The Rancher’s Christmas Miracle

by Maya Stirling

  Ryan forced a weak smile, but didn't say anything. Grace glanced across at Josh and saw him watching Ryan with an intent gaze.

  "Would you like some water, Ryan?" Miriam asked quietly.

  Ryan nodded. There was a flurry of activity and then Miriam gave Ryan some water from a cup. Ryan swallowed the water without coughing. When Miriam laid his head back down on the pillow, Ryan closed his eyes and was soon asleep again.

  A long silence descended upon the small room. Grace looked across at Josh. He tilted his head toward the door. "Can I speak to you a moment?" he asked.

  He stood and Grace followed him outside into the hall. Josh leaned against the wood-paneled wall. His shoulders sagged and he took a few moments to compose himself. The light in the hall was dim, but Grace could see the relief on Josh's face. The fact that Ryan was responding had clearly triggered intense relief in Josh.

  "You're exhausted, Josh," Grace said softly.

  This time, Josh didn't act defiant. He knew the truth as much as Grace. "I know I am."

  "It's good news that he woke up like that," Grace said to him. "Perhaps the fever might break soon."

  "You think so?" Josh asked, his eyes filled with hope.

  Grace nodded. "We had a similar situation a few weeks back with Bethany. She's not as strong as Clara. And she gets sick a lot easier. But, our housekeeper has a secret recipe for chicken soup. That fixed Bethany pretty fast."

  "Chicken soup, huh?" Josh said, looking skeptically at Grace.

  "If you don't believe me, why don't you give it a try with Ryan?" Grace suggested.

  Josh glanced at the door to Ryan's bedroom and then back at Grace. "I might just do that," he agreed. Then he sighed heavily. "I have to tell you, Grace. Ryan had me worried there for a while. I thought I was going to lose him."

  "Don't say that, Josh," Grace replied.

  "I prayed," Josh said. "Plenty of times." He gazed at Grace for a long moment and she wondered what he was about to say. "Looks like God was listening."

  "Why do you say that?" Grace asked.

  Josh lifted a brow. "Because one of my prayers was for you to come and help us," Josh said. "I'm glad it was answered."

  Grace felt heat flush her face. "You know I wouldn't let you down, Josh."

  "Not even after the way I spoke to you on Friday?" Josh asked.

  Grace shook her head. "I've forgiven you for that," she replied. "I understand why you spoke like that. You were worried for Ryan."

  Josh looked pleased with Grace's reassurance. He sighed.

  "Go get some rest," Grace told him. "Emma and I will be here a while. And then we'll bring that chicken soup I was telling you about."

  "You sure about this?" Josh asked.

  Grace reached across, taking hold of Josh's arm. For a long moment, the exquisite sensation of touching Josh swept through her. A beautiful memory. One she'd tried so hard to avoid remembering. But, now that her fingers were curled around the powerful, warm muscle of his arm, she couldn't control her racing heartbeat. She couldn't control the sensations taking hold of her body. This close, in the soft light of the hall, Josh's gaze was intense. His presence overwhelming.

  She heard a noise from inside the room. Grace removed her hand. Hoping to mask her reaction, she waved the hand in the direction of the end of the hallway. "Shoo!" she exclaimed quietly, smiling at Josh.

  Josh smiled. "Are you dismissing me?" he asked softly.

  "Go get some rest," she instructed, dragging her attention away from his gaze.

  "Yes, Miss," Josh said lightly. Gone was the grim expression of earlier. She was pleased she'd been able to change his mood. Even if it was only for a moment.

  Then, Josh walked slowly along the hallway. Once he'd reached the far end, and opened the door to what she assumed to be his own room, he turned one last time. When he smiled at her and entered the room, she knew that the damage which had been done on Friday had been healed.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Josh awoke a short while later. Judging by the light coming through the curtains of his room, he figured it was late-afternoon. Earlier, the moment he'd laid his head on the pillow, he'd sank into a deep sleep. He figured he'd slept for at least a few hours. He slid out of bed, feeling the stiffness in his muscles. Sitting by the side of Ryan's bed overnight had taken its toll on his body, but he didn't care. He'd do anything, if it meant that Ryan would survive. The boy had suffered enough in recent months. He couldn't wait to get back to the room and find out how Ryan was doing. The fact that no-one had woken him, reassured Josh that Ryan's condition hadn't worsened.

  Josh walked out into the hall. He drew in a deep breath, inhaling the aroma of food. Chicken soup. Josh heard sounds of activity from the kitchen. He smiled, realizing that either Grace or Emma must have gone to the Buchanan ranch while he'd been sleeping. He went to Ryan's room and eased open the door. Grace and Emma sat on chairs on opposite sides of the bed. Ryan was still asleep. Grace turned as Josh entered the room.

  Josh went to Grace and looked down at Ryan. "How is he?" Josh asked.

  Grace smiled gently. "He's been fine."

  Josh ran a hand through his hair. "How long was I out?" he asked quietly.

  "A few hours," Grace told him in a whisper.

