Winter Comes to Montana

By Brenda Cheryl Gillespie

Overcoming all of the obstacles of being abandoned at birth, Elizabeth had gotten settled into the Montana ranch life with Allister as her husband. Things seemed to be near perfect until she realized nothing in life was perfect. New trials and adversities would now have to be overcome. What was wrong with Allister? He assured her that she was the woman of his dreams, but why had he become despondent? Even though she had never doubted his love, she must find the reason for his sadness. Adding to their troubles was the harshness of the Montana winter. Could Elizabeth and Allisters love withstand the tribulations they must face? And then, there was Adam..

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491816288

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Elizabeth awakened to the morning sun, just like she had all summer, in the cabin she called home; a home she now shared with her new husband, Allister Blair.

The couple had arrived home late last night from a wonderful and exciting honeymoon. Elizabeth wanted to stay in Montana and Allister proudly showed her the beautiful state he grew up in with his family.

Elizabeth’s hand searched an empty side of the bed where Allister had lain beside her last night. This was the first morning she had awakened without him beside her since their wedding day.

I guess I have married the boss, who is out running his ranch, she whispered to herself.

Elizabeth knew exactly where all the men would be gathered at seven in the morning, so she knew where Allister had gone. Mrs. Willis would be serving one of her delicious breakfasts for the men.

She decided to get out of bed and get ready for breakfast when she heard the cabin door open. She heard Jake coming through the living room with Allister close behind him.

Allister placed a breakfast tray on Elizabeth’s lap as he gave her a good morning kiss on her upturned lips. Jake sidled over to the bed for the attention he now expected from Elizabeth.

Where have you two been all my life? Elizabeth petted the dog and looked up at Allister, You are spoiling me!

We have been here waiting on you to come to us and make our life complete, Allister said as he handed her a red rose from the vase of roses Gloria had left for them as a welcome home from her and Nick.

I love you, Mrs. Allister Blair!

Elizabeth loved the sound of those words coming from Allister’s lips.

She ate breakfast after Allister reluctantly left her to go to work. She showered, dressed, and got ready for her day. She unpacked their clothes from the suitcases that were still sitting in the floor. She folded Allister’s shirts neatly and placed them in a drawer. Like any new bride, she took pride in having his belongings placed next to hers in the home they shared together.

She put on one of Allister’s shirts to wear while she straightened up the cabin. The smell of his aftershave lingered on the shirt, and Elizabeth enjoyed having the scent of Allister near her. She remembered his nice spicy smell the first morning she met him in the dining hall.

Elizabeth walked to the cookhouse after she finished unpacking. She was anxious to see Mrs. Willis and the girls. It was break time for them, so Elizabeth poured a cup of coffee and joined them in the dining hall. This was one of her favorite places, here with Mrs. Willis and the girls, enjoying the morning.

Mrs. Willis watched as Elizabeth and the girls laughed and talked, enjoying each other’s company. She would be surprised if Elizabeth’s marrying the boss changed her in any way. Mrs. Willis knew Elizabeth was the genuine person that everyone had come to love. She had made her own place here on the Blair Ranch and becoming the boss’s wife was not going to change her.

Mrs. Willis thought about the wedding and how much it meant to her to light Elizabeth’s unity candle. She wondered about Elizabeth’s family, or the lack of a family, in her life. Mr. Mason, a man Elizabeth knew in Virginia, was the only person who came to the wedding for Elizabeth. One thing she did know for sure was the family Elizabeth had become a part of here on the ranch was a family that respected and loved this young girl in her own right.

Mrs. Willis’ thoughts were interrupted as Elizabeth inquired about her health.

Oh, I’m fine, Mrs. Willis told her. I get tired by afternoon, but I love being back at work.

May I help in the kitchen when you need help? Elizabeth asked Mrs. Willis.

Of course, you can help anytime you want to. I could use some help in the office when you have some extra time. Hannah and Tim are planning their wedding soon and Hannah will take some time off. I would like very much to have you work with us in the kitchen.

She loved to cook and she hoped Mrs. Willis would always welcome her in the cookhouse.

