by R. C. Ryan
“Do you really believe that?”
She stood with her arms crossed firmly over her chest, as though holding herself together by a thread. “Yes, I do. But I made the mistake of getting to know you and your family, and you are all so real. There isn’t a phony one in the bunch. You’re all so… good. And I’m…” She shrugged.
“Ah.”
At that word she looked up and found him smiling. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He nodded slowly. “I’m starting to figure it out. You’ve decided that the mistakes you made in the past have made you somehow unworthy of a good life.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You implied as much.” His smile grew. “Sierra, I know that life dealt you an… interesting hand. Your parents wouldn’t stay together, even for your sake. And that’s made you unwilling to trust. I get it. So let’s get some things out of the way. I wanted you to come here and stay with us. You weren’t using me or my family—I offered. We offered. And I don’t care what you did before. I’m not interested in how many guys you knew, or why you chose them, what phony lines they used, how you used them or they used you. What I’m trying to tell you is this. Maybe I didn’t get to be your first, but all I care about is being your last.”
She opened her mouth, then, unable to find any words, closed it.
Steeling himself, he took her hand and looked at it, so small inside his palm. Despite the warmth of the sun, it was cold. The merest touch of her caused the most amazing feelings inside him.
“You’ve made it plain that you really believe a man will say whatever it takes to get you into his bed. I don’t know how to make you understand this. I don’t know just when it happened, Sierra. But what I am sure of is this: I love you. What’s more, I need you in my life. I want us to grow old together. Here on the land I love.” Before she could speak he stopped her. “I respect the fact that you have a career. I hope you can be wildly successful. I wouldn’t think of standing in your way. You can go on exotic photo shoots anywhere you please. Show your work in galleries around the world. But at the end of the day I want to be the guy standing beside you while you climb the ladder of success. I want to be free to say all those mushy things a guy says to the woman he loves. And here’s the bottom line: Even though I know you don’t believe in such things, I want it all. The ring. The vows. The promise of forever.”
She was silent for so long, he wondered that his heart could keep on beating. He knew, by the look on her face, that he’d gone too far. Asked too much of her.
When she finally spoke, her voice was hushed, as though each word was something so new, so amazing, she could hardly believe what she was saying.
“I never thought I could trust anyone the way I trust you, Josh. Not because of the way you were up there—” she motioned with her head toward the mountain looming in the distance “—but because of the way you’ve accepted me every day, just the way I am. I think this thing that happened between us is so big, so earth-shattering, that I’ve been terrified of it and running for my life. I mean, we’re talking the L word.”
“It’s called love. Why can’t you just say it?”
Instead of speaking, she swallowed. Hard.
He stared into her eyes, feeling his heart stop. He could sense that she was about to shatter his poor heart, and there wasn’t a thing he could do to stop her.
At last she smiled, and he felt some of the chill around his heart begin to thaw.
“Yeah. Love.” She stopped and lifted her face to the sky, as though the word was something she’d just invented. “Love. Oh. My. Gosh. I love you, Josh Conway. I really do. I love you so much. I know it isn’t possible, but it’s true. I love you and that whole big wonderful family of yours. And I don’t care if it’s the corniest thing in the world, but if you’re serious about wanting me, I intend to latch on to this amazing love with both hands and just hold on for dear life.”
“You mean it? You’re not afraid of it now?”
“On the one hand, I’m terrified. But on the other…” Her voice lowered. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t think I’ll ever be afraid of anything again.”
He gathered her close and lowered his head to brush her trembling lips with his. “Sierra, there’s nothing you could have said that would have made me happier. And you’re sure now? You’re willing to go through the whole ring-and-vows thing?”
“The whole thing. Bring it on. Ring, vows, minister, and forever after. I might even break down and buy a white gown, though I doubt I’ll go that far.”
