Nate glanced toward Emma’s room. He’d had to use the pay phone in the waiting area on the floor. If Emma got the pacemaker and all the care she’d need recovering while staying in the hospital, Nate’s need for money wouldn’t be staved off with the business of a boutique supplier and canned food. Ranch hand work was honest work and if they were careful, they could do it right and continue sending the money home.
All he needed was to see Emma once in a while. All he had to believe was that there was an end in sight. With a pacemaker, he had the chance to make plans with her. He could plan.
That’s all he really needed.
He nodded, and then spoke. “Yeah, Jareth, count me in. Did you hear about the Caracus brothers calling themselves the Caracus Gang? We could come up with some kind of a name and get ourselves out there more, you know? There has to be a lot of need for a group to work ranches instead of one or two guys wandering around.”
“Hold on.” Jareth repeated Nate’s words to Kyle in the background then came back on the line. “Kyle thinks the Montana Trials is the name we should give ourselves.”
The Montana Trials? “Why? We aren’t trouble makers. What’s he thinking? No, I’ll come up with something else.” Nate shook his head. The impetuous Darby brother needed to drop a peg or two. His ego was showing.
“Sign me up. Get the Johnsons and I’ll be at work Thursday. They’ll probably keep Emma a few more days after the surgery, I’m not sure. I’ll see if Hannah and Stephanie can sit with her.” He didn’t want to share that he was getting married just yet.
He had to tell the bride first.
Chapter 22
Emma
Emma wiggled her left hand, it felt heavier than her right. Was it the IV? No, they’d put the IV in the crook of her elbow this time. Usually they chose her hand or her wrist.
She knew it wasn’t an IV. She was just hoping her dream had been real. She’d dreamt she woke up in a hospital room with Nate holding her hand and a Catholic priest waiting patiently at the foot of the bed. The two men had been chatting quietly until they noticed she was awake. She smiled at Nate.
“Let’s get married now, Emma. I can’t help you the way I want to unless we are. We both love each other. Let’s not wait. Let’s just do it.” He’d smiled, so big, and Emma didn’t care that her wedding was in a hospital. She just couldn’t wait to marry him.
He’d even leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips when the priest had confirmed them wed.
Their witnesses had been a doctor and a nurse who’d asked her about consenting to a procedure. The whole thing had been a whirlwind of fantasy and romance – as much romance that could be packed into the sterile walls of the hospital.
She sighed. Then rubbed her face with her right hand. Of course, it wasn’t real. She’d been in the hospital her whole life. Now she was even fantasizing about getting married there. What was next? Raising a family in the cafeteria?
The sweet romance of the dream left her in a state of melancholy. She wouldn’t be able to raise a family. Even if she did ever get the pacemaker and even if she really did marry Nate, her osteosarcoma had stolen her chances at children a long time ago.
Moving to adjust her neck, Emma scratched at something pulling at her skin. A pad had been placed over her heart. She didn’t feel so tired either.
And she could breathe easier.
She pressed on her chest softly, feeling around for the edges of the bandage. A lump protruded from her chest half an inch below her collarbone, and it wasn’t a big lump. More like a soft rise and fall.
Lifting her left hand, she squeezed her fingers and turned her fist over. The lump didn’t affect her movement. There was a little soreness, but not enough to be noticeable.
What was noticeable was the simple gold band on her left ring finger.
No diamond, but a band she’d never worn before on a finger she’d never pictured a ring on.
She blinked rapidly, trying to bring the room into focus.
Nate turned into her door right then, carrying a cup and a plate of cookies. He paused at her raised hand and open eyes, his smile spreading slowly. “Morning… Mrs. Rourke.”
Emma’s mouth dropped open. A tsunami wave of emotions lassoed her chest, making it hard to speak. She licked her lips. “It really happened? Are you serious?” She looked around the room, searching for that weird lighting so common in dreams. The only change was a light on in the hallway flickered. Night had fallen outside her window but the lights were bright enough she could see everything.
She wasn’t dreaming. “But… how, why?” When she’d told him she wanted to get married right away, she thought he’d laugh at her. Being tied to Nate wasn’t as scary as she’d painted it for herself. She didn’t want him anchored to her, with no chance at a family. Yet, at the same time, she didn’t want him with anyone else.
Nate glanced at the clock above the door and back at her, his smile bright. “They wouldn’t let me help you or make sure what you wanted happen. So, I talked the priest into coming in and waiting for you to wake up. You were kind of in and out of it there off and on so I knew it wouldn’t be long.” He slid onto the bed and rested the cookies and cup on her side table and took her left hand in his. “The doctor was in here as well and he got your consent for the surgery at the same time. I wasn’t sure, if you’d remember anything or not. You’ve been really tired.”
