The Rancher's Redemption

by Myra Johnson

  A dirty, wet nose under Kent’s arm told him Skip had emerged from his hiding place. Love and devotion shone in those big brown eyes, and though Skip was family in the way only a beloved pet can be, Kent needed more.

  He needed Erin.

  * * *

  Erin paced the small room where Mr. Poulter had asked her to wait in case she needed to take the stand again. During her initial round of questioning yesterday as she felt Payne’s eyes on her in wordless condemnation, she’d refused to be intimidated. I will be with thee, God’s word said. Whatever the struggle, whatever the trial, she did not go through it alone.

  A light tap sounded on the door, and Carla peeked in. “I know you’ll be leaving for home as soon as they release you, and I couldn’t let you go without apologizing.”

  “Apologize? For what?”

  Nudging the door closed, Carla lowered her eyes. “I was wrong to pass judgment on this new man in your life. Worse, to suggest in any way that you are incapable of making wise choices in relationships.”

  Erin reached for Carla’s hand. “You were concerned for me as a friend. I understand.”

  “So you forgive me?”

  Before Erin could reply, the door opened again, and Mr. Poulter’s paralegal looked in. “Erin, Mr. Poulter is calling you back to the stand.”

  Butterflies swarming, she laid a hand over her abdomen.

  “You can do this, honey.” Carla gripped her wrists. “And when you’re done, you put Payne Dearborn in your rearview mirror once and for all. Then go find that good man back in Juniper Bluff and make your happily-ever-after dreams come true.”

  Drawing Carla into a hug, Erin squeezed hard. “Thank you. I only hope it’s not too late.”

  As Erin stepped into the witness box a few minutes later, she turned purposefully toward the defense table, her gaze locking with Payne’s. Instincts formed over years of trying not to provoke his rage made it hard not to cower, but as she held firm, an amazing sense of calm washed over her. In the end, it was Payne who looked away, his shoulders slumping with defeat.

  After another hour of questioning, Erin was finally excused. Lauren Hall caught her in the corridor. “Erin, thank you so much for everything you said. I know it wasn’t easy.”

  “No, but I feel stronger and more at peace than I have in a long time.” True, she’d shed many tears as she told her story on the witness stand, but they were cleansing tears, releasing all her pent-up emotions from the past. “I need to thank you for finding me and convincing me to testify.”

  “I know it made a difference. I’ll call you as soon as we get a verdict.”

  As Erin strode out to her car, she realized the final outcome didn’t matter nearly as much as the fact that in standing up to Payne Dearborn she’d conquered her greatest fear...and her greatest disappointment. The results were ultimately up to God.

  Phoning Christina from the road, she estimated she’d arrive at Serenity Hills by 9:00 p.m. and said Avery should stay up to wait for her. She couldn’t wait to wrap her little girl in a bear hug and tell her everything was going to be okay.

  But there was someone else she needed to see just as badly, and the drive back to Juniper Bluff gave her plenty of time to ponder everything she wanted to say to Kent Ritter, beginning with I’m in love with you. The past few days had shown her how strong she really was, and she wasn’t about to let this wonderful man—a truly godly man she believed loved her as much as she loved him—slip away.

  * * *

  Kent had driven himself half-crazy wondering how Erin’s testimony was going. Figuring she’d be checking in with the Austins regularly, he gave up agonizing over whether he had any right to ask. He pushed aside the remains of his cold chili from a can and called the guest ranch.

  “Christina heard from Erin about an hour ago,” Seth told him. “Said she sounded real upbeat and was anxious to get home. Should be here around nine.”

  New worries tightened Kent’s belly. “She’s driving all the way back tonight?”

  “Couldn’t talk her out of it. Guess she had no real reason to stay another night in Dallas.”

  Kent thanked Seth and ended the call. A moment later, the mantel clock in the living room chimed half past seven. In an hour and a half, Erin could be turning in at the Serenity Hills gate.

  Pacing in the silence of his kitchen, Kent wrestled with what to do next. Since Jean Thompson and her father had left earlier, he’d had plenty of time to think. Plenty of time to realize what a fool he’d be to give up on a future with the woman he grew to love more every day. Sure, they both had baggage. But what normal human being didn’t have an old suitcase or two that still needed sorting through? And like his granddad used to say, a problem shared is a problem halved.

  Decision made, he slapped his hat on his head, grabbed his keys and loped out to his truck. Fifteen minutes later, he was knocking on the Austins’ back door.

  Seth answered, his expression surprised at first, but then a knowing smile settled across his face. He showed Kent to the den, where the family, including Seth’s grandparents but minus his infant twins, were watching a movie. “Look who’s here, y’all.”

  Avery leaped from the sofa. “Kent!” Arms wrapped around his waist, she beamed up at him. “Did you know Mom’s coming to pick me up?”

  He ruffled her hair. “Mr. Austin told me. Not excited, are you?”

