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

Page 13

by Maya Stirling


  Chloe gazed around at the trees. She thought for a few moments, examining one tree after another. Finally, she pointed a gloved hand at a nearby tree. "That one."

  Ethan walked across the snowy ground and planted his booted feet in the earth while scrutinizing the tree. He nodded. "Seems like a good one." He smiled at Chloe. "You know how to spot a good tree," he joked.

  She laughed quietly and walked over to his side. "You want me to help?"

  Ethan squinted at Chloe. "No. This is my job."

  The corners of Chloe's eyes crinkled with good humor. "At least you're useful for something. That's good news, after seeing how hopeless you are at making Christmas decorations." She giggled as if she'd said something scandalous.

  "Hey!" he exclaimed and smiled at her. "That's not fair."

  Chloe tilted her head at the tree and took a few steps back. "I'll watch from over here."

  Ethan grasped the handle of the saw, positioned it at the base of the eight foot high tree and started to cut into the trunk. At first, it was difficult to get purchase on the wood. Ethan strained his muscles, pressing the metal into the wood. As he sawed, snow tumbled from the branches and landed on his head and back. Ethan heard giggles coming from behind him. He paused his work for a moment and gave Chloe a pretend scolding look. The way she was smiling at him banished the chill he felt in his gloved hands. Brushing the snow from his jacket, he narrowed his eyes good-naturedly at Chloe. For a moment, when she met his gaze, he felt a rush of emotion sweep through him. And it had nothing to do with the exertions of cutting down the tree, he told himself.

  Ethan resumed his work, bending low and pushing the saw into the wood. Suddenly, he felt the trunk give way, and the pressure against the saw eased. It didn't take long before he had to step quickly back as he heard a cracking sound and the soft whisper of shifting branches. The tree crashed to the ground sending up a cloud of snow.

  Chloe burst into applause, her glove hands clapping with a muffled sound. Ethan took a ceremonial bow. "That was easy," he stated.

  "It's just a small tree. Don't be so proud of yourself."

  He could see by the mischievous look in her eyes that she hadn't really meant that last remark as a criticism. "I came for more than one," he declared fixing his eye on another nearby tree.

  "Really?" Chloe asked. She glanced at the buckboard. "Have you got enough room?"

  Ethan nodded and moved to the next tree. A few minutes later it crashed to the ground close to the first one. Then it was time to load the trees onto the buckboard. Chloe helped him lift the trees onto the buckboard. Ethan tied the trees down with rope and covered them with the tarpaulin.

  As he was finishing off the last knot in the rope, he became aware that Chloe had moved away from his side. And, just as he turned to see where she had gone, he felt something cold smash into the side of his face. He coughed and shook his head.

  A snowball! Chloe had thrown a snowball at him? He heard the loud shriek of her laughter.

  Another one smashed into his shoulder. He knew he had to act.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The temptation had been irresistible, Chloe told herself as she watched Ethan turn and face her. Seeing the shock on his face, and the snow sliding from his head, she threw her head back and laughed. The sound of her laughter echoed through the forest.

  Her laughter was cut off, though, by the resounding thud of a snowball landing on her dark-red overcoat. She gasped and stared at Ethan. There was a mischievous grin on his face. Wiping the snow from her coat, she crouched, scooping up another ball of loose snow in her gloved hand.

  Peering at Ethan, she shook her head and frowned. "You shouldn't have done that," she declared.

  Ethan laughed. "It's war," he stated. "You know there's only going to be one winner."

  Chloe scoffed. "I know how to throw a mean snowball, mister," she joked.

  Ethan stood erect, planted his hands on his hips, and tilted his head. "Let's see what your best looks like."

  There was a cocky look on his face and Chloe was suddenly determined to wipe that expression off his face. Chloe stood, pressed the snow into a hard ball, reached her arm back and hurled it straight at Ethan. He didn't even try to duck. The snowball smacked right onto his face. Instantly appalled, Chloe shrieked and lifted her hands to her mouth. She'd assumed he'd try to avoid the snowball, but he hadn't moved an inch. For a few long moments she watched Ethan wipe the snow from his face with a slow hand.

  He lifted a brow and shook his head. "That does it," he declared, crouching down and scooping up some snow.

  Chloe was seized by the impulse to run, to hide behind one of the nearby trees. Ethan stood and peered at her. He looked like he meant business, this time. Chloe dashed for the cover of the nearest tree, a thick trunk offering the promise of protection. Before she reached it, the snowball thudded into her back. Ethan had been right. Now it was a full-on snowball fight. Chloe giggled as she took cover behind the tree. Glancing from behind the trunk, she screamed as a snowball smashed against the trunk, scattering loose snow into her face and mouth.

  Blowing the snow from her mouth, Chloe kneeled down and formed a snowball in her hand. Leaning around the trunk, she saw Ethan running toward her. She yelled out and threw the snowball. This time she missed and Ethan called out triumphantly and laughed, continuing to advance. Chloe grasped the tree trunk and desperately scanned the nearby trees, looking for somewhere she could run. Before she had a chance to move, Ethan crashed against the trunk, gasping with delight, and wrapped his hands around her arm.

