When she turned to look at Gabe again, she saw he'd completely ignored the bird. He only had eyes for her. His gaze was penetrating. She glanced at his full lips. Then Gabe eased forward and lifted his hand, cupping her chin gently. His head dipped forward and his lips claimed a tender kiss.
Sensation flamed into life inside Lauren. She gasped quietly as Gabe's soft lips caressed her mouth. She leaned closer to him. His arms swept around her, embracing her carefully. Gently. She felt the strength of his body, the power shaped by years of ranch work. Her mind filled with warring thoughts. She'd lived this moment so many times in her mind. Being with Gabe meant so much to her. He made her happy. It was that simple. No matter how many times she tried to tell herself she didn't belong in his life, his world, she knew it wasn't true. Not when he could make her feel like this, she told herself. For a long moment, she allowed herself to savor the delight of sharing this place, this sanctuary of peace, with him.
Then Gabe lifted his head back and gazed tenderly into her eyes. The corners of his mouth creased with a smile. She saw how much the moment had meant to him.
Holding her close to him, he turned and looked into the distance. "We belong here," he murmured. He turned to face her. "Together. You know that, don't you."
Lauren didn't reply. She couldn't find the words. Forcing herself to smile weakly, she nodded her head. But, what he had said had triggered urgent emotion in her. Everything today had moved so fast. The perfection of the time back at the Baxter ranch; the simple pleasure of riding with him across the rangeland. And now being here with him in this perfect place. He was right. Even if, right now, she didn't dare agree with him.
Clearly sensing her reluctance to reply to his bold statement, she was relieved that Gabe didn't press the matter any further. Instead, he held her gently in his embrace. Then, for a long while, they shared the experience of enjoying the beauty of God's wondrous Montana land.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"Maybe we should head back to the ranch," Gabe suggested. He saw Lauren's brows furrow slightly. He smiled inwardly. She was enjoying being here on the ridge by the river as much as he was, he reflected. The last hour had been exquisite. Sitting alongside Lauren, gazing out across the landscape, chatting together, had been a wonderful end to a perfect day. And the kiss? That had lifted Gabe's heart, filling it with joy and delight. The brightness in Lauren's eyes afterwards hinted that she felt the same as him.
Lauren nodded and stood. "You're right. My father will be wondering where we went."
Gabe watched for a long moment as Lauren stood, hands on hips, gazing out at the Montana land. Gabe stood and sighed. "This has been perfect," he murmured.
She smiled warmly and nodded. "It has."
He wanted to add something to that statement. Thoughts had been tumbling in his mind since the kiss. He'd felt encouraged and had toyed with the idea of revealing his true intention. That he wanted to ask her to be his wife. But, something about the hesitation he saw in her features cautioned him that those words might be best spoken another time.
They both mounted their horses and started to make their way back through the forest. Soon they emerged out onto the rangeland and picked up the trail which would lead them back to the ranch. As he'd done earlier, Gabe glanced across at Lauren and savored the sight of her riding alongside him. The simple, everyday delights were always the best, he told himself.
Soon, Gabe decided to take a shortcut to the ranch house. Lauren followed his lead. They came to a stretch of low fencing which marked off one part of the ranch. Gabe was seized by an idea. A mischievous one.
Glancing across at Lauren, he smiled. "You can ride pretty well," he said. "For someone who isn't used to ranching life."
Lauren's mouth pouted and she frowned. "Are you serious?"
Gabe shrugged. "I'm impressed. But, I'm thinking you're only a trail rider."
"What's that?"
"One of those town riders who can't handle terrain," Gabe explained. "You're fine, as long as you're on an easy trail." He glanced at the low wooden fence up ahead. "But, I bet you can't get your horse to jump over that fence," he said pointing a gloved hand.
Lauren squinted at the fence, clearly assessing it. She peered at Gabe. He could see she was probably thinking he was teasing her. And she was right, Gabe admitted to himself.
Without saying anything else, Gabe dug his heels into his mount, driving it forward quickly. Moments later his mount had cleared the low fence. He pulled up and turned to face Lauren. Her brows were furrowed and she looked thoughtful. Then he saw her shoulders rise and her chin lift defiantly. She dug her heels and cried out. Her horse leaped forward. Gabe smiled, enjoying this performance by his very own lady rancher. He had no doubt she could make the jump.
However, just as the horse approached the fence, Gabe saw the animal's eyes widen with distress. Gabe could do nothing except begin to cry out and lift a hand. But Lauren was oblivious to what Gabe could see. Then, the inevitable happened. A few feet away from the fence the horse stopped suddenly, its haunches rising, its hooves digging into the earth. Lauren yelled as she was thrust sharply forward. Her arms wrapped around the horse's neck, Lauren's body twisted in the air. For a sickening moment, Gabe was sure something awful was about to happen and that Lauren was about to land hard on the ground. He felt helpless, stuck as he was behind the fence. But, he knew he had to try.
Thrusting his horse forward, he leaped across the fence. By the time his mount's hooves thudded onto the ground on the other side of the fence, Gabe saw Lauren had managed to stop herself from falling at her horse's legs. Instead, she had clung onto the horse's neck and dropped down onto the ground. At least she hadn't taken a hard tumble, Gabe reassured himself as he began to quickly dismount.
