The Rancher’s Second Chance Bride

by Maya Stirling

  Reese frowned. Why was she being so formal? She hadn't called him by his surname in a long time. In fact, ever, as far as he could recall. He saw Mabel glance curiously at Honora. Had she noticed the coldness in her niece's manner?

  Gideon strode up next to Reese. He tipped his hat. "Welcome back to Inspiration, Honora," he said. "May I offer my condolences at your very sad loss."

  Honora's features softened. "Thank you, Gideon. That's most kind of you."

  "It's good that you're back in Inspiration," Gideon added in a soft, kindly voice. "This is a good place. Folks will be glad to see you back here. They'll make you feel welcome."

  "I'm sure they will, Gideon," she replied. Reese saw emotion moisten Honora's blue eyes. She glanced away from him, apparently determined he wouldn't notice. But it was too late. His brother always did have a way of cutting to the point, Reese reflected.

  "If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to ask," Gideon offered. Reese glanced at his brother, not surprised at his generosity. Gideon looked back at Reese, an impassive expression on his features. Gideon liked to be helpful. He never missed a chance to show concern for others. That was all there was to that, Reese told himself.

  Determined to pick up where he'd left off, Reese looked at Honora. "Are you settling in okay at the ranch?"

  Mabel spoke before Honora. "She's doing fine, Reese." Mabel glanced at Honora and smiled. "Keeping herself busy around the ranch. Too busy, if you ask me. But, that's Honora for you," she said. "Isn't that right, dear?"

  Reese saw Honora blush. "I've never been afraid of hard work. And there's plenty to do around the ranch."

  Reese figured there might be other reasons for her wanting to keep herself occupied. Like dealing with the pain of her recent tragedy. An acute sadness cut into Reese as he thought about how hard all of this must be for her. In previous times he would have done all he could to take her pain away. But, now things were different between them. There was a distance that hadn't existed before. And he didn't like it one bit.

  Before he had a chance to say another word, he heard Mabel gasp. She was looking across the street. Reese turned and saw Mabel's husband Rufus standing on the boardwalk on the opposite side of the street. Rufus was engaged in what looked like a serious conversation with another man. A chill swept up Reese's spine when he saw who Rufus was talking to.

  Brett Calhoun. As was to be expected, Calhoun was immaculately turned out in shiny boots, an expertly tailored light brown suit and a matching hat. Something heavy sank in Reese's stomach at the sight of the man who had become the Buchanan family's nemesis in recent times.

  "What is my husband doing?" Mabel snapped. All the cheerful good nature had evaporated from her voice. She sounded genuinely annoyed. "Rufus Ferguson!" she called out.

  Rufus turned at the sound of his voice echoing across the dusty street. Wide-eyed, he saw his wife waving to him frantically, trying to get him to come to her. Reese was sure he saw Rufus' face turn white. Rufus turned and said something to Calhoun, who just nodded slowly and then looked across toward the dress shop. When he touched the brim of his hat, Calhoun smiled sardonically. He probably knew just how annoyed Rufus' wife would be seeing him talking with her husband. Calhoun was the kind of man who took pleasure from other people's discomfort.

  Rufus left Calhoun's side and came racing across the street, dodging a buckboard that came perilously close to running into him. Rufus leaped up onto the boardwalk and halted at his wife's side. Reese could see how hard Mabel was working to keep her annoyance in check. But it proved impossible to resist.

  "What were you doing talking to that man?" she asked sharply.

  "I ran into him while I was waiting for you and Honora to finish what you were doing in the dress shop." Rufus glanced at Reese and Gideon. His features darkened visibly. "Buchanan," he said curtly, almost dismissively.

  Reese could see that Rufus might have been tempted to say a whole lot more to himself and Gideon. But, now probably wasn't the best time. "Rufus," Reese replied, knowing there was no sense in trying to find out why Rufus would even speak with someone like Calhoun.

  "I hope you weren't talking to him about our ranch," Mabel blurted out. As if realizing she might have said something she shouldn't have, Mabel glanced at Reese and Gideon. Reese saw sudden resolve in Mabel's eyes. She grabbed Rufus' arm and tugged on it. "We need to be going." She smiled at Reese and Gideon. "Pleasure to see you two gentlemen today." She turned to Honora. "Hasn't it been, Honora," Mabel added.

  Honora gazed straight into Reese's eyes. There was something about that look which Reese couldn't quite figure out. "A pleasure," Honora said in a voice that, to Reese, sounded as flat as a pancake.

  Reese frowned, puzzled as to why she would speak to him in that tone of voice. And then, Mabel, Rufus and Honora were moving off, heading up the boardwalk. They halted at a buckboard, got themselves settled on the seat and then headed up the main drag.

  As the buckboard passed by, Reese couldn't help noticing that Honora didn't even turn to look at him.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The day after the meeting in town, Honora was driving the buckboard along a trail that cut southwards along the edge of the Buchanan spread. As the buckboard trundled along the trail, from time to time, she could see Buchanan fence through the trees on her right. She knew that once she reached the river, another trail would cut off through the border between the two spreads, bringing her to Zane and Johanna's riverside cabin.

