The Rancher’s Christmas Miracle

by Maya Stirling

  Josh nodded. "I'm back for good. I'm taking over at Ranch Munro."

  Grace frowned. "But, I thought Wyatt took it over after your pa passed."

  "My half-brother might think he owns it now, but he and I have got some talking to do." Josh's blue eyes appeared to darken behind the swirling snow. His jaw tightened and she heard him drag in a deep, cold breath. Things had always been difficult between Wyatt and Josh. Grace recalled arguments between the men. Never violent, just heated. But bad enough. Grace concluded it would be best not to press Josh on that.

  "Never mind all that," Josh said abruptly. "You need to get back to your ma's ranch," he added, eyeing the worsening weather. "And pronto." He cupped her elbow in his hand and started to lead her to the buckboard. "Come on. We can talk some other time. It's getting too cold for you out here."

  Seeing his concern for her well-being, awakened old feelings. But she hid them behind a polite smile. She went up onto the seat. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but he was right. With weather this bad, the last thing they could do was talk over old times.

  "You promise to come and visit?" she asked, hardly believing Josh was back. Hardly believing the man she'd once told herself she loved was standing just a few feet away, looking up at her in the way he'd done so many times before.

  He nodded. "I will," Josh replied simply, and then smiled at her. Heartbeat quickening, she flicked the reins. The horses lurched forward, hauling the buckboard away from Josh Munro.

  The man Grace Buchanan had once believed would be her husband. The man who had left Inspiration vowing never to come back.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Josh stood, watching Grace's buckboard trundle along the trail, until it eventually disappeared into the white wall of falling snow. He knew it wasn't far to the Buchanan ranch. She'd be safe soon, he told himself. Thinking about the way the stranger had harassed Grace made something hard twist in Josh's gut. The same sensation he'd felt over the last three years every time he'd encountered men like that. Men determined to do evil. Josh's time as a lawman in Wyoming had taught him that some men could treat women badly. Josh's jaw tightened, indignation rising in him as he imagined Grace coming to harm.

  Feeling a stab of unease, Josh turned and raced back to the Conestoga. Hauling himself up onto the seat, he gripped the reins and coaxed the horses into a slow trot. The eastward junction in the trail was up near the Buchanan ranch. Suddenly, it seemed like a good idea to follow behind Grace. Just to make sure she'd get home safely. He knew that, if he'd offered to go with her, she'd have declined. He'd recognized the stubborn look in her eyes. He smiled. Seemed like some things hadn't changed.

  Glancing up at the sky, Josh figured the snow might be stopping soon. The cloud cover was beginning to take on a shade of lighter gray. As he drove onwards, the snowfall started to lighten. The white wall faded and he could see Grace's buckboard up ahead. She was making good progress. And, running his gaze out across the rangeland, Josh couldn't see any sign of the rider. Maybe the guy had learned his lesson, after all.

  Josh ignored a noise from inside the Conestoga, keeping his gaze fixed on Grace. Finally, she crested the ridge where the trail broke east. By the time he reached the crossroads, and drew to a halt, Grace's buckboard was racing down the hill toward the Buchanan spread. He could see her home down in the valley. The ranch house and all the outbuildings. The place where he'd spent so much time. The place where everything had almost changed. For him. And for Grace. Josh sighed. That was the past. Now that he was back, he had more than enough future to worry about.

  Another sound from inside the wagon prompted Josh to turn and consider pulling back the cloth. Just to make sure everything was fine. But, he wanted to get to the Munro spread. He was feeling cold. Flicking the reins, the wagon lurched forward, heading eastward on the trail that would eventually take him back to his family's ranch.

  After a short while, the snow stopped, the clouds parted and the bright winter sun shone down on the land he'd once loved. Guiding the wagon along the trail, Josh took the opportunity to gaze out across the landscape. So much of it was familiar. He'd lived in this territory all his life. Grown up on the ranch to which he was now returning. Gazing into the distance, he recognized the snow-covered peaks, the extensive forests and the silvery reflections off the river which wound its way through the land. He could see the parts of the landscape which had been given over to ranching and the settlers who were moving into the area. Being gone for three years, he knew there would be a lot of changes. Josh wondered what kind of welcome awaited him at the ranch. He didn't care. He was back for good, and that was all that mattered.

  Even as he ignored the biting cold, Josh's thoughts drifted to Grace. He sighed. She was even more beautiful now than when he'd last seen her. Her petite frame was still eye-catching, even beneath the layers of her winter coat. Her lustrous brown hair, tumbling to her shoulders, had been speckled with melting snowflakes which had settled on her perfectly straight nose and full red lower lip. He'd wanted to trace his fingers across her smooth skin and sweep away every one of the cold snowflakes. Grace's chocolate-brown eyes had gazed at him, seeking answers. But, he'd been determined not to reveal the reason why he'd come back. The instant he'd realized it was her who was in trouble, his heart had leaped and he'd felt the instinctive need to protect her.

  Josh frowned. Did she still remember his last vow? That he'd never come back, no matter what happened. If Grace did recall his last words before riding out of Inspiration, she'd done a perfect job of hiding that fact.