She stared at him as he spun her ring around her finger with his index and thumb. She blinked. “But, why?” She understood he wanted to help her, but that wasn’t enough for a man to chain himself to anyone.
He loved her. She knew that. He’d said as much.
But was love enough to push aside all the baggage that came with her?
She needed to make sense of his actions. Nate was more responsible than taking on a chronically ill woman who drew bills to her like a magnet in a metal shop. “You’re going to have to deal with my health issues…” Emma closed her eyes against the thought. She didn’t want that for him.
He shrugged. “Well, now that the pacemaker is in place, I can learn to deal with your cooking first.” He watched her, as if waiting.
Emma froze. She reached up again to her chest and felt further. Her eyes grew wide. “Seriously? Is that what this is? That’s the procedure they wanted my okay for?” She jolted at his nod. “I thought it was another PICC line.” Her head fell back on the pillow and she looked heavenward.
Her heart was okay for a little while longer. Thanks to Nate.
Her husband.
She lifted her head. “Wait. We can’t afford this. I…” Panic set in. She hadn’t gotten the doctor signed up or the rest of the stuff she’d need for a pro bono deal. She hadn’t had a chance to do anything. She remembered signing something with Nate, but she wasn’t one-hundred-percent sure what was real and what was dream.
Nate’s smile dimmed, hardened with determination. “My cousins and I were offered another ranching position up in White Falls after the job ends at Peekaboo. I’ll keep working that and when I get time, I’ll do blacksmithing. End goal will be to save enough to start up my own steer and horse stock, but we have other things we need to work on first.”
“Okay. What can I do?” Emma played with her new ring with her thumb. She wasn’t an invalid and she’d work to help out. No more feeling like a burden – whether she was or not wasn’t the point. It was how she perceived herself that mattered, how others saw her.
“Actually, if you can stay at Bella Acres and help Hannah get through school, that’d be the best thing. I hate to ask you help finish raising her, but she doesn’t have anyone else. I have a feeling Stefanie won’t be corralled very easily. But Hannah… she needs someone there she can trust.” He brought Emma’s hand up to his lips. “I was so glad you agreed with that horrible ceremony. As soon as we can, we’ll set up a good wedding. One your parents and my sisters and cousins can go to.”
Her parents. Drake. Stefanie and Hannah. All the rest of their families.
Everyone would be so upset they weren’t at the official wedding. Emma couldn’t shift her gaze from his face, the angle of his chin or the swoop to his eyebrows. She stared at her husband and no one else mattered. “I don’t care about all that.” She wiggled her toes, glancing at the moving blankets. “My feet aren’t cold.” For the first time in a while her feet weren’t freezing. Something so little she hadn’t even noticed it that much before. But her feet… they were warm.
“Well, now your heart isn’t broken. You can pump blood again.” He smirked, leaning down and kissing her softly on the lips. “You only have to stay in until tomorrow morning. Then I can take you home before I have to get back to work.”
She’d only have him another day?
But wait… then she’d have him the rest of her life.
Epilogue
Two months later
Emma
Running from the back laundry room, Emma brushed at her hair. Nate was outside. He’d just arrived and she hadn’t seen him in what seemed like forever. “Hannah! Nate’s home. Grab your sister.”
They’d slipped into a routine and even Stefanie had blossomed from her grumpy shell. That, and the cast had finally been removed a few weeks ago.
The women converged into a group at the front door, shoving through and standing on the porch.
Emma waved, pressing her other hand to her chest. Her heart always seemed to beat a little faster when he was around. The pacemaker steadied her, but it couldn’t hold back the adrenaline no matter how hard it tried. She could handle it though. She wasn’t as delicate as she used to be.
Nate climbed from Jareth’s truck, slamming the door shut and striding up the steps. He focused on Emma, sweeping his hat from his head and tossing it to the side as he pulled her into his arms.
Dipping her down, he kissed her, his touch sure and confident. His lips – perfect.
After thoroughly kissing her hello, he stood her upright again, tucking her against his side. “How’s my girl?” He didn’t look away from her.
“Good.” She answered shyly. She had so much to tell him, but didn’t know where to begin.
“She’s more than good, Nate. Emma tell him!” Hannah reached out and prodded Emma’s shoulder.
Before Hannah could urge Emma more Jareth rounded the front of the truck, groaning. “Do you two ever stop kissing? Or touching each other? It’s sick. Like you’re married or something.” He winked, climbing the steps. He reached over and punched Stefanie softly on the shoulder and ruffled Hannah’s hair. “How are my favorite girls?”
