“Gabe…”
“Hmmm…”
Her concentration vanished as he continued lavishing her with heated kisses, moving up to settle his lips on hers, nipping at the corners before delving inside. His hands tightened on her back, drawing her close, aligning her body with his. Never had he felt as consumed with desire as he did right now. Moving a hand down, he pulled the ties, letting the apron fall to the floor.
“You have me at a disadvantage, sir.” Lena fought for air, heat radiating between them as her skin connected with his fully clothed body.
“I guess we’ll have to do something about that then.” Capturing her mouth again, he scooped her into his arms, wasting no time as he settled her on the bed. “God, you are so beautiful, Lena.” Stripping off his clothes, he lay down beside her, stroking her face, his gaze burning into hers. “Marry me.”
A small laugh escaped her lips as she cupped his face with her hands. “I believe you already have my answer, Sheriff.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as her heart pounded in her chest. “And it will always be yes.”
~~~~~
Epilogue
Three weeks later…
“How did you ever convince Reverend Paige to come all this way out of town to marry you?” Dax pushed his hat further down on his head to ward off the chill. He figured Gabe and Lena must be blessed. The sun had shown bright, heating the air and earth, melting the early winter snow right on the spot where they took their vows.
A wide grin lifted the corners of Gabe’s mouth. “A generous donation to the church.” He glanced around at all the friends who had joined them on the hill overlooking the waterfall, a spot that would one day be the location of their home. She’d been excited when he’d mentioned riding up the hill the morning after she’d surprised him in his kitchen. Enjoyment turned to shock when she learned the land belonged to him—to them.
Watching his bride move among the crowd, his heart swelled, still not quite believing his luck in capturing the heart of such a special woman. She’d been through so much and could have been forgiven for never wanting to marry. Instead, she’d chosen to take a chance with him, giving Gabe the love and trust she’d kept locked inside for so long.
“More punch?” Dax asked, raising his eyebrows at the subtle reference to the whiskey the men had added to their glasses.
Gabe didn’t take his gaze off Lena as he handed Dax his glass. “Thanks.” Catching her eyeing him, he winked, getting a blush in return.
“Guess we’ll never be able to get away from each other now.”
Gabe shifted toward Nick, who’d come up beside him.
“Hope you’re not sorry you brought me in as a partner because I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.” Gabe’s lips tilted up into a grin.
“Good thing. With all the changes around here, I can’t imagine running all this by myself.” The hotel and boardinghouse were now secured, men working inside on days when storms didn’t keep them away. Nick couldn’t be more pleased with the progress or the partnership he’d forged with Gabe. “Ah, here comes your bride now.”
Gabe snaked an arm around her waist when she stopped next to him, stretching up to place a kiss on his chin.
“You knew precisely what you were doing when you kept me in town.” Gabe sent Nick a knowing look, referring to the way he’d assisted with Lena’s surprise three weeks before.
“Guilty. I hope it was worth it,” Nick answered, a smile lifting his lips.
“Best surprise I’ve ever had.” Gabe shot a look at Lena, seeing her face redden at the memory. “I hope to have that kind of surprise again sometime.”
Nick looked between the two, believing there might be more to Gabe’s comment, but saying nothing.
With Willie dead, his part of the Devil Dancer mine passed to Jackson, with Lena as the guardian, although there were still legal hurdles to overcome. Over his strenuous denials, Tommy Pennington had been found guilty of physical attacks against Dolly, being sent to the Montana territorial prison. His half of the mine remained in his name, making Tommy partners with Jackson. Gabe and Lena figured they’d address that situation if and when Tommy ever got released.
“What are you all grinning about, besides the obvious?” Cash handed Gabe a full glass, lifting his own in salute.
“Just reminiscing about the last few months,” Nick answered before he took a long swallow of his drink. His gaze moved across the crowd, settling on the one woman who’d captured his interest since the moment they’d met. Looking at Gabe and Lena, he made a vow to do more than just be Suzanne’s friend—if she allowed it.
