Trent's Montana Bride (Sweet, clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides series) (3 page)

Chloe sighed. It felt suddenly so good that someone would express concern for her, want to lighten the load she had been carrying these few weeks, want to share in her grief. When she looked into Trent McIntyre's face she saw a man who cared. She saw a treasured friend who was here to help. A calmness settled on her, even as Trent leaned closer and placed a hand over her own.

Chloe was momentarily taken aback by the forwardness of the gesture. Her instinct was to quickly withdraw her hand, but she found that her hand stayed exactly where it was. She looked into his eyes and caught the briefest hint of satisfaction there. Was he testing her? And did he think she had allowed him to do what he'd just done, and in doing so accepted the gesture of consolation?

"I appreciate the concern you so obviously feel."

Trent peered intently at Chloe. "It's more than concern, Chloe."

Chloe frowned. "In what way?

Trent's brows creased and he lowered his head. He seemed to be searching for words. Chloe saw his jaw tighten and his throat work furiously as he swallowed. Eventually he raised his head and she felt her mouth open at the emotion she saw harbored in those eyes. Trent's face had paled and he looked like a man in the grip of the most terrible fright.

"What is it Trent? What's wrong?"

Trent shook his head. "There is nothing wrong, Chloe. In fact. Quite the opposite. Everything is just the way it should be."

"I don't quite follow you," Chloe said.

Trent looked like he was about to burst, so intense was the emotion on his face. His eyes were suddenly animated and he shifted on the sofa.
 

He took in a deep breath. "The reason I came here today was to carry out a promise I made."

His voice was thick with finality. There was a hard determined quality to it all of a sudden.

"Promise? What kind of promise?"

Trent stared blankly, as if he could hardly believe what he was about to say. "I made a promise to Lucas," he declared. Suddenly Chloe felt a flutter of worry in her middle.

"To Lucas?"

Trent nodded. "Do you remember the day of the wedding?"

"Of course I do."

"During the reception Lucas asked me something. At first I refused. The thing he asked me to promise him seemed just plain crazy. But in the end I agreed because I saw how much it meant to him. And it seemed so unlikely I would ever be called upon to honor it. Until now," Trent said his eyes narrowing and peering deeply into Chloe's. "I gave him my word."

Chloe felt the tumbling inside her begin to whirl even faster. What was he talking about? What could Lucas have possibly asked Trent to promise?

"I may have a reputation for other things, but one thing I am is a man of my word," Trent said slowly.

"What are you talking about?"

Trent suddenly looked like a calm had settled upon him.
 
He was still and focused as he spoke to Chloe. "I promised Lucas that if anything happened to him I would make sure that you and any children you and he might have had would be looked after."

The words hung in the air between them for what seemed like an eternity. Chloe was stunned. This virtual stranger had come all this way on a fool's errand. How could he possibly take care of her and her baby?

"What! Lucas asked you to take care of me and Evan? How?"

"In the only way there is. Chloe," Trent said leaning even closer.
 
"I came here today to ask you to become my wife."

CHAPTER FOUR

"You want me to become your wife?" Chloe shrieked. She could barely contain the disbelief, the outrage, the indignation. How dare he ask her such a thing. And so soon after the passing of her husband. Who did he think he was? Trent was only a vague acquaintance, not even a friend of long standing. It was unbelievable that he could think that she would become his wife.

"I know this is a shock to you..." he started to say.

"Shock! That doesn't even come close to describing this...this...ridiculous suggestion," she cried.

"Now just hold on there, Chloe. Hear me out," Trent said grasping her hands tighter.

Chloe wrenched herself free of his grip and leapt up. "You want me to marry you? I don't even know you."

Trent stayed seated on the sofa. Chloe thought that if he came to her she might well just run out of the room. Chloe felt him watch her as she began to pace back and forth, wringing her hands.

Trent shook his head. "I knew it would end up like this," he murmured.

Chloe halted. "Like what?"

"I just knew you'd think it was the stupidest idea in the world. Thing is, though. It wasn't my idea." Trent looked at her. "It was what Lucas wanted."

