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

sure that her husband was in a similar frame of mind. He looked suddenly so darned unsure. He seemed to have taken some of Gideon's words too much to heart.
    "Why didn't you come back sooner?" Hunter asked.
    Gretchen sighed and clutched Hannah closer to her. "Maybe I can explain inside," she said.
    Hunter stood stock still once again, deliberating. Then suddenly he seemed to come to a decision. He took hold of the side door to the carriage. "We best get inside. Those babies of ours need some tender care. And they aren't going to get it out here in the yard."
    Had he said "babies of ours"? Gretchen glanced at her mother and saw a flicker of recognition on her face. She had heard right.
    "I'll wait here," Gideon said quickly and firmly. He stiffened in the chair, looking for all the world like he was prepared to sit there all day. Gretchen saw Beatrice shake her head in exasperation.
    Hunter reached out and helped Gretchen step down out of the carriage. Standing next to her husband for the first time in almost a year felt so good. So right. Even more so since she was holding one of their babies in her arms. Hunter looked at Gretchen, his eyes still filled with a confusing welter of emotions. Gretchen knew he must be finding the entire situation more than overwhelming. The truth was, she was finding it hard to stay steady on her feet, but the realization that she held her precious daughter in her arms, gave her the strength she so badly needed.
    Hunter reached in and gave Beatrice assistance in getting out of the carriage. Mother and daughter stood side by side, each cradling an infant in their arms. Hunter picked up one of the baskets and turned to Gideon. "You sure you don't want to come inside?"
    Gideon simply shook his head. Gretchen saw Hunter smile and shake his head. There'd be time for the two men to work out their differences later, she thought.
    Hunter turned, holding the baby basket tight, his knuckles white. He nodded toward the front door. "Please. After you," he said. "I'm sure Mrs. Roper is going to be mighty surprised to see you, Gretchen," he said.
    There was that feeling again. The sensation that rippled through her as she heard her name slide off his tongue. Would she ever get used to that? There was so much to talk about. So much explaining to do. So many unanswered questions.
    But right now, all that mattered was that she was here with Hunter and their children.

CHAPTER FOUR

    Hunter held the door open for Gretchen and Beatrice and felt his hand shake as it held the cold metal of the handle.
    It couldn't be true! Gretchen was home.
    And she had brought two children with her!
    Children that Hunter had known nothing about. Twins that had come into the world without their father being even slightly aware of their existence. He simply had no idea how he should be reacting to such a surprise. In fact, he had felt like he could pass out with the shock of it all. But he'd held it all together. Especially since Gideon had been watching him so carefully. He wasn't going to show the slightest weakness while Gideon was around.
    Gretchen moved past him, holding little Hannah. Gretchen's eyes met Hunter's as she squeezed past him. He caught the delightful scent of her perfume as she eased through the door and into the hallway of the ranch house. It was like a dream. But it wasn't a dream. Gretchen was here. Hunter had to take a deep breath once again to contain the emotions swirling inside him.
    There was a sudden cry of delight and Mrs. Roper barrelled out of the kitchen, extending her arms, her face lit up with the joy of seeing Gretchen.
    "My dear. You're home!" the housekeeper exclaimed. "What a delightful surprise."
    Hunter saw Gretchen smile. "Mrs. Roper. How nice to see you," she said.
    Mrs. Roper's eyes widened as she noticed the two little bundles held in both women's arms. "What's this?" she gasped.
    Gretchen turned little Hannah toward Mrs.Roper. "This is Hannah," she said. The little one's eyes lit up at the