  “The girls have been having a great time,” Christina said, then added in a stage whisper, “but I think you-know-who is getting a little homesick.”

  If Avery missed her mom half as much as Kent did, he could relate.

  Seth motioned toward the sofa. “Have a seat, if you can squeeze in. The movie should be over just about the time Erin gets here.”

  Wedged between Avery and Seth’s son Joseph, Kent nearly melted when Avery snuggled in close, her pale red curls tickling his chin. She cupped her hand around his ear to whisper what the movie was about, and Kent tried to act interested in what was happening on the TV screen, but his attention kept drifting to the window for any sound of Erin’s car in the driveway.

  The movie ended a few minutes after nine o’clock, and Seth’s grandparents excused themselves to head upstairs to bed. While Kent fidgeted on the sofa second-guessing his rush to be here for Erin’s return, headlights flashed across the den window.

  Avery hurried to peek out. “It’s Mommy. She’s here!” Spinning on her toes, she darted down the hall.

  Kent froze. He shot a helpless look toward Seth and Christina.

  “Don’t wimp out now.” Grinning, Seth signaled with his thumb toward the back door.

  Kent hauled in a deep breath. It’s all up to You, God. Don’t let me blow it.

  By the time he reached the door, Avery had already bolted out. Erin knelt on the lawn to sweep her daughter into a hug. “Wow, sweetie, did you miss me that much?”

  “Not all the time, Mom. But I’m really, really, really glad you’re home!” Avery edged back, her heart-shaped face growing serious. “Did you see Daddy? Is he going to be nicer now?”

  “I saw him, yes. We just have to keep praying for him.” Erin pushed to her feet. Noticing Kent, she gave a tiny gasp. “You’re here?”

  Heart pounding, he started down the porch steps. He’d been working out in his head all the things he wanted to say, but as he strode toward her, every thought fled but one: to take Erin Dearborn in his arms and kiss her like crazy.

  He did just that, and when the kiss ended, she gazed up at him with a teasing glint in her eyes. “I guess this means you missed me, too.”

  “More than you’ll ever know.” He swallowed hard. “Erin, I love you so much, and I’m sorry for pushing you away. Sorry for—”

  “Stop. Let’s not waste one more minute on apologies.” Fingers twining through his hair, she pulled him close. “If you hadn’t been here tonight, first thing in the
morning I’d have been beating down your door. Because I’m crazy in love with you, too, Kent Ritter, and I don’t intend to ever let you go.”

  Epilogue

  One month later

  Sweltering in his usual boots and jeans, Kent flipped one of the steaks he had sizzling on his backyard grill. If the summer got any hotter, he might have to break down and buy himself a pair of those Bermuda shorts Erin kept teasing him about. He glanced over to admire how amazing she looked in her navy sundress emblazoned with tiny white stars.

  Stung by a twinge of guilt, he asked, “Sure you wouldn’t rather be at the Fourth of July festival in town?”

  “I’m going for another kind of fireworks this year.” Erin winked as she smoothed a red gingham tablecloth across Kent’s old wooden picnic table.

  Kent didn’t see how he could possibly love this woman any more than he already did. Grinning, he laid down his tongs and stepped away from the grill. “Then why don’t you come on over here and get the fireworks started?”

  Avery, rolling in the grass with Skip, gave an annoyed groan. “Are you guys going to kiss again?”

  “You betcha.” Kent slipped an arm around Erin’s waist to draw her close. As he lowered his lips to hers, her eyes darkened in a tender look that made his chest ache.

  When the kiss ended, Erin sighed in a fake swoon. “I’m definitely seeing stars now!” Then she gasped. “Kent—the steaks!”

  He whirled around to see flames leaping from the grill. Grabbing tongs and a platter, he whisked the meat to safety. “You did say you preferred your rib eye well-done.”

  “Do I have a choice?” Erin rolled her eyes. She sent Avery inside to wash her hands, then uncovered the side dishes she’d brought.

  They sat down to eat in the shade of an oak tree, and as Kent offered grace, he stammered once or twice in amazement over how blessed he was. For the past month, he and Erin had spent every spare moment together, and as they shared more and more of their lives with each other, the scars of their pasts slowly faded. Erin was flourishing after signing the partnership agreement with Wanda, and they’d renamed the shop WE Design, combining the initials of their first names. In the meantime, Kent continued meeting with Pastor Terry, and Erin had joined them a few times for a better understanding of Kent’s struggles since his military service.

  A big milestone came when Erin received word from Lauren Hall that Payne had been found guilty. His medical license had been revoked, and he had been given a two-year suspended sentence. He’d also have to pay a hefty fine, attend AA meetings and anger management classes, and perform one year of community service. Kent wasn’t sure the penalty was stiff enough, but Erin seemed to have forgiven her ex-husband, and together they’d prayed for God to change the man’s heart.