"What possessed Lucas to think of such a thing? He never told me this."

"He figured you might not like it. Looks like he was right."

Chloe groaned softly. "Oh, Lucas. What on earth were you thinking?" she called out.
 

Chloe thrust her fists down at her side. She glanced over at him, seeing the dark which had filled his eyes.

"I don't believe you," Chloe said, suddenly. She came to the sofa and stood defiantly, peering down at Trent, challenging him to provide proof, thinking deep down that he wouldn't be able to, hoping that it couldn't be true.

Trent rolled his eyes. "What do you mean, you don't believe me?"

"Just that. How do I know you're telling the truth?"

"You're calling me a liar?"

Chloe paused, reluctant to press the issue. "I'm not saying that. I just don't have any proof that what you're saying is true," she said.

Trent sighed and leaned back on the sofa. "I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. But, since you're not willing to believe me, I can give you this," he said reaching inside his jacket.

He pulled out a small, plain brown envelope and handed it to Chloe.
 

"What's this?" she asked.

"It's a letter from Lucas. To me. He wrote it just after you two got married."

Chloe took the envelope and saw her shaking hand.
 

Trent pointed. "Go on. Read it."

Chloe suddenly felt unsteady on her feet. Trent stood up quickly and took her by the arm. "Are you okay, Chloe?"

The room started spinning and her breath deserted her. Chloe looked at Trent and saw the concern on his face. It was genuine. No-one could fake that look.

She let him guide her to the sofa. She sat down and tried to calm herself. After a moment she opened the envelope and slid out the thin piece of paper.

Chloe considered the significance of what she was holding. This was a letter from Lucas that she'd never seen before. Hadn't even known existed before now. Of course, she had his love letters. She cherished every one of them. At nights she read them. They helped her fall asleep, especially on those terrible nights when sleep just wouldn't come. They guaranteed that the fears would subside. At least for a few hours.

Chloe stared at Trent, seeing the expectation written on his face. "Read it. Then you can believe me," he said.

Chloe pursed her lips, controlling the impulse to respond. After a moment she went over and sat at the table by the window. Glancing back at Trent she saw that he had leaned back on the sofa, waiting patiently.

Chloe held the letter to the light. She recognized
 
Lucas' handwriting. It was neat and tidy with just a
 
hint of impatience. So like him. Chloe rubbed the surface of the letter with a finger as if touching the ink on the paper would bring her closer to Lucas. She felt her throat tighten, her heart beat faster. Did she really want to read this? If it said what Trent claimed then Chloe would have the most difficult decision in her life to make. She wasn't sure she was ready for that. Not so soon after Lucas' passing.

After a pause she fixed her gaze on the small piece of paper and started to read.

Dear Trent,

How's it going old buddy. You know I'm not one for writing letters. Except the ones I write to Chloe. And those aren't hard work at all. But I wanted to write to you to make sure we both understand what we said at the wedding. You know, about me and Chloe and the little one? That's right, Trent. I'm going to be a dad! Isn't that incredible? I can hardly believe it. I can't wait 'till the baby is born. Boy or girl, I don't care. Chloe is so happy. I need to take good care of her. I have a few irons in the fire, so to speak. I know you think I'd be good on the ranch, but, the truth is Chloe doesn't want to live on a ranch. And I have to respect that. Seeing as how she is to be the mother of my child.

So, cutting to the chase. What I asked you to do for me is real important.
 

If anything happens to me I want you to take care of Chloe and the baby.

Just like you promised.

I know you are a man of your word and I am sure you will not let me down.

Saying that, my plan is to live until a ripe old age. Montana living suits Chloe and me just fine and we don't plan on leaving this place. My child is Montana bred and will be Montana born too. There's nowhere else I want him to grow up, except Montana. And I will do my best to ensure he grows up to be strong and happy.

Anyhow, I will be too busy to see you for a while, but I remain your friend,

Lucas Wilder

Chloe sat back in her chair and felt the blood drain from her face.

It was true!

