She’d thought about calling him and asking if he’d read her article and what he’d thought about it. Had he been pleased with it? At least she’d been in contact with Kelly some, via email. Jackson’s sister kept her up-to-date with all that was going on at the ranch. She had also helped her understand some of the more confusing elements of being a new Christian.
She had sworn Kelly to secrecy about her new faith. Kelly had argued with her about wanting to tell Jackson, but Mariah didn’t want him to know. He had his life, and she had hers. Her job at the Observer was secure for now, and she enjoyed her work.
Still, she wondered why he never called her. Did he think of her as often as she did him? Or had he simply put her out of his mind once he was rid of her, like an annoying fly in the kitchen? Mariah shook her head, frightening a little sparrow that had been twittering on a nearby branch. She had to quit thinking about Jackson. He was a brief, wonderful moment God had blessed her with. A moment that showed her there were good men in this world.
If only somehow things could have worked out for them.
Needing a distraction, she tugged the church bulletin from the pages of her Bible. The Christmas Eve service was tomorrow. This would be Mariah’s first Christmas as a Christian. Her heart soared with the newfound love for God.
The God that Jackson had introduced her to.
“Argh! Stop it!” She jumped to her feet so fast her lawn chair buckled and fell back against the sliding glass door with a clatter. “Stop thinking about that man.”
She needed something physical to do. A long, hard jog was just the thing.
In a matter of minutes, she’d slipped on her sneakers—the ones that still had a tinge of green horse manure along the edges—pulled her hair back into a ponytail and placed her house key in her pocket. After doing several stretching exercises, she pulled open her front door.
A young John Wayne stood there, complete with cowboy hat and boots. No, not John Wayne. Jackson!
Dark blue eyes framed by long, black lashes stared back at her with a gleaming sparkle. His cowboy hat, pushed back on his forehead, revealed a tan line and his dark hair—longer than it had been when she was at Angelfire—hung across it, just begging her to reach out and straighten it.
His lips tilted in an embarrassed grin, revealing the dimples she loved. “Hi.” Jackson leaned against the doorframe, his thumbs stuck in his pants pockets.
“Hi.”
His warm gaze traveled over her face, like a man starving for a view of someone he dearly loved. “I’ve missed you.”
All normal lines of communication fled her stunned brain. She opened her mouth but nothing came out. Mariah reached out and poked him in the side.
Jackson squirmed. “Hey, that tickles. What was that for?”
“I...uh...just wanted to make sure you were real. Not just a figment of my imagination.”
“So, your imagination has been conjuring up images of me?” His charming smile morphed into a confident smirk. He puffed up his chest.
“What are you doing here?” Mariah’s mind had run the gamut of trying to come up with a logical reason for Jackson to be standing on her doorstep. She was batting zero.
“I brought you a Christmas present.” He reached around the edge of the door and picked up a decorative bag with thin rope handles on it. A cowboy on horseback rode through a half foot of snow, leading a pack mule carrying a Christmas tree. Crinkled red-and-green tissue paper inside the bag accented the colors of the holly border. A curly ribbon of coordinating colors was tied around one of the handles. This was definitely not a man’s handiwork.
“What is it?”
Jackson’s grin lit up his whole face. His twinkling eyes matched his blue denim shirt. “Open it and find out.”
This was not a good idea. She couldn’t shake him from her mind, and here he was, offering her a present? She remembered their painful parting and took a step back, desperately trying to protect her heart. “I can’t accept it, whatever it is.”
He shoved the bag toward her. “Just open it. Okay?”
Hopeless to refuse him, she reached out and took the gift, trying hard not to think what touching Jackson’s finger had just done to her already addled insides. She swallowed the thick lump in her throat. Having him so near was wonderful torture. “Come in,” she said, moving backward until her legs bumped into the couch.
He stepped inside and shut the door. She pulled out the tissue paper and laid it on the arm of the sofa. Inside was something denim-looking. She yanked out the heavy object and gave it a shake. “A jacket?”
If she didn’t know better, she’d think Jackson was blushing. Maybe it was just the bad lighting in her entryway.
“I just figured a Texan needed something more Western-looking than the horrible purple thing of yours.”
“You don’t like my coat?”
He shook his head and grinned. “Too citified for me. So, try it on.”
Mariah shook the jacket again until it unfolded, then unsnapped it and slipped her arms inside. “It’s perfect! How did you know what size to get?”
“Kelly helped me.”
She straightened the front of the fleece-lined jacket, reveling in its instant warmth. “Thanks. I love—” Her hand entered the right pocket and encountered something hard. As she pulled out a small velvet box, her gaze darted to Jackson’s.
Could this possibly be what she hoped it was? His dazzling grin sent her hopes soaring as high as an eagle.
“Open it.”
With trembling hands, Mariah lifted the black velvet lid. A beautiful diamond ring glimmered in the light of the sliding glass door. Confusion battled with hope. She looked up at Jackson, hoping for an explanation.
