Nate's Destiny

by Shirleen Davies

  “Yes. It sounds beautiful.”

  “It is. The Susquehanna River borders our property. Each year it brought greener pastures and more water than we could ever use. This place reminds me of what I left behind.”

  Her heart pounded, dread building as she guessed what he wanted to tell her. “Is that why you brought me here? To let me know you’ve decided to return to Pennsylvania?”

  Pulling her closer to him, Nate kissed her forehead. “Yes, and no. One day, I do want to return to visit my family.”

  “You don’t plan to stay?” She hated the way her voice broke on the last.

  “No, Geneen. I have no plans to stay. I’ve always loved working with horses, but unlike my father, I’m not a breeder. After living out here where you can ride for miles without seeing a soul, the crowded cities of the east no longer appeal to me. There must be close to twenty thousand people in Harrisburg by now.”

  “Caleb said he thinks there are less than three hundred in Settlers Valley. It would be a change.”

  “I’m thinking a visit would be enough. Maybe this summer so I could help Pa tend the crops and work the horses.”

  She turned to look up into his face. “What if Bay is right and the town offers you the job as sheriff?”

  Nate stared at the river, relaxing at the way the moonlight played over the water. “I don’t know. I’m not certain now is the time.”

  “In my opinion, you’d make a wonderful sheriff. I truly believe you’d succeed at anything you tried.”

  He threw back his head and laughed.

  Shoving lightly on his chest, Geneen pulled away. “Don’t laugh. You’re a gifted man with many talents, including the ability to make the most of what life gave you. Do you know how many would’ve given up or settled for less than what they could achieve after losing an arm?”

  His eyes gleamed at her faith in him. Geneen had always had more faith in him than he had in himself.

  “No. Do you?”

  Twisting her mouth into a grimace, she shook her head. “Well, no. I do recall Ewan once saying he heard there were hundreds of men who’d lost legs or arms who now beg on the streets back east. Did you ever once consider it a choice?”

  Drawing in a breath, he acknowledged in brief moments of deep despair, he’d wondered if he’d ever reach the point where begging was the only way to put food in his stomach. He’d never allowed himself to dwell on those moments. Too many men suffered much more than him.

  “You must remember, Geneen, there are many with much more grave injuries than mine. Men who lost both arms or an arm and leg. It’s no disgrace to beg when you can’t find work and are starving.”

  “No, it isn’t. What I’m trying to say is you’ve made so much more of your life than many others. If they ask you to be the next sheriff, I’ve no doubt you’d do a fine job.” Leaning against his chest, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “If that’s what you want.”

  Resting his chin on the top of her head, he thought of what she said. Nate wavered, but not for lack of confidence in himself. His concerns centered on Marcus. The man had been more than generous, giving him a chance when others had turned their backs.

  Nate also loved being a lawman. He felt he’d been born to the job, preparing himself for the good he could do after the war. Letting out a breath, he lifted her onto his lap.

  “A decision won’t be made tonight. First, we’ll see if it’s what the town wants. Then I’ll have some hard thinking to do.” Looking into her upturned face, his breath caught at the love in her eyes. He wondered how he’d ever ridden away from her, thinking they had no chance for a life together.

  Now it was all he wanted.

  Chapter Twenty

  Conviction

  “So that’s the man who caused so much trouble on the Circle M.” Sam Covington stared down at the lifeless form of Black Jolly. “I was hoping he’d make it back here for trial.”

  Colt continued to hold the tarp so Brodie, Sam, and the other deputies could get a good look at the man who’d wreaked so much destruction on the MacLarens. Waiting until they turned away, he lowered the cover.

  “Something snapped at the end. Black might’ve been half-crazed already, but when we shouted for him to give up, he pulled a Derringer from his boot. We had no choice but to shoot.”

  Sam clasped him on the shoulder. “You did what you had to do, Colt.”

  “What of his sister? I brought the body back thinking she’d want to make arrangements.”

