Love Inspired Historical October 2013 Bundle: A Family for Christmas\The Secret Princess\Taming the Texas Rancher\An Unlikely Union (56 page)

Chapter Fourteen

H
annah felt Daniel’s warm breath upon her lips before his mouth descended. The smells of leather, outdoors and sweet coffee blended and filled her senses. His hands released hers and he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Her heartbeat quickened and her mind went blank.

When he pulled back, Daniel looked as confused as she felt. He cleared his throat. “We should get you back to the school. We’ll worry about Levi and his potential bride when the time comes.”

Hannah nodded, afraid to speak. Her voice might crack, and then what would he think of her?

How had one little kiss affected her so? Weakness had entered her knees and the rest of her limbs. How could that be so? Was she coming down with a sickness? Surely it couldn’t have been the kiss. She’d been kissed before and hadn’t felt this way afterward.

She felt his hand grasp hers, and walked beside him, curious as to why he was holding her hand. Was he trying to court her the right way? A smile played across her face at the thought. The next six months might not be so bad after all.

When the schoolhouse came into view, Daniel said, “Tomorrow, I’ll need to be gone. We have to brand the calves and I have to be there to oversee the work. I’m afraid we’ll have to postpone our outing a few more days.” He pushed his hat back off his forehead.

Disappointment filled her. She’d been looking forward to spending more time with him. “I understand. I’ll be busy myself, getting the schoolroom ready and creating lessons for the children.”

He stopped at the stairs and released her hand. “Hannah, with the fences being cut, I’d appreciate it if you’d stick close to the schoolhouse until we catch whoever is doing it.”

“Daniel, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

She didn’t like the idea of having to stay at the schoolhouse all the time.

A handsome smile spread his lips. “I’m sure you can.”

She nodded.

“Well, do you need anything to make your stay here any more comfortable?” His green eyes held hers.

“No. Thanks to Levi’s thoughtfulness I think I have everything I need now. He brought me a table and two chairs for meals and lesson planning at night, and he also gave me a beautiful rocker. He said they were his wedding present to us. Would you like to come in and see them?” Hannah turned to lead the way inside. She could tell Daniel wasn’t happy that Levi had brought the furniture. Maybe showing him would make him feel better.

His words stopped her. “No, thanks. I have to get back to work.” He turned on his boot heels and headed back toward the barn, where Tornado waited. His voice gentled. “Maybe I can look at them later.”

Hannah nodded. She expelled the air in her lungs as she watched him ride away. Hannah didn’t know what to think of Daniel’s mood swings. One moment he was Mr. Romantic and the next Mr. Grumpy.

That evening and the next day she prepared the classroom for students. On Saturday morning Hannah woke up and decided it was time to start doing work around the ranch. She pulled on her boots and headed to the barn.

As a little girl she’d mucked stalls, collected eggs and fed the chickens. She could do that now, too, if no one else had already done so. The dew on the grass soon had her boots damp. She smiled up into the heavens and thanked the Lord for such a beautiful morning.

She crossed the barnyard, where Jeb came out to meet her. “Good morning, Mr. Jeb.”

“Howdy. What can I do for you this morning, Miss Hannah?” he asked around a piece of hay.

Hannah grinned. She’d met Jeb the day of her riding lesson and found she liked his quiet ways. “I was hoping I could do something for you.”

Jeb frowned. “What did ya have in mind?”

“I thought maybe I could help clean out the stalls, feed the chickens or maybe collect their eggs. I’ll do just about anything to help out.”

He shifted the straw from one side of his mouth to the other. “Does the boss know you’re down here?”

Hannah wasn’t sure if he meant Daniel or his mother. She didn’t relish the idea of having to ask either of them if she could to do a few chores. “No, I didn’t think I needed to ask permission to work. On our farm back home, people just did what needed to be done.”

Jeb chuckled. “I like your way of thinkin’. Come with me.” He led her into the barn.