“I read your story in the Observer. It was real good.” He ducked his head and stared at his boots. “I appreciate your sensitivity in relating what happened with Hailey’s kidnapping. And your vagueness about Misty and about where the ranch is located and the fact that you didn’t mention its name.”
Mariah shrugged, secretly delighted that he was pleased. “Evan was probably upset. My article won’t exactly drum up new business.”
“He’ll get over it.”
Jackson’s lips tightened into a line and a muscle quivered in his jaw. “I’m sorry for not trusting you. I can make the excuse that I wasn’t my normal self with all that had happened, but the truth is, I was afraid.”
“Of what—if I can ask?”
He looked in the direction of her balcony, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “I took to heart some of the things Lance said.”
She stepped forward, daring to touch his shirt. “No, Jackson. He was a raving madman, and you can’t listen to those lies.”
He sighed. “I know, but I did at first, and when I came to my senses, I realized I’d just made the biggest mistake of my life when I let you go. My problems with Misty were a result of two immature, selfish people both wanting their own way. It’s not that way with us.” He cupped her cheek, staring at her with those beautiful eyes. “I may be jumping the gun with the ring, but I felt so certain that you sent me a hidden message when you talked about soaring with the eagles above the storms of life in the article. You’ve become a Christian.”
His gaze, blazing with hope, caught and held hers. Her heart waltzed with joy. He’d read her article and understood. A smile tugged at her lips that was mirrored by Jackson’s.
“Yes. I gave my heart to God.”
An expression of pure delight engulfed Jackson’s face. “Yeehaw!” He yanked off his hat and threw it in the air. It hit the ceiling and then landed on a blade of the ceiling fan. Jackson grabbed her by the waist and spun her around. It was all she could do to hold on to him and the ring box.
Finally her cowboy gained control of his emotions and set her down. “I’m so happy for you.
”
“It never would have happened without your example.” She stared at the beautiful square diamond encircled with smaller ones. It must have cost a pretty penny. Could she be the wife Jackson needed? She’d grown up with an abusive, alcoholic deadbeat father. She’d never learned how to be a mother or a homemaker. She could only cook things that came from a box. And what about her job? Was she ready to give that up after working so hard to get where she was?
She stared at the worn carpeting and sighed. “Our lives are so different. I—I don’t have anything to give you.” Glancing up, she begged him with her gaze to understand. “You have everything. A lovely home. A family who adores you. What could I give you that you don’t already have?”
“The love and loyalty of a wife fully committed to her husband.” His eyes smoldered with longing, and then a cocky smile tilted his lips. “You could also give me a son.”
Mariah felt her eyes widen. A son?
A red tinge covered the tips of Jackson’s ears. “After we’re married, of course.”
Wife to Jackson Durant. It was the dream she’d dared not hope could come true. She looked down at the ring in her hand. It was amazing. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you love me. That you’ll marry me.”
“What about my work?”
“Claremore isn’t far away, and there are places online you could write for. If you want to work, I won’t hold you back.”
She blinked back her tears. Deliriously happy, she couldn’t resist the urge to tease him. After all, he had teased her a time or two. She ducked her head in what she hoped was a coy stance and looked up at him through her lashes. “I don’t remember you ever asking me to marry you, Jackson Durant.”
Something like relief flooded his face right before he chuckled. He tugged on his pant leg and bent down on one knee. “I love you more than I can find the words to express it. Will you marry me, Mariah? Be my wife and the mother of our children?”
Mariah bit her lip, not believing this was really happening. Her tears blurred Jackson’s handsome, hopeful face.
“Well?” he said.
“Of course I’ll marry you. Yes! Yes! I’ll marry you.”
Jackson bolted to his feet and took her in his arms. “Oh, darlin’, I’ve missed you so much. I thought I’d died when you left. Probably would have if not for the Lord—that and the fact I had Hailey to care for. Did you know I loved you back then?”
Mariah shrugged. “You said so in Lance’s barn, but I thought maybe it was just because emotions were running so high then. I didn’t want to believe it might be true. I felt sure I had nothing to offer you.”
He pushed her back and looked her in the eye. “Don’t ever say that again. I’d have never made it through Hailey’s kidnapping without you by my side. Your steady, silent support kept me going. You and God. We made a great trio.”
Tears coursed down Mariah’s cheeks. Never in her life had she been so happy. Jackson leaned down, and his lips captured hers in a long, lingering kiss. She soared above the clouds, flying high with the eagles.
God had given Mariah her ultimate dream—the only man she’d ever loved. The only man she’d ever cried over.
But even more, God had come into her life. And now He was giving her a place to call home. A daughter to mother. And a cowboy to love.
Her life was complete.
EPILOGUE
Four years later
“No. Absolutely not! There’s no way I’m letting you buy that purple coat for Hailey.” Jackson shoved his hands to his hips.
Mariah almost laughed at the adamant expression on her husband’s face. “But, honey, you know how much she loved my old lavender jacket.” She blinked her eyes, hoping her look portrayed innocence.
