The Rancher’s Bride Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  Since arriving in Inspiration, Noah felt he'd gotten somethings right. And a whole lot wrong. Being used to having the money he needed to change his life had made him arrogant at times. Had tempted him into forgetting where the truly good in his life really came from. He who was the source of all things. After the sermon, Noah felt humbled. As if every word had been delivered for his benefit.

  Looking back up the church stairs, he saw the entire Buchanan family emerging from the church. Caleb and Eugenie were followed by their four sons each of whom was accompanied by his wife. It was a regular clan, Noah told himself as he watched Caleb make his way down the stairs, heading straight for Noah.

  Caleb shook Noah's hand firmly. "Heard everything went well with the cattle drive."

  Noah nodded, "Sure did. I'm grateful to you, Caleb. But, I've already told you that."

  "I don't need to hear it again, Noah," Caleb said. "I'm only glad it has worked out so well for you."

  From behind Caleb came demands for introductions. For the next couple of minutes, Noah met every one of the Buchanan brothers and their wives. Little ones, too. Zane, Gideon, Reese and Micah seemed like fine sons, Noah told himself. And they each had elegant wives who were the perfect model of gentile propriety. The little ones were delightful. Adorable.

  After all the introductions, Caleb took Noah by the elbow and started to draw him away from the crowd of family members. Noah wondered what Caleb wanted of him. Noah saw Abigail peering at him carefully. Did she know what this was about? He couldn't tell. Her expression was blank. Unreadable.

  Finding a quiet place in the shade of a tall tree, Caleb peered up at Noah. "Got a proposition for you, Noah."

  "Yes?"

  Caleb nodded. "Figure you could do with my ranch hands staying a while on the Double T. Just to help you out for a few weeks, you mind. Nothing permanent."

  Noah sighed. "That's real kind of you, Caleb," he started to say.

  Caleb interrupted Noah. "I knew you'd accept," he declared.

  Noah leaned forward and smiled at Caleb. "But, the thing is," Noah said, hesitating slightly. He peered into Caleb's narrowed eyes. "I can't accept that offer, Caleb."

  "You what!" Caleb exclaimed.

  Noah laid a hand gently on Caleb's shoulder. "That's a kind offer you made me, but I have to decline."

  Caleb frowned. "You turning me down? You can't look after a hundred head of cattle all on your own, Noah. Can't be done. No man has that in him."

  "I don't intend to do it on my own," Noah explained. "I'll have the help I need."

  "From who?" Caleb demanded, looking genuinely perplexed.

  Noah tilted his head and hesitated before continuing. He didn't want to offend Caleb. Especially after he'd made such a kind offer. But, Caleb didn't know the full story. Nor Noah's reasons for declining the offer of keeping on Caleb's ranch hands. "I've been asking around in town, this week," Noah said. "Found myself some men who're hungry for work. And have the experience I need."

  Caleb frowned. "Who are they? Are they local men? Or outsiders."

  "They've come into town looking for work," Noah replied. "I asked them a few questions. One of the men was a foreman at a ranch in another part of the territory."

  "And you believe them?" Caleb asked sounding skeptical.

  "I think I'm a good judge of character," Noah said lifting his chin proudly.

  "That's all well and good, Noah," Caleb said. "But things are different out here. This is the frontier. There are some bad men out in these parts. A man has to be careful who he takes on."

  "I've given it careful thought, Caleb," Noah said. "And I think I've made the best decision. For me."

  Stretching out an imploring hand, Caleb sighed. "Take my advice, Noah. Keep my men around for a few weeks. Anything's better than taking on strangers. Especially on a ranch. It's not every man who can handle the demands of that kind of work."

  Noah smiled. "I know that, Caleb. I've seen how hard Ray and the crew have been working." Noah leaned closer and rested a hand on Caleb's arm. "But, you understand what it means when a man wants to strike out on his own. You had to do that yourself, once."

  Caleb shrugged. "A long time ago." His eyes flashed with passion. "But I never took men on with such haste. You need time to settle into the ranch life, Noah. I think you're making a mistake."

  "Maybe that's what I need to do," Noah said. "Make a few mistakes of my own."

  Caleb shook his head. "I understand what you're saying." He peered into Noah's eyes. "But I don't agree with it." Caleb rested a hand on Noah's shoulder. "If you change your mind, let me know. The men can be yours, whenever you need them. That's a promise."

  "And I know you're a man of your word," Noah said. "You've already been more generous to me than I could ever have hoped," he added. "And I'm grateful."

  Caleb grunted. "You make sure and take care, now." Caleb's brows lifted. Concern still filled Caleb's gaze, but he looked like he'd finally come around to a reluctant acceptance of Noah's need to do things on his own. To take responsibility for his own affairs, and not rely so much on others. Even if there were dangers attached to doing that, Noah told himself he had to do it. The time had come for him to take control of as much as he could.