She sighed and returned his kiss before throwing herself into his arms and wrapping herself around him. “I’m sure my parents will be very disappointed. But hey, they’ve had a chance to chase their dreams. Now it’s my turn.”
“Yeah. Our turn.” He was nearly staggered by the feelings that poured through him. Relief. Gratitude that his grandfather had sent them up here to clear the air. And then, as the thought struck, he found himself laughing. “That sneaky old man. He knew the deck was stacked.”
Sierra lifted her head. “What are you talking about?”
“Big Jim. That old softie sent us up here knowing his Clementine would see to it that two lovers got their happy ending.”
At his words Sierra leaned over to touch a hand to the tombstone. “Thank you, Clemmy.”
She looked up at Josh. “I suppose now we’d better get back and let Big Jim know that his strategy worked.”
“Not on your life.” Josh chuckled and took her hand before leading her toward the barn. “We’ll tell him after he’s cooled his heels a while.” He drew her close and pressed a kiss to her temple. “But first, I’d like to have a romantic moment with my girl.”
My girl.
At those simple, old-fashioned words, her heart soared.
Tears welled up in her eyes and she realized she was beginning to like all the mushy sentiments.
“Leave it to a cowboy to want to seal the bargain in the hay.” She laughed, a clear, sweet sound that rang in the sunny air. “I guess, with all this love floating around, we’d better not waste a single minute.”
EPILOGUE
Big Jim trudged up the hill behind the barns, his arms laden with masses of white mums, which he added to the tall urns already filled with evergreen boughs. He noted idly that Phoebe had already been here to tie big white satin bows to either end of the stone bench that faced the headstones of Clementine and her five sons.
The old man eased himself down on the bench and removed his wide-brimmed hat, twirling it around and around in his hands as he squinted into the sun reflecting off the marble headstone.
“You did good, Clemmy, just like I knew you would. We’re adding another pretty woman to our family today. She’s a real scrapper, and not at all what you’d call a domestic type, but she’s good for our Josh, and they’re wild about each other. I’ve never seen him looking happier.”
He glanced over to watch as Cole and his three sons stepped from the back porch and started toward him. The heavenly aroma of roast chicken and corn bread drifted on the air.
Phoebe and Ela had been working all morning. He’d had a peek at the wedding cake before he’d walked outside. It was actually a series of cupcakes arranged on a huge platter to resemble the peaks of mountains, with a bride and groom dressed in hiking gear at the very top.
Sierra and Cheyenne had spent the morning in Paintbrush getting pampered, and were now closeted in the guest room, and giggles could be heard rippling from the upper windows every few minutes. The two had become closer than sisters.
Josh, clad in a denim jacket, walked between Quinn and Jake, who were carrying a bottle of good Irish whiskey and five crystal tumblers, as well as a box of finest cigars.
Cole stepped up beside his father and watched as Quinn began handing around glasses, before filling them.
Big Jim lifted his glass in the air. “If life’s a crapshoot, boyo, you’ve tossed a hell of a winning hand.”
“Thanks,
Big Jim.” Josh couldn’t help grinning as he gave a nod toward the headstone. “But I can’t take all the credit. There’s my ace in the hole.”
The others laughed as Big Jim nodded. “Leave it to my Clemmy to get the job done right.”
“It was a brilliant move, Dad.” Cole slapped his father on the back before tipping up his glass and drinking.
Then he offered a second toast. “Here’s to Sierra, the latest addition to our family. You’ve made a good choice, Josh. I have a hunch that you and your beautiful free spirit are going to make a great team.”
“Thanks, Pa.”
They sipped while Quinn passed around a box of fine cigars. These they puffed in silence, until Jake proposed yet another toast.
“Here’s to my two big brothers. I love them even though they got all weak and mushy when they got bitten by the L word. May some sort of rare immunity save me from the same fate until this plague is wiped from the land.”
They were all laughing as they touched glasses and drank. Then, as they contentedly smoked their cigars and indulged in the last of the whiskey, they watched as Reverend Cornell stepped from his car and started toward them.
