“Don’t you go back there. Not even for an hour.”
“Don’t you think I need to accuse him face-to-face?”
“He hasn’t earned the right to anything from you. I’ll go with you if you feel you have to do that, but I’ll tell you right now—I can’t stand the thought of Markham anywhere near you.”
“Well, then, I guess we have one more fax to send. My resignation.”
Gunner felt a little shudder go through her at the word. It struck him again just how much Brooke was putting on the line here, and it made him love her all the more for it. He tightened his arms around her. “Don’t you worry. You carry a blue bandanna now. That means you’re under my protection, and I will never let anything happen to you and Audie. God’s got this.”
Her eyes glistened at his words even as her shoulders softened in his embrace. “He does, doesn’t He?” Everything had changed, him most of all. The bristling, keep-the-world-at-a-distance part of him—the part he’d long considered his strength—wasn’t a strength at all. It was a wall, a false armor that hadn’t protected as he thought, but had smothered him instead. Now that it was gone, it felt as if his breath pulled in a whole new kind of air, silly as that sounded.
A small, light laugh bubbled up from her, and he reveled in the feel of it against his chest. “Is my faith that amusing?” he asked.
Brooke reached up to cup his cheek with one hand. “Not at all. I was just wondering if Daisy knew what she was doing.”
Gunner laughed as well, remembering the very odd look Daisy had given him as she squared off against Brooke’s car that afternoon. “Could be.”
Her eyes closed. “Thank You, Lord.” She opened them again. “Thank you, Daisy. Thank you, Gunner Buckton Junior.”
He felt a grin crinkle the corners of his eyes. “Brooke Buckton. Think it has too many B’s?”
“Nope,” she said, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “It’s perfect.”
* * *
The next two days went by in a blur of phone calls, documents, phone conversations and surprising pockets of calm. Brooke stood among the sea of boxes in her kitchen Friday morning and considered her circumstances. She’d thought she would feel as though she’d jumped off a cliff—one long, scary fall—but she didn’t. What she had said to Gunner was right: it felt like walking into a clearing or like finding the right road after having been lost. Easy? No, exposing DelTex had been one of the hardest things she had ever done.
Still, they’d succeeded. An Austin newspaper had jumped on the story within hours, and their investigation had cast DelTex’s actions and even some of the involved politicians in sufficient bad light that the Ramble Acres project had been effectively stalled until further notice.
Gunner walked into the kitchen with another box. “These go out to the ranch?”
“Yes,” she said, crossing another task off the large to-do list taped to the fridge door. “And the other one by the dresser.” They’d decided to set up rooms in the Blue Thorn guesthouse for her and Audie so they could spend weekends there. With a house to sell and two months of school still to go, it was best not to make Audie shift to a school district out by the ranch until next year. The commute didn’t feel like too much of a sacrifice to spend more time with the family she had come to love. Besides, not fleeing her house here made a sort of stand for Brooke. An “I’m not hiding from you” declaration that while DelTex was huge, they couldn’t make her turn tail and run.
Not that she didn’t treasure every moment with Gunner. He’d shown such a tender, protective side since that day on Larkey’s ranch. As he opened up to her, she found new things to love about him. There was a part of me frightened I would never love again, she thought as she watched Gunner haul the box of Audie’s stuffed animals—not the stuffed bison, for that stayed wherever Audie was—to his truck. But now I feel as if I love even more. Somehow, she knew Jim would bless her new life. He’d want Audie to have a father figure as she grew up, and he’d never want Brooke to go through life alone.
She felt Gunner’s hands slip around her waist as she stood staring out her kitchen window. “Where were you? You looked a million miles away just now.”
She turned to him. “Thinking about how I wasn’t sure today would ever happen.” It was a poor explanation, but she couldn’t quite put her feelings into words despite her professional credentials.
“Moving partly out to the ranch?”
“No.” Brooke sighed. She owed him an explanation. “It’s just...well...there was a part of me that wondered if I’d ever be happy again. After...”
Gunner kissed her forehead. “It’s okay to say his name. I can share you with Jim’s memory. He’s Audie’s father. And I endorse his taste in brides.”
How did that man always know the exact right thing to say? “I’m so thankful you’ll be a huge part of Audie’s life. You’ll be as much her father as Jim, you know. Even more so in some ways.”
“I know,” Gunner said, smiling as if it was the best job a man could have, “and I’m glad. But about that bride part...” He stepped away from her, reaching into his pocket to produce a small blue velvet pouch. Brooke caught her breath as he got down on one knee.
A beautiful ring with a center diamond and sparkling light blue stones on either side spilled from the pouch onto his palm. “This was my mother’s, and Gran’s before her. This ring belongs to the women of Blue Thorn. And now it belongs to you. Brooke Calder, will you be my wife? Asked right and proper this time, mind you.”
The house was a mess. No one really knew yet if DelTex had been permanently stopped from their attempts to grab Blue Thorn land. They still hadn’t figured out where Audie would go to school next year or how and when they would sell this house.
