Page 126 of The Ranger

His expression softened. “I will tell you when the time is right, little one.” He gave her a playful shove, sending her belly into somersaults.

She smiled. “All right.” For some reason, she trusted him. She wasn’t sure what happened or why he seemed to be in pain too, but she would wait.

They gathered their things, watered the horses, and left the canyon.

Once again, she got to sit next to him as he drove them home. She was tired and yawned more than once. He did too. Whatever they went through, it had been hard on them. Still, she didn’t ask. Maybe because she so wanted to trust him, she hoped that when he did give her an explanation, it would solidify that trust. She noticed neither Vale or Makama were talking about it. Had he already told them he would explain things when the time was right?

When they reached the ranch, there was no sign of the men that rode into the canyon. Either they came and went, or Grandpa or one of the others had hired some of them and were showing them around. She doubted it though. It was rare for the Triple-C to hire outsiders. Her family preferred to hire local if they needed extra help.

Markhel climbed down then helped her do the same.

“I’m sorry about your shirt,” she said, noticing the smudges of dirt. “But thank you for letting me borrow it.”

He surprised her by tucking a finger under her chin and running his thumb across her cheek. “You needed it.”

“Someone will ask how it got dirty,” she breathed. Her heart pounded at his touch, and she must be as red as a beet!

“It is fine.” He lowered his hand. “I should take care of the horses.”

She nodded, unable to look away from him. “Do you want me to help?”

He gave her a hint of a smile. “If you would like.” Markhel bent toward her. “Having you near, makes the task much more pleasurable.”

Her heart melted at that. Oh goodness!

Makama and Vale headed for the house, smiling. “We’ll go inform your family we’re back,” Makama said.

Maida nodded, her eyes still locked on Markhel’s. Once again, she thought of all the ways they were mismatched. He was from someplace far away. He spoke another language. He was so much taller. But none of it was beginning to matter. He was beautiful, thoughtful, and caring. For a man so big and strong, he was incredibly gentle, and he made her feel so very, very, safe.

He unhitched the team, and they led the horses to the corral and turned them loose. That done they put the harness away, then went to the house. But instead of going inside, Markhel sat on the top step and patted the place next to him.

She smiled as she took it. They sat in silence, just like before, and she was content.

* * *

Makama peekedout the parlor window, saw Maida and Markhel sitting together and smiled.

“How are they doing?” Belle asked.

“He’s keeping her to himself for now.” She left the window. “It’s best to let him. He’s trying to strengthen the bond.” She headed for the kitchen. “So, only three of the men we encountered in the canyon came by?”

“Yes, and I told them they’d have to come back some other time.” She went to the stove and took a pie out of the oven. “It’s too late in the season to be looking for work. Most ranches, even the smaller ones do their hiring in the spring and keep their hands. I wonder if they got fired from their previous employer.”

“I’m the wrong person to ask,” she said.

“Don’t look at me,” Vale added. “I’m a prince, not a rancher.”

Belle laughed. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t asking.”

Makama went to the sink and looked out the window. Sadie and Honoria were hanging laundry. “How are they?”

“Sadie is more accepting of everything than Honoria. But my niece has a stubborn streak a mile wide, just like her grandfather. He’ll be coming home soon. We’re eating here tonight. Would you like to stay for dinner? I’m sure it will be good for Markhel and Maida.”

“Yes, it will.” Makama joined Vale at the kitchen table. “We need to observe them. Maida’s heart Called when we were in the canyon, and it will be easier on both if they’re together in case it Calls again.”

Belle went to the hutch and brought a mixing bowl to the worktable. “These calls seem like labor pain in childbirth.”

“Yes,” Vale agreed. “They come closer together over time, growing stronger. Eventually Markhel’s heart will answer. Then the bonding is complete, and they can be joined.”