  Brodie crossed his arms. “Miranda Harris hasn’t said much since talking to me the night the lass received her brother’s letter. She kept insisting the man killing folks wasn’t the person she knew growing up.”

  Colt followed Brodie’s gaze up the street to where the schoolhouse stood. “I heard she’s a teacher.”

  “Aye. From what I’ve been hearing, a good one.”

  As the other deputies dispersed to make their rounds, Sam moved next to Colt and Brodie. “The question is if Miranda knew of Black’s dealings and chose not to warn anyone.”

  “I spoke to the lass yesterday as she left the schoolhouse. Miranda swears she knew nothing of what he’d done on Circle M. She did apologize, though.”

  Colt’s brow quirked upward. “For what?”

  “The lass believes she might have told Black things about the family he later used against us.”

  Sam tilted his head. “How would she know anything of interest to Black?”

  Brodie gave a derisive sound. “She attended a few Sunday suppers at the ranch. You know how the family talks openly about where cattle are located, where we’ll be moving them and when. Miranda said Black asked questions about the MacLarens. She never suspected he’d use the information against us.”

  “Do you believe her?”

  Brodie nodded. “Aye, Colt. I do. I don’t believe the lass is evil like her brother. He’d cut all ties with everyone in his family, except her. She said most people didn’t know her parents had a son. Miranda was young when he left, but she never forgot him. They reunited when she accepted the teaching job here.”

  “I wonder how he found out she came to Conviction?”

  “Another mystery, Sam. I’m thinking it doesn’t matter now. The lass is grieving and has a brother to bury. I’ve no one to prove her story false, so it’s best to let her move on with her life.”

  Colt drew his gaze away from the school. “You’re the sheriff, Brodie. You know better than most what’s best for the town.”

  An inscrutable expression crossed Brodie’s face. “All I’m knowing is the lass doesn’t seem to be a danger to anyone. She had the misfortune of having a brother who went bad.” He looked at Colt. “Will you be riding back to Texas?”

  “Not yet. I’ve got to return the wagon to Marcus in Settlers Valley, then I may take a couple weeks off. I already sent a telegram to my superiors and am clear for a spell.” He touched the long hair pulled into a queue at the back of his neck. “I might consider getting a shave and haircut.”

  Brodie pointed. “Right there is the best barber in town.”

  Sam smirked. “He’s the only barber in town.”

  “Aye, Sam, but he does a good job, and Colt does appear to be needing his help.”

  Chuckling, Colt grabbed his rifle from the wagon. “I’ll leave the body with you while I get myself cleaned up. You can find me at the Gold Dust if you have more questions.” He took a step, then turned. “Your family is quite remarkable, Brodie.”

  Watching Colt continue down the street, Brodie felt a wave of pride surge through his body. “Aye, they are,” he whispered before climbing onto the wagon.

  Highlander Ranch

  “Good evening, ladies. The boys and I were wondering if you’d be the Stewarts.”

  Geneen and Heather straightened, setting down the shovels they used to muck the barn. Their gazes wandered over the three young men, one standing several feet in front of the others.

  “I’m Mrs. Stewart and this is Miss MacG
regor. What would you be wanting with us?” She studied them, their smooth faces making them appear to be no more than fourteen. The way they stood, cocky and ready for action, plus the sneer on their faces, said they weren’t the cherubs they appeared.

  “We’ve been riding the countryside, offering deals from a group of well-placed men in San Francisco. They’re offering top dollar if you’re interested in selling your ranch.”

  Bay’s words of caution came rushing back. She inched closer to the rifle leaning against a stall. “A group of well-placed men, you say?”

  “That’s right. A partnership to buy land in this area. We’ve been speaking to a number of ranchers who have an interest in selling. One of them gave us Archie Galloway’s name. Said he’d sold his place to the Stewarts.”

  She glanced at Geneen, who’d moved to within easy reach of her own rifle. Her face showed the same distrust as Heather felt.

  “Then you’d be knowing we’ve had the ranch a short time. I’ll be assuring you, my husband and I have no interest in selling.”