Cheyenne watched as Sierra stood by the window, speaking softly into the phone. When she disconnected and turned, Cheyenne studied her carefully, looking for traces of tears. She could see none.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine.” Sierra drew in a breath. “I was hoping my folks would be more excited about this. But I guess, in a way, I expected them to find an excuse to avoid something they never experienced and don’t believe in.” She couldn’t help laughing. “I’m sure I’ve disappointed them terribly, and they’re wondering where they went wrong.”
Cheyenne felt a wave of relief that her new best friend could find the humor in the situation.
“Wait until you give them a grandchild some day. That ought to really rock their world.”
Sierra roared with laughter. “I like that idea.”
“Rocking their world?”
“Giving them a grandchild some day. But for now…” She grabbed up a large manila envelope. “Come on. Let’s find Phoebe and Ela.”
Sierra and Cheyenne descended the stairs and found the two older women preparing to head outside.
“Oh. Look at you.” Phoebe put a hand to her mouth to stifle her little gasp of pleasure. “Don’t you look beautiful.”
“Thanks to you.” Sierra paused and twirled, to give them the full effect of the simple white gown with handkerchief points that fell to her ankles. “This wouldn’t have been possible without you, Phoebe. You know I had no intention of buying a wedding gown. I can’t believe you’d be willing to loan me yours.”
“I don’t know why I kept it all these years. Just sentimental, I guess. And when you said you were going to be married in denims, I just couldn’t help myself.” She touched a hand to Sierra’s tiny waist. “It’s hard to believe I was ever this slender in my youth.”
“I bet it would still fit,” Sierra said.
She turned to Ela before touching a hand to the feather that adorned her long hair. “And this is perfect, since I didn’t want to wear a veil.”
“The eagle feather suits you.” The old woman studied her critically before smiling. “Eagles fly higher than most birds. So do you and Josh. This is a symbol of your flight together.”
Sierra felt her eyes fill. “I wanted to give you both something special on my wedding day.”
Phoebe chuckled. “The bride is supposed to get gifts, not give them.”
Sierra removed the contents of the envelope and handed each of them an enlarged photograph, showing the four women giggling together in the Paintbrush salon, showing off their freshly oiled and pampered hands and feet.
“Oh, look at us.” Phoebe turned to Ela with a laugh. “I’ll never forget that day as long as I live. It was such fun.”
“So was this.” Sierra handed them a second photo of Phoebe and Ela standing proudly on the front porch, surrounded by their men. Big Jim and Cole on either side of them, with Quinn, Josh, and Jake behind them. The women looked flushed and happy; the men proud and content.
“I took it the day of the roundup, as Cole was thanking all the wranglers for their hard work.”
“Oh, Sierra.” Phoebe hugged her. “These are perfect. I’ll treasure them.”
Old Ela brushed away a tear before saying gruffly, “It’s a good likeness.”
“I want you to know how much I treasure both of you. You’re the mother and grandmother I’d always wished for.”
Then, before she embarrassed herself by giving in to the tears that threatened, she linked her arms with theirs and said, “Come on.”
With a laugh Cheyenne joined them. “I say it’s time we made this girl a legal member of the family.”
Josh was laughing with his brothers at something Jake had said when he caught sight of Sierra approaching, surrounded by the flutter of female skirts.
He handed Jake the tumbler of whiskey and moved forward just as the women stepped aside.
Sierra was all he could see. For several long moments all he could do was stare. When he found his voice he managed to say, “I thought we agreed to keep it simple.”
She looked down at the slim column of white silk, swirling around the white satin sandals. “Oh, this old thing?” She sighed. “Phoebe talked me into trying on her wedding gown. Once I saw it, I knew I had to wear it.”
“It’s perfect.” He touched a hand to her cheek. “You’re perfect.”
