Hunter's Montana Bride (Montana Ranchers and Brides #8)

by Maya Stirling

  "What's that supposed to mean?" Gideon demanded suddenly standing up at the front of the carriage.

  Hunter still hadn't moved his hand from Gretchen grasp, but she could sense the outrage as his grip tightened on the side of the carriage.

  Beatrice turned to Gideon. "Just you sit down, Gideon. Don't go making a fool of yourself. We only just arrived and your already picking on Hunter," she said.

  Hunter looked at Gretchen's mother, a wry smile on his face. "I can look after myself, Beatrice. But I appreciate your kind words. It's good to see not everyone in this family has lost their mind," he said.

  Gretchen looked at her father, pleading in her eyes. "Papa. Please. We only just got here," she said.

  Gideon sat down, but Gretchen could see he was breathing deeply through flared nostrils. Her father's jaw was set tight as his gaze flashed from Hunter to Beatrice.

  And it was then that the amazing thing happened which changed the entire tenor of the moment, turning the mood from antagonism to something altogether different. It was caused by the sweetest sound that Gretchen had ever heard in her life, and one with which in recent weeks she had become all too familiar.

  One of the babies started to cry. A quiet, gentle sweet sound.

  And it was at that moment that Hunter finally withdrew his hand and took one long step backwards. His jaw literally dropped and his eyes widened. He peered inside the carriage and saw the basket.

  Gretchen felt her heart fill with all manner of emotions, none of which she could put into words. She gazed at Hunter and his eyes met her own. There was the briefest flash of a question in his gaze and she could only nod her head in wordless confirmation.

  Gretchen reached down into the basket and rolled back the blankets. Ever so gently, she lifted out the little crying baby and laid her gently upon her shoulder, patting her back as gently as she could. The little girl had on the sweetest pink outfit. After a moment the baby girl stopped crying, settling softly against Gretchen's shoulder, cooing gently.

  Gretchen looked at Hunter. His face had locked into a frozen mask of shock. Gretchen smiled at Hunter and somehow, from some place deep inside himself he found the strength and self possession to smile back at Gretchen. But he looked completely and utterly stunned.

  Hunter looked toward Beatrice who merely nodded. Everyone seemed to have been silenced by the sound of the crying baby. So it fell to Gretchen to formally introduce Hunter to one of his own children.

  "Hunter. I'd like you to meet Hannah," she said softly, all the while gently rocking the little girl against her shoulder.

  Hunter's eyes peered at the little girl. He took one step closer but once again was stopped in his tracks by another sound. The same sound as before.

  The other baby started to cry.

  Hunter's head whirled around and his gaze locked on the other basket.

  Beatrice reached down and lifted up the other little bundle of joy, just as Gretchen had done moments before. Beatrice settled the baby against her shoulder and rocked the little one, trying to quiet the soft but insistent voice.

  Beatrice smiled at Hunter. "And say hello to Lewis," she said softly, looking with genuine affection at the pretty features of the little boy she held in her arms.

  Hunter reached a shaking hand up and ran his quivering fingers through his dark hair. Gretchen was suddenly concerned that this otherwise strong and robust rancher was about to pass out on his own front yard.

  Hunter's eyes narrowed and he smiled, cocking his head to one side. "Are you telling me that I'm a father?" he asked, his voice filled with incredulity.

  Gretchen pulled Hannah closer to her, hugging the little one as tight as she possibly could. She nodded. "Uh huh. It's true. This is your daughter," she said. She looked over toward her mother and Lewis. "And that is your son," she announced, thinking that, as she uttered them, the words sounded simply amazing.

  Hunter let out a lengthy gust of breath that seemed to completely empty his lungs. He bent forward and grasped his knees. Once again Gretchen was worried he was going to pass out.

  After a few moments of trying to calm himself Hunter looked up and strode over to the carriage and thrust open the door. Gretchen could see the intense emotion on his face, the burning need to touch his child, the desperate desire to make sure all of this wasn't some strange illusion. Gretchen turned Hannah so that Hunter could see her face. When his eyes met those of his baby daughter Hunter's composure completely cracked. His eyes filled with tears and Gretchen could see him swallowing back the emotion that was welling up inside him.

