shift beneath his booted feet. "Are you telling me that Caleb Buchanan had something to do with my pa's injury?

  "That's a lie," Chloe shrieked from behind Ethan. "Caleb told me he was working on the ranch that day. He has plenty of witnesses."

  Calhoun grinned. How could the man smile when the subject was Ethan's father and the terrible misfortune he'd suffered? Rage welled up inside Ethan, but he managed to restrain the urges coursing through every muscle in his body. He felt Chloe take hold of his arm. Had she sensed the growing anger in Ethan? And was she trying to ensure nothing bad happened here? The gentleness of her touch calmed Ethan. He glanced at her and saw her shake her head at him with the slightest of movements. It wasn't worth it, he told himself. Ethan knew he'd never been a man of violence. That had been how his father had brought him up, and it wouldn't change.

  "You know what, Calhoun?" Ethan said.