Love Inspired September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Her Montana Twins\Small-Town Billionaire\Stranded with the Rancher (42 page)

Raising his arms overhead, Dan stretched his spine and then rotated his neck. “I'm going to open the garage,” he said. “Be right back.”

The echoing crunch of his boots as he crossed the yard filled the silence. Snow continued to fall like crystals into the night, but the pink glow of the mercury lights on the oversize storage building that served as a garage guided his way. He pulled open the big double doors, and they creaked in response. Inside, his mother's mini pickup was parked next to his brother's beat-up utility truck and the ranch ATV. Joe's personal truck was in the corner, covered with a tarp, waiting for his return.

Dan maneuvered the snowmobile in, then grabbed Beth's tote and the defibrillator. He plugged in the defibrillator to charge the machine before closing the garage door. Walking to Beth, he nodded toward the house.

The front walkway and the wooden porch steps had recently been shoveled and sprinkled with snow melt, though the precipitation was quickly re-accumulating. On the porch a battered red shovel stood neatly next to the door, along with his daughter's small pink plastic shovel. Such an insignificant thing, but little Amy's imprint on his life never failed to make Dan smile.

He turned to Beth, and placed a finger to his lips before slowly opening the screen, then the front door. The loud, discordant plunking and banging of a piano greeted them.

Dan pulled off his helmet and goggles. Beth did the same.

She whispered to him, “May I use your restroom? I need to change into dry pants.”

He pointed straight ahead. “First door on your left.”

“Why are we whispering?” she asked.

“I don't want Millie to know we're home.”

“Your daughter?”

“No, my dog.”

Her eyes rounded. “Oh.”

Beth slipped off her boots and put her helmet and goggles on the bright multicolored rag rug in front of the door. Taking her tote bag from Dan, she tiptoed down the hall.

He set his helmet next to hers and shut the door. The piano had stopped and the click of the door closing sounded in the room.

As if it had been a starting line gunshot, he prepared for the chaos to ensue. Barking erupted as Millie rushed from the back of the house to the front hall like a locomotive. Dan heard her well before he saw her. The lean black lab raced into the room, her nails clicking on the hardwood floor a minute before she leaped into the air and accosted him. Dan staggered back as the dog alternated between enthusiastic slobbering and mad barking.

“Down, Millie.” He rubbed the good-natured animal's head and backside briskly. “Yeah, I missed you, too, girl.”

Millie released a loud whine in dogspeak as she moved her paws to the floor and pranced in joyous circles at her master's return.

“Daddy, can we build a snowman?”

His six-year-old daughter waved a ruler through the air. Her round, gray eyes were serious as she peered up at him through oversize, red-framed plastic glasses minus the lenses. She'd been giving imaginary piano lessons to her dolls again.

“Not today, Pumpkin.” Dan tweaked an inky black braid and gently tossed it over her shoulder. “You'd get buried in this storm.”

“Tomorrow?”

“We'll see.”

Amy didn't miss a beat, launching into her next request. “Can I watch TV?”

“May I.” Elsie Gallagher bustled into the front entry, a basket of laundry in her arms. Her short black curls were peppered with gray and she wore her usual jeans and the sweatshirt du jour. Today's boasted a large bumblebee and the words Bee Cool. His mother the trendsetter.

“May I?” Amy repeated. “I already did my spelling.”

“Joe called. He's stuck in Denver,” Elsie continued. “He wants to be sure you're keeping a close eye on those cows. Says they might calve early.”

“Big brother Joe thinks I'm a rookie. I already moved the cattle this morning. I'll check on them again after I eat. Mom, I should tell you I—”

His explanation was cut off by the sound of a door closing. All heads turned to look behind them as Elizabeth Rogers walked down the hall.

Beth had fixed her helmet hair, and her caramel-colored tresses tumbled around her shoulders from a side part, framing her heart-shaped face. Her skin glowed from the outdoors. Objectively speaking, the woman was a complete knockout.

His mother's jaw slackened, before she grinned as though she was privy to a huge secret.

And then Millie charged. “Whoa, whoa, Millie. No.” Dan barely managed to latch his hands onto the lab's collar and hold her back. “Sit.”

Beth froze, blue eyes wide as Millie wriggled in a hearty attempt to properly greet their guest.

“Who
are
you?
” Amy asked, her voice hushed and wondrous, as if she'd just stumbled upon a princess.

Dan couldn't resist a smile. He'd have to agree with his daughter. Beth Rogers did look like a princess. She was the prettiest thing to walk in their front door in a very long time.

Confusion crossed Beth's face as her gaze met his. “I'm Beth.”

“Why, Daniel Davis Gallagher, you brought home a guest.” His mother's words registered her stunned surprise. She set the laundry basket on the floor and straightened her sweatshirt.

