Standing at the window, Chloe looked out at the empty yard. There was no sign of Miss Ruthven or the children. "Miss Ruthven did promise she and the children would be here by twelve o'clock." It was almost one now, Chloe reflected. She wondered what could have happened to have caused the delay. She'd been looking forward to the carol singing at the ranch. Glancing around the interior of the parlor and at the fully decorated Christmas tree standing in the far corner, Chloe told herself it would have been a wonderful way to begin the coming days of festive celebration.
Chloe heard Caleb walking downstairs. He entered the parlor and looked out the window. "Still no sign of them?" he asked, sounding genuinely disappointed.
Chloe shook her head. It was a pity. Everyone had made an extra effort to get dressed up for the visit of the carol singers. Chloe was wearing her red gown; Eugenie was dressed in a velvet green outfit; Caleb had taken the trouble to put on his finest suit. They all looked perfectly attired for a delightful Christmas carol singing session.
"Excuse me a moment," she said. "I think I'll go outside." In the hallway she draped an overcoat across her shoulders and took a brown, fur-lined muff in her hands. She walked outside, feeling the sudden chill in the air. The snow had been falling intermittently this morning. The sky looked heavy-laden, gray with clouds that looked like they were ready to release a torrent of snow. For as far as she could see across the rangeland, Chloe saw a white covering across the Buchanan land. Finally, it was beginning to feel like Christmas, she told herself.
Standing on the porch, she let her mind drift back to the night, earlier in the week, when she and Ethan had kissed at the far end of the ranch house. Kissing in the shadows had felt thrilling and romantic. But it had been Ethan's declaration of love which had been running around Chloe's mind ever since. He loved her. It was that simple. And she loved him. She knew it for sure. Her heart had been filled with joy ever since they had declared their love to one another. Since seeing Ethan, she had been living on a cloud of joy. The only thing which would have made her even more happy would have been for Ethan to pay a call to the Buchanan house. But, he hadn't done so. And that simple fact troubled Chloe. She wondered why he had chosen to stay away since their secret liaison. Surely he hadn't changed his mind after she had declared her love for him. That thought made her heart sink.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of a carriage coming along the trail to the ranch house. Thinking it might be Miss Ruthven and the children, Chloe walked out onto the yard. Her heart sank when she saw one carriage, followed by a solitary mounted rider. She squinted her eyes, and saw that Jake Armstrong was driving the carriage. The horse behind the carriage had Ethan in the saddle.
Chloe's heart leaped with joy. He had come back to her. Suddenly panicked, wondering what she could do now that Ethan was here, she turned to the house and saw Eugenie and Caleb emerging. Eugenie and Caleb recognized Jake and Ethan. Eugenie's features broke into a broad smile. Thankfully, Caleb also looked pleased to see the Armstrong father and son arriving at the ranch.
The carriage drew to a halt with Ethan by its side. Jake eased himself down from the carriage seat. Ethan dismounted. Chloe felt her throat tighten. Ethan was dressed in all his finery. He wore a dark jacket, a waistcoat and white shirt. His dark pants were neatly pressed and his boots were spotlessly clean, like they'd just been polished. He smiled at Chloe and touched the brim of his gray Stetson. One look, one smile from Ethan had been enough to make Chloe feel instantly more alive. She smiled back at him and was delighted to see his gaze brighten.
"Caleb," Jake said walking straight up to Chloe's uncle. He halted and faced Caleb. Both men stared at each other for a few long moments. Chloe wondered what was going to happen. This was the first time the men had spoken to each other in a long time.
Caleb nodded. "Jake," he replied.
Chloe glanced at Eugenie. Her aunt was watching Caleb and Jake carefully, examining each of the men for the slightest hint of impending trouble.
Jake cleared his throat and shifted on his heels. He glanced at Ethan who nodded to his father. Maybe, before coming to the ranch, he and Ethan had agreed what Jake would say. Whatever it was, Chloe was knew it was going to be important.
Jake turned and faced Caleb again. "The thing is, Caleb, I came here today to offer my apologies."
"Apologies?" Caleb exclaimed, his brows lifting in surprise. "What for?"
Jake shrugged. "All the trouble I caused your family."
"It wasn't your doing, Jake," Caleb said. "We both know Calhoun was behind everything."
Jake shook his head. "I know that now. But, I still feel bad about the way I treated you and your fine family." With those last words, Jake smiled at Chloe and Eugenie. "They didn't deserve to get caught up in everything."
Eugenie stepped forward and laid a gentle hand on Jake's arm. "You didn't do us any harm, Jake," Eugenie said. Her brows furrowed sympathetically. "I know it has been hard for you." She smiled. "But, the Lord has seen fit to bring healing into your life. Just like He has done into the lives of both our families." Eugenie turned to Caleb. "Isn't that right, Caleb?"
Caleb nodded emphatically. "It sure is, Eugenie," Caleb agreed.