The smell of hay and dust filled her nose and she sneezed. Clover nickered in her stall. Hannah walked up to the little mare and rubbed her muzzle. “What’s wrong, ole gal? Did they leave you behind today?”

The mare bobbed her head as if to say yes.

“Can ya paint?” Jeb asked from behind her.

Hannah turned to see him holding a bucket of whitewash and a brush. “Sure can.”

“Follow me.”

He led her down the fence line to a large chicken coop. “When you get the henhouse done, work your way down the fence thataway.” Jeb set the bucket down, handed her the brush and walked off, whistling a happy tune.

Hannah picked up the paint and carried it inside the chicken yard. She pulled the gate closed behind her. Chickens scattered and squawked at her. She ignored them and dipped the brush into the whitewash.

“Well, at least I’m not cooped up in the schoolhouse today.” She giggled at her own joke.

As she painted, Hannah noticed that the chicken coop had seen better days. It needed more than just paint; it needed new boards in some places, and she could tell the inside needed a good cleaning. She finished painting, and then moved into the henhouse.

It was big, with two rows of nests. They were dirty and the hay had seen better days. Spiderwebs hung up high where the chickens couldn’t get to them. She decided to clean it all up. As she worked, Hannah hummed. The hens that were trying to nest eyed her suspiciously.

Once the place was a little more livable for its occupants, Hannah headed to the barn for fresh hay. The coolness there surprised her. She hadn’t realized how hot she was until that moment.

An old brown hat hung on a nail and she plucked it down and plopped it on her overheated head. Then she grabbed as much hay as she could carry and headed back to the chicken coop.

The sweet smell of hay filled the air. Hannah worked quickly, filling boxes and fighting off pecking hens. She collected the eggs and set them outside the gate. Her hair felt plastered to her head and her cheeks were hot, so she stood in the shade of an oak tree, attempting to cool off.

The water trough could use a good cleaning, too, she thought, enjoying a soft breeze. Hannah wondered whose job it was to take care of the chickens. Whoever it was, they were sorely neglectful, in her opinion.

Her gaze moved across the yard to the green pastures that stretched out for miles. Where was Daniel today? Were they still branding calves? Hannah wished she could go and see him. She took the big hat off and wiped her forehead. Well, since she couldn’t, she decided to continue working.

How were she and Daniel going to fall in love if they didn’t see each other for days? She dumped the water from the trough and proceeded to scrub off the algae with handfuls of sand.

A plan began to form as she worked. If he couldn’t stop farming to spend time with her, maybe she could spend time with him. She finished the trough and then refilled it with fresh water from the well.

“You’ve done a really good job out here.”

Hannah spun around on her heels. Opal stood beside the gate. “Thank you. I only planned to paint the henhouse but then saw where it needed a bit more work.”

Opal held an egg basket in her hands. “Thanks for collecting these. I’ve had a slow start this morning. Why don’t you come on up to the house for a spot of tea?”

“I’d love to.” Hannah looked down at her dirty dress and boots. “But I’m a mess.”

“Nonsense, you’ve been working. You’re expected to be a tad dirty. Dust yourself off and come along.” The housekeeper walked away, leaving her to follow.

Hannah hurried to catch up with her. “Thank you. Tea sounds lovely.” She immediately wished she had one of her friend Eliza’s sticky buns. Her stomach growled at the thought.

Opal laughed. “Sounds like you could use lunch, also.”

She felt her face flush. “Oh, no, I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“No trouble at all. Wash up and come on inside,” the woman instructed, and then went into the kitchen.

Hannah hurried to do as she was asked. She hung the brown hat on a nail by the door and then dipped her hands into the basin. The water felt wonderful on her palms, so she splashed it on her neck and face, also. She dried off and hurried inside to find Opal sitting at the table with a pot of tea, two cups and a plate of food.

The housekeeper looked up. “I hope you are in the mood for a chicken salad sandwich. I’ve added a couple of pickles and sliced tomatoes.”

“Thank you.” Hannah slipped into her chair and said a quick blessing over her lunch. When she finished, she looked up to find Opal studying her.

