Love Inspired September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Her Montana Twins\Small-Town Billionaire\Stranded with the Rancher (56 page)

He kissed the tip of her nose. “Welcome back to Paradise, Beth.”

“It's good to be home,” she murmured.

Epilogue

E
lsie Gallagher patted Joe's arm as he escorted to her to a seat in the first pew of the Paradise Chapel, before he went to join Dan at the altar.

“Beautiful dress, Elsie,” Bitsy Harmony commented from behind her.

Elsie glanced at her taupe silk dress with the pretty brocade jacket, and adjusted her corsage of white roses before turning in her seat. “Thank you. I have a Mother of the Groom sweatshirt adorned with tiny seed pearls, but Dan wouldn't let me wear it.”

Dan winked at his mother from his position at the altar.

“Oh, look,” Elsie said. “The doors are opening.”

Dan cleared his throat and put on a smile.

“Nervous?” Joe asked.

“Yeah, I guess I am,” Dan admitted. “Maybe she'll change her mind.”

“Not a chance. She loves you.”

“It was touch and go for a while there,” Dan said. He adjusted his rose boutonniere.

“Only in your mind, Danny.”

They stood silently as the rest of the guests were seated.

“I don't deserve her.”

“True, but let's not dwell on that,” Joe said.

Dan laughed. Good old Joe, he did know how to lighten the mood.

“Now, try to think positive,” his brother added. “You're number three. In approximately five minutes you'll be married. That means Mom will be focused on me for a while.”

“Yeah, that helps. Thanks.” Dan grinned.

The processional started and Amy began to walk slowly down the aisle of the small church, exactly the way they had practiced at the rehearsal.

Her smile was radiant. Amy looked so grown-up in a pale apricot dress, with her dark hair long and shining. She was, after all, seven years old now.

Next was the matron of honor. Sara Rogers's dress was also apricot, a sheath, he'd been informed. She walked down the aisle on her husband's arm, smiling. Sara and Ben were more than pleased that Beth would be living in Paradise. They wanted the godmother of their babies close by.

Dan's dark-haired twin sisters, Rachel and Leah, followed, on the arms of their husbands.

They were easy to tell apart. Leah was the one who looked as if she was about to deliver. Possibly during the wedding. Dan's medical tackle box was stashed behind the pulpit just in case. He had to give his sister credit. She waddled nicely to the strains of the organ.

The music changed, signaling the imminent arrival of the bride. Dan took a deep breath in eager anticipation.

Beth was all in white, her hand gently resting on the arm of her uncle, Dr. Benjamin Rogers, Senior. Ben's father had flown in with his wife for the occasion. She wore some sort of sleek shimmering dress, her shoulders bare. Simple and elegant, like his bride.

Instead of wearing a veil, Beth had her hair pulled up and anchored with tiny apricot rosebuds. A single strand of pearls adorned her neck, and pearls decorated her ears. She carried a bouquet of peach and apricot roses and white peonies as she moved gracefully down the aisle.

Elizabeth Rogers, his love, his bride, and very soon, his wife.

When their eyes locked and her lips curved into a serene smile, Dan's breath caught in his chest.

“Not going to need CPR, are you?” Joe whispered.

“No, I'm good,” he answered as Beth's steps drew her closer and closer.

As Dr. Rogers left the bride with her groom and took his seat, Amy exclaimed, “Look, it's snowing.”

Heads turned to peer out the large windows on either side of the pews, and a hush fell over the congregation as the fat flakes danced in the autumn air.

A mere six months ago snowflakes just like those had brought Beth to him. Dan would be eternally grateful.

“Snow in September?” Beth was wide-eyed. “It's too early for snow.”

“This is Paradise,” Dan said.

“Maybe it's good luck,” she whispered.

“No, I don't believe in luck. Those flakes are God's blessing on us.”

Moisture filled Beth's eyes and she nodded in agreement. She leaned close and whispered in his ear, “There's no place I'd rather be than with the man I love, in Paradise.”

