“We’re indebted to you,” Sam assured her. “Thank God for your fast thinking.” He could feel Cassie shaking at the thought of her little sister with Arvid.
The other town-folk were now crowding around. Jonathan and Annabelle arrived hand in hand. The news had spread. “Come on inside everyone,” Grace called. “We’ll see how things ended up at the claim.”
Cassie laid her head against Sam’s chest and he looked down to see her eyes were closed. He couldn’t wait to see Seth and introduce his new family to his brother. How fast life could change. How wonderfully fulfilling it could be. He kissed the top of her head.
“Come on, sweetheart,” he said at last. “We don’t want to keep our friends waiting.”
Epilogue
Mendocino, California. Eleven months later.
Josephine’s shriek brought Cassie from her upstairs room just in time to see the younger girl bolt through the door and send Ashes scampering outside for cover. The cat had journeyed with them from Broken Branch to Rosenthal and on to their new home in Mendocino, riding the whole way in Josephine’s saddlebag. She was also present at the auction where Sam, Cassie and Seth had purchased over seven hundred acres of prime property.
The two brothers went right to work constructing a ranch house, followed by a barn and fencing. When that was done, they painstakingly renovated a small building on Main Street, less than a ten-minute buggy ride from home, where Cassie and Josephine—when the youngster wasn’t in school or studying—could spend hour after hour baking their little hearts out. Angels’ Sweets was a huge success from the first day it opened. Now Cassie had an employee watching over it for a couple of months.
“What’s all this noise?” Cassie called from the second-story landing.
“Come quick! Meadowlark is foaling. Sam wants you to see it.” Josephine was back out the door, running toward the barn.
Cassie placed the needlework she’d been stitching on her dresser and hurried down the stairs as best she could given her cumbersome size. As she approached the entryway, she glanced briefly at the still unopened letter on the mahogany sideboard. It was from Brewster Ridgeway. Sam and Seth had been corresponding with their father, and she felt it was only a matter of time before Sam would allow the senior Ridgeway a visit. At least Sam had a relative to forgive—she’d seen or heard nothing from Uncle Arvid. Not that she’d be too quick about warming up to him. He owed her an apology—a big one.
When she arrived at the barn, the brothers were in Meadowlark’s stall, quietly watching so as not to make the mare nervous.
Sam smiled his greeting and Seth nodded. Her brother-in-law was closer to her own age than Sam’s, but his resemblance to Sam was striking. On arrival he’d been shocked to find Sam married, but he had taken an obvious, instant shine to her and Josephine. Cassie now wondered what their lives had been like without his mischievous humor and handsome face.
“How is she?” Cassie asked quietly.
“Doing fine,” Sam responded. “Thought you’d like to see the birth of Triple R’s first foal.” His brows arched knowingly. “I’ll never be able to thank that stallion enough for his efforts.”
When he smiled at her, like he was doing now, an overwhelming joy filled her soul. So much so she had to look away, knowing he was thinking about the baby she carried and the love that had created it. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t dredge up what it felt like when she’d been suspicious of him. All that was dear to her he held safely in his hands. And that was just as she wanted it.
“You were right,” she answered, swiftly switching her thoughts from her fine-looking husband to her laboring mare.
Seth laughed. “My gosh, Cass. When are you going to get over all that blushing? I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
A lopsided grin crept up Sam’s face. “As far as I’m concerned, she can blush to her heart’s content.”
“I guess you’re right, big brother,” Seth agreed. “As long as she keeps bringing me more of those wonderful ‘Ain-gel’ doughnuts,”—he drew her name out for comic effect—“and cookies.” He closed his eyes and smacked his lips, pretending to swoon.
Blu, stabled in the stall across the breezeway, snuffled, drawing everyone’s attention. Cassie’s eyes went wide. “And how is your mare doing today? Will there be two foals born?”
