Page 18 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)

Rachel glanced over at her sister-in-law, who sat on the wagon seat beside her, a crease of concern marking her brow. Slapping the reins, she guided the horses through a slow curve in the trail to Splendor.

Ginny nodded, her expression solemn. “I wonder what happened to those children.”

Before leaving the Christmas benefit the night before, each had heard what Deputies Zeke Boudreaux and Tucker Nolan said to the three doctors. Two children had been found huddled together outside and needed medical attention.

As they approached the clinic, a knot formed in Rachel’s stomach. She’d been a nurse, caring deeply for the well-being of folks in need. Situations involving children always weighed heavy on her heart.

Maneuvering the wagon to a stop outside the clinic, the women entered the small building. Eliza stood near the stairs, her intelligent eyes weary but kind.

“Eliza, how are you all holding up?” Rachel asked.

She gestured for them to follow her away from the exam room.

“As well as can be expected. Physically, the children are fine.” Her voice dropped.

“Their parents died not long ago, and they were sent here to live with their Uncle Web. Unfortunately, he didn’t meet them when they arrived.

Their last name is Weber. Do either of you know anyone around Splendor going by the name? ”

They shook their heads.

“I wish we could locate their uncle. So far, the responses have been the same as yours.” She trailed off with a helpless shrug.

“Don’t you worry,” Ginny said. “We’ll figure something out.”

Spencer strode into the clinic, his coat dripping on the wooden floor. Removing his hat, he ran a hand through his tousled hair and let out a weary sigh.

“No luck finding any Webers or Webs in town,” he reported, his voice tinged with frustration. “Asked everyone I could, checked with Bernie Griggs, too. Doesn’t seem those are names known around here.”

“Maybe Martha would have space up at the orphanage,” Ginny suggested.

Spencer shook his head. “I already asked her. She’s got all her beds filled. Martha did offer to take them for a week or so. All she has to offer are pallets on the floor.”

Rachel straightened, a light dawning in her eyes. “The ranch has plenty of room. We’ve got extra bedrooms in the main house.” She turned to Eliza and Spencer. “Seems to me, those children should come stay with us until their uncle is found.”

“What if he isn’t found?” Spencer asked.

Rachel released an uneasy breath. “I suppose we’ll figure something out.”

Eliza let out a breath, relief relaxing her shoulders. “Thank you, Rachel.”

Ginny beamed. “Well, it’s settled then. We’ll get them bundled up warm and take them out to the ranch to settle in.”

Spencer felt the tension in his chest ease. Though the children’s situation remained uncertain, at least for now they would have food, shelter, and caring folks to watch over them.

“I’ll see if there are a couple extra blankets the docs can spare for the ride back,” he said, already taking the stairs to the second floor.

Spencer rose with the sun the following morning, eager to resume his work on the ranch. As he pulled on his boots, his thoughts turned to Eliza.

He wondered if she would stay on at the clinic in Splendor, or continue her journey to California as planned.

The thought of her leaving cut into him in a way he’d never experienced with another woman.

He enjoyed her company, the way she looked at him with her piercing blue eyes.

Her passion for medicine and dedication to her patients revealed a caring heart underneath her serious demeanor.

As Spencer strode outside into the brisk morning air, he glanced toward the big house. Somewhere inside, he knew Eliza would be up and tending to the children. Spencer paused, struck by the tender scene his thoughts created. She would make a wonderful mother someday.

Shaking his head, Spencer strode toward the barn. He needed to focus on his work, not daydream about a woman he barely knew. Still, he couldn’t deny the growing attraction he felt toward clever, courageous Eliza.

Inside the barn, Spencer began repairing a broken bridle, but his thoughts kept wandering.

Close to lunchtime, Rachel invited him to eat inside.

Spencer ended up next to Eliza at the bigger of two tables.

Partway through the meal, she moved to where the children sat, gently wiping Sherilyn’s hands and face when she was done eating, Spencer felt his heart squeeze.

Her compassion and care for the abandoned children made his regard for her grow even more.

He only hoped her own feelings toward him might be changing, too. Spencer longed to know her mind, but didn’t dare ask. For now, he would simply enjoy her company, and hope she chose to remain in Splendor.

Eliza sat on the porch of the ranch house, watching the sun drop behind the western mountain range.