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from RESCUING THE TEXAN'S HEART by Mindy Obenhaus.

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to Paradise.

As a registered nurse, working in the medical field, I learned early on that those called to this ministry profession are caregivers. They give generously and unconditionally, but often they have a difficult time receiving, and accepting a thank-you. That's because what they do is truly what they know they are called to do, and medical professionals don't do their jobs expecting thanks.

The same is true for Beth and Dan. I hope you enjoyed their story. I was especially endeared to this couple because I enjoyed them as people. They're caregivers with trust issues. Together they learn to trust God and trust each other.

I also completely fell in love with the Gallagher family. I hope to write more stories that feature these quirky characters who kept trying to hijack this book.

Drop me a line and let me know what you think. I can be reached at
[email protected]
or through my website at
www.tinaradcliffe.com
.

Thank you so much.
Tina Radcliffe

Questions for Discussion

1. The theme of this story is based on Philippians 3:13-14. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
   Are you familiar with that verse? What does it mean to you?
   
2. We are to learn from our past but not live there. That also encompasses the area of forgiveness. Forgiving ourselves and others. Have you been in situations where you knew you had to forgive before you could move forward?
   
3. Dan and Beth both dealt with devastating abandonment crises that made them wary of trusting. Have you or has anyone you know had to face the same issue?
   
4. Beth's abandonment issues caused her to not realize her worth and be unable to see herself as others see her. Have you ever felt this way? What did you do to try to overcome these feelings?
   
5. Elsie is a very quirky character—a strong woman who raised four children and buried a husband. She's very close to her children. Do you share a similar bond with your parents? How did that bond, or the absence of it, affect you growing up?
   
6. When Dan and Beth first meet he makes some assumptions about her as a city girl. Those assumptions are based on his own history. Have you ever found yourself making assumptions based on the hurts in your past? Have you had to rethink those assumptions later?
   
7. Beth lives her life carefully, controlling and planning her steps according to her goals and her five-year plan. She pays homage to control. Surrender to God is the only way she can finally find freedom. Can you relate to this? Have you had areas in your life that you reluctantly gave up, only to find freedom?
   
8. We revisit the town of Paradise in this book. In the winter, mountain towns can be cut off from the world during bad weather. Forced proximity brings out the core of people's personality very quickly. Beth and Dan fell in love over a week of close proximity. Does this seem realistic to you? Why?
   
9. Humor is a big part of the Dan's personality. He teaches Beth to temper her problems with a dose of humor and look at life less seriously. Often gentle humor can defuse tense situations. Is humor something you can relate to? How do you use humor to smooth over difficult situations?
   
10. Emily Robbs is the midwife who delivers the baby in this story. For women living in rural areas home deliveries are a normal scenario. Statistics show that home birth is as safe, or safer, than hospital birth for low-risk women. There are many advantages, including the increased bonding and lower stress for the mother. Have you known anyone who had a home delivery? Would you ever consider a home delivery for yourself or a member of your family?
    
11. Dan returned home like the prodigal son. He was able to admit his mistakes and ask his family for forgiveness. He was welcomed back with loving arms. Have you known someone who left home and returned, needing their family's loving arms? How did that situation work out?
    
12. Beth comes to know God by praying and finally asking Him into her heart. Are you familiar with the prayer she prayed? John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” What does that verse mean to you, personally?
    
13. In the church in New York City, Beth forgives her mother and accepts God's unconditional love. It can be very difficult to forgive someone who has wronged you but has no feelings of remorse. Have you ever experienced this?
    
14. Think about what an alternative ending might be for this book.
    
15. What do you think is the next step for Dan and Beth Gallagher?
    

We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

You believe hearts can heal.
Love Inspired
stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.

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Chapter One

H
e didn't want to be here.

