Lorna stood, crossing her arms. “You’ll be staying with us for now, lass.”
“But what about when Fletcher returns?”
Snorting, Lorna dropped her arms to her sides. “If the lad is such a dunderhead, he can be staying in the barn.” She looked at Ewan, who held up his hands.
“Aye, love. If the lad can’t be talking the lass into marrying him, he can be making his bed in the barn.” Ewan stood, as did Lew.
Lorna grinned. “It’s settled. I’ll be showing you to a bedroom, lass. Would you be spending the night, Mr. Quick?”
“No, ma’am. I just wanted to be sure Maddy arrived safely.”
Ewan stepped beside him. “I’ll be walking you outside then. I’m hoping you’ll be visiting us again, Mr. Quick.”
Lew settled his hat on his head. “Wish I could, but I’ll be leaving town soon.” He lifted Maddy’s belongings out of the buggy, carrying them up to the porch. “Thank you, Mr. MacLaren.”
“For what, lad?”
“Taking Maddy in. She’s a good girl…a real good girl. If she says Fletcher is the father, he is.”
Bounding down the steps, he tied his horse’s reins to the back of the buggy. Climbing onto the seat, he nodded at Ewan, hoping the man he’d taken an immediate liking to never learned of Lew’s history. Slapping the lines, he prayed the MacLarens would take care of the young woman he’d been unable to protect in the past.
Chapter Sixteen
“We’re almost home, lads.” Bram lifted his hat, letting out a loud whoop as he rode alongside the herd, keeping them in a tight group.
Fletcher felt a rush of relief, more than ready to corral the herd. Camden and Bram would make sure they were fed and the stallion hobbled while he cleaned up for his trip to town. He still hadn’t settled on what he would say or how he’d persuade Maddy to see him if she refused.
Staring beyond the herd toward the approaching ranch houses, he noticed a buggy taking the road back to town, wondering at the driver. The curiosity didn’t last long.
The sounds of the herd prompted several MacLarens to run toward them, shouting their welcome, broad smiles on all faces. The sight of them helped settle Fletcher’s growing unease at his inevitable conversation with Maddy.
Colin rode toward them, followed by Quinn, one moving to the right while the other took a position on the left, helping them keep the herd in close as they approached the corral. Coral, one of the orphans the MacLarens adopted, ran from the barn to the corral and opened the gate.
Each time Fletcher returned from travel, it surprised him at how Coral had grown into such a beautiful young woman. She’d always seemed so much younger, while in truth, only months separated their ages.
Securing the herd, Fletcher slid to the ground.
“I’ll take care of him, Fletch.” His younger sister, Kenzie, held out her hand, taking Domino’s reins.
“Thanks, lass. I’ll be needing to ride him into town tonight.”
A frown crossed her face. “You’ll be wanting to speak with Da about it, Fletch. He and Ma are inside with a visitor.” Kenzie didn’t say more before heading to the barn.
Brows furrowed, Fletcher shook his head, not allowing his sister’s comment to concern him. Nodding at Bram, Camden, and Thane, he headed to the house, bounding up the front steps and opening the door.
“Da, Ma, we’re back.”
His brows crinkled again at the quiet. Kenzie, Clint, and Banner were outside, but he expected his parents to be in the house, his mother preparing supper. Shrugging, he hurried up the stairs, beginning to strip from his shirt as he walked.
The sound of voices stalled his steps. Before he reached his bedroom, the door to an extra room across the hall swung open. His father walked out, then his mother, both pinning him with an unrecognizable gleam in their eyes. A moment later, he knew why.
His breath caught at the woman following them out of the room.
“Maddy?” He barely got her name out before taking a step closer. When she didn’t respond right away, he turned a curious gaze to his parents, dismayed when they didn’t speak before walking down the stairs. Shifting back to Maddy, he held out a hand. “What are you doing here, lass?”
Not moving from her spot just outside the bedroom, she let him grasp her hand. She lifted her face to search his. “I’m sorry, Fletcher. I had no other place to go.”