“Her bag’s dropped and is waxing. I believe it won’t be long for her, either. Maybe two, three days,” Sam answered, glancing into the rafters at the dozen gray kittens playing there. Dust and straw filtered down onto them all and he shook his head in defeat. Ashes, free of her six kittens, rubbed affectionately back and forth on Josephine as the girl knelt in the straw. Josephine inched forward slowly and touched Meadowlark’s neck, stroking her gently. “Poor girl.”
Sam’s gaze snagged Cassie’s. The love she saw made her heart swell with emotion. She couldn’t believe how God had blessed her with Sam, and his brother, and this wonderful life she found herself in. Every day was an adventure, and soon there would be another little person to add to their happiness.
“Look,” Josephine whispered, barely containing her excitement. She was shaking. “It’s coming.”
Want to read more books by Caroline Fyffe?
MONTANA DAWN – Book One in The McCutcheon Family Series
2011 Laurel Wreath Winner, 2010 Maggie Finalist, 2010 Gayle Wilson Finalist, RWA Golden Heart Finalist, voted BEST WESTERN ROMANCE of 2010 by readers at Loves Western Romances
When Luke McCutcheon finds Faith Brown about to give birth in her rickety wagon, his first instincts are to ride for help. Instead, he stays and delivers a beautiful baby girl. Unable to leave the pretty young widow and her little son and newborn unprotected in the Montana wilderness, he brings them along on his family’s cattle drive, to the absolute delight of the other friendly cowboys.
"I enjoyed every minute of the book and that’s about as good as a book can get!"
—Philosophy of Romance
Luke, third son of Montana’s wealthy McCutcheon family, is different from his brothers. As the offspring of a Cheyenne warrior, he carries a chip on his shoulder for all to see. His flashing eyes and handsome face make Faith feel she’s stepped into some long-ago tale where men cherish their women--and keep them safe. If only she could trust him! Faith is on the run, and although she’s pampered and protected by Luke and his family, she just can’t risk the consequences of sharing the details of her past--one that’s hunting to take her back to the nightmare she’s just escaped. Happy-ever-afters are for fairytales, she reminds herself sternly as her heart feels the warm pull of his. Still, she can’t help but dream of a loving family, a home to call her own, a beautiful and bright…Montana Dawn
"Caroline Fyffe’s second tale grips the audience and never slows down for even a paragraph." – Harriet Klausner
"In the tradition of Classic Americana Romances, Fyffe has found her place alongside Lisa Cooke, Linda Lael Miller and Catherine Anderson." –RT Book Review
“Montana Dawn has everything. Readers will taste the dust, smell the gunpowder and feel the passion.” – Nationally acclaimed author Cheryl St.John
TEXAS TWILIGHT – Book Two in the McCutcheon Family Series
Fresh out of medical school, John McCutcheon finds his stagecoach under attack by brutal outlaws. With the help of a feisty acquaintance, Lily Anthony, he manages to fend off the assault. Lily is attracted to the charming cowboy-doctor, with his chiseled good looks and teasing ways, then heartbroken to learn he’s engaged to be married.
“I laughed. I cried. I didn’t want Texas Twilight to end.”
–Theresa Ragan, Bestselling Author
Once settled in Rio Wells, Texas, John tries to ignore the fact that his cousin has taken a shine to Lily. When a bounty hunter shows up looking for a priceless jewel that Lily has found stashed away in her aunt’s belongings, Lily fears her dreams of owning her own shop--and of finding true love--are about to go up in flames…or, could that just be the glow of a beaut
iful … Texas Twilight?
And Also…
WHERE THE WIND BLOWS – Winner of RWA’s Golden Heart Award and Write Touch Readers Award 2010.
Chase Logan is content. He’s free as a clear mountain stream and that suits him just fine. When he’s mistaken for Jessie Strong’s husband, he’s shocked, but her imploring gaze has him agreeing to play along—for three days—just until the adoption papers for darling three-year-old Sarah are finalized.
“Charming.” –RT Book Review
Jessie knows Chase’s sense of chivalry is the reason he’s stepped in, but her imagination can’t help but pretend what life might be like with a man like Chase. He’s handsome and kind—and a bit dangerous, too.
