"Lauren," Gabe said, his voice quivering slightly with emotion. "How nice to see you again," he added, telling himself immediately that his words sounded lame.
She arched one brow. "Gabe," she said softly. He saw Lauren glance briefly toward Victoria and Ryan. Her lips tightened and he saw hesitation in her eyes. She folded her arms across her middle. Her shoulders rose slightly, betraying instant defense. Lauren Munro seemed lost for words.
To Gabe's instant dismay, Victoria started to lead Ryan away. "Let's leave Gabe and Lauren to talk, Ryan," she said. "We'll go inside and make some tea. I think there's some cake we can all eat, too." Ryan gasped excitedly at the mention of a sweet treat. Ryan gave Gabe one last look and then let Victoria lead him back towards the ranch house.
Now that he and Lauren were alone, Gabe realized it was his turn to be lost for words. He scuffed his boots across the yard's loose dirt surface. Suddenly, to his consternation, Lauren turned and made it obvious that she intended to follow Victoria and Ryan back to the ranch house. Gabe coughed loudly and Lauren turned, halting. He couldn't believe she had nothing to say to him. He hesitated when he saw her steady gaze. Judging by the way she was looking at him, maybe it was a good thing she wasn't saying anything, Gabe told himself.
After a long few moments, she did speak. "I have nothing to say to you, Gabe Baxter," she said quietly. "Absolutely nothing."
Gabe felt his mouth drop open. Stunned, he gazed incredulously at Lauren. Before he had a chance to say another word she advanced toward him. Lowering her voice, she said: "In case you're wondering why I've come back, maybe I should tell you. It's not because of you." Her gaze was steady and filled with indignation. Was she still hurting after what had happened between them? "My father and I have come here only because it is on the way to our final destination."
Gabe squinted at her. "Where are you going?"
Her eyes, blue and iridescent, and as compelling as he remembered, shimmered briefly. "California." She paused for dramatic effect. "San Francisco, to be exact."
Gabe felt the breath ease out of his lungs. "California!"
Lauren nodded curtly. "We stopped off to see Victoria and Wyatt. My father and I are headed West. We'll be gone by the end of the week."
For a moment Gabe didn't know what to make of what she'd just told him. Telling him like this, so abruptly, it seemed like she was warning him off. As if she didn't want him to get the idea that she had come back to him. That somehow she and Gabe had no unfinished business. Well, she had made that perfectly clear, Gabe told himself. Before he had a chance to summon up a reply, Lauren gave him one last look. "So, since I'm here visiting my family, I'd be obliged if you and I could just be friendly. Keep our distance." Her eyes narrowed. "Can we do that?"
Gabe knew what he wanted to say. He wanted to tell her she was asking for the impossible. But after a year of waiting, after a year of thinking about her, it wasn't going be possible to be only friends. Before he had the chance to say any of that, Lauren turned away from him and started back toward the ranch house. Her stride was purposeful.
As Gabe watched Lauren make away her into the house, he told himself that what had started out as a terrible day had just gotten a whole lot worse. His parents had ordered him to marry. And the only woman Gabe had ever considered taking as a wife had just made it absolutely clear to him she didn't want anything to do with him.
When Gabe heard the door to the ranch house slam shut behind Lauren, he felt his heart sink like a stone.
CHAPTER TWO
This was awkward, Lauren told herself. The silence in the parlor was deafening and had been so since Gabe had accompanied her into the parlor. Following Victoria's instruction, Gabe had taken his place alongside Lauren on the sofa. Emotion thrummed through her as she recalled how she had spoken to Gabe out in the yard. Not regret, although maybe she had been too direct, she told herself. But telling the truth was important. Hadn't her father always instructed her to do that? Didn't her faith also demand that?
Gabe Baxter's gaze was fixed on her. Lauren forced herself to smile awkwardly at him. When he smiled back at her she felt her heartbeat quicken treacherously. He was seated right alongside her on the sofa. Perilously close. She could feel the sheer power of his presence. How could she have forgotten how devastatingly handsome Gabe was?
Ranching life had shaped Gabe Baxter into an impressive figure. Even more so since the last time she'd seen him a year ago. Dark hair with a healthy lustrous sheen; even features and sun-darkened skin; strong chin and full lips set in a firm, impassive line. His broad shoulders and deep chest filled the plaid shirt and jacket. Gabe shifted slightly, crossing one long, jean-covered leg over the other. The leather of his brown boots made a soft whispering sound as they slid together. There was no denying the attractions of the eldest Baxter brother, Lauren admitted to herself.
Lauren shifted on the parlor sofa and asked herself how long she was going to be able to remain in the room. Hadn't she just told Gabe she had nothing to say to him? Lauren sat, hands clasped in her lap, and tried to keep from looking at Gabe. He'd changed, she concluded after examining him for a long moment. There was a tougher, harder quality to him now. Last year, during the wonderful, romance-filled days following Victoria and Wyatt's wedding, Gabe had seemed different. Back then, apparently determined to court Lauren, he'd never stopped smiling and there had been a brightness and constant delight in his eyes. But now, those same chocolate-brown eyes betrayed a barely disguised darkness. Something was troubling Gabe. She was sure of it.