Elizabeth left the cookhouse and went to see her beloved animals. She came to Sunshine and Queenie’s lot and was happy to see both the animals coming to greet her. Queenie was happy and content now, and her years of abuse seemed to be forgotten. Sunshine was a loving and caring big sister to Queenie. Sunshine lived up to her name, as she brought sunshine to everyone who came to visit her.

I’m so happy Sunshine, Elizabeth told the llama. I just wanted you to know that my dreams have come true. I found my place in life. I found a home here with Allister and his family. Allister tells me every day I will never be alone again. The love I have with Allister is what I have been searching for my entire life.

Elizabeth entered the barn to find Candy and Misty eager to see her just as Queenie and Sunshine had been earlier. Elizabeth looked at Misty with pride, knowing what a precious wedding gift Allister had given her. Misty belonged to her alone, but Elizabeth knew in her heart all these animals were a part of her new life. Sunshine, Queenie, and Candy played a big part in the life Elizabeth had here on the ranch.

Elizabeth stood quietly admiring the horses when two arms tightened around her waist. Someone whispered in her ear, I’m jealous.

There’s no need for you to be jealous, Allister Blair, because I love you more than anything in this whole world!

Elizabeth turned to face her husband and to share a kiss with him filled with all the passion they felt for each other.

I miss being with my lovely wife. I can’t seem to concentrate on my work today. I keep wanting to come home to be with you.

Come and eat lunch with me at the cookhouse, he told her as he kissed her once again.

Elizabeth joined Allister at his favorite table in the dining hall. Sarah winked at Elizabeth as she brought the food out to be served. Hannah and Lilly gave her a smile, happy to see Elizabeth sitting beside Allister.

Earl stopped by the table to bring Elizabeth some tea. He told her he had missed her good coffee. Tim stopped by to tell her about his and Hannah’s wedding plans. Paul and Tom also came by her table to wish her well. Tom told her Queenie was doing well and gaining back her weight.

So much for enjoying a meal with Elizabeth, Allister thought to himself. He was proud of his new wife, even if he couldn’t have her to himself today. Not only was she his wife, she had become a friend to these men who enjoyed her company. That’s the kind of relationship he had always tried to have with each man who worked for him.

Mrs. Willis had fixed barbeque sandwiches for lunch. She knew this was Elizabeth’s favorite. She had a sneaky suspicion that Elizabeth would eat lunch with Allister today.

After lunch, Allister and Elizabeth walked to the big house to see Gloria and Nick. They had left for town early this morning and had returned after lunch. Gloria was happy to see her son and her new daughter back on the ranch. She had missed them while they were gone, making her once again thankful to have had Nick to help keep the loneliness away.

Nick shook hands with Allister and gave Elizabeth a hug. Elizabeth had told Gloria she could tell Nick all about her life at the orphanage. Nick was glad Elizabeth had found the love she had been searching for in her life. He hoped to become a big part of her life. Long before Allister fell in love with her, Nick had hoped Elizabeth would never leave Montana. He also had deep feelings for this young man with whom he had just shaken hands and was so glad to see Allister finally at peace in his own life.

Gloria handed Allister and Elizabeth their wedding present.

Open it, Allister told Elizabeth.

Tears spilled from Elizabeth’s eyes as she carefully unveiled a beautifully framed wedding portrait of her and Allister. It was the very image of love as Allister looked down at Elizabeth with love and she looked up at him with eyes for him only.

Thank you Gloria and Nick! Allister and Elizabeth spoke simultaneously.

Along with the portrait, Elizabeth opened an envelope with a key inside.

This key belongs to you, Elizabeth, Nick said, from Gloria and me.

Jake couldn’t wait to lead her outside. He led her around the house where she found a mid-sized bright red double-cab pickup truck adorned with a large yellow ribbon with Elizabeth written on the bow. She opened the door and hopped in with Jake bounding in beside her. She placed the key in the ignition and drove around front where Allister, Gloria, and Nick waited.

I don’t know what to say, said Elizabeth as she stepped from the truck with tears in her eyes.

You need a truck to run errands in and to take Jake fishing with you?! Allister laughed as he brushed the tears from her face.

You will have to check on the progress of your new home, and you need a vehicle of your own, Elizabeth. Nick and I wanted to get you something of your own and something you could use every day, Gloria said, as she hugged Elizabeth and assured her that she wanted her to enjoy her new truck.

