BRANDED BY A CALLAHAN

by Tina Leonard

  He grinned. “That sounds great.” He slowed down, realizing he was, indeed, clenching the steering wheel. “So we’re getting married tonight?”

  “I don’t want a quickie wedding. We’d regret it later. As much as I know you love being Mr. Action, you’re also very deliberate and thoughtful. Considering marriage requires sincere thought, don’t you think?”

  He swallowed. “I guess I’ll turn this can around then. You sure you won’t drag me to the altar tonight?”

  “You get to stay wild and crazy a little while longer.”

  He looked over at her, thinking the last thing he wanted to be was wild and crazy. “I’m crazy for you. How long are you going to let me roam the range?”

  “Seven days is probably long enough for you to decide you don’t want to give up rodeo and walking on the wild side.”

  His heart sank. “It will be the longest seven days of my life. We could do a little pre-wedding tonight, just a warm-up act, and then do it again in a week,” he said. “Life is short. All the Callahan brides get married twice.”

  “I look forward to being the first to say ‘I do’ only once,” Ana said. “A Christmas wedding will be beautiful.”

  “I was never good at waiting,” Dante said, worrying. “I’m a pull-the-trigger kind of guy. You did just offer five thousand dollars for me. Even though the auction was canceled, I think you should go ahead and have me.”

  “I need some time,” Ana said, and his heart nearly stopped.

  “Time? That sounds inconclusive.”

  “Do you ever wonder why the magic wedding dress disappeared again?”

  He shook his head. “No, I don’t. If I see that troublesome rag again, I’m going to—”

  “Shh!” She glanced at him. “Did you hear something?”

  “Sounded like someone honking.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Someone’s following us, but they don’t have their lights on.”

  She turned around to peek. “They don’t want us to see them.”

  “Here’s our options,” Dante said, “we drive to Sheriff Cartwright’s office and see if our friends back there care to continue this game so close to the jail.”

  “Like that idea,” Ana said, “and the other option?”

  “There may still be revelers in the square,” Dante pointed out.

  “You’re right.” Ana glanced over her shoulder again. “We don’t want to endanger anyone. Slow down and see if they pass. Could be that it’s your brothers and they forgot to turn on their lights. Or they’re playing a Callahan practical joke.”

  A tap on their bumper sent the truck flying forward about a foot. “We can rule out my brothers,” Dante said. “How do you feel about speed instead of slowing down?”

  “Suddenly I’m quite interested in seeing your driving skills.”

  “Good.” He sped up a fraction, keeping one eye on the road conditions and one on the rearview mirror. “Do you prefer a handgun or a rifle? The rifle’s on the rack, the .38’s in the glove box. Just in case.”

  “Both are fine, but we’ll start off with the handgun if needed.” She dug it out and loaded it. “I assume you’re heading to Sheriff Cartwright’s instead of the ranch?”

  “Give him a call, would you, gorgeous? Let him know we’re coming and could use a welcoming committee?”

  She dialed her cell phone, made the request, hung up. “Good news for you, the partygoers are nowhere near the jail. Everybody is still partying near the theater. Apparently, your brothers are leading karaoke Christmas carols.”

  “That just sounds unfortunate from a family reputation point of view.”

  “But the sheriff says there’s so much hot cocoa and hot cider flowing that the square may not be cleared until dawn.”

  “Fiona and her parties.” He went slowly around the bend, headed to town. “The lifeblood of Diablo. They still back there?”

  “Yes. Which surprises me because you’re driving like a turtle. You think they’d get bored and go throw snowballs or something.”

  “You just keep your seat belt on good and your head down. Tell my son Daddy’s got this.”

  Ana sighed. “Mommy and Daddy have this handled. Together.”

  “That’s what I meant to say. You just say everything better than I do. Duly noted?”

  “Sure. Sheriff Cartwright said to pull around behind the jail. He’s got a welcome party waiting back there for our friends.”

  “We are so friendly in this town.” He pulled into the parking lot, happy when they were followed. The sheriff’s men suddenly jumped out from their hidden posts, swarming the car, dragging someone out.

