“It’s not funny, Daddy!” she wailed.
“Oh, yes, it is.” Daddy grinned at her. “Honey, no man in his right mind would let you go. He’s going to pore over that Bible and show up here sooner than you think. When he does, he’s bound to have a bunch of questions. Until the spiritual ones are answered, you and he aren’t allowed to so much as take a walk together alone. A man who is seeking needs to keep his heart and mind on spiritual matters, and you make for one very pretty distraction.”
A knock sounded on the door. Mama went to answer it. Every one of Laurel’s aunts and uncles traipsed in. She knew from their expressions that they’d been told about her and Gabe.
Aunt Lovejoy bustled over and enveloped Laurel in a hug. “We love you and are so proud of you. Puttin’ Jesus afore the romantic desires of yore heart—now that takes a mighty strong spirit.”
“We’ve come to pray over Laurel,” Uncle Gideon said.
Laurel looked up at her family and whispered, “I’d cherish your prayers, but Gabriel needs them more.”
“God never limits our prayers,” Aunt Miriam said.
“That’s right. We’ll pray for both of you,” Uncle Titus declared.
Surrounded by their caring and wisdom, Laurel bowed her head.
Fifteen
Seven days. Had it only been one week since he rode off and left Laurel? Gabe scalded his mouth with a taste of poorly brewed coffee and winced. Nothing was right. He couldn’t fix a thing that tasted decent. The past two nights, he’d gotten rained on. Yosemite’s beauty no longer stirred him. Loneliness swamped him. When he closed his eyes, he saw Laurel—her arms outstretched as she pressed her precious Bible into his hands. And that Bible. He couldn’t ignore it.
How could one solitary object repel and yet draw a man all at the same time? Gabe told himself that he read the Good Book because it was important to Laurel. He’d promised her he’d read passages each morning and evening. Most of the time, he spent the better part of his day reading it, too—even though he didn’t want to.
He’d decided to approach the New Testament as Laurel suggested: Instead of thinking of the Good Book as a collection of stories, he took it on as a way to conduct a job interview. Did he want to partner up with Jesus? Laurel told him Jesus would gladly accept him at any time.
Captain Wood rode up. “Rutlidge.”
“Wood.” He nodded.
“What’ve you got there? A Bible?” The captain nodded. “Lot of power and wisdom in those pages.”
Gabe carefully closed the cover and rose. “How’re things going?”
The captain crossed his wrists over his saddle horn and heaved a sigh. “I’m still fighting the sheep and folks who’re trying to make a fast buck by starting up businesses. Some bears raided a tent restaurant last night. The idiots left food in crates right on the ground.”
“That’s just begging for trouble.”
Captain Wood nodded. He squinted off at Gabe’s horses, then back at Gabe. “One of our mounts broke a leg in a gopher hole yesterday. I don’t have any spares.”
“I know a heavy-handed hint when I hear one.”
“How much do you want for yours?”
“Tennessee Walker’s not for sale. The pack horse it just that—a pack horse.”
“I’ve seen him.” The captain cast another assessing glance at the gelding. “He still steps lively and keeps pace with your Walker. Might not exactly be up to our usual standards, but he’ll more than do in a pinch.”
“Better a pack horse than shanks’ mare?”
“Exactly. Too bad those Chance folks aren’t still here. They had plenty of fine horseflesh, and the U.S. Cavalry has an account with them. Would have solved my problems neatly.”
“They left awhile back.” Gabe didn’t let on that he’d been counting the days.
Captain Wood eased back in his saddle. “I know. They stopped by our headquarters in Wawona and left food behind for my men.”
Thinking aloud, Gabe said, “Not that I have all that much along with me, but I won’t be able to carry it all on Nessie. Can you keep some gear for me at your headquarters until I come back with another pack horse?”
“You’re going to go buy another?” Captain Wood leaned forward. “I could commission you to obtain a few mounts.”
The request was reasonable enough. Gabe didn’t mind pitching in and helping. “Sorry. I don’t know how long I’ll be.” Once the words exited his mouth, he could scarcely credit he’d spoken them. Still, in his heart he knew they were right. He wasn’t worth a plug nickel here.
