The Rancher’s Christmas Miracle

by Maya Stirling

  Ryan looked pleased that both Grace and Josh were resting a hand in his shoulders, In fact, Josh figured his son looked positively ecstatic with the arrival of Grace.

  They made their way into the parlor. Miriam came, delighted to see Grace again. Miriam went to the kitchen to bring tea and Grace sat down on the sofa.

  Ryan's curiosity about the parcel proved to be insatiable. "What's in there?" he asked pointing at the parcel.

  "You been shopping, Grace?" Josh asked, smiling at her.

  Removing her hat and placing it on the sofa, Grace nodded. "I have." She peered at Ryan. "First of all, I have a question to ask." She glanced up at Josh. "Although, I think I already know the answer to it. But, I'll ask it, anyway."

  Josh was intrigued. He sat down next to Grace. He couldn't help noticing that her cheeks flushed slightly pink the instant he accidentally brushed up against her leg.

  Grace cleared her throat and looked at Ryan. Josh could see a mischievous look in Grace's eyes. He'd seen that look plenty of times in the past. It meant she was about to spring a surprise on someone.

  "You have to tell me something," Grace said, looking straight at Ryan. "And tell me the truth, now. You hear?"

  Ryan nodded. "Sure, Miss Buchanan."

  Grace smiled at Josh and then looked back at Ryan. "Have you been following your pa's instructions?" she asked. "Have you stayed in the house, just like he asked you to?"

  Ryan glanced at Josh. "Yup. I haven't been outside once since last week."

  "That's good to hear," Grace said lifting the parcel. She handed it to Ryan. "In that case, this is for you." She glanced at Josh. "Call it an early Christmas gift."

  Josh watched as Ryan ripped the paper off the package, tugging at the strings. Discarding the paper and string on the carpet, Ryan held the contents of the package in his hands. It was a dark brown, heavy, winter coat.

  Josh leaned forward. "Let me see that, Ryan," he said. Ryan handed the coat to Josh. He unfolded it and found a matching woolen hat, gloves and knitted scarf tucked inside. Josh glanced at Grace. "You didn't need to do this. He has a coat, already."

  Grace scoffed. "Miriam showed it to me on Monday." Grace crinkled her nose and mouth with obvious disapproval. "I think Ryan needed a new coat. Call it his Montana coat, if you like," she joked.

  Josh stood and let the coat hang down. It was a good-looking coat, he told himself. And it felt thick and well-made, too. It would keep Ryan wrapped up safely, even on the coldest days. "C'mere, Ryan," Josh instructed. Josh put the coat on Ryan, wrapped the scarf loosely around his neck, slid Ryan's hands into the gloves, and then finally placed the hat on the boy's head. Wrapped up now, all Josh could see was Ryan's mouth, nose and eyes. "I think that'll do the job," Josh announced, turning to Grace. "What do you think, Grace?"

  Grace stood up alongside Josh and lifted a thoughtful hand to her chin, examining Ryan with pretend scrutiny. She nodded. "I think it's just what you needed, Ryan. Do you like it?"

  A brief nod was all Ryan could summon now that he was tightly enclosed in the warm clothing.

  Josh met Grace's approving gaze. "What can I say?"

  Grace waved a dismissive hand. "You don't need to say anything," she replied.

  Josh looked down at Ryan. "Say, thank you to Miss Buchanan, Ryan," he told the boy.

  "Thank you," Ryan muttered, hardly able to move his chin because of the tight-fitting scarf.

  "I'm glad you like it," Grace said. She bent down and scooped up the paper and string. "I have to be going."

  Josh felt a sting of disappointment. "So soon?"

  Grace nodded. "I promised I'd be back at the ranch by lunchtime."

  Grace reached down and spent a few moments removing the hat, scarf, gloves and coat from Ryan. She folded the items and placed them carefully on the sofa. Then she did something which immediately gladdened Josh's heart. Grace extended her arms toward Ryan. The boy reached up and exchanged a hug with Grace. Josh watched the simple gesture with instant delight. There was no doubt about Grace's affection for Ryan. As he followed her toward the front door, Josh asked himself about Grace's possible affection for him. About that there was still considerable uncertainty.

  Grace went briefly to the kitchen and apologized to Miriam, who was busy preparing tea. Miriam was clearly disappointed to see Grace leaving so soon after arriving. Miriam gave Josh an inquiring look. He wondered if she thought it was his fault that Grace was leaving so early.

  Outside, Josh walked Grace to her buckboard. Before she stepped up onto the front seat, he touched her gently on the arm. She turned and looked quizzically at him. "I appreciate what you just did," he told her.

  Then she surprised him. "Are you going to bring Ryan to church on Sunday?"

  For a moment, he was taken aback by her question. "If he's well enough."

  Grace looked over Josh's shoulder in the direction of the house. Josh was sure Ryan was watching from the window. Grace's gentle smile and brief wave of the hand confirmed his suspicions. Josh turned and saw that, indeed, Ryan had his face pressed against the glass. Any thoughts Josh might have had to demonstrate his pent-up affection to Grace were put immediately to one side.

