Healing Montana Love: Bear Grass Springs, Book Eleven

by Flightner, Ramona

Helen laughed. “For that, I am grateful. I spent too much time sewing him up. I couldn’t have handled having to sew him up again. I have a headache from all his bellyaching as is.” She smiled at Charlotte to indicate she was teasing. “I’m glad you’re well,” she whispered in Charlotte’s ear.

  After greeting Fidelia, Jane, and Leticia, Charlotte looked at the platters of food and cake. “I never thought we’d need this much food for just us.”

  “Oh, the men are worse than a horde of locusts,” Fidelia said, as she glanced fondly at the men, who stood at the paddock railing, staring at horses, her gaze on Bears and Frederick. She looked at Davina. “Go join them. I know they’d answer your questions, and you can listen in.”

  Davina attempted to hide her eagerness but betrayed it when she trotted over to them. At their joyful welcome, Fidelia smiled. “Bears is delighted she is interested in horses. He hopes Bright Fawn will be one day too.”

  Charlotte glanced at the group of contented laughing women, who chatted around her. “It seems we’ve all been fortunate in the men we’ve chosen.” When she bit her lip, the conversation ceased, and all eyes focused on her. “Oh my, I’m not used to being the center of attention.”

  “What’s the matter?” Jessamine demanded. “What’s he done to worry you?”

  Rolling her eyes, Charlotte couldn’t help smiling dreamily. “Nothing. He’s done nothing.” She let out a pent-up breath. “I’m worried about Orville. What will happen when he’s released? Won’t he come back to hurt me?”

  Helen shrugged. “He’s in custody, and he’ll never have full use of his right arm again. He’ll be lucky to use a teaspoon.”

  Jessamine smiled wickedly. “By the time my story runs in the Butte papers, which I sent off to them today, he’ll have so much notoriety that he’ll tuck tail and run back to Philadelphia. He’s got much greater worries, Charlotte.”

  Shaking her head, Charlotte said, “I don’t understand.”

  Although she attempted to not appear too pleased with herself, Jessamine couldn’t hide her satisfaction. “You’re fortunate that you’re related to the town reporter. And I’m sick and tired of boring tall tales!” She made a groan at the thought of hearing another one. “Thus, when that woman arrived, and then he came to town, I knew something was going on. I never believed the twaddle about your father.”

  Jessamine paused, looking momentarily chagrined at her frank talk. However, when Charlotte was not offended, Jessamine barreled on. “I dug around and found out through sources that Orville is heavily leveraged. He wanted to compete with the true Copper Kings in Butte, and he borrowed heavily in an attempt to rival them. He’s mortgaged past his ears, and now that he won’t be a senator and won’t write bonuses to himself as a member of Congress, he has no way to pay back his lenders. From what I’ve learned, they are rather impatient men.”

  Charlotte stood in dazed wonder. “You mean, I’m finally free of him?” At Jessamine’s nod, Charlotte gave a small whoop and threw herself in Jessamine’s arms. “Thank you!”

  Laughing, Jessamine said, “I did nothing. I just wrote the article.”

  “No, you did so much. You took your time and your tenacity to learn the truth. And that truth has helped me.” Charlotte beamed first at Jessamine and then all the women. “Thank you for your friendship.”

  At that, they shrugged, as though their offer of friendship and loyalty were not the precious gift it was, and continued to set out food. As Charlotte unwrapped a plate of deviled eggs, Helen turned away, holding her mouth. “Helen? Are you all right?”

  “Give me a moment,” Helen gasped, striding away. She took deep breaths with her eyes closed, before sitting down in the tall grass.

  “Helen!” Sorcha exclaimed, rushing to her. “What’s the matter with ye? I’ll go for Warren.”

  Grabbing Sorcha’s hand, Helen stilled the woman’s frantic movement. “There’s no need. He knows all about it. He made me like this.”

  At her words, the women all smiled. “You mean, ye’re finally with bairn?” Sorcha said, as she gave a whoop of joy. “Oh, at last! I thought ye’d never have a child.”

  Helen looked up at them with an abashed smile. “I’m a midwife. I shouldn’t be embarrassed. But I am.” She shrieked with laughter as Sorcha toppled down beside her to hug her. Soon she’d been hauled to her feet for a massive group hug. “I never thought to have a baby. Not after so many years married with never a missed cycle. And then … this.” She held a hand over her belly in wonder.

  “You’ll be a wonderful mother, Helen,” Jessamine said, her eyes glowing. “Oh, this is a true celebration for us all.”

  “Aye,” Sorcha said. “I hope the first of many to come at the ranch.”

  * * *

  Later that evening, Frederick stood to the side of the party, watching as Dalton and Charlotte danced together. He knew Annabelle had baked the happy couple a chocolate cake and that they would carve into it soon. Although they’d had their formal wedding over a month ago, this gathering with the family seemed to be their true celebration. They were deeply in love, and he was thankful the weeks away at the small homestead had given them the time they needed to repair whatever damage Adella had done.

