The Rancher’s Bride Surprise

by Maya Stirling

  Now what had he meant by that? Rachel glanced at Micah and heard him sigh heavily. "Calhoun. Get going. Those children need to get back to their lesson. And you're standing in the way."

  Calhoun turned and looked at the children who were running around, oblivious to what was going on at the door of the schoolhouse. "The children? They're so sweet." Calhoun nodded and then ran his gaze up the height of the schoolhouse. "This is a fine place for educating children. It'd be a shame if anything happened to it."

  Rachel frowned at Calhoun. "Are you issuing a threat? Because if you are, I'm sure the sheriff will be interested."

  Calhoun shook his head. "No. Just stating the obvious. They tell me you've been busy fixing this place up, Buchanan." Calhoun glanced from Micah to Rachel. "Didn't figure you for a man interested in education, Buchanan," Calhoun sneered.

  Rachel gasped. "You've said more than enough, Mr Calhoun," she exclaimed. "I'd be obliged if you'd be on your way."

  Calhoun hesitated. Micah glared at him. "You heard the lady." Micah flicked his thumb. "Git."

  Calhoun shook his head, began to turn away and then paused. "Miss Ellsworth. I hope you find what you're looking for." Calhoun gave Micah one final stern look. Then he made his way down the steps. Rachel watched as he strode through the group of children. Calhoun ignored the children as he walked away from the schoolhouse.

  Rachel turned to Micah. He was gazing down at the paper he held in his hand. "You want me to explain?" she asked.

  He lifted his head and nodded. "Sure." She could see the confusion in his eyes. The sight of that made something shift inside her. Something she couldn't put into words.

  She walked back into the schoolhouse and he followed. It was cooler inside, and she was glad that it was just herself and Micah. Rachel held out her hand. "You want me to read it to you?"

  He shook his head. "I don't think I have any right to know," he suggested.

  "You have every right to know," she insisted. "You've been kind to me. And to the children." She glanced at the paper in his hands. "Besides. It's not what you might be thinking."

  "And what am I thinking?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

  "That Calhoun was showing some kind of interest in me?" she said.

  "I don't believe that for one minute," he replied. "It just ain't possible."

  She felt her face flush with heat. "Why not?" she demanded.

  "The only time Calhoun does anything is when there's something to be gained." Micah's voice was steady. "He likes to ruin people's lives." The statement had been made with absolute conviction. As if it had been born out of painful experience.

  "Well, he's not going to ruin mine," Rachel stated. She glanced down at the letter. "That tells you all you need to know."

  Micah unfolded the paper and read the contents for a few moments. They were agonizing moments for Rachel. They seemed to go on forever. When he'd finished, he looked at her. There was puzzlement in his gaze. "Is this true?" he asked softly.

  "I didn't know who he was," Rachel said firmly. "I still don't really know. Nor what he is to you and your family."

  Micah shook his head and sighed. "That's a whole other story," he admitted. She wondered if he was going to tell her about it. Tell her why he and Calhoun hated one another so much.

  "Now that I think about it, he seemed to go out of his way to get my attention," Rachel said. "He was always wherever I was. Like he knew where I would be. He was always introducing himself to me."

  Micah nodded. "That doesn't surprise me."

  Rachel tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

  "Calhoun has connections in this town. Hardly anything happens without him knowing about it."

  "Spies?"

  Micah smiled ruefully. "I guess you could call them that." Micah glanced up at the roof. "He probably knew I was here the whole time, too."

  "Why would that be important to him? Rachel asked.

  She saw Micah's brows furrow. He drew in a deep breath and looked away. Why had that question annoyed him so much? He handed the letter to her. "This belongs to you."

  She took it and crushed it in her hand. "I have no use for this. It's done what I intended it to do."

  "Which is?" Micah asked.

  Rachel fixed Micah with a steady, firm look. "It's made it clear that Mr Calhoun isn't to come anywhere near me. Ever again. I think he got the message."

  She'd hoped her statement would ease his obvious pain. Hoped it would clear up a painful misunderstanding. But it hadn't. He still looked as troubled as he had since Calhoun had arrived. She felt as if she was missing some piece of the puzzle. Just as she was about to ask him, there was the thundering sound of feet on the steps leading up to the door. The children came running into the schoolhouse. Seeing Rachel and Micah there, they all skidded to a halt.

  "Children!" Rachel exclaimed. "What have I told you about not lining up for me at the door?"

  As one, their expressions became instantly sad. Rachel gestured for them to line up at the door. As they followed her instructions, she glanced from time to time at Micah. He was still lost in thought. She knew the moment had passed. She'd have to wait before Micah would open himself up to her.

