Trey reached for her left hand to slide on a beautiful diamond engagement ring. He looked into her eyes to see a pool of tears threaten to break loose. He placed a kiss on each, tasting the salt from her tears, then moved his lips to her mouth to taste the sweetness she offered. He knew their life would be a mix of everything, an adventure every day, and he was ready to take the ride with her.
Epilogue
“Nana, Nana!” Annie turned to see her grandson, Trevor, run toward her, carrying a small ball in his hand. He reached his arms up and she scooped him up.
“What do you have there?” Annie asked as she gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.
“Ball.”
“Yes, it is. Do you know the color?”
“Bue.”
Annie smiled. “That’s right. Blue. Do you want me to throw it to you?”
Trevor nodded and handed the ball to his grandmother who took it, then set him on the ground. “Here you go.” Annie tossed the ball gently to Trevor, who stood three feet away. He caught it and screamed, holding up the ball.
“Looks like he’s found a playmate,” Heath remarked to Trey. They stood with Jace, Cameron, and Eric, watching the celebration unfold.
The wedding had taken place at the church the MacLarens had attended for years. The pastor was the same one who’d married Heath and Annie, as well as Jace and Caroline. Everyone had then returned to the MacLaren ranch to celebrate Trey and Jesse’s marriage.
“Be right back,” Trey said and walked toward a tall, slender woman who stood alone. “Hello, Mother. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to make it.” He gave her a peck on the cheek, then stepped back.
“Of course I’d make it. You’re my son aren’t you?” She surveyed the crowd. “Looks like he’s still hanging out with the cowboys. Guess things never change.”
He loved his mother and was glad she’d driven up from Scottsdale for the wedding. Life with her hadn’t been easy and he understood why his parents had separated and then divorced.
“What can I say, Mother? Father is and will always be a cowboy. The same as you’ll always be a city girl.” He looked for Jesse and found her talking with Reb, Shelly, Paul, and Connie. “Did you have a chance to meet Jesse yet?”
“Yes. Lovely girl, even if she does have a job that’s only suited for men, just as nursing is for women.” She shielded her eyes to the sun.
Trey chuckled. “Mother, you need to get out more. The world is full of female pilots and male nurses. Who knows? Maybe Cassie will end up being the head of a large, multi-national conglomerate?” Trey knew Cassie’s true love was ranching, and maybe someday she’d head up MacLaren Enterprises. It wouldn’t surprise him a bit.
“Well, of course Cassie would be able to do that. What kind of daughter do you think I raised?”
Trey could see the twinkle in his mother’s eyes. Even though they didn’t agree on much, he knew he could count on her when needed, just like he could count on his father.
“Trey!” Trey looked over to see Paul motion him over.
“Excuse me, Mother.”
Trey watched as Cameron joined Jesse and their roommates. Annie’s two other children, Eric and Brooke, walked up also. He marveled at how the family had grown and continued to expand.
Trey wrapped an arm around Jesse, nuzzled her neck, and pulled her close.
“Okay, guys, there’ll be time for that later,” Reb joked and grabbed Shelly’s hand. “Where are you going on your honeymoon?”
“Right here. There’s a cabin up in the hills. Perfect for the two of us for a few days. It’ll give Jesse a chance to see more of the ranch, meet my friends, and get to know dad and Annie better. No phone, no television. Sounds good, huh?” He looked to Jesse.
“Sounds great.” Her eyes sparkled knowing the next few days would be their one chance to be completely alone.
Heath walked up and stood next to Cameron. “So what’s this I hear about getting your helicopter license?”
Trey’s gaze shifted to Cameron. “Really, man? You’ve made the leap?”
“Well, I don’t know how much of a leap, but yes, I now have licenses to fly helicopters and small planes. Not quite sure why, it’s just something I’ve wanted to do for a while. The trick now is to get in as many flying hours as I can.”
Heath clasped Cam’s shoulder. “We’ll talk more about this before you fly home.”
Annie walked up and put an arm around her son’s waist. “You’ll be the most multi-talented head of IT in San Francisco.”
Cameron smiled at his mother. If she only knew, he thought, then raised his glass in a toast to the newlyweds.
“Jesse and Trey. None of us were sure if this day would come. Now that it has, we’re all mighty glad to be here, celebrating your marriage. May you have many years of love and adventure.”
Trey looked at his new bride and knew the toast was true. Their life would be filled with love and adventure. As much of both as God would allow.
About the Author
Shirleen Davies has spent many years living in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. She began her historical western romance series, MacLarens of Fire Mountain, with Tougher than the Rest, the story of the oldest brother, Niall MacLaren. The MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary stories soon followed. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She grew up in Southern California and now lives with her husband, and love of her life, in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at [email protected]
Visit her at http://www.shirleendavies.com
Check out her blog at http://www.shirleendavies.com/blog
Thank you!
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Books
by Shirleen Davies
Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo
MacLarens of Fire Mountain, Historical Western Romance Series
Tougher than the Rest – Book One
“A passionate, fast-paced story set in the untamed western frontier by an exciting new voice in historical romance.”