Chloe glanced at Ethan. He looked pleased. His gaze was steady, locked on Chloe, as if he didn't want to stop looking at her for even an instant. She felt her heartbeat quicken. Emotion flared into life inside her. She lifted a hand to her chest, trying to calm the sudden rush of delight which made her feel light-headed all of a sudden.
Chloe saw Jake step forward, extending a hand to Caleb. "I want us to be good neighbors," Jake said. "And friends." He lifted his brows. "What do you say, Caleb?"
Caleb didn't hesitate a moment. He nodded and took Jake's hand, shaking it firmly. Caleb smiled. "I think we can be the best of neighbors and friends, Jake."
Jake laughed nervously, as if he'd had his doubts that Caleb would see things his way. Ethan came forward and shook Caleb's hand. All the tension of moments ago had vanished. Laughter rang out across the snow-covered yard. Eugenie hugged Jake and Ethan. Chloe smiled at Ethan. He lifted a brow. She guessed he was thinking maybe it might be his turn to hug Chloe. Side-stepping Ethan, she embraced Jake first.
Jake grinned at Chloe. "Your niece here was one of the reasons I came back to my senses, Caleb," Jake stated. "You know that, don't you?"
Caleb smiled at Eugenie. "My wife told me all about it."
Chloe felt her cheeks flush with heat. Suddenly, it was embarrassing being the focus of attention. And when Ethan hugged her, Chloe felt every nerve in her body tingle with delight. Ethan's hug was brief. Maybe he wanted to avoid making a scene with her, Chloe reflected. Chloe stepped away from Ethan, nervously pushing some loose locks of hair back into place behind her ear.
Chloe looked at all the smiling faces. Everything was perfect now. God had brought them all together at Christmas. And he had banished the source of all their pain. Recalling the delayed carol singers, Chloe glanced over toward the trail.
"What's wrong, Chloe," Ethan asked.
"We were waiting for the schoolteacher, Miss Ruthven, to bring some of the children to the ranch. They were going to sing some Christmas carols for us," she said, her voice heavy with disappointment.
Ethan lifted a brow and grinned. "Is that right?"
Chloe frowned at Ethan. Why did he think it was so funny? "They were supposed to be here an hour ago."
"Maybe the reason they didn't come here is because they went somewhere else," Ethan said. There was a mischievous tone to his voice.
"What are you saying, Ethan?" she asked tilting her head and examining him.
Jake looked at Ethan. Both men smiled at each other. "Shall you tell them, or shall I?" Jake said to Ethan.
"Let me," Ethan said.
Surprising Chloe, Ethan took her hand and led her away from the others. Standing alongside his horse, Ethan faced Chloe. "I took the liberty of asking Miss Ruthven to bring the children to our ranch," he said.
Ch
loe gasped. "Why would you do that?"
Ethan's eyes brightened. "Because I want you, your aunt and uncle to come up to our ranch," he said. "I have something very special I need to do." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And I need you all to be there when I do it."
Chloe peered at Ethan for a few moments, wondering what he had planned. Somewhere, at the back of her mind a quiet thought drifted into view. Before she had a chance to give voice to the thought, Ethan gestured to the saddle of the horse. "Let me take you to the ranch," he murmured.
"Now?" Chloe asked glancing at the horse. She looked across and saw Jake speaking quietly with Eugenie and Caleb.
She looked back at Ethan. "You had this all planned, didn't you?"
Ethan nodded and then spoke quietly. "Come with me, Chloe. We'll get to the ranch before the others. They can go in the carriage." His gaze softened, containing an unmistakable and very obvious affection. She recognized that look. It was the way he'd looked at her when they'd kissed in the semi-darkness by the side of the ranch house. Her heart quickened when she thought about what that look might mean. What he might have in mind. She tried to swallow, but found it impossible. She dragged in a deep breath and knew that her next decision would be important. For her and for Ethan.
Chloe smiled at Ethan and nodded. "What are we waiting for?" she asked.
Ethan grinned. He looked over toward his father, Caleb and Eugenie. "I'm going to take Chloe to the ranch. You can all follow and we'll see you there." Ethan smiled. "We have a great big surprise for you all," he announced.
Chloe saw Eugenie's eyes widen. She met her aunt's inquiring gaze with a gentle smile. Chloe saw recognition in her aunt's kindly gaze. She knew what might be about to take place up at the Armstrong ranch. Knew, like Chloe did, that everything which had happened since Chloe had come to Inspiration had been for a purpose.
Chloe smiled at Ethan and nodded. He drew a shocked gasp from her as he placed his hands on her waist and lifted her up onto the horse's back. Sitting side-saddle, she watched as Ethan took his place on the saddle. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her body nearer to him. Chloe looked at the others, seeing the surprised looks on the faces of Eugenie and Caleb. Jake looked like he already knew what was going on. Of course he did, Chloe told herself. Father and son had probably talked about this all morning.