Stefanie rolled her eyes and rubbed her upper arm. “You mean you don’t have a current filly, Jareth? What’s the matter? Did you ram through them all?”
Jareth leaned forward, tugging on a shock of her hair. “Oh, Stefanie, if only I could find one with your charm and grace, I’d never be single again.”
“That’s assuming she’d want anything to do with you.” Stefanie growled back.
Hannah leaned up and hugged her cousin. “Ignore Stefanie, Jareth. I think you’re perfect.” She gazed at him with adoration.
Nate rolled his eyes. “Okay, that’s good. Jareth, park your behemoth in the back. I’ll put you on the couch tonight. I have new blacksmithing clients coming in the morning.” He leaned down again and brushed his lips against Emma’s. “I missed my lady here.”
Emma tingled. When he said he missed her, she knew he was telling the truth.
“What’s Hannah all jittery about?” Nate stared at Emma’s lips, his eyes dark. She recognized that look and it sent a zing of excitement through her core.
She shrugged. “My doctor called and the cancer isn’t showing up on any tests. In another six months, they’ll know if it’s in remission or not.”
“I told you it was good news!” Hannah bounced up and down, her excitement contagious.
Nate’s eyes widened and he gripped Emma’s arms. “Is this for real? You’re good?”
“I’m good for now.” She didn’t say she’d been through the ups and downs of remission before. She didn’t say that anything could change at the drop of a hat. “My parents want to come see us again. Mom is still upset about missing the wedding.” Even that didn’t bother her. Her mom would get over it. She always did. Plus, her parents were finally living their life. And what they worried about wasn’t at the top of Emma’s priority list.
Because nothing could bring her down.
For once, just once, she was in a perfect spot where she was needed and wasn’t a burden. She was loved and wasn’t scared of where her next meal was coming from. They weren’t rich with money, but she was rich with blessings.
“I’ll take now.” Nate lowered his lips again and they kissed briefly, but with promise.
She could take now, too.
The end of Broken Trails, book #1 of The Montana Trails series, Clearwater County Collection.
Join my Survivors Newsletter and keep up to date on Forbidden Trails, book #2 of The Montana Trails series and the rest of the series. Read more about Nate Rourke and Jareth Darby and their cousins, and what can make a cowboy lose his heart.
A woman with a cause falls for a man who hunts the very thing she wants to save.
Working as a traveling ranch hand to keep food on the table, Jareth Darby’s wanderlust is satisfied and his fear of settling down at bay. But even Jareth can’t fight the draw of a damsel-in-distress.
Cyan Burns can afford to have principles and expectations of the world with parents on the top 50 list of the richest people in America. Her current cause has been the longest running – the Gray wolves of North America. Saved by Jareth from freezing winter weather, Cyan can’t ignore her attraction to the rugged Montana cowboy.
But his new employer is out for wolf pelts and Jareth doesn’t see the problem with hunting the endangered species. Can Cyan convince him the wolves – and she – are worth fighting for?
Wrangle some time to read this story about struggle and survival of love against almost insurmountable odds.
Forbidden Trails
Dear Survivor,
This series is starting off amazing! I love the cousins in this story and I can’t wait to share more with you. Jareth has some hard times ahead but I promise, they’re all worth it! The title for this book, Broken Trails, was submitted in a title contest by Lysette in California. I loved the title and I couldn’t wait to make Nate’s story come alive. *Hint: You’ll be seeing him again in all of the books. I love Nate!
Don’t hesitate to drop me a line and let me know what you think. Please leave a review wherever you are able. Authors need reviews more than you know!
Until the next book, if you’d like to see more of me, follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter.
Stay Alive,
Bonnie
Clearwater County Collection has multiple subseries! Here’s the reading order.
Lonely Lace series
Spurs and Lace (book #1) (FREE)
Secrets and Lace (Book #2)
Sorrows and Lace (Book #3)
Redemption series
Romancing Redemption (Book #1)
Riding for Redemption (Book #2)
Resisting Redemption (Book #3)
Regretting Redemption (Book #4)
Rewarding Redemption (Book #5)
The Montana Trails series
Broken Trails
Forbidden Trails
For a list with covers and descriptions as well as links to all of Bonnie’s other works, please click here.
About the Author
Bonnie R. Paulson is all about survival. Do you have what it takes to turn the page?
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Acknowledgements
To Bear
To Lysette, great title, thank you!
Captiva Publishing
Bonnie R. Paulson
www.bonnierpaulson.net
Copyright © 2016 Bonnie R. Paulson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold.
Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Cover design by Kristin Bryant, contact her through [email protected]
Editing by Grammar Smith Editing
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
Broken Trails Page 16