Elizabeth once again was overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness that Gloria and Nick had bestowed upon her.

Thank you, Gloria and Nick, for such wonderful wedding presents, Elizabeth beamed.

Well, let’s try out your new truck, Allister said.

Elizabeth opened the back door and Jake jumped in. She felt somewhat anxious, because she had not driven since she left Virginia. She drove Allister and Jake out to the meadow where the new house was being built.

Jake and Elizabeth walked around the beautiful green meadow while Allister checked on the house site. Allister loved this beautiful meadow and had always thought it to be one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen; but he now realized, as he watched Elizabeth walking beside Jake, that the most beautiful thing he had ever seen was Elizabeth in her wedding gown on the day of their wedding. He would never forget the way she looked as she came toward him to become his wife.

She turned around and waved at him, almost as if she could read his thoughts; thoughts that she occupied most of the time as they began their new life together.

Their honeymoon had passed all too quickly for Allister. He wanted to spend more time alone with her. The love he felt for her was not akin to any emotion he had ever known. His love for her was overwhelming, from the way she felt in his arms as they fell asleep at night to the way she lovingly touched his face each morning. She made him aware of her love for him in every way. She was so young, but she already knew intensely about the deep love they shared together. The lack of love in her life had taught her how to love more fully and completely. She eagerly put her trust in him knowing he would cherish and work to nourish the love they shared as man and wife.

Allister thought about the mystery of life and how someone living in Virginia had come to him to fill his life with such love and meaning. He owned a large ranch here in these beautiful Montana mountains and had made a good living for his men and Gloria and himself and owned many possessions, but he realized his most prized possession was Elizabeth’s love. Her smile, her walk, the way she loved and trusted him, the way she waved at him across the field, all these things gave him so much pleasure. All the possessions a man could acquire could never take the place of the woman he loves being in his life.

Allister was caught off guard when Elizabeth came up from behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Is everything okay with the house site? she asked.

Everything’s okay with our plans, Elizabeth, he told her as he reached down and took hold of her hands. He turned around and kissed his young bride wanting her to know that everything was more than okay. His life with her had opened a whole new way of looking at life.

Would you like to drive my new truck back to the cabin? Elizabeth asked.

No, I’m enjoying my new chauffeur, he said as he scooped her up and lifted her into the driver’s seat of the truck.

CHAPTER 2

Winter was approaching fast and Allister and the men were working long hours getting ready for the harshness of winter. Fences had to be mended, cattle had to be moved, and some cattle needed medical attention, all a part of winterizing the ranch. The herds and all the mothers and babies needed to be brought closer to the main part of the ranch. All the barns were now full of the summer hay.

Allister told Elizabeth that the sunrises and sunsets would be spectacular because the colors change during the cold winter weather. Elizabeth was beginning to understand that a ranch had to adapt to every season to go along with Mother Nature’s changes and the winter skies.

Gloria had suggested that Elizabeth go into town today and buy some winter clothes. Gloria went with her since Elizabeth was still getting used to the new town. Elizabeth had only brought summer clothes with her from Virginia since she was supposed to only stay for the summer, so she needed the proper clothes for winter. She bought boots, hats, gloves, jeans, skirts, sweaters, and both a dress coat and a work coat. She was glad for Gloria’s help since she cared very little about shopping.

There was something Elizabeth did want to purchase, however. She wanted some canvas and a supply of oil paints from the craft store. Allister’s birthday was coming up soon and she wanted to paint him a picture. She liked mixing the paint and creating a world that exploded with beautiful enticing colors. This was her way of expressing her desires for a more colorful life outside the life she had always known.

I didn’t know that you liked to paint. Gloria told her as she watched Elizabeth choose her art supplies.

I like to try to paint, Elizabeth told Gloria as she handed the clerk the money for her supplies.

I have the perfect room, upstairs on the east side of the house. The room is very sunny with lots of space. You are welcome to use the room, and you can have a key so you can keep your paintings there until you want to share them. The cabin is small to paint in unless that’s where you want to paint. Gloria told her.

Gloria, I would love to have a place to set up my painting. I do have a special painting in mind that I would love to keep a secret from Allister. It’s a special surprise for his birthday.

Elizabeth, it will be wonderful knowing you are upstairs painting. I will like having family in the house again. I will try hard not to disturb you.

