Heart of a Rancher Read online

  “Ready for what?” she asked.

  “To show them how successful their first rags-to-riches endeavor is. The calendar is filled from now until the end of September with about fifty more on our waiting list.”

  Her mouth fell open. “It’s—what?”

  “Thanks to Brother Henry.” John shook his head. “Or rather, thanks to God. Church youth retreats, that’s what set everything in motion. Remember when Brother Henry’s wife talked about the Vacation Bible School and the lessons about horses? All the times they’re mentioned in the Bible?”

  “Yes,” she said, then put it together. “Youth retreats! Places for church groups to go and spend time with horses while they’re learning how horses figured in the Bible.”

  “That’s it.”

  “How did you get the word out to the youth groups?”

  “Brother Henry has quite a network with church groups online, so basically a few emails and phone calls, and we had reservations coming in by the hour. And it didn’t cost a thing.”

  Dana had started believing in the power of prayer, but right here, right now, she could see the results of their prayers. Church youth groups would fill the ranch, an answer to John’s prayer that the ranch be successful. And John was here, in Chicago, and ready to begin their life together, no doubt. Take her back to Claremont, back to the place and the people she loved, an answer to her own prayers. “That’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful!”

  “Yeah, it is, but it isn’t the best part.” He’d been wearing his Stetson, but he took it off, and Dana got the full effect of those amber eyes, and the trademark Cutter dimples that left her knees weak.

  She swallowed. “So, if that isn’t the best part, then what is?”

  Never taking his eyes from hers, he slowly lowered himself onto one knee then withdrew a small black box from the pocket of his jeans. “This was my great-grandmother’s,” he said, opening the box to reveal an intricate antique engagement ring. “It isn’t that big of a stone, but the jeweler said it’s still great quality.” He smiled. “Kind of like the rancher offering it to you. I don’t have anything big to give you, Dana. Not a ton of money or material things. But I can take care of you, support you spiritually, emotionally and physically, for the rest of your life. If you’ll let me.”

  She moved her finger toward the ring, cried as he slid it on her finger. “I don’t want anything big and meaningless. I want the ring that means something to your family, and I want the only man who has ever meant anything to me. I love you, John.”

  A brief knock rapped on the door then Ryan stuck his head in once again. “Hey, it’s time for—” he looked at John on one knee, Dana crying and beaming at the ring on her finger. “You asked her already? I thought you were going to wait until after the board meeting.”

  “I couldn’t wait,” John said, then stood and wrapped an arm around his brand-new fiancée.

  “You knew?” Dana asked her brother.

  “Well, of course. He asked me for your hand.” He lifted a brow. “You can thank me later for saying he could have it. I really didn’t know what choice I had, since you’ve been making everyone miserable in the office ever since you got back. And those boots...”

  She held up a pink boot-clad foot. “What about them?”

  “Just glad they’re finding their way home.” He looked from Dana to John. “And just so you know, I am glad the dude ranch took off. I didn’t expect it, and wasn’t sure I wanted it, but seeing Dana this happy, and knowing that we can continue helping other people like John—and like our Dad—make it in business, well, I can see how good a thing that is now.”

  Dana left John’s embrace, crossed the room and hugged her brother. “Thanks, Ryan.”

  “You can thank me after John makes his presentation in the boardroom. Those guys get tired of waiting, you know. And speaking of waiting, how long are you two going to wait before tying the knot?”

  “How does June sound?” John asked. “That long enough for you to get ready?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. “June sounds great.”

  “And I assume you’ll want to get married down there,” Ryan said.

  “Definitely,” Dana answered.

  “Guess I’ve got a trip to the sticks to look forward to in the near future.”

  “You’d be surprised at the things you find in the sticks.” John moved toward Dana and wrapped an arm around her again. It felt so good to be able to touch her, hold her, tell her that he loved her and would love her forever. He kissed her cheek. “Isn’t that right?”

  She smiled up at him, blue eyes filled with love. “Yes,” she whispered, “that’s right.”

  Epilogue

  While the paparazzi hadn’t found it necessary to follow Dana to Alabama when she’d come down for the business investment, they felt that Lawrence Brooks’s daughter marrying an Alabama rancher was cause for an invasion.

  And invade they did.

  The Claremont Bed-and-Breakfast had been filled to capacity since the day they announced the wedding, not with wedding guests but with camera crews and news personnel. Television vans were parked on every corner and even at the end of the Cutter driveway.

  Dana wrote a personal apology explaining how sorry she was that her presence had caused so many people to overtake Claremont, and she had Mary print it in the church’s bulletin. But the tiny town’s residents didn’t mind. All the extra people only added to the number of shoppers in the square and boosted business for everyone.