  Breathless and excited, Chloe gazed up into Ethan's eyes. "That's not fair," she exclaimed. "I missed you that time. I want another throw."

  Ethan shook his head. His quick breath clouded in the cold air. His eyes were bright, shining with the sudden exertion. He was still holding gently onto her arm. She realized she didn't want him to let go. It felt good to have Ethan's fingers curling around her arm, holding her with a sudden tenderness.

  Chloe turned and leaned her back against the tree trunk. Ethan moved around and faced her directly. The activity of the last moments had made them both breathless. But maybe there was something else that was making her feel more alive than she'd felt in a long time, Chloe told herself. Playing with Ethan like that had felt so natural. So right. It had been a long time since she'd felt this comfortable with someone.

  Ethan leaned his hands against the tree trunk and gazed into Chloe's eyes. "That was a crazy thing you did there," he murmured. His brows lifted mischievously. "Are you used to picking snow fights with ranchers?"

  Chloe smiled up at him, sensing the power of his physique, the breadth of his shoulders. "I know how to stand up for myself, if that's what you mean."

  Ethan nodded. "I think I've already noticed that."

  Chloe felt her throat tighten. Her heart was beating furiously, and its quickened pace had nothing to do with the snowball contest she'd just enjoyed with Ethan. It had everything to do with how close he was, and with the way he was looking at her.

  Seeing some snow on the brim of his hat, she gently pushed it off. Chloe gazed into Ethan's eyes. She saw him seeking permission. There was hesitation in his gaze. With one small gesture, a lifting of her chin, she made her decision clear to him. The corner of Ethan's mouth creased with the hint of a smile. Then his head dipped and his lips settled upon hers. Sensation swept through Chloe and she gasped. She leaned back against the tree trunk and felt Ethan advance. She lifted a hand to Ethan's shoulder, curling her fingers against the coldness of his jacket.

  Ethan's lips were warm and his kiss was as tender as she'd expected it would be. She felt his gloved hand rest gently against the curve of her chin. Ethan's scent was overpowering. Intoxicating. It was a mixture of leather and sweet soap. Her heartbeat thundered and her pulse raced. The kiss seemed to last an eternity. There was just her and Ethan and the snow covered forest. Somewhere, far away, she heard the occasional call of a bird. The cracking of a branch. And then Ethan li
fted his head away and gazed into her eyes. She could see real delight in his gaze. Chloe felt a similar joy sweep through her entire body. Her mind was blank. All she could think was how wonderful it was that Ethan had kissed her.

  Chloe smiled at Ethan and rested a hand against his chest. She was sure she could feel his own heart thudding relentlessly. Ethan drew in a deep breath, narrowed his eyes suddenly, and took a step back, as if sensing that he had already strayed too far across an undeclared line. Chloe stepped away from the tree trunk and fussed with some loose strands of hair which had dropped down from beneath her hat. For a long few moments, neither Chloe nor Ethan said anything.

  Ethan glanced at her and smiled hesitantly. Chloe felt something heavy sinking in her middle. Was he already regretting the decision to kiss her? Had that been the real reason he'd brought her all the way out to this isolated place? So that he could claim a kiss? Instantly, she dismissed those thoughts. Before he'd kissed her, she'd seen the genuine emotion in Ethan's eyes. Now, though, he didn't seem so sure. So confident.

  Chloe fussed with her hat and coat. "Maybe we should be getting back," she suggested.

  Ethan nodded and glanced up through the tree tops at the sky. "I think maybe it might snow soon. We best be getting on the move."

  Chloe followed Ethan back to the buckboard. They took their place on the buckboard seat. Ethan took the reins and sat up straight. She saw him tilting his head to one side, as if he listening for something. "What is it, Ethan?" she asked.

  Ethan paused a long moment before replying. Then he shook his head and smiled at Chloe. "Nothing," he replied curtly.

  His sudden silence bothered her. He seemed lost in thought. "We got two good trees," she said.

  Ethan's grin was forced. There was concern in his eyes. Had the kiss changed something for him? "We sure did. One for the Armstrong family and the other for the Buchanans."

  "You're going to give one of them to my family?" she asked.

  Ethan nodded. "Call it a peace offering."

  Chloe frowned, unsure whether such a gesture would be welcome at the Buchanan household. But, she realized it might go a small way to healing the divisions between their families. Just like her friendship with Ethan had probably done the same. But, was all that about to end? Just because of a kiss stolen in the wilderness, far from prying eyes?

  Ethan got the buckboard moving and they headed back along the trail. As the buckboard made its way through the forest, Chloe saw Ethan tilting his head, examining the ground on either side of the trail. She wondered what he was looking for. Maybe he was just trying to avoid eye contact, she concluded. For a while, Chloe was lost in thought. She could still feel the lingering delight of the kiss. Still sense the joy it had awakened in her heart. But, was that joy going to be short-lived? Was her attachment to Ethan Armstrong about to come to an abrupt end?