  “You seem mighty satisfied with yourself,” his uncle said, as he sauntered toward him.

  Frederick stiffened. “Remind me again why you were allowed to return to the ranch.” He spoke in a low voice, laced with anger.

  “Jane is here. She invited me.” Tobias nodded toward his daughter, laughing and dancing with her husband on the makeshift dance floor. “Seemed churlish to turn down her invitation.”

  “No,” Frederick snapped, as he faced his uncle. “You’ve searched for any reason to defy my command that you were, and always will be, barred from this ranch.” Although Jane was also Frederick’s cousin, and there was little Frederick would deny her, he wished he were cruel enough to force Tobias away in the middle of a party.

  Tobias sighed, his bravado cracking, as he beheld his beloved nephew. “Please, Frederick. I’ve known what it is to be a part of family again with Jane. With the MacKinnons. Don’t you understand how I long for it with you? With your brothers?”

  Shaking his head with astounded incredulity, Frederick took a step away from his uncle. “How dare you?” he whispered. “You had everything, Uncle. Everything.” He swallowed and blinked his eyes, as though on the verge of losing control of his deepest emotions. “And you threw it all away. You threw us away.”

  “It wasn’t like that, Frederick. I promise you.” Tobias held out his hands, pleading with his nephew to understand.

  “Tell me what it was like,” said another, his low voice laced with a deep anger. “Tell me before I knock you on your behind for darin’ to be here.”

  “Peter!” Frederick gasped, launching himself at his brother. “What are you doing here?” He looked around in confusion. “Where’s Cole? The herd? What’s going on?” He stared at his eldest brother, who stood tall and twitching with the urge to pummel their uncle. Frederick and Peter were of similar height, although Peter’s hair was chestnut colored, rather than black. They shared the same blue eyes.

  Peter looked momentarily chagrined. “It’s a long story, Fred.” He glanced around at the ongoing festivities. “I never thought I’d arrive in the middle of a celebration. Is that Dalton dancin’ with a woman?”

  Grinning, Frederick said, “His wife.”

  At the mention of a wife, Peter paled. “Don’t mention wives. Or preachers.” He shook his head. “I’ve had a devil of a time escapin’ both.”

  “What?” Frederick gasped. “You’ve always excelled at flirtin’ with the ladies but never letting it lead to anything serious. What happened?”

  Peter shook his head again, focusing on their uncle. “That’s a story for another day too. Right now I’d like to know why he’s here. And if he’s finally told you the truth about what happened all those years ago with Mother.” He nodded with bitter delight when he saw their un
cle pale. “That’s right, Tobias. I learned the truth. Imagine my surprise.”

  “No,” Tobias breathed. “Not here. Don’t ruin the celebration. It’s not fair to … to Dalton.” He stumbled over the name, as though he had almost forgotten who had just married.

  When Peter motioned for Frederick to remain quiet, he bit back a litany of questions. As the youngest brother, Frederick found some habits were hard to break. “Fine, Uncle. But, come tomorrow, there will be a reckoning.”

  After Tobias scurried away, Frederick watched him with unveiled loathing. “I’ll have one of the hands ensure he doesn’t attempt to sneak away in the middle of the night.”

  Peter nodded. “It’s good to be back, Fred. I fear we’ll be here forever now. The time of the open range is behind us.”

  Frederick nodded. “We’ll figure somethin’ out. Come. Let’s celebrate with Dalton. Eat cake. And you can see how my bairns have grown. They’ve missed their uncle Peter.” Frederick clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder, attempting to ignore the deep sense of foreboding filling him for what would be revealed.

  * * *

  Charlotte stood in Dalton’s arms, swaying to the sound of a fiddle. She rested her head on his shoulder, ignoring the laughter, the quiet conversation, and the general sense of joy that permeated the air. “Are you happy?” she whispered into his ear.

  “Happy?” he asked, his soft lips trailing over her neck and provoking a shiver. “No, love. I’m ecstatic. Euphoric.” He grinned at her, his hold on her tightening. “I think I need to borrow Miss Jessamine’s thesaurus to find all the words to describe how I feel with you here in my arms tonight.”

  She giggled, staring into his gaze, as though everything had faded away, and only the two of them danced near the flickering light from the bonfire.

  “I love that sound,” he murmured, raising one hand to trace over her lips. “It means, you’re happy too.”

  “No,” she teased, arching up to kiss him. “Enraptured. Blissful.” She giggled again when he chuckled.

  “I guess I don’t need the reporter’s book. I just need you.” He paused as his words settled around them. “I just need you, Lottie.”

