Colorado Woman (The Hansen Women)

by Coburn, C. C.

  “Nope. One’s the county sheriff, one’s a contractor, one runs the family ranch and Will is an ex–ski bum made good.”

  “Sounds like an interesting family.”

  “They are. I went to school with Matt the sheriff and Will, but I won’t tell you which one I really dated,” she said, loving teasing Mac.

  “Speak of the devi—” she said as she was pulled into a huge bear hug.

  “Will O’Malley! Let go of me!” she forced out as he continued to squeeze her.

  Mac wasn’t sure if he should offer to peel the man’s arms from around Maggie, but she seemed to be smiling in spite of having the life squeezed out of her.

  Finally, the man released her, but only after he’d been smacked on the shoulder by a fiery looking red–head who’d admonished him to let Maggie go.

  “Becky! How are you?” she said. “It’s been too long.”

  “It has, Maggie,” the red–head said. “Will we see you at the pub later?”

  Without waiting for an answer, she leaned forward and offered her hand to Mac. “Hi, I’m Becky O’Malley. You look familiar.”

  “Honey, don’t you recogni—”

  Will O’Malley didn’t manage to finish what he was saying, because Maggie had clapped her hand across his mouth, preventing him giving away Mac’s identity to everyone within listening range.

  “Later, Will,” she growled under her breath and waited until he nodded his understanding before removing her hand.

  Mac offered his hand to Will. “Glad to meet you,” he said. “I’m Mac McKade.”

  “Mac? I thought your name was—”

  “Do I need to silence you again, Will? Or can you wait until the parade is over,” Maggie demanded under her breath.

  Will responded by lifting Maggie’s hand to his lips and placing a chivalrous kiss on it. “Till we meet again,” he said and winked. He extended his hand to Mac, saying, “Pleased to make your acquaintance. Our pop’s name is Mac so, in my books, that makes you good people.”

  The couple said their farewells and moved on through the crowds.

  “No guessing which of the O’Malley’s you dated then,” Mac whispered as they resumed their seats.

  As the parade was concluding, Pixie returned to report they’d run out of flyers and everyone they’d given them to seemed keen to come to the barbeque. Having declared her role a success, she said, “Us guys are going back home to get everything ready for the picnic. That okay with you, Mac?”

  “Sure,” he said, passing her his house keys. It had been decided they’d have their Fourth of July picnic at Mac’s, since he had more space to cope with the crowd of their combined families. Pixie loved preparing the games, so she and her friends were heading back to set everything up.

  Murphy’s was buzzing with people and bagpipes by the time Maggie and Mac made their way to it. They were soon enveloped by the crowds. Maggie found Will and explained why she’d shut him up.

  “I figured that out all by myself, Maggie,” he said with a wink and turned to Mac. “So why the hush–hush?

  “Maybe he didn’t feel like being besieged by autograph hunters,” his brother, Matt, said as he came to kiss Maggie’s cheek. “How’s my girl?” he asked.

  “I’m having a great time, Matt. But I might be out of a job next semester.”

  Matt frowned and drew her away to a booth, leaving Mac to fend for himself with the rest of the O’Malley men and their women and some kids.

  “What can I do to help?” Matt asked.

  “I should’ve married you when you asked me,” Maggie confessed with a smile of gratitude. Matt was one of those guys you could always rely on in a crisis. He’d been a wonderful cop and made an even better county sheriff.

  “Pity we were only six at the time,” Matt said and they both laughed.

  He took a draught of his beer, placed it on the table and looked at Maggie, waiting for her to tell him what she needed.

  “My school is going to close if we don’t get a huge influx in enrollments.”

  He nodded his understanding. “Does this have anything to do with the barbecue a couple of weekends from now? I saw the flyers and wondered about it. Coldwater used to be such a lively little town when we were children.”

  “It does. But I’m not sure how you can help.”

  Matt called his brother, Adam, over. “Are your guys down at the station interested in selling barbeque over in Coldwater in a couple of weeks? I remember it went really well for you this year at our town’s event.”

