by R. C. Ryan
Griff, Juliet, and the two boys had stood waiting to cheer him on. Juliet hurried over to welcome him with a kiss. “Look at you.”
“Looks like you’ve already mastered this new toy.” Griff leaned close to hug his grandfather.
“Piece of cake.” The old man opened his arms to the two little boys who danced across the porch and onto his lap. After hugs and kisses he said, “There’s no time to waste, lads. We’re here to start cooking.”
Myrna had stepped from the second truck, carrying armloads of pots and pans and deep-covered dishes containing mysterious treasures.
Willow and Brenna whisked Juliet upstairs to prepare for the big day.
Ash, Whit and Brady ambled up from the barn. Ash dropped an arm around Griff’s shoulders. “Come on, bro. The house is no place for a prospective groom.”
Ash and Whit led Griff toward the barn. There were so many people milling about the yard, they had to stop every two steps to accept congratulations and make small talk. Most of the talk centered on the changes Juliet had planned for the Grayson Ranch. It would still operate as a cattle ranch, but now she would be welcoming wounded veterans and others who were handicapped in some way, not only for therapy, but to be employed as wranglers. The new name, Hope Ranch, signified the official change of direction.
Griff paused to talk quietly with Jackie Turner, who was there with his daughter and grandkids. Though he still bore the scars from his attack, the doctors in Billings had assured the old man that there seemed to be no ill effects.
“Creepers,” he declared. “I can’t wait to come back and be foreman of the new Hope Ranch.”
“Captain.”
Hearing his name, Griff turned to find Jimmy Gable seated beside a group of pretty young ladies who couldn’t seem to do enough for the smiling veteran.
“Jimmy.” Griff enveloped his marine buddy in a great bear hug. “So glad you’re strong enough to attend my wedding.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Jimmy’s smile was as bright as the day’s sunshine.
“Think you’re strong enough to rejoin the Romeos?”
Jimmy shook his head. “Right after your wedding, I’m flying home.”
“I thought you couldn’t wait to get away from their smothering.”
“Yeah.” The young veteran chuckled. “I thought so, too. But during my rehab I realized I actually missed all that smothering.”
Griff glanced at the pretty women surrounding his friend. “This isn’t enough?”
Jimmy winked. “Hey, they’re great. But they’re not family. I’m sure you know what I mean, Captain.”
Griff nodded. “Yeah. Of course, I’m still learning about being part of a family.”
He slapped Jimmy on the back, then continued to wade through the crowd until he reached the makeshift bar where Wylie and Nonie Claxton had taken charge of serving.
“Hey, cowboy.” Nonie sidled over and planted a big kiss on Griff’s mouth. With a laugh she said loudly, “I figure that’s the last chance I have before you get yourself hitched.” She gave a mock sigh. “Another MacKenzie bites the dust.” She looped an arm through Whit’s. “Looks like it’s just you and me now, honey.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Suits me just fine. This was all part of my evil plan. I’ve eliminated another of my competition.”
While the others roared with laughter, Nonie went about serving the cold longnecks favored by most of the cowboys.
When Mad’s electric scooter rolled up, the brothers looked surprised.
“Aren’t you supposed to be cooking?” Ash asked.
“Got it under control. And my latest invention, a screen that fits over the steam tables so the guests can see the food, but flying insects can’t land, is going to be the hit of the day.”
His grandsons rolled their eyes.
“And since the women have ordered the wee lads upstairs for showers and fancy clothes,” he added, “I have plenty of time to be with all of you.” He turned to include Brady Storm, who had just joined them.
Mad eyed the beer in his grandson’s hand. “No need for that swill today, lad.” With a mysterious smile he said, “Follow me.”
With Brady and his three grandsons trailing behind, he led the way along a new ramp that led to the fenced pasture. As the mares and their yearlings frolicked across the meadow, he produced a bottle of good scotch whiskey and five crystal tumblers. “Today,” he said with that twinkle in his eye, “we drink the good stuff.”
Brady poured and passed around the tumblers.
Mad lifted his in a toast. “To you, Griff. Our family is richer for having you with us.”
With murmured words of approval they touched glasses and drank.
“To Juliet,” Griff managed over the lump in his throat. “She and those two boys have given me something I never dreamed I’d have.”
They touched glasses and drank.
“To Bear,” Brady said solemnly.
Glasses clinked as they toasted and drank.
“Aye, lad. I feel my son here with us.” Mad fought the tears that sprang unbidden to his eyes. “And I know that soon the authorities will unmask his cowardly killer.” He drained his glass.
When he looked up, Griff handed him an empty tumbler and started away.
“Hey,” Whit called. “Where’re you going?”
When he didn’t bother to answer, Whit looked around at the circle of men.
Ash put a hand on his younger brother’s arm. “It doesn’t take a genius, bro. All that talk about Pop has him needing to make sure Juliet and the boys are okay. It’s probably part of the marine code.”
“Or maybe,” Brady said with a grin, “it’s imprinted in his DNA. He is, after all, a MacKenzie.”