“Thought I’d let you know, Gabe, I plan to leave for a couple months. I have unfinished business I need to take care of.” Cash hadn’t intended on leaving, especially before the heavy snows, but he had no choice. He’d made a commitment long ago to a good friend and had received word it was time to pay up.
“Beau going with you?” Gabe asked, thinking of who he could get to take over Cash’s spot as deputy until he returned.
“No. This is personal.” Besides the oath he’d made to a friend, he needed time away to reconcile the death of the young bank robber, Bobby. He didn’t understand why this killing bothered him so much after all the carnage he’d seen, and participated in, during the war. All he knew was he couldn’t continue being awakened most nights with visions of the young man’s haunted face emblazoned on his mind. He knew Gabe had sent word to the boy’s kin and never heard back. Cash hoped they never showed up in Splendor. He didn’t need any more reminders of Bobby’s frightened eyes as the life flowed out of him.
“You keep in touch and let us know if you need anything.” Gabe leveled his gaze at a man he’d grown to respect and like as a friend. “You’ll always have a place here.”
Cash tipped his glass toward Gabe and nodded, thankful to finally find a place he fit in and could call home.
Richmond, Kentucky
“Do you have everything, girl?” Clara McGrath watched as her daughter, Alison, packed the last of her belongings for the trip west. They’d both seen their share of bloodshed during the war, including the death of Alison’s father at the Battle of Richmond. Both women had been forced to kill raiders to protect all they had left—a horse farm her grandfather had started forty years before.
“I have what I need, Mama.” Allie placed a Colt revolver and ammunition in her trunk, then closed and locked it.
Weeks before, it had taken hours for Allie to calm her mother after word of her brother’s death had been delivered. The message had been brief, only saying that Robert McGrath, identified as one of the outlaws, died during a bank robbery attempt in the Montana Territory. The message went on to say his personal belongings were being held by the sheriff of Splendor, with a request to let him know if they’d like to claim them. Allie read it over several times, still not believing the contents.
Although several years her junior, she and Bobby had been close. The grief she felt at his loss ate at her every day, her bitterness increasing, until she and her mother had made the decision behind her journey. She knew the brother she’d grown up with would never be a part of an outlaw gang or involved in a bank robbery. With every fiber in her being, Allie also knew someone had murdered him and walked away.
The reason for her trip wasn’t to claim Bobby’s belongings or his body. She’d travel the long distance to Montana to find the man responsible for Bobby’s death and make him pay. By the time Allie left Splendor, the man who killed Bobby would be dead, the brother she would have given her life for avenged.
~~~~~
Thank you for taking the time to read Dixie Moon. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
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About the Author
Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
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Other Books by Shirleen Davies
http://www.shirleendavies.com/books.html
Tougher than the Rest – Book One
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“A passionate, fast-paced story set in the untamed western frontier by an exciting new voice in historical romance.”
Niall MacLaren is the oldest of four brothers, and the undisputed leader of the family. A widower, and single father, his focus is on building the MacLaren ranch into the largest and most successful in northern Arizona. He is serious about two things—his responsibility to the family and his future marriage to the wealthy, well-connected widow who will secure his place in the territory’s destiny.
Katherine is determined to live the life she’s dreamed about. With a job waiting for her in the growing town of Los Angeles, California, the young teacher from Philadelphia begins a journey across the United States with only a couple of trunks and her spinster companion. Life is perfect for this adventurous, beautiful young woman, until an accident throws her into the arms of the one man who can destroy it all.
Fighting his growing attraction and strong desire for the beautiful stranger, Niall is more determined than ever to push emotions aside to focus on his goals of wealth and political gain. But looking into the clear, blue eyes of the woman who could ruin everything, Niall discovers he will have to harden his heart and be tougher than he’s ever been in his life…Tougher than the Rest.
