by Leah Brooke
“We’ve got enough laws regarding our women, laws we’ve already written down and that every man here has signed.”
Maggie sat up, intrigued. “Really? Can I see them?”
Eb tumbled her to her back between them. “Nope. Man’s work. Women just try to mess things up. As long as the men are in charge, Desire will flourish.”
Maggie smiled to herself as they bundled her into bed, making sure the quilt covered her.
Straightening, Eb reached for his pants. “Go to sleep. We’re going to check on a few things and bring supper back with us. After that, you can soak in the tub for a bit.”
Jeremiah frowned worriedly and reached for his own clothes. “Do you think it was too soon? Hell, what if she’s sore?”
Eb slid his arms into his sleeves, pausing to cover her shoulder when she turned to watch them. “I was easy with her. You saw how much salve I used, and we stretched her first.”
Jeremiah followed Eb to the hallway, fastening his own shirt. “We should rub her down. She’s probably going to be sore.”
“I’ll get some liniment from the storage shed.”
“Did you get any of those fancy soaps? Maggie’ll like them. She always smells so good and Esmeralda said she uses them.”
“We bought everything in the damned store. If they were there, I got them.”
“I’ll find them. I’ll ask Duke if he’s seen them. He knows where everything is.”
“If you don’t find any, we’ll order them in town the next time we go. She also needs new boots. Hers are getting worn.”
Maggie listened until they went out the back door and their voices faded. Turning onto her side, she snuggled into the covers, smiling to herself as she traced a design on the quilt.
She closed her eyes, so worn out she could barely move, and wondered when they’d realize that their ingrained protectiveness meant she was in charge after all.
Picturing an entire town of women living the same way she did with the hard-edged cowboys she’d already met, she smiled as she slipped into sleep.
The laws of this town might just work out after all.
One thing was certain.
Desire would definitely be an unusual place to live.
Epilogue
“Are you sure that number’s right?”
Sitting on a horse that Eb and Jeremiah had just recently given to her, Maggie watched in amusement as they finished putting up the sign at the edge of their land.
Eb shot her a look over his shoulder. “Of course it’s right. We know how many men work at the Circle T.”
Jeremiah grinned. “Plus one hot little woman.”
Maggie smiled at the wooden squares with numbers painted on them scattered all over the ground. Reaching into her bag, she took out another biscuit to nibble on while she watched them.
“I have to admit, it was pretty smart to make the numbers that way so you can change them. Savannah, Hayes, and Wyatt should be coming soon, and you’ll have to add them.”
Finished with the sign, Jeremiah stepped away, wiping his brow with his sleeve. “Yeah, and so should all those mail-order brides we advertised for. Hell, we’re going to have to come out here and change this number every week.”
Eb tossed a hammer aside and picked up the remaining numbers and stuffed them into his saddlebag. “We’ll make it Hayes’ and Wyatt’s responsibility. Hell, the sheriff should know how many people live in the town better than anybody else.”
Finishing off her biscuit, Maggie slid from the saddle and approached the sign, smiling at each of them.
“Desire. I can’t believe you really named your town Desire.”
“Our town.” Eb finished with his task and came to stand beside her, putting an arm around her, and she immediately cuddled into his warmth. He touched her like this all the time now, and she couldn’t get enough of it. Every time they came near her, they reached out a hand for her as though they couldn’t help themselves.
It was heady stuff.
She felt the same way, touching them at every opportunity, and it had become so obvious that even the ranch hands teased them about it.
Eb kissed her forehead, smiling indulgently. “Soon, it’ll be everyone’s town. The men are snapping up the adjoining land, ready to build homes. Some of this will be turned over to businesses so we’ll have a place to get supplies and you women will have a place to shop.”
Jeremiah came up on her other side and touched her hair, his fingers running over the strands as he stared down at her worriedly. “I won’t believe it until I see it for myself. Some people aren’t going to cotton to the way we live here, so I doubt if the town will get very big at all.”
Eb nodded once, rubbing her back. “Good. It’ll be easier to take care of the women if we weed out all the undesirables. I don’t want just anybody living here.”
Maggie grinned, unable to contain her secret any longer. It had only become obvious to her yesterday, and she’d wanted to wait for the perfect moment. When she found out they would be coming out here today with the sign, she knew that this would be it.
Her love for them had grown so much, and each day they became a little closer. Both men still had a lot of rough edges that she knew would always be a part of them, but it was a callousness born of necessity in this harsh land.
She still worried about the cattle rustlers they’d faced and knew they would face more. All of them faced danger every day, and she’d seen the trust between the men as they placed their lives in each other’s hands.
Just yesterday, one of the men had almost been attacked by a bear, and the others had all rushed in to help without a thought to their own safety.
Knowing she’d never stop worrying about them, she also understood how they would worry about her and did her best to be careful. She didn’t want them to be distracted by their concern for her and make a mistake that could get them killed.
She had to admit, though, she did like those spankings.
