The Rancher’s Bride Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  "You did say we could have coffee together," she continued. For a moment he looked uncertain. "Of course, if you're busy this afternoon, we could make it some other time," she blurted out.

  Noah shook his head and grinned. "There's nothing I'd like to do more than let you show me the delights of Inspiration. What's the name of the place?"

  "Ma and Pa Riley's Cafe."

  He lifted a brow. "That sounds original," he observed wryly.

  "They do make nice cakes," she joked, trying to lighten the mood. There was something about the way he was looking at her that was making her shift nervously on the heels of her boots. An intensity in his gaze. She saw his glance flicker down the length of her gown. The corners of his mouth creased appreciatively.

  "That is an elegant dress you're wearing today. If I may be allowed to make such a bold observation." He gave her an appreciative look.

  She shimmied slightly, reaching down and grasping gently onto the soft fabric of her gown. "Thank you," she replied, feeling genuinely pleased he'd taken the time to give her a compliment. Or maybe he was just showing her what it meant to be a gentleman. She guessed paying compliments was something he was used to doing in his life back East. Suddenly if felt good to be the entire focus of his attention.

  "It's quite a change from your ranching gear," he said.

  Her mouth dropped open and she gazed, wide-eyed at him. All her good spirits vanished in an instant. "What's wrong with what I was wearing yesterday?" she snapped.

  Realizing he might have upset her, he hesitated and cleared his throat. "Nothing, I guess." He tried to smile, but she could tell he thought he'd offended her with his casual observation.

  "Ranch clothing is supposed to be practical," she stated. She glanced down at her gown, feeling that, somehow it didn't seem as fine as it had a moment ago. "This is for when I'm being sociable. Trying to look my best for society folks."

  "Society folks?" he asked, sounding suddenly incredulous. He laughed quietly. "Here, in Inspiration?"

  She frowned. "You don't think we have ourselves a little society in this town?"

  "That's not what I meant," he explained. "I've seen high society back in Philadelphia. Take it from me, Inspiration has a long way to go before it has a social scene to speak of. Maybe that's a good thing. Society isn't what it's made out to be."

  "What do you mean?"

  Noah sighed and thought for a moment. Then he shook his head. "Forget I said that."

  She moved closer to him. "No, really. I'd like to know what you mean."

  He shook his head emphatically. "Some other time, Abigail," he insisted. This time there was an emphatic tone to his voice.

  She frowned and sighed heavily. This wasn't the kind of conversation she'd had in mind. Not at all. He didn't know what he was talking about. The folks here were as good as any he would have known back East. And the residents of Inspiration had all the same good sense, and refined tastes of anyone back in Philadelphia. Was he already looking down on the people of Inspiration?

  Sensing her annoyance, he gestured toward the open doors. "Why don't we head on down to the tearoom."

  She nodded, still tight-lipped and determined not to make a scene. She was annoyed at him for his presumption that he knew better than her. That he could make any kind of judgment about her home town. He had plenty to learn, she told herself as she headed out onto the boardwalk.

  As they walked along the boardwalk, in the shadow of the covering, she was aware of how tall he was. Abigail glanced up at him and saw he was gazing steadily ahead. Once again, she noticed how easy and languid were his movements. He possessed an effortless grace. From time to time he tipped his Stetson at passersby, drawing appreciative nods. She had to admit he had perfect manners. He seemed comfortable doing his absolute best to make the right impression. Of course he'd do that, she told herself. No doubt he was used to stepping out with lady friends.

  The thought made her feel suddenly tense. She clutched her reticule tightly and tried to maintain her poise as she followed alongside him. Abigail wondered what the folks of Inspiration would make of seeing her with Noah. Especially since the word had gotten around that the new arrival was wealthy. Lydia had made that abundantly clear. Would people think Abigail was trying to impress him? Or even more than that? Trying to capture his attentions?

  Abigail dismissed that thought firmly. Finally, they reached the tearoom. Noah opened the door and politely insisted she enter first. Ma Riley, silver-haired and portly, her brown gown covered at the front with a white apron, welcomed them, giving Noah one extra long look as she guided Abigail and him to the table at the window.

  Noah held the back of her chair as Abigail sat slowly down. His manners were impeccable, she had to admit. She shouldn't have expected anything less, she admitted to herself as she watched him take his seat opposite her.

  Once they'd made their choice, and Ma Riley had taken their order, Noah leaned his elbows on the table and gazed across at Abigail. "I'm sorry about what I said," he murmured.

  Abigail squinted at him. "About what?"

  Noah nodded. "I had no call to make any observations about the way you were dressed yesterday," he said. "It was rude of me." He frowned. "In any case, what do I know about what people wear on ranches?"

