Calum

by Diane Darcy

  Anything under the oath of the pinky swear was sacred, and she knew Sierra wouldn’t say a word.

  Not to anyone else anyway.

  But from the look in her eyes, it was a conversation she intended to continue.

  Chapter 3

  A noise woke Calum the next morning, a grating sound that started and stopped at regular intervals, and had him stumbling out of his soft warm bed and into the main room.

  It was a yellow box upon the wall making the racket. He recognized it as a communication device in the same instant that it stopped.

  It started up again, and he lifted the handle and put it to his ear the way he’d seen countless others do upon the moor with their own communication devices.

  “Aye?”

  “Calum, it’s Mandy. I have breakfast ready if you’d like to come up to the house and eat before you get started for the day. We’re just about to sit down.”

  “Thank ye. I’ll arrive shortly.”

  Calum hurried and got himself dressed, made the bed, and took one last look around to make sure everything was in its proper place.

  He was soon crossing the yard to the main house, and after knocking on the door, and hearing Red bid him enter, he was soon standing beside the kitchen table and greeting his hosts.

  “I hope you slept well?” Mandy said, though she only glanced his way momentarily before turning back to the stove, seeming flustered.

  Because of him? He found some masculine part, deep within him, liked the thought of it. “Aye, thank ye.”

  “Have a seat, I’m just about to dish this up.”

  Red looked at him, approval in his gaze, and soon the three of them were sitting at the table with plates of eggs, potatoes and sausages in front of them.

  “It looks delicious,” he told Mandy.

  “Dig in.”

  He started eating, and the food was delicious, but he could tell there was a different feel between the three of them this morning.

  At dinner last eve Mandy had been relaxed, chatting, and Calum had felt very much at ease with her.

  This morning, he felt bashful after his proposal and her rejection the night before.

  At least it felt like a rejection.

  He’d walked around the property with the dogs the night before, checking things out, and simply enjoying the freedom that he had to roam.

  When he’d finally made it back inside the guesthouse, he’d spent his time snooping about, going through the books on a shelf, learning to turn on the telly, and tasting some of the concoctions in the kitchen. He’d not recognized most of the food, but had a fun time tasting it regardless.

  Through it all, he’d had plenty of time to think about Mandy.

  She needed a husband, and he was here, willing, and determined that she have him.

  Unfortunately, he did not know the first thing about women, expectant or otherwise.

  What he did know was he didn’t have much time. The girl needed a husband before the babe arrived, else it would have to pay for the sins of the mother for the entirety of its life.

  He’d best get over his bashfulness, right quick, and get to know the lass.

  “Ye’re an excellent cook, lass. Better than my grandmother, though I’d deny it if she was ever within hearing.”

  Mandy finally looked at him and smiled. “Thank you. My grandmother taught me.”

  “She keeps a good house as well. It’s always a pleasure to come home, and not only that, she’s smart as a whip. Besides keeping the house in shape, she also runs a business on her computer. Makes good money doing it, too.”

  “Grandpa,” she said, her tone warning.

  “Och, give him his pride in ye. Tis most impressive, lass. I doonae know much of computers, though I have seen them, of course. What sort of business do ye have?”

  She shrugged. “I sell women’s clothing. I majored in business in college, but my grandmother taught me to sew, and I’ve always made a lot of my own clothing.” She glanced down. “I made this apron, and this dress.”

  Calum looked at the apron, which sported a big sunflower on the front and white ruffles at the shoulders and had a fun and happy quality to it.

  The dress she wore was blue and made out of a comfortable looking material, the sleeves stopping just above her elbows, and the middle pleated in such a way that it made her belly look smaller.

  “Tis quite a talent ye have. And ye sell the clothing to other women as well?”

  “Yes, I started small. The rustic country look is very popular, but I don’t have time to do the sewing anymore. I make the designs and I have other ladies in my employ that make and ship the clothing. I simply manage and design things at this point.”

  “That she does,” Red said, pride evident in his gaze. “Cooking, sewing, helping me manage the ranch. She’s going to make some fine young man a wonderful wife.”

  Mandy rolled her eyes, and started eating again, and just like that, the mood between them dampened.

  He was unsure how to proceed, but fortunately, Red was gregarious and after they were done eating, gave him an opening.

  “I’ve got a few things to take care of, why don’t you help Mandy do the dishes, and I’ll meet you out front when you’re done.”

  “Gladly.”

  Red left and Calum was unsure how to use this opportunity, but as the man, knew it was his job to lead. “Miss Calhoun—”

  “Please, call me Mandy.”

  “Mandy, then.” Pleasure rushed through him at the intimacy granted. It boded well for the coming conversation. Mayhap she’d considered his proposal since the last time they’d spoken alone. His offer had no doubt shocked her in the moment, but upon reflection might seem a most sensible solution.

  Confidence filled him and he straightened in his chair and considered taking her hand, but didn’t quite have the nerve. “Have ye considered my offer?”

  She stared at him blankly.

  “Of marriage?” he said, suddenly feeling the fool. Surely, she remembered he’d asked for her hand?