  He took several steps forward, on the edge of crowding Heather against a stall. “Perhaps he’ll think different when he hears the terms.”

  Reaching out, she grabbed the rifle, lifting it enough so he couldn’t miss her intentions. “You’d be welcome to speak with Caleb when he returns. You’ll be wasting your time, though.”

  Settling his hand on the butt of his gun, he slowly pulled it out of the holster.

  Geneen picked up her rifle, leveling it at the man who made a show of checking the cylinder of his six-shooter before lowering it to his side.

  The leader gave the women a cocky sneer. “I’ve found it’s always best to talk before doing something foolish.” Sliding the gun back into the holster, he touched the brim of his hat. “Me and the boys will be back. Tell your husband to be ready to talk.”

  The women didn’t lower their guns until the three intruders mounted their horses and rode off. Inhaling a deep breath, Geneen walked to the door of the barn, confirming they’d left the ranch, then turned back to Heather.

  “They threatened us.”

  Heather set down her rifle, settling a hand on her stomach. “Aye, they did. Caleb isn’t going to be liking what happened.”

  “No, he isn’t. I’m thinking those men must work for the investors Bay mentioned.”

  “Who were those men riding out?” Caleb led his horse into the barn, his features strained.

  Heather and Geneen explained while Caleb removed Jupiter’s tack, the muscles in his jaw flexing.

  Heather placed a hand on his arm. “Are you thinking the investors Bay mentioned heard of what Ewan and Ian are doing and sent those men here to make counteroffers?”

  Caleb massaged the back of his neck. “From what you’ve said, I’m thinking they were sent out here to intimidate the ranchers to sell. I also believe they don’t know you’re a MacLaren or they wouldn’t have been so bold.”

  “So you’re believing they’ll be back.”

  He settled an arm around his wife. “Yes, I do. This time, we’ll be ready for them.”

  “I don’t like it, Caleb. Those men threatened our women.” Nate tossed back the whiskey as the two sat in the office after supper. He’d grown livid at the story Geneen and Heather told, shuddering at the prospect of either of them being hurt.

  Caleb hid his grin at Nate’s words. He wondered if his friend realized what he’d said.

  “I’ll ride into town early tomorrow to let Marcus know I’ll be staying at the ranch until those men have given up and ridden out.”

  Caleb held up his hand. “No need for that, Nate. The women and I will be out all day tomorrow rounding up strays and moving them to another pasture. We’ll not be back until a little before supper. My guess is those men are staying somewhere in town. I’d rather have you ask around, see if you can find where they are and if anyone knows them.”

  Nate rubbed his temple to stem the pounding in his head. It started not long after Geneen and Heather related the story of the three men. “You’re right. Someone knows where they’re staying. I’ll ask Mrs. Keach first.”

  Chuckling, Caleb topped off his drink, tilting the bottle toward Nate, who declined. “Colt says she’s up on all the activities in town.”

  “He tells me the woman misses nothing. She did a real good job stitching up the other guard. Says her father was a doctor back east.”

  Caleb rubbed his chin. “I wonder if she’s a midwife.”

  Nate’s eyes widened. “Is Heather pregnant?”

  Looking over the rim of his glass, Caleb grinned. “Seems so. We plan to ride to Conviction in a few weeks to have Doc Tilden look her over.”

  “Congratulations!” Nate lifted his empty glass in salute.

  Caleb’s features sobered. “Now I know how Colin felt, worrying so much about Sarah when she was pregnant with Grant.”

  “If it’s all right with you, I’ll ask Mrs. Keach if she’s ever delivered a baby. It might ease your mind to know there’s someone in town who can help when the time comes.”

  “Maybe it would be best to wait until we return from Conviction. Once Mrs. Keach knows, so will the entire town. I doubt Heather would like that too much.”

  “What wouldn’t I be liking?” She walked through the open door carrying a tray of coffee.