  So, on the day of the wedding, the entire town was invited. Dana and John needed them, in a way, to form a privacy barrier. Because Dana wanted to get married in the place where she first visualized a wedding to the man she loved, at that section of the trail bordered by the vibrant purple, hot-pink and red rhododendrons.

  In each guest’s invitation, they’d included a dude ranch trail map, which specified the path to take for the wedding, a trail John had called “Dana’s Wedding Trail.”

  Because it would have been impossible for everyone to gather at the spot where they would pledge their vows, the guests were instructed to border the path, from the beginning to the curve filled with rhododendrons, and the bride would pass through and therefore see everyone on her way to the groom.

  Dana loved the idea, and she also loved the fact that with the townspeople lining the path and the woods forming a cool canopy overhead, the paparazzi couldn’t invade the actual ceremony. They snapped as many photos as possible from their industrial-size cameras, and the helicopter hovering overhead got as close as it could, but there was no way that they would be there when Dana rounded that final curve, saw that stunning display of color—and the compelling rancher who’d held her heart since that first day she’d stepped on his farm.

  Walking ahead of Dana, Abi tossed flower petals from a basket and said hello to her friends as she passed them on the path. And Ryan walked beside Dana to give her away.

  She smiled, glanced at her brother, the guy who’d come so far over the past few weeks, seeing how much she’d fallen in love with Claremont and understanding how much she’d fallen in love with John.

  “You ready, sis?” he asked softly, putting his hand on hers as he paused before handing her to her future husband.

  Her heart swelled with admiration, with pride and with love. “I’m ready.”

  Ryan kissed her cheek, took her hand and put it in John’s.

  Brother Henry smiled and spoke of commitment and love and trials and endurance and children and family. Dana tried to listen to every word, but her vision focused so intently on John, on this man that she’d come to know so well, respect so deeply and love so completely, that the words all blurred together to create a memory.

  “I’ve never been happier,” John said softly.

  “I haven’t, either.” She took a small st
ep closer, eager to begin their lives as one. And they stood there, looking in each other’s eyes and envisioning the wonderful future they’d share together.

  Then Dana heard Ryan’s chuckle. And then another snicker from the crowd. John glanced at the group and must have seen the same thing Dana saw, because several hands had moved to mouths to cover up their laughter.

  “What—what is it?” Dana asked.

  “Brother Henry said y’all can kiss,” Abi announced. “But you’re just standing there!”

  Then they realized they’d missed a rather important part of the ceremony, and John’s deep dimples popped into place as he leaned around Dana and looked to Abi.

  “I’m supposed to kiss her now?”

  Abi, and everyone else who heard his question, yelled, “Yes!”

  And, as soon as Dana stopped giggling, to her delight, he did.

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed this story by Renee Andrews,

  be sure to check out the other books this month

  from Love Inspired!

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt of Reunited for the Holidays by Jillian Hart!

  Dear Reader,

  My preacher, Wayne Dunaway (who Brother Henry is modeled after), often reminds our congregation to “Let go, and let God.” I think we all go through times in our life when we try to handle life’s problems and struggles on our own, only to realize that if we let go and turn the situation over to God, everything will work out fine.

  I’m hoping, if you’re facing struggles now, that Heart of a Rancher will remind you to let go, and let God. You can’t go wrong if you do!

  I enjoy mixing facts and fiction in my novels, and you’ll learn about some of the truths hidden within the story on my website, www.reneeandrews.com. While you’re there, you can also enter contests for cool prizes.

  Additionally, my website includes alternate beginnings for some of my novels and deleted scenes that didn’t make the final cut. If you have prayer requests, there’s a place to let me know on my site. I will lift your request up to the Lord in prayer. I love to hear from readers, so please write to me at [email protected].

  Blessings in Christ,

  Renee Andrews

  Questions for Discussion

  Dana begins her journey by wrecking her car, hitting a cow and then walking a mile in high heels. Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to go wrong from the start? How did that turn out for you?

  A socialite on a small Alabama ranch is a prime example of a fish-out-of-water story. How did the Cutters make sure Dana felt welcome at their home?

  Dana’s father found God again on his deathbed. Have you known someone who has waited a lifetime before finding faith?

  Have you or has someone you know reaffirmed faith due to the loss of a loved one?

  The women gathered together to prepare meals for Mitch Gillespie. How does this action reflect the close-knit community of Claremont and the familial atmosphere of the Claremont Community Church?

  Why do you think Dana’s brother, Ryan, was so opposed to his sister assisting start-up businesses and inexperienced entrepreneurs? Do you think it all had to do with money?

  Eden Sanders lived next door to her daughter’s family. This is often still the case in the South, where families tend to settle down near each other and get together often. Is this the case where you live? Do you think this would be beneficial? Why or why not?

  If people do not have family living close by, do you believe their church family should assume that role? Why or why not?