  Honora didn't know how she was going to deal with it, especially if Reese was going to be there. But she'd given her word to Johanna that she would go to visit her and Zane at their cabin on the southern portion of the Buchanan spread. There was no way she was going to break a promise, even if it meant another awkward encounter with Reese Buchanan.

  The air was fresh and clean, the sun bright. Above, the sky was big and blue, just the way she liked it. It felt good to be driving the buckboard at a furious pace along the narrow trail. She felt the keen edge of the freedom she'd anticipated as she'd gotten herself ready earlier. She'd always loved being out in the countryside. It made her feel somehow closer to God, being surrounded by such awe-inspiring beauty. Such blessed peace. It made her feel that she'd made the right decision in coming back to Inspiration.

  During the morning preparations, Aunt Mabel had insisted on Honora going on her own. Mabel told Honora that there was too much to do for her to even contemplate a visit to the Buchanans. Holding tight onto the reins, Honora recalled what had happened the previous day when they'd all arrived back at the ranch. Upon returning from town, Mabel and Rufus had exchanged firm words in the sitting room. Honora had kept herself busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. Listening in had been unavoidable.

  Honora had heard mention of Calhoun. And, even worse, Calhoun had made some kind of suggestion to Rufus. One that Rufus had not immediately rejected. That was something which had infuriated Aunt Mabel. Honora's aunt never really got truly angry. Her principles wouldn't allow that. But, she'd made sure she'd communicated her strong feelings to Rufus about Calhoun having even the slightest interest in the ranch.

  Maybe Calhoun would offer to buy the former MacLeish spread. Her brows furrowed at that thought. It was inconceivable that someone like Calhoun would get his dirty hands on the precious ranch, Honora told herself. She couldn't imagine her aunt allowing that to happen. And Honora knew her parents would not approve. Dinner had been a quiet affair that evening. Aunt Mabel and Uncle Rufus had resolutely avoided making eye contact.

  As the buckboard tumbled along the rough track, Honora thought about Calhoun's interest in the ranch. That would not be received well by anyone up at the Buchanan ranch. Not well at all, she told herself. The prospect of Calhoun becoming a neighbor to the Buchanan family would surely prompt some kind of reaction, she told herself. She was well aware of how much all the Buchanans disliked Calhoun. She'd seen a hint of it in Reese's eyes yesterday. He'd done his best to mask his response to seeing Calhoun on t
he other side of the street, but he hadn't succeeded in hiding it from her. She knew Reese too well to be fooled by that blank expression. She'd read the annoyance and concern in his eyes.

  Seeing Reese in town yesterday hadn't been all bad news though, she reflected. She now knew that he was probably on the lookout for a wife, and even in a hurry to find one. After what she'd learned from Johanna Buchanan, Honora had expected Reese, might get it into his head to start courting her. Again. But, there had been no sign of any of that in the handsome rancher's demeanor.

  Courtship? Honora frowned. She wasn't going to allow that to happen. She and Reese were history. It was that simple. After Sophie Cameron and Johanna Buchanan had left, Honora had pondered the situation into which she was being placed. It was clear that there were folks who thought that she and Reese could just pick up where they had left off. As if nothing had happened. As if she had never even left Inspiration.

  But, she felt in her bones, that the time for herself and Reese had well and truly passed. Even though she'd seen the way he'd looked at her on their first reunion meeting, and also in town outside the dress shop, she was certain that their time together had passed into memory. To her surprise, that realization made her heart sink a little.

  She came to the fork in the trail. Tugging hard on the reins she guided the horse down a gully until eventually she came to a narrow trail which wound alongside a river. This was the natural barrier to the Buchanan spread. No fencing was needed in this part. The river was sufficient.

  The sounds of running water battled with the noise of rattling wheels as her buckboard made its way toward an open area she could see in the near distance. Driving along the track a few more minutes brought her to a flat plain. And there she saw a small cabin constructed of rough logs. She halted her buckboard and gazed at the idyllic, newly-constructed residence belonging to Zane and Joanna Buchanan.

  Smoke drifted out of a small chimney on the slightly angled roof. A narrow makeshift porch added to the homely appearance of the dwelling. Two small, shuttered windows completed the picture. A shed adjoined one side of the building and she saw three horses tied up against a hitching post. Honora nodded appreciatively. Although it was basic, and was obviously only partially complete, it looked comfortable. Fit for a newly married couple, she told herself.

  She saw Johanna and Zane walk out of the open doorway. Another figure followed behind them. Her heart skipped a beat. It was Reese. He wore dark waistcoat, white shirt, tight-fitting jeans and black boots. His dark hair hung loose above his neck. He looked incredibly handsome.

  Reese gazed over Zane's shoulder and saw Honora's buckboard. His reaction was instantaneous. He pushed past Zane and Johanna and strode out onto the flat, open yard space in front of the cabin. For an awkward moment she thought he was going to race toward her and welcome her. But, thankfully, he halted. He stood and planted his hands on his waist, as if impatiently awaiting her arrival. Honora flicked the reins and soon she was pulling up in front of the cabin.

