Wiping her hands, Mrs Lucas' dark brows shot up in a line upon seeing Noah and Abigail. "You didn't tell me we were having guests, Mr MacKendrick."
Realizing he hadn't even asked Abigail if she wanted to remain for dinner, Noah glanced uncertainly at her. "We made quicker progress than I anticipated, Mrs Lucas," Noah replied.
"You're Miss Abigail Buchanan," Mrs Lucas observed. "You're a friend of Lydia's, aren't you," she added.
Noah saw Abigail's face flush pink. "I sure am, Mrs Lucas.
Mrs Lucas smiled. "I've heard all about those Benevolent Society meetings," she declared. "You all do fine work."
Wondering what the woman meant, Noah frowned and peered at Abigail. From her uncomfortable expression it looked like she wasn't about to elaborate on Mrs Lucas' remarks. "Thank you," was all she said in reply.
Abigail looked sheepishly at Noah and then quickly gazed around the hallway. "You've done a fine job here, Noah."
Before he had a chance to respond, Mrs Lucas announced dinner would be ready soon. When she was told there would a few more mouths to feed, and that the ranch hands would be sleeping in the bunkhouse, she looked concerned. Her blue eyes flickered nervously. But a few moments thought later, Noah could see she had ideas about what she could rustle up for the mens' dinner. Mrs Lucas headed back into the kitchen, mumbling quietly to herself. Noah smiled.
Noah led Abigail into the sitting room. He'd furnished the room in plain style, figuring he'd benefit from a fresh start, just like everything else out here. A break from the past.
There were no expensive sideboards, sofas, divans or exclusively manufactured French tables or chairs. No tasteful paintings or costly ornaments on the mantlepiece and sideboard.
Everything he'd ordered from the furnisher in Helena had been chosen to create the atmosphere of what he thought a genuine ranch house needed. The single, dark cabinet over by the corner of the room was made of plain wood. The sofa which took up the middle of the room was plainly upholstered in gray with muted blue edges. The four chairs and table next to the window were made of oak. On opposite sides of the unlit fireplace were matching, brown upholstered chairs, both high-backed. The wooden floor was covered with patterned rug of many colors. On the mantlepiece sat a small clock.
Noah halted by Abigail's side, awaiting her reaction. He wanted her to like it. Approve of the choices he'd made. He wondered why that was important to him, all of a sudden. Days ago, he wouldn't have cared what anyone else thought of his choices. But, now, everything was different. Now she was ever-present in his life, not a moment passed when he wasn't thinking about how to please her.
Abigail folded her arms and tilted her head, examining the room. Then he heard her draw in a soft breath. She looked up at him. "Almost looks like a ranch house should look," she commented.
His brows shot up. "Almost?"
Abigail nodded and pursed her lips. Her gaze shifted from one part of the room to another. Watching her, the memory of brushing his lips against hers once more swept uncontrollably into his mind. "It needs a few touches, I reckon."
"Like what?" he objected.
She took a few steps across the rug and then turned to face him. "For a start, there's not enough color," she stated. "You need some flowers." She pointed. "And some nice pictures on those walls." She frowned. "It's all too masculine for my taste."
"Too masculine? What does that even mean?"
Abigail tilted her head and her brows furrowed into deep ridges. "Noah MacKendrick. Are you telling me you don't know when a room needs a woman's touch?"
For a moment before replying, he savored the sound of his name on her lips. He liked that sound so much, it made something warm settle inside him. Feeling suddenly mischievous, he smiled at her. "Are you volunteering to add that touch?" he asked in a soft voice.
Instantly, he saw her cheeks flush pink. Feeling gratified he'd momentarily seized the upper hand, he set about pressing home his advantage. He took a few steps toward her. "If you are going to think about how you can add that touch, I assume you'll accept my invitation to stay for dinner," he said quietly. "After all, Ray and the crew will be here."
Abigail's gaze was steady upon Noah as she considered his offer. Finally, she spoke. "I wouldn't want to disappoint Mrs Lucas."
Disappointment flared inside Noah. Asking Abigail to stay for dinner wasn't anything to do with keeping Mrs Lucas happy, he told himself. He'd done it because he wanted to share his first proper evening as a rancher with Abigail. At this moment, after all they had passed through today, no-one else mattered to him. "Does that mean yes?" he asked with a slightly impatient tone in his voice.
Abigail paused a long moment and then smiled. "Yes," she said quietly.
Emotion leaped in Noah's heart. He did all he could to disguise it, but he saw Abigail's eyes narrow as she scrutinized him. She could tell how much her agreement had meant to him.
"Do you want to see the rest of the house?" he asked.
She looked up at him. He could see a familiar eagerness in her eyes. "I'd like that," she replied.