  "You'll learn, soon enough," Abigail stated. "It's a different kind of life from what you've been used to."

  His eyes narrowed. "How do you know what I've been used to?"

  She felt her cheeks flush with heat. "I assumed you've grown up in Philadelphia with all that privilege," she said hesitantly. "Haven't you?"

  He leaned back on the chair. His brows furrowed. "I've obviously been giving you an impression, even without trying." He smiled and tilted his head. "I suppose you're right. I have led a fortunate life, in many respects. You could say, I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Enjoyed all the benefits of growing up without having to worry about where my next meal was coming from."

  Instantly, she felt uncomfortable. "I didn't mean to pry, Noah," Abigail said, realizing she might have touched a raw nerve in him.

  He smiled softly. "It's natural you'd be curious about me, I guess." He glanced out the window at the boardwalk. "Every one of those folks who said hello to me out there are probably desperate to know all about the mysterious, wealthy newcomer." There was a strong hint of good-humor in his voice. "After all, that is what I am, isn't it?"

  She knew he was trying to change the tone of the conversation. Make it less serious. He was silent for a few moments. He'd withdrawn back into himself. Just like he'd done at the ranch yesterday. Noah had a habit of doing that, she told herself. As if he was putting up a barrier whenever anyone came too close.

  Abigail wondered if he was waiting for her to ask him for more details. But she kept silent, content to watch him across the table. Abigail wanted to ask him questions about his life. Did he have a family? Brothers. Sisters. What had his childhood been like? And, above all, what had prompted him to seek a new life out here?

  There were so many things she wanted to know about the intriguing newcomer. But, she told herself this wasn't the right time for such inquiries. She didn't want to seem rude. Intruding on his privacy just wasn't appropriate. She'd only met him the day before. Who was she to pry into the details of his life?

  Then he surprised her. "Tell me about yourself, Abigail," he said quietly. "How long have you lived on the ranch? How big is your family?"

  She hesitated, wondering if she should tell him about her time growing up on the other ranch. The one she and her family had left behind. Back near Helena. Before everything had changed. She decided to restrict her story to recent times. "There's me, my mother, Matilda and then my sister, Grace. My brother, Jake, too."

  His eyes narrowed slightly and she wondered if he was about to ask her about her pa. But he didn't. Perhaps it was because he was used to dealing with delicate conversations about family members, she told herself. He knew better than to probe further.

>   "And you all run the ranch?" he asked.

  "It's a small spread. We've got some good men working for us. Ranch hands and a ramrod who doesn't take any nonsense. He keeps things running smoothly."

  He frowned. "I'm going to have to get men like that for my own ranch," he observed with a hint of concern.

  Abigail continued: "And then there's more of our extended family settled north of town. The other Buchanan spread belongs to my uncle Caleb. He and his wife have four sons." She smiled. "All married." Abigail smiled. "Babies, too," she added brightly. She wondered why she'd felt the need to add that last part. She was sure her cheeks had flushed pink at the mere mention of little ones.

  "Sounds like the Buchanan's own a huge chunk of land around Inspiration," he observed.

  Abigail nodded. "North and west. We're a big family. And we're close, too."

  "That's good," he replied. "Having family is important. Folks need each other in this world." He peered across at Abigail. "You're very fortunate, Abigail."

  There was a wistful tone to his voice. His gaze softened, as if he was thinking of something else. Somewhere else. What had he left behind? What was his story? Just like yesterday, she had the sense there was something he didn't want to share with her. A part of himself he wasn't willing to show her.

  Tea and cakes were brought. Noah was quiet for a time. Abigail was content to share the silent moments with him. He seemed reflective as he ate his way hungrily through the cakes and sipped the tea from the china cup.

  As he finished, Noah leaned back in his chair. "You were right about the food. As good as anything I'd have back East."

  Abigail grinned. "Well, that is progress," she announced. "We might get you to change your mind about Inspiration, after all."

  Noah shook his head. "You don't have to do that." He glanced out the window at Main Street.

  Abigail followed his gaze. It was busy now, with carriages, riders moving up and down the dusty drag. Townsfolk were crowding their way along the boardwalk. The entire town was coming to life.

  "I know what this place has to offer," Noah continued. "And I like what I've seen. And I've only just got here." He sighed contentedly. "I aim to settle down here for good."

  "Really," Abigail exclaimed, barely able to contain the delight which had inexplicably leaped inside her. "You've already made up your mind?"

