A Sheriff's Passion

by Michelle Beattie

  “I imagine you’re anxious to talk to your brother.”

  Caught, he admitted, “I am.” Then realizing he’d look less obvious if he didn’t seek out Mitch and Silver by himself he looked at Melissa and asked, “Would you like to meet him?”

  Movement out of the corner of her eye caught Silver’s attention and her stomach leapt when she recognized Shane coming around the corner of the church. In the years she’d sold her basket to the reverend not once had Shane come interrupt them. Of course they’d always stayed with the rest of the congregation and Shane had known the reverend was only being kind by winning her basket. But Mitch wasn’t the reverend and he’d taken them out of sight. Could it be Shane was jealous?

  Her silly heart leapt at the possibility.

  But then she noticed Melissa and her heart sank. Again. Would she never learn? He’d never choose her over Melissa. And he wasn’t jealous. Mitch said it had been over ten years since he’d been back; more than likely Shane just wanted to see his brother.

  Even still, couldn’t Shane have waited? Why did he have to interrupt her and Mitch’s lunch? He’d never bothered to interrupt her and the reverend’s. And had she ever strolled up during his and Melissa’s? No. She’d given them their privacy. She hadn’t been happy about it but she had. Did she not deserve the same courtesy?

  Seething, Silver yanked the basket over and began packing what was left of their meal.

  “Are you tired of me already?”

  Silver tipped her head in Shane’s direction. “Your brother’s coming. I’m sure he’s anxious to talk with you.”

  Mitch studied her face. “He can wait. Don’t rush off on his account.”

  She wrapped the glass jars in napkins to keep them from clanging together. “Shane isn’t the only annoyance.”

  Finally Mitch looked over. “Who’s that with him?”

  “Melissa Lake. Her father is the cobbler.”

  Mitch sat up straight. “Lake? I don’t remember any Lakes around here. Is her family new to the area?”

  “They arrived shortly before I did.”

  “A large family?”

  Silver paused, caught the sharp look in Mitch’s eyes before it softened.

  “Just trying to learn what I’ve missed,” he explained.

  Silver set the glasses in the basket. “It’s a small family. Melissa, her brother, and their parents. Although her brother left within a year of their arrival and nobody’s heard from him since, far as I know.” She lifted her gaze from the basket. “She’s been chasing your brother as long as I’ve known her.”

  “And she hasn’t yet caught him?” Mitch leaned closer, whispered, “Is there something wrong with her?”

  Silver sputtered as she set the food on top of the wrapped jars. “No, in fact I’m surprised she hasn’t caught him. She has all the respectability he seems to want.”

  Arching a brow, Mitch pushed away. Dammit, Silver knew she’d tipped her hand where Shane was concerned but seeing him in Melissa’s company, seeing how perfect they looked together with their matching dark hair and perfect standings in the community, always brought out the worst in her.

  Mitch grabbed his jacket and hat, put them on. “And you’re not the best of friends with her, I presume?”

  Silver harrumphed. “I’m not worthy to be in her company.”

  His gaze returned to Silver’s. “You’re more than worthy to be in mine.”

  It was impossible not to respond to the acceptance she saw in Mitch’s eyes, especially when it so rarely came her way. She hadn’t forgotten he was a gambler and skilled at deceit yet she sensed he was being truthful. A flush crept over her cheeks.

  Winking, Mitch stood and held out his hand. Accepting it, Silver came to her feet as Shane and Melissa joined them. Her mouth curved when she saw Shane’s gaze dip to her and Mitch’s joined hands, when she saw the pulse leap in his jaw.

  He raised his eyes to Silver’s and, while she eased her fingers from Mitch’s grasp, she met Shane’s scowl with an arch of her brow.

  “Done your lunch already?” she asked.

  “Shane was anxious to speak with his brother,” Melissa stated so there would be no misconception as to the reason they’d come.

  Silver cut her gaze to Melissa. Seeing the woman look as happy to be there as Silver was to have her there was small recompense. Silver would rather not have to see her at all.