  Both men made their way back to the crowd of churchgoers which was beginning to disperse. Noah saw Abigail looking at him. There was a worried expression on her face. Caleb went back to his family and Abigail came to Noah.

  "Is everything okay?" she asked.

  Noah nodded. "Sure. Caleb just wanted to talk to me about keeping Ray and the men at the ranch for a while longer."

  Abigail smiled. "And you are going to do that, aren't you?"

  Noah shook his head. "No. I've made other arrangements."

  Abigail's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. "Why? If Caleb was happy for Ray and the crew to remain at the Double T, why would you refuse?"

  "I've found men of my own," Noah replied.

  "Other ranch hands?"

  Noah nodded. "I've spent a few days in town asking around. I think I've found some good men. And they've got experience."

  Abigail's brows furrowed. "You don't exactly have experience in recruiting ranch hands, Noah."

  Noah felt himself bristle. Why was it everyone believed he didn't know how to arrange his own life in a satisfactory manner? "I know how to judge the character of men."

  "Out in these parts?" Abigail said disbelievingly. "This isn't Philadelphia society, Noah. The men out here don't follow the kinds of rules you were used to following. There are some lawless men out here."

  Noah straightened and gazed down at Abigail. Until now, he hadn't realized just how weak was her faith in him. "I'm sure I can handle anything that comes my way."

  Abigail advanced toward him. She gazed up at him, pausing a few moments, her eyes filled with a sudden determination. Something inside Noah shifted when he saw the expression in her eyes. A warm sensation that lingered around his heart. Not for the first time since he'd first met Abigail, he wondered how he had come to feel like this about the pretty and very feisty young ranch woman who was gazing at him with such defiance. When she spoke, it was in a low voice. "You don't even know how to shoot a gun, yet."

  "I'll teach myself," he countered immediately, even though he knew that wasn't going to be an easy proposition.

  "Really?" she asked defiantly.

  Noah nodded abruptly. "Really," he echoed.

  She peered at him and he saw her jawline tense, her lips pouting into a suddenly tempting bow-shaped delight. His throat tightened and then he cleared his throat. "I guess I'll be getting along," he announced in a slightly cracked voice.

  Abigail stepped away from him and composed herself, looking instantly prim and proper. "Fine," she snapped. "I'll go back with mama, Grace and Jake."

  Noah glanced across at the gathering of the Buchanan family. From the looks on their faces, it seemed his brief exchange with Abigail hadn't gone unnoticed.

  Feeling the sudd
en need to make a dignified exit, Noah bowed to Abigail and then lifted his hat to the onlookers. "Lovely to meet you all," he called out.

  There were some forced smiles and polite farewells from the group. Abigail started back to them. Noah watched her for a moment, regretting he'd ended the visit to the church on a sour note. That hadn't been what he wanted.

  He went to his carriage, got up onto the seat, flicked the reins and was soon heading away from the church, his mind filled with pressing questions. And, no matter how hard he tried, Noah couldn't shake the idea that he might have succumbed, yet again, to an overwhelming temptation to be prideful and stubborn.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  "I tell you, Jake," Abigail said a few days after the incident at the church. "I think there's something going on over at the Double T."

  Abigail and Jake were out on the rangeland, mounted on horseback and working with the crew on the herd which was currently grazing on a flat plain near the river. It was a bright late Thursday morning, and Abigail hadn't heard a word from Noah since he'd ridden away from the church. Worry had plagued her these past few days. And it seemed that nothing she told herself would get rid of that hard ball of worry which had taken up residence in her belly.

  "What gives you that idea?" Jake asked.

  "Just a feeling I can't shift," Abigail replied. "He's gone and done a foolish thing."

  Jake lifted a brow. "Taking on his own ranch hands? I hardly think that's anything to be worried about. A man has to make his own decisions, sometimes." Jake shrugged. "Noah can take care of himself. Especially with all that money of his."

  Abigail furrowed her brows. "How can you say that when you know full well the kind of men who hang around these parts looking for easy prey?"

  Jake frowned. "If there had been any problem, we'd have heard about it by now. I've been asking around in town. No-one knows anything about what's going on at the Double T. Noah has Mr and Mrs Lucas going up to the ranch every day, don't he?"

  Abigail nodded. "I know they've been going there. If there was anything happening, I'd hope they'd tell the sheriff."

  Jake scoffed. "There you go worrying yourself to death, again, Abi," Jake leaned on the pommel of his saddle. "If you feel that way, why don't you go and see for yourself?"

  "I can't," Abigail declared.

  "Why not?"

  Abigail sighed. "After the way we spoke on Sunday, I'm not sure he'll want me anywhere near the Double T."