Dark circles rested below the woman’s eyes. “Thank you for taking care of the chicken house. I’ve been meaning to get out there, but my daughter is having a rough time carrying this newest baby and, well, between helping her and my inside chores, I just haven’t had time to get to the henhouse.”

Hannah liked the older woman and wanted to help. “It was my pleasure. I wouldn’t mind lending a hand around here, if you’ll let me.” She began eating as she waited for her to answer.

“You wouldn’t mind?” Opal asked.

Hannah took a sip of tea. “I would enjoy it. I’ll be honest with you—I’m bored at the schoolhouse.” She reached for the sugar bowl and added a teaspoon into her cup.

Opal’s face brightened. “It would be nice to have some help. Would you mind tending the chickens and collecting the eggs in the mornings?”

Those were chores Hannah had done on her father’s farm. She smiled. “I’ll be glad to.”

Opal frowned briefly. “Will it interfere with teaching the children?” She took a sip of tea.

“Not at all. I’m going to start classes midmorning and carry on through the heat of the day. Midafternoon the children will be released to go home and help with chores.” She pushed her empty plate back. “I will be happy to help you with your morning tasks.”

“Thank you. And I’ll make sure that you have a proper breakfast and lunch.” Opal grinned from ear to ear.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Mrs. Westland might object.” Hannah folded her hands in her lap. She needed to find a way to befriend Daniel’s mother, and eating her food probably wasn’t the way to do that.

“Oh, pish posh! Bonnie isn’t going to care if you eat a few vittles in exchange for helping me get the chores done around here.” She picked up her teacup and carried it to the sink. “Besides, I’m looking forward to having another female around to talk to.” Opal returned for Hannah’s plate and cup.

Hannah liked her spunk. “If you’re sure, then it’s a deal.” She held out her hand for Opal to shake.

The older woman surprised her by ignoring her hand and grabbing her in a swift hug. “I’m so glad our Daniel found you.”

The sound of the front door slamming and Daniel’s voice bellowing, “Opal! Ma! Have either of you seen Hannah!” pulled the two women apart.

Was that fear she heard in Daniel’s voice? If so, what did he think had happened to her? Did the emotion in his voice mean he cared about her? So many questions raced through Hannah’s mind as she hurried to assure him she was there.

Chapter Fifteen

D
aniel’s breath came hard and heavy. He couldn’t believe Hannah was gone. He stood in the middle of his mother’s living room, waiting for her or Opal to appear. He’d told Hannah not to leave the schoolhouse. How long had she been gone?

Guilt ate at him as he realized he should have gone to see her yesterday or sent someone else to check on her. Daniel jerked his hat off and slapped it against his leg. His other hand moved to rub the back of his neck. Had she gone back to town? Given up on him loving her? He inhaled another deep breath, and just as he planned to yell for his mother again, he heard Hannah’s voice.

“I’m here, Daniel. What are you yelling about?”

His gaze swung to the dining area. Hannah stood in the doorway with Opal behind her. Her hair was sticking out in all directions and straw and dust clung to it. The dress she wore was covered in mud and muck. He gasped. What had the poor woman gone through to put her in such a state?

“What’s all the yelling about?” Bonnie Westland came down the stairs at a run. She saw the direction Daniel was staring, and turned to look, too.

Daniel ignored his mother and hurried to Hannah. A smudge of dirt marred one creamy cheek. Her nose and cheeks had been sunburned. “Are you all right?” he asked, reaching up to wipe away the dirt.

“I’m fine. I was having lunch with Opal.” Her blue eyes stared up at him in confusion.

He said the first thing that came to mind. “Are you sure? You don’t look so good.”

Hannah gasped.

Bonnie laughed.

And Opal scolded, “You wouldn’t look so great yourself if you’d cleaned and painted the chicken house this morning. Where are your manners, Daniel?”