A slow smile spread across Wood’s face. “Are you going after a horse, or are you chasing that comely Chance girl?”
The Bible felt strangely heavy in his hand. Gabe wanted to declare he was riding off to claim Laurel, but he couldn’t. The weight in his hand didn’t compare with the stone in his heart. He cleared his throat. “To be frank, I don’t know what the future holds.”
❧
Chance Ranch, the sign over the gate proclaimed. Gabe let himself onto the property, then leaned over in the saddle to make sure he latched the gate securely. For as far as he could see, and as far as he’d ridden for the past hour, strong fencing stretched across the property line. Laurel and the rest of her group hadn’t let on that the family business extended to such an expansive scope.
A wry smile twisted his face. He hadn’t let on that his family possessed any great wealth, either. Some things shouldn’t figure into friendships and love.
Way off in the distance, he could see several rooftops. Clicking his tongue, he urged Nessie in that direction. Gabe really wanted to take her to a full gallop and reach Laurel without waiting another moment. It took all of his self-control to keep going at a sedate pace.
A huge complex came into view. A barn, a pair of sizable stables, and multiple cabins reminded him of how Laurel said all of the Chances lived together on the ranch. The place was a hive of activity. Horses frolicked in the pasture; men gathered around a corral where boys were training mounts. Chickens pecked the ground. One clump of women worked a garden while the other busily hung laundry on the clothesline.
“Stop that!” Laurel’s cry from a far porch captured his attention.
Two young men Gabe didn’t recognize threw punches at one another. Laurel shouted at them again, but they ignored her and continued to brawl. She lifted a nearby bucket and doused them with water. They stopped cold, and she threw down the bucket. “Both of you go home. There was no excuse for this.”
Gabe sat frozen in his saddle. Was Laurel allowing other men to pay her court? The very thought sickened him. At the same time, a visceral desire to pound the daylights out of both of those boys swamped him. Laurel was his.
She made a shooing motion. “You both need to grow up. Now saddle up. I don’t want to see either of you again.” Her words pleased Gabe. He knew her well enough to be certain she’d meant every bit of what she said. Dressed in her yellow dress, she practically shimmered in the sunlight. As if she could feel his gaze on her, she turned toward him and lifted her hand to shade her eyes. He knew the minute she spied him. Grabbing handfuls of her skirts, she ran toward him.
Gabe set Nessie into a gallop, then pulled her to a halt and vaulted from the saddle as he neared Laurel. Arms wide open, he met her in the middle of the road. Her eyes shimmered with joy as she cried, “You came!”
Gabe wrapped his arms about her and swung her in a circle. Let those other young bucks witness this reunion. It’s time they learned Laurel belongs to me.
Her arms wound around his neck, and she repeated breathlessly, “You came!”
Having come from a sedate home, he’d never received such a greeting. His heart swelled. “Of course I did. Nothing could keep me away.”
“I take it you’re Gabriel Rutlidge,” someone said.
Gabe tore his gaze away from Laurel and discovered a huge clan surrounding them. He wasn’t sure who’d spoken. “I am.”
Laurel wiggled free of his hold and laughed nerv
ously. “Mama, Daddy, this is Gabe. Gabe, these are my parents, Delilah and Paul Chance.”
Gabe accepted Paul’s outstretched hand and shook it. “Sir.” He smiled at Mrs. Chance. “Ma’am, now I know where Laurel got her beautiful eyes and hair from.”
As the two callers saddled up and slinked off, Laurel proceeded to introduce him to all of her aunts and uncles. Gideon, the eldest, told him, “We don’t expect you to remember all of our names for a while.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chance. You’re a sizable family.”
“None of the mister or missus stuff, either. We all answer to Chance, so you’ll confuse us. We don’t figure you mean any disrespect by addressing us by our given names.”
“You can bunk down with us guys,” Caleb offered.
“Thank you.”
“Your mare’s a beauty,” another man said. “I’ll take her to the stable and settle her in while you get situated.”
Laurel patted Gabe’s arm. “Uncle Bryce is itching to take a closer look at Nessie.”
“We haven’t had any Tennessee Walkers on the ranch,” Bryce grumbled. “Can’t fault a man for wanting to appreciate fine horseflesh.”
