Page 3 of Waiting for the Rancher
Squaring his shoulders, he stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets. As he swept his gaze over the beauty of the wild mountain valley, the sadness in his chest spread into his limbs. Although he loved the high country, no one had loved it more than Pa.
For the past fourteen years since leaving their horse farm in Kentucky, Pa had done everything he could to build a new life for his family in Colorado. After years of hard work, Pa had finally begun to see the rewards of his efforts. The High Country Ranch—or High C Ranch, as it was called—had gained a reputation for having the best horses in the state, possibly even in the West.
Maverick gave a shake of his head, as if that could somehow shake away the melancholy. He couldn’t make today about him and his sorrow and regrets. This was Sterling’s special day, and he had to be there for his friend and not stand outside feeling sorry for himself.
He shifted to return inside, but at the sight of a woman in a cream-colored gown leaning against the side of the house, he paused. The dark hair and pale skin were all he needed to recognize Violet.
What was she doing outside?
She had a handkerchief out and was blotting the corners of her eyes, almost as if she were crying. What was wrong? Was she having pre-wedding jitters?
An urgency prodded him. He couldn’t let Sterling see his bride like this, outside, crying. It would only make him more nervous.
Maverick shot a glance toward the front door, then to the parlor window. He could take care of this without Sterling beingany the wiser. He’d talk to Violet and encourage her to go in right away and proceed with the wedding.
He veered off the path and strode across the flat tufts of grass. The dampness muted his bootsteps so that he was almost upon Violet before she glimpsed him nearing.
She pushed away from the house and rapidly began to dry her cheeks. “Hi, Maverick.”
He stopped a foot away from her.
She averted her face and continued to blot at her eyes. “What are you doing out here?”
With his hands still stuffed into his pockets, he gave a slight shrug. He couldn’t very well admit that he’d been overcome with guilt over his pa and family. She didn’t need to hear that today. “Came lookin’ for you, darlin’.” The words were out before he could stop them. “Wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
She lifted her eyes, which gave him full view of the angst clouding them. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“I do. You’re gonna go in there and marry the man you love.”
“But how do I know if I really love him?”
How could she not love Sterling? The fellow was one of the kindest and most giving men Maverick had ever known. “Listen—”
“What if I have feelings for someone else too?” She straightened and seemed to pull in a steadying breath.
“You’re just nervous. That’s all.”
“No. It’s not all.” She blinked back more tears. “I haven’t been as sure about Sterling as he’s been about me.”
Maverick’s gut cinched. He was glad Sterling wasn’t nearby to hear the confession. “Don’t matter none. Sterling’s got enough love for the both of you.” That was the plain truth. Sterling had been a goner since the day he’d laid eyes on Violet.
“I don’t want to hurt Sterling.” She pressed a hand against the long row of covered buttons that ran up the front of herbodice until she reached the brooch at the neckline. “But I just don’t think I’m ready for this.”
This conversation wasn’t going the way Maverick wanted, and he had to do something—anything—to assure Violet that Sterling was the right man for her. He scrambled to find a solution. Maybe he oughta pick her up and carry her inside.
Without giving himself—or her—a chance to protest, he bent and swept her up into his arms. “C’mon. I’m taking you back in.”
As he situated her against his chest, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her skirt was full and the layers of material cumbersome, forcing him to hold her closer to keep from dropping her. He rounded the house and headed back toward the front door.
Her arms tightened with each step, and she lifted her head so that her cheek brushed against his. “Please. We need to talk.”
At the plea in her voice, he halted. He dropped his gaze to find that she was looking up at him with furrowed brows. She was such a pretty woman. Not that he was attracted to her, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t admit she had stunning features, with pale skin that made her eyes and hair all the more vibrant.
“You’re a good man,” she whispered.
“Course I am.” He offered her what he hoped was an encouraging smile.
She studied his face, ending up at his mouth. “You have such a nice smile.”