Dismounting quickly, Gabe stood and gazed, astonished, at the sight of Lauren sitting on the ground. Her legs were splayed apart, with her dress arrayed in such a way as to, thankfully, ensure her modesty. Her brown-booted feet were wide apart and her palms were flat on the earth by her side.
In spite of himself, and knowing it would probably annoy her, Gabe laughed. The first thought which came to his mind was that Lauren looked like a rag-doll, sitting alongside a horse which was lowering its head in an almost puzzled manner.
Hearing the sound of Gabe's laughter, Lauren scowled at him. She was about to snap, no doubt hurling harsh words at him, when the horse, playfully and gently, nudged Lauren on the back, thrusting her forward. She gasped, turning to the horse. "Hey!" she yelled out.
Gabe couldn't contain his laughter. He guffawed loudly and jammed his fists against his sides. Lauren gave him a withering look, but Gabe just kept on laughing. "I told you," he called out.
Brushing dust from her dress, Lauren glared at Gabe. "It was the horse you gave me. You knew he'd do that, didn't you," she snapped.
Gabe shook his head and started to advance toward the still seated Lauren. "How was I to know you can't make a horse jump a tiny fence."
Lauren glanced angrily at the fence. "That's not a tiny fence."
"It is where I come from," Gabe retorted. He reached down a hand. "Come on."
Lauren shook her head and started to get up. "I don't need your help," she said. Standing, she shook dirt from her dress. As she did so, she frowned.
"Sore?" Gabe asked, lifting a brow.
Lauren's cheeks flushed pink. "No!" she exclaimed. "Luckily, I held on."
Gabe nodded. Secretly, he was glad she hadn't come to any harm. It could have been a lot worse, he told himself. Falling from horses was a regular source of injuries in these parts. Behind Lauren, the horse shifted slightly. Gabe narrowed his eyes, examining one of the horse's legs. He went across and squatted down, holding it gently. The horse reacted and Gabe frowned.
He glanced up at Lauren who was watching concernedly. "Seems like he's pulled something here," he said gesturing to the back of the horse's leg. He rose and took the reins, leading the horse forward a few steps. The horse didn't seem too badly h
urt, but Gabe was sure it wouldn't be safe for Lauren to get back up in the saddle.
"You're coming with me," Gabe declared walking past Lauren.
"Excuse me?" she replied.
Gabe took the reins of his horse and looked firmly at Lauren. "You can ride with me." He glanced at Lauren's horse. "You can't get back up on him. It's not safe."
Lauren's lips tightened. Gabe knew she wanted to object. But, after a moment of consideration, she nodded and came to him. Using a rope from his saddlebag, Gabe tied her horse to his. Then he took up position next his horse, held out his hands, and looked at Lauren.
"What?" she asked furrowing her brows.
"Let me lift you up."
Lauren shook her head. Exasperation flooded through Gabe as he watched Lauren thrust her boot into the stirrup, grasp the saddle and hoist herself up onto the horse's back.
Gabe nodded. "Impressive," he observed.
Looking down at him, Lauren shifted away from the saddle. Gabe mounted, seating himself in front of Lauren. Twisting his head around, he smiled at her. "This is the good part," he teased. "For me, at least." He saw puzzlement on her features. "Wrap your arms around my waist," he instructed her.
Lauren rolled her eyes and did as he had instructed. Gabe drew in a deep breath as he felt Lauren's arms sweep around his middle. He wondered if she could feel the quickening of his heartbeat.
"Hold on tight," he said. Lauren obediently pressed herself against his back and strengthened her hold on him. He felt the heat of her body against him. Her scent drifted on the air, and he quietly inhaled its sweetness. Knowing she couldn't see his face, Gabe indulged himself in yet another moment of private satisfaction.
Gabe guided his mount and the other horse tethered to his back in the direction of the trail. He made sure he didn't move too fast. Glancing back, he saw the other horse moving gingerly on the trail. He'd see to it when they got back to the ranch house, Gabe told himself.
The ride back to the ranch house was as enjoyable as the time at the ridge. As far as Gabe was concerned, today couldn't have turned out any better than it had. He'd spent almost every moment with Lauren. And he'd seen few signs that she found his attention unwelcome. He felt he'd made progress. All that remained was for him to choose the right time to tell her how he felt about her, and the other reason for the urgency of his recent affections. But, most of all, he wanted to confess to Lauren that his feelings for her had reached a point where he had to admit the truth. He loved her. Just as he'd known he'd loved her a year ago. This time, however, he was determined to make sure she didn't get away. Not without him putting up the biggest fight of his life, Gabe told himself.
When they finally arrived at the ranch house they found Landon, Kyle and Zacharias seated on the long bench on the porch. Upon sighting Gabe and Lauren riding into the yard together, Zacharias stood and stepped off the porch. Landon and Kyle followed behind. Gabe hurriedly considered how he was going to explain the presence of Lauren seated behind him. He knew how it must look. Intimate, was the word which came to mind.