  Rachel began to busy herself with the children. As she did so, Micah walked slowly out of the classroom. He paused at the door and watched the children taking their seats. "I'll be going," he said.

  Rachel felt her heart sink. "So soon?"

  "As I said," Micah murmured. "Most of the work has been done. I'll come back and finish things off. Get my things. When I get a chance."

  For some reason, she felt panic rise up within her. He wasn't just leaving for the day, she told herself. She suspected he had no intention of coming back if he could help it. Had Calhoun succeeded? Had he driven Micah away from her? If so, why had it been so easy? What wasn't Micah telling her?

  "Micah," Rachel said moving closer to him. "You were going to say something to me a moment ago."

  Micah shook his head. "It was nothing, Rachel. Nothing at all."

  And with that, he turned away and headed down the steps.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  "I just didn't know what I could say, Gideon," Micah said to his brother later that day. They were both on horseback, out on the Circle Cross spread. Leaning on the pommel of his saddle, Micah eased forward and gazed out across the grassy plain which stretched off into the distance. Micah's emotions were churning. He was glad to be with Gideon. But he also regretted the fact that he wasn't in town. With Rachel. He'd left her on a sour note. Left her wondering what had been bothering him. And that didn't sit well him.

  He thought about what had happened. Micah didn't know why, but he hadn't been able to tell her the full story about Calhoun and how he wanted to take possession of parts of the Circle Cross. He'd wanted to, but somehow the words just hadn't come out. He figured if he'd mentioned any of that, then a whole can of worms would have been opened up. Including how he was beginning to feel about the beautiful schoolteacher who had just about stolen his heart. Never mind what he intended to do about that.

  And just what did he intend to do about these growing feelings? Not accustomed to such emotions, Micah was at a loss to figure out his next step. So, he had done what he'd done so often in the past. Sought the advice of his brother. Gideon always knew how to solve problems.

  "You could have told her the truth," Gideon said calmly.

  "The truth?" Micah exclaimed. "I don't think she's ready for that. Not yet, anyway."

  "What do you think she'll do if you tell her about Calhoun and the ranch?"

  Micah sighed. "I don't know. But, right now, I don't want to take the chance I'll ruin everything."

  Gideon was holding the reins of his horse tight in his right hand. With his other hand he reached across and laid a hand on Micah's shoulder. "There's going to come a time when she'll need to know, Micah. Until then, you're not going to know whether she feels the same way about you as you do about her."

  Micah lifted a
brow. Gideon's gaze was penetrating. There was no fooling his wise brother, Micah told himself. "Is it that obvious?" he asked.

  Gideon nodded. "You're forgetting what I went through when I was courting Rosalind." Gideon sighed. "I know the signs. Although there were times when I have to confess I didn't know if I was going to win her hand." Gideon squinted thoughtfully. "She just seemed so difficult to understand."

  "That sounds familiar," Micah replied.

  "God sends these incredible women into our lives, and all we can do is worry and complain," Gideon observed and smiled ruefully. "Instead of being thankful for the grace which He has given to us by bringing them into our lives. A wife is precious gift from God. Even if it takes us ornery men forever to appreciate that fact."

  Micah thought about that for a moment. Gideon was right. Maybe it was time to be grateful for the fact that He had brought Rachel into his life. So why was that proving so hard? Why was he resisting the will of God? Because that was what it felt like. Micah felt like, over the past week, he'd been doing everything he could to keep Rachel at arms length. Was he selfishly trying to hold onto the life he had? Or was he just afraid? A coward, in fact.

  "And you've got to think about the little girl, too," Gideon said. "She needs a father."

  That last word hit Micah like a physical blow in the chest. Father. Was he ready for that? Even if he succeeded in courting Rachel, Micah knew he still had to face the challenge of becoming an instant father. Of acquiring an instant family. Of taking on all the responsibilities that came with that role.

  Just thinking about that made his throat tighten. Still, he had to admit that being around the schoolhouse so much these past days, he'd gotten a chance to see what it was like to be around children. And, in spite of a few hiccups, and a few embarrassing encounters, he had to admit he was beginning to see that it could be pleasing. He'd never spent that much time around children. Maybe, with time, and a guiding hand, he could accept it into his life.

  "You're right, Gideon," Micah said. He smiled. "You should see what they're like when Rachel and Lily are together. It's hard to believe that Rachel isn't Lily's real mother. They have such a close bond."

  Gideon nodded. "Can't be easy for Rachel," he observed. "Becoming a mother without any warning. It's a huge responsibility."