  "Won't you stop by before then?" he asked.

  Grace nodded, but he could see hesitation in her eyes. "I'll do my best."

  "I'm sure Ryan would like to see you," he said.

  Grace tilted her head. "Only Ryan?" she asked with a knowing expression on her face.

  Josh sighed, feeling the frustration building up inside himself. "Of course I'd be delighted if you'd stop by." He narrowed his eyes. "But, you already knew that, right?"

  He'd hoped the personal nature of his remark might have melted the ice in her demeanor, but it didn't. She nodded stiffly. "I'll see what I can do. But, I'm very busy, at the moment. Preparations for Christmas."

  Once again, his frustration flashed into life. "I've been thinking about what you said to me," he told her. "About my father." Josh nodded. "You're right. I still haven't forgiven him for driving me away from here." Josh gazed around the ranch buildings. "Now that I'm back, and here with Ryan to look after, I realize I was mostly to blame for leaving."

  Her gaze was steady, as if she was carefully considering his words. She leaned a hand on the buckboard. "Forgiveness is really important, Josh. You don't need me to tell you that."

  He tilted his head, suddenly sensing her true meaning. "Have you forgiven me, Grace? For leaving?"

  Her face flushed red and he heard her drag in a sharp breath. Composing herself, she looked at him. "Of course, Josh. I forgave you a long time ago."

  Her reply stunned him. Her words echoed in his mind for a few long moments. He felt rocked on his heels. But, before he could utter a reply, Grace lifted herself up onto the buckboard and seized the reins. "Hopefully I'll see you all at church," she declared. Then she flicked the reins and the buckboard lurched forward, heading for the trail. Josh watched the buckboard roll onto the trail. A heaviness, like a huge stone, had settled in his gut. As he watched the buckboard heading away from the ranch house, he wondered how he was ever going to find space in his heart to do what God now wanted him to do.

  Josh asked himself if he would ever be able to forgive his father, Obadiah Munro, for driving him away from the one woman he loved. A woman who now seemed to want nothing to do with him.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  "You've been quiet, this morning, Grace," Jake said to her as they rode together on the carriage into town on Sunday. Behind them, in the other carriage, rode Matilda with Emma on the seat beside her and Clara and Bethany taking the seat behind.

  "Anything on your mind?" Jake asked. He grinned at her "Is there something I should know?"

  Grace frowned. "No," she declared bluntly. She immediately regretted being so short with him. Jake was only trying to protect her. Just like he'd always done.

  Jake's brows rose. "If you say so," he replied sharply, looking instantly chastened.

  No good would come
of sharing her thoughts with her brother, Grace told herself. She was looking forward to getting to church. And to seeing Josh and Ryan.

  The carriage rocked to one side and Grace held on tight to the seat. Jake was an accomplished driver of carriages. There was no risk they were going to get stuck in the snow. The trail was covered in a thin layer of snow which had fallen overnight. Grace gazed out across the snow-covered rangeland. It was definitely going to be a white Christmas, she reflected. The white landscape shimmered brightly. She had to squint her eyes just to be able to take in the magisterial glory of the rolling hillsides, expansive forested areas and snow-peaked mountains. This was her land. Montana would always be her home. The idea of settling anywhere else was simply unthinkable.

  She reflected on the last few days. Grace had returned to the Munro ranch on the Friday afternoon. Ever since she'd ridden away from Josh after presenting Ryan with his new winter clothing, she'd debated what would be the right thing to do. And, having prayed, and listened to her heart, she had come to the conclusion that she could not disappoint Ryan. Even if that meant braving another encounter with Josh.

  She'd seen the way he'd looked at her when she'd forced herself to tell him her true opinion. It hadn't been easy to speak to him like that. Especially since she could see how hard he was working, not only to look after Ryan, but also to come to terms with his past. To forgive his father.

  When she'd gone to the ranch, Grace had found Josh more distant with her than usual. It seemed that her words had stung him. Perhaps even made him think more deeply about what he had to do with regard to the matter of forgiving his father. Because, Grace was sure of one thing. Josh wouldn't be able to move on with his life until he'd found it in his heart to forgive Obadiah Munro. Even if his father had been harsh in his judgment of Josh, forgiveness was such an important part of faith that Grace considered it essential for Josh to find his way to that. No matter what it took.

  While at the ranch on Friday, Grace had joined in with Josh, Miriam and Wyatt in some of the fun activities which had become a regular part of Ryan's life. And, to make the visit even more special, Ryan had dressed up in his new coat, hat, scarf and gloves and accompanied Grace outside for a short walk around the ranch buildings. It had been a special moment to walk hand in hand on the snow-covered ground with Ryan. His bright eyes showed his genuine delight at being out with Grace, especially outfitted in his brand new winter clothing. Grace realized she was beginning to nurture a deep affection for the young boy. One which promised to continue to bring her into close proximity to Josh.