She felt the heat of his touch all the way to her toes. “Will you tell me that in ten years?”
“I intend to tell you that in fifty years.”
She closed her eyes and gave a long, deep sigh. “I intend to hold you to that, cowboy.”
Josh caught her hand and leaned close to whisper, “Did you pack your hiking gear?”
She nodded. “Did you tell anyone where we’re going on our honeymoon?”
“Are you kidding? If the word got around, I’d probably get a call from the ranger station asking me to find some crazy hiker while I was up there.”
She touched a hand to his cheek. “One crazy hiker is all you can handle, cowboy.”
“Don’t I know it?” He paused to draw her close for a long, slow kiss. “Now let’s go speak those vows before you get cold feet.”
“No cold feet. I’m not afraid of tradition anymore.”
“That’s good to hear. Baby, I intend to spend the rest of my life making you glad you didn’t walk away.”
“I’m already glad. Oh, Josh, I love you so much.”
Sierra paused to look at the people who had gathered to celebrate. Cole and Phoebe stood beside Big Jim and Ela. Josh’s brothers, standing on one side of the preacher, would now be her brothers. And Cheyenne, standing on the other side of the minister, would be the sister she’d always wanted.
Despite their differences, they accepted her as she was. And actually loved her. Wasn’t that amazing? And wasn’t that what family did?
Family.
The very thought brought tears to her eyes.
They were now her family, and she was theirs.
Big Jim stepped forward and offered his arm. In an aside he whispered, “Join the preacher, boyo. I’d like the privilege of giving away the bride.” He turned to Sierra. “I hope you don’t mind?”
“Mind? Oh, Big Jim.” She squeezed Josh’s hand as he turned away to walk toward the preacher, and then she leaned close to press a kiss on the old man’s cheek. “I can’t think of anyone I’d like right here beside me. I hope you’ll always be here for me.”
“Count on it, sweetheart.” As she placed her hand on his arm he stood a bit taller and closed a hand over hers before proceeding toward the preacher and Josh.
Cole, standing between Phoebe and Ela, was absolutely beaming as Sierra and Josh spoke their vows.
Along with the traditional promises to love and cherish, they surprised the family by adding their own
words to the ceremony.
Josh took Sierra’s hands in his and said solemnly, “Since I was a boy, the mountain has always been my refuge. But when I went to the mountain to rescue a lost hiker, I never dreamed I’d be the one rescued. Sierra, you saved my life. I give you my solemn vow. As long as these mountains stand, I will love you. And when I leave this life, like the mountains, my love will continue on for all time.”
Sierra blinked back tears as she looked into his eyes and said, “I didn’t even know I was lost until you found me. I didn’t know what real love was until I saw it here, alive in this place. And so I promise you, wherever you go, I’ll be right there beside you. I’ll be your hiking partner. I’ll be your life partner. I want to spend the rest of my life right here with you.”
To the cheers of the family, they sealed their vows with a kiss.
Josh looked over at Big Jim, who had long ago encouraged him to follow his heart.
Who would have thought that finding a lost hiker in a frozen wilderness could lead to this—the greatest adventure of his life?
The youngest and wildest of the Conway brothers, Jake swears he’ll never settle down—until he meets a beautiful veterinarian who sparks desire in him hotter than a prairie fire.
Please turn this page for a preview of
Jake.
CHAPTER ONE
Paintbrush, Wyoming
Present Day
Thanks, Jake.” The grizzled rancher pumped Jake Conway’s hand hard enough to have him wincing. “Figured old Scout here had seen his last sunset. I tried every home remedy I could think of.” The old man grinned. “Hated having to give in and pay a vet. You know how it is.”
Jake nodded in understanding. Every rancher in these parts knew how to birth a calf, treat a lame horse, and cure the hundred and one things that could go wrong with ranch animals. A veterinarian was called only in extreme situations, or when an animal had to be put down and its owner couldn’t bear to do the deed.