He couldn't wait to show Abigail what he'd done to make the ranch house a home.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
After dinner, Noah suggested to Abigail that they ride out and take a look at the herd. She figured he wanted to show her the ranch, not just the herd. She'd seen enough cattle for one day, but she was secretly pleased with the offer to spend some time with him before she headed back to her own place. Although it had been a long day, she wasn't feeling the slightest bit tired. Being with Noah was proving too interesting. Too fascinating.
Ray and the some of the men had joined them for dinner. Ray had seemed antsy and restless throughout the dinner. Maybe he was eager to get back to work. Mrs Lucas had fussed the whole time. Seemed like she already knew some of the Buchanan's ranch hands. Mr Lucas helped his wife, although from time to time he complained about how he and his wife would have to be heading back into town before it got dark. Every time he mentioned that, he drew a disapproving look from his wife who seemed more than happy to be serving the guests at the ranch.
During the entire meal, Noah had been charming and attentive. He'd tried to join in with some of the friendly banter with Ray and the ranch hands, but somehow it still didn't seem to come naturally to Noah. Abigail figured it would take Noah a while to get so that he felt completely comfortable with the ranching life. Still, she reckoned he was doing a fine job, considering he'd been here less than a week.
All through the meal, Noah had sent approving, admiring looks in Abigail's direction. Every time his gaze had settled on her, she'd felt a pleasing, warm sensation take up home in her middle. She told herself she could get used to someone as fine and handsome as Noah MacKendrick looking at her like that.
While Mr and Mrs Lucas were cleaning things up, Ray and the members of the crew who'd come to dinner, headed away from the ranch house and in the direction of the remaining crew and the herd.
The sun was low on the horizon, the sky a deep blue, and the air was cool as Abigail stepped out onto the porch. Noah walked alongside her, his boots sounding loud on the wooden floor. Before dinner, he'd changed into a dark plaid shirt and dark pants. Abigail thought Noah looked elegant.
Noah patted his belly. "Mrs Lucas knows how to cook a tasty meal."
"I couldn't eat another thing," Abigail agreed.
"What do you say we take a ride," Noah suggested. "I'd like to show you around the spread."
"Sure," she replied.
They made their way to the stable and were soon mounted and riding away from the ranch house. They headed out across the rangeland at a slow, steady pace. Abigail sensed Noah wanted her to take in the sight of the spread. At any other time, Abigail would have dismissed this ride, thinking all ranches were the same. But, this was Noah's place, and that made this evening's trip out onto the rangeland a whole lot more special than it would have been.
The light was fading as they rode across the spread, heading west and
then south toward where Ray had told them the herd would be found. Finally they reached a sweeping valley. Halting at the top of a ridge, they looked down on the herd. In the soft light, there was something almost magical about the scene. The cattle were grazing peacefully, as if this was already their home. The mounted ranch hands had positioned themselves at the edges of the herd, ready for action, but looking completely in control of the situation. Abigail and Noah both sat for a long while, not saying anything. Just enjoying a calm time after the frantic activity of the day.
"That's a sight for sore eyes," Abigail said finally.
Noah nodded. "I could get used to this," he agreed.
"You're going to have to," she told him. "The herd is yours, now. It's your responsibility."
He lifted his chin proudly. "I'm happy with that, Abigail. Hard work keeps a man's mind clear." His voice lowered to murmur. "Wipes away the troubles of the past."
Those last words caused her to draw in a sharp breath. Abigail frowned and glanced at Noah. Even in the dim light of the early evening she could see a melancholy expression had suddenly taken possession of his features. "What do you mean?" she asked.
Noah turned to her. "There's something I'd like to tell you," he announced softly.
Worry flared into being in her middle. "There is?"
Noah nodded. "Let's take a ride. There's a place I know where we can talk."
Abigail knew that, if she wanted to do so, she could have refused to go with him. Made any excuse she liked. And he probably would have accepted it. However, she hesitated before even trying to do that. She didn't want to allow anything to spoil this wonderful evening. It had been perfect, in so many ways. But, at the same time, she knew that Noah wouldn't be suggesting they talk unless what he was about to say to her was important.
When Noah turned and rode back in the direction of the ranch house, she followed behind him. They'd been through so much together these past few days, that her curiosity had been awakened. Abigail wondered why he'd chosen this moment to open up to her. She was sure that was what he was about to do. Share something about himself.
They rode a short while until they came to a forested valley. She saw a creek, silvery in the dim evening light, flowing through an extensive grove of trees which covered the path of the stream. They rode down into the valley and then Noah led her into the grove. She dipped her head to avoid low-hanging branches as she trailed behind him. There were dense growths of bushes and the ground seemed slightly unsteady beneath her horse. She tried to make sure Rebel wouldn't step in any holes.