“Judging from the horses everyone rode in Yosemite, I’d say the Chances know plenty about fine horseflesh.” Gabe cast a look about. “And from what I see, those mounts were only a small sample of what you have on hand.”
“I gotta new horse—my very own!”
“This is Perry, my brother,” Laurel said.
“Congratulations, little man.” Gabe reached out to shake Perry’s hand. The boy gaped for a second, then puffed out his scrawny chest and shook hands.
“I cain’t decide whether he’s congratulatin’ Perry on his horse or about bein’ Laurel’s brother,” one aunt said to the other.
“Both,” Gabe said quickly. “I’d say Perry’s a very fortunate young man.”
“Man’s got hisself a silver tongue.” The woman shook her finger at Laurel. “Gotta beware of them charmin’ ones. We’re gonna let him haul his gear to the boy’s cabin. You ’n’ me and yore mama need to finish up in the garden, else we won’t have beans or salad for supper.”
“Mama and I can see to that, Aunt Daisy. We’re almost done. I’m sure Aunt Lovejoy could use your help with her herbs.”
“Now that’s a fact.” A birdlike woman laced her arm through Daisy’s and started to hobble off.
Gideon frowned. “Dan, Lovejoy’s limping again.”
“I know.” Daniel grimaced. “She made me promise not to go fetch Polly or Eric.”
“Polly’s his daughter, and Eric is her husband,” Laurel murmured. “He’s a doctor, and they live in town. Polly’s a healer, too.”
Gabe watched as the Chance men all exchanged looks. One rocked back and forth on his heels. “Dan, you keep your word. You shouldn’t fetch your daughter or son-in-law. Me? Well, I’m of the notion I need to send Tanner into town on an errand.”
Caleb grinned. “No, no. I’d be happy to go, Uncle Titus. While I’m there, I just might stop in to see Polly and Eric, then I can swing by and see Greta.”
April whirled around. “Stop by the kitchen before you go! I’ll have food ready!”
Everyone started to disperse, and Laurel laughed. “Caleb will send back either Polly or Eric, but since neither of them can cook worth a hoot, we take mercy and send meals to them whenever someone goes to town. As much as Caleb spoke about Greta while we were gone, I presume you understand he’s adept at making excuses to see her.”
“This is quite some family.” Gabe watched as Paxton and Caleb took his belongings off Nessie, and Bryce led the mare away.
“It is.” A warm hand clamped down on his shoulder. Laurel’s father nodded. “And we all take care of one another. Laurel, honey, you go back to the garden with your mama.”
“Yes, Daddy.” Laurel gave Gabe a shaky smile and walked away.
Paul Chance hadn’t broken contact yet. He stared Gabe straight in the eyes. “Son, you’re more than welcome here. Every single one of our young folks speaks highly of you. Feel free to stay as long as you want, but I’m going to have to speak frankly with you.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Good. From the way my daughter raced into your arms and the way you look at her, it’s plain to see feelings run deep. But that’s a problem because I won’t give my blessing for her to be with a man who isn’t committed to walking with the Lord.”
“Laurel’s already made it clear to me.” In the excitement of their reunion, Gabe had lost sight of that fact. Now the reality of the gulf between them loomed like an impossibility.
“She tells me you’ve attended church and are reading her Bible. Both are good things. I’d like to see you continue on with those. I’m not going to push or preach. None of us will. A man has to make his mind up about spiritual matters without being coaxed or coerced. Just know that if you have questions or concerns, you can come to any of us—well, anyone except Laurel.”
“Are you saying I’m not to speak with her at all?”
“No. You’re welcome to sit by her at the table, at devotions, and at church. If others are around, you can be, too.”
Memories of the early mornings when they’d been off by themselves as she painted flashed through Gabe’s mind. “When she’s working on her art?”
“She and her mama often slip off together.” Paul Chance didn’t yield an inch. He let go and folded his arms across his chest. “I fell for my wife before she was a believer. I would have done anything to spare my daughter from being torn by the same predicament. It’s too late now, but I’m going to guard her from further heartbreak as best I can.”