  Jake grinned. "You two quarreled?"

  "Not exactly," Abigail replied. "But it wasn't exactly friendly." She gazed, wide-eyed at her brother. "I was only trying to tell him he was acting foolish, turning Caleb's offer down."

  "And he didn't take it too well?" Jake asked.

  Abigail shook her head. "No. He didn't."

  Jake tilted his head and peered at Abigail. "Looks like you still got plenty to learn about men."

  Instantly scandalized by his remark, Abigail flashed a disapproving look at Jake. "Take that back!" she exclaimed.

  Jake laughed. "Why? It's true, ain't it."

  Abigail tugged on the reins of her horse, thinking she might have to leave any moment soon. "That's not a decent thing to say to your sister," she stated. "And you know it."

  "I've seen the way he looks at you, sis," Jake muttered and quirked a brow. "He likes you. And no mistake. Even said so to me."

  Abigail gasped and her brows shot up in a line. "He did not!" she exclaimed.

  Jake nodded. "Did so." Jake turned his head and gazed at the herd. "The other night. Said you were prettiest gal he'd ever seen."

  Abigail felt heat race across her cheeks. "You're making that up, Jake Buchanan," she hollered.

  Jake faced her again and shook his head. He lifted his hand to his chest. "You know I wouldn't lie about a thing like that." Jake thought for a moment. "Ma and pa brought us up to make sure we never lied about anything."

  Abigail knew she couldn't deny that statement. Lying wasn't a part of the Buchanan way. Never had been. Their family faith made that out of the question.

  "What am I gonna do, Jake?" Abigail moaned.

  "Go see for yourself," Jake replied. "He ain't going to throw you off the ranch if you pay him a visit, is he?"

  Abigail sighed. "After the other day, I'm not so sure he won't."

  Jake scoffed. "I don't believe that for one minute. Noah might have so much on his mind right now, he'll be glad of the company."

  Abigail lifted a brow, wondering if Jake was going to get back on the subject of her and Noah stepping out together. Because, that was what he was suggesting, wasn't it? Was her brother right? Did Noah have an interest in her? Of course, he'd kissed her when they'd both been down at the river during the cattle drive. But, having thought about that these past few nights, she was beginning to think he might have acted impulsively. Might even be regretting it, now. He hadn't said much about it to her afterwards.

  But, she was sure was worried about Noah. Even though she was still getting to know him, she figured he would have paid a call on her family before now. Even after the way she and Noah had spoken to each other. Had she offended him that gravely? Jake was probably right. The only way to get answers to those questions would be to go right over to the Double T and find out for herself.

  An idea floated into her mind. The memory of the way she'd teased him.

  "I think I'm going over to his ranch, after all," Abigail declared, tugging on Rebel's reins.

  "Want me to come with you?" Jake offered.

  Abigail frowned. "Of course not. You think I can't handle myself if there's any trouble." She patted the rifle jammed into the side of her saddle. "I'm going prepared."

  Jake shook his head. "Why am I not surprised?" he commented wryly.

  Moments later, Rebel's hooves were thundering across the rangeland and Abigail was leaning forward, eyes fixed on the horizon. She couldn't wait to get to the Double T.

  ***

  Noah was out front of the ranch house of the Double T, in the yard, when he heard the sound of hoofbeats coming his way. He looked up and saw two of the crew coming toward the ranch house. He recognized Earl, the foreman and Rufus, a ranch hand who was seldom seen except by Earl's side. The two were like two peas in a pod.

  He frowned, wondering why the men had quit work early. Again. It wasn't yet time for the lunchtime meal break when most of the ranch hands would descend with ravenous appetites to see what Mrs Lucas had cooked up for them. Thinking there might be a problem, Noah strode out across the middle of the yard. The two horseman drew up in front of him and dismounted.

  Noah squinted at Earl. The man's dark blue shirt and jeans were free of any dirt or dust. Looked like he hadn't been doing much dirty work, Noah reflected. Earl removed his cream-colored Stetson.

  "Some problem, Earl?" Noah asked.

  Earl, whose features were stark and lean, nodded. "Fence break on the southern border of the spread," Earl announced. He flicked a thumb in the direction of Rufus. "Down near the valley trail to the river. Rufus found it this morning. It needs fixing. But we need the supplies. Posts and wire. Figure you've got some here, already."

  Noah glanced at Rufus. The man, dressed in dark gray pants, blue shirt and Stetson, looked similarly free of any evidence that any work had been done since he'd dragged himself out of the bunkhouse along with the other twelve men this morning. An uneasy sensation flickered into life in Noah's gut. The same one he'd been feeling since the men had arrived for their first day's work on Monday. A question floated into Noah's mind.