  Emma stood. "I'll go to the kitchen and see how Miriam is getting on," she announced. When she'd left the room, Josh sat down on the seat Emma had vacated. Josh gazed at Ryan. The boy seemed to be resting peacefully. Josh touched Ryan's forehead. He was sure Ryan's skin felt slightly cooler. Josh's tension eased. At one point, during the night, the boy's forehead had been as hot as a furnace.

  "Emma went all the way to the ranch to get the soup," Grace explained.

  "You've been here the whole time?" Josh asked.

  Grace nodded. "I didn't want to leave Ryan's side."

  Josh smiled. "Thank you," he said softly.

  Grace's brows furrowed. "You don't need to thank me, Josh," she replied. Looking at Ryan, she added: "I want Ryan to get better. And I'm sure he will."

  Just listening to Grace's wise words lifted Josh's spirits. He peered across at Grace. "I'm glad you're here, Grace."

  Grace met his gaze. "You know me," she joked quietly. "Always willing to help." Then she did something he'd always loved. She crinkled her nose, a playful gesture that never failed to trigger delight in him. She must have noticed the sudden change in his expression, because she quickly forced her attention back to Ryan.

  A silence descended upon the room. The only sound was Ryan's soft, very quiet, rhythmic breathing. It felt good to be alone with Grace. Josh recalled that he and Grace had always been able to be quietly in each other's company, without feeling the need to fill the silences with trivial conversation. Just being in one another's presence seemed like it was enough. He'd never experienced that with anyone else. Right now, it confirmed his opinion that he and Grace still shared a bond. Even though he'd acted like an impulsive fool, and left Inspiration without warning three years ago. It still seemed to Josh that he and Grace had a connection.

  He wondered if she felt the same. He'd seen hints that she might think like him. That she might not have rejected him. Her willingness to be with him had surprised Josh. She could have just as easily remained aloof from him. She would even have been justified in refusing to speak with him. But, she hadn't done that. The invitation to the Buchanan ranch had been a pleasant surprise. Almost like a welcome back into the Buchanan fold. Everyone had been happy to see him. Although, he could still detect some resistance from her brother, Jake. Even though Jake had acted like he'd forgiven Josh for running out on his sister, Josh still wasn't sure Jake had completely forgiven him.

  Josh thought about his time with Grace while they'd been in town. It had felt wonderful to be with her like that. He'd seen the expressions on the faces of the townsfolk. Clearly, some of them believed that Josh and Grace might be back together again. Josh was happy for them to believe that. Even if, right now, it wasn't true.

  Ryan sh
ifted and opened his eyes. Josh leaned closer to the boy. "Hey, there, big guy," Josh said, running a hand across Ryan's forehead. "How are you feeling?"

  "Hungry," Ryan murmured.

  Josh glanced across at Grace and smiled at her. "I think we've got just the thing to take care of that," Grace declared softly. She looked at Josh. "Isn't that right, Josh?"

  Josh nodded. "I can smell that chicken soup," he said. "It's even making me feel hungry."

  Ryan's eyes brightened slightly. "Chicken soup?"

  "You want some?" Josh asked.

  Ryan nodded. "Yup."

  Grace stood. "I'll go get some." And then she was gone, leaving Josh with Ryan. Josh peered into the boy's tired eyes. "You're getting better, Ryan. You'll be up and about in no time."

  Ryan still didn't look convinced. There was a weariness in his eyes. One that Josh had never seen before. He recalled the fear he'd felt when he'd been woken in the night. The stark terror he'd felt at the prospect of something terrible happening to his newly-adopted son. Josh lifted his heart up to God and silently thanked Him for giving him another chance to prove himself worthy of being a father to the boy. And for giving Ryan a fresh start.

  A short while later, the door opened and in swept Miriam, carrying a tray upon which was set a bowl of steaming hot soup. Grace and Emma followed close behind.

  Miriam laid the tray down on the side table and planted her hands on her hips, gazing down at Ryan. "I can see a hungry boy looking up at me," Miriam declared. She lifted her brow. The corner of her mouth creased with the hint of a smile. "Do you think you can get a few spoonfuls of soup down you?"

  Ryan nodded. "I'll try." Ryan lifted his head, attempting to sit up, but it proved impossible. Josh's heart swelled with pride as he witnessed the boy's sheer determination to do something as simple as sit up and take some soup.

  Josh went to Ryan and helped him up into a sitting position. While he was doing that, Miriam was stirring a spoon around the bowl of soup, cooling it. When she was satisfied it was ready, she glanced inquiringly from Josh to Grace. "Which one of you wants to do this?" she asked.

  Josh and Grace exchanged a brief look. Josh knew what he wanted. As if Grace could read his mind, she lifted her hands up and took the bowl from Miriam. "I'd love to give Ryan the soup."

  Miriam handed the bowl to Grace. Josh watched as Grace stirred the soup one last time. She looked at Ryan. "Ready?"

  Ryan nodded. Josh heard Ryan's stomach rumble. Ryan placed a hand over his middle and glanced at Grace. Josh smiled at Grace. "I think he's ready."