  Hunter reached out and placed gentle hands on Hannah's tiny little shoulders. "Hannah," he whispered, his eyes filling with tears and wonder. For a moment all Hunter did was stare in amazement at the beautiful baby.

  Then he turned quickly. Beatrice held out little Lewis. Hunter reached out and touched Lewis on the shoulder. "Lewis," he said. He had a hand on each of his children now. Gretchen thought that the look on Hunter's face just couldn't be put into words. But it was wonderful nonetheless.

  It seemed to Gretchen that Hunter could barely even utter the names of his children. It was as if he'd lost the power over any other words than the names of his newly revealed children.

  Hunter seemed bewildered. Beyond stunned. He lifted his booted foot and set it upon the edge of the open carriage door. He looked toward Gretchen. "I had no idea," he murmured.

  "Of course you didn't," Gretchen said quietly.

  "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Hunter asked.

  "We can talk about that later, Hunter," Gretchen reassured him.

  He looked at her with puzzlement on his face. "Later?"

  Gretchen looked at little Hannah. "I think she needs to be attended to," she said.

  Hunter looked confused for a moment. "Attended to? Where?"

  "Why, here of course," Gretchen said looking toward the house.

  Hunter glanced back at the ranch house. "But, I..." he started to say.

  "We met Trent on the way here," Gretchen said.

  "Trent? What did he say?" Hunter asked.

  "He told us you've been busy."

  Hunter frowned. "How?"

  "Making the ranch house bigger?" Gretchen teased.

  Hunter looked toward the end of the building where the work had been done, work that still had some way to go before being complete.

  "Are you trying to tell me something, Gretchen?" he asked.

  She loved the sound of her name on his lips. Always had. "Of course I am, Hunter," she answered.

  Gretchen heard Gideon sigh impatiently. "Don't you get it, son. Your wife has came back to you. She wants you both and the children to live in this here ramshackle dump," he said bluntly.

  "Gideon. I told you to behave yourself," Beatrice said, still rocking little Lewis against her shoulder.

  "But it is, Beatrice. Look at it? Is this the kind of place you want our grandchildren to grow up in?" Gideon said.

  Gretchen felt her face redden. "This is my decision, papa. You know that I think this is the best for the children," she said defiantly.

  Gideon's shoulders slumped. "It was your own fool decision to marry in the first place. I tried to tell you. But you wouldn't believe me," he said.

  Gretchen glanced at Hunter and saw the irritation on his features once again. How could he not be annoyed, she asked herself. Her father was being his usual difficult self. There was nothing she could do about that. But there was one thing she was determined to do. And that was, make sure that Hunter knew that she had come back. For good.

  But taking one look at Hunter, Gretchen wasn't so sure that her husband was in a similar frame of mind. He looked suddenly so darned unsure. He seemed to have taken some of Gideon's words too much to heart.

  "Why didn't you come back sooner?" Hunter asked.

  Gretchen sighed and clutched Hannah closer to her. "Maybe I can explain inside," she said.

  Hunter stood stock still once again, deliberating. Then suddenly he seemed
to come to a decision. He took hold of the side door to the carriage. "We best get inside. Those babies of ours need some tender care. And they aren't going to get it out here in the yard."

  Had he said "babies of ours"? Gretchen glanced at her mother and saw a flicker of recognition on her face. She had heard right.

  "I'll wait here," Gideon said quickly and firmly. He stiffened in the chair, looking for all the world like he was prepared to sit there all day. Gretchen saw Beatrice shake her head in exasperation.

  Hunter reached out and helped Gretchen step down out of the carriage. Standing next to her husband for the first time in almost a year felt so good. So right. Even more so since she was holding one of their babies in her arms. Hunter looked at Gretchen, his eyes still filled with a confusing welter of emotions. Gretchen knew he must be finding the entire situation more than overwhelming. The truth was, she was finding it hard to stay steady on her feet, but the realization that she held her precious daughter in her arms, gave her the strength she so badly needed.