“Oh, don’t you both look perfect.” Juliet knelt down and smoothed Casey’s cowlick, then straightened Ethan’s string tie, as Willow, Brenna, and Myrna looked on.
Both boys were dressed in brand-new denims and crisp white shirts with string ties, looking for all the world like an artist’s rendering of Western cherubs.
Willow touched a hand to Juliet’s arm. “Their mother looks just as perfect.”
“Thank you.” Juliet studied her reflection in the tall looking glass. Instead of a gown, she’d chosen a simple, ankle-length slim skirt of denim, with a pretty white silk peplum top, and her mother’s pearl necklace and earrings. On her feet were cowboy boots. “Some of our guests will probably think this is too casual. But I wore a white gown once, and this time I wanted to wear something that would honor this ranch, this beautiful setting.”
“You honor us all,” Myrna said softly.
“And you’ve all been so warm and welcoming.” Juliet drew her boys front and center. “Casey, Ethan, and I wanted to give you these gifts, before the ceremony.”
The two boys stood holding their hands behind their backs, wearing the biggest smiles in the world.
Juliet embraced Brenna. “I never had a sister before. It’s a wonderful feeling. And so, to my new sister…”
Casey and Ethan handed Brenna a small wrapped box.
She opened it to find a framed clay sculpture.
“It’s you,” Casey announced to everyone’s laughter.
“I can see that it’s me. I believe I have two very talented students.” Brenna knelt down to kiss both boys.
Juliet hugged Willow. “Thank you for always being there when I needed you. It’s nice to know I have a mother I can always call on.”
Casey and Ethan handed Willow a slightly larger wrapped box.
She opened it to reveal a toy figurine of a woman on horseback holding a lasso.
“Mama says if we promise to work hard, you’ll teach us to ride and rope as good as you.”
“Oh, you sweethearts. I’d love to teach you both.” She hauled them into her arms and kissed them.
Juliet turned to Myrna, wrapped her arms around her shoulders, and drew her close to press a kiss on her cheek. “So far I’ve gained a sister and a mot
her. With you, I’ve gained the very best grandmother in the world.”
Casey and Ethan handed her a pretty wrapped box. Inside she lifted out a crude drawing of a woman holding two little boys on her lap while reading a book.
Casey proudly announced, “Efan drawed most of it, but I drawed the book ’cause I love the way you read to us.”
“I’ve never received a nicer gift in my life.” Myrna kissed both boys before lifting a finger to wipe the tear that squeezed from the corner of her eye.
Griff strode through the kitchen without a pause and took the stairs two at a time until he came to the closed bedroom door. Without bothering to knock he shoved it open.
And simply stared.
Willow, Brenna, and Myrna were gathered around Juliet. Seeing the fierce look on Griff’s face, they began to close the circle, hoping to hide the bride from his view.
“It’s all right.” Juliet touched Willow’s arm before holding out a hand to Griff. “The question is, are you all right?”
He caught her hand. Squeezed. “I’m fine now.”
She studied the look on his face. “What happened?”
He shook his head as if to clear it. “Guy talk. Toasts. A mention of Bear, and I suddenly had this powerful need to see for myself that you and the boys were okay.”
Her smile was serene. “I guess you’ll always be our fierce guardian.” She turned to the others. “I think Griff needs a moment alone with us.”
Taking their cue, the three women stepped from the room, blowing kisses to Griff, Juliet, and the boys before closing the door.
Finally alone, Griff drew in a deep breath.
“Nerves, cowboy?”
He shook his head. “Not the kind you mean. But all that talk of Bear…my father…” He stopped, and finally found his smile. “But you’re all here, and we’re all fine.”
“Yes, we are.” Juliet touched a finger to his lips. “Thanks to you.” She caught his hand. “Hey, cowboy. Ready to get married?”
He lifted Casey in his arms and caught hold of Ethan’s hand. “The more important question is, are you boys ready to become my family?”
With shouts and cheers, they were beaming as they stepped out of the room and walked down the stairs and out into the fresh air, where an entire town was waiting and watching.
Griff took a moment to drink it all in. Summer had faded into glorious, golden days of autumn in Montana. Vast fields of wheat were being harvested and stored in barns and sheds for the coming winter. Sagebrush-covered foothills ascended up the sides of mountain ranges that were already capped with snow. Glacial lakes called to hot, tired cowboys bringing their herds down from the high country.
As they walked toward the big golden cottonwood where the minister stood waiting, they paused along the way so that Juliet could hug Jackie Turner. Griff paused beside Jimmy Gable’s wheelchair and shook the veteran’s hand. The young man’s smile was as radiant as the sun.
They smiled and nodded at Dr. Dan Mullin and his assistant, Kate, and at Will and Nell Campbell, owners of the Boxcar Inn, and Karen and Kevin Becket, who ran the bed-and-breakfast in town, and accepted congratulations from Mason McMillan, long-time lawyer for Bear MacKenzie, and from his handsome, smooth-talking son, Lance.