Then, seizing the reins, Ethan flicked them and the horse began to race toward the trail. She was on her way to the Armstrong ranch. And she already guessed what Ethan had in mind after they'd arrived there.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Riding on horseback across the snow-covered rangeland, nestled in the arms of a rancher was like something out of a dream. His arms held her tightly. She was sure he'd never allow her to fall. Chloe felt the exquisite warmth of Ethan's strong body as he held her close, keeping her safe. Just like she knew he always would keep her safe. Throughout the ride, Ethan said nothing, apparently content to simply hold her close. She was happy to let him embrace her as he drove the horse at a steady pace across the rangeland.
She'd seen the way he'd looked at her back at the Buchanan ranch. There had been certainty in his gaze. A determination. During the ride across the rangeland, her heart pounded furiously and her mind raced as she tried to gather her thoughts. She knew he had something special planned at the ranch. It involved her and her family. The only family she'd had. Until now.
Halfway to the Armstrong ranch the snow began to fall, gently at first, and then more heavily as they neared the distant ranch house. Chloe saw the ranch house and, off to one side, the barn with its doors thrown wide open. A soft, golden light glowed from inside the barn. She knew what could be the source of that light. It wasn't necessary to keep the barn locked, she told herself. What had started as a way of helping heal the divisions between two families had turned into so much more. She saw a tall figure come to the open barn doors, gaze toward her and Ethan, and then quickly move back inside.
As the horse pounded across the yard in front of the ranch house, Ethan guided his mount over in the direction of the barn. As the horse drew to a halt, Chloe heard the sound of children's voices, singing The First Noel, one of Chloe's favorites. She smiled at Ethan and he grinned right back at her. He slid from the saddle and reached up for her. She allowed him to lift her gently down onto the snow-covered yard. The snowflakes were tumbling now. Heavier than before, it wouldn't take long for the ground to be thick with snow. Chloe gazed through the falling snow, seeing the emotion in Ethan's soft gaze. He held her hands gently. For a moment, she thought he'd lean his head forward and kiss her. But he didn't. Instead, he took her by one hand and slowly led her to the open barn doors.
The clouds and the snow had made the daylight low. The golden light from inside the barn flowed like water through the open doors. The voices of the singing children were louder now. The melody rose, filling the snow-filled air with its delightful sound. When she stepped into the barn, Chloe gasped at the sight which greeted her.
A dozen children, all dressed in their finest little suits and dainty gowns, were grouped around the nativity scene. Each child held a songbook from which they'd get the lyrics to the Christmas songs they planned on singing. Standing in front of them was Miss Ruthven, conducting the children with gentle movements of her hands. She turned and smiled at Chloe and Ethan. Miss Ruthven looked delighted, as well she might, Chloe reflected. The children were adorable and their voices were heavenly.
Dozens of candles had been lit and arrayed all around the nativity. Light spilled across the interior of the barn, creating a wondrous impression of warmth. Since she'd last seen the nativity, Ethan had been busy. He'd followed all of her advice. Brightly colored paper lanterns hung from different parts of the walls. He'd laid a green rug across the floor. The small wooden fencing had been arranged to form a pathway to the nativity scene. All the pieces of the nativity had been carefully laid out, with the baby Jesus in the crib being the central focus of it all.
Chloe gazed in wonder at the scene before her. The music filled barn; the glowing candlelight; the colorful decorations; the scents of perfume which somehow filled the room. She wondered if, in the end, his sister Gretchen had helped Ethan. Maybe she had. Right now, all that mattered was that she was here in the magical wonderland which Ethan had created with some of her guidance. And now, what was he planning to do? He gazed into her eyes, seeking at least one word of approval. She knew she didn't have to say anything, but she wanted him to know how much all of this had affected her. How much joy and delight he'd brought into her life.
With the singing continuing, Chloe smiled at Ethan and leaned closer. "This is wonderful, Ethan," she murmured. His eyes widened and he smiled. Once again, she thought he might try to claim a kiss. But, yet again, he seemed determined to restrain the impulse. As if he was reserving that for a later moment, she told herself.
Chloe stood, hand in hand with Ethan, watching the children, savoring their wonderful music. Finally, the song ended. Chloe and Ethan clapped enthusiastically. The children beamed, clearly delighted by the appreciative applause.
Miss Ruthven came to Chloe. "I hope you don't mind the last minute change of plans," she said, glancing at Ethan. "Mr Armstrong came to the school house and asked if I would like to create a last minute Christmas surprise."
Chloe smiled at Miss Ruthven. "Of course, I don't mind." She gazed at the children, who were flipping the pages of their songbooks, readying themselves for the next performance. "The children are only too pleased to be here. You should have heard their screams of delight when they saw the inside of the barn." Miss Ruthven ran her gaze around the interior. "You've done a wonderful job here, Ethan," she said.
"He has," Chloe agreed and smiled at Ethan. Now it was his turn to look embarrassed. Miss Ruthven went back to the children and spoke quietly to them for a few moments. Chloe adored their wide-eyed and attentive look as they listened to their teacher's instructions.
To Chloe's surprise, the children didn't immediately
strike up with another song. Instead, they started singing a wordless melody, very quietly and very gently. It was like having background music, Chloe told herself. But, background music to what?
The Rancher’s Christmas Wish (Brides 0f Inspiration Book 8) Page 19
