The Rancher’s Christmas Miracle

by Maya Stirling

  "Have you seen your brother?" Grace asked Josh.

  Looking across at Wyatt and Victoria, Josh whistled. "Well, what do you know. Seems like you and Emma did a fine job matchmaking," Josh said.

  Emma shook her head. "I think, right now, Wyatt's doing most of the work on his own," she observed.

  "You're right," Josh said and looked at Grace. "I told you he just needed a little bit of persuasion. And Victoria, too."

  Grace scoffed. "You weren't at the Baxter ranch on Wednesday," she said frowning. "Getting Victoria to agree to come tonight felt like pulling teeth. Didn't it, Emma?"

  Emma nodded. "But, we've gotten to know Victoria a little better since then. I think she's a fine young woman." Emma lifted a brow. "And I think she really likes Wyatt."

  Josh shook his head. "I don't know what happened between the two of them that kept them apart since the summertime," he said.

  Grace looked at Josh. "Maybe it was something to do with the hard time Wyatt was having dealing with your pa's passing."

  Josh's features softened sympathetically. "You might be right, Grace," he said. She could hear sadness in his voice. Josh thought for a moment, his gaze fixed on Wyatt and Victoria. "Maybe all that is about to change."

  "Let's hope so," Grace said.

  Josh gazed into Grace's eyes, holding her attention just like he'd done back at the tree decorating ceremony. She felt the same warm sensation fill her heart, again. The music halted and all she could hear was the hubbub of voices all around her. Then the band started to play another tune. This time it was a slow song. The kind which was perfect for dancing in Josh's embrace, Grace told herself.

  Josh cleared his throat. "Would you honor me with this dance, Grace?"

  She smiled. "Of course, Josh." There hadn't been even a moment of hesitation in her mind. All she wanted was to be as close to him as possible.

  Josh took her hand. As he started to lead Grace out onto the dance floor, Grace saw Emma's eyes widen as she watched the way Josh was holding Grace's hand. Feeling him lead her out onto the dance floor filled Grace's heart with a secret delight. She knew her face must be beaming with the smile of an excited young girl.

  Josh halted in the center of the floor and turned to Grace. He slid one hand around her back. She settled her hand on his shoulder and let him take her other hand. It felt good to be in Josh's embrace, again, she told herself. When they moved to the music, their steps were in perfect unison. Josh's gaze was unmoving, settled on her eyes. She could see affection in his gaze. More than she'd seen before. She felt all her former resistance ease away. Now that she was in his arms, dancing slowly to the beautiful melody, she realized this was exactly where she wanted to be. There was nowhere else in the world she'd rather be than in Josh's arms.

  His movements were easy and comfortable. He knew how to dance, she told herself. And he knew how to make her feel comfortable. Grace was aware that some townsfolk were glancing at her and Josh, but she didn't care. Not any more. All she was interested in this evening was being happy with Josh.

  When Josh smiled at her, she felt her heart quicken. His gaze drifted down to her lips. She could see temptation in his eyes. It was the same look she'd seen during the procession when she had been pressed close to him. She sensed the strength of the attraction which had been growing between her and Josh these last couple of weeks. Until now, she'd done everything she could to deny the truth of that attraction. There had been many reasons for her reluctance to give herself completely to it. But, now, being with Josh seemed like the most natural thing in the world. God had brought Josh back into her life and her heart was filled with gratitude.

  When the music stopped, Josh paused a few moments and then tugged Grace's hand as he moved quickly off the dance floor. She laughed quietly, following behind him, ignoring the looks of others. Josh led her through the crowd and up to the small building beyond the dance floor. Next to the building was an enclosed garden area. With one last glance behind her, Grace followed Josh through the open garden gate. There was a tall tree and, beneath it a bench. Grace knew this was a favorite place for folks to come and sit. Right now, there was no-one else around. Josh led Grace to the bench. They sat down next to each other.

  Beyond the garden gate, she could hear the sounds of the music and the laughter of the many dozens of people enjoying the town's hospitality on this beautiful evening. It didn't matter that the evening air was chill. With all the good spirits in the air, the whole town had united in a determination to celebrate the coming of Christmas.

  "What a beautiful evening," Josh said quietly.

  Grace nodded. "I guess you could say it's perfect." She sighed. "This town knows how to celebrate."

  "You're right," Josh replied. "I didn't realize how much happiness there is in this place. Everyone just seems to want to come together. To make each other happy."

  "That's Christmas for you," Grace said. She shrugged. "Families and children."

  Josh turned to Grace and gazed into her eyes. "And love." Josh's voice was soft and deep. His words triggered a wave of emotion in her. Butterflies tumbled in her middle.

  Grace nodded. "That, too," she said, knowing exactly what he meant. He wasn't talking about strangers. About townsfolk. He was talking about himself and her. About the the two of them.

  Josh reached across and took Grace's hand. "I want to say something to you, Grace," Josh murmured. "Something which has been on my mind ever since I came back to Inspiration."