  Josh lifted his heart to God. Is that what you want for me, Lord? That me and Grace should get back together again? Because, if that is so, I'm not sure it's going to be easy. Especially once she finds out everything I've done. The person I've become. I'm not sure she's going to like what she finds out. Let alone forgive me for leaving in the first place.

  A blast of cold air swept across his face. "Okay," he said out loud, and nodded, flicking the reins. "I need to get this wagon to the ranch."

  The trail meandered eastwards and cut down south past the main Buchanan ranch. The one owned by Caleb Buchanan, uncle to Grace. The last time Josh had been in these parts, it had been soon after Caleb's sons had gotten married in order to save the family ranch from the scheming Brett Calhoun. Grace, her mother Matilda and brother Jake had come to Inspiration and taken over their own ranch. And that had been when everything had changed for Josh.

  It hadn't taken long for Josh to be smitten by Grace. Their courtship had felt like being caught up in a whirlwind. A blissful one that had turned Josh's life upside down. And Grace's, too. Just thinking about those summer days ignited a warmth in Josh's heart. He dragged in a deep breath, pulling his attention back to the present.

  After a while, the trail followed one side of a deep valley until it ended in a broad expanse of snow-covered grassland. Then he saw it. Ranch Munro. It looked exactly as he remembered it, albeit layered with snow. A large stone-built, single level ranch house in the midst of a scattering of buildings with a corral next to the stable. Josh sped up the wagon. A line a gray smoke drifted out of the chimney. Josh shivered. He couldn't wait to get inside the old place.

  He coaxed the horses to greater speed. He passed two riders who, after fixing their gaze on Josh, and recognizing him, waved their gloved hands. Josh didn't want to stop. Returning to the ranch was all he could think of.

  Arriving in the yard, Josh drew the wagon to a halt. He fixed the brake and leaped down onto the snow-packed ground. The ranch house door opened and his half-brother, Wyatt, emerged. The man's dark brown eyes widened and his jaw just about hit the wooden floor of the porch. Wyatt hadn't changed much, except for looking slightly heavier than when Josh had last seen him. Being tall, he no longer had that lanky quality to him. The one Josh had made fun of when they were both children. Wyatt wore tight-fitting jeans, red plaid shirt and brown boots. His cheeks were flushed with the heat from inside the house. "Josh? Is that you?" Wyatt exclaimed.


  Josh extended his arms out wide and smiled at Wyatt. "It sure is," replied.

  Wyatt came running over to Josh. Both men hugged, beating each other good-naturedly on the back. As they both laughed appreciatively, peering disbelievingly into each others' eyes, Josh was sure he could see a hint of wariness in Wyatt's eyes.

  Separating from his half-brother, Josh patted Wyatt on the upper arm. "Looks like ranch life suits you, Wyatt," he said. "You filled out."

  Wyatt laid a hand on his rounded belly and grinned. "Are you saying I'm fat?"

  Josh laughed and shook his head. "Would I ever say a thing like that to you?"

  Wyatt tilted his head. "I seem to recall you and I had plenty to disagree on."

  "Those days are over, Wyatt," Josh said. "The past is behind us. Now that pa is gone, we can make a fresh start."

  The brightness in Wyatt's eyes faded to be replaced by a unmistakable sadness. "It's a shame you couldn't make it back in time for the funeral."

  Josh sighed. "I didn't get your message until a week had passed," he said. Josh glanced back at the wagon. "And I had other things to attend to. Important things."

  Wyatt peered at the wagon. "You figuring on settling somewhere?"

  Josh frowned and glanced at the ranch house. "I'm home, Wyatt. This here ranch is where I aim to settle again."

  Wyatt's features tightened. "You didn't say that in your letter."

  "I hadn't made up my mind when I wrote it," Josh admitted. "And there's one other thing I didn't mention."

  "What's that?" Wyatt asked.

  Josh gestured for Wyatt to follow him. He walked to the wagon, tugged away the tarpaulin entrance to the covered part, and looked inside. Both sides of the inside of the wagon were stacked with personal goods in boxes and bags. In the center of the floor was a makeshift single space big enough for a bed. A small figure was huddled beneath layers of thick woolen blankets. Josh reached in and tugged at the blanket "You awake, Ryan?" he said softly. "We're here."

  Fingers emerged from beneath the blanket and then a small dark-haired head. Eyes, red with tiredness, gazed at Josh.

  Josh turned to Wyatt and saw the astonishment on his half-brother's face. "Wyatt. Meet Ryan." Josh turned and smiled warmly at the young boy who was sitting up and gazing back at him. "Ryan here is my adopted son," Josh added proudly.

  When Josh glanced at Wyatt, he saw that Wyatt's eyes were wide with amazement. "Your son?" Wyatt gasped.

  Josh nodded. "Yup." He turned to Ryan. "Ain't that right, Ryan?"

  Ryan wiped sleep from his eyes and then ran a hand through his tousled hair. "Sure is, pa," Ryan agreed.

  Josh being referred to as a father drew an even more incredulous look from Wyatt. Josh could see that Wyatt was working hard at figuring all this out. He laid a hand on Wyatt's shoulder. "Why don't you say hello to your uncle," he suggested to the boy.