  John wanted Dana to move to Alabama, marry him and live on the farm. However, he wasn’t willing to live off her inheritance and wanted to “make it” on his own. What does this say about him?

  John’s dream to have a dude ranch in Alabama was rejected by the banks because it wasn’t a typical venture, and because John didn’t have experience in running a dude ranch. Have you ever had an idea that you believed would be successful, only to have it shot down by the powers that be because it wasn’t traditional?

  Do you think part of the appeal of Alabama to Dana was the chance to get out of the fishbowl of living in front of the paparazzi? Do you think that the paparazzi would leave them alone once they settled down in Alabama? Can you think of celebrities who have chosen to live outside the limelight? Was their attempt successful?

  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.

  Visit Harlequin.com to find your next great read.

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  Chapter One

  Dr. Brian Wallace plucked the ceramic frog out of the flower bed, tipped it upside down and shook hard. The spare front-door key fell onto his palm as he squinted into the watery afternoon sun. It was good to be home. Late November air crisped over him and he shivered, goose bumps traveling down his arms. Weak from an extended illness, he gripped the railing to steady himself. The long trip from rural Texas had taken a toll on him.

  The old adage There’s No Worse Patient Than a Doctor had never been more true, he thought, as he struggled up the stairs. Easily winded, he paused a moment at the top, thanking God he was here to see the colors of sunset. His near brush with death had marked him. He couldn’t deny it. He’d missed his life here in Fort Worth. He missed his kids—although they were grown, they were what he had left of his heart.

  He ambled to the door, leaned heavily against the wall and inserted the key. The door creaked open. Every part of him vibrated with a mix of weakness and exhaustion. As he crossed the threshold into the comfort of the house, memories surrounded him. It had been years since his children had lived here, but he recalled the pound of music from an upstairs bedroom, the chatter of his daughter on her phone, the drum of feet as one of the boys prowled the kitchen.

  Emotion dug into his chest, claws sharp. Yes, looking death in the face changed a man. It stripped away everything extraneous, leaving what mattered most.

  His footsteps echoed in the lonely living room. He eased onto a couch cushion, sighing heavily as fatigue washed over him like water. Maybe he should have listened to his colleague—he’d valued Dr. Travors’s expertise, which had saved his life—but he’d had enough bed rest. He needed to get home; he needed to be here. The Lord had put a deep call into his heart. He couldn’t explain it as he reached for the phone to try his children again. He needed to see them.

  He dialed his daughter’s number first. Dear Maddie. Many things had crossed his mind while he’d lain on a spare cot in the corner of a migrant worker’s temporary home—a shack beside many others on a remote Texas farm. His failings and regrets hit hard, but none as cruelly as his missteps in his personal relationships. He’d always had a difficult time opening up. He had to try to fix that. He’d been given a second chance.

  He waited for the call to connect. A muffled ringing came from what sounded like his front porch. The bell pealed, boots thumped on the front step and joy launched him from the couch. He set down the phone, listening to the faint conversation on the other side of the door. His kids were here? Theirs were the voices he’d missed during his illness, the ones he’d most longed to hear. He gripped the brass knob, tugged and set eyes on his children. All three of them.

  Praise the Lord, for bringing them here safe and sound. “You got my messages.”

  �
��You left about a dozen.” Maddie tumbled into his arms. “Dad, you have no idea how good it is to see you. No idea.”

  “Right back at you, sweetheart.” The endearment stumbled off his tongue—he wasn’t good with them—but he had to get better at speaking his feelings. He had to try harder. His dear Maddie, so like her mother. His chest ached with affections too intense to handle, so he swallowed hard, trying to tamp them down as he held her hands in his after their hug was done. “I was gone a little longer than I’d planned this time—”

  “A little?” Her voice shot up. “Dad, you have no idea how worried sick we’ve been over you.”

  “I don’t even know how to say how sorry I am—”

  “What matters is that you’re all right.” Her hands gave his a warm, understanding squeeze.

  “Where have you been?” Grayson, his oldest child, stepped in to join the reunion. Tall, dark and handsome. Pride swelled up, making it hard to look at the boy properly.

  “Grayson.” Those couldn’t be tears in his eyes, of course not. Brian wasn’t a man given to tears. Maybe because he had thought of his two other children when he’d been fighting for his life on that cot. Yet another son and daughter, lost to him forever. His biggest regret of all. Emotion clumped in his throat, making it impossible to say more.

  “We’ve been looking for you.” Grayson’s hug was brief, his face fighting emotion, too. “We found your wallet in a ditch and we feared you were missing. The police—”

  “Missing?” He swiped a hand over his face, grimacing, hating what he’d put them through. “I was in rural Texas, you know that, sometimes without phones or cell service. I would have gotten a message to you kids, but I lost my cell—”