  They arrived in town and made their way to the church. A crowd of townsfolk were already making their way into the church. As the carriage drew to a halt, Grace tried to see if Josh and Ryan had come. Suddenly, she heard her name being called out. Stepping down from the carriage, she turned and saw Ryan running toward her with Josh a close distance behind.

  Ryan tumbled against Grace's brown skirts and looked up at her. Grace was pleased to see that Ryan was all dressed up in the winter clothes she'd bought for him. Beneath the coat, Ryan was wearing what looked like a neat-fitting jacket and pants. He was well protected from the elements.

  Josh halted, resting a hand on Ryan's shoulder. Josh smiled. "Good morning."

  "So you decided to come," Grace observed. Josh was neatly-attired in a dark suit and waistcoat, Stetson and shiny black boots. Secretly, Grace told herself that Josh looked amazing. But, she managed to school her features into a blank expression.

  "We wouldn't have missed it for anything," Josh admitted.

  Jake came around the carriage and tipped his hat to Josh. "I see you brought someone new to church," Jake said with a smile.

  Matilda, Emma, Clara and Bethany completed the numbers. Then they all made their way into the church. As they walked up the stairs, Grace glanced at Josh. In spite of his outwardly cheerful manner, she could see by his hesitant glances at the folks around him that he was slightly nervous. She wondered what he was worried about.

  Inside the church, Grace saw that her Buchanan relatives had already taken their places on the seats near the front. When she exchanged brief words with them, she saw inquiring glances in Josh's direction. Grace knew exactly what people were thinking about her and Josh, but she was determined not to do anything which would encourage such speculation.

  As usual, the church was packed. Taking her seat, Grace ended up sitting next to Josh. Ryan sat alongside Josh and was well-mannered. Grace was impressed by the young boy's excellent demeanor in the church. Maybe, during the last week, Ryan had learned some lessons about how to be around adults. Some of his unsettled nature had calmed since his illness.

  Pastor Joseph began the service. Opening hymns sung, he proceeded to deliver his sermon ,which was on the subject of forgiveness. Listening to the words, Grace glanced at Josh. She gasped quietly when she saw that Josh's face was already pale, his eyes wide, and his mouth slightly open. In fact, if she wasn't mistaken, Josh Munro looked like he had been taken completely by surprise by the pastor's words.

  As the sermon continued, Grace glanced repeatedly at Josh. Not once did he look at her. Instead, his gaze was fixed resolutely on the pastor. Josh seemed to be drinking in every word the pastor was saying. Finishing his sermon, pastor Joseph quoted Scripture. Grace recognized it from Colossians.

  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

  Grace glanced at Josh as the pastor pronounced those last words. Josh leaned back against the seat. She heard a quiet gasp ease out of him. Seized with a sudden impulse, Grace reached across and took Josh's hand, curling her fingers in his. Instantly dragged out of his stupor, Josh blinked and turned to Grace. His eyes were filled with consternation. Clearly, something had struck Josh with full force of truth. He looked dumbstruck.

  The congregation rose to sing a final hymn. Clutching her Bible in one hand, Grace started to sing the hymn, one she particularly loved. Still holding Josh's hand, she heard him sing, his voice soft and melodious. She was pleased he knew the words, and that she could share this special moment with him.

  After the service, everyone made their way out to the snow-covered yard out in front of the church. Folks liked to chat a while before heading home for their family Sunday lunch. Josh was silent the whole time he walked alongside her. Grace watched as Josh nodded politely whenever anyone spoke to him. He was being civil. But, Grace could see by his uneasy movements that Josh was having difficulty keeping hold of his emotions.

  Then, when Jake suggested that Josh and Ryan come to the Buchanan ranch for lunch, Josh shook his head abruptly and politely declined the offer. Josh signaled to Grace that he wanted to speak to her alone for a moment.

  Grace followed Josh to the nearby tree. Now there was enough distance between them and the dispersing crowd of worshippers that no-one would hear what Josh had to say to her.

  Grace narrowed her eyes. "What is it, Josh? You look like something is bothering you."

  Josh sighed. "I don't know what happened in there, Grace, but I know what I have to do," Josh said. He leaned closer to her. "And I need you with me when I do it."

  Grace felt a chill ease up her spine. "What do you want me to do?"

  Josh looked suddenly grim. "I want you to come back to the Munro ranch with me." His gaze became steady. "And I'd like you to come with me to visit my father's grave."

  Grace gasped quietly. "His grave?"

  Josh nodded. "He's buried with my ma in a private plot near the forest on the ranch." Josh's eyes filled with emotion. "Will you come with me, Grace?"

  Grace hesitated, wondering what had prompted this sudden change in Josh. Had it been the pastor's sermon about forgiveness? It couldn't have been anything else, she told herself. She'd seen Josh's reaction when he'd been listening to Pastor Joseph's words. Josh had told Grace that, since returning to Inspiration, he'd avoided visiting his father's resting place. Grace knew it was a sore po
int for Josh that he hadn't paid his respects. But, there had been a lingering pain inside Josh. Maybe, this morning, that wound had been healed by God's grace.