The Rancher’s Bride Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  Abigail sighed. "I had to do it. Jake heard them talking about what they were planning down at the cave."

  "Why didn't Jake tell me?" Noah asked, frowning.

  Abigail shrugged. "Figured there was nothing to it," she replied. "But I wasn't so sure. So I went to take a look."

  Noah grunted and she saw a disapproving look on his face. "You could have gotten yourself hurt, Abigail."

  She touched the bruise on her forehead. "I did. Haven't you noticed?"

  Surprising her completely, he leaned his head nearer and kissed the bruise gently. Sensation flamed through her, easing the gentle pain on her head. His soft lips felt so welcome on her skin.

  She lay her head against his broad chest. His heart was thumping fast. Almost as fast as her own, she told herself. "Who can be behind this?" he asked.

  "There's one man in town who doesn't like the Buchanans," Abigail suggested and leaned her head away from Noah's chest. "Brett Calhoun."

  She sensed Noah's body become instantly tense. "I spoke with him just after I arrived." Noah frowned. "Seemed like he was angry that I had beat him to buying this spread."

  "I've heard what he tried to do to my uncle and his ranch. Tried to steal most of it from Caleb owing to some crazy land regulation. Meant all my cousins had to get married in a hurry," she explained.

  "Is that why they're all happily wed?" Noah asked, suddenly curious.

  "Well, they sure are happy," Abigail replied. "In the end, Calhoun's interfering turned out for the good." She saw Noah smile. "What's so funny?" she asked.

  "Isn't that just the way He works his miracles?" Noah said, his voice brighter than a moment ago. "Evil tries to conquer good folks with trickery. And lies. And everything in its power. But the Lord just takes that and turns it right back on the enemy. Defeats the enemy with his own evil ways." Noah nodded. "There's something satisfying about that."

  Abigail nodded. "Sure seemed that way with my relatives. According to Gideon, God has kept Calhoun quiet these past three years. Maybe Calhoun's trying to cut himself loose from the chains He has wrapped him in."

  Noah grinned. "If Calhoun is behind this, then he isn't going to be pleased when he finds his helpers have run off at the slightest sign of trouble." Noah leaned closer and gazed into Abigail's eyes. "Thanks to you," he added with an appreciative expression on his features.

  Then he leaned down and kissed Abigail. His kiss was tender and gentle. She lifted herself up on her tiptoes, angling her face so that she could welcome his warm lips. Her breathing quickened as she felt his hand ease beneath her chin, cupping it carefully. Abigail closed her eyes, realizing that this moment of tenderness was taking place during the darkest danger.

  Noah lifted his head. "Abigail, I want to tell you something," he breathed. A heartfelt intensity darkened his gaze. "Something real important."

  Her chest tightened and she had to work hard to drag the breath into her lungs. What was he going to say to her? And could this be the right moment to say what she guessed might be on his mind? There were men out there intending to do her and Noah harm. But, maybe that was the very reason why he felt the need to speak. That this might be some kind of ending for both of them. She refused to believe that, though. Her faith in God was such that she was sure they'd both make it out of this.

  "They'll be coming back here," she reminded him. "Any minute now."

  "I know," he replied quietly.

  "Don't you think you're getting ahead of yourself?" Abigail asked. "They're still out there. And they're armed."

  He blinked, as if he'd snapped out of whatever thought had overtaken him. Maybe he realized this wasn't the best moment to open up his heart to her.

  Looking earnest, Noah ran his gaze around the inside of the barn. "You're right. We have to find a way out of here."

  "Rufus is waiting outside," Abigail reminded Noah. "He looks trigger happy."

  Noah grunted in agreement and then frowned. "This is all my fault," he exclaimed. "If I hadn't been filled with so much pride, I might have accepted Caleb's offer to keep Ray and the other men on the ranch. At least until I could find good men of my own." He groaned. "But I had to go telling myself I knew better," he added bitterly.

  She could see how much pain he was in. Feel it in the way he dragged in a deep, despairing breath. Abigail rested a hand on his chest. "Don't go beating yourself up, Noah," she admonished. "You weren't to know that Earl and Rufus would be up to no good."

  Noah shook his head. "But, I should have known, Abigail," he insisted. "I came out here to get away from all my pride. All the arrogance which was bred into me from when I was young." He ran a hand through his hair. "And now it looks like that pride is going to ruin me. It blinded me to reality." His brows furrowed and when he gazed down at her, she could see the emotion in his eyes. "And, worst of all, it is going to be the ruin of the only woman I've ever loved."

  Abigail's mouth opened into a shocked O shape. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. She gazed up at Noah, wondering if those words had been uttered with sincerity. Judging by his wide-eyed expression, and the way he was looking at her, they might have been the most important words he'd ever spoken.

  "You love me?" she whispered, scarcely believing what she was asking.