  “Who is it?” Ana asked Dante.

  “I don’t know him. If I ask you to stay back while I go talk to him, will you take that to mean I’m not an advocate of our teamwork plan?”

  “You gave me a gun to shoot him, but you don’t want me to talk to him?”

  “Silly me. Darn those protective urges. Come on.”

  They walked together to the car and the perp, who was handcuffed and being searched, stared them down.

  “Did you want to talk to me, buddy?” Dante asked.

  “Just want to make sure you know we’re around,” he replied, and Ana gasped.

  “I know who you are! You’re one of the men who tied up Ash and Xav.”

  Dante looked at her. “How do you know?”

  “Ash mentioned a facial scar. And Falcon’s wife, Taylor, said he was one of the men who kidnapped her and held her up north for months.”

  “You’re lucky,” the bandit told her, “we nearly got you.”

  “What’s the point?” she asked him. “Who are you?”

  “Name’s Rhine, not that it will do you any good to know.” He grinned at her, and it was ugly. “Eventually, we’ll get one of you. If not you, your bodyguard buddy who works with you. You don’t really think we wouldn’t use a woman to get what we want, do you? In the end, Wolf will win.”

  “That’s enough,” Sheriff Cartwright said. “Threatening someone will get you in trouble, son. Read him his rights, we’ll figure out plenty more charges later,” he told a deputy, and they took their prisoner away.

  “Best you stay close to home, Ana,” Sheriff Cartwright said. “Let Dante and the boys look after you. Dante, you swing by and make a statement after you take Ana home.”

  “Will do.” Dante turned to lead her to the truck. Ana practically puffed up like a rooster on him.

  “I’m not going back to the ranch to be treated like a helpless princess,” Ana said.

  “Yeah, you are.” Dante took her arm and led her away. “You’re pregnant, and you need rest. Heck, I need rest, and I’m not carrying a child. This has been a night I’ll never forget.”

  She went with him, albeit reluctantly. “I can handle this situation, Dante. You can’t change just because tonight you learned I’m expecting a baby.”

  “I did change,” Dante said, “although I admit I didn’t do it consciously. All I know is that you and River are the only females on the ranch—”

  “What about Fiona and Ashlyn? And Kendall?”

  “Yes, but...”

  “But they can take care of themselves,” Ana said, her tone annoyed.

  “It’s different. Come on, hot baby.”

  She got in the truck. “I am not a hot baby.” She glared at him as he started the truck. “You’re being pigheaded.”

  “Probably just best to deal with it,” he said, then leaned over to kiss her. She tasted good, smelled good—it was all he could not to just ride off into the proverbial sunset with her. “Last chance to take me to Vegas, gorgeous. Otherwise, I’m dropping you off with whoever’s staggered back to the ranch from the party.”

  “Fine.”

  His brows shot
up. “Fine what?”

  “Let’s hit Vegas.”

  “Are you serious?” He couldn’t believe she’d change her mind. There was a trap here he was about to step into, and Dante waited for it. Was it too good to be true?

  “Very serious.”

  “Why?” He started the engine. If his lady was game, he was going to drive to the airport with all due haste.

  “Because you’re a good man. Because I’ve loved you for a long time. And because I understand that you’re trying to protect me. Being your wife isn’t going to change my independence.”

  He smiled. “I love your independence. Nobody knows better than me that I can be a bit overbearing at times. I want you to be happy. I want to make you happy. Ignore me when I get too overbearing.”

  “Ignore me when I’m too worried about my independence. It’s precious to me, but I want to be a good wife and mother, too.”

  “So we’re off?”

  A rapping on the window stopped their conversation. Dante slid it down. “Hi, Aunt Fiona.”

  She peered through at Ana, her little face worried. “Sheriff Cartwright says someone chased you tonight.”

  “We’re fine, Fiona. Don’t worry,” Ana said.

  “The family should handle their own business.” She glanced at Dante. “You’re going to be a father, you know, and Ana’s no longer employed by Rancho Diablo. She shouldn’t be involved in these things. Ana, come with me, dear. I’m going to get you a nice cup of hot cider. It will calm everybody’s nerves.”