  After the meal, as they enjoyed slices of watermelon for dessert, Kent’s cell phone rang. He checked his watch—right on cue—and excused himself to take the call.

  Returning to the table, he straddled the bench. “That was Christina. They’re heading into town for the fireworks and wondered if Avery would like to go along.”

  Watermelon juice dripping off her chin, Avery bounced on the seat. “Can I, Mom?”

  “I guess so—after you wash your face.” As Avery rushed inside, Erin slanted a dubious look at Kent. “Interesting that Christina happened to call your phone and not mine.”

  “Yeah, funny, isn’t it?” Kent busied himself finishing his melon.

  Shortly, the Austin family arrived, and Avery climbed in beside Eva in the back seat of Seth’s pickup. Through Seth’s open window, Kent gave him a fist bump. “Perfect timing,” he whispered. “Can’t thank you enough.”

  “What are you two conspiring about?” Erin asked as she helped Avery get buckled in.

  “They’re just being guys,” Christina said from the passenger seat. “Enjoy the rest of your evening. We’ll bring Avery back here after the fireworks are over.”

  Watching Seth drive away, Kent suffered a major attack of nerves. He’d planned out every detail of this evening—well, except for the overdone steaks—but now he wondered if he was rushing things. Maybe in another month or two or five...

  Erin linked her arm through his. “Want to tell me what’s really going on here, cowboy?”

  One look in her sparkling blue eyes and his doubts subsided. “Let’s take a walk.”

  The leisurely stroll allowed him to collect his thoughts and slow his racing heart. With Skip ambling along beside them, they talked about inconsequential things while wandering beneath a sky rapidly filling with stars. When they neared the front porch, Kent invited Erin to sit beside him on the top step.

  “It’s so perfectly beautiful here.” She tucked her hand into Kent’s and gazed toward the heavens.

  “Sure is,” he said, looking only at her. He lifted her hand to his lips. “Erin...” His throat had gone dry, his voice rough with emotion. He waited until she turned to face him. “Erin, you know how much I love you.”

  She nodded, her eyes suddenly welling up. “I love you, too. More than I thought I could love anyone.”

  “You’ve changed me, Erin. Your courage, your faith in God—you inspire me. You make me feel alive and whole.”

  Releasing a soft laugh, she caressed his cheek. “From the day I wandered into your pasture and you gave me that wild ride on Jasmine, you’ve been changing me, too. You made me believe in myself. You made me believe in love again.”

  Hands shaking, Kent fumbled in his shirt pocket, drawing out a tiny packet of white tissue paper. He laid the packet in Erin’s open palm and carefully unfolded it to reveal a delicate gold ring with a sapphire setting.

  She gasped. “Kent, it’s beautiful.” Then her eyes filled with questions. “Is this...”

  He slid the ring onto her finger. “It was my grandmother’s engagement ring, and now it’s yours, if you’ll accept it. I realize there’s still a lot we don’t know about each other, but I figure we have a lifetime to learn. I want to marry you, Erin. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy.”

  She threw her arms around his neck. “If I were any happier, I’d burst.”

  Sealing their promise with a kiss, Kent said a mental thank-you to all the friends and family whose support, encouragement and timely words of wisdom had brought him to this moment. But most of all, he thanked God for the day this red-haired, basket-weaving beauty had found her way into his life...and heart.

  * * *

  If you enjoyed this story, pick up these other

  books by Myra Johnson:

  Rancher for the Holidays

  Her Hill Country Cowboy

  Hill Country Reunion

  Available now from Love Inspired!

  Find more great reads at

  www.LoveInspired.com.

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Restoring Her Faith by Jennifer Slattery.

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  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed this visit to the Texas Hill Country for Erin and Kent’s love story. Writing about two characters dealing with painful pasts, I remember so well when I came upon this verse from Isaiah: when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee...

  In this life, there will always be difficulties, yet God never abandons us. Even in the darkest times when God may feel so far away, we can trust Him to see us through to the other side.

  If you or someone you know is living in an abusive situation, be assured that enduring in silence is not God’s will. God desires that everyone should come to saving faith in Him, so holding the abuser accountable—always from a place of safety and involving the authorities when necessary—i
s an act of grace. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/, offers resources and advice.

  Thank you for being one of my faithful readers. You complete the journey from idea to fully realized story. I’d love to hear from you, so please contact me through my website, www.myrajohnson.com, or write to me c/o Love Inspired Books, Harlequin Enterprises, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279.

  With blessings and gratitude,

  Myra

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

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  Restoring Her Faith

  by Jennifer Slattery

  Chapter One

  The long, deserted road felt much too similar to one Faith had taken decades before, with all her belongings crammed in a pair of tattered suitcases. Hopefully Sage Creek would be nothing like her experience in Alpine, back when she’d been a gawky, metal-mouthed kid in desperate need of a friend.