  For years she’d endured Melissa’s condescending attitude and gloating looks where Shane was concerned. It wasn’t that Silver took it to heart—well, perhaps a little—but she nonetheless found it tiring and preferred to avoid the girl if at all possible. But as Melissa clung to Shane at every available opportunity and Silver and Shane were friends—though she couldn’t remember why at the moment—it was inevitable that Silver ran into her.

  Shane gestured to the packed basket. “I’m glad we didn’t interrupt.”

  “Oh, you interrupted, just not our meal,” Mitch said.

  Then he extended his hand to Melissa. “I’m Mitch McCall. Silver’s told me a little about you, Miss Lake. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  It was clear by the cold look Melissa gave him that the feeling wasn’t mutual. But she had enough manners in her to accept the greeting, though she was far quicker to free herself of his touch than she ever was with Shane. Then with a haughty expression on her face looked from Silver to Mitch. “I didn’t realize you two were on a first name basis already.”

  Before Silver could respond, Mitch stepped back to her side. “What can I say, Melissa? When I meet a beautiful woman I prefer to forgo the formalities as soon as possible.”

  It was a perfect response and Silver couldn’t help but be impressed. By complimenting Melissa he’d ensured the woman could take no further exception with his and Silver’s familiarity. Clearly realizing if she said anything more she’d simply appear petty, Melissa forced a smile and kept quiet.

  Shane, however, had more to say. “I didn’t know you were coming,” he said to Mitch.

  “I didn’t know myself until a few days ago but I was in Bozeman and thought since I was this close I may as well stop in, say hello.”

  Shane crossed his arms. “What brought you to Bozeman?”

  Mitch’s grin was unapologetic. “You have to ask?”

  “No doubt it was a card game.” Shane’s mocking tone left little doubt how he felt on the matter.

  “Gambling isn’t against the law. Sheriff.”

  Silver ignored Melissa’s flinch and instead peered up at Mitch. For the first time since she’d seen him there was something other than humor in his grey eyes.

  She could understand gambling wasn’t the most honorable of professions, but there was more between the brothers than the differences in their chosen line of work. Since Shane rarely spoke of his family, Silver had assumed he wasn’t close with his brothers but she’d never expected this kind of tension either. What had happened to put the men at odds?

  As much as she wanted to know, the cheers coming from around the church announced that the rest of the festivities were going to be underway soon. And while she’d enjoyed her time with Mitch, the tension between the men was becoming uncomfortable. Better to leave them sort it out. Besides, she was anxious to get to her friends and snuggle the baby again.

  Silver eased away from Mitch’s side. She waited until he pulled his gaze from Shane before she spoke. “I can’t remember when I’ve had a more enjoyable meal, thank you.”

  The strain around his eyes melted away like butter in the sunshine. “I should be the one thanking you. That was the best food I’ve eaten in I don’t know when.” He winked. “I hope you’ll make something equally delicious for our next picnic.”

  Silver didn’t miss the way Shane stiffened at Mitch’s words.

  “I’ll do my best. Now, I don’t mean to be rude but I did promise I’d spend some time with Jillian and Katie.”

  She reached for a corner of the blanket but before Mitch could take the other
side, Shane grabbed it. It wasn’t lost on Silver that he was only doing it to jab at Mitch. Melissa, however, didn’t seem to realize that and the woman’s resentment was a hot flame on the back of Silver’s neck. Silver had had enough of them both.

  When Shane walked his end of the blanket toward her, eyes stormy, Silver didn’t waste time. She gave Shane a terse thank you and took the blanket from him. In contrast, she smiled when she thanked Mitch for holding the basket while she set the folded blanket inside. Instead of handing over the basket as she expected, however, he kept it firmly in his grip.

  “If you don’t mind, Silver, I’d like to go with you. I haven’t seen Wade in over ten years and I’d like to say hello to the Parkers.”

  “You should know Wade’s pa died years ago,” Shane stated.

  “Samuel?” Mitch shook his head. “That’s a shame, I always liked him. How’s Wade’s ma?”

  “She married James Owens two years ago,” Silver said, trying to keep things positive.

  Mitch’s brows rose. “James? Their foreman at the Triple P?”