  When he looked at her, she felt as if, somehow, he'd touched her soul. "Abigail Buchanan," he murmured. "I love you." His words triggered a wave of sensation throughout her body. Her mind went suddenly blank. Breath halted in her chest. Her legs felt weak. She swayed slightly and Noah wrapped his arms around Abigail's waist, holding her steady. "Did you hear what I said?" he asked softly. Insistently.

  Abigail breathed out sharply and nodded. "I heard you, Noah."

  Looking up at him, she asked herself how this wonderful handsome, good-natured man could possibly say such words to her. Of course, they'd been thrown together for most of his time since he'd arrived in Inspiration. Some of that had been her doing. But some of it had been the work of Him, she told herself. Had God brought this man into her life for a reason? And, now that they were facing this terrible trial together, what then? How was all of this going to end?

  Abigail saw that he was still waiting for her reply. He'd stepped into her life in the most inconceivable manner imaginable. There had been times when he'd seemed the most difficult man she'd ever met. Prideful. Arrogant. Stubborn. And there had also been days when she'd told herself that no-one had ever made her feel so happy. So filled with joy.

  She opened her mouth, about to say words she knew could change everything. For them both. Noah's brows rose expectantly.

  Suddenly, she heard the loud, unmistakable crack of a single gunshot from outside the barn. Abigail jumped, but Noah didn't let her go. They both turned their heads and peered at the closed doors.

  "What's going on out there?" Abigail asked Noah.

  Before he could reply, she heard the pounding of horse's hooves thundering on the yard's hard ground. Voices mingled with the frantic sounds of movement. Footsteps. The neighing of horses. Yet more outraged cries. The sounds of physical struggle.

  Abigail tightened her grip on Noah. There was the sound of more voices. One of them sounded familiar. Orders being barked. Resisting cries and then, one more shot, which echoed in the air around Abigail and Noah. The entrance to the barn was still closed. Abigail peered up at Noah, wondering what they could do.

  "Something's happened out there, Noah," she said. "Trouble?" she asked lifting a brow.

  "There's only one way to find out," he stated slowly and released her.

  Just as they both started to move toward the door, Abigail heard her name being called out. Jake's voice! Her brother had come to her rescue. Suddenly, she worried in case he'd been hurt in all that shooting.

  She glanced worriedly at Noah. He smiled reassuringly. "In here, Jake," Abigail yelled, racing for the door.

  The door was thrown open, flooding the interior of the barn with soft, evening light. Jake was standing there, his face flushed with ac
tivity. He had a gun in his hand. And there was still smoke leaking from the barrel.

  "Abigail," Jake exclaimed. She ran to her brother and leaped into his embrace. Over Jake's shoulder she saw what all the commotion had been about. Sheriff Nathan Cameron and another man she recognized as a deputy, were standing in the middle of the yard, both pointing their pistols straight at the Earl and Rufus. The miserable ranch hands had suffered minor gunshot wounds. Both clutched bloodied arms.

  Jake released Abigail. She saw him go to Noah and pause a moment before extending a hand to Noah. Both men shook hands and Noah grinned at Jake. "Seems like I had to wait for you to come and do the shooting, after all," Noah suggested.

  Jake smiled. "Like you said, Noah. Leave the shooting to others."

  Abigail went to Noah. He wrapped one arm around her waist. "We had someone else on our side while we were waiting for you, Jake," Noah said. He smiled at Abigail. "Isn't that right?"

  Abigail nodded. "I think we did, Noah," Abigail agreed.

  "How did you know to come here?" Noah asked Jake.

  Her brother gave Abigail a scolding look. "When Abigail ran off after I told her about what I'd heard those two critters saying to each other, I decided to get the sheriff involved."

  "You know me, Jake," Abigail offered. "I can't seem to sit around when I know something needs doing."

  Jake shook his head. "In future, see you take more care, sis," he said. "That'll make me happy."

  Abigail glanced up at Noah. "Maybe I won't need to go running off quite so often," she quipped.

  Noah's brows rose in a straight line. Even though he said nothing in reply, she could tell there were words on the tip of his tongue.

  Jake's eyes narrowed, examining Abigail's forehead. "How did you get that bruise?" he asked abruptly.

  Abigail gestured in the direction of the two men currently being handcuffed by Nathan's deputy. "I'll tell you later," she replied.

  Jake glanced over at the sheriff and his deputy. "I best go help them. We're taking those two into town. There's a nice cell in the jailhouse waiting for them. We found the bag of dynamite," Jake admitted looking curious. "Those guys won't talk. Not yet."

  "I'll give the sheriff all the details, when I come into town," Noah said. When he looked into Abigail's eyes, she saw a renewed determination in his gaze. "But, first I have something to say to Abigail."

  Jake glanced from Abigail and back to Noah. He hesitated before saying: "I think I understand," he announced and smiled at Abigail. "Told you, sis. Didn't I?" Jake said brightly.