Finally, they arrived at their destination. Noah drew his mount to a halt alongside the creek. This was the widest part of the creek. As she drew Rebel to a halt, she was surprised to see a wooden bench, big enough for two, had been set near the edge of the creek's bank.
She and Noah dismounted and tied their horses to a nearby branch. He went to the bench immediately and stood by its side, waiting for her. Abigail sauntered over to it, holding onto her skirt, although there wasn't much in the way of undergrowth below her feet.
Abigail paused by the bench. "Did you put this here?" she said looking down at the bench.
Noah shook his head. "It was here before I came. Found it when I was out riding a couple of days ago."
"Looks like some kind of retreat," Abigail observed. "A place to come when somebody wanted peace and quiet. To be alone."
"Or maybe to bring someone special," Noah added.
Abigail tilted her head. "I guess there is that possibility, too," she admitted.
Noah gestured. "Want to sit down?"
Abigail eased down onto the bench and arranged her skirt. She crossed her booted feet as she watched Noah take his place alongside her. She gazed out at the slow-flowing water of the creek. It murmured softly and she watched the ripples shift across the surface. There were gentle currents there, hidden beneath the surface, she told herself. A bit like the man sitting alongside her.
"This creek runs from the river," he commented. "Breaks up in parts, and supplies some parts of the rangeland with water."
Abigail nodded, noting that he sounded suddenly nervous. This explanation had been designed to delay whatever he was planning to say to her. She was sure of it.
Wanting to make things easy for him, she turned and said: "You wanted to tell me something, Noah."
Relief flashed across his face. He nodded. "It's about me. What my life was like before I came out here."
Abigail drew in a quiet breath. What did he want to tell her? And, just as important, did she have any business listening to it? After all, they were just neighbors, weren't they? Then she remembered the kiss down at the river, and she told herself that she and Noah were more than that. Neighbors didn't kiss like that.
Abigail clasped her hands in her lap and straightened her back. "You don't have to tell me anything, Noah," she advised.
She gazed at the creek. At the edge of her vision she saw Noah shake his head. "I figure you have a right to know. After all that's been happening these past few days."
Abigail turned and looked at Noah. "And what is that?"
Noah tilted his head. "Do I need to remind you that we kissed this afternoon?"
She felt her cheeks flush. She drew in a sharp breath and turned her head away, determined he wouldn't see her reaction. Her heart was beating faster, and her mind was filled with a torrent of warring thoughts. Things she knew she should say to him. Words she would have hurled at any other man who dared to say such a thing to her. But, Noah MacKendrick wasn't just any other man. Abigail knew that. Felt it in her heart. Had been trying to contain those feelings ever since he'd visited her family's ranch.
"I suppose we did," she said finally. Abigail whirled her head around. "I guess you're going to say you're sorry. That you didn't mean to do it."
Noah frowned. He shook his head slowly. "Why would I say that?"
"Because it was a moment of weakness. An impulse. Nothing more," Abigail suggested, even though she knew it was probably far from the truth. The look in Noah's eyes when he'd kissed her had spoken of deep certainty.
Then he did something which made her feel a rush of indignation. He laughed quietly. "You really are something, Abigail Buchanan. You know that, don't you."
Abigail frowned at Noah. "Is that supposed to be a compliment? Because, if it is, you got a funny way of showing your appreciation to a young woman, Noah MacKendrick."
Noah shifted on the bench, moving closer to Abigail. In response she shifted an equal distance away from Noah, until she was perched on the edge of the bench. "Is that why you think I brought you here?" he asked. "To show you my appreciation?"
She furrowed her brows. "You said you had something to tell me."
He sighed softly and lifted his gaze up to the sky, as if weighing his next words carefully. "I mentioned to you before, that I had just about everything I ever needed given to me by my parents. Privilege. Wealth. Status."
Abigail nodded. "I know you were brought up in society, if that's what you mean."
Noah glanced at Abigail. "Society isn't what you think it is, Abigail," he stated. "It's full of cruel, selfish people. The kind who only want you for your money. Or your family connections."
"I know that," Abigail retorted.
"There's knowing it," Noah continued. "And then there's living it. They're two separate things." He sighed heavily. "You don't know what it's like to have people look at you as if you are some kind of property to be traded. Not a real person."
Abigail frowned. She could hear the hurt in Noah's voice. He was really opening himself up to her. He'd mentioned his upbringing, but only in passing. She wondered why he'd chosen this evening to reveal even more. Maybe this afternoon had meant a lot to him, she told herself.
The Rancher’s Bride Blessing Page 13