He looked from one woman to the other. “I’m sorry, Hannah, I didn’t mean to insult you. Mother, stop laughing.” His jaw tightened and he reached out and grabbed Hannah’s hand. “If you will excuse us, I need to talk to Hannah in private.” Relief and anger fought for control of his emotions. Anger won. Why hadn’t she stayed at the school as he’d told her to?

Her hand felt small and warm in his as he pulled her across the room and out the front door. Just as he shut the door behind him, he heard his mother call, “Play nice, Daniel.” Her laughter followed them down the steps.

He slapped his hat back on, grabbed Tornado’s reins as they passed the stallion and continued on across the yard.

“Daniel, slow down.” Hannah pulled against his hand.

“I’ll slow down once I get you back to the school,” he answered, continuing at his fast pace.

She dug her feet into the earth.

Daniel growled deep in his throat. Turned around, scooped her up and then seated her up onto Tornado’s saddle. Confused blue eyes searched his face before he mounted behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Hannah clung to the saddle horn. Her hair had come down from his rough treatment and curled about her shoulders.

Tornado took off like a shot across the yard, through the strand of trees and then on past the school. Her hair brushed against his face. The soft material of her dress brushed his arm.

She called over her shoulder, “I thought you were taking me to the schoolhouse.”

He ignored her. Right now all he wanted to do was ride with the wind in his face. He wasn’t sure who he was angry with, her for disobeying his orders or himself for caring so much about what could have happened to her. What if she’d been kidnapped? Hurt?

She relaxed against him, releasing the saddle horn. Why? Did Hannah trust him not to let her fall? He’d never understand women. She had no reason to trust him, and yet here she sat with her back resting against him, her eyes closed and her head on his shoulder.

Daniel pulled Tornado to a walk.

Hannah opened her eyes and looked at him. “Why are you so angry?”

He leaned forward and answered in a low, throaty voice, “Because I told you to stay at the school.”

She moved forward in the saddle. “And I told you I can take care of myself.”

“Hannah, there is danger on a ranch this size. Anything could happen to you. Just this morning we found two of our cows and their calves butchered in the west pasture. Someone is on Westland lands who shouldn’t be.” He guided Tornado up a steep hill. Hannah slid back against his chest once more.

She reached up and cupped his jaw. “Does this mean you were concerned for me?”

“Of course I was concerned for you.” Her fingers felt soft against his cheek. The urge to lean into her touch was tempting.

She dropped her hand as Tornado lurched to the top of the rise. The big stallion snorted and shook his head. Daniel pulled him to a halt.

Below was his house, the home he’d hoped to be sharing with Hannah already. He loved this spot. The structure stood in a grove of oak trees, with a stream running alongside, far enough away not to flood the place but close enough that he could listen to its music. A meadow lay in front of it and in the evenings deer would come and drink from the stream.

“Oh, Daniel, what a beautiful place,” Hannah said, her gaze taking it all in.

He didn’t respond with words, not sure what to say. Daniel eased Tornado down the incline toward the house, where he stopped the stallion and slipped off his back. Reaching up for her, he answered. “This is our home, Hannah.”

Once on the ground she stepped out of his arms and walked to the front porch. “Our home?”

Daniel came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Yes.”

“I thought your mother started this contest at Christmas. That was only six months ago, Daniel. You built this place that fast?”

He looked at the large house, which was shaped like a capital L. It had taken longer than six months to get it finished—more like eight. “No, I started working on this house last fall. I completed it a couple of months ago.” At the time he’d started building it, it had been for him alone. Now he knew he’d be sharing it with Hannah. The thought both annoyed and pleased him.
Get it together, Daniel. You are marrying for the ranch, not for love.

* * *

“Oh, I see,” Hannah said. She’d hoped he’d built the house with her in mind, but now knew that wasn’t possible. To hide her disappointment she asked, “Can we go inside?”

Daniel gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Sure can. I want to show you what I added after I started writing to you.” He grabbed her left hand and pulled her forward.

So there was something in the house that he’d created with her in mind. Hannah smiled. They climbed the three low steps and he opened the door.

