A Baby for Christmas (Christmas in Eden Valley #2)

They left the little town behind. Nate turned his attention to Buster. “What’s new on the ranch?”

“Boss moved the cows down to lower pastures. We had a couple big storms, but they were all safe.” He jerked back. “Say, I almost forgot. There was a man looking for you—Mountain Mike.”

“He’s here? Is he is town with Rufus?” He should have gone there immediately, but he still had plenty of time to talk to him before he returned to the mountains. First, he had to get Missy, Louise and the baby to the ranch, and make sure Eddie knew about Vic.

“No. He left yesterday. Said there was a bad storm coming and he wanted to be in his own little place when it hit.”

The words did not make sense. “Are you saying he’s gone?”

“Yup.”

Nate stared straight ahead. He saw nothing but the gray fog of disappointment.

“Yesterday, you say?”

“Yup. I saw him ride by while I was out checking the cows. Headed up into the mountains. It’s got to be a lonely way to live. I don’t think I’d like it. What do you suppose he does? Read, maybe. Play solitaire.” Buster shook his head.

Nate stopped listening. Mike had come and gone, along with Nate’s chance to buy the ranch.

He had nothing to offer Louise. No home. No future but a hired hand living in the bunkhouse.

His shoulders slumped forward.

There was but one way to change things. He’d go after Mountain Mike. Not tonight. The sun was already touching the mountain peaks, but first thing tomorrow he’d ride after him.

He would not tell Louise of his plans because, until he had something to offer her, there was nothing to speak of.

Chapter Nineteen

Louise couldn’t hear all of what Buster said to Nate, but she’d heard enough. Even though it wasn’t yet Christmas, Nate had missed the man from whom he wanted to buy the land. It was her fault. She’d delayed him with her needs. She wished she could do something to fix the matter for him, but what?

Before she could even offer her regrets, they turned off the road toward a two-story house. She stared. This was the ranch house? She’d expected something a lot more modest.

Nate turned. “Welcome to Eden Valley Ranch.”

She knew he did his best to sound cheerful and welcoming, when he must be full of disappointments and regrets. All because of her.

Missy crowded to her side as they approached the house. “It’s big,” she whispered. “They must be rich and important.”

Nate overheard. “They’re very hospitable. You will be welcomed with open arms.”

The wagon pulled up to the house and before the wheels stopped turning, the big front door flew open and a young woman with brown hair and brown eyes hurried outside.

“Slim, you’re back. And you’ve brought visitors. Come in, all of you.”

Louise tried to think of Nate as Slim, but it would take a little getting used to.

Nate helped Missy from the wagon box, took Chloe and then helped Louise to his side. He led them forward.

“Mrs. Gardiner, may I present my wife, Louise, and her little daughter, Chloe. This is her sister-in-law, Missy.”

To her credit, and Louise’s relief, the woman didn’t reveal any surprise at Nate’s announcement. “So pleased to meet you. Please call me Linette. Come in. Come in.”

Louise clung to Nate’s side as they followed the woman inside. A wide set of stairs led upward. A long hallway passed a number of doors to reveal a stove and cupboards in the far room. Linette led them to the left, where they entered a cozy, warm room, with two green wingback chairs facing a large window overlooking the ranch buildings. Louise looked out the window and tried to take it all in—the row of buildings on either side of a wide roadway, several smaller buildings, two log cabins, a two-story house, a barn and beyond that another two-story house. “It’s like a small town,” she murmured.

Linette moved to her side. “We’ve had to be self-sufficient. When my husband, Eddie, first came, there wasn’t much available in Edendale. We had to get the bulk of our supplies from Fort Macleod. See the mountains. That’s what I enjoy about the view. Soon they’ll wear the colors of sunset, then be filled with mysterious shadows. I never get tired of watching their moods.” She turned to face Louise. “But enough about me. Congratulations on your marriage to Slim.”