Page 28 of The Ranger

“Maida Comfort is probably a sweet, kindhearted young woman who’s dreamed of her wedding day like all girls do. Markhel’s one hot cookie but looks aren’t everything. He’s got to appeal to her heart.”

Markhel put a hand to his chest. “I am a cookie?”

Makama facepalmed. “We’re doomed.”

“Nonsense,” Vale said and pulled her hands down. “You’re not giving him a chance. How is he supposed to know what will happen? He just said it’s different for each Muiraran.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry, Markhel. It’s just that I know what women like. You’ve got the tall strong brooding hero thing going on. But a lot of human females like a man with a sensitive side.”

He cocked his head. “You are referring to tenderness.”

She spun to him. “Yes!”

He slowly nodded. “You wish me to be gentle with her? Loving?”

“Yes, now you’re getting it!” She clapped her hands together. “Okay, just think about that. Gentle, loving, tender. You have the looks, so that won’t be a problem.” She stopped and turned to him. “How tall are you?” She looked up, way up. “Oh boy, I hope Maida’s at least five eight or more.”

“A smaller female does not bother me,” he commented.

“You’re over a foot and a half taller than her. That might not appeal to Maida.”

He arched his eyebrow again but said nothing. Did they not know that with an inner heart as powerful as his, she would become what he desired? Problem was, he had no idea what that was yet. He wouldn’t know until his inner heart had fully wakened. “Let us go.”

Vale cast Makama a nervous glance, then the three left his room. They went straight to the livery stable where they’d left the wagon and horses. He hitched up the wagon for them and they were off, heading for the Triple-C. Makama and Vale talked about everything they’d discovered during their time in the Muiraran palace and asked him questions. He wasn’t sure if they were nervous and needed a distraction, or if they were trying to keep his mind occupied. But he wasn’t in any pain now, and he did need something to think about other than what could go wrong when he first laid eyes on Maida. Would his heart react? Would hers? Sometimes nothing happened upon first meetings, and he might have to reassure the royal couple that it was normal. He didn’t want them to think they failed.

They crested the rise that led down to the ranch. “The Triple-C,” Markhel announced.

“Wow, it’s just as pretty as my parents described it,” Vale said.

“How picturesque.” Makama smiled at him. “Being here is so cool.”

Vale took her by the hand as Markhel got the wagon moving. The wagon seat was wide enough so all three could squeeze onto it. Someone was bound to spot them, and though he might be recognized, he wondered what the Cookes would think about Vale and Makama.

He pulled up in front of the main ranch house and Sadie, Harrison’s wife came onto the front porch. She stared at them a moment, before coming down the porch steps. “Mr. Markhel, what brings you here?” She smiled at him. “It’s been a long time.”

“Mrs. Cooke.” He climbed down. “I have been traveling.” He motioned to Vale and Makama. “May I introduce Vale Berg and his wife, Makama. They are relatives of your friends.”

“What?” She looked them over. “Hello.”

“Mrs. Cooke,” Vale said. “I am Andel and Maddie’s youngest.”

She gasped. “Andel and Maddie! Oh goodness! That means you’re Prince Vale!”

He smiled and gave her a small bow. “My wife, Makama.” He took her by the hand and pulled her alongside him. “We are newly married and are touring America. My parents sent along letters with us to give to you. They said we had to visit Clear Creek and the Triple-C.”

“How wonderful!” Sadie clapped her hands before her. “And how do you know Mr. Markhel?”

“Mutual friends,” Vale said. “The MacDonalds?”

“Oh, of course, Dallan and Shona. Are they with you?”

“I’m afraid not,” Makama said. “But we’re happy Markhel is. He’s wonderful.” She gave him a huge smile. “And has been such a help during our travels.”

“I’m sure he has.” Sadie smiled at him then turned toward the porch. “Come inside, and I’ll make a pot of tea. Everyone will be so happy you stopped in for a visit. You’ll stay for dinner, won’t you?”

Makama smiled at Vale as Sadie headed up the porch steps. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

“Oh, good. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of food. We always do.” She went into the house.