“I've brought guests home before,” Dan returned.

“Have you?” his mother replied.

“Do dogs count?” he asked.

Elsie laughed.

“Mom, this is Dr. Elizabeth Rogers. Beth, this is my mother, Elsie Gallagher, and
this...
is Pumpkin.”

“Daddy!”

“I mean Amy.” He grinned at his daughter.

“Rogers?” Elsie said. “Like Dr. Ben and Dr. Sara?”

Beth nodded. “Ben is my cousin.”

“You're pretty,” Amy gushed. She pulled down her faux glasses for a better inspection as she inched toward Beth ever so slowly.

“Thank you,” Beth said. “I like your glasses.”

Amy smiled and tucked her face shyly into her shoulder.

Dan observed the interaction with interest.

“So how did you two meet?” his mother asked, her gaze moving from Dan to Beth, a knowing grin on her face.

He blinked and stepped back.

Oh, no.

No.

Surely his mother wasn't going to go down that road. “Docs Rogers's house. I offered to take Beth to Gunbarrel, but the storm derailed us.” He looked at his mom. “When did you say Joe was getting back?”

His mother chuckled, reading his mind as usual. “You're out of luck, Danny boy.”

Maybe bringing Beth to the house wasn't such a good idea, after all. His mother was a matchmaker. And she was good. Really good. She'd orchestrated his sisters' romances straight to the altar.

Dan held his own when Joe was around. Joe was the oldest and he protected his little brother. He shook his head. The odds were distinctly not in his favor.

Beth stood in the hallway, biting her lip in concentration as she attempted to sort out the dynamics.
Good luck with that.
He chuckled. The Gallagher house was always a little eccentric and the hormone-charged atmosphere changed as quickly as the Colorado weather.

He observed Beth for a moment. Any other lifetime and he'd be tripping over himself to get to know someone like her. Smart, beautiful and brave. Obviously not without some issues of her own, but seemingly capable of handling them with humor and grace. Yet, for today at least, the bottom line remained the same. Elizabeth Rogers was a woman passing through Paradise. A city girl to boot.

Like Amy's momma.

He and his mother were going to have to have a little chat, because he sure wasn't going to step into the same cow patty twice in one lifetime.

Chapter Three

B
eth was alert the moment Dan's large hand gently touched her elbow. That worried her. She didn't like that she looked forward to the touch of a man she'd only just met.

“Careful. That floor is slick,” he murmured.

She nodded, looking down at her stocking feet as she padded across the polished wood to the kitchen.

The closer they got, the stronger the enticing aromas grew. Yeasty warm bread and some sort of stew.

They entered the room and it was everything Beth would have imagined a farm kitchen should be. A humongous oval table with a cheery cotton tablecloth dominated the space. It was a table where a big family could gather and share meals, laughter and love.

The stove was modern, a stainless steel professional grade, and the double-door, brushed stainless steel refrigerator looked new. A braided rug in tones of burgundy and green covered the floor beneath the table and drew the colors of the room together.

Elsie pulled out a chair. “Have a seat, dear. You must be starving. It's been a long time since breakfast.”

“GG, I want to sit next to Dr. Beth,” Amy said.

“GG?” Beth asked.

“Oh, that's what Amy calls me. Grandma Gallagher is a mouthful, so she came up with that as soon as she learned the alphabet.”

“GG and Pumpkin,” Dan said.

Amy shot her father a tolerant glance.

“I'm saving this seat for you, Amy,” Elsie said. She turned to Beth. “Coffee or tea? Or maybe hot cocoa?”

“Coffee would be lovely. Black. What can I do to help?”

“Sit, sit,” Elsie said. “Everything is ready. You, too, Dan.”

When he grabbed a chair at the other end of the table, his mother stopped him. “I'm sitting there. Do you mind? You can sit next to your guest.”

The corners of Dan's mouth pulled upward slightly.

“Amy, you want to set the table?” Elsie asked as she slid steaming mugs of coffee in front of Beth and Dan.

“Sure, GG.”

Elsie handed Amy burgundy quilted place mats and cloth napkins, along with silverware. Then she placed matching pottery plates and bowls in a stack on the table.

Amy concentrated on setting the table, a determined set to her little mouth.

“Nice job, Pumpkin,” Dan said when she was done. He looked at Beth and winked. “Our Amy is the best table setter in the valley.”

His daughter beamed at his praise. Dan was obviously a devoted father.

A father's love was instrumental in forming a young girl's sense of self-worth. Beth had learned that bit of information from a college psych class and she'd never forgotten the professor's words. It explained a lot, since in her case all she could remember were a couple of foster fathers who'd looked right through her with disinterest.

Elsie sat and gave a nod. Amy placed her tiny hand in Beth's left one and Dan took Beth's right hand in his large one. They all bowed their heads and Beth followed their motions.

