Montana Courage (McCutcheon Family Series Book 9)

by Caroline Fyffe

  He turned to face her. “You kissed me.”

  Accepting the fact hurt, but it was the truth. And he flung it at her like the lance she’d thrown at the wolf. The remark sank deep into her chest, and she wanted to die.

  Instead, she lifted her chin. She’d had fights before with her father, although compared to the ones he’d had with Kathryn, they’d been small. But still, she was no doormat.

  “You’re certainly right about that,” she replied. “My fault, yes. I could tell by your response, you didn’t like it at all. But besides my one blunder when I was overcome with grief, I did have indications you were feeling the same. Many looks, touches here and there, soft-spoken words. Concern for my welfare—you risking your life to save mine.” She shrugged. “Alas, those didn’t mean a thing.”

  Shad’s face colored. He cut the space between them in half, stabbing his finger at the wooden deck. “Damn it, Poppy. Stop this. You’re talking circles around me, but it won’t change a thing.”

  All her bravado fizzled away. He was right. Nothing mattered. She couldn’t talk him into loving her. That was something he had to do on his own. And that hadn’t happened.

  She dropped her gaze to the deck and watched a lumbering beetle trying to get away before it got squished.

  “Fine,” she whispered. “Just tell me you don’t love me, and I’ll go away. Stop pestering you. Just say it, Shad, so I can believe it. Because, for some strange reason, I think you do.” She sighed and lifted her gaze to his. “I need to hear it from your lips.”

  He just stood there, but she refused to move.

  Why wasn’t he saying it? Why wouldn’t he put her out of this misery?

  Because he does love me.

  The truth hit her like a ton of bricks. Shad loves me, but he’s afraid to say it. He loves me. His feelings were all right there in his eyes.

  Poppy flew into his arms, barely giving him a chance to catch her. She wrapped her arms around his middle and laid her head on his chest, unable to stop her tears. He felt so good, and his scent, so beloved, filled her heart.

  Several moments passed before she could pull back and look up into his face, only to see a stony mask of pain.

  “Loving you doesn’t change a thing,” he said. “We can’t be together. Period.”

  She felt her smile freeze in place. What was he going on about now? She’d already decided to stay in Y Knot. Written to her parents with the news. Why couldn’t she and Shad be together? That was ridiculous.

  “Remember when you saw me with Redbud, the bull, in Virginia?”

  What on earth does this have to do with anything? “Yes.”

  “He butted me with his head, hurting some things inside me. I’m not the man you think I am.” He set his hands on her shoulders and gently eased her back. “I’m not the man you need.”

  Stunned, Poppy stepped away, taking his hands in hers. She blinked back her tears, all her happiness gone, replaced with a chilling fear.

  “Tell me.”

  “I’ll never sire any children, Poppy.” His deep voice was filled with emotion. “Every woman wants babies, and that includes you. I’d never sentence you to a life like that. It’s not fair.”

  Her mind buzzed with thoughts, and she wanted to figure this out. She loved Shad. Wanted him for her own, and would never love another. But this was big news. He was right.

  “I see,” she replied, just to fill the moment so she had time to go over the possibilities. “I can understand why you’d think these facts would be unfair.” She swallowed, dropped one of his hands for a second to wipe her eyes, and then picked it up again. “But I see the situation a bit differently. First of all, can you try making babies?” She knew that was a very unladylike thing to ask, but felt the reality was an important part of the puzzle. “I mean, is all that working?”

  His forehead crinkled and he actually blushed. “No problems there.”

  Thank God. She squeezed his hands to dispel his uneasiness with the conversation. “And who gave you this life-altering news?”

  With a low voice, he said, “After I was well enough to leave Virginia, I hustled back to Texas. I quit the ranch and rode to Colorado, just for something to do. Things just didn’t feel right, so I went to a doc in some town. He asked a lot of questions, did an examination, and gave me a couple bottles of elixir to make me feel better. His opinion was things inside got crushed and would never allow my, uh, seed to get to the desired destination. That’s about it.”

  Poppy made a sound in her throat. “I’m surprised you’re taking the word of a Podunk doctor as gospel. Will it hurt anything to try and prove him wrong?” She couldn’t stop a smile. “If it’s children you’re needing so quickly, have you so soon forgotten April, May, and July? Brandon hasn’t found out a thing about our sweeties’ relatives, so they aren’t going anywhere yet, and maybe never. And on the small chance we’re not able to conceive on our own after some time, my father knows the best doctors in Boston. You can be sure I’m not allowing a no-account sawbones to ruin my life.”

  A tiny smile appeared, and he chuckled. “You’re not?”

  She shook her head. Running her hands up and down his broad chest a few times, she went up on tiptoe and found his lips. At first, he didn’t respond. Then, after a moment, he wrapped her up so tight, she thought she would die. She couldn’t get close enough. She felt his love and his desire. They would make it, no matter what.

  Finally, they parted. Shad’s serious brow was back. “And if that no-account sawbones was right?”

