The Rancher’s Beloved Bride

by Maya Stirling

  "That's why you love us so much, isn't it?" Augusta replied with a smile.

  There was a knock at the door of the parlor. Vogel peered around the edge of the door. Her father stiffened and started to make his way toward Vogel. "What is it, Reuben?" he snapped. Veronica and her mother exchanged an understanding look. Her father had put on the public mask again. She heard her father and Reuben talking quietly and then both men left the parlor.

  Normal life had resumed, Veronica reflected. But she wondered if it would all change for the good after her father stepped into the church this coming Saturday.

  CHAPTER NINE

  It was the evening before the wedding. Kyle, Landon and Gabe were out on the porch. From inside the Baxter ranch house excited talk drifted out into the cool night air. Kyle could hear his mother, father, Aunt Mabel and Lily the housekeeper speculating about tomorrow. Everyone was nervous. Gabe was doing his best to look calm, but Kyle knew his brother. He could see the signs of worry and concern in his brother's eyes.

  This was the last night when the brothers would all be bachelors. After tomorrow, everything would change. And then it would fall to Kyle and Landon to seek out wives of their own. The three brothers wandered out onto the yard and across to the corral. Leaning on the wooden fence, all three men were silent for a few long moments. Kyle gazed up at the dark sky, strewn with stars. From the darkened rangeland the soft murmur of insects sang in the air. Kyle drew in a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill his lungs.

  He turned to Gabe. His brother's features were pensive. "You nervous?" Kyle asked Gabe.

  Gabe lifted and brow and glanced at Kyle. "What do you think?" he asked, making it obvious that he was, indeed, feeling the nerves about the coming day.

  "I'd be shaking in my boots," Landon announced.

  "Don't you worry," Gabe said. "Your time will come." He glanced from Landon to Kyle. "Which one of you is next?" Gabe squinted at Kyle. "Ma was telling me Lucille Brochard has still got her eye on you."

  Kyle frowned. "How does she know that?"

  "You know how the town likes to gossip," Gabe replied.

  The idea that folks in town were talking about him and Lucille made something heavy settle in Kyle's middle. Lucille was pleasant enough. Even charming in her own way. But she wasn't the kind of woman Kyle could consider taking for a wife. It was never going to happen between him and Lucille. Kyle knew he had to find a way to let her know that. He wasn't looking forward to doing that. He'd just about managed to avoid inviting Lucille to tomorrow's wedding. That would have sent out all the wrong signals, Kyle told himself.

  "Ma was telling me about the newcomer you helped out the other day," Landon said.

  Kyle peered at Landon. "The widow Callahan?" Kyle had shared with his family that Veronica had told him about being widowed. That news had especially made a big impact on his mother and father. Kyle's parents always did have sympathy for folks who'd suffered tragedy in life. They were always looking for ways to help out. It had been one of the reasons they'd suggested inviting the Flint family to Gabe and Lauren's wedding.

  Landon nodded. "It's real sad she lost her husband. And with a young daughter to look after. Things can't be easy for her."

  "Her father looks like he has everything he needs to provide for her," Gabe said firmly. "Kyle and I got a good look at the place when we went to give them the invitation."

  Kyle thought for a moment and then said: "There's more to finding happiness than material security."

  Landon tilted his head. "It sure goes a long way to helping, though."

  Gabe turned and faced the ranch house. "Kyle's right. Dominick Flint is a tough man. I don't know exactly how he made his money. And he sure seems capable of providing for his family." Gabe sighed. "But, if you ask me, it looks like getting all that money took its toll on the man. He's locked himself up there in that mansion. Its almost like he's made himself a prisoner in that house. Chained himself to his wealth."

  "God can find ways to let people loose from those chains," Kyle said. "Now that Veronica and Molly are here, Dominick might just find a new way of living."

  "Here's hoping he does," Gabe agreed. "I think inside that hard exterior there's a good man trying to get out."

  "How do you know that?" Kyle asked quietly.

  Gabe sighed and then shook his head. "I don't know. Just a feeling I got when I looked into the man's eyes." Gabe turned to Kyle. "And I couldn't help noticing how Veronica was looking at you, Kyle."

  Kyle felt his face flush with heat. "Me? What are you talking about?"

  "Ma told me all about what happened out at the herd. How you rescued Veronica and Molly." Gabe said and grinned. "I think pa was impressed with how you handled the situation. He said it showed you've grown up."

  "Well that's an improvement," Kyle said. "Time was when it seemed I couldn't do anything that pa would approve of."

  "Everything's changed now, little brother," Landon said and rested a hand on Gabe's heavily-muscled shoulder. "Big brother here is getting married tomorrow.

  Landon squeezed Gabe's shoulder hard, causing Gabe to flinch. He turned and playfully made as if to punch Landon in the belly. Landon dodged the pretend blow and laughed. He returned his own gentle right hook. Side-stepping it, Gabe called out: "Hey now. Take care there. I've got a big day tomorrow."