“Sweet and touching.” –All About Romance
The love that grows between Chase and Jessie defies the wildness of the land, the danger outside the door—but the secret between them is hurtful enough to shatter Jessie’s heart. Will it rip them apart? Or will their dream of being a real family come true at last, no matter… Where the Wind Blows
“Every now and then a book comes along that is just so tender, so lovely, you can’t help the emotions that roll through you…this is one of those books.” –The Good, The Bad and The Unread
“An absolutely delightful tale penned by an author sure to make a name for herself.”
–Pamela Britton, Bestselling Author
“The love that unfolds in this tender and emotional story will touch your heart. Don’t miss this breathtaking debut.”—Patty Berg, USA Today Bestselling Author
About the Author
Caroline Fyffe grew up in the little town of El Dorado, CA, the youngest of five girls and whose main interest was the family’s horses. An equine photographer for over twenty years now, she has worked throughout the United States and Germany. Long days in the arenas present plenty of opportunity to dream up all sorts of stories. Her love of horses and the Old West is the inspiration behind her books. Her debut book, WHERE THE WIND BLOWS, was the recipient of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and also the Wisconsin RWA’s Write Touch Readers’ Award 2010. MONTANA DAWN was voted BEST WESTERN ROMANCE of 2010 by readers at Loves Western Romances! Married for many years, Caroline’s most cherished achievements are her two grown sons.
Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
Tweet her at https://twitter.com/#!/CarolineFyffe
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com%20
Write to her at [email protected]. She loves hearing from readers!
TEXAS TWILIGHT
Book Two of the McCutcheon Family Series
Chapter one
Texas Badlands, 1886
The stagecoach lurched. John Jake McCutcheon opened his eyes and saw the young woman next to him grasp the leather loop that hung from the coach’s ceiling to keep from being tossed around. She tipped precariously to the right, then left, bumping forcefully into his shoulder. With an apologetic glance she moved away, then dabbed at her brow with a folded handkerchief. She looked at her elderly aunt.
“Tante Harriet? Are you all right?” she asked in a soft German accent. She opened the fan she held and swished it back and forth in front of the tiny woman. “Your face is extremely red.”
“Of course, Lily,” Harriet Schmidt said in a raspy voice laced with exhaustion. The old woman’s hair was swept up atop her head and fastened in a bun, but after the miles and miles traveled on the dusty, sun-baked road, it looked more like a weather blown tumbleweed after a storm. She patted her niece on the knee. “Thank heavens we’re almost there. Just one more day and we’ll be out of this oven.”
John glanced away, not wanting to seem impolite. He’d met both Harriet Schmidt and her niece, Lily Anthony, when they’d boarded the stage together in Concepción. He’d seen them on the train from Boston, too, but they’d kept to themselves, never speaking with anyone else.
John gazed out the window, thinking. He was finally finished with his medical training and heading to West Texas. Anticipation coursed though him.
Rio Wells was a long way from his family ranch in Montana, but he’d get used to it. His plan to return to Y Knot after graduation hadn’t panned out. His hometown already supported two full-time physicians. If he really wanted to make a difference in people’s lives as a doctor and surgeon, he had to strike out in a place where the townsfolk were in need. At least he wouldn’t be a complete stranger in Rio Wells. Uncle Winston and his family were there. And his fiancée, Emmeline Jordan, would be joining him this fall.
John closed his eyes, recalling Emmeline’s elegant profile and dark, alluring eyes. In his mind’s eye, her mouth drew down into a seductive little pout, a manipulation he knew all too well, but one that, all the same, fueled his blood. She was like a beautiful, exotic bird, needing care and affection.
“Oh, just to take this corset off,” Harriett said to no one in particular, then chortled softly at her niece’s shocked expression at her bluntness. “It pinches horribly. I think I’ll throw it away for good.” She paused, thinking. “No…” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Actually, I’ll burn it.”