Beth hadn't prayed over a meal since she'd been a senior in high school, living with Ben and his family. Yet this seemed so natural, so right. How could that be?

“Daniel, please lead us in prayer,” Elsie said.

“Dear Lord, we thank You for the safety of this home. We ask You to take care of everyone out in the weather. We are thankful for this meal and ask You to bless this food to our bodies. Amen.”

“Amen,” Beth murmured.

Elsie jumped up after the prayer and ladled out the stew. When she offered Beth the basket of bread, Beth lifted her arm to reach for it, and grimaced.

“We need to check that shoulder,” Dan said.

“It's not a big deal,” she replied as she smoothed her napkin on her lap. “Hardly hurts at all now.”

He raised a brow.

“Really. Besides, I heal extremely fast.”

He laughed. “I bet you do. But you still need some ibuprofen and ice, Wonder Woman.”

Beth arched a brow. She'd known the man four hours and already he knew how to push her buttons.

“Is Dr. Beth really Wonder Woman?” Amy asked, eyes wide.

“Daddy is kidding,” Elsie answered, her lips twitching. “Right, Daddy?”

“Right.”

“What happened to your shoulder?” Elsie asked.

“She fell,” Dan explained.

“It's nothing,” Beth insisted.

Dan raised his eyes from his meal to meet hers in a silent challenge.

“You really should have that checked, dear,” Elsie admonished. “I'll get you an ice pack and some ibuprofen after we eat.”

“Did I mention that Dr. Mom trumps a medical degree?” Dan said.

Beth suppressed a laugh.

“How's your stew?” Elsie asked.

“Delicious, thank you.” Beth took another bite. It was good, savory and filling. Real food, not from a can, as was her usual fare.

“You're welcome. The beef is from our own ranch.” Elsie looked at her. “Are you from Colorado?”

“I was born here, and I'm licensed in Colorado, but I haven't lived here in a very long time.”

“And you're on your way to Gunbarrel,” Elsie mused, as she buttered her bread and placed it on her plate. “Not much in Gunbarrel.”

“It's halfway to the airport,” Dan answered.

Elsie immediately looked up. “You're leaving? In the middle of a blizzard?” she exclaimed. “The weatherman says it's not going to stop snowing for another forty-eight hours. There's a second storm system moving in after midnight. Some sort of freak meteorological conditions. Why, they're saying we're going to break records.”

“The weatherman has been known to be wrong,” Dan stated.

Beth swallowed past the lump in her throat.

“Oh, I sincerely doubt it in this case,” Elsie said.

Beth glanced at Dan, not missing the irony of the exchange. Hours ago he had made the same practical observation about the weather as his mother, but now he was offering Beth a tiny glimmer of hope. The gesture was kind, considering the reality she was faced with. Appetite waning, she stared unseeing at the remaining stew in the pottery bowl.

“Beth? Are you all right, dear?” Elsie probed gently.

“Yes. I'm sorry. I was supposed to start a new job Monday—that's why I needed to make my flight.”

“Where is this job?” Elsie asked.

“A clinic in New York City.”

“Oh, my. That's not good,” she said. “Shall we pray about it? I know the good Lord is aware of the situation and has a solution in mind for you.”

Beth had trouble meeting the older woman's eyes. “No, but thank you.” She doubted the Lord cared about her job interview. He was busy taking care of important things, like people stranded in this blizzard.

“We've got a landline,” Elsie added. “Perhaps you should try to leave a message for that clinic in New York soon, in case we lose the phones in the storm.”

“That's a good idea. Thank you,” Beth said.

“By the way, I called Ben and Sara to let them know you're safe, and staying here with us,” Dan interjected. “But I bet they'd like to hear from you.”

Beth nodded and met his eyes. He was a thoughtful man and he was right, of course. She should have thought of calling Ben, but she wasn't accustomed to checking in with anyone.

“You look exhausted,” Elsie observed. “I'll wrap up your stew and we'll save it for later. Okay?” She looked to her son. “Show Beth the guest room, won't you, Dan?”

After stopping in the hall to grab her tote bag and coat, Dan led her to the other side of the big house. The Gallagher home was warm and friendly and it seemed to have been updated recently. The paint was fresh and the furniture new. Comfortable oak pieces filled the living room, and the burgundy-and-green color palette ran through the house. It was a no-fuss place that welcomed friends, family, children, grandchildren and very enthusiastic dogs.

“I want to apologize for my behavior this morning,” Beth said as she followed Dan down the hall.

“What behavior?” he asked, moving her tote from one hand to the other.

“Are you kidding? I was freaking out.”

“Totally normal.”

“Not for me. Not ever,” she said.

“Look, you can lose control with me anytime.”

They both stopped in their tracks.