  All three brothers shared a moment of delight and laughter. Kyle had never seen Gabe this happy before. Although Gabe had always been the mature brother, the sensible and responsible brother, there was something new in his demeanor. Lauren Munro had brought a new joy into Gabe's life. Kyle wondered if he'd be able to find that joy for himself. Two months ago, that had seemed an impossibility. Kyle had been restless and anxious for an imagined life of adventure away from the ranch. He'd even considered completely turning his back on ranching. But, while Gabe had been courting Lauren, Kyle had been instrumental in bringing some criminals to justice. Along the way, and with God's grace, Kyle had renewed his faith and found his true purpose in life. Kyle knew he'd be a rancher for the rest of his life. Kyle ran his gaze around the yard, taking in the sight of the ranch house, stable and barns. This was where God had placed him on this earth, and Kyle was determined to obey the Lord's will.

  Settling down, Kyle peered at Gabe. "You're a lucky man," he said. "Lauren's a fine woman. She'll make a perfect wife." Kyle paused and then added: "And mother."

  Gabe's eyes widened and he looked suddenly thoughtful. "That'll come in time." He nodded. "I know I'm the luckiest man in Montana."

  Kyle and London nodded in silent agreement. "You've got a big day tomorrow," Kyle said. "Try and get some sleep."

  Gabe shook his head. "I don't think that's going to be possible. But I'll try."

  Then, all three brothers started to head back toward the ranch house. The first Baxter wedding was near and Kyle couldn't wait until tomorrow. Apart from the delight of standing alongside Gabe in the church, Kyle knew he'd get a chance to see Veronica.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The crowd outside the church was enormous. It seemed to Veronica that the entire population of Inspiration had turned out for Gabe and Lauren's wedding. And, as her father drew the Flint's very fancy carriage to a halt at the foot of the church's steps, Veronica saw all eyes already fixed firmly on the arrival of herself and her family. Sitting in the carriage's back row of seats, with her father and mother sitting up front, Veronica reached across and curled her fingers around Molly's gloved hands. It was a beautiful sunny, Montana day. The sun was shining high in the sky. It was already starting to feel like it would be a warm day. The floral decorated overhead canopy of the carriage cast a welcome shadow across her and Molly.

  "Look at all the people, ma," Molly exclaimed excitedly.

  Veronica leaned closer to Molly and murmured: "It's a big day for everyone. But most of all for Kyle's brother and the lady he's going to marry."

  Molly craned her neck, searching for Gabe and Lauren. "Where are they?" she asked.

&nb
sp; "They'll be here soon. I think they're just waiting for everyone to get here first."

  This was the first wedding Molly had attended. Back at the Flint mansion, Molly had been almost impossible to manage. Her excitement had been infectious. Veronica felt a vicarious thrill at seeing the congregated guests. Her own wedding to Jack, six years before, had been a smaller affair. Memories of that day in Chicago drifted into Veronica's mind. Jack had been so handsome looking that day, dressed in his gray suit and neat Derby hat. All through that day he'd gazed at her with such love and affection. She could still feel the tender memory of his kiss as the pastor had announced they were finally man and wife. She tried not to let those beautiful recollections affect her, but it was hard not to feel the sense of loss. Today was about happiness and joy. A new life was being forged between two families.

  "It's so nice of them to ask us to come to the wedding," Augusta said. She turned to Dominick. "Don't you think, dearest?" she added.

  Dominick looked steadily at the gathered crowd of guests. "I don't recognize any of these folks," he murmured.

  "Of course you don't," Augusta countered. "And today we can start to put right that sorry state of affairs." Augusta turned and smiled at Veronica. "Don't you agree, Veronica?"

  "Yes, ma," Veronica responded obediently.

  Veronica helped Molly down from the carriage. Dominick assisted Augusta. Both her parents had made a special effort to look fine. Her father wore one of his bespoke gray suits and brightly polished black shoes. Augusta wore a powder-blue gown with elegantly fashioned collar and cuffs. A matching bonnet and parasol completed the tasteful combination. Veronica squatted down and fussed with the top buttons of Molly's pink gown. Straightening Molly's little white bonnet, Veronica stood and examined her handiwork. Molly looked charming and unbelievably cute, Veronica told herself. She felt pride surge inside her as she regarded Molly.

  Veronica heard her mother's voice. "She's not the only one who looks lovely today," Augusta observed.

  Turning to face her mother, Veronica felt her cheeks flush with heat. "Don't go embarrassing me, ma," Veronica complained quietly.

  Augusta frowned. "Doesn't she suit that gown, Dominick," her mother said.

  Veronica saw her father scrutinize her choice of dress. The chestnut brown gown, matching gloves and bonnet felt comfortable, Veronica admitted to herself. She'd stopped wearing mourning gowns over a year ago. It felt good to be wearing an outfit she hadn't worn too often. She hoped the choice of style and design wouldn't seem too out of place in Inspiration. She'd had this particular gown since her days in Chicago. Running her gaze around the gathered guests, she was pleased to see a variety of gowns on display.

  Dominick nodded. "Most suitable," he said cryptically. He glanced at the church. Veronica saw his brows furrow. "Fine looking church for such a small town," he observed. Veronica was sure her father was nervous about setting foot inside the church. He'd admitted as much before leaving the mansion.