  Noah nodded. "I've been looking for a place like this for a long time. Somewhere decent. A place that hasn't been corrupted. Spoiled." His eyes brightened. "Where the people are mostly God-fearing, decent, honorable folks with values I share." He smiled softly and gazed at Abigail. "I think I might have found just the place."

  "Well, if it's Godly people you're looking for, you've come to the right place," Abigail declared. "If you attend church on Sunday you'll get to see how devout some of the townsfolk are."

  "I'll be there," he stated. And she believed him. Heard the certainty in his quiet voice. "Does your whole family attend?"

  Abigail nodded. "We do. And aunt and uncle and their sons," she added. "At times, Sunday service is like a Buchanan gathering," she added and laughed. "Now that there're babies, too, it can be a struggle keeping things quiet during the sermon."

  That seemed to please Noah. He smiled broadly. "Sounds like about the most perfect thing I've ever heard, Abigail."

  She knew they would be leaving soon, and she had one important thing to ask him. Earlier, merely thinking about mentioning it to him had triggered taut nerves in her stomach. But, now she'd been speaking to him, she felt somehow more comfortable bringing up the subject that was on her mind.

  Abigail leaned forward. "I hope you don't think I'm being too forward, Noah. But, I was wondering if you would accept an invitation to our ranch. Tomorrow. For dinner."

  Noah's brows shot up in a line. "Dinner? With your family?

  Abigail nodded. "Ma was asking all about you when I went home yesterday."

  "She was?" Noah asked, looking momentarily concerned.

  Abigail waved a dismissive hand. "Ma can't wait to meet you. Seeing as how you're our new neighbor. I can promise you some good food." Abigail grinned. "And I'll make sure my sister and brother are on their best behavior," she joked.

  Noah laughed. "How could I refuse such a kind offer?"

  "You'll come?" Abigail asked.

  Noah nodded. "I'd be honored."

  "Good," she replied. And, it was all Abigail could do to prevent herself from excitedly clapping her hands together in joy at his acceptance of the invitation.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  All through the remainder of the day and into the following morning, Noah kept himself busy. He went to the General Store and purchased as many useful supplies as he could. He arranged for deliveries to be made to the Double T ranch. Enough to fill a small wagon. The owner of the General Store was delighted with such a large order, even though it created some large spaces on the shelves around the store. Paying cash had helped alleviate any of the owner's concerns.

  As he'd stood in the General Store working his way through his list, Noah had realized he'd become the focus of attention. Curious shoppers had watched with visible amazement as he'd worked his way through the long list. It seemed like no-one had ever seen a purchase of this scale in town before. More than one wagon would be needed for all the stuff he'd bought. The store owner promised to deliver in the middle of the afternoon.

  Plenty of time before the dinner appointment at the Buchanan ranch, in the early part of the afternoon, Noah made his way up to the ranch to wait for the delivery wagon. He left his own carriage behind at the livery and took his new horse, a fine, brown mustang for which he had paid a substantial sum the day before.

  Noah had learned how to ride at an early age. Heading out of town and guiding his mount up the trail toward the ranch, he let his mind drift back to those days. Dark days in Philadelphia.

  There had been a riding school near to the MacKendrick family residence on the outskirts of the city. Just like so many young men of his station, Noah had been expected to learn how to ride. His parents had insisted he do it in the proper manner. So that he could be paraded during rides in the park in central Philadelphia. In order that he could be introduced to all the right people. Be seen in public in the best possible light.

  And that was what had happened. Learning how to ride had been nothing more than another social grace forced upon the eligible scion of a well-to-do family. He was heir to fortune, after all. He was the offspring of privilege. His parents' only child, their precious son, and thus a most important element in the continuation of the MacKendrick name in Philadelphia society.

  Noah sighed and shook his head, pushing unwanted memories away to the darkest corner of his mind. He didn't want to think about what he'd left behind. He gazed out across the rangeland. This was where all his future hopes lay.

  Moving westward along the trail, Noah tightened his hold on the reins. Noah kicked his heels and the horse picked up speed. Noah instantly felt the wind rushing through his hair. He sensed the sudden freedom as the animal responded to his expert touch. An abrupt sensation of exhilaration flared in Noah. A sudden temptation seized him. A desire to taste a freedom he hadn't tasted before. A liberation from all the stifling convention which had hemmed him in all his life. He drew in a sharp breath and leaned forward. His heart began to race faster as the mustang pounded along the dusty trail.

  Noah gazed across the rolling plains. Off in the distance, he saw a mountain range, its snow-capped peaks bright in the sun. For a moment, everything seemed clearer. Sharper. He felt more alive than he'd felt in a long time. The mustang continued its relentless pace, moving out across the flat rangeland. Noah gripped his thighs tighter against the sides of the mustang.