Read Hunter's Montana Bride (Montana Ranchers and Brides #8) for Free Online

sanity.
    Hunter glanced over at Gretchen as she patted the blanket and withdrew her hands. Hunter was almost certain that the momentary touching of their hands had affected Gretchen in a similar manner. Her face had flushed slightly and he guessed she was trying hard to maintain an appearance of calm.
    Hunter stood up. "Are you sure Gideon won't want to come inside?" he asked Beatrice.
    She looked at Hunter, all the while rocking Lewis gently against her shoulder. "He's a man who has his own ideas. Once he gets something into that skull of his, nothing will change his mind. I'd suggest letting him cool his heels for a while."
    "Papa has been so rude to Hunter, mama. It's not fair," she said.
    Hunter thrust his hands into his pockets, feeling suddenly awkward standing in front of the fireplace, looking down upon Gretchen and Beatrice. "It's okay. I guess Gideon had his reasons for saying what he said. He's entitled to his opinion," he said.
    Gretchen looked up at Hunter. "Not when he's so patently wrong in those opinions," she said. Then she patted the sofa on the other side of the basket. "Please, Hunter. Have a seat," she said softly.
    Hunter nodded and paused for a moment. Of course it was the most natural thing that Gretchen wanted him to sit by her side with their daughter by their side. So how come he felt such reluctance to consent to her request? After a long pause he saw Gretchen's brows furrow slightly. On seeing that look, he went to the sofa and sat down next to the basket. He immediately saw that she was pleased that he'd agreed to her request.
    It felt good to be by her side. The same as it always had felt good to be with Gretchen. He'd never felt so good as when he'd been with the woman who had consented to become his wife.
    A sharp and harsh thought edged it's way into his awareness. Unbidden and wholly unwelcome.
    The very same wife who had gone away and had brought his two children into the world without him knowing the slightest thing about it.
    How could that even have happened? How was that possible? The most precious moment they should have shared together had been denied him. He didn't know what to think. It added even more to the same jumble of warring emotions that had filled his every day for the past year.
    How could Gretchen just sit there and smile at him like that? Didn't she understand just how he was feeling at this moment? Couldn't she tell that he was burning up inside, desperate for some explanation that he could make sense of for what had happened today?
    Then he heard a soft cough and he looked over toward Beatrice. Lewis was coughing and Beatrice was patting his back. A reflex seized Hunter, emerging from inside himself in a way that took him completely by surprise. He rose to his feet and strode across to Beatrice, extending his arms. "Let me take him," he said quickly.
    Beatrice smiled and handed Lewis to Hunter. Taking his son into his arms for the first time made Hunter's heart swell and quicken it's pace all at the same time. Lewis coughed a few times. Hunter felt the tiny frame of his son's body settle into the crook of one arm. With the other hand he supported the baby's head up against his shoulder, just the way he'd seen Beatrice do moments before.
    After a few more gentle coughs, Lewis settled quietly against his father's shoulder. The little boy's breathing was slow and steady. Hunter savored the warmth of the tiny boy against his shoulder. He relished the sound of the cooing. Hunter inhaled the sweet scent of the baby. Gretchen had obviously scented his son's skin with some kind of delightful baby soap. It smelled clean and pure.
    Hunter glanced across at Gretchen and he saw an approving smile on her face. Then her lips pursed. "Now where did you learn to hold a baby like that?" Gretchen asked, standing up.
    Hunter frowned at her. "Looks like I'm doing a fine job," he insisted.
    Gretchen shook her head. "You can hold him better if you hold him at this angle," she said guiding