  She went around to Ana’s door, opening it, shooing her out.

  “Aunt Fiona,” Dante said, “we were actually about to—”

  “It’s all right,” Ana said quickly. “I’m going with your aunt.”

  His jaw dropped. “Hold on a red-hot second!” He hopped out of the truck. “You were going to Vegas with me!”

  “Vegas?” Fiona shook her head. “The airport is closed due to inclement weather. Don’t you listen to weather reports on your radio?”

  “Not when I’m being chased by nefarious types,” Dante muttered, his dreams going up in smoke. “Are you absolutely certain?”

  “Certain as I always am,” Fiona said cheerfully, sounding too pleased especially for someone who loved weddings as much as she did. “Give up the whole notion, is my advice.”

  She led Ana off with her, leaving Dante to park his truck and stew. He loped after his aunt and his almost-bride, the snow slushing around his boots as he hurried. “Ladies, throw a guy a bone here.”

  Ana smiled over his aunt’s head. “Maybe it’s for the best. Give us a chance to think things over.”

  “Thinking is not good,” Dante said. “I much prefer not thinking when possible. I’m a man of action, what can I say?”

  “Surprise, surprise,” Fiona said. “Do you have a ring for your bride? An indication of your affections? A plan for a honeymoon? Anything romantic?”

  Ana raised a brow at him as he considered his aunt’s question. “No,” he admitted, “but rolling with the flow is kind of my thing.”

  “Well, the snow should be gone by Christmas. Then you could get married a few days after that, when things slow down just a bit. Give you time to get your act together, nephew. Come on, Ana, let’s close this party down.”

  Dante watched his favorite women walk off, somewhat bemused. It was true he wasn’t the prince sweeping the princess off her feet. He didn’t have a ring, really had no plan except to get her to the altar.

  No wonder Ana wasn’t jumping for joy.

  But she had agreed to marry him. Sort of. He’d caught her in a spontaneous moment.

  Rhine had said Wolf’s plan was eventually to pick off one of the women, knowing very well that the women of Rancho Diablo were the heart and soul of the Callahans’ lives. Dante didn’t figure any of his brothers would be the men they were without the women they’d chosen. Sloan and Falcon were certainly better men now with wives and families. “Look at Galen and Jace and Tighe, dangling in the wind,” he murmured. “They need good women.”

  He himself would be a better man with Ana, and well did he know it. “Help, help!” he yelled.

  Ana and Fiona turned around, stared at him curiously.

  “Nephew, whatever has gotten into your pumpkin head?” Fiona demanded.

  “Help!” he said more urgently, waving his arms for dramatic effect.

  “He’s a retired SEAL,” Fiona told Ana. “I promise he is neither helpless nor as odd as he appears at this moment, wailing in the center of the square.”

  Ana walked over, stood in front of him. “Dante, you’re yelling, in case you didn’t realize it.”

  “Oh, I know,” he said. “I need help badly. I didn’t realize it until just this second, but I do.” He could feel himself exuding earnestness, and he pressed his point. “Here’s the deal. You’re a bodyguard, right? I’m a guy who needs saving from myself. I want you to protect me. Rescue me. Otherwise I’m going to end up like Galen and Jace and Tighe, and that’s just not a happy ending.”

  She smiled. “It’s not a bad ending. They’re nice guys.”

  “Yeah, but they don’t have what I’ve got.” He stared at her, knowing every word was true. “You’re worried marrying me will mean your independence is gone. But I don’t think you realize how much I depend on you to be my better half.”

  “Dante, that’s sweet. I think you’re ladling it on a bit thick, but—”

  He pulled her to him, kissed her gently. “I can’t ladle this on thick enough. Fiona’s right, I have left off the romance, the touches that count.” He took a deep breath. “Sometimes I am spontaneous. But something that’s never changed is how much I love you. I adored you from afar before I ever knew you’d give me half a minute of a day, Ana. The truth is, I’m thrilled to be a father, but I wanted you no matter what. You’re not a means to an end to me, you are the reason I know I can be a better man. Be my bodyguard, babe. I need saving like nothing you can imagine.”