Lucas had made a wish and he was calling to her from beyond, urging her to continue life. With Trent.

That was how it felt. Like he was asking her to follow his wishes and marry Trent. How could she refuse Lucas? She glanced at the letter, almost wishing the ink would fade away, absolving her of the obligation written there.

The sentiment that touched her the most was his wish that Evan, their dear son, be brought up in Montana. She recalled how Lucas had talked about how much he loved Montana; how much it meant to him; that it was the perfect place for a child to grow up healthy and strong. Wasn't that what Chloe wanted too? It had been, until Lucas had passed, and then she hadn't been sure what to think. But the letter somehow cleared her mind of all the recent confusion.

Chloe heard Trent quietly clear his throat, calling her attention. "Well? Do you believe me now?"

Chloe sighed and turned to Trent."The letter's genuine. I know that."

Trent leaned forward. "But what it says is more important."

Chloe nodded and peered at Trent. "Lucas made his wishes very clear in this," she said indicating the fragile piece of paper that threatened to change the course of her life. And that of her son.

Trent fidgeted for a moment. "Look. I know this is very difficult for you. I never for a moment believed that anything would happen to Lucas. And when I made that promise the furthest thing from my mind was that one day I'd have to honor it."

"Life has a way of testing us in the most unusual ways, Mr. McIntyre," she said calmly.

Trent's mouth opened slightly at her formal use of his name. But right now she needed some distance, some space to consider all that was happening.

Trent continued, moving forward until he was sitting on the edge of the sofa. "And, I grant you, this is certainly an unusual situation. But there is no denying the seriousness of your situation. And that of your baby," he said glancing in the direction of the other room.

Chloe felt a knot of anxiety in her middle and quickly wondered if Evan was alright. She felt an urgent need to go to him, check that he was sleeping safely.

 
She stood up. "I must check on Evan," she said

Trent rose up and blocked her path. "If I may, Chloe. I need to finish what I have to say to you."

Trent gestured to the door. "I know you need to attend to Evan. But I will be brief."

Chloe paused, averting her gaze from Trent. "I would appreciate it if you could say what you have to say," she murmured. She shifted from side to side. The room seemed confining, the air somehow drier. Drawing a breath felt more difficult.

Trent cleared his throat. Chloe glanced at his face and saw the emotions warring there. Their eyes met. His dark penetrating gaze and deep brows seemed to draw her closer, holding her so that she couldn't turn away. Chloe could not shift her eyes as Trent spoke the most important words she had heard since the day Lucas had asked her to marry him.

"Chloe. I would be honored if you would consent to be my wife. If for no other reason than to ensure that the wishes of your dear husband and my best friend are respected. I would also regard it as a privilege to ensure that your son has the best chance of a promising future."

Chloe felt rooted to the spot. She peered into Trent's eyes trying to find even the slightest hint of insincerity, of calculation, of hesitation.

But she found none.

Chloe felt as if she had been wrapped up in the consuming silence that followed his words. Trent's eyes narrowed as he probed and searched for her reaction to his words. Those were life changing words for both of them. As much for him as for her. She could see it written on his face. The muscles there were locked in a rictus of self control. His shoulders were tight, his breathing short.

The silence was broken by a distant cry from the other room

Evan.

The faint little voice made both of them turn.

Trent's mouth opened and his eyes flashed to the door. "Is he okay?"

Chloe pushed past Trent. "I need to check him," she said.

Trent gently took a hold of her arm. "Do you have an answer for me, Chloe?"

Chloe ran a hand through her hair and glanced from side to side. What could she say? Her mind was in turmoil and her insides were churning. This wasn't the time to be giving this man the answer he so obviously needed. He'd have to wait. She had a child to attend to.

"Mr. McIntyre..." she began to say.

Trent squeezed her arm lightly. "Trent. Please call me Trent," he interrupted.

Chloe sighed and nodded. "Trent. I need time to consider. I'm sure you understand."

"When can I expect an answer?"

Chloe smiled weakly and let out a slow breath. "Tomorrow," she said at last.