  Veronica followed her father's gaze. Indeed the church was a fine example of a frontier church. She guessed it could hold around two hundred churchgoers. Wide steps led up to a broad platform at the double doors. White painted on the outside, the church had a tall steeple, inside which was situated a large bell which glinted in the bright sunshine. The church looked perfectly at home in the tree-lined street. Homes, each with a picket fence and garden, ran along both sides of the dusty street.

  "There they are!" Molly exclaimed suddenly, pointing up the street away from the church. An appreciative roar and babble of voices rose from the gathered guests. Veronica heard the rumbling of carriage wheels and saw two carriages heading toward the church. In the first were Gabe's parents and an elderly woman who Veronica guessed was Kyle's Aunt Mabel. Coming close behind was the carriage with Gabe himself, Landon and Kyle. As the carriages drew to a halt, a ripple of applause rose in the air. Veronica wanted to join the crowd of well-wishers who congregated around the Baxter brothers as they left their carriage and made their way up the stairs. But she held back, content to simply watch the scene unfolding.

  All three Baxter brothers were dressed immaculately in matching gray suits. Veronica took special note of how fine Kyle looked. His appearance was in stark contrast to when he'd taken them all out for a riding lesson. Kyle still looked like a rancher. But now he looked like a gentleman rancher, all neatly attired and elegant. Veronica glanced at her mother and saw Augusta watching her for any hint of a reaction. Veronica schooled her features, determined not to give anything away.

  Standing tall and proud at the open church doors, Veronica had to admit that the Baxter brothers were a handsome trio of strong, young Montana men. She saw the pastor emerge from inside the church and lean close to Gabe, exchanging words with the groom. Then Gabe followed the pastor into the church. He was followed by Landon. Kyle, however, didn't immediately enter the church. Veronica saw him scanning the crowd of guests. She wondered who he was looking for. Then, his gaze settled on her, and she suddenly realized the truth. Kyle had been searching for her.

  Veronica lifted a hand and waved gently to Kyle. She saw a smile stretch across his features and he waved back at her. That made heads in the crowd whirl around in Veronica's direction. The eyes of complete strangers examined Veronica. She felt her heart quicken and turned quickly away, fussing nervously with Molly's little bonnet. When she did turn back a few moments later, she saw that Kyle had entered the church.

  Veronica took Molly's hand and walked toward the church. Her parents followed alongside. Every one of the guests were making their way up the stairs. "Where's the lady who's getting married?" Molly asked.

  "She'll be here soon," Veronica replied. "Lauren is the most important person here today. So she gets to arrive last when everyone is in church waiting for her."

  "Even her husband?" Molly asked abruptly.

  Veronica laughed. "Gage isn't her husband yet. He will be after the ceremony."

  Molly nodded and frowned thoughtfully. Veronica saw Augusta smile at her, acknowledging the explanation Veronica had just given Molly. From behind Veronica she heard the rolling wheels of another carriage. All heads in the crowd turned. Veronica saw another three carriages heading toward the church. Dressed in glorious white, a young woman sat in the front seat of the first carriage. Alongside her, an older man held the reins. Veronica figured that must be Lauren's father, Zacharias. She'd heard about Zacharias when Kyle and Gabe had come to the house and explained about the wedding. In the carriages behind, she saw various members of what she assumed was the Munro clan. It looked like Lauren had arrived early.

  Suddenly, urgency seized the guests and they all started crowding their way up the church stairs. Mingling amongst the crowd, Veronica paused halfway up the stairs when many heads turned and watched as Lauren's carriage drew to a halt. Murmurs of appreciation filled the air as everyone watched Lauren descend from the carriage. Her father helped her down while she clutched the full length of her white wedding gown. Veronica felt sympathy for Lauren when she saw the nervousness in her tentative glance at the onlooker. Then Lauren was surrounded by the Munro family members.

  "We should get inside," Veronica announced. Around her, heads nodded in quick agreement. The crowd pushed its way into the church. Veronica got her first look at the inside of the church. It was plain and undecorated, like most frontier churches. She guessed it would just about hold all the guests. Townsfolk were busy claiming their places in the pews which filled both sides of the interior. Over in the corner, she saw a small church piano which would probably supply the music for the ceremony. A plainly-dressed woman in her thirties sat in front of the keyboard. Her gaze was fixed on the open doors. Veronica figured she might be the pastor's wife.

  Then, what Veronica saw up at the front of the church made her heartbeat quicken. The three Baxter brothers were standing facing the incoming congregation. Landon and Gabe were chatting quietly and smiling at the arriving guests. Behind them stood the pastor, a tall, thin man w
ith bright eyes and a friendly demeanor, who Veronica believed was named Joseph. Kyle's gaze locked upon Veronica as she was bustled by a few of the wedding guests as they crowded into the nearby pews. Unsure of where she and her family could sit, Veronica hesitated. Then she saw Kyle come striding forward, making his way toward her. He eased his way through the crowd with a gentle informality.