She let out a long sigh, her mind troubled over the decision to stay in Splendor or leave when the western passes were clear.

The offer from Clay and Drake was a wonderful opportunity, a chance to put her medical skills to good use with doctors she could respect. And who respected her.

Yet she felt conflicted. If she accepted the position, she would be staying in Splendor for the foreseeable future. The journey she’d planned would have to be postponed, maybe indefinitely.

Part of her mourned the adventures she would miss, the new places and people she hoped to discover. But there was another reason Eliza was hesitant to remain in Splendor—a tall, handsome, quiet ranch hand with kind eyes and a gentle smile.

She couldn’t deny her growing feelings for Spencer. He was unlike any man she’d ever met. Hardworking, unfailingly polite, with a subtle humor she enjoyed, which was so different from the men she’d known back home.

Could she give up the opportunity to get to know Spencer better if she stayed? Eliza didn’t know if he returned her feelings, but the possibility was enough to give her pause.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew Eliza from her reverie. She looked up to see Spencer striding up the porch steps, his brow furrowed as if he, too, was lost in thought. Their eyes met and Eliza felt her heart leap.

Spencer slowed his pace as he approached Eliza. Seeing her filled him with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Over the short time since she’d arrived in Splendor, he’d found his thoughts constantly turning to the pretty doctor with a quick smile and compassionate heart.

At first, he’d tried to dismiss his interest as a passing fascination. After all, Eliza was unlike most women he’d known. Educated as a doctor and determined to make her own way in the world, she had an unexpected degree of courage. What could a simple ranch hand possibly offer someone like her?

Still, the more time they spent together, the more Spencer realized his feelings went beyond mere interest. Her strength and passion for helping others inspired him. And her warmth when they talked the last couple evenings resonated somewhere deep inside him.

He knew Eliza was considering whether to stay on at the clinic in Splendor or continue her journey west. Spencer wanted to ask her to stay but held back, unsure if she could ever feel the same way about a simple cowboy as he felt about her.

Eliza looked up at him, the softness in her eyes making his heart skip. Clearing his throat, he took a seat next to her.

“Eliza, there’s something I need to ask you…” He cleared his throat again, determined to continue. “I was wondering if you’ve given any more thought to staying in Splendor.”

“I have. It’s a difficult decision. I feel I could do meaningful work at the clinic. It’s difficult, as my plans were always to go west.”

He nodded, trying not to let his disappointment show.

“I must admit, there are certain things making me reconsider leaving.”

“Like what?”

“Well, the children at the ranch, for one. I’ve grown quite fond of them.”

“Of course,” Spencer said. Though he had also grown attached to the orphaned brother and sister, he sensed her answer hid more.

“And also…” She shifted her gaze back to his. “I find myself not wanting to leave behind the new friends I’ve made here.”

“Anyone in particular?”

Eliza held his gaze. “Well…the doctors, the people at the ranch. And you, Spencer.”

They stared at each other. Before he could think better of it, Spencer reached out and took Eliza’s hand in his.

“I’d like you to stay.”

Unable to resist any longer, Spencer put an arm around her, drawing her close. Her lips parted in anticipation as he lowered his head for a brief kiss.

She leaned into Spencer’s embrace. For a blissful moment, the kiss erased all doubts and fears, leaving only longing and the thrill of new beginnings.

When they broke apart, both were breathing hard, faces flushed.

“I don’t want this moment to end,” she admitted in a hushed voice.

He smiled. “There could be many more moments like this one. If you stay…”

She returned his smile, but didn’t voice her thoughts.

“We should get inside for supper, before Rachel comes looking for us,” he murmured.

Eliza laughed, the sound soft and musical to his ears. “You’re right.”

As Spencer lay in bed later, his mind spun with thoughts of Eliza and a possible future together. Somehow, without even realizing it, she’d found her way into his heart…

The kiss lingered in Eliza’s mind as she readied for bed, replaying the moment over and over. The feeling of Spencer’s lips on hers had sent her heart racing in a way she’d never experienced. This gruff rancher had awakened something in her she didn’t know was there.

As Eliza drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of a life in Splendor with Spencer. A small voice of doubt crept in about whether a marriage between them could last, but she pushed it away. For tonight, she’d let the idea of a new beginning take over.