I love being with you, Gloria. I don’t mind your watching me paint. I would love to have your company. Spending time with Gloria was a great benefit of her new life. Her relationship with Gloria was the only mother/daughter relationship she had ever experienced and she intended to enjoy it to the utmost.

They stopped at the diner for lunch. A nice garden salad was on the menu, which both women ordered and enjoyed as they talked about the upcoming winter. Gloria was making plans for her Christmas wedding.

Elizabeth wanted to help Gloria with the plans. Gloria wanted a simple wedding; but, of course, marrying a man like Nick Summers had nothing to do with simple. Gloria loved Nick with a deep passion like she had hoped to have in her life again. Finding happiness with Nick brought a richness to her life that made her feel very much alive again.

Gloria and Elizabeth arrived back on the ranch in the afternoon. Gloria helped Elizabeth carry her art supplies upstairs to the bedroom where she would paint. Gloria was right about the room with its open windows, lots of light, and a beautiful view. Elizabeth loved the light blue lace curtains and the white walls trimmed in oak woodwork. Gloria gave Elizabeth her own key to the door. Elizabeth carefully placed the key above the door on the door frame.

She walked down the hallway of this beautifully decorated house and tried to imagine Allister growing up here as a young boy. She wondered if he and Abby played hide and seek together in the large rooms. She couldn’t imagine him staying indoors very much, though, as much as he loved being outside.

Allister had such an advantage as an only child with parents like Garland and Gloria. She was amazed how thoughtful and sensitive Allister was to everyone else’s needs around him. His unselfish attitude made him the man everyone respected. These qualities made him the man she loved.

Elizabeth left the main house and returned to the cabin with her new winter clothes from today’s shopping trip. She left them in the shopping bags so she could show Allister later this evening. She walked into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee for Allister to enjoy when he came home. The evenings were getting shorter and the hours Allister had to work were getting longer. Their evenings alone together became very precious to them. They used this time to talk about their day, and also shared details of their earlier lives.

Being from two different worlds growing up, their memories were very different. Allister told her a lot about the good times he spent with his dad before his dad’s death. He confided in her about his anger, his loss, and the deep hurt he suffered when he found out about his dad’s accident. He told her how he would work hard during the day so he would be too tired and exhausted at night to lay awake and be haunted by the memory of his dad’s death.

Allister had a wonderful relationship with both his parents and grandparents. His grandparents died early in his life. It was easier for him to accept their natural deaths than it was to accept his dad’s accident.

Elizabeth told Allister how working with children in the orphanage had kept her from dwelling on her own abandonment. She loved to help cook and serve in the kitchen. Becoming a part of the orphanage staff was better than just living at the orphanage. It gave her a sense of purpose in life that led her to the life she now shared with him.

Allister fell asleep with his head lying in Elizabeth’s lap. She sat quietly, enjoying looking at the handsome features of her husband. She ran her fingers through his thick auburn hair, while thinking about his struggle with life as he had to put his shortened boyhood behind him and become a man. She soothed his brow gently with her fingers, seeing the tiredness that was etched on his face. She felt so much love for him as she admired the face of the man she loved. She gently ran her finger across his lips before she bent to kiss her sleeping husband.

Allister opened his eyes, returned her kiss, and whispered, And all along, I thought it was the prince who awakened the princess with a kiss.

Elizabeth gently pushed Allister to an upright position. You need to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a rough day moving the cattle down from the mountains.

The moonlight streamed through the bedroom window, sending a beam of light across the bedroom. Elizabeth fell asleep in Allister’s arms content to know that she was safe in his love.

Allister and Elizabeth awakened early and walked down to the barn before breakfast. Elizabeth went into Candy and Misty’s stall to see her beloved animals. Misty was changing every day as she grew and developed her own individual characteristics. Candy was a magnificent animal and had played an important role in the relationship between Elizabeth and Allister.

Elizabeth opened the back barn door and allowed Misty and Candy to run out into the pasture. She dreaded the harsh winter for them as the warm fall days would soon end. Today was cool and windy but nice enough for them to enjoy running freely across the pasture. Misty ran away from Candy as she jumped and played, enjoying her freedom away from the barn.

Allister watched his wife enjoying her place that she had found here on the Blair