The Rancher's Return. Kathy Douglass

everyone know that if they messed with Carson they would answer to him. He’d never spelled out what would happen if anyone bothered Carson, but he hadn’t had to. Donovan had been the most popular kid in school and no one wanted to risk being on the outs with him, so the bullying had stopped.

      When Donovan disappeared, Carson began to come around. He’d spent time with her and Elias, being the friend she’d needed. He’d accompanied her whenever she’d chased a lead that she hoped would help her find Donovan, and he’d held her as she’d cried when the information didn’t pan out. But most of all he’d been a good, supportive friend. No matter how often she told the story of how she and Donovan fell in love, or the times they’d spent riding or fishing or doing nothing, he listened. He’d never once told her she needed to put the past behind her.

      She’d been surprised when he’d gotten her a diamond engagement ring and proposed in front of Elias and her parents last Christmas. Her mother had clapped her hands in delight but her father hadn’t said a word. Elias had been too busy studying the titles of his new treasure trove of books to pay much attention to what the adults were doing. Her first thought had been of Donovan and how they’d planned to get married one day. She’d then reminded herself that Donovan was gone and she needed to move on. Who better to do that with than her trusted friend? She wasn’t in love with him, but he’d been confident that they’d make each other happy. So she’d said yes.

      “I need a break,” Carson whispered, pulling her out of her musing.

      “Of course.” Most of the people had eaten and left already. The last few stragglers probably needed a nudge from the minister to leave.

      They wandered outside to the covered patio and walked across the manicured grounds until they found a quiet corner. “I don’t understand the need to hang around after a funeral. Didn’t it occur to anyone that my mother and I would like some time alone?”

      “I think they mean well.”

      Carson shrugged and blew out a breath. He looked tired and sad. Raven didn’t expect that he’d slept much these past few days.

      “Where is your mother?”

      “She has a headache so she went to her room to lie down. I guess that wasn’t a big enough hint.”

      “They don’t mean to be rude. They probably think their presence is comforting to you. If you want, I can get the pastor to make an announcement letting everyone know you appreciate their kindness but that you and your mother want to be alone.”

      “Maybe later.” He stared over her shoulder for so long that she turned and looked. There was no one there.

      “Are you okay?”

      “I think we should move up the wedding.”

      “What? Why?”

      “It’s not like it’s going to be a big ceremony.”

      “True.” He’d initially wanted a big wedding and reception but she’d balked. She wanted something simple, just family and very close friends. “But we’ve already set the date.”

      “It was just a thought.”

      He sounded put out but she let it pass. He’d buried his father a few hours ago so she was willing to make a few allowances.

      “I heard that Donovan is back in town.”

      She stiffened. Of course he’d found out. The community was small and word traveled fast. A story this fantastic was bound to make the rounds in double time. Even though they’d never discovered why he’d vanished, everyone had hoped and prayed for his return.

      So sure enough, when Donovan had returned alive and well, people had been overjoyed. The love the ranchers and townspeople had for him hadn’t faded. Still, with everything that had been going on in Carson’s life, she was surprised he’d heard. “Yes. He came back two days ago.”

      “And you didn’t tell me?”

      “Your father had just died. I didn’t think you would be concerned about Donovan.”