Lauren stiffened, turning her gaze away from Gabe. Whatever was bothering him, it was none of her concern. It never would be, especially once she and her father finally left the Munro ranch and headed for California. Nothing was going to stop that from happening, she told herself.
Lauren heard the rattle of plates and cutlery from the kitchen as Victoria prepared the promised tea and cake. She heard young Ryan's voice babbling indistinctly and excitedly. Victoria was clearly determined to allow Lauren and Gabe a few minutes to renew their acquaintance. But there was nothing to reawaken, Lauren reminded herself yet again. What had passed a year ago between herself and Gabe was over.
Suddenly, she felt the silence was unbearable. She smiled at Gabe. His brows lifted, responding to the change in her demeanor. Gabe looked expectantly at her.
"Victoria told me your parents have been spending the last month back East," she said.
Gabe nodded. "They've been visiting my Aunt Mabel. She's been unwell since the turn of the year. Ma and pa wanted to help her any way they can. She lives on her own in Philadelphia. They haven't seen one another in a long time. We have other family there, too."
Lauren smiled. "That's a very kind thing to do," she offered tentatively. "But then I remember how lovely your parents were to me at Victoria and Wyatt's wedding."
As if sensing an opportunity, Gabe said quickly. "They like you." He paused and then added. "A lot."
Lauren acknowledged that disguised compliment with a polite nod of her head. Another awkward silence descended upon the parlor. She couldn't help noticing that he had spoken in the present tense. As if his parents still held her in high regard.
Determined to shift the conversation to another subject, she spoke quickly. "I guess that means you've been left running the ranch, for now," she suggested. "I'm sure you're doing a fine job."
Expecting he would casually agree, she was shocked to see him roll his eyes and hear him scoff. "My two younger brothers seem to think it's all down to me."
"What do you mean?"
He shook his head and sighed. "Let's just say that Kyle and Landon don't share my enthusiasm for looking after the spread."
Lauren frowned. "Are you saying they're not willing to work?"
He groaned. "It's taking a lot of effort to keep them focused on what they're supposed to be doing." Gabe shrugged. "Since my parents left for the East, Kyle and Landon seem to be under the impression summer has come early."
He'd meant that last comment as a joke, she told herself. But she could also see something else in his eyes. Disappointment, and even a hint of pain. An impulse flared to life inside her. An urge she hadn't felt for a whole year. She realized she wanted to reach out a hand and lay it gently upon his arm. Say soft words of reassurance. Taken aback by the awareness of that impulse, she immediately schooled her features, watching him patiently. She looked at him as coldly as she could, under the circumstances.
"I thought your brothers both loved the ranching life," Lauren stated.
Gabe shook his head and sighed. "Landon does pull his weight, I guess. Even though there are things he doesn't like doing," Gabe said and then looked reflective. "It's Kyle that worries me, though."
"Why?"
Gabe sighed heavily. "He's thinking of striking out on his own. Kyle thinks there's more to life than keeping a family ranch."
Lauren thought for a moment, recalling that the youngest of the Baxter brothers had talked enthusiastically about cowboy life while attending his sister's wedding to Wyatt Munro. "Maybe he's been reading too many dime novels," she suggested.
Gabe shook his head. "Kyle's not big on reading. It's more like he's been listening to tall tales while he's been in town. You know how it is when outsiders come to town and start telling stories. Young folks get ideas into their heads."
Lauren felt a mild rush of indignation, but did her best to hide it from Gabe. She was an outsider, wasn't she? Had he meant those remarks for her benefit? "Not all outsiders come to cause trouble."
As if realizing his words had offended her, Gabe leaned forward slightly, his cheeks flushing red. "I didn't mean that to include you and your father," he explained hurriedly.
Lauren smiled. "Of course you didn't," she responded lifting a brow. She hoisted a shoulder and tilted her head. "Me and my pa have impeccable characters," she joked, giving Gabe a wry grin.
"What's this you're saying about me?" came a low, gruff voice from the open parlor doors. Lauren turned and saw her father standing there dressed in dark shirt and pants. He was staring at her, his brows furrowed grimly. For a moment, she wondered how her father would react to finding her alone with Gabe. Judging by the sternness of his gaze she considered she had good cause to be concerned. Last year, when she and her father had left Inspiration, Gabe and her father hadn't parted on exactly the most amicable of terms.
Lauren watched Gabe's head whirl around. She was sure his features turned slightly pale at the sight of her father's towering, plainly-dressed figure.
Gabe stood quickly and glanced down at Lauren and then at her father. "Zacharias." Gabe hesitated and then added: "I mean, Mr Munro," Gabe gasped. "I was just speaking with your daughter about what some folks do when they come to Inspiration."
"I heard," Zacharias said as he started to advance into the room. He came to Gabe and halted. Lauren stood and glanced at both men, worried that some kind of argument might be about to start.
Gabe extended a hand cautiously. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr Munro."