  Abigail felt heat race across her cheeks. Jake strode away toward the sheriff. Within a few minutes, all five men were mounted on their horses. Guns trained on the criminals, the sheriff, the deputy and Jake rode away from the ranch house.

  Now that she was alone with Noah, and with the danger over, Abigail felt relief sweep through her. They both walked across to the front of the ranch house. Away in the distance, the dust rose from the hooves of the five horses. A blessed silence descended upon the Double T. The air was cool. The light of day dimming slowly.

  Abigail turned to face Noah. His features were thoughtful. Pensive. She wondered what he was going to say to her. Finally, he spoke: "I'm still waiting," he murmured in a voice filled with a sudden raw emotion.

  "For what?" she asked although, deep down, she knew what he wanted to hear her say.

  Noah came close, lifting her hands in his and gazing deep into her eyes. "I told you I love you, Abigail. And that is true." He took her hand and placed it over his heart. She felt the steady beat. "I love you with all my heart," he whispered softly.

  Delight quivered through her as she listened to his words. He was looking at her with pure love and affection. Her heart was singing as every nerve in her body tingled with joy. She reached up a hand and ran the back of her fingers down the side of his jaw. "I love you, Noah MacKendrick," she whispered softly.

  His gaze remained steadily fixed upon her, but she saw the delight her words had triggered in him. The corner of his mouth creased with a smile. She thought about how good it would be for him to look at her like that for a long time to come.

  "You have no idea how happy you've just made me," Noah stated evenly. He glanced at the ranch house. He looked suddenly amazed. "I never thought I'd be in a place like this." He gazed longingly at Abigail. "And I never thought I'd ever find someone like you. Beautiful. Strong." He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Perfect."

  Abigail drew in a sharp breath as Noah sank down onto one knee and gazed up at her. Holding her hands gently, Noah's gaze looked suddenly purposeful. Determined. And slightly nervous. "Abigail. Will you do me the honor of agreeing to become my wife?" Noah asked, his voice quivering with emotion.

  The whole world seemed to shift beneath her feet as she gazed down at Noah. Breath eased out of her. Heartbeat quickening, it was all she could do to remain composed. God had brought this wonderful man into her life. He was all she had ever dreamed of in a husband. Strong. Kind. Gentle. And now, after what he'd been through these past days, his wounds had been healed. Trial and hardship had cleansed him of his pride. She could tell that, now. See it in the way he was looking at her.

  She tightened her grip around Noah's fingers, already knowing what she wanted to say. "I will marry you, Noah," she said softly.

  Noah leaped up from his knee. He gave her the warmest smile she'd ever seen. Joy filled his gaze. Delight filled her heart.

  And then he leaned forward, took her in his warm embrace, and kissed her.

  EPILOGUE

  ONE MONTH LATER

  The wedding had taken place in the morning, at the church in town, and now there was a crowd of people congregated in the yard out front of the Double T ranch house. It was a bright, sunny afternoon.

  Dressed in her white wedding gown, Abigail stood next to Noah and gazed around at the sea of friendly, happy faces. She saw her uncle Caleb and aunt Eugenie, all her cousins and the little ones. Her mother, Grace and Jake stood close by. One person was missing, of course. Abigail wished her pa could have been here to see this wondrous and joyous scene. He'd have loved it so much.

  Abigail glanced at Noah. He looked so fine, dressed in an elegant dark gray suit, a Stetson on his head. Joy swelled in her heart. From now on she would be Mrs MacKendrick. And that was just perfect, as far as she was concerned.

  Amongst the crowd of well-wishers who'd made the trip up to the ranch in one of the many carriages she could see over by the side of the house, she saw Lydia. The elderly woman looked genuinely pleased as she gazed across at Abigail. Sophie Cameron raised a glass to Abigail.

  A long table had been set up, and food laid out for everyone to help themselves to. Over by the barn, three fiddlers played a jaunty tune. Some folks were dancing near the corral. Children were racing around causing delightful mischief. The air was filled with laughter and howls of delight.

  Abigail had never seen a more happy spectacle. She gazed at the ranch house. Her new home. A place where she and Noah could start a new life. Perhaps, in time, a family.

  She thought of everything they'd both been through. Looking back on it all, she felt that Noah had been brought into her life for a reason. And that purpose would reveal itself in the coming years. All they both needed was faith and hope. And she knew there was no shortage of those virtues in herself. And Noah.

  Abigail heard Sophie yell out her husband, Sheriff Nathan's name and then laugh. Earl and Rufus had been handed over to the authorities at Helena. Justice would be served, even if the men still refused to reveal who'd been behind the failed scheme to block the river. The cave itself had been dynamited, after all. But by authorities. The result was that the overhanging rock had been collapsed safely back into the tunnel at the rear. Away from the river. The massive outcrop of rock wasn't going to be used as a threat to the livelihood of the ranchers.