  “Uh …” she glanced away then back again. “Look, Calum, you seem like a really nice guy.” She placed a hand on her stomach and her gaze was steady. “And I can tell your offer was made out of a sincere desire to help. So, thank you. But I planned this baby, I already love him, and I can support us just fine. I don’t feel the need to marry unless I fall in love with a supportive and honorable man, which I doubt will happen. It certainly hasn’t so far.”

  He was quick to nod, even as he felt a stab of hurt. What was he if not such a man? Hadn’t he proved that with his offer? And love would come, he’d no doubt of that. “What of a name for the babe?”

  “What’s wrong with my name?”

  He was at a loss. It was as if she didn’t understand she’d visit harm upon herself and the bairn if she didn’t marry before the birth.

  Her look of challenge told him he’d want to be careful in how he phrased it. “Lass, I know ye doonae wish harm upon yer bairn. But as an unwed mother, there’s bound tae be talk that will lead back tae tender ears. I’ve seen the hurt such situations can cause and I’m willin’ tae stop ye from the shame of it. And tae put a halt to lifelong wounds inflicted upon yer child.”

  She stood, and courtesy demanded he do the same. They faced each other over the table and her cheeks pinkened as anger darkened her face.

  He couldn’t help the fascination he felt as he watched her face change.

  “How dare you!”

  He was at a loss. He knew she must be embarrassed by her condition, by his acknowledgment of it, but plain speaking was required and it was better that it was out in the open even if it angered her.

  Best let her condemnation run off him. He was, after all, used to it.

  If he could have conjured a log and fire at that moment, he’d have done so. Calmed her wrath, helplessness, and fear of the future as he’d done with his friends so many times.

  She pointed a finger at him. “For your information, Buster, th
is is not the dark ages. I don’t know what it’s like where you come from, but here, in Wyoming, we’re a bit more progressive.”

  “I know ye think tis true, but ye live in a small community here, and I know people. They will talk. It will get back to yer bairn. Tis best ye’re married, and as I’m here, and willin’ to see it done, I think tis best we do so sooner rather than later.”

  He couldn’t help the quick glance he gave her stomach, and felt his own cheeks redden, though he wasn’t sure why.

  “You’re willing to see it done, are you? How kind, how generous.”

  The words were exactly what he’d hoped to hear, but her tone suggested that she didn’t mean a word of it. “Ye’re angry.”

  “You think? And not just because that was the most unromantic proposal I’ve ever heard of in my entire life.”

  That stung. Where was the gratitude for his good deed?

  Still, they stared at each other across the expanse of the table, and he couldn’t help but notice what he’d been trying so desperately to ignore.

  She was beautiful. The long fall of her dark hair against her shoulders, her pinkened cheeks, flashing brown eyes.

  Suddenly, taking her for his wife didn’t seem like a good deed to be accomplished so much as a prize to be won.

  With an exclamation of disgust that was almost a growl, she turned away and went up the stairs.

  Again, he watched her go.

  She wanted romance?

  He could not help but think of the implications there. She was a woman, who’d known the love of a man already.

  He was the innocent here.

  Still, he knew a thing or two about romancing a woman.

  After all, he’d had centuries to discuss such things with his fellow ghosts.

  He blew out a breath. He had much to think on.

  In the meantime, he better go outside and join Red. The man wanted him to join his family, so he’d best be about proving himself.

  Fifteen minutes later, Mandy was still staring at her computer. Realizing that she was continuing to replay the conversation in her mind she gave her head a small shake, and opened her email.

  There was plenty here to keep her busy.

  She didn’t want to be thinking about broad shoulders, and sky-blue eyes, and marriage proposals.

  What was he thinking?

  And why was there a part of her that was flattered?

  She ought to be concentrating on the whys and wherefores.

  She probably looked like a real good deal to him. A damsel in distress, her grandfather a property owner. And knowing her grandfather, he’d probably stressed that fact in order to get the man interested.

  Only, he didn’t give off a greedy vibe at all.

  He seemed sincere, concerned, and frankly, adorable.

  Or was that because he looked like the father of her child? Somehow, she knew that fact was getting to her. It was messing with her mind.

  She opened the first of many emails waiting for her attention and tried to focus on it.

  An order for clothing that she was able to deal with quickly.

  The next was from a store manager in Evanston, and she answered those questions.

  She deleted some junk mail, and then was right back to thinking about Calum.

  My goodness, that accent, it wasn’t fair! It was like her biggest fantasy had sprung to life to confront and tempt her right when she was to the point where romantic relationships didn’t matter to her anymore.

  She snorted, scoffing at herself and at her own caprice.

  When was she going to learn that she couldn’t control everything?

  It was like fate was stepping in to laugh in her face, and she placed her hands protectively over the baby growing inside her.

  It was probably just pregnancy hormones messing with her. After all, she hadn’t even known the man for twenty-four hours, but she couldn’t deny there was a part of her that wished he was the father of her child.

  That her fantasy of a husband who adored her, and a beautiful child, could be hers for the taking.

  She knew better.