  Caleb winced. He hadn’t told Heather he planned to let Nate know about the pregnancy. He also wanted to let Blaine and Bay know when they returned from their trip.

  “I mentioned the pregnancy to Nate. Hope you don’t mind, sweetheart.”

  Setting the tray down, she saw Geneen leaning against the doorframe. “Ach. I told Geneen, too. I’ve no doubt I’m carrying a bairn in here.” She patted her stomach, then looked at Nate. “He probably told you he wants to ride to Conviction to see Doc Tilden.”

  Nate didn’t have a chance to reply before she continued.

  “I’m thinking it’s not necessary. A woman knows when she’s pregnant. Right, Geneen?”

  Feeling her face flush, she bit her lip. “Well, I don’t know for a fact. Sarah never had a doubt, and Maggie was pretty certain before she went to see Doc Vickery.”

  Nate watched her face turn from creamy ivory to slight splotches of red, a sure sign of her discomfort. Standing, he strode toward her, extending his hand.

  “How about another walk?”

  When she threaded her fingers through his, he looked at Caleb and Heather. “We won’t be gone long.”

  “Take your time,” Heather called after them.

  Nate took a different path this time, heading between the two houses.

  “Archie still has a light burning. I wonder why he never wants to join us for supper.”

  “I don’t know, darlin’.” Nate noticed the drawn curtains in the living room. “When I lived with him, Archie said he preferred his own cooking.” He chuckled. “I can’t recall a time we didn’t eat beans, bacon, and biscuits.”

  Continuing on the path, he felt the warmth from Geneen’s hand seep into his, tempering the anger he’d felt at learning about the three men. Intimidation never worked on him, nor had it done more than anger the women. Still, they were vulnerable, and everyone knew it.

  “Where are we going?”

  “There’s a pond up this way. There won’t be much going on tonight, but in the early mornings, ducks swim around with their ducklings. We’ll have to come back some morning so you can see. Ah, there it is.”

  She followed his gaze, seeing a crumbling old shack, the roof partially gone, the front door hanging off the hinges. Trees and shrubs created a dense cover, making it almost impossible to see.

  “Archie told me about this place. He built it in three days so he and his bride would have a place to live while the bigger house was being constructed.” Stepping over the threshold, he kept hold of her hand as he ventured inside. “One big room with a stove and a place for cooking.”

  Letting go of his hand, she turned in a circle, taking in every d
etail. “It’s wonderful.”

  Nate laughed. “Only you would see the beauty in a crumbling old shack.”

  “No. Think about it. This was their beginning, a place they shared dreams of their future and planned the ranch. So much must have been said in this room.” She moved to a dilapidated counter, her hand moving over the surface. “I wonder if she learned to cook right here. If Archie perfected his beans, bacon, and biscuits on this very counter.”

  So caught up in her musings, she didn’t hear Nate step behind her until his right arm wrapped around her, drawing Geneen against his chest. Lowering his head, he kissed the tender spot behind her ear, feeling her shiver through the thick coat.

  Turning her to face him, he captured her mouth with his, exploring and caressing as his hand moved over her back. He felt her fingers work the buttons on his coat, opening it so her hands could splay across his shirt.

  His mouth covered hers, a hungry passion possessing them both, causing waves of heat to course through her. His lips moved across her jaw, down her neck, to the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat. Feeling her tremble, his lips moved back up to take her mouth in a kiss full of all the desire he could no longer contain.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she drew him down, surprised at her own eager response. She rubbed her body against his, unable to get close enough, incapable of understanding the exploding passion between them.

  A low whimper escaped her lips, her eyes widening in surprise as he drew away on a rough growl, resting his forehead against hers. Mouth still stinging from his kisses, she tried to control her ragged breathing. Her body ached with need, a need she had no idea how to fulfill.

  Stepping away, Nate closed his coat, leaning down to place a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. He longed to say the words lodged in his throat.

  “I love you, Nate.”

  His chest tightened on the confession. Lifting his hand, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I love you, too, Geneen.”