  “Sure!” Adam said. “I was going to call and ask about it later today.” He held aloft one of the flyers. “Looks like it could be a great weekend. Especially with Jake McKade playing. He’s huge.”

  “Somebody say my name?”

  Adam’s mouth fell open as Mac clapped him on the back and said, “I think we’ve met already.”

  “We have,” Adam said, beaming and offering his hand again. “Wow. Where exactly did you say you found this guy, Maggie?”

  Maggie grinned and said, “Pixie found him at Martha’s diner. Seems he’s rented that house next door to ours and we can’t get rid of him.”

  Mac laughed and the others joined in once they realized he hadn’t been offended by Maggie’s teasing remark.

  Matt said, “Let me think on this overnight, Maggie. You can be sure we’ll do our bit to drum up support around Spruce Lake and the county in general. You know how everyone hereabouts loves barbeque.”

  “Someone say my middle name?”

  A solidly built gentleman chewing an unlit cigar joined them.

  “Mayor Farquar, meet Jake McKade,” Adam said.

  The mayor’s cigar fell out of his mouth as he gazed at Mac. Mac reached forward to shake the older man’s hand.

  “Well, I’ll be…” the mayor said.

  “Speechless? Come now, Frank, that’s not like you,” Will said and everyone laughed.

  “I really enjoyed myself today,” Mac said as they drove back over the mountain pass towards Coldwater.

  “You sound surprised.”

  “Not about having a good time, I love July Fourth parades. I meant I had a great time meeting such genuine people. That’s what missing in a lot of cities, the sense of community. A willingness to pull together to help others.”

  “Do I hear another song being composed?”

  Mac grinned over at her and said, “Could be. I’ve found a lot of inspiration living here, Maggie, even in such a short time.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, since that’s what you came here for.”

  “I got a lot more than I bargained for by coming to Colorado, most especially to Coldwater, and meeting you.”

  Maggie shrugged. “I’m no–one special.”

  The words had barely left her mouth, before there was a screech of brakes and Mac wrenched the wheel to the right and turned off down a narrow dirt road that lead to a reservoir. He pulled up, turned off the engine and looked over at her. “Why do you do that?”

  “What?”

  “Put yourself down like that?”

  “Well, I am no–one special!”

  He reached over and grasped Maggie’s chin, forcing her to look at him.

  “You’re kidding me right? You are someone very special, Maggie. You have almost single–handedly raised your four sisters. And, from what I can tell, they’ve all turned out to be remarkable women. Can’t you take pleasure in that? Pride in your achievement?”

  Maggie could feel tears burning the backs of her eyes. She needed to get out of there, away from the intensity of Mac’s gaze, away from the emotions welling up inside her. She pulled the handle and slipped out the door and ran—having no idea where she was running, just knowing she needed to get away from him. Tears blinded her, she stumbled over a tree root and fell flat on her face.

  Before Maggie could get back on her feet, strong arms were lifting her, wrapping around her from behind, holding her close. She knew there was no point in struggling, Mac’s grip
was so strong it would be futile and only make her more upset knowing she couldn’t escape.

  “Hey,” Mac’s voice was so soothing she wanted to bury her face against his chest and sob like she had the other day. She was still mortified she’d let her guard down back then. And now, here she was, a blubbering mess of emotions again.

  “Let me look at you,” Mac said turning her towards him and frowning down at her.

  She averted her eyes, hoping he wouldn’t see her tears.

  He slipped the neckerchief from around his neck, licked a corner and dabbed at her cheek. “You’ve cut yourself. No, don’t struggle. I want to see if it’s deep.”

  Maggie wanted to wallow in the warmth of his voice, the concern in his eyes as he dabbed the blood away.

  “There, all clean,” he said and kissed her forehead like a parent would kiss a child’s to comfort them.

  Maggie couldn’t help thinking what a great dad Mac would make. He’d calmed her with just a few words and a comforting kiss.

  He released her, then caught both her hands in his and said, “Now, do you want to tell me what that was about?”