  She sobered, gazing deeply into his earnest gaze. “I know,” she breathed. “I need you too, my love. Forever and always.”

  “For no other reason than because you are precious to me,” he murmured, burying his head in her hair. He twined his arms around her.

  “As you are to me. I love you, Dalton. I’ve loved you for so long. I’ll love you forever.”

  His arms tightened on her back, and he swayed both of them to the music. “Ah, Lottie, love. As long as we are together, we can face anything. Anything, my beloved.”

  Sneak Peek at Runaway Montana Groom!

  A scorned woman seeking retribution. A shamed man, haunted by his past with no hope for the future. When their paths collide, will they overcome their animosity to find love?

  Peter Tompkins has always had a greater affinity for cattle than women. Although a notorious flirt, he has little faith in the steadfastness of a woman’s love. After his mother’s betrayal, and his family’s heartache, he learned that to place his trust in a woman is to endanger his heart. Thus, upon his return home to his family’s ranch, he is dumbfounded to learn his attempt to evade Philomena Fitch has failed.

  Philomena Fitch is dismayed her brother accepted a position in Bear Grass Springs. Now, she will have to confront the man who betrayed her. Who made a fool of her. Who broke her heart. When she uncovers the truth behind his actions, she must decide if she can forgive him and learn to trust in him again.

  When the past is resurrected to wreak havoc on the present, Peter and Philomena must decide if they prefer to cling to disappointment or dare to dream of a resplendent future. Will they have faith in the love growing between them or will they allow the betrayals of the past to keep them apart?

  * * *

  Order Now! Available March 2021!

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  Thank you for reading Pioneer Longing! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  I love hearing from you, so please feel free to write me and let me know what you think!

  You can reach me at: ramona@ramonaflightner.com

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  Also by Ramona Flightner

  The O’Rourke Family Montana Saga

  Follow the O’Rourke Family as they settle in Fort Benton, Montana Territory in 1865. Coming in 2020!

  Sign up here to receive the prequel, Pioneer Adventure to the new Saga as a thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!

  Pioneer Dream (OFMS, Book 1)- Kevin and Aileen

  Pioneer Desire- (OFMS, Book 2)- Ardan and Deirdre

  Pioneer Yearning- (OFMS, Book 3) Niamh and Cormac

  Pioneer Longing (OFMS, Book 4)- August 2020! Eamon’s story!

  Pioner Bliss (OFMS, Book 5) Coming January 2021! Declan’s story!

  Pioneer Devotion (OFMS, Book 6) Maggie’s story! Coming in 2021!

  Bear Grass Springs Series

  Never fear, I am busy at work on the next book in the series! If you want to make sure you never miss a release, a special, a cover reveal, or a short story just for my fans, sign up for my newsletter!

  Immerse yourself in 1880’s Montana as the MacKinnon siblings and their extended family find love!

  Montana Untamed (BGS, Book 1)- Cailean and Annabelle

  Montana Grit (BGS, Book 2)- Alistair and Leticia

  Montana Maverick (BGS, Book 3) Ewan and Jessamine

  Montana Renegade(BGS, Book 4) Warren and Helen

  Jubilant Montana Christmas (BGS, Book 5) Leena and Karl

  Montana Wrangler (BGS, Book 6) Sorcha and Frederick

  Unbridled Montana Passion (BGS, Book 7) Fidelia and Bears

  Montana Vagabond (BGS, Book 8) Ben and Jane

  Exultant Montana Christmas (BGS, Book 9) Ewan and Jessamine

  Lassoing a Montana Heart (BGS, Book 10) Slims and Davina

  Healing Montana Love (BGS, Book 11)

  Runaway Montana Groom (BGS, Book 12) Coming in March 2021!

  The Banished Saga

  Follow the McLeod, Sullivan and Russell families as they find love, their loyalties are tested, and they overcome the challenges of their time. A sweeping saga set between Boston and Montana in early 1900’s America. Finally, the Saga is complete!

  The Banished Saga: (In Order)

  Love’s First Flames (Prequel)

  Banished Love

  Reclaimed Love

  Undaunted Love (Part One)

  Undaunted Love (Part Two)

  Tenacious Love

  Unrelenting Love

  Escape To Love

  Resilient Love

  Abiding Love

  Triumphant Love

  About the Author

  Ramona is a historical romance author who loves to immerse herself in research as much as she loves writing. A native of Montana, every day she marvels that she gets to live in such a beautiful place. When she’s not writing, her favorite pastimes are fly fishing the cool clear streams of a Montana river, hiking in the mountains, and spending time with family and friends.

  Ramona’s heroines are strong, resilient women, the type of women you’d love to have as your best friend. Her heroes are loyal and honorable, men you’d love to meet or bring home to introduce to your family for Sunday dinner. She hopes her stories bring the past alive and allow you
to forget the outside world for a while.