They were more playful now, but no less effective, usually earned when she teased them about watching her like a hawk. Nothing she ever did escaped their notice, and it amused her that this had.
Of course, they argued. A woman couldn’t live with two such arrogant and demanding men and not expect to have to stand her ground, but the loving afterward was well worth it.
Leaning against Eb, she reached out to Jeremiah.
“You’re too overprotective. I hope the other men aren’t as bad as you two. I think you’re going to be changing that sign quite a bit, especially if the men are like you.”
Eb held her away from him, his fingers gentle as he lifted her chin. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Smiling through her tears, Maggie touched her abdomen. “The first child to be born here is already on his way.”
Eb and Jeremiah froze, their eyes going wide as they looked at each other before turning back to her.
The slow smiles on their faces were the most beautiful things she’d ever seen, and the love in them stole her breath.
Jeremiah reached out to lay his hand over hers, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “Are you sure?”
Laughing through her tears, Maggie squealed when Eb gathered her in his arms, his face buried in her neck as he swung her around and carefully set her on her feet again.
“Hell, are you all right? I should have known. Oh, baby, I didn’t even think. How could I have not known?”
Maggie gave him a teasing smile. “And you’re supposed to be the breeders.”
Jeremiah laughed and pulled her into his arms, hugging her close. “It appears we certainly are. Hell, how could we not have noticed?”
Maggie gestured toward the sign. “Thank you. Thank you for building this place so we can live together. Thank you for coming to get me. I love you both so much.”
Eb picked her up, carrying her back to the horses. “Baby, we’re the ones who should be thanking you. Every day, I thank God you came with us. If I loved you any more, I would burst.”
; Maggie giggled, happier than she’d ever been in her life. “If I remember correctly, I didn’t have a choice.”
Jeremiah bent over her, kissing her while Eb still held her, his lips warm and tender as they brushed over hers. “Smartest thing we ever did. Damn, woman, I love you. Come on. Let’s get you home. You need your rest.”
Riding away, Maggie looked over her shoulder, grinning at the sign Hayes, Wyatt, and Savannah would use to find them.
Desire, Oklahoma
Population 42
“Do you think she should be riding?” Eb’s voice held a touch of panic.
“Hell, what do I know about this? No more riding until we check with the doctor in Tulsa. Hell and damnation—we need a doctor.” Jeremiah didn’t sound much better.
She had the strangest feeling that the protectiveness they’d shown up until now was nothing compared to what she’d experience over the next several months. Smiling, she shook her head. If their arguments ended like they usually did, she didn’t mind a bit.
“We’ll advertise for one.”
“Does she look pale to you?”
Maggie turned back and grinned.
Yep, a town where the men were in charge.
She couldn’t imagine a better place to live.
THE END
WWW.LEAHBROOKE.NET
Desire, Oklahoma: The Founding Fathers 2
Scandalous Desire
Left with her uncle by her mother, Savannah Perry didn't have an easy life. Overworked and emotionally scarred, she dreams of escape.
Meeting Wyatt Matlock and Hayes Hawkins, she falls under their spell, and in a night of passion, gives herself to them, never realizing that she'd been starving for love.
Ashamed and desperate for a new life, Savannah slips away from town and heads toward freedom. Before she can start a life somewhere else, though, she needs to make sure her friend is all right.
She heads to Desire, Oklahoma, a town her friend's husbands have built, a town where people can live as they choose.
Wyatt and Hayes, though, aren't about to let her get away. They follow her, protecting her, knowing they have to do whatever they can in order to keep her here with them forever.
Genre: Historical, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys
Length: 77,334 words
SCANDALOUS DESIRE
Desire, Oklahoma: The Founding Fathers 2
LEAH BROOKE
Copyright © 2017
Chapter One
Ignoring several curious stares, Savannah Perry strolled toward the general store, relieved that after weeks of waiting, she’d finally found her friend.
Maggie had gone inside just minutes ago, and she knew her best friend well enough to know that she would be in there for some time.
She smiled to herself, remembering all the times Maggie had insisted she come to the store with her when they were children.
It seemed like a lifetime ago.
She’d been a different person then, one who’d reached out to two men for comfort and had been swept away by a tenderness she’d never imagined.
On a cold, rainy night in Kansas City, Wyatt Matlock and Hayes Hawkins had made her a woman, and she’d never been the same since.
She doubted she ever would be.
Inwardly cursing that she’d allowed them to creep into her thoughts again, Savannah kept her gaze moving, her awareness of her surroundings having grown quite a bit in the last several months. A woman on her own had to be careful, but she’d already had an advantage. She’d learned how to watch her back from an early age.
She’d also learned that very few people could be trusted.
She’d trusted Wyatt and Hayes with her body—and her heart.
Thankful that her low-brimmed hat kept her red face shaded, she allowed a small smile. One of the few people in the world she trusted, Ebenezer Tyler, had just entered the store behind her best friend, who also happened to be his wife.
And his brother’s wife.
The knowledge that Eb was near made Savannah feel safer than she had in months.