Conviction
Lew felt the breath seep from him under the tightening grip of Dob’s strong hand around his neck. Returning near dark, he’d returned the buggy to Suzette before hurrying to the hotel. Pushing open the door to his room, he found himself shoved against a wall, the door slamming shut.
Clawing at Dob’s grip, Lew summoned enough strength to slam a knee into his groin, at the same time sending a vicious punch to the man’s jaw. Feeling the hold on his neck loosen, Lew pushed Dob’s chest, shoving him away before kicking his knee. Toppling over, Dob’s head slammed against the frame of the bed, eyes rolling back as he slid into unconsciousness.
Staring down at the colonel’s inert form, Lew sucked in several deep breaths, rubbing his neck. His time with Colbert’s gang had come to a sudden end.
Grabbing his saddlebags, stuffing his few belongings inside, he took one more look at Dob. He hoped never to see the deranged killer again, and prayed leaving would cut any ties to where he’d taken Maddy.
Making a sudden decision, Lew hurried from the room and out of the hotel. Tying the saddlebags behind the saddle, he mounted in one smooth motion and kicked the horse. He took a quick look behind him, leaning forward when he spotted Ross on the boardwalk, a gun pointed in his direction.
Urging the horse forward, he refused to look back, trusting Ross would make the right decision and lower the weapon. Lew had never been sure of his old friend’s loyalties. Some days he seemed fine with Dob’s orders. Others didn’t sit well with him. Unlike Lew, Ross had never reached his limit, never made the decision to leave the gang.
As he came to the end of the street, he hesitated before taking the trail east—directly toward the MacLaren ranch.
Circle M
Unable to miss the distress on Maddy’s face, Fletcher gripped both of her hands in his, squeezing. “There’s no need to be fretting on it, lass. You did right by coming here.”
Narrowing her gaze, she didn’t answer, trying to get her trembling body under control. The instant she’d seen Fletcher, her throat closed and body shook, the same as it had the last time he’d come to Suzette’s.
Turning down his offer of marriage had been much more difficult than she’d expected. He looked so handsome, which wasn’t unexpected. One look at Fletcher and her mouth would dry and heart flutter. Today wasn’t any different.
He used a finger to lift her chin to meet his gaze. “I’m not angry at you being here, lass. It’s good you came. It will be giving us time to talk.”
The last brought a small smile. “Do you mean time to talk so you might convince me to marry you?”
He returned her smile. “Aye, Maddy. I’d been planning to ride to town tonight. You being here is much better.” Fletcher heard his mother setting the dining room table. Moving a hand to her elbow, he turned her toward the stairs. “Let’s be going down to supper. Afterward, we’ll be taking a long walk, lass.”
She lifted a brow. “Long?”
“For as long as it takes to convince you I’m who you should be marrying.”
Conviction
Dob sat in a chair, wincing at the throbbing pain in his head. It came from two places—his jaw and the spot where he’d struck the bed frame. Trying to straighten his knee, he let out a string of curses. He wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while.
“You ought to see a doctor, Colonel.” Ross stood out of the man’s reach. No one could predict when Dob would lash out. Even injured, he could build enough rage to kill a man with his bare hands.
Dob glanced at the men standing in his room. In a low, ruthless voice, his gaze stopped on Ross. “None of y
ou worthless reprobates saw Lew ride off?”
Everyone shook their head, Ross being the only one to answer. “No, sir,” he lied. “We were all spread around town searching for Maddy. How long ago did this happen? Maybe we have time to go after him.”
Dob sneered, upper lip curling. “If you didn’t see him leave, it would be a waste of time to search. Lew could’ve gone in any direction.” Besides, he wanted to be there when they found them, which he didn’t doubt they would. Lew knew how to get lost, but at some point, he’d lower his guard. Revenge appealed to Dob, and he’d enjoy doling it out on his former captain.
“Everyone stays here until we grab Maddy. Afterward, we’ll go after Lew. But I’m warning all of you. I’ll be the one to take his worthless life.”
Circle M
Supper had been quiet, the conversation centering on the new horses, contracts, building an additional corral, and including more of the young women in ranch work. Bridget, Fletcher’s cousin, was eighteen and ready to help with the herd. At nineteen, Coral was also begging for more time helping with either the cattle or horses.