  Tears jumped into Ana’s eyes. “You know you didn’t have to say any of this. I’d already agreed to marry you.”

  He swept her into his arms, carried her back to his truck. “Sorry, Aunt Fiona,” he called over his shoulder, “we’ve got our own party to attend.”

  “That’s fine,” Fiona said. “It’s nice to see you figured out which of you is the true grand prize!”

  “She’s so good for my ego,” Dante told Ana, and Ana laughed, laying her head against his shoulder. “I love you,” he said, and Ana kissed him, and Dante knew he was the luckiest man on the earth. He helped her into his truck, loving it when she wrapped her arms around him for another kiss before sliding back in the seat.

  “I feel like a prince taking his princess off into the sunset,” Dante said. He stared at the twinkling thing on the dash, picked it up carefully. “Did you know you left your shoe in my truck?”

  Ana shook her head. “I didn’t leave that here.”

  Dante grinned. “Guess you know what this means?”

  “I have a shoe that needs a mate?”

  He laughed. “No. It means I really have found my princess. The magic slipper fit only one special lady, and I do believe in fairy tales.” He gave her his most devilish wink. “What do you say we head back to the ranch and let me slip it on you, in case you have any doubts that you’re the only one for me?”

  “Is that what you’re really planning to do once we get back to the ranch?” Ana asked. “Put my shoes on?”

  “No,” Dante said, kissing her, this time taking his time, “I plan on showing you that my heart belongs only to you.”

  “Now that’s a happy ending,” Ana said, “get this coach moving, cowboy.”

  The golden pump twinkled as if it was glittered with fairy dust, and as they drove home together, Dante heard thun
der in the distance, wild and free, rolling across the Diablo skies. And if it wasn’t just his heart jumping for happiness but the sound of the Diablo mustangs, dancing the song of spirits that had always guided him, who was to know the difference?

  “I love you so much,” Ana whispered, and Dante smiled.

  He’d found his home at last.

  Epilogue

  Dante watched as Ana walked down the aisle on a sunlit day in December. Ashlyn was her maid of honor, appropriate because those two were like-minded adventurers, sisters in independent spirit. Tighe served as his best man, and Dante had never been happier to have his twin at his side. Rancho Diablo was filled with friends and family enjoying the day. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and the holiday madness would begin, but today was for celebrating the real gifts in his life—the Christmas miracles he still could hardly believe were his.

  Ana reached his side, and Dante grinned hugely. “Babe, you’re beautiful. White looks great on you. The red was sexy, but white is a knockout.”

  Ana smiled. “It’s the most gorgeous wedding dress I’ve ever seen. It’s not too traditional for you?”

  “Nope. I’m all about tradition, as everyone knows. Mr. Traditional is my nickname. And today, I’m the luckiest traditional guy on the planet.”

  “You won’t get an argument from me.” Ana’s eyes twinkled.

  “So,” he said on a whisper, “did you see me when you put on the magic wedding gown?”

  “Not exactly.”

  He blinked. “I’m glad you didn’t let that freak you out. Fiona’s fairy tales get a little out of hand at times.”

  “Yet you’re the first to admit that your aunt is usually right.” Dante could tell his bride was having a bit of fun at his expense, which was all right by him. “Dante, I saw us.”

  He felt better immediately. “That sounds like it was worth apologizing to the dress for, then.”

  “You apologized to my wedding gown?” Ana looked as though she was trying not to laugh, but Dante didn’t care.

  “I most certainly apologized to the magic. No way was I going to have my bride in a vanishing gown!” Dante pondered that for a moment. “Although it can vanish all it wants as soon as I have you behind a locked door.” He kissed her, not waiting for the deacon to tell him he could, and it felt pretty magical just feeling her lips against his. He couldn’t wait to be a husband to the only woman who could have made him want to be married so badly that he counted the seconds until the moment she said “I do.”