  Grace said nothing in response. She gazed into Josh's eyes, seeing the sincerity there. The need to say something from his heart.

  "I know I did the wrong thing leaving three years ago," Josh said. His brows furrowed. "When I think about it now, I feel bad. I realize that I almost lost everything I truly value in life." Josh dipped his head and gazed at her from beneath his lashes. "Especially you, Grace. I've been away from you far too long. I know that, now."

  Grace's heart swelled with emotion. Her mind filled with tumbling thoughts. She wanted to say something to Josh. Anything which would take away the pain he so obviously felt. But, her lips were silent as she continued to look into the eyes of the man who seemed determined to open up his heart to her.

  Grace felt Josh's hands tighten around hers. His thumb traced a gentle line across the back of her hand. The movement sent tingles up her spine. Her breath caught in her chest as she felt her cheeks flush with heat. "You're back, now, Josh," she managed to say. Her voice cracked with emotion. "That's all that matters, now. The past is behind us."

  "God brought me back to you, Grace," Josh said, his voice rising slightly. "I believe that with all my heart. He didn't want me to live without you."

  Grace smiled gently at Josh. "You think so?"

  Josh's jaw tightened. A sudden firmness appeared in his gaze. "I'm convinced of it. I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

  She thought of the last two weeks. Of everything which had happened. Maybe he was right, she told herself. There was no other way to explain the fact that she and Josh had been granted a second chance to find happiness.

  Then Josh leaned closer and he dipped his head. His lips settled on Grace's. A familiar wondrous sensation swept through her as he kissed her. His hand cupped her jawline with a tenderness she'd come to expect. His lips were soft and warm. His scent enveloped her. The warmth of his embrace filled her heart with joy. This was where she belonged. In Josh's arms. It had always been where she had belonged. It was simply that she had fought the truth for far too long.

  He leaned away from her, ending the kiss too soon. She gazed into his eyes. This time there was no sign of regret. No hint that he'd acted impulsively. There was only a look of tenderness. And something more than that, she told herself. A deep affection.

  Composing herself as best she could, Grace settled her hands in her lap and tried to clear her mind. There was so much she wanted to say to Josh. Since Tuesday, she'd been trying to make sense of what was happening between them. And she'd only bee
n able to come to one conclusion. This was God's will. She had been brought back to Josh because it was meant to be. And now, she was faced with one simple choice. To accept or to deny that wonderful truth.

  Grace lifted her head, considering her next words with care. Then, she froze. Her breath halted in her chest as she peered past the garden gate at the figure standing a short distance from it. A man was looking straight at her. A stranger, but one who seemed oddly familiar, for some reason. She guessed he was in his late thirties. He was dressed in a dark suit and Stetson. Worst of all, there was something dangerous about the way he was looking at her and Josh.

  Grace gasped and looked at Josh. He frowned, clearly perplexed by the sudden change in her. "What is it, Grace?" Josh asked urgently.

  Grace turned her head. "That man!" she exclaimed. "He's looking at us."

  "What man?" Josh said peering in the same direction as Grace.

  When her gaze settled on the place where the man had stood, he was no longer there. Releasing herself from Josh's grasp, Grace stood. "There was a man there. He was dressed in a dark suit and he was watching us."

  Josh stood. Grace saw instant concern on Josh's face. "What did his face look like?"

  Grace thought for a moment. "He was gaunt looking. Dark eyes." Grace gazed up at Josh. "He looked dangerous, Josh."

  Josh took a step away from Grace. She grabbed his arm and he halted. "I need to find him," Josh declared abruptly.

  "Why? He's gone," Grace said. She was puzzled by the strength of Josh's reaction. Did Josh know who the man might be? Before she had a chance to ask him that question, Josh led her out of the garden and back toward the dance floor. Once they reached it, she saw Josh craning his neck trying to find the man. After a few moments, Josh gave up. Maybe the man had left, Grace told herself.

  The worst part of what had happened was that the wonderful mood which had been created beneath the tree had vanished. Sensing that things had been left unfinished between her and Josh, Grace had been left with an empty feeling. She saw all her family and Ryan still enjoying themselves as before. Then, Wyatt and Victoria made their way to Grace and Josh. Wyatt's eyes were bright with joy. Grace hadn't seen him looking like that before. Victoria's arm was hooked inside Wyatt's. He looked like had no intention of letting Victoria go, any time soon.

  Wyatt introduced Victoria to Josh. Grace saw Josh instantly make an effort to rid himself of the events of the last few minutes. He greeted Victoria as if she already belonged in the Munro family.

  Wyatt smiled. "We have some news," he announced.

  Grace's eyes widened as she wondered what Wyatt was about to say. "You do?"

  Wyatt nodded and gazed at Victoria. "Victoria has invited me to accompany her to church, this Sunday," Wyatt declared.

  Grace saw Josh's mouth drop open. He glanced at Grace, disbelief written across his features. "Is that right?" Josh asked, looking at Victoria.