Dan's ears were red as he slowly turned around, and she could see the appalled expression on his face.

Beth couldn't help herself. She burst out laughing. The humor of the situation eased the tension she'd been wearing like a heavy coat all day. For the first time in hours, she relaxed.

“You know what I mean,” he said firmly.

“I do.” She smiled. “Thank you for getting me to your house, and for trusting me to meet your family.”

He nodded, and despite his stern expression, the corners of his mouth threatened to curve into a grin and his eyes sparkled with humor.

“Dan, the CB is going off. You'll want to see to that,” Elsie called out as she came down the hall with a medicine bottle and an ice pack. “I'll get Beth settled in.”

“Thanks.” He turned to Beth and gave a nod. “I'll leave you in the good hands of Dr. Mom.”

Beth continued to smile as she watched him walk away, then she hurried her steps to catch up with Elsie.

Elsie opened a door at the end of the hall. “There are three bedrooms upstairs and this is the only one downstairs. When the kids were living at home they shared. My husband always said that sharing a room builds character. My kids are characters, so I suppose he was right.” She chuckled at her own words.

Before Beth could respond, Elsie turned on the light and then handed her the ibuprofen and ice pack. “Here we go.”

An antique, wrought-iron bed occupied most of the space. A thick duvet in a peach-and-rose-colored paisley covered it.

“What a welcoming room,” Beth said.

“Yes. Nice and toasty, being on the ground floor. Though not as quiet as upstairs.” Elsie walked directly across the hall. “Private bathroom. Plenty of towels and anything else you might need in the closet. I just stocked the drawers for you with shampoo and whatnot.” She grinned. “Girlie stuff. I keep a supply of it for when my daughters come home.”

“Thank you, so much,” Beth said, truly touched by the kind gestures.

“Oh, no problem. It's fun to have company, and especially nice to have another woman around.”

“Thank you.”

Elsie looked at Beth, her expression sympathetic. “I'm so sorry about your job. But I will be sure to add you to my prayer list during my prayer time in the morning. And I want you to remember that God has a plan for you, Beth.”

“I hope so,” she murmured.

“No hoping about God. Trust me on this. After all, you don't raise four children and bury a husband without learning a bit about the nature of the good Lord. He loves you so much He gathers your sorrows and collects your tears. Did you know that?”

“No, I didn't.” Beth pondered the words, finding herself intrigued by the comment.

Elsie smiled. “Absolutely true. Now, you help yourself to anything you want. The refrigerator is open 24/7. I'm working on a quilt in the sewing room, other side of the kitchen. If you need anything feel free to come and find me.”

“Okay.” She paused. “Mrs. Gallagher?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks very much.”

Elsie cocked her head. “For what, dear?”

“Welcoming me into your home,” Beth said.

“You're very welcome. And you can call me Elsie.”

Beth nodded and slowly closed the door behind Dan's mother. She sank into the peach Parsons chair next to the dresser and dug in her tote for her phone, punching in her cousin's number.

“Hey, Beth. Dan called to let us know what happened. He said you're staying at his mother's.”

“Yes.”

“Elsie is a hoot, isn't she?”

“She is.” Beth released a short laugh “Actually, all of the Gallaghers that I've met are nice. I like them.”

“They're good folk.”

“So, is everything okay at your place?” Beth asked.

“Yeah. We lost power, but I have a couple backup generators. That snow plays havoc on the trees and then they hit those wires, so we're used to dealing with it.”

“Could that happen here?”

“Elsie has generators, too. Everyone does up here. You're safe.”

Beth glanced around the cozy room.
Safe.

“Are you okay, Beth?” Ben asked. “You sound...off.”

“Yes. I'm fine.”

“Remember, everything is going to work out.”

“Do you think so?”

“I do. Beth, this storm is huge. It's on all the national news channels. Storm of the year, they're calling it. That practice in New York will realize soon enough that there was nothing you could do to get there.”

“I hope you're right. I'll leave a message with them and then try to reach someone through the answering service in the morning.”

“Good.” He paused. “And, Beth, Dan is a good guy. You can trust him.”

“Will I need to?”

“You have to trust someone.”

“I'll give that some thought. Thanks, Ben. I'll check in with you tomorrow. Tell Sara and the babies hello.”

“I will.”

Beth punched in the number of the clinic. The out-of-office voice mail message droned in her ear, advising her that the clinic was closed and offering her the number for the emergency doctor on call.

Frustrated, she put the phone down, then plugged in the charger and turned off the volume. She'd call again later. Leaning back against the soft padding of the chair, she stared out the window at the still-falling snow.

Her glance moved to the worn leather Bible on the oak bureau. She got up and put the book on the bed, flipping through the pages. What had Elsie said?

God has a plan for you.

“I certainly hope He'll let me in on the plan soon.”