Eyeing the snow-laden peaks that spread in every direction, Cash Coble tightened his grip on the steering wheel of his rented SUV and slowly navigated the hairpin turns leading into Ouray. He'd reeled in two new dealers over the past two weeks and, thanks to a new manufacturing plant, business at Coble Trailers showed no signs of slowing down.

Meaning, Cash couldn't afford to, either.

I's had to be dotted. T's needed to be crossed. In Cash's world, there was no such thing as a relaxing weekend.

It's only three days
.

He took a deep breath, mentally chastising himself for being so selfish. Gramps had never been too busy when it came to Cash. So why couldn't he show the old man the same courtesy?

A sharp right curve on the Million Dollar Highway and Cash glimpsed the town that he'd once hoped to call home. Nestled in a bowl among southwestern Colorado's majestic San Juan Mountains, Ouray was like no place else. Gramps always said it was heaven on earth. And, after all these years, Cash still agreed.

So why had it been so long since his last visit?

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Work. Work that was in Dallas, not Ouray.

No point in dwelling on what could never be.

But you're here now
.

Only because his mother was caring for his two-year-old niece while his very pregnant sister was sentenced to bed rest. Yet that didn't stop Mom from insisting Cash take her place. All because Gramps had been dealing with a little bronchitis. Of course, the man was ninety. And when Mom got insistent, neither Cash nor his dad stood a chance.

Clouds gave way to the early-afternoon sun illuminating the businesses that lined Main Street. The corners of his mouth twitched. The rows of colorful Victorian buildings still held the charm of a bygone era when miners and gold were the lifeblood of this town.

Two blocks and a couple of right turns later, Cash eased the SUV to a stop in front of his grandfather's house. The 1920s two-story didn't look quite the way he remembered. Peeling green paint and a roof that had seen better days made the house seem neglected. Forgotten.

Kind of like your grandfather.

The thought jarred him. Had it really been ten years since his last visit?

He shifted the vehicle into Park and pulled the key from the ignition. What happened to him? There was a time when he would have leaped at the opportunity to visit his grandfather. Now it had taken coercion.

Exiting the SUV, he sucked in a breath of the freshest air he'd smelled in ages and lingered over the view. Ouray was the antithesis of Dallas. The closest things to mountains there were made of metal and glass. Man's handiwork sure paled next to God's.

He unzipped his jacket, the temperature warmer than he expected. Remnants of snow still clung to life in shady areas, while dirty mounds dwindled away on street corners. Not exactly what he'd hoped for. It was February, after all, and this was Colorado. There should be plenty of snow. Even an inch or two would appease his Texas heart.

“Scout...stop that.” Somewhere behind him, a female giggled.

Turning, he glimpsed a young woman crossing the patch of brown grass that was Gramp's side yard. She held a foil-covered tray in each hand, while a small wirehaired pup playfully nipped at her shoes.

“Scout! You're going to make me fall.”

The dog all but ignored the hint of reprimand in the woman's tone and continued to dart in and around her feet.

That is, until it spotted Cash. The animal jerked to a halt.

Unaware, the woman stumbled over the dog, sending one of the platters airborne.

Ignoring the ache in his left knee from sitting too long, Cash rushed up the walk, intercepting the tray before it reached the ground.

The startled dog let out a high-pitched bark and lunged toward him.

The woman straightened. “Scout! No!”

Hoping to maintain an air of composure, Cash eased onto his good knee and held out his free hand. “Scout, is it?” He kept his voice gentle. “Well, hello there.”

The pint-size mixed breed sniffed his fist. Its ears went back and tail wagged.

Cash couldn't help smiling. He missed having a dog. Life just hadn't been the same since Mickey died last year.

“There you go.” He stroked the animal's sandy-colored fur. “See, I'm not so bad.”

Standing, he met the woman's gaze.

“Sorry about that, Cash.” Her pale blue eyes were unusually stunning. Especially against her tanned skin. The kind that could knock a guy right off his feet. She smiled. “Your grandfather said you were coming. Matter of fact, he hasn't talked about anything else.”