  “You’d have known all of this if you’d bothered to keep in contact,” Shane muttered.

  “And yet life continued even though I didn’t.” Mitch chuckled, as though his brother’s comment or opinion of him didn’t bother Mitch in the least.

  Silver wondered if he truly didn’t care or if, like her, he just pretended Shane’s opinion didn’t matter. While there was no question her being a saloon owner was the biggest reason Shane wouldn’t court her, he’d never looked down on her the way he just had with Mitch and his gambling. If he had, she’d have thrown him out of her saloon long ago. And she certainly wouldn’t have considered him a friend.

  Katie rounded the corner of the church just as a shrill whistle carried over from the gathering behind her.

  “Silver, there you are!” Katie called, her eyes nearly as bright as her fiery red hair. “The races are about to start.”

  “Coming,” she shouted back.

  “Sounds like we should hurry,” Mitch said. He offered Silver his arm.

  When Silver saw both Melissa’s relief and Shane’s glower, she hooked her arm through Mitch’s.

  “You two have a nice afternoon,” she said.

  “Actually, we were just about to join the others as well,” Shane answered.

  Silver nearly tripped on her skirt. Never had Shane brought Melissa back to their circle of friends before and judging by the woman’s round eyes, she was as surprised by this turn of events as Silver was. But unlike Silver who managed to mutter, “how nice” around a forced smile, Melissa practically glowed. Her cheeks were as rosy as her pink dress, and her teeth nearly blinded Silver when Shane’s hand moved to her back.

  Silver knew Mitch wasn’t oblivious to what was going on. His eyes were bright as Melissa’s. His lips twitched.

  Then he leaned in and whispered, “You do know why he’s acting the way he is, don’t you?”

  Sure she did. Shane was behaving unusually because of Mitch and whatever past was between them. Silver didn’t fool herself into thinking it was because Shane was jealous. And, even if he were, once Mitch moved on and nobody else looked her way again, Shane would go back to simply seeing and treating her as a friend. Because as long as she owned Silver’s nothing would ever change. And she wasn’t about to give it up.

  With a deep sigh Silver answered, “I never had a doubt.”

  Chapter Three

  Mitch was up to something. Shane had no idea what it was but he didn’t for one moment believe his brother had simply decided to stop in for a visit. Surely Mitch would have been in the area at some time during the past ten years. He’d never stopped in before. Why now? The question taunted Shane as he and Melissa followed Silver and Mitch to where their friends gathered on the grass.

  His friends didn’t seem to care why Mitch was back, only that he was. Wade’s grin lit up his face as he and Mitch shook hands. “’Bout time you showed yourself ’round here again.”

  Wade’s ma, Eileen, was practically hopping in her shoes to get to his brother and when Wade stepped aside, she hugged Mitch fiercely. Shane didn’t miss the way his brother held the woman equally as tight. When their ma had died, Eileen Parker had been a godsend to the McCall boys, sending food over, making sure they had clothes for winter, even though things were spread pretty thin at the Triple P as well.

  Stepping back, Eileen looked him over from polished boots to dust-free hat. “You always were a handsome devil. I bet you leave a string of broken hearts everywhere you go.”

  “I try, ma’am,” Mitch answered with a wink.

  Laughing, Eileen shook her head. “I’m sure you don’t have to try too hard.”

  Mitch’s smiled slowly faded. “I heard about Samuel. My condolences.”

  “Thank you. It was a difficult time. But luckily God saw fit to send me another a great man.”

  James stepped forward and the men shook hands. “Good to see you again, James. Congratulations,” Mitch said to both.

  Wade introduced Jillian and their new daughter Katherine, who lay asleep in her mother’s arms. Their oldest, Annabelle, had already run off to join the races.

  “You’re really a vet?” Mitch asked after Wade explained how he’d met his wife when she’d moved west from Philadelphia after responding to the town’s advertisement for a veterinarian.

  “I really am,” Jillian answered good-naturedly. “Though you’re not the first to doubt it.”

  Mitch shook his head. “I don’t doubt your intelligence. I’ve just never met a pretty vet before.”