  Grace nodded. Josh watched as Grace leaned closer, holding out the spoon filled with the thin liquid. Ryan hesitated a moment, sniffing the soup. Apparently satisfied, he dipped his head and took the spoon into his mouth. The minute he tasted the soup, Ryan's eyes brightened. Grace leaned away from Ryan and peered at the boy. Josh figured Grace was just trying to be careful, watching for any hint that Ryan might cough. Or worse. The boy swallowed and then glanced up at Miriam.

  "Good?" Miriam asked, looking down at Ryan with a kindly expression on her face.

  Ryan nodded. Then, over the next few minutes, Grace gave Ryan a few more spoonfuls. Josh leaned back in his chair and savored the sight of Grace taking care of Ryan. Grace worked patiently and with a steadiness of purpose. It seemed as if Ryan already trusted Grace, because he took each spoonful of soup without the slightest hesitation.

  Finally, Ryan signaled he'd had enough. Miriam took the soup tray away. Emma went to the kitchen with Miriam. Grace made sure that Ryan remained seated upright a short while, just to make sure the soup stayed in his belly. Finally, Josh saw tiredness creeping into Ryan's gaze. Satisfied that enough time having passed since eating, Josh helped Ryan lie down.

  As he laid his head down in the pillow, Ryan gazed at Grace. "Thank you, Miss Buchanan," he said softly.

  In the room's soft light, Josh saw Grace's face flush pink. "You're welcome, Ryan," Grace said quietly.

  Then Ryan looked at Josh. "Are you and Miss Buchanan going to be good friends, pa?" the boy asked.

  Now it was Josh's turn to feel his features warm with uncontrollable emotion. He glanced across at Grace. He saw her lift one inquiring brow. "Of course, Ryan. Grace and I have been friends a long time," Josh said. "Isn't that right, Grace?"

  Grace smiled at Ryan. "Your pa and I will always be good friends, Ryan," Grace reassured the boy. "You can depend on it." Josh couldn't help noticing that she didn't look at him when she said those last words. Although she sounded genuine, Josh could hear the slight strain in Grace's voice. It was as if she was trying to contain her emotion. Had she been surprised at the boy's sudden query?

  Josh knew what Ryan was hinting at. That his pa and the woman who'd just taken care of him might be more than just friends. The young boy could probably see the truth, even if Josh and Grace were trying hard to hide it from one another.

  Apparently satisfied with the answer, Ryan closed his eyes. Soon, he was asleep. Silence returned to the room. Only this time, something hung in the air between Josh and Grace. The realization that there might be more to their relationship than they'd thought.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  An hour later, Emma returned to the room with Miriam. The housekeeper told Grace and Josh to take a break. She saw how reluctant Josh was to leave the room, but Miriam would not be denied. It seemed like the kindly housekeeper ruled the roost in the Munro ranch, Grace reflected. Miriam quietly, and firmly, announced there was some food waiting for them in the kitchen.

  Grace followed Josh out of the room. They made their way to the kitchen. Miriam had laid out a plain spread of chicken and vegetables on two plates. Grace sat across from Josh. She ate some of the food, surprised at the extent of her appetite, aware that Josh was watching her carefully from the other side of the table.

  Glancing out through the kitchen window, she saw that the light was beginning to fade. Snow was falling again. It would be dark soon. She and Emma would have to think about leaving. Inexplicably, the thought of doing that triggered a sudden regret. Since arriving at the ranch, she'd felt strangely at home. As if this was where she was meant to be. God had brought here to this place to do something good. Something right. To make a difference in the lives of Ryan and Josh. Helping Ryan had been a privilege. And, sharing this time with Josh had given her a simple joy. One that she would never forget.

  Ryan's innocent question had taken her by surprise. What could the boy see which was hidden to herself and Josh? Was her and Josh's attraction so obvious that even a child could discern the truth? And, if so, why were she and Josh running from that truth? This afternoon, she'd felt closer to Josh than at any time since he'd returned. But, she also sensed the dangers of those feelings. Did Josh feel the same way about her? She couldn't tell. Josh was so worried about Ryan's health that it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. Even if he had feelings about Grace, she wasn't about to make the same mistake she'd made three years ago.

  During the meal, Josh chatted casually. All of what he said related to Ryan. It was as if Josh was determined to keep the conversation well away from the subject which Ryan had brought up by asking that simple, yet troubling, question.

  After finishing the food, Josh suggested they move to the parlor. She followed him there and sat down across from Josh, next to the blazing fireplace. The room was toasty warm. Ease settled upon Grace. She sat back in the chair and peered across at Josh. He was staring thoughtfully into the fireplace. Gone was the tiredness of earlier. Now, he looked much more relaxed. More like his usual self. Handsome and strong.

  The dark ridges of his brows were less furrowed with worry. The light from the fireplace flickered across the even, well-proportioned surface of his face. His full lips were set in an even line. The moistness of his lower lip caught the light. The roughness of his unshaved jaw gave his features a hard quality. But that was softened by the expression in his eyes. He looked lost in thought. Looking at him now, emotion caught in her chest a
nd Grace realized why Josh Munro had found a way into her heart. Devastatingly handsome, he also possessed depths to his character which were undeniable. Today, she'd witnessed another aspect to him. A capacity for love. An ability to accept the need for sacrifice. God had granted Josh the strength to face many trials in recent times.