  Ryan emerged from inside the wagon and held out a small hand. "Hello, uncle Wyatt," Ryan said evenly. Josh could see the boy was still exhausted. Even a five year old had limits when it came to dealing with the cold. But, Ryan was made of strong stuff. Just like his real father had been, Josh reflected as he watched Wyatt take Ryan's hand.

  As Wyatt shook Ryan's hand, he gazed quizzically at Josh. "Time to explain once we're inside," Josh stated, helping Ryan down off the wagon. He felt the boy shiver inside his gray coat.

  Ryan stamped his feet on the snow-covered yard and gazed at the ranch house. "Is this home, pa?" Ryan asked as he rubbed his hands together.

  "Sure is," Josh confirmed. He looked at Wyatt. "Ain't that right, Wyatt."

  Wyatt didn't say a word. He merely looked from Ryan to Josh. Josh took a bag from inside the wagon and rested a hand over Ryan's shoulder. All three walked to the front door of the ranch house. Wyatt watched as Josh let Ryan step gingerly inside the hallway of the house. Following behind Ryan, Josh felt the wave of heat hit him.

  Ryan glanced up at Josh and smiled. "It's warm," he exclaimed.

  "Sure is," Josh agreed. "Feels good, doesn't it."

  Ryan nodded and headed into the sitting room. Wyatt closed the front door and followed Josh and Ryan into the sitting room. The room, plainly furnished and low-ceilinged, was lit and warmed by a roaring fire. Josh thought it felt like an oven compared to what he and Ryan had endured during the wagon journey from Wyoming. He wasn't about to complain.

  Josh and Ryan stood in front of the fire, hands extended toward the welcoming flames. Josh glanced at Ryan's features, seeing a pink glow returning to the boy's pale cheeks. Josh smiled at Wyatt. It felt good to be home. There had been a time when a day like this would have been unthinkable. But, right now, he was just glad to be back.

  Wyatt caught Josh's eye and squinted, clearly puzzled. Josh could see his sibling was eager for an explanation. Maybe it was time to give him one. But first, he wanted to show Ryan his new home. Laying his hand on Ryan's shoulder, Josh smiled. "Why don't I show you around the place. And get you settled in your own room."

  The idea that he'd have a room of his own clearly impressed the five-year-old boy. His eyes widened and he smiled. Josh's heart swelled. Ryan deserved every possible happiness. He'd been through so much.

  Josh looked at Wyatt. "After Ryan and I have settled in, maybe we can all have some food. And then you and I can talk," Josh said. "How does that sound?"

  Wyatt nodded. "Sure. I'll get some food going."

  As he watched Wyatt leave the room, Josh told himself that the next couple of hours weren't going to be easy. How was he going to explain the last few months to Wyatt? That Josh had taken legal guardianship of Ryan after the death of Ryan's father, Jeb. And that Josh was doing so because of a promise he'd made to Jeb. A promise which Josh had never thought he'd have to honor. To care for the boy in the unlikely event of Jeb's death.

  Well, the unlikely had happened, leaving Ryan an orphan. His mother had passed when she'd given birth to Ryan, leaving Jeb to bring the boy up on his own. But Jeb was gone, now. And Ryan was Josh's legal son. Nothing was going to change that. Folks would have to get used to it.

  But, one question drifted into Josh's mind. What would Grace say when he told her?

  CHAPTER THREE

  "Did I hear you say Josh Munro is back?" Jake Buchanan asked Grace during the evening meal at the Buchanan ranch.

  Grace's fork, heavy with chicken, hovered in front of her mouth. Her eyes flickered from Jake to Emma, his wife, who was seated by his side. From there, Grace glanced at Matilda. Her mother's expression was expectant. And there was a mischievous look in Matilda's eyes. Everyone was waiting for confirmation.

  "I met him this afternoon. On the way back from town," Grace explained. She quickly placed the contents of her fork into her mouth and started chewing, hoping her explanation might be enough to satisfy them all. However, clearly it wasn't.

  "Is he just visiting?" Jake asked in a tentative sounding tone.

  Grace shook her head. "I think he's here to stay," she announced in a steady voice.

  There was a long silence. Grace saw Jake and his mother exchange looks. Emma looked momentarily puzzled. "Who's Josh Munro?" Emma asked innocently.

  Jake cleared his throat as he placed his knife and fork down onto his plate. He peered across at Grace. "You want me to explain?"

  Grace shook her head. Still feeling awkward, she smiled at Emma. "Josh and I were great friends just after we all moved here to Inspiration."

  "Great friends?" Emma asked. Grace was sure Emma had already guessed there had been more than just friendship involved with Josh Munro. During the last few months, Grace and Emma had formed a sisterly attachment. Now that Emma and Jake were living as man and wife at the ranch, Grace and Emma spent a great deal of time together. But, during all their long walks, the visits into town, and the evenings by the fire, Grace had never once mentioned Josh Munro. Neither, it seemed, had Jake. She wasn't surprised at that. Jake had given Grace his word that her involvement with Josh Munro would never be spoken about ag
ain. Jake was a man who kept his promises.