  Fantasies were just that. No basis in reality, and whoever bought into them, was likely to end up playing the fool.

  She sucked in a breath of air, shut down her email, and decided she needed to get out of the house.

  Within ten minutes she was in her car and headed down the drive.

  She saw Grandpa, Calum, and Joe, their hired hand, heading toward the barn. As she drove by, all three of them waved, and she smiled, and lifted a hand, just like always.

  But it was Calum who drew her attention, and that awareness had her jerking her gaze away.

  There was no way she was buying into the fantasy.

  Not a third time.

  For Calum, the morning went by in a blur of hard work and contentment.

  Using his body, his muscles, to haul hay, muck out horse stalls, tag animals, and enjoy the jovial company of Red and Joe while he did so, was pure pleasure.

  He knew the men were passing the majority of the hard labor to him, as they mostly stood around talking, no doubt testing his mettle, but he didn’t mind in the least.

  Breathing air, working with animals, and just being alive again was one pure sensation after the next.

  He almost felt it couldn’t last, that something would come to snatch it all away from him. After all, it had happened once before. But while he was here, he’d live in the moment and enjoy every bit of it.

  When he finished cleaning out the last horse stall, and led the horse back inside, Red came over to check his work. “You said you’d been around horses, and it shows. These two seem to like you very much.”

  Calum ran a hand down the nose of the closest mare and it butt against his arm, trying to get his attention. “They’re good girls. I’ll have tae remember tae bring some apples out later.”

  “You do that, and you’ll be their slave for life.”

  Calum laughed. “Isn’t it supposed tae be the other way around?”

  “Not with girls. Ain’t you learned nothin’ yet?” Red said with a laugh.

  Calum thought of Mandy’s outraged expression earlier, and chuckled as he moved on to pet Betsy’s neck. “Guess not.” He thought about the many times he and his friends had discussed ladies over the years. Maybe practical application counted for more than he’d realized.

  “You were married for many years? What pointers can ye give me?”

  They hadn’t discussed that he’d spoken with Mandy, but the other man’s expression was amused and knowing. “I can tell you this,” he moved forward to pet the other filly. “Women are strange and mysterious creatures, but they do have a weak spot.”

  “Ye’re talking like they’re the enemy, and ye’re lookin’ for a vulnerability.”

  “Exactly!” Red threw his head back and laughed. “Though it’s more a game of strategy, like chess, than facing down an enemy. So, a smart man will strategize.”

  “What, exactly, is this weakness all women possess?”

  “Dig deep enough, and they’re all tenderhearted.”

  Calum narrowed his eyes. “What are ye supposed tae do with that? Make ’em feel sorry for ye?” Calum was already shaking his head. Perhaps Red knew less than he’d thought.

  One thing Calum knew from talking with his fellows was women liked strong men. They needed someone to lean upon, to shelter them in rough times, and a weakling would be dismissed out of hand. “I’ve nae wish tae question yer judgment, but I cannae agree that a woman would be attracted tae a weakling.”

  Red laughed again. “I didn’t say you had to be a weakling. You just have to show enough vulnerability underneath your strength that it touches her heart.”

  Calum’s expression must have given away his disbelief because Red laughed again. “Come on, go take a shower and meet me at the truck in twenty minutes or so. We’ll discuss it in further detail on the way to the bar.”

  Calum led both horses back out to their p
asture, then returned to shut the paddock gate.

  He figured it wouldn’t hurt to listen to the older man, but he knew a thing or two as well. There’d been 79 men upon the moor, some of them sentient, others not, but all with different levels of experience where women were concerned.

  Strength was what women wanted. He’d show Mandy he was strong.

  Surely, the ghosts couldn’t all be wrong?

  Chapter 4

  On her way back from Evanston, Mandy saw her grandfather’s truck was in the parking lot of Red’s Bar and Grill.

  She gripped her steering wheel as she flew by in her Nissan, and continued on for a good thirty seconds before she changed her mind, slowed down, and made a quick U-turn.

  She was soon parking her car, and assuring herself that she did this all the time.

  This wasn’t unusual behavior for her.

  She could go inside and take a quick look at the books. She did it all the time. It was expected.

  She knew she was fooling herself, and hoping to get another look at Calum. Maybe, if she did, she’d realize he wasn’t anything special, and that he certainly wasn’t worth all of the time she was giving him in her head.

  She went inside the bar, and her gaze immediately went to the large man serving drinks behind the counter.

  Aww. He looked like he was having fun talking with the two men seated in front of him, a smile on his face, his brogue evident as he issued a response, making both men laugh.

  He glanced her direction and his smile widened.

  And dang if her heart didn’t go thud in her chest at the same time her baby gave her a swift kick in the stomach. When she instinctively placed her hand there, Calum’s gaze followed.

  She couldn’t seem to move. It seemed such an intimate moment, and yet it was probably just in her head.

  Dang hormones!

  But when his gaze met hers once again, possessiveness was what she saw there, or imagined she did, and when her grandfather called her name, it was a relief to be able to finally turn her head in another direction.