None of that mattered in the face of the man on his knee before her. There was only one answer to give—the one she’d already given. “Yes.”
Gunner slipped the jewel onto her finger, kissing the back of her hand once he did. Then he stood and gave her a long, lingering kiss that made her forget every single unresolved detail of her current chaos.
“If it’s okay with you,” Gunner said as he kissed each of the fingertips on her left hand, “it’ll be Audie’s one day, too. Unless you and I have a son someday—then he gets to pick the hand who wears it.”
Children with Gunner. The prospect set off a bank of fireworks in Brooke’s chest. So much of life was opening up before her. “Gunner Buckton the third?”
“Only if you say so.”
“Audie’d go nuts to have a baby brother.” Brooke felt as if the entire house couldn’t hold the size of her happiness. Maybe not even all of the Blue Thorn. “She’s crazy enough about Russet as it is.” The ranch had seen two more calves born since Russet, and Audie had picked excellent names for each one—without a single Rainbow Sparkle in sight.
“We’ll let God work out the timing on that. The wedding will be enough on our plates while all this land nonsense works itself out.” The Special Entity eminent domain legislation Senator Rostam had warned Adele about had evidently died quietly in committee once the press about DelTex hit. Would it all hold off for good? It was too early to tell. “Are you going to want a big to-do? My sister Ellie’s getting all serious with her guy in Atlanta, and I’ve a mind to beat her to the altar.” He looked as if he’d stomach a large event if she wanted one, but it was clear he didn’t cherish the idea. His face reminded her of the way he looked when he tugged on his tux shirt collar—cooperating but far from comfortable.
“Not that I don’t love the way you look in a tux,” she teased, “but I think a small ceremony out on the ranch ought to do just fine. My folks will come in from Oklahoma, I’m sure. And I’ve already got my little maid of honor, don’t I?”
Gunner’s eyes popped, as if he’d just remembered something. “If my brother and sisters come, it’ll be the first
time we’ve all been together on the ranch in years. You’ll love Ellie. I told her about our engagement last night, and I had to hold the phone away from my ears, she screamed so loud. She’s dying to meet you. She’s the one who made Audie’s stuffed bison.”
Brooke settled herself against Gunner’s chest, blissful. “I remember. I’m sure I’ll love your family.”
Gunner’s arms tightened around her, doubling the bliss. “I know I love mine. Welcome to the Blue Thorn, future Mrs. Buckton.”
Brooke nodded to the piles of boxes and bags that filled the kitchen around them. “I’m not there yet.”
“You are in all the ways that count. As for everything else...”
She knew what he was going to say. She said it with him, a promise they would hold on to together from now on: “God’s got it covered.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from A SOLDIER’S VALENTINE by Jenna Mindel.
Dear Reader,
I never planned to spend so much time in Texas. Funny how life takes turns we never expected, isn’t it? Suddenly my son was enrolled in the University of Texas, and I kept reading about bison everywhere I looked. That’s the joy of being a writer—you can take what life sends your way and make something amazing from a set of coincidences. Only, they aren’t coincidences, are they? Brooke and Gunner learn that God will use even the most surprising events to lead us down the path to His healing and purpose.
I hope you’ll continue to join me on Blue Thorn Ranch as Gunner and his siblings make their lives on the family land. Look for Gunner’s sister Ellie to get her own happy ending in the book Coming Home to Texas to be released in May 2016, with twin brother and sister Luke and Tess to follow in the coming months. As always, I love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected], visit my website at www.alliepleiter.com or find me on Facebook and Twitter.
Blessings,
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.
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A Soldier’s Valentine
by Jenna Mindel
Chapter One
There was nothing quite like a small-town parade welcoming home one of their own from active duty to inspire pride. Ginger Carleton breathed in the cold January air, feeling very proud that Maple Springs had embraced her idea. The short parade had gone off without a hitch, and even the mayor had been pleased.
Getting folks downtown in winter was always a challenge, but then Zach Zelinsky’s return made for the perfect opportunity. One she wasn’t about to let go.
There he was!
Ginger’s heart beat a little faster. Captain Zach was her new landlord, and he walked toward her with purpose. They hadn’t met in person despite the fact that the man had not only bought her building where she lived and operated a small tea shop, but he’d raised her rent, too. He’d informed her of that along with his plan to open a glassblowing studio next door in one professional, but very impersonal, letter.
She thought glass an odd choice for over six feet of hardened brawn standing like a statue before her in his military uniform. Atop his broad shoulders were two silver bars, and his chest was a patchwork of official-looking pins and patches.
Captain Zachary Zelinsky made for an impressive sight.
And scary.
Surely, he’d intimated an enemy or two with that deep scowl. A look that might make a lesser man run, but Ginger dug in her heels and held her position. He’d searched her out and she wasn’t going anywhere. She might even tell him what she thought of his letter.
She heard the snaps of American flags that had been posted along Main Street as they whipped in the bitter wind. No snow fell today in northern Michigan. No sunshine, either. Gray clouds rippled in a gray sky above. The Maple Springs high school band had long since stopped playing patriotic marches, and her surroundings faded into the expanse of dark winter coats dotted by colorful hats and scarves and kids.