Rooted to the ground, Gabe fought with himself. He wanted to be here; for Laurel’s sake, it was best for him to leave. How could their love be wrong when they both felt it so strongly? She’d flown to him. Her own father acknowledged the depth of their feelings—but he’d also said this was breaking Laurel’s heart, and Gabe remembered how Laurel had wept.
“Stay,” Paul urged quietly, as if he’d sensed every thought running through Gabe’s mind. “Leaving won’t resolve anything. The answers you’re seeking can be found. What you need is time.”
“Laurel—”
A grin wide as Yosemite’s meadows split across Paul’s face. “Son, the fact that you’re willing to put her needs above your own wants speaks volumes.”
Caleb rode up. “I’m headed for town. Either of you need anything?”
Paul shook his head.
Gabe shoved his hand into his pocket and yanked out a wad of bills. He peeled off one and shoved it at Caleb. “Yeah. Laurel cherishes her Bible, and I want to give hers back to her. Could you get me a Bible of my own?”
Sixteen
Gabe sat opposite Laurel at the breakfast table. Packard and Paxton bracketed him. While he turned to accept the platter of flapjacks, Pax stole the bacon from his plate. Four days ago, Laurel would have said something. Today she stayed silent and watched. Gabe had proven he could take care of himself.
Sure enough, a moment later when Paxton turned to help his little brother serve up the flapjacks, Gabe poured syrup into Paxton’s coffee mug. He winked at Laurel and jerked the pitcher back to drizzle syrup on his own pancakes. A moment later, he lifted the coffeepot and filled Laurel’s mug, Paxton’s, Pack’s, and his own. Laurel noticed it only took a small splash to fill Paxton’s mug to the brim.
“Great bacon,” Pax gloated as he ate a rasher. “Aunt Daisy, you sure know how to season and smoke a hog.”
“Thankee.” Aunt Daisy beamed at him.
“Great coffee,” Gabe said after taking a big gulp.
“Yeah, our women sure can brew a fine cup,” Pax agreed as he lifted his mug. He took a swig, and his eyes grew huge as he choked on it.
Gabe pounded Pax on the back. “Go down the wrong pipe?”
“Pax, how often have I told you to slow down?” Mama tsked. “Laurel, here. Pass the bacon on down to Gabe
. He didn’t get any.”
Laurel turned to take the platter from Mama and tamped down a giggle. The sparkle in Mama’s eyes proved she’d witnessed the whole exchange. Gabe grinned at them. “Thank you. Don’t mind if I do have some, especially since Pax gave Daisy’s bacon such a glowing endorsement.”
Pax gave Gabe a wary look. “I thought you said you only have one brother.”
“That’s right.” Gabe helped himself to the bacon. “Stanford. He was quite a rascal in his younger days. Kept me on my toes.”
“I’m sure you gave as good as you got,” Pax grumbled.
“Of course I did.” Gabe paused to eat another bite of bacon with relish, then added smugly, “It was a matter of honor.”
Laurel and her mother exchanged a look, and both of them lost their self-control. They burst into laughter.
Gabe elbowed Pax and feigned ignorance. “What got into them?”
Pax gave him a smirk. “Who knows?”
“Hey, Pax,” Cole called from the end of the table, “pass me the syrup.”
“Sure.” Pax lifted his coffee mug and handed it to Gabe. “Cole wants this.”
Packard swiped the mug from Gabe and sent it on down. “If you two don’t quit goofing off, we’ll be late for church.”
Cole protested, “I want syrup, not coffee!”
Kate accepted the mug, glanced down the table at Laurel, who still couldn’t quell her laughter. Kate peeped in the mug, took a long drink, then snickered as she upended the mug over Cole’s plate. Syrup ran out onto his pancakes.
Uncle Titus grabbed the cup and held it up in a cheering motion toward Gabe before emptying the contents onto his own plate. “No use letting good food go to waste.”
“And mighty good food it is,” Gabe agreed.
“Speaking of food,” Tobias called over from the next table, “today is picnic day. Somebody ought to tell Gabe about the MacPhersons’ dishes.”
Paxton perked up and hastily cut in, “You’ll have to try everything they bring, Gabe. You’ve eaten Lovejoy’s and Daisy’s cooking. The MacPherson women come from Salt Lick Holler, too.”
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