Her father took Gabe's hand and shook it firmly. When she saw her father narrow his eyes almost menacingly, Lauren feared he was about to say some harsh words to Gabe. She recalled how her father had spoken to her about Gabe's advances after she and Zacharias had left Inspiration twelve months ago. Her father hadn't been too impressed with some of the ways in which Gabe had conducted himself immediately after the wedding of Victoria and Wyatt. Seemed like he had felt Gabe had been mighty presumptuous in trying to court his only daughter. Lauren was his only child. Glancing at her father, she saw a steady scrutiny in those dark eyes.
"You're looking well," Gabe added releasing his grip on Zacharias' hand.
"You think so?" Zacharias replied.
Gabe nodded and then ran his gaze down the length of her father's tall figure. "Seems like the outdoor life suits you."
Zacharias frowned and glanced at Lauren, as if counseling her to silence. Gabe was right about her father. He did look well. Strong and fit for most of his life, Zacharias Munro cut a fine figure for a man aged almost fifty. A broad chest and powerful shoulders had been forged by back-breaking work since youth. Her father's features showed evidence of fine health. Bright eyes and sun-darkened skin gave the impression of a man much younger than he actually was.
To Lauren's surprise, Zacharias shrugged and patted his stomach. "I haven't let myself go, if that's what you mean," he said to Gabe. He smiled at Lauren. "My daughter has looked after me better than I have any right to expect." A familiar look of pride spread across his features. "God gave me a wonderful child. A daughter to treasure." Lauren felt her cheeks flush with heat. She glanced at Gabe and was sure she could see him holding back a smile.
"He sure did, Zacharias," Gabe admitted.
The heat on Lauren's cheeks doubled. She dragged her gaze away from Gabe and heard him clear his throat. When she looked at her father she saw him nodding in agreement. "Glad you still think highly of Lauren," her father stated. Lauren frowned, momentarily taken aback by the friendly tone in her father's voice.
Gabe's eyes widened slightly. "Of course I do, Zacharias," he stuttered.
Her father lifted a brow and peered at Gabe. "My friends call me Zach," he said slowly. "Or have you forgotten?" Her father's gruff manner had entirely disappeared.
Once again, Gabe looked unsure how he should respond to her father's obviously friendly demeanor toward him. The truth was, Lauren could hardly believe it herself. What was her father doing being so cordial toward Gabe? She'd expected the exact opposite.
"Okay, Zach," Gabe said tentatively. Lauren saw Gabe's eyes narrow slightly as if he was trying to decide whether her father was being genuine. Before she had a chance to say another word, Lauren heard the clinking of china and cutlery and the sound of footsteps.
Victoria entered the room carrying a large silver tray upon which were set teapot, cups, saucers and a large plate piled high with cakes. She halted quickly upon seeing Lauren's father. "We've got extra," Victoria observed. She turned to Ryan who was standing behind her. "Go fetch another cup and saucer, Ryan," she instructed the boy. Dutifully, Ryan raced off in the direction of the kitchen. Victoria came around the sofa and laid the tray down on a low table. Everyone took their seats and then Ryan came running back into the room and handed the cup and saucer to Victoria. She thanked him and proceeded to pour out the cups of tea and serve the cake onto separate small plates.
It was all suddenly very civilized, Lauren told herself. As she sipped on her tea she gazed at Gabe over the lip of her cup. He looked as taken aback by this as she was. A short while ago, out in the yard, she'd made it clear to Gabe that she wanted nothing to do with him. She'd been confident he'd gotten the message. Loud and clear.
Now, however, she wasn't so sure. Not with the way he was looking back at her. It seemed that the genial reception from her father had undermined her efforts to keep Gabe Munro at a distance.
CHAPTER THREE
Gabe started on his way to the Baxter ranch near lunchtime. The spread lay south of the town, while the Munro ranch sat in a wide valley to the east of Inspiration. This meant that Gabe's journey home took him through town. Gabe was pleased about that. Riding slowly up Main Street, Gabe saw that the boardwalk was busy with townsfolk going about their business. It felt good to be in town again, away from the complications and confusions of the talk in the parlor of the Munro ranch house. He loved Inspiration. Had done so, ever since his family had moved to the town over ten years before when Gabe had been eighteen years old.
Making his way up Main Street, Gabe reflected on the curious way Lauren's father, Zach Munro, had spoken to him. When Gabe had seen Zach standing at the parlor door, he'd worried that the man might have chosen that exact moment to give Gabe a dressing down about what had happened a year before. Gabe still remembered how angry Zach had been when he'd found out about his daughter being courted by one of the Baxter brothers.
At the time, Zach's fury had puzzled
Gabe, especially seeing as how Victoria had been marrying one of the Munro clan. Gabe hadn't been able to figure out why Zach had been so upset about another possible union between a Baxter and a Munro. At the time, Gabe had just put it down to Zach's understandably protective attitude toward his only daughter. It couldn't be easy for Zach to contemplate giving Lauren away. Maybe he'd just been taken by surprise, Gabe had reflected.
The Rancher’s Reunion Bride Page 2