She focused on the army captain in front of her. Not hard to do. Zach Zelinsky loomed larger than life.
Ginger pulled off her fuzzy mitten and extended her hand. She exhaled a long plume of cold breath, but it didn’t eliminate the feeling of free-falling. “Nice to finally meet you, Captain Zach.”
He took her hand with his warm, calloused fingers and squeezed. Firm and sure. His icy blue eyes were cold as Lake Michigan. Zach Zelinsky’s letter of introduction spelling out her new lease terms had been equally frosty.
She swallowed hard. Okay, maybe she wouldn’t mention his letter. Maybe never.
“Ms. Carleton.” The tone of his voice rang deep. The quiet kind of sound that masked deadly strength. “I understand I have you to thank for this nonsense.”
“And a bang-up job, don’t you think?” With knees nearly knocking, Ginger gave him her best curmudgeon-taming smile. Playing nice was always better. God had taught her that through the scriptures.
Then the truth kicked in and made her squirm.
Okay, maybe she hadn’t really played nice. She knew Captain Zach wouldn’t be pleased by a parade, but he didn’t have to growl about it. Helen Zelinsky had warned that her oldest son didn’t want a fuss, but that was too bad. Maple Springs wanted to honor one of its own, and a parade brought folks downtown during a slow time of year. And she was one of the many shop owners who needed the foot traffic.
A glimmer of amusement barely lifted one side of his mouth. “If you say so.”
What would he look like if he truly smiled?
That image made her pulse skitter, and Ginger pulled her hand back. He was her landlord now, and their handshake should have long since ended. “Did you really think you could sneak home unnoticed?”
“I suppose not.” He stood straighter, if that was possible. His eyes remained cool, but not as cold as before.
She noticed the deep lines etched in the corners of those eyes. No doubt from squinting rather than laughter. Captain Zelinsky was killer handsome but looked like a man who needed a good laugh. And he wasn’t exactly a young man, either.
Annie, her best friend and soon to be Captain Zach’s sister-in-law, had said he was in his late thirties. The traces of gray in his short brown hair made him look older, though. Deep scowl aside, he still looked amazing. Amazing enough to make her breath catch.
And she needed to stop staring. “I received your letter. When will you open your shop?”
“As soon as the furnaces are inspected.”
Ginger nodded. State requirements had to be met. And Sally, the previous owner, had told her that Zach had purchased her old ceramic kiln. For what, Ginger wasn’t sure. Did glass get baked like ceramics? She wished she knew, but every time Ginger had stopped next door to introduce herself, Captain Zach hadn’t been around. And maybe that had been a good thing. She got the feeling that she should let her irritation go when it came to his letter. Not much she could do about it anyway, now that the building was his.
At least the sounds of pounding and soldering and the whir of metal saws and drills might finally stop. Glassblowing wasn’t a noisy business, but setting up for it sure was. She looked forward to the return of quiet.
The mayor suddenly swooped between them. “Come, Captain, there’s someone you should meet.”
“Yes, sir.” Zach didn’t move. Instead, he looked right through her. “I’ll see you soon.”
“
Yep.” Ginger flushed. She had to admit she looked forward to that despite the dollop of agitation that went with finding Captain Zach attractive.
Military men were not her thing. Growing up with a father who’d barked orders like a drill sergeant made her steer clear of authoritative types. Especially grumpy ones. But then, she steered clear of most men, preferring to keep her heart safe.
She watched the tall army captain walk away with his back ramrod straight and his footsteps slow but steady. He looked like a man who didn’t dole out his approval easily. The man didn’t hurry, either. And he sure didn’t look in the mood to meet people. He better get over that real quick. People in Maple Springs loved to check out new businesses, and his glass studio was bound to be a target for the curious shoppers.
Speaking of shoppers, she had tea to sell. And she’d better sell a lot of it today, because her bank account was looking pretty wan. The price of tea was up, and her customers were down. And with that increase in rent...
She clenched her jaw. Not a good start to her year.
Making her way through the crowd that lingered, Ginger headed for her shop that sat on the corner of Main and Bay Streets. She spotted Lewis Brown coming toward her up ahead and quickly crossed the street. Annie called him the “book-man” because he worked at the library. But Ginger called him a nuisance. He’d asked her out twice, and both times she’d turned him down. One of these days she’d have to tell him straight up that she wasn’t interested, but not today.
Confrontation wasn’t something she relished on a good day. And today wasn’t exactly a good day. Not yet, anyway. Not until she had some sales.
Hurrying to get back to her shop, she glanced at the other stores along Main filling up with shoppers. Christmas decorations still teased from inside storefront windows even though it was the middle of January. Greenery-stuffed window boxes and velvet-bowed wreaths hung from doors.
It still looked like Christmas in Maple Springs and would remain so until the weather warmed. Few decorations were taken down earlier than the end of March with the exception of the Center Park Christmas tree. That had been cleared away last week.
The Texas Rancher's Return Page 18