  “Then I’ll still be the happiest woman alive. I love you. I’ve been so empty until now. Your love fills me up with happiness. I don’t want to live without you. However my life plays out, as long as you’re in it, I’ll never regret a day. I promise you that. Forever and always.”

  “I think you’re forgetting one thing.”

  “Oh?”

  “Your parents. They won’t be thrilled with your choice.”

  If he only knew how right he is. “You let me deal with them.”

  Chapter Sixty-Six

  “Please hurry, Kathryn. Shad’s been sitting in the parlor a whole fifteen minutes. I don’t want to keep him waiting too long.”

  Poppy turned back and forth in front of her bedroom mirror examining her reflection. She’d donned one of her best gowns, returned after Morgan Stanford and a few others had begun repairs on the hotel. The dress had a high-waisted bodice, sleeves trimmed in lace, and was a beautiful light shade of violet that complemented her complexion perfectly. The frock felt good, and she knew she looked pretty.

  “July is keeping him entertained with magic tricks,” Kathryn responded, tying a silk ribbon into a bow. “His hands were bound behind his back last time I peeked in. Besides, you’ll benefit by making him wait a little and being unpredictable. You’ll see.”

  This was Poppy and Shad’s first time to town together since they’d announced they were officially courting. After several rounds of letters, her mother and father had acquiesced only after insisting they wait at least six months before they got married, even though Poppy wanted to tie the knot immediately.

  Kathryn fastened the bow in her sister’s hair with a pin. “There, you’re done. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more beautiful. His heart will burst when he sees you.”

  Poppy couldn’t stop a small, excited laugh. “I hope so. I mean figuratively, of course.” She lifted her reticule from the bed, and then followed Kathryn down the stairs.

  Shad and Tobit stood when the women entered the room. The twins were jabbering on about something as they looked at Shad’s wrists behind his back held firm with a soft piece of rope. July beamed at her, as pleased as a peacock.

  “Poppy,” Shad said shyly. “You look beautiful.” He glanced down. “July, get me untied. Where was the trick, anyway?”

  The boy shrugged, quickly released him, and then ran out of the room.

  Rubbing his wrists for only a second, Shad took Poppy’s hands and
kissed her cheek. “You ready to go? I have a nice outing planned.” He looked straight at Kathryn. “I’m taking her to town for an early supper and will have her back before seven.”

  The formality seemed sort of silly after all the time they’d shared together in the hotel, and even in his bed, but Poppy was loving being courted.

  “That sounds lovely, Shad,” Kathryn said. “You two enjoy yourselves.”

  “Think about what I said.” Tobit smiled and crooked an eyebrow as they shook hands at the door. “It’s the way of the future. We’ll be one of the first here in our area.”

  “Thanks, Tobit. I’ll let you know.”

  Once in the rented buggy, after they’d passed the barn for privacy, they shared several chaste kisses.

  She couldn’t believe this handsome cowboy was hers. Their future was an open book of possibilities. After one last kiss, and several touches of his beloved cheek, Poppy sat back. She couldn’t quell her curiosity any longer.

  “What was Tobit talking about? He sounded very mysterious.”

  With a flick of the lines, they started off.

  “Just how ranching is changing. So many ranches were wiped out because of their dependence on grazing the open range. Speculation is most ranchers will keep smaller herds, which they’ll fence in and feed. Heard talk around the bunkhouse of the same. They’ll need hay. Some will grow their own. Some won’t want the trouble and will look to buy. Because of that, down the road, the demand will increase, and Tobit aims to cash in. He’s planting hay next season.”

  Poppy hadn’t heard any of this. She and Tobit were getting along splendidly. All those other feelings had gone away once she’d had that talk with Kathryn and forgiven herself.

  “Sounds like a good idea. Was that all?”

  Shad turned and looked at her for a few seconds, then shook his head. “You don’t miss a thing, do you? He’s been able to work a few fields, but could do so much more with help.” He winked at her. “He’s asked me to come in as partner.”

  “Oh, Shad.” Unable to stop herself, she reached up and began peppering kisses over his face, cheek, and lips. “That’s too wonderful to be true. What did you say?”

  “That I’d think about it.”

  He pulled the buggy to a halt on the deserted country road and again wrapped her in his arms. The weather had warmed, and colorful little birds filled the sky. After another kiss, he nuzzled her neck.

  “Mmm, you smell good. Better than sweet molasses cake.” He chuckled and sat back. “I’d say we’ve been pretty blessed, Miss Poppy Ford, soon to be Mrs. Poppy Petty. With everything that’s happened, even with all the heartbreak and death, Y Knot’s had several new babies, neighbors have come out to help each other like never before, my brothers arrived safely . . . and I ended up with the prettiest girl in town. I’m still figuring out how that one happened.” He fingered a small wisp of hair around her ear. “I love you, sweetheart.”

  The gesture sent a delightful shiver down her back. She was the happiest girl in the world, and she’d never tire of telling Shad just that.

  “I love you too, my wonderful cowboy. I love you too.”

  Read on for an excerpt of Sourdough Creek!