He held it for her. Hannah passed him and the scent of leather and the outdoors enveloped her. She smiled up at him, and then turned to see the room she’d just entered.

It was a nice-size living room, with a big fireplace against the back wall. A large brown chair sat beside the hearth, but there was no other furniture. She could see that the room opened into the kitchen and a dining area. The fresh scent of wood filled her with a sense of happiness, something she couldn’t really explain.

Hannah walked to the kitchen. It was a spacious room, but again wasn’t furnished, and she frowned. It was almost as if Daniel had never really planned on living in the house. She turned to him and asked, “Where is the furniture?”

A light pink color moved up his neck and into his face. “I was waiting for you to get here and planned on letting you pick out the furnishings.”

She walked over and hugged him. “Daniel, I think that’s one of the nicest things you’ve said to me.”

His arms wrapped around her and he hugged her back. “I haven’t been very nice, have I?” He chuckled.

Hannah pulled out of his embrace and slapped his arm. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

Her attention went back to the house. She stepped out of the kitchen and into the dining area. A bay window took her breath away with its beauty. It allowed a lot of light into the room. She gasped. “Oh, Daniel, it’s beautiful. I love the window.”

A smile creased his face. He stood with his hands in his back pockets and rocked on his heels. “I hoped you would. At first it was just a small window, one I thought you could put a flower box on. But the more we wrote, the more I realized you’d be the type of woman who enjoyed lots of sunshine.”

She walked to him until they were standing inches apart. Hannah stared up at him. “You added it because of my letters to you?”

His hands came out of his pockets and he stopped rocking. “I wanted you to be happy. You said in one of your letters that you were looking forward to living on a ranch again because you missed the open spaces and the sunshine.”

This time Hannah impulsively rose on tiptoe, cupped his handsome face in her hands and kissed him. His arms snaked around her and he returned the kiss, until she pulled away and said, “Thank you.”

He released her reluctantly. “Want to see the rest of the house? I’m interested to see if any of the other rooms will garner more kisses.”

She saw the teasing glint in his eyes. “I do, but don’t expect kisses in every room.”

Daniel took her hand again and escorted her through the rest of the house. There was a small staircase that led upstairs, where three bedrooms had been built. She noticed there was no furniture in any of those rooms, either.

When they came back downstairs, she realized they hadn’t explored the rest of the first floor. Daniel dropped her hand and let her precede him into what proved to be a large bedroom. There was a huge bed in the center and a chest of drawers against one wall, with a basin and water pitcher sitting on top.

Hannah realized this was the master bedroom. She saw an armoire sitting against the other wall with a dressing table beside it, and knew it was meant for her. He’d done the room in soft blues and greens. The wedding-ring quilt covering the bed reminded her that he’d prepared this room for them.

He cleared his throat. “There is another room through that door.”

She turned to see that he’d leaned against the doorjamb. His arms and ankles were crossed, and his deep green eyes studied her. Hannah felt her face flush, and turned away.

The next room was smaller, but it, too, had furniture. A small dresser and bassinet lined one wall. He’d covered the window with light blue curtains.

She walked over to the bassinet and looked down to find a small pillow and blanket covering the little mattress. Had Daniel dreamed of the day when a baby would sleep there? Or had this been part of winning his mother’s contest?

Hannah turned to face him but saw that he hadn’t followed her. She retreated from the room and discovered him missing from the bedroom, as well. Daniel wasn’t in the living room, either. The house held no sound, so she assumed he’d stepped outside.

She walked back to the dining room. Her feet carried her to the window that he’d taken such pains to put in for her. Hannah loved the house. She loved the thought of living there happily forever. Daniel had admitted earlier that he was concerned for her. Could he fall in love with her? And if so, would it be an unconditional love?

Hannah took one more look about the dining room and then turned to leave. Would they share more kisses in this house or was she doomed to be disappointed?
Lord, if it be Your will, please let him love me, and let me be wise enough to know what real love is and what it isn’t.

With that silent prayer, Hannah closed the door of the house and went in search of Daniel.