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Arriving back at the Armstrong ranch, they found Lilian waiting for them out on the porch. Lilian came to the buckboard as Ethan drew it to a halt. Chloe got down from the buckboard and hugged Lilian.

  "You feel cold, Chloe," Lilian exclaimed. She looked at Ethan who was untying one of the trees on the buckboard. "What have you been doing to this girl, Ethan?"

  Ethan glanced up abruptly. Chloe thought he looked suddenly guilty. Had he misunderstood his mother's admonishment? "What are you talking about, ma?" he asked sharply.

  Lilian wrapped an arm around Chloe's shoulders. "This girl needs some warm drink and a good meal." She shook her head at Ethan. "What were you thinking?"

  Chloe smiled at Lilian. "Really. It's okay, Lilian. I'm fine."

  "Tush," Lilian said. "You come on inside and we'll get you by the warm fire.

  Chloe saw Ethan point to the trees. "Which one do you want, ma?" Ethan asked.

  "Pick one yourself," Lilian snapped at her son. Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief at his mother's apparent disinterest in the subject of Christmas trees. "Get one of the ranch hands to help you and get inside the house. As soon as you can."

  Chloe hadn't seen Lilian being so bossy before. As Lilian led Chloe in the front door, she glanced back at the buckboard. Ethan looked stunned. Chloe wanted to smile at him, but the disappointment of the long, silent ride home was still burning inside her.

  Chloe followed Lilian into the house. In the parlor, she found Jake seated by the fire. "Make some room there for this lovely girl, Jake," Lilian ordered.

  Jake moved away from the fireplace. Lilian guided Chloe next to the fire. Chloe took her coat off and handed it to Lilian and then took her seat, as instructed. The heat from the flames was instantly welcoming. Chloe hadn't realized she was so cold until she felt the glow of the flames. Lilian told Jake to keep Chloe company while she went to the kitchen to fetch some tea. Lilian also promised there would be a meal soon after. When Chloe started to object, Lilian lifted her hand and would hear no more objections.

  Left alone in the parlor with Jake, Chloe continued to warm herself by the fire. Jake was quiet, apparently content to remain silent. Chloe heard noises from the kitchen as Lilian prepared tea. From time to time, Chloe and Jake exchanged looks.

  Finally, Chloe heard Jake sigh. He walked closer to the fire. Up close, by the light of the fire, Chloe could see Jake's heavy features looked tired. His skin looked pale and there were shadows beneath his eyes. She wondered if he was getting enough sleep. When he spoke, his voice sounded weary, almost disinterested. "Did you and Ethan manage to find some trees?"

  "We did," Chloe replied, nodding. "Two, in fact."

  "Is that right. Who's the other one for?" Jake asked.

  "I think Ethan is planning to present it to my family," Chloe explained. "Kind of like a gift."

  Chloe saw Jake's brows furrow. He drew in a deep breath and sighed heavily. "That's mighty generous of my son. I wonder how that will go down with your family."

  "I'm sure they'll be pleased," Chloe replied.

  "You think so?" Jake's jaw tightened and his gaze became steady. Penetrating.

  Chloe nodded. "It is Christmas, after all, Mr Armstrong," she said as if that would explain everything. She saw Jake's brows furrow even deeper.

  "Seems like you're someone who loves Christmas, Miss Forsyth," he said.

  Chloe nodded enthusiastically. "It's always meant a lot to me," she replied. "My parents never missed a chance to make every Christmas we had together as wonderful as possible. Of course, they're gone now. Passed away. So, Christmas isn't what it used to be for me when I was growing up."

  To Chloe's surprise, Jake's features softened. She saw him considering her words for a few moments. Then he looked at her with something like genuine sympathy in his eyes. "I'm sorry your parents are gone, Miss Forsyth."

  "Chloe," she replied. "My name is Chloe." She knew she might be taking a chance trying to be so familiar with Jake. Especially since she'd already seen just how short-tempered he could be. She waited to see his reaction.

  Reluctantly and slowly, Jake did something Chloe never thought she'd ever witness. He smiled. It wasn't much of a smile. Barely a creasing at the corner of his thick-lipped mouth. But it was a smile, nonetheless. "Chloe," he said softly. Jake fixed with a curious look. As if he was assessing her. Chloe shifted in her seat and distracted herself by raising her hands to the flames. She was warmer now and, in spite of her earlier objections, looking forward to some warm tea.

  "Can I ask you something, Chloe?" Jake said suddenly.

  She peered at him. "Yes."

  "You and my son have been real friendly recently," Jake said.

  Chloe felt her cheeks flush with color. She hoped Jake would assume the cause of that might be the heat from the fireplace, but Chloe knew different. "You know I've been helping him get things ready for Christmas."

 

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