She hadn’t felt this safe since the night she’d been in Wyatt and Hayes’s arms.
Hellfire!
Folding her arms across her chest, she fought back memories of that night—the most magical night of her life. She’d never had such an amazing experience, but it was one she couldn’t allow to be repeated. In order to get on with the life she’d chosen for herself, she’d had to leave and avoid both men at all costs.
They were a weakness she just couldn’t afford.
Pushing thoughts of them out of her mind, she lifted her head and allowed herself to enjoy the scenery. It felt good to let her guard down, if only a little.
Rubbing at the back of her neck where the reoccurring tingling started again, she walked on.
She hadn’t realized how much tension she’d been carrying until just now, when it felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Maggie was safe.
Reminding herself that she’d given up her own safety for independence, she went into the general store, a lump forming in her throat when she heard Maggie’s voice coming from the rear of the store. Hearing the frustration in her friend’s voice, Savannah smiled.
Some things never change.
“Eb, I swear, I’m gonna smack you if you and Jeremiah don’t stop hovering over me. I’m not sick. I’m just fat.”
Savannah paused behind one of the display shelves, taking advantage of the fact that neither one of them had spotted her yet. Listening to the tenderness in Eb’s tone, a tone he’d only ever used with Maggie, Savannah closed her eyes, shivering in remembered delight as the memories of Wyatt and Hayes’s soft words came back to her.
“You’re not fat, honey. You’re more beautiful than ever. You’re also a little grouchy today, aren’t you? I knew this trip would be too much for you. I should have made you stay at the ranch. Here, let me carry that.”
Snapping her eyes open, Savannah came back to the present and let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
She’d known Eb and Jeremiah would take good care of her friend, but also knew that Maggie had reservations about going away with them. The love and worry she heard in Eb’s tone convinced her that Maggie was not only cared for, but well loved.
Savannah sighed, blinking back tears. After enduring years of loneliness, her friend deserved to be happy.
Enjoying their banter, she continued to eavesdrop, ignoring the dirty look the storekeeper sent her way.
“Eb, it’s only a basket. I can carry it. And if you left me at the ranch, I’d never speak to you again. I wanted to come to town. I still need some things before the baby comes.”
“I told you that I could get whatever you need. I should never have let you talk me into bringing you. As soon as we finish here, we’re going to get something to eat, and then you’re going to go up to the room and lie down.”
“No. I’m. Not.”
Savannah smothered a laugh at Maggie’s belligerent tone and moved closer in time to hear Eb’s reply.
“Yes, Margaret Tyler. You are.”
Recognizing the tone that made grown men shake in their boots, Savannah started forward. Before her friend could get worked up, something she didn’t think would be good for a woman in Maggie’s condition, Savannah stepped into their line of vision.
“I see you’re still giving Eb a hard time.”
With a cry, Maggie spun in her direction, and with a low curse, Eb caught her in his arms to steady her. As recognition came into her eyes, her face lit up.
“Savannah!”
Fighting her way out of Eb’s hold, Maggie launched herself at Savannah, earning another curse from her husband as he gripped her shoulders to support her.
With a laugh, Savannah caught Maggie. Although she stood several inches taller, she had to brace herself against her friend’s weight and momentum.
“Easy, Maggie. Don’t hurt yourself.”
&nb
sp; Maggie laughed and cried simultaneously.
“Savannah! I can’t believe it. What are you doing here? Are you here with your uncle? When did you get here? How long are you staying? Are you staying at the hotel? You have to come to the ranch. Eb, make her come to the ranch.”
Eb’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh, she’s coming to the ranch all right.”
Ignoring that, Savannah laughed and hugged her friend, getting as close as Maggie’s swollen belly allowed.
“Look at you! You look wonderful, Maggie.” She meant it. Her friend glowed with happiness and good health.
Releasing her hold on her friend, Savannah braced herself and smiled at Eb.
“Hello, Eb. It’s great to see you again.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, he smiled faintly, but Savannah didn’t miss the hard glint of anger in his eyes.
“Well, if it isn’t Savannah Perry. Don’t you know that a woman travelling alone is just asking for trouble?”
Maggie gasped. “Eb, don’t you dare talk to Savannah that way. Savannah, where have you been? Did you really leave Kansas City alone?”
Not wanting to get her friend riled, especially in her condition, Savannah laid a hand on Maggie’s shoulder.
“Now don’t you go getting yourself all worked up. You know I’m more than able to take care of myself. I’m older than you, but you always want to take care of me. I’m a big girl, Maggie.”
She hid a smile at the displeasure on Eb’s face when he took in the men’s clothing she wore. She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud when he eyed her holster and raised a brow, his lips thinning.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she leaned against a wooden post.
“Eb knows I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, too. Don’t you, Eb?”
He shot a quick glance at Maggie before turning back to her, his eyes glittering dangerously.
“You’re a woman, and this isn’t Kansas City. You’re too vulnerable to be on your own. Leaving alone was dangerous—and stupid.”