  Don’t miss the new arrival of

  WHERE WIND MEETS WAVE

  Book 6

  Prairie Hearts Novels

  Other Books by Caroline Fyffe

  McCutcheon Family Series

  Montana Dawn

  Texas Twilight

  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Evie

  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Heather

  Moon Over Montana

  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Kathryn

  Montana Snowfall

  Texas Lonesome

  Montana Courage

  ~~~*~~~

  Prairie Hearts Series

  Where The Wind Blows

  Before The Larkspur Blooms

  West Winds of Wyoming

  Under a Falling Star

  Whispers on the Wind

  Where Wind Meets Wave

  ~~~*~~~

  Stand Alone Western Historical

  Sourdough Creek

  ~~~*~~~

  Stand Alone Contemporary Women’s Fiction

  Three And A Half Minutes

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  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to my brilliant team; I would be lost without you. To my editors, Pam Berehulke of Bulletproof Editing and Linda Carroll-Bradd of Lustre Editing. To my husband, Michael, for brainstorming and finding plot holes in the first draft. To my sons, Matthew and Adam, for their help in marketing and social media. To Kelli Ann Morgan for a beautiful cover design. And to my very patient formatter, Bob Houston.

  To my dear family for making the seriously long hours I spend at my computer worth every moment. I love you all.

  And to my readers, no author could be as blessed to have such wonderful friends, readers, and supporters. Thank you.

  And to our Awesome God for making my dreams come true.

  About The Author

  Caroline Fyffe was born in Waco, Texas, the first of many towns she would call home during her father’s career with the US Air Force. A horse aficionado from an early age, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University-Chico before launching what would become a twenty-year career as an equine photographer. She began writing fiction to pass the time during long days in the show arena, channeling her love of horses and the Old West into a series of Western historicals. Her debut novel, Where the Wind Blows, won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award as well as the Wisconsin RWA’s Write Touch Readers’ Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.

  Want news on releases, giveaways, and bonus reads? Sign up for Caroline’s newsletter at: www.carolinefyffe.com

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  Write to her at: caroline@carolinefyffe.com

  Excerpt from

  Sourdough Creek

  By

  Caroline Fyffe

  Chapter One

  Clarksville, Nevada Territory, June 1851

  Sam Ridgeway awakened slowly. He grasped at the overwhelming happiness that enveloped him, unwilling to let it go just yet. The feeling ebbed and he opened his eyes. Someday, I’ll have my own ranch, and it won’t be a dream. A dull ache squeezed his temples, a result of too many hours of poker in the dim light of the saloon. Good thing he wasn’t a drinker. Waking up with a headache was as appealing as gettin’slapped in the face with a cow tail covered in dung.

  The bedsheet, pulled haphazardly over his bare chest, felt cool against his skin. He stared at the cracked ceiling of his ratty hotel room, wondering how much longer the paper-thin walls would actually remain erect. The Desert Princess was anything but. Unfortunately, it was the only establishment in town to get a bed, if a saddle tramp like himself was inclined to stay over.

  Suddenly, last night’s events came rushing back. His breath caught and he sat up. His gaze cut to his saddlebags across the room on a chair. It was true! Lady Luck had wrapped her arms around him and kissed him flush on the lips.

  Sam threw back the sheet and crossed the scarred wooden floor. With shaky hands, he unbuckled first the left side, rummaged around, then repeated the action on the right. Not finding the thrice-folded document, he strode over to the morning light streaming through the window and tried again.

  Nothing!

  Heat rushed to his face as confusion settled in. Angrily, he tossed the bags onto the bed and stared at the floor, thinking. Just after midnight, when Sam had decided he’d had as much fun as one
payday would allow, and time had come to call it a night, the Swede had made a startling declaration. The bald miner with only one eye was out of money. He wanted one last chance to win back some of his hard-earned pay. Feeling lucky, he tossed the deed to his gold claim into the middle of the saloon table.

  It was the easiest hand Sam had ever won. Returning to his room, he put the claim into his saddlebag for safekeeping. At the most, he’d had two beers, so he hadn’t been drunk. He wouldn’t mix that up, not with how important these winnings were to him and his brother, Seth. They would finally get their life back on track. So where was it?

  Dread gave way to anger as Sam put the puzzle pieces together. The only person who had known he was staying overnight in the Desert Princess was Arvid Angel, one of two other men involved in the game. Somehow that sneaking, lowdown bum had crept in here while he’d been asleep and stolen it!

  Sam stepped to the door, took the handle, and tested the lock. It held firm.

  Somehow—somehow—he’d gotten in.

  Now almost frantic, Sam glanced around, wondering how the snake had accomplished it. The room was on the second floor, without balcony or toehold. The old coot hadn’t come through the window. So how did he do it?

  A large hole by the floorboard, half covered by a dresser, caught Sam’s eye. He was sure it hadn’t been there last night.

  Two strides gave him access. He grasped the cladding and gave it a yank. A three-foot section of wallpaper ripped away, crisscrossed with small boards pasted to the back. Sam glared at the poor excuse of patching material dangling in his hands.

  Arvid must had taken the room next door and burrowed through after discovering the weak spot, somehow without waking him, and stolen the prize!