As Gabe drew his mount to a halt, he felt Lauren lean hard against him. She groaned quietly. She'd seen the way her father was looking at her and Gabe, he concluded. And she didn't like it one bit.
"What am I going to say?" Lauren asked Gabe quietly. He could hear the emotion in her voice. Was she worried how this would look? That it might suggest something she didn't really want? Worry flared in Gabe.
"Leave it to me," Gabe announced firmly. He dismounted and reached up to help Lauren down from the horse. She didn't even hesitate, but allowed Gabe to ease her down onto the yard. Looking at her closely, Gabe saw she was embarrassed. He didn't want that. There was no sense in her being ashamed of riding with him, Gabe told himself.
Turning to Zacharias, Gabe readied a reply. But, Zacharias merely smiled at Gabe and Lauren. "We were wondering when you two would come back," Zacharias said turning to Landon and Kyle. "Isn't that right."
Gabe's two brothers grinned at him and nodded in perfect unison. Gabe pointed to the other horse. "Lauren's horse hurt its leg." Gabe chose not to mention the episode at the fence. He had no intention of causing Lauren to feel any worse than she already did.
Landon went to have a closer look. Zacharias merely nodded, as if no explanation had been needed. Lauren moved abruptly away from Gabe. She wrapped her arms around herself and smiled nervously at her father. "I suppose we should be going, pa," she suggested.
Zacharias nodded slowly. "I guess we should," he agreed. He stretched out a hand to Gabe. "Thanks for a real good day, Gabe. Fine hospitality. I've enjoyed it." He glanced at Lauren. "And I think my daughter has too," he added, lifting a brow.
Gabe saw Lauren's cheeks flush red. "I'm glad," was all he could bring himself to say. He'd dug a big enough hole for her without making things worse, he reflected. It was time to bring the day to a close.
Zacharias fetched the buckboard. He and Lauren got up onto the seat. Unable to contain himself, Gabe smiled up at Lauren. Then a sudden thought forced itself into his mind. He looked at Zacharias. "Are all the Munro family going to church, tomorrow?" he asked.
Giving Lauren a brief look, Zacharias nodded. "Josh said they're all going. So I guess that means we'll be there." Zacharias looked over at Landon and Kyle. "See you boys then," he announced.
Then he flicked the reins and drove the buckboard away from the ranch.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
"Lauren! Are you ready?" Grace called out from downstairs at the Munro ranch. "We're leaving now."
"I'll be down in a minute," Lauren replied from the top of the stairs. She went back into her room and stood in front of the mirror. Gazing at herself, she wondered if this navy blue gown and matching bonnet were appropriate for church. A moments scrutiny later, she nodded, satisfied that she wouldn't stand out, too much.
The mid-morning sunshine shone in through her bedroom window. She could hear the voices of the entire Munro clan. Laughter and excited chatter drifted up from the yard. Everyone was going to church, this morning. Lauren thought about seeing Gabe and felt butterflies tumbling in her middle. Thinking about what had happened yesterday at the Baxter ranch, her heart warmed. She allowed herself the briefest smile. It had been wonderful to ride back to the Baxter place. Even better had been holding onto Gabe, feeling the warmth and strength of his torso and inhaling deeply his intoxicatingly manly scent, a mixture of leather and scented soap. She'd felt true delight while she'd embraced Gabe. And, for his part, he hadn't seemed the slightest bit reluctant to allow her to stay as close to him as she wanted. It had been the highlight of a perfect day.
The only sour note had been how she'd felt when she'd almost taken that tumble from the horse. Luckily, she'd been able to avoid crashing to the hard earth. However, she hadn't appreciated the way Gabe had laughed at her. Even though she knew he'd meant no harm by it, she'd felt the need to stand up for herself. It wouldn't do to let Gabe believe she didn't still have an independent spirit.
She paused one last time in front of the mirror and offered up a prayer. Lord, grant me the wisdom to appreciate being with Gabe today in church. And help me temper my pride, especially whenever Gabe wants to be friendly to me. I know You are bringing Gabe and I together, Lord. Lead me to make the correct decision. Fill my heart with the truth and help me do what is right. Amen.
Lauren grabbed her Bible and reticule and made her way downstairs. Outside, in the yard, she saw the three carriages lined up and waiting. Josh, Grace and Ryan were to travel in one. Lauren saw Victoria waiting for her in the other. Zacharias and Wyatt were to come in the remaining, smaller carriage. Victoria waved at Lauren. Racing across the yard to the carriage, Lauren took her seat next to Victoria. Then they were all on their way. It would take less than twenty minutes to travel the trail into Inspiration.
Lauren settled in, holding on tight to the side of the long, wooden seat. Victoria held the reins tight in her white-gloved hand. Victoria looked beautiful, dressed in a da
rk green gown and neat bonnet. They drove in silence for a while. Lauren took the opportunity to enjoy the pretty countryside. The morning air was fresh with the scents of spring. Lauren relaxed, realizing she was beginning to get used to the beauty of this place. There was a special quality to it. She was beginning to understand why people wanted to live in this frontier country. It held promise and hope for the future.
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