  Hunter reached in and gave Beatrice assistance in getting out of the carriage. Mother and daughter stood side by side, each cradling an infant in their arms. Hunter picked up one of the baskets and turned to Gideon. "You sure you don't want to come inside?"

  Gideon simply shook his head. Gretchen saw Hunter smile and shake his head. There'd be time for the two men to work out their differences later, she thought.

  Hunter turned, holding the baby basket tight, his knuckles white. He nodded toward the front door. "Please. After you," he said. "I'm sure Mrs. Roper is going to be mighty surprised to see you, Gretchen," he said.

  There was that feeling again. The sensation that rippled through her as she heard her name slide off his tongue. Would she ever get used to that? There was so much to talk about. So much explaining to do. So many unanswered questions.

  But right now, all that mattered was that she was here with Hunter and their children.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Hunter held the door open for Gretchen and Beatrice and felt his hand shake as it held the cold metal of the handle.

  It couldn't be true! Gretchen was home.

  And she had brought two children with her!

  Children that Hunter had known nothing about. Twins that had come into the world without their father being even slightly aware of their existence. He simply had no idea how he should be reacting to such a surprise. In fact, he had felt like he could pass out with the shock of it all. But he'd held it all together. Especially since Gideon had been watching him so carefully. He wasn't going to show the slightest weakness while Gideon was around.

  Gretchen moved past him, holding little Hannah. Gretchen's eyes met Hunter's as she squeezed past him. He caught the delightful scent of her perfume as she eased through the door and into the hallway of the ranch house. It was like a dream. But it wasn't a dream. Gretchen was here. Hunter had to take a deep breath once again to contain the emotions swirling inside him.

  There was a sudden cry of delight and Mrs. Roper barrelled out of the kitchen, extending her arms, her face lit up with the joy of seeing Gretchen.

  "My dear. You're home!" the housekeeper exclaimed. "What a delightful surprise."

  Hunter saw Gretchen smile. "Mrs. Roper. How nice to see you," she said.

  Mrs. Roper's eyes widened as she noticed the two little bundles held in both women's arms. "What's this?" she gasped.

  Gretchen turned little Hannah toward Mrs.Roper. "This is Hannah," she said. The little one's eyes lit up at the sight of the rotund, friendly faced housekeeper.

  Mrs. Roper screeched with delight and clasped her hands to her face. "Babies!" she cried, glancing toward Beatrice who held little Lewis on display. Like his sister, little Lewis' face had lit up on hearing the overjoyed tones of Mrs. Roper's voice.

  "Two babies!" Mrs. Roper ejaculated. "My dear sweet Lord. What little treasures," she screamed, reaching out welcoming arms toward them.

  She hesitated and glanced toward Hunter. Her brows lifted questioningly and Hunter smiled at her, because given the circumstances there was simply nothing else he could possibly do but smile.

  "But..." she started to say, looking as incredulous as Hunter himself felt.

  Hunter interrupted her. "I think these little ones will be better off in the parlor. Don't you agree Mrs. Roper?"

  "Of course," she answered waving them all in the direction of the parlor. "Everyone get inside. Don't be standing here in the hall. I'll get some tea brewing. Or do you want coffee?"

  "Either would be fine," Gretchen answered. Hunter thought Gretchen looked genuinely pleased to see Mrs. Roper. Given how long they'd both known each other it was no surprise.

  Mrs. Roper went to Gretchen and laid a welcoming hand on her elbow. "It's so lovely to see you Miss. Gretchen," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "So good to have you back," she concluded with a glance toward Hunter. Once again there was a query in that look which went unanswered.

  They made their way into the parlor.

  "You'll have to forgive the mess," Mrs. Roper said picking up cushions and shifting chairs. Hunter smiled at how she was fussing, but he knew his housekeeper would move heaven and earth to make anyone in the house feel at home. Only after she was sure that everyone was fine, did Mrs. Roper head back toward the kitchen.

  Gretchen took a seat on the sofa, still clutching Hannah. She glanced up at Hunter. He was still clutching the empty basket. He suddenly knew what she was asking him to do, without having said as much. It was as if he could read her mind. He rapidly laid the basket down by Gretchen's side on the sofa. She smiled up at him and he felt a surge of gratifying pleasure at having at least done something right without having to be asked.