“I’m thinking it’s time we let the lasses work with us. They’re good riders and we could be using their skills, Da.” Fletcher took another bite of venison.
“This is excellent, Mrs. MacLaren.” Maddy cut a slice of meat. “You should run the kitchen at the restaurant instead of the annoying man...” Her voice faded, remembering the MacLarens were part owners of the restaurant. “I mean—”
“Ach, lass.” Ewan waved a hand in the air. “I’m knowing the man’s a dunderhead. August knows, too. He and Suzette are looking for a replacement.”
A relieved grin tipped up the corners of her mouth. “That’s wonderful news. Suzette already told me I could start working in the kitchen.”
Fletcher raised a curved brow, holding back a retort. They’d be outside soon, taking a long walk as they discussed their future, including any notion she had of going back to work.
The table lapsed into normal conversation until all food had disappeared. After dessert, Fletcher stood, pulling out Maddy’s chair. “We’ll be taking a walk.”
“Oh, no. I should help your mother with the dishes.”
Lorna’s mouth twisted into a wry grin. “Nonsense, lass. You should be going with Fletch. It’s a beautiful night, and I’m sure you two will be having a lot to talk about. Besides, Kenzie and the laddies will be helping me.”
“Thanks, Ma.” Taking Maddy’s hand, he helped her stand, placing a hand on the small of her back, directing her outside. Feeling her shiver, he stopped. “Are you cold, lass?”
“No, I’m fine.”
She didn’t feel fine. Tension rolled off her in waves, the shivers having nothing to do with the temperature and everything to do with the man next to her.
He studied her a moment before Fletcher gave a brusque nod. “We’ll be walking down to the horses we brought in today.”
She shuddered with excitement. “I love riding. When I arrived in Conviction, I was forced to sell my horse.” Maddy pushed away the regret lancing through her stomach at the thought of selling her beautiful mare she’d owned for years. “Papa gave her to me when I turned ten. She was green, and my father let me help train her. For a while, I’d hoped to buy her back from the livery owner. It didn’t work out.” A gloomy expression replaced the quick look of exhilaration she’d shown a minute before.
Fletcher studied her face, not liking the pain in her eyes. “Is the mare still at the livery?”
Wrapping her arms around her waist, Maddy shook her head. “No. When I returned from San Francisco, she was gone. The livery owner said he’d sold her to a rancher who planned to give her to his daughter and use her for breeding.”
With each word, the puzzle came together. Taking Maddy’s hand, he changed directions.
She picked up her pace to keep up with his long strides. “Where are we going?”
“To the corral on the other side of the second barn.”
They slipped into silence, Maddy observing the four large houses, four barns, and numerous corrals.
“Four brothers came west with their families, each building a house and barn.” Fletcher grinned. “Everyone helped with each building, Uncle Angus’s house being the largest.” His hand squeezed hers. “Uncle Angus and Uncle Gillis were murdered. Colin is the oldest of Angus’s lads, and Quinn is the oldest of Gillis’s, so they take care of their families now. My da and Uncle Ian have the final say on what we do. Several no longer live here.”
“Brodie?”
“Aye. As sheriff, the lad needs to live in town. You already know Blaine is in Settlers Valley. Heather, Quinn’s oldest sister, married Caleb Stewart. They’re running a ranch not far from Blaine’s. My sister, Jinny, married Sam Covington, so they’re in town. Sean, Uncle Ian’s oldest, is in Scotland at veterinary school. The clan is no longer the same as when we arrived.”
Maddy’s voice held a hint of curiosity. “Better or worse?”
“Ach, lass. It depends on who you talk to.”
“What do you think, Fletch?”
“The lads and lasses who left are happy. I’ve no issue with them leaving if it’s what they wanted. From what I’ve seen, it is.”
An ache grew in Maddy’s chest. If she married Fletcher, he’d no longer be able to build the future he wanted. He’d be shackled with her and a baby, a child he hadn’t accepted as his. From what Lorna said earlier, all the marriages in the past had been based on love. Maddy envied them. A marriage with Fletcher wouldn’t include love, at least not from him.