Griff gave a thumbs-up to Whit and to Ash and Brenna, who would serve as witnesses, and to Willow and Brady, to Myrna, and to Mad, seated in his shiny new scooter.
And then they were standing in front of the preacher, speaking their vows. Griff looked at the two little boys and the woman who had suddenly become his whole world. His family. And he thought of all the crazy turns his life had taken.
If his mother hadn’t lost her heart to a cowboy all those years ago, and decided, on her deathbed, to let Bear MacKenzie know he had a son, none of this would have been possible. If Juliet hadn’t promised Buddy she would raise his sons on his family’s ranch, they would have never met. And now…
As the ceremony ended, he knelt down to gather the two little boys into a tight embrace. Lifting them both in his arms he kissed his new bride. Against her mouth he whispered, “Do you know what this means, to a man who’s never had a family? Because of you and Ethan and Casey, I have a brand-new life.”
He glanced at Mad and saw the old man’s tears. And then suddenly Mad’s words came to him. Every road we’ve taken leads us to where we need to be now.
As those words washed over him he knew, finally, a sense of complete peace.
Casey’s Awful Waffles
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 eggs
1½ cups warm milk
⅓ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar; set aside. Preheat a waffle iron to desired temperature.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended.
Ladle the batter into the preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp.
Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, or the fruit of your choice.
Serve immediately.
Also by R. C. Ryan
Montana Legacy
Montana Destiny
Montana Glory
Quinn
Josh
Jake
The Maverick of Copper Creek
Raves for R. C. Ryan’s Novels
THE MAVERICK OF COPPER CREEK
“Ryan’s storytelling is tinged with warmth and down-to-earth grit. Her authentic, distinctive characters will get to the heart of any reader. With a sweet plot infused with family love, a fiery romance, and a bit of mystery, Ryan does not disappoint.”
—RT Book Reviews
JAKE
“A must-read…cozy enough to make you want to venture into the wild west and find yourself a cowboy…And if you haven’t read a western romance before, R. C. Ryan is where you should start.”
—ReviewsbyMolly.com
“Wonderful characters who quickly find a way into your heart…a glorious picture of the west from one of my favorite authors.”
—FreshFiction.com
“A heartwarming tale about love, loss, and forgiveness…The characters seemed to spring to life from between the pages.”
—SeducedbyaBook.com
JOSH
“There’s plenty of hot cowboys, action, and romance in this heady mix of a series that will leave you breathless.”
—Parkersburg (WV) News and Sentinel
“A powerfully emotional tale that will connect with readers…Love a feel-good cowboy romance with a touch of suspense? Then pick up Josh.”
—RomRevToday.com
“This story is action-packed and fast-moving…A good solid story with fantastic characters and an interesting story line.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
QUINN
“Ryan takes readers to Big Sky country in a big way with her vivid visual dialogue as she gives us a touching love story with a mystery subplot. The characters, some good and one evil, will stay with you long after the book is closed.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Quinn is a satisfying read. R. C. Ryan is an accomplished and experienced storyteller. And if you enjoy contemporary cowboys in a similar vein to Linda Lael Miller, you’ll enjoy this.”
—GoodReads.com
“Engaging…Ryan paints a picturesque image of the rugged landscape and the boisterous, loving, close-knit Conway family.”
—Publishers Weekly
MONTANA GLORY
“These not-to-be-missed books are guaranteed to warm your heart!”
—FreshFiction.com
“Wonderful romantic suspense tale starring a courageous heroine who is a lioness protecting her cub and a reluctant kn
ight in shining armor…a terrific taut thriller.”
—GenreGoRoundReviews.blogspot.com
MONTANA DESTINY
“5 stars!…The author, R. C. Ryan, delivers an ongoing, tantalizing mystery suspense with heartwarming romance. Sinfully yummy!”
—HuntressReviews.com
“Ryan’s amazing genius at creating characters with heartfelt emotions, wit, and passion is awe-inspiring. I can’t wait until Montana Glory comes out…so that I can revisit the McCord family!”
—TheRomanceReadersConnection.com
MONTANA LEGACY
A Cosmopolitan “Red Hot Read”
“A captivating start to a new series.”
—BookPage
“Heart-melting sensuality…this engaging story skillfully refreshes a classic trilogy pattern and sets the stage for the stories to come.”
—Library Journal
While tending his cattle up in the hills, cowboy Whit MacKenzie is surprised to find a gorgeous woman riding out an approaching storm in his tent. It’s clear she’s hiding something, but Whit will do anything to protect her—even risk his own heart…
Please see the next page
for a preview of
The Legacy of Copper Creek.
Chapter One
MacKenzie Ranch—Today (Early Spring)
Whit MacKenzie pushed the last of the hay from the flatbed truck before parking at the mouth of Stone Canyon, where he’d left his horse tethered. Satisfied that the cattle milling about in the snow had enough food to keep them alive for the duration of the blizzard that had come roaring in across the mountains, he mounted old Red, his favorite roan gelding, and headed toward the range shack in the distance.