“Puh-lease?” Hailey leaned against his side, holding her laced fingers against her chin.
He crossed his arms over the solid chest that Mariah loved to lean against. “No.”
“Aw, come on, Dad,” Hailey chimed in, holding up a tinier version of the coat. “We could even get a matching one for Hannah.”
At hearing her name, Hannah squealed from her stroller and kicked her feet.
“I’m not having this conversation.” Jackson turned away and marched across the aisle to the hardware section.
Hailey’s laughter joined Mariah’s.
After she and Jackson had been married several months, she’d walked outside one day wearing her lavender jacket. He’d scowled and stormed toward her, stripped the coat off her back and threw it in the bonfire, where he was burning leaves. “Cowgirls don’t wear purple coats,” he’d mumbled.
Mariah had been stunned at his odd behavior. She still remembered standing there with her mouth hanging open. His action was so out of character for her sweet, gentle husband. After her initial shock had worn off, she had grabbed her stomach and laughed until tears ran down her cheeks.
Looking chagrined, Jackson had walked toward her, head hanging. “I guess I kind of overreacted. Sorry.” He pulled off his hat and smacked it against his leg. “It’s just that I hate that jacket. It’s so—so citified. Makes you look like a greenhorn.”
That memory was one of Mariah’s favorites.
Now she fluffed Hannah’s dark hair, so much like her father’s, and watched as ten-year-old Hailey walked toward a group of her friends. Hannah whined for her daddy and tried to climb out of her stroller. Mariah held her bulging belly and bent down, ready to pick up her daughter.
“I’ll get her.” Jackson jogged back across the aisle. “You know the doctor told you not to lift Hannah until after Buck is born.”
“I am not naming my son Buck.” She glared, daring him to argue with her. This wasn’t the first time they’d had this playful conversation.
“Buck. Elmer. Billy Bob. Whatever.” Jackson’s teasing grin still sent butterflies dancing in her stomach. “Just so long as he’s healthy, it doesn’t matter.”
“Jackson Jr.”
“We’ll see,” he said, but his proud grin said otherwise. “You ’bout ready to go eat? I’m dying for one of Marvin’s big, thick steaks.”
She nodded, her mouth already salivating for a juicy rib eye. With Hannah in one arm, Jackson wrapped his other arm around her shoulders, and she leaned against him.
Would she always be this happy?
Probably not, but walking with God was like flying with the eagles. The storms of life would continue to pummel her, but with God’s help, she would rise above the tumultuous times and sail high on eagles’ wings.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from DANGER AT THE BORDER by Terri Reed.
Dear Reader,
Writing a contemporary suspense was a big one-eighty from the historical novels I normally pen. I thoroughly enjoyed raining havoc on Jackson and Mariah and throwing a country guy and city gal together and watching what happened. I’ve always loved stories about strong but hurting heroes, and Jackson’s story was begging to be told.
Mariah endured a difficult childhood that altered her opinion of men and God. Through Jackson’s wonderful example of a man strong in faith and a father who dearly loves his child, she sees that there are good men in this world, and she learns how to fly above the storms of life.
None of us venture through life unscathed, but I hope Rancher Under Fire helped you to see how you can face the storms of life head-on and soar above them with God’s help. I hope you enjoyed Rancher Under Fire and will check out my other books. I love hearing from readers, so if you wish to send me a note, you can contact me via my website, www.vickiemcdonough.com.
God’s blessings on your life,
Vickie McDonough
Questions for Discussion
Jackson had lived life in the fast lane, enjoying all that
comes with being a popular pro quarterback. When he moved to the ranch, his life totally changed. What type of difficulties do you think he encountered? Have you faced hardships when making a big change in your life?
Mariah was desperate to get her story. As she got to know Jackson, she began to waver in her determination. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice that could drastically affect someone else? How did you handle that decision?
Lance was Jackson’s best friend. Do you think Jackson was naive to not realize Lance was the source of his problems? Were there signs of Lance’s behavior that he should have picked up on but didn’t because of their friendship?
Mariah was determined to get her story, but the one she ended up writing wasn’t what she’d first planned. What changed her mind?
Jackson had a loving, close-knit family but Mariah didn’t. How did the differences affect them? How did it shape their character?
Toward the end of the story, Mariah decides she wants a faith in God like Jackson has. What things held her back from making that choice sooner?
How did Jackson’s example of a godly man move Mariah forward in wanting a relationship with God?
Discuss what keeps you from trusting God or believing in His goodness.
When Hailey was missing, Jackson never stopped believing God would keep her safe and return her to him. What does it take to have such a strong faith in God during tragic times?
Jackson used eagles and their abilities to help Mariah understand about God and how he protects us. Talk about a time when God protected you.
Mariah felt like a fish out of water at Angelfire Ranch, but she kept learning new things and adapting. Was there a time you felt the same? How did you handle the situation?
What do you think about how Jackson talked about his faith? Did he come on too strong?
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