Stopping by a large corral, Fletcher seemed to be searching for something. Her gaze followed his, breath catching when he pointed to a small mare. Placing a hand over her mouth, she stifled an excited scream.
“What’s her name?”
“Snowflake,” she whispered, unable to take her gaze from her mare.
Fletcher whistled before cupping his hands to his mouth. “Snowflake!”
The mare lifted her head. Spotting Maddy, she whinnied before trotting toward them. She whinnied twice more before stopping on the other side of the fence.
“Snowflake.” Maddy moved closer, stroking the mare’s nose.
Fletcher stepped next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Is this your mare?” He already knew the answer. When his da had bought the horse for Kenzie, he’d been told her name was Snowflake.
She swiped at the tears on her face. “Yes. Whose horse is she?” Her voice shook.
“My sister, Kenzie. Da bought the mare for her.”
“Oh.”
A sharp pain pierced through Fletcher’s chest at the hurt in that one word. “I’ll be talking with Da and Kenzie. They’ll understand.”
Continuing to stroke Snowflake’s nose, Maddy shook her head. “I don’t want to take the horse away from Kenzie.”
Settling an arm across her shoulders, Fletcher reached over the fence, running a hand down the mare’s neck. “The lass won’t mind. Da will get Kenzie another horse.”
She slid one hand over her stomach. “I won’t be able to ride until after the baby comes, which is still a few months away. Can we wait until then to say anything to Kenzie?”
He squeezed her shoulders. “Nae, lass. She and Da must be knowing right away. Trust me, you’ll be getting your mare back.”
Maddy hated taking away a young girl’s horse. She knew how it felt to lose an animal you loved.
Leaning down, Fletcher kissed her temple. “No more fretting on this, lass. I know Kenzie, and she’ll understand. So will Da. Are you ready to be continuing our walk? You’ll be seeing her as much as you want, love.”
She kissed the tip of Snowflake’s nose. “All right.” Stepping away, she took one more look at the mare before allowing Fletcher to guide her away. The horse she’d never thought to see again whinnied, bringing a grin to her lips. “Thank you, Fletch.”
He didn’t admit he’d do anything to see her happy. Instead of answering, he pointed
to the corral on the far side of the last barn. “Luck had been with us. We found the herd sooner than we’d been expecting. All are mares. The stallion is in another corral at the other end of the first barn, near Colin’s house.”
“Why do you need so many?”
“Da and Uncle Ian signed contracts to supply horses to the Army. Our breeding program isn’t large enough to fill the orders. We’ll be keeping two or three of the mares for breeding.” He rested his arms over the top rail of the corral, watching the horses graze. “We’ve a lot of work, lass. I want you here to see it.”
Stomach twisting, she gripped her hands together. “I don’t know, Fletch.”
“What would you not be knowing, Maddy?”
She moved a few feet away from him, feeling her body tremble. Being near him was as dangerous now as when she’d still worked at Buckie’s. Maddy felt her face flush when he turned to fix his gaze on her.
“Maddy?”
Keeping her voice calm, she straightened her spine. “I came here because men are after me, Fletch. I didn’t come to agree to a marriage.” She saw his nostrils flare, the pain her announcement caused.
“Who are the men after you?”
“My uncle, Dob Colbert, and the men who ride with him.”
Chapter Seventeen
Fletcher didn’t interrupt as Maddy explained the reason Dob wanted her. He already knew her uncle had murdered her father. Learning the outlaw planned to do the same to her sent icy waves of anger through his body.
“I’m so sorry, Fletcher. It wasn’t right of me to bring this danger to your family. They’ve been very kind and welcoming. I believed there was nowhere else for me to go...” Her voice faded as images of Ewan and Lorna came to mind. Refusing to meet his gaze, she dipped her head. “I should leave tomorrow.” The slight shimmering of tears glistened in her eyes.
He wanted to take Maddy in his arms, hold her against him until he made her understand this was exactly where she should be. Stepping to within a few inches, he lifted her chin with a finger, cupping her face in both hands.
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