  "You're right," Micah agreed. "She seems to handle it really well. I guess being a teacher helps. Being around children so much. Rachel knows just what to do." Micah groaned. "As for me? It would take me a long time to get used to being a father to that little girl."

  Gideon gazed benevolently at Micah. "If that is God's will, then it'll be the greatest thing you'll ever do. There's nothing greater than nurturing someone. Making sure they are safe in this world. Teaching them how to live a life of virtue." Gideon nodded. "It could be the making of you, Micah."

  Micah wasn't quite sure how to take that last part. "You saying I'm immature?"

  Gideon laughed. "No. Just that it's probably time for you to take on those responsibilities. And you'll find out what it's like to be a husband."

  Micah rolled his eyes. "And you're about to tell me. Right?"

  Gideon's expression remained impassive. "Only if you want me to."

  "I think I'll wait for that advice, Gideon," Micah said. "I don't want to get ahead of myself. It won't do to take anything for granted. Heck. I don't even know if Rachel likes me that much."

  Gideon cleared his throat and furrowed his brows. "I'm sure Sophie has been doing a good job telling Rachel all about you. And the Circle Cross. She probably knows more about you than you think." Gideon smiled. "Or want her to know."

  "Rachel has never lived on a ranch," Micah complained. "She doesn't know what it's like."

  "You're looking for excuses again, Micah," Gideon claimed. "She's a schoolteacher. That proves she's got what it takes. If she can handle a classroom of children, she can handle anything. Have you thought about what you're going to do?" Gideon asked.

  "What can I do?" Micah replied, feeling slightly annoyed at his own lack of ideas.

  "She hasn't met the family, yet. Has she?"

  Micah shook his head. "No. I don't think she'll want to come anywhere near us."

  "Why not?"

  "She's too busy teaching. Besides. After today I'm not sure she'll want me anywhere near her and Lily."

  "That's nonsense, Micah. And you know it," Gideon chided. "Maybe she'd appreciate a break from being in town. See the ranch. You never know. She might like it up here. Especially after what happened with her and Calhoun."

  Micah nodded. "I guess you're right." He thought for a moment. "What I still don't understand is what was Calhoun doing?"

  Gideon looked thoughtful and serious. "If you ask me, he's trying to put a wedge between you and Rachel." Gideon lifted a brow. "Or maybe he liked her," he added hesitantly. "You know he ain't married."

  Micah sat up straight. His heart was pounding at the thought of Calhoun and Rachel even looking at one another. "Now hold on there, brother. You're not suggesting Calhoun thought he could court Rachel."

  "The man is capable of anything," Gideon replied evenly.

  "He tricked Rachel," Micah declared. "She didn't even know who he was. Let alone the kinds of things he does. Never mind having his eyes on this spread. If she'd known any of that, she wouldn't even have given him the time of day."

  "I agree. He took advantage of the fact that she's just arrived in Inspiration." Gideon said. "But she dealt with him pretty well, don't you think?"

  "Sending that letter?" Micah nodded, recalling the words he'd read. "Sure."

  Dear Mr Calhoun. This is to inform you that I would appreciate it if from now on we maintain a courteous and civil distance. I have no intention of allowing myself to be courted by you. I thank you for your cooperation. Yours, Rachel Ellsworth.

  Micah smiled. Now that was what he called a rejection. He could just imagine how annoyed Rachel must have been when she wrote those words. There was no doubt in his mind that she'd meant what she said. He preferred not to think about Calhoun paying her the slightest attention. In any case, he was sure Calhoun had gotten the message. Loud and clear.

  Calhoun had looked humiliated when he'd stood at the schoolhouse door. Especially when he'd seen the way Rachel had looked at him. There had been real determination in her eyes as she'd ordered him off her property. Because the schoolhouse had become like Rachel's private domain. No-one else in town could do what she could do with those children.

  Micah sighed. As far as he was concerned, the beautiful newcomer with the bright eyes and irresistible smile was the best thing to ever happen to Inspiration.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  "He wants us to go to the ranch? Today?" Rachel exclaimed. She was sitting at the kitchen table of the Cameron house.

  Sophie, sitting across from Rachel, nodded. "He'll be here soon. To take you and Lily."

  It was Saturday morning. Rachel had planned to spend the morning at home and then perhaps go to the Main Street with Lily. But the prospect of an awkward encounter with Brett Calhoun filled her with dread. Apart from which she didn't want Calhoun anywhere near Lily. Maybe a visit to the Circle Cross ranch would give her and Lily some welcome respite.

  "Lily's never been on a ranch," Rachel said. "I guess she might find it exciting."

  "They've got lots of horses up there," Sophie said. "What little girl doesn't get excited when she sees horses? You never know. They might even let her ride one."