Faster than the Rest – Book Two
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.”
Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.
Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?
Marshal MacLaren struggles to learn the truth and do his job, but the past and present lead him in different directions as his heart and brain wage battle. Is Victoria a victim or a villain? Is life offering him another chance, or just another heartbreak?
As Jamie and Victoria struggle to uncover past secrets and come to grips with their shared passion, another danger arises. A life-altering danger that is out of their control and threatens to destroy any chance for a shared future.
Harder than the Rest – Book Three
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“They are men you want on your side. Hard, confident, and loyal, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will seize your attention from the first page.”
Will MacLaren is a hardened, plain-speaking bounty hunter. His life centers on finding men guilty of horrendous crimes and making sure justice is done. There is no place in his world for the carefree attitude he carried years before when a tragic event destroyed his dreams.
Amanda is the daughter of a successful Colorado rancher. Determined and proud, she works hard to prove she is as capable as any man and worthy to be her father’s heir. When a stranger arrives, her independent nature collides with the strong pull toward the handsome ranch hand. But is he what he seems and could his secrets endanger her as well as her family?
The last thing Will needs is to feel passion for another woman. But Amanda elicits feelings he thought were long buried. Can Will’s desire for her change him? Or will the vengeance he seeks against the one man he wants to destroy—a dangerous opponent without a conscious—continue to control his life?
Stronger than the Rest – Book Four
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“Smart, tough, and capable, the MacLarens protect their own no matter the odds. Set against America’s rugged frontier, the stories of the men from Fire Mountain are complex, fast-paced, and a must read for anyone who enjoys non-stop action and romance.”
Drew MacLaren is focused and strong. He has achieved all of his goals except one—to return to the MacLaren ranch and build the best horse breeding program in the west. His successful career as an attorney is about to give way to his ranching roots when a bullet changes everything.
Tess Taylor is the quiet, serious daughter of a Colorado ranch family with dreams of her own. Her shy nature keeps her from developing friendships outside of her close-knit family until Drew enters her life. Their relationship grows. Then a bullet, meant for another, leaves him paralyzed and determined to distance himself from the one woman he’s come to love.
Convinced he is no longer the man Tess needs, Drew focuses on regaining the use of his legs and recapturing a life he thought lost. But danger of another kind threatens those he cares about—including Tess—forcing him to rethink his future.
Can Drew overcome the barriers that stand between him, the safety of his friends and family, and a life with the woman he loves? To do it all, he has to be strong. Stronger than the Rest.
Deadlier than the Rest – Book Five
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“A passionate, heartwarming story of the iconic MacLarens of Fire Mountain. This captivating historical western romance grabs your attention from the start with an engrossing story encompassing two romances set against the rugged backdrop of the burgeoning western frontier.”
Connor MacLaren’s search has already stolen eight years of his life. Now he is close to finding what he seeks—Meggie, his missing sister. His quest leads him to the growing city of Salt Lake and an encounter with the most captivating woman he has ever met.
Grace is the third wife of a Mormon farmer, forced into a life far different from what she’d have chosen. Her independent spirit longs for choices governed only by her own heart and mind. To achieve her dreams, she must hide behind secrets and half-truths, even as her heart pulls her towards the ruggedly handsome Connor.
Known as cool and uncompromising, Connor MacLaren lives by a few, firm rules that have served him well and kept him alive. However, danger stalks Connor, even to the front range of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, threatening those he cares about and impacting his ability to find his sister.
Can Connor protect himse
lf from those who seek his death? Will his eight-year search lead him to his sister while unlocking the secrets he knows are held tight within Grace, the woman who has captured his heart?
Read this heartening story of duty, honor, passion, and love in book five of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series.
Second Summer – Book One
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series
“In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family.”
The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, Heath MacLaren is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.
Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage, Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .
Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have, yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.
It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul mate and confidante. She has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship.
Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.
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