  “I tripped on a tree root.”

  Mac smiled and waited. When Maggie didn’t offer anything, he said, “What did I say to upset you so much?”

  She took a deep breath, debating whether to admit it. He squeezed her hands gently and it gave her courage. “No–one has even said I’m special before. Never… acknowledged…” She swallowed against the baseball–sized lump in her throat. Maybe she was just over–emotional today, since her baby sister had gained her majority. She’d done what was asked of her in their parents’ Will. Taken care of her sisters. Loved them as her own. Helped them realize their dreams and grow into happy and healthy young women.

  Her parents hadn’t realized at the time of writing their Will that they’d be taken from their daughters so soon—that Maggie would still virtually be a child herself when she took on the responsibilities of raising her sisters—sacrificing her chance at marriage, having a family of her own, in order to do so.

  No–one had ever acknowledged that, not even her sisters. And it had hurt, hurt so deep.

  She’d hoped as each one had celebrated turning twenty–one that at least one of them would remark on her contribution, would thank her for her sacrifice.

  Sure, they thanked her for throwing a great party, but it never went any deeper than that. Paige had thanked her college friends for helping her through the past difficult years of study; Lisa had gushed about her boyfriend—later her husband—for being her hero; Kelly had thanked her many school friends and those she’d met through nursing. And at each twenty–first birthday party, a tiny bit of Maggie’s pride in what she’d achieved had died and been replaced with a tight little kernel of bitterness. And she hated it. Hated herself for it, hated her inability to control it.

  And today, her last sister was celebrating her twenty–first. Her baby would be making a speech, thanking everyone for getting her through to this point in her journey in life. But no one would single Maggie out, make a fuss of her, make her feel for once that the sacrifice of her own happiness was truly worth it.

  “Oh, God!” she sobbed as she covered her mouth and tears brimmed in her eyes.

  “What is it, sweetheart? What’s troubling you so much?”

  “I don’t want to go home.”

  “But everyone’s waiting for the party to start. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

  “Don’t say that. Please don’t say that!”

  “Maggie… I don’t understand. Please tell me what’s upset you so much,” Mac said, leading her to a rock by the reservoir.

  With both hands on her shoulders he pressed down until she sat, then he took a seat beside her, reached across and took her hand and held it in his.

  They gazed at the lake for ages and finally, Maggie felt ready to confess.

  Chapter Eleven

  By the time they arrived back at Mac’s, a softball game was in full swing and the smell of steaks grilling on the barbeque filled the air.

  He pulled up a little way from the house and looked over at Maggie. He’d held her hand the entire drive home and didn’t release it now.

  “Are you ready for this?” he asked gently and raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  “Is my face a mess?” she asked, checking in the passenger mirror.

  “No. You’re beautiful. The most beautiful woman I know.”

  “Don’t make me cry again, Mac.”

  “Trust me, I’m not trying to,” he said with a smile. “Good job it’s a warm day and my shirt got a chance to dry out on the drive here.”

  She smiled at his attempt to lighten her mood. She sure had shed a mass of tears. But those tears had been building for a long time and they’d found their release today.

  “Where have you been?” Pixie demanded as she pulled open Maggie’s door. We can’t start the party without you.”

  “Of course you can. It’s your party,” Maggie assured her as she climbed down from the SUV.

  Pixie hugged her and said, “But you’re the most important person in my life. It’s not the same without you.”

  Maggie bit her lip and glanced at Mac, wondering how he’d managed to somehow tell Pixie about their conversation, to make a fuss of her sister, to make her feel special. But she and Mac hadn’t been out of each other’s sight all day. He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender and with a huge smile on his face.

  Pixie slipped her arm through Maggie’s and led her to the softball diamond, saying, “It’s your turn at bat, sis. But don’t go thinking I’ll go lightly on you or anything.”

  She released Maggie’s arm and skipped to the pitcher’s mound.