The knife of guilt twisted.

He stared at the woman. “Taryn?” Eyes that striking were hard to forget. Even though she was only a kid the last time he'd seen her.

“That's me.” She shifted from one foot to the other, tucking her short, golden-brown hair behind her ear.

“Wow. I haven't seen you since you were what...twelve?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Try seventeen.”

Way to go, Coble
. “Sorry.” He glanced at the tray in his hand. “Something sure smells good. This wouldn't be for Gramps, would it?”

“It is.”

He couldn't help grinning. “Well, darlin', allow me to assist you then.”

Her smile evaporated. She stiffened. “Suit yourself.” Turning on the heel of her rubber-soled shoes, she advanced up the wooden steps, leaving Cash to wonder if he'd offended her with the age remark.

Women. He'd never understand them.

He followed her, noting the large supply of wood stacked at one end of the porch. Surely Gramps hadn't cut all that himself.

Taryn reached past the handle of a snow shovel for the bell, when the door opened.

“I thought I heard voices out here.” Gramps held the storm door wide. His white hair was as thick as ever and his green eyes brightened when he caught sight of Cash. “Come in. Come in.”

If first impressions meant anything, Cash's mother was worried for nothing. The old man looked great.

Scout trotted inside first, as though she belonged, followed by Taryn and Cash.

The old house looked much better on the inside. The dark wood paneling in the living and formal dining space had been painted white, brightening the room considerably. Looked like Gramps had a new recliner, too. Seemed he wore one out about every five years or so. The floral sofa, though, still looked as new as the day Cash's grandmother bought it.

“I thought you'd be at the ice park.” Gramps smiled at Taryn.

“No, not today.”

The old man shifted his attention back to Cash, his chest puffed out. “Did you know that Ouray is the ice climbing capital of America?”

“I did not.” However, he couldn't help noticing that the console TV was still parked near the front window so it could be viewed from the kitchen.

“We even have a big ice festival. But that was last month.”

Cash always said his grandfather should be a spokesperson for the town. The old man never missed an opportunity to talk up Ouray.

“Pretty nice setup they've got over there, though.” Gramps inhaled deeply. “Smells like you've been baking again, young lady.”

Pink tinged Taryn's cheeks. “It's almost Valentine's Day, Mr. Jenkins. Lots of people are baking.”

“So what's your excuse the rest of the year?” The old man looked at Cash. “This sweet thing keeps me on baked goods that rival anything your grandmother would have made.”

Cash focused on the girl who had once followed him and her brother all over Ouray. “Beautiful
and
a great cook. That ought to make some man very happy.”

Those clear blue eyes narrowed for a split second.

“I'll take this.” She snatched the tray from his hand and headed into the kitchen.

He turned to his grandfather. He hadn't seen the old man since the last time he'd come to Texas, shortly after the birth of Cash's niece. That was over two years ago. And while one would never guess the man to be ninety, the telltale signs of age had grown more numerous. Lines revealed a man who loved the outdoors and age spots dotted his tanned skin.

“How are you, Gramps?”

His grandfather drew him into a warm embrace. “Even better now, son.” He clapped Cash on the back with a strength that belied his age. “I can't tell you how good it is to see you again.”

Funny how he had to stoop to hug this man he once considered a giant. He still smelled of coffee and outdoors. Home.

His grandfather released him.

“And the bronchitis?”

“Oh, I'm fine. Taryn there nursed me back to health with her homemade chicken soup.”

“Good.” He looked around the familiar space where he'd spent so much of his childhood. “It's good to be here. Thank you for inviting me.”

Gramps sent him a stern look. “No invitation needed. You know you're always welcome.”

The moisture in the old man's eyes tugged at Cash's heart. Suddenly, he was glad he'd come. A few days in Ouray might do wonders for him. Who knows? He might even relax. Clear his head. And, with any luck, see a little snow.

* * *

First,
darlin',
then
beautiful
.