Cyrus and Jeremiah Post and Abigail Smith, the other passengers cramped uncomfortably on the opposite seat, just smiled, now used to the old woman’s antics. Miss Smith, a teacher, had been hired by the same town council that had hired John, and he felt a small kinship with her.
“You know, Doctor McCutcheon,” Harriett Schmidt went on, trying to catch his eye, “my Lily doesn’t need a corset. Her waist is eighteen inches without one.”
“Tante Harriett. Please.”
John chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. He’d tried not to notice something like that, but it had been difficult, if not impossible. The girl had practically been snuggled to his side for several days.
Without warning, the driver called out sharply to the horses and the coach picked up speed. The two guards riding on top of the stage scuffled around and one shouted something unintelligible. John glanced out the window.
A shot rang out. One second later, one of the guards fell from the top of the stage, past the window, landing with a thunk as the stage rolled on. Lily gasped and threw her arms protectively around her aunt. Abigail screamed and then fainted, flopping over onto Cyrus’s shoulder.
The driver bellowed to the horses again and the stagecoach heaved forward as the six-horse team was propelled instantly into an all-out gallop. Three more shots were fired, and the sound of horses’ hooves thundered from behind.
John looked back through the dust to see a number of riders racing toward the stagecoach, eating up the distance between the two. What the hell was he supposed to do now? He was a doctor. He’d taken the Hippocratic Oath to heal not three weeks before. His job was taking bullets out, not putting them in. But then, he’d also been raised on a rugged Montana ranch, where the unwavering reality was hard. Sometimes staying alive meant killing someone else. Besides, everyone’s lives were on the line, not just his. It would be especially bad for the women aboard. These hills were a common hiding place for Comancheros. They used women in the worst ways and then sold them into prostitution in Mexico. As pretty as she was, Lily Anthony would fetch top price. Hell, they’d sell the skinny teacher and the old woman, too.
Smoke and dust filled the coach. Pop. Pop. Pop. Lily covered her ears. Her elderly aunt coughed as she struggled to hang on. Abigail, now fully awake again, filled the small space with one shrill scream after the other, never even pausing to take a breath. John reached for his satchel under the seat, withdrew a Colt 45, and strapped on his holster. Carrying his guns was a habit he hadn’t been able to break even after his years at school. With hands nimble from experience, he loaded and fired several shots out the window. Two riders fell.
“You have another gun?”
John was surprised to see old Harriet Schmidt eyeing him expectantly. One hand was outstretched while the other grasped the windowsill as the coach careened down the road, jerking vi
olently this way and that. “I’m not letting those filthy dogs take my Lily!”
“Can you shoot?”
“I wouldn’t ask if I couldn’t. My derringer’s not worth diddly.”
John squeezed off three more shots, then pulled another gun from his bag, handing it to Harriet. He pushed the bag toward Lily. “Bullets.”
Cyrus Post fired out the other side of the coach just as a bullet hit Cyrus’s brother in the chest, slamming Jeremiah violently against the back of the seat. Jeremiah gasped several times as he tried to hold back a rush of crimson that spurted through his splayed fingers, soaking his clothes. With just a glance, John could see he wasn’t long for this world. Abigail’s eyes grew round as she took in the blood. With a gasp, she fainted again, blessedly putting an end to her screams.
“Son of a bitch! “ Cyrus cried out. “There’s too many. Prepare to meet your maker.”
“Hush your mouth, you old coot,” Harriet shouted as she hefted the heavy gun and shot out the window. “I have more faith in God than that.”
The coach rounded a corner dangerously fast and then slowed up a bit as it began an uphill climb. One side of the road dropped off, falling some forty feet to a bed of jagged rocks.
Seizing the moment, John holstered his gun and opened the narrow door. He climbed the side of the rocking coach using the window as a step, and grasping the luggage rack, pulled himself up. He flopped onto his stomach, facing the oncoming killers and picked up the fallen guard’s Winchester. He took aim.
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