  “She’s pretty and she’s married,” Wade laughed, slapping Mitch on the shoulder. When Scott stepped forward, Wade made the introductions. “This is my partner and good friend, Scott.” After the men shook hands he added, “and this is his wife, Katie. Katie is Jillian’s sister.”

  Mitch took Katie’s hand. “A pleasure.” He looked from one sister to the other. “You came together, then?” he asked.

  “No, Jillian came two years before I did. I actually only arrived in Marietta a few weeks ago,” Katie answered.

  Mitch’s brows rose. “If you tell me you responded to an advertisement as well I’m going to have to write one of my own,” he added with a glimmer in his eye. Then he turned to Silver. “On second thought, I may not need one.”

  Everyone’s gaze went to Silver. Her cheeks went crimson. She ducked her head but not before Shane saw the smile tug at her lips. Something hot and hard fell into the pit of his stomach. As though Mitch knew how his brother was feeling he shot Shane an amused grin. But before Shane could respond, his brother’s attention was once again on Katie.

  “Was there an ad?” He teased again.

  Katie leaned into her husband. Scott’s arm banded securely around her waist.

  “No advertisement,” she answered. “I came to visit my sister.” She took Scott’s hand. Love shone on her face. “And in the process I found a husband.”

  Mitch grinned at Scott. “Lucky for you.”

  “Yeah,” Scott answered, pulling Katie into his side, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Lucky me.”

  “Oh, Wade,” Eileen said. “Annabelle’s waving us over. Looks like the three-legged races are about to start.” She and James hurried away.

  Wade glanced over, waved at his daughter who was already tied to her friend Jacob’s leg then faced the group. “Nice to see you again, Mitch, make sure you come by the ranch before you leave town.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Wade placed his hand on Jillian’s back, nodded to the others.

  Before they could leave, Silver rushed over to Jillian. “Why don’t I take Katherine? That way your hands will be free to cheer on Annabelle.”

  Jillian laughed. “You don’t fool me for a moment, Silver.” Nevertheless she passed the sleeping bundle into Silver’s outstretched arms.

  Silver pulled the infant close, lowered her cheek to the baby’s head and swayed gently.

&n
bsp; Dimly Shane was aware of Wade and Jillian walking away. Of Scott and Katie following. The cheering of the crowd faded. Hell, the entire crowd just disappeared. All he saw was Silver and the infant she held close. He’d never seen her hold a baby before and the sight of it stole his breath. He’d seen Silver dressed up for Eileen and James’s wedding, then Wade and Jillian’s, but she’d never looked more stunning than she did standing in the green grass wearing a simple yellow dress and holding a child.

  As a saloon owner, it shouldn’t have looked natural. She should have looked uncomfortable, uncertain. And yet she cooed and rocked little Katherine as though she were born to be a mother. A peaceful expression softened her features, gave her a glow that made her shine brighter than the sun blazing down on her.

  She’d make a damn fine mother. He’d never seen it before but he did now. Seeing her holding a baby, it wasn’t hard to imagine her having her own. To envision her body changing as she carried it.

  But it wouldn’t be his.

  The realization struck hard. Suddenly aware he wasn’t breathing, Shane sucked in a breath just as Silver walked away to catch up with the others.

  “Shane?”

  He dragged his gaze from Silver’s back.

  The world suddenly came back. He heard the shouts and cheers as the races were under way. He smelled the sweet air, felt the brush of breeze on his heated cheeks. Then looking into Melissa’s eyes, saw she’d once again been talking to him and he hadn’t been paying attention. Worse, he couldn’t pretend it had nothing to do with Silver this time.

  And now both Mitch and Melissa knew the reason for his distraction. The only saving grace was that Silver hadn’t turned to look at him before she’d slipped away.

  Shane cleared his throat, tried not to look as guilty as he felt. “Sorry. What?”

  Disappointment pulled at Melissa’s mouth. “I was just saying goodbye.”

  “You’re leaving?”

  “So am I,” Mitch added. He gestured toward the crowd. “I’m going to take in the festivities.” He tipped his hat to Melissa, shook his head at Shane and stepped away.