  She nodded and peered up into Wyatt's admiring gaze. "Wyatt and I used to step out together," she explained. She rolled her eyes. There was a good-natured expression on her face. "But then, everyone knew that during the summer." Victoria smiled at Wyatt. "Tonight, we just got to know each other again. Isn't that right Wyatt?"

  Wyatt nodded. "We sure have. And Victoria wants me to take her to church." When he gazed at Victoria, Grace could see the delight on Wyatt's face. "And I'm happy to do just that." He patted Victoria's hand. "In fact, it would be an honor for me to do so."

  Grace and Josh exchanged looks of mutual approval.

  Victoria squinted at Grace and Josh. "I take it you both will be coming, too," she suggested.

  Josh looked warily at Grace and then back at Victoria. "We'll be there," he said as if there was no sense in Grace objecting.

  The music started up again and Wyatt swept Victoria out onto the dance floor.

  "What do you think of that?" Grace asked Josh.

  For a few moments, Josh watched Wyatt and Victoria dancing. Then, turning to Grace he replied. "I'm real happy for Wyatt. If that's what it will take to get him back in church, then who am I to object? God's in charge."

  Grace smiled. "He surely is," she replied, thinking about what Josh had said to her in the garden and wondering what it would mean for her and Josh.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  When Sunday morning came, Josh and Ryan called for Grace at the Buchanan ranch. Josh saw Grace rush out to the yard followed by Matilda, Jake, Emma and the children. Grace was dressed in her finest dark green gown and matching bonnet. Josh figured she looked beautiful, but then he was used to thinking that, these days. He and Ryan were also outfitted in their Sunday best. Today was a special day in so many ways. Josh had plans. And one, in particular involved Grace.

  Soon the line of three carriages rolled out of the yard and headed down the trail toward Inspiration. Sitting alongside Josh saw Grace gazing up at the blue sky. Snow had fallen on Saturday afternoon and the Buchanan rangeland had a white covering that made Josh's eyes narrow with its brightness.

  Ryan leaned in against Grace and she wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Are you looking forward to going to church, this morning, Ryan?" she asked.

  Ryan smiled up at her. "I sure am. Pa says uncle Wyatt is going to be there, too."

  "That's right," Josh confirmed, holding tight onto the reins and guiding the carriage down the snow-covered trail. He glanced at Grace. "Wyatt went over to the Baxter spread earlier. To bring Victoria."

  "How was he when he left?" Grace asked.

  "You really want to know?" Josh asked lifting a brow. Seeing Grace nod, he added: "Nervous." Josh laughed. "I had to help him with his tie." He smiled at Grace. "Would you believe that?"

  "It's a big day for him," Grace said reflectively. "It's been so long. He's going to need some support."

  Josh flicked a thumb back in the direction of the two carriages behind him. "He's got an entire family rooting for him, this morning."

  Josh figured the Buchanan family wasn't the only one supporting Wyatt's return to God, this morning. Right here, on this carriage there was a family in the making. A Munro family with himself, Grace and Ryan. But, he didn't dare say any of that to her. He was still trying to figure out what had happened on Friday night.

  Still feeling the frustration, Josh reflected on the events at the Christmas dance. He'd been making good progress convincing Grace of his feelings for her. The kiss had been unforgettable. And he'd just about managed to find the right words to express how he felt for Grace. Every word, that is, except the most important one.

  Love.

  He'd intended to tell Grace that he loved her. And he'd managed to get tantalizingly close to doing so. But, right at the decisive moment, the stranger had appeared, and everything had changed. Josh was certain he knew who the man was who'd been watching him and Grace. The same man from the saloon the other day. But, what Josh couldn't figure out was what the man wanted here in Inspiration. Why had he come all the way from Wyoming?

  After that, Josh and Grace had passed a pleasant evening at the dance, but the intimacy they'd shared beneath the tree had disappeared. For the rest of Friday night it had been about dancing and being polite to people. He'd spent most of Saturday trying to calm Wyatt's nerves about seeing Victoria Baxter again. He'd never seen Wyatt so excited, or so worried. Wyatt was worried he'd gotten himself into a situation where he could lose Victoria all over again. But, Josh had tried hard to get Wyatt to understand that today would be a new start. For him. And for Victoria. She wouldn't have suggested a visit to church unless she was happy for Wyatt to be courting her again. She and Wyatt would be on full display for everyone in town to see. There would be no going back after this morning.

  When they arrived at the church, Josh saw that Wyatt and Victoria had beat them to the front doors of the church. Parking the carriage and helping Grace down, Josh smiled when he saw people, one by one, taking Wyatt by the hand and welcoming him back to the church. Wyatt looked nervous, even perplexed by all the fuss
being made over him. But he was clearly happy to be standing alongside Victoria. They looked like a fine couple, Josh told himself. He was pleased for his half-brother. Wyatt deserved joy and happiness in his life. He'd been through a lot with their pa. It hadn't been easy. Maybe now, good times would come.