  Beatrice took a seat on the chair by the unlit fireplace.

  "Do you want me to go and get the other basket?" Hunter asked Beatrice.

  With a glance at Lewis's little face, Beatrice shook her head. "I think he's fine for the moment. Please, take a seat," she said gesturing toward Gretchen.

  Hunter hesitated and glanced down. Gretchen looked up at Hunter. "Can you give me a hand to put her back in the basket?" she asked.

  Hunter felt himself go rigid. "Give you a hand?" he asked quickly.

  Gretchen smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes. Could you pull the blanket to one side so I can pop her in there?"

  Hunter felt his throat tighten. He glanced at Beatrice who was watching him with intense interest.

  "Uh. Of course I can do that, " he said, reaching down.

  He drew the blanket away and reached into the basket, pressing the empty space into shape for his daughter to lie upon. He glanced across at Gretchen who nodded in approval, leaning forward and placing the tiny little figure of Hannah inside the basket. As they both worked to ensure that Hannah was comfortably placed inside the basket, Hunter felt his hand touch Gretchen's as they drew the blanket into place. The sensation of their hands meeting while attending to the needs of their daughter filled his entire being with a torrent of confusing emotions.

  His mind immediately filled with insistent questions. Could this even be real? What was he supposed to do? How was he expected to react?

  Moments before he'd been idling on the porch, thinking about the usual things he'd been running over in his mind for so long. Now he was here with his wife, attending to one of their children in the most intimate and familial manner. It almost made him question his sanity.

  Hunter glanced over at Gretchen as she patted the blanket and withdrew her hands. Hunter was almost certain that the momentary touching of their hands had affected Gretchen in a similar manner. Her face had flushed slightly and he guessed she was trying hard to maintain an appearance of calm.

  Hunter stood up. "Are you sure Gideon won't want to come inside?" he asked Beatrice.

  She looked at Hunter, all the while rocking Lewis gently against her shoulder. "He's a man who has his own ideas. Once he gets something into that skull of his, nothing will change his mind. I'd
suggest letting him cool his heels for a while."

  "Papa has been so rude to Hunter, mama. It's not fair," she said.

  Hunter thrust his hands into his pockets, feeling suddenly awkward standing in front of the fireplace, looking down upon Gretchen and Beatrice. "It's okay. I guess Gideon had his reasons for saying what he said. He's entitled to his opinion," he said.

  Gretchen looked up at Hunter. "Not when he's so patently wrong in those opinions," she said. Then she patted the sofa on the other side of the basket. "Please, Hunter. Have a seat," she said softly.

  Hunter nodded and paused for a moment. Of course it was the most natural thing that Gretchen wanted him to sit by her side with their daughter by their side. So how come he felt such reluctance to consent to her request? After a long pause he saw Gretchen's brows furrow slightly. On seeing that look, he went to the sofa and sat down next to the basket. He immediately saw that she was pleased that he'd agreed to her request.

  It felt good to be by her side. The same as it always had felt good to be with Gretchen. He'd never felt so good as when he'd been with the woman who had consented to become his wife.

  A sharp and harsh thought edged it's way into his awareness. Unbidden and wholly unwelcome.

  The very same wife who had gone away and had brought his two children into the world without him knowing the slightest thing about it.

  How could that even have happened? How was that possible? The most precious moment they should have shared together had been denied him. He didn't know what to think. It added even more to the same jumble of warring emotions that had filled his every day for the past year.

  How could Gretchen just sit there and smile at him like that? Didn't she understand just how he was feeling at this moment? Couldn't she tell that he was burning up inside, desperate for some explanation that he could make sense of for what had happened today?

  Then he heard a soft cough and he looked over toward Beatrice. Lewis was coughing and Beatrice was patting his back. A reflex seized Hunter, emerging from inside himself in a way that took him completely by surprise. He rose to his feet and strode across to Beatrice, extending his arms. "Let me take him," he said quickly.