  "Afternoon," Reese announced. "I'm sure glad you decided to come," he admitted, coming to the buckboard. He extended a hand, obviously intending to help her down off the seat. She saw Zane and Johanna advancing toward her and Reese. Electing for politeness, if nothing else, she took Reese's hand. The touch of his rough skin on her fingers made sensation tingle up her spine. Trying to ignore that, she stepped down onto the loose dirt of the yard.

  Releasing his hand quickly, she smiled up at him. She saw him glancing down the length of her gown, obvious appreciation in his dark gaze. She was wearing a sky blue gown, with her blonde hair tied in a neat bun beneath a matching bonnet. "That one of your new gowns?" he asked.

  She took the gown in her hand and twitched it playfully, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "No. They don't make them that quickly," she admonished him.

  He quirked a brow. "I wouldn't know about that," he confessed.

  For a moment, he looked suitably chastened, and lowered his head. She felt the sudden heat of the day and told herself that maybe this particular gown hadn't been the best choice for coming out to a place like this. Nevertheless, it was too late to change that, she concluded as she stepped past Reese and smiled at Zane and Johanna. Zane was dressed similarly to Reese, the only difference being his dark pants instead of jeans. Johanna wore a plain brown gown, practical but pretty. Honora figured it might one Johanna was used to wearing whenever she was around the cabin. Still, though, Johanna looked good in the gown, as if it was a natural choice for her.

  Zane smiled back at Honora. "Good to see you, Honora," he said brightly.

  "And you, too, Zane," Honora replied. "So you got married while I was gone? That's quite something," she declared, glancing mischievously at Johanna. She wanted to make sure the conversation got off on the easiest foot, right from the start. "Johanna was telling me all about how you two met."

  "Is that right?" Zane said and glanced at his wife. "You been talking about me behind my back?" he chided playfully.

  Johanna squinted at Zane. "Honora was desperate to know how we got together so quickly," Johanna said. She glanced at Honora. "Isn't that right."

  "It sounded real romantic," she admitted to Zane.

  Zane wrapped an arm around Johanna's waist. "I keep on telling people," he announced smiling. "I feel like the luckiest man in Montana." He gave Johanna an appreciative look. "Heck, the whole wide world." Zane's voice was filled with natural exuberance. Honora could see how much he loved his new wife.

  Johanna waved a hand at Zane and shook her head. "There you go again."

  "What? Is a man not allowed to tell the truth?" Zane exclaimed, and grinned at Johanna.

  "Okay, you two," Reese said stepping up and laying a hand on Zane's shoulder. "I'm sure Honora would like to see the inside of this cabin of yours." He turned and lifted a brow. "Wouldn't you?"

  Honora nodded and ran her gaze across the front of the cabin. "It sure looks comfy," she observed. She turned and looked out across the river, taking in the sight of the trees on the other side. "This is a real special little place," she said and sighed. "Peaceful." She glanced back at the cabin. "When is it going to be finished?"

  Johanna came to Honora and hooked an arm in hers. "It's still a work in progress. But, we like it," she said. Johanna glanced at Zane who was walking alongside Reese. Both brothers had their backs to the two women and they were busy mumbling quiet words to each other. "Isn't that right, Zane?" Johanna asked firmly.

  "What you saying?" Zane asked turning to his wife.

  "I was telling Honora how much we like our new home," Johanna said.

  "We still stay at the big house, from time to time," Zane explained. "We haven't completely taken up the primitive life."

  Honora didn't think there was anything primitive about this place. She thought it was perfection, especially for a newly married couple to settle down. She saw Reese watching her closely, as if he was aware of what she might be thinking. Was he thinking that something like this might suit him and Honora? If they ever got married? She pushed that thought firmly away.

  They all reached the narrow porch. "I thought you liked the simple life," Reese said to his brother.

  Zane shrugged. "Creature comforts are good, too, Reese." Honora saw Zane narrow his eyes at Reese. "Don't tell me you find this kind of life appealing, Reese."

  Reese's eyes widened and his face flushed slightly. Maybe Zane had caught Reese off guard, Honora told herself. Reese glanced at Honora again, as if checking to see if she'd noticed his sudden unease.

  The inside of the cabin was immaculately laid out. It was divided into parts, with firm- looking partition walls. The main living area was large and well stocked with simple furniture. A long table filled the center of the room. Chairs and tables were set in the corner. There was a stove off to one side in the middle of the room. Flowers decorated the space, and the walls had been hung with pretty pictures of landscapes. Rugs decorated the wooden floor. There was the scent of cooking in the air. O
ff to the other side there was a short corridor which Honora presumed must lead to the basic kitchen and probably small sleeping area. Plenty had been crammed into the modest space. And it sure felt comfortable, Honora told herself as she stepped inside. She could imagine that Zane and Johanna would be happy in a place like this.