Taryn Purcell had heard those words before. And they made her skin crawl worse than nails on a chalkboard.

It took all the restraint she could muster not to dump the cherry pie and other goodies she'd made onto Art Jenkins's kitchen table. She loved the old man as much as her own grandfather, but his grandson left much to be desired.

She huffed out a sigh. Cash Coble. A big name for a big man with an even bigger ego, no doubt. Was it just her or were all tall, good-looking Texans arrogant and condescending? Like a woman's sole purpose was to cook and look good for her man.

That's probably how Cash preferred his women—in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant.

Hmph. Bet Big Tex wouldn't have the guts to strap on some crampons, grab an ax and scale some fat ice. Boy, she'd like to teach him a thing or two.

“Taryn...” Mr. Jenkins's voice drew closer.

She turned as he entered the kitchen with his grandson. From his short blond hair to his boot-cut jeans and pointy cowboy boots, Cash had Texan written all over him. Right down to the swagger. And those dimples...

Biting her lip, she shifted her attention to Scout, who was happily tucked under Cash's arm, licking him as if the man was a side of beef. Scout was usually afraid of men. Even Mr. Jenkins had to bribe her with a treat before the mutt allowed him to pick her up. And he'd known her since she was a puppy.

“You remember my grandson, Cash, don't you?”

She gripped the metal edge of the ancient Formica-topped table behind her and forced a smile. “I do. Not that we spent much time together.” Cash was five years older than her, the same age as her brother Randy. Guess that would make him thirty-two.

Mischief glinted in Cash's green eyes. “No, but I sure remember how you used to spy on Randy and me.”

She squared her shoulders. “I was
not
spying.”

“Aw, come on. Every time I turned around I'd see you ducking behind something.”

He saw me?

She lifted her chin, her trail shoes scraping across the worn gold-and-orange sheet vinyl. “Well, somebody had to make sure you two stayed out of trouble.”

Turning her attention back to his grandfather, she said, “There's a cherry pie—” she pointed to the foil-wrapped pastry “—and then here we have some banana nut bread, chocolate chip cookies and brownies.”

The old man gave her a one-armed hug. “You sure know how to spoil a fella.”

She kissed his weathered cheek. “Some people are simply worth spoiling.” Stepping back, her gaze inadvertently fell to Cash. True, she'd brought enough baked goods for two, though she never imagined she would actually run into Cash.

Her heart skittered to a halt.
Oh, no.
He probably thought she was waiting for him to pull up before she brought this stuff over.

Talk about lousy timing.

“I...need to get back to the house.” She retrieved her Chihuahua-terrier mix from Cash's muscular arms and hurried through the living room as if she had something burning in the oven. But she had to get out of here before she said or did something she'd regret.

“Thank you, again,” Mr. Jenkins called behind her as she opened the door.

“You're welcome.” She squeezed Scout tighter and continued onto the porch and down the steps, feeling as though someone had sucked the air out of her lungs.

Clouds covered the sun as she hurried to the Victorian house next door. She could only imagine what was going through Cash's mind. Everyone knew what a huge crush she'd had on him as a kid. And seeing him now, that same sensation had wriggled through her once again. Then he called her darlin'.

She stomped up the back steps. That single word was like a splash of icy water. The last time she fell for that line it had cost her far more than anyone knew.

She nuzzled Scout's wiry fur. “Can I get some sugar?” Some people thought her crazy for talking to her dog like a baby. But her brothers' opinions weren't of any concern to her. Besides, Scout was her baby and Taryn loved her every bit as much as her brothers loved their kids.

Scout licked her nose.

“Thank you.”

Inside her parents' kitchen, she set Scout on the wooden floor and shrugged out of her fleece vest. Cash still looked as amazing as she remembered. The only thing that had changed was that the good-looking boy had grown into a fine-looking man. The kind that knew how to make a woman feel special. Loved.

That is, until he was finished with her.

Like Brian.

Gooseflesh prickled down her arms.