Niall MacLaren is the oldest of four brothers, and the undisputed leader of the family. A widower, and single father, his focus is on building the MacLaren ranch into the largest and most successful in northern Arizona. He is serious about two things––his responsibility to the family and his future marriage to the wealthy, well-connected widow who will secure his place in the territory’s destiny.
Katherine is determined to live the life she’s dreamed about. With a job waiting for her in the growing town of Los Angeles, California, the young teacher from Philadelphia begins a journey across the United States with only a couple of trunks and her spinster companion. Life is perfect for this adventurous, beautiful young woman, until an accident throws her into the arms of the one man who can destroy it all.
Fighting his growing attraction and strong desire for the beautiful stranger, Niall is more determined than ever to push emotions aside to focus on his goals of wealth and political gain. But looking into the clear, blue eyes of the woman who could ruin everything, Niall discovers he will have to harden his heart and be tougher than he’s ever been in his life…Tougher than the Rest.
Faster than the Rest – Book Two
“Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.”
Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.
Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love
, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?
Marshal MacLaren struggles to learn the truth and do his job, but the past and present lead him in different directions as his heart and brain wage battle. Is Victoria a victim or a villain? Is life offering him another chance, or just another heartbreak?
As Jamie and Victoria struggle to uncover past secrets and come to grips with their shared passion, another danger arises. A life-altering danger that is out of their control and threatens to destroy any chance for a shared future.
Harder than the Rest – Book Three
“They are men you want on your side. Hard, confident, and loyal, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will seize your attention from the first page.”
Will MacLaren is a hardened, plain-speaking bounty hunter. His life centers on finding men guilty of horrendous crimes and making sure justice is done. There is no place in his world for the carefree attitude he carried years before when a tragic event destroyed his dreams.
Amanda is the daughter of a successful Colorado rancher. Determined and proud, she works hard to prove she is as capable as any man and worthy to be her father’s heir. When a stranger arrives, her independent nature collides with the strong pull toward the handsome ranch hand. But is he what he seems and could his secrets endanger her as well as her family?
The last thing Will needs is to feel passion for another woman. But Amanda elicits feelings he thought were long buried. Can Will’s desire for her change him? Or will the vengeance he seeks against the one man he wants to destroy—a dangerous opponent without a conscious—continue to control his life?
Stronger than the Rest – Book Four
“Smart, tough, and capable, the MacLarens protect their own no matter the odds. Set against America’s rugged frontier, the stories of the men from Fire Mountain are complex, fast-paced, and a must read for anyone who enjoys non-stop action and romance.”
Drew MacLaren is focused and strong. He has achieved all of his goals except one—to return to the MacLaren ranch and build the best horse breeding program in the west. His successful career as an attorney is about to give way to his ranching roots when a bullet changes everything.
Tess Taylor is the quiet, serious daughter of a Colorado ranch family with dreams of her own. Her shy nature keeps her from developing friendships outside of her close-knit family until Drew enters her life. Their relationship grows. Then a bullet, meant for another, leaves him paralyzed and determined to distance himself from the one woman he’s come to love.
Convinced he is no longer the man Tess needs, Drew focuses on regaining the use of his legs and recapturing a life he thought lost. But danger of another kind threatens those he cares about—including Tess—forcing him to rethink his future.
Can Drew overcome the barriers that stand between him, the safety of his friends and family, and a life with the woman he loves? To do it all, he has to be strong. Stronger than the Rest.
Deadlier than the Rest – Book Five
“A passionate, heartwarming story of the iconic MacLarens of Fire Mountain. This captivating historical western romance grabs your attention from the start with an engrossing story encompassing two romances set against the rugged backdrop of the burgeoning western frontier.”
Connor MacLaren’s search has already stolen eight years of his life. Now he is close to finding what he seeks—Meggie, his missing sister. His quest leads him to the growing city of Salt Lake and an encounter with the most captivating woman he has ever met.
Grace is the third wife of a Mormon farmer, forced into a life far different from what she’d have chosen. Her independent spirit longs for choices governed only by her own heart and mind. To achieve her dreams, she must hide behind secrets and half-truths, even as her heart pulls her towards the ruggedly handsome Connor.
Known as cool and uncompromising, Connor MacLaren lives by a few, firm rules that have served him well and kept him alive. However, danger stalks Connor, even to the front range of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, threatening those he cares about and impacting his ability to find his sister.
Can Connor protect himself from those who seek his death? Will his eight year search lead him to his sister while unlocking the secrets he knows are held tight within Grace, the woman who has captured his heart?
Wilder than the Rest – Book Six
Book six in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Series is the story of Pierce and Mollie. Don’t miss it. Available Summer 2014.
MacLarens of Fire Mountain, Contemporary Romance Novella Series
Second Summer – Book One
In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family. The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, he is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.
Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .
Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.
It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul-mate and confidante, she has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship . . .
Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.
However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .
The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?
Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose.
Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.
Second Summer is the first book in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary novella series—heartwarming stories of difficult choices, loyalty, and lasting romance.
One More Day – Book Three
Book three in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series is the story of Cameron and Lainey. Don’t miss it. Available Summer 2014.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Epilogue
About the Author
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Books
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Hard Landing: Book Two in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series 2) Page 13