  True to her word, she didn’t go lightly on Maggie, zipping down three fast pitches that Maggie barely saw coming through her tears. But, this time, they were tears of happiness and as she handed the bat to Mac for his turn, he caught her in his arms and kissed her, right in front of everyone.

  When the wolf–whistles of approval didn’t die down any, Maggie stepped back out of Mac’s arms. His frown of disappointment was replaced with a smile as she whispered, “Later,” and turned towards their guests.

  Maggie hadn’t enjoyed a Fourth of July more, she decided as she sat in one of the lounge chairs Mac’s brother–in laws had set up on the porch to cope with the overflow of people wanting to sit out front and watch the softball game, or rest, waiting to bat. Ruff slept at her feet, exhausted after trying to round everyone up.

  Lunch had been consumed and the softball match resumed.

  “Thanks,” she said, accepting a long glass of home–made lemonade from Annie.

  Mac’s sister joined her in another chair and said, “So how do you like my little brother?”

  Maggie watched as Mac pitched underarm to Flynn. Bat connected with ball and it bounced to Justin at short–stop, who threw it neatly to Pixie on first. Naturally, she caught it and danced around teasing Flynn before shooting it back to Mac.

  Maggie smiled and thought, You have a lot to learn about winning a man’s heart, Pix.

  She glanced at Annie and said, “As a pitcher or a man?”

  Annie’s eyes crinkled. “You know perfectly well what I mean. He’s pretty stuck on you.”

  Maggie didn’t want to go into all the reasons a relationship with Mac wouldn’t work, it was too private, so instead she smiled and said, “He’s pretty amazing.”

  The answer seemed to satisfy Annie, who settled more deeply into her chair.

  Needing to change the subject, Maggie said, “I want to thank you so much for your effort with the barbeque weekend. I’ve never met anyone with so much enthusiasm and organizational ability before.”

  Annie beamed at the compliment. “Why, thank you, Maggie. But I’m sure my little brother told you I love bossing people around and organizing things. I’m enjoying the challenge and hoping you get the results you want. I have to confess, I’m very impress
ed with Coldwater. I feel right at home here. Which is odd to admit as I grew up in the city; you’d think I’d be like a fish out of water.”

  Maggie laughed at that and said, “Your brother more than made up for that when he first got here!”

  “He told me about the first time you met. I think it was kind of cute.”

  “Out!” Pixie yelled from first base. She’d obviously caught a ball on the full, as Annie’s husband, Tony, was still standing at home plate with his mouth open in surprise, his bat dangling from his hand.

  “Your turn to field, ladies,” Mac said, jogging up to Annie and Maggie.

  “I think we chose sides badly,” Annie said. “Pixie seems to be a one– woman team all on her own!”

  Pixie joined them and glowed at the compliment. She poured herself a glass of lemonade and chugged it. Maggie tensed her shoulders, dreading she’d burp in front of Mac’s family.

  “What’s for dinner?” she asked.

  “You only finished lunch an hour ago!” Maggie said.

  “I’ve worked up an appetite.”

  “You can go put together a sandwich for yourself,” Annie said. “There are plenty of leftovers in the kitchen.”

  Pixie disappeared and the two women reluctantly gave up their seats and went to take their places on the softball field.

  Naturally, Pixie’s team were the eventual winners.

  Softball was followed by Horseshoes, and then by sandwiches and leftovers for dinner, and an enormous birthday cake for Pixie.

  With twenty–one candles blown out and the cake cut and passed around, it was time for a speech from Pixie. She mounted the steps to the porch and stood beside Maggie, so the rest of the gathering could see and hear her more easily.

  In her usual forthright manner, Pixie declared her birthday, “The best ever!”

  Maggie smiled. This was the most compliment she could ever hope for, it would do that her little sister had had the best day of her life so far.

  “But I want to acknowledge someone very special to me, who has made today so special.”

  Maggie turned her gaze on Mac: he sure had worked hard to make today special for Pixie. He’d included her family and Pixie’s friends in his family’s celebration of their country’s independence. And hosted Pixie’s twenty–first birthday as if she was kin.