Beneath a Silver Sky

by Hildie McQueen

  "Oh," Camille studied her for a moment longer. "The men who tried to hold up the gold caravan. Six masked men shot and killed one soldier in an attempt to steal a shipment of gold that is being brought through here. Good thing Sheriff Hage was in the vicinity, he was able to help.”

  An ice-cold shiver flowed down her spine. "Where did this happen?"

  "Over by the creek. At the gunshots, the sheriff's horse was scared off and showed up in town. Sent groups of men to go see about him. By the time they arrived all was well." Although Sarah gasped, Camille continued. "The shootout continued until the cavalrymen and sheriff were able to kill all the robbers."

  "How is the sheriff? He is barely recovered from his injuries." She looked past Camille toward the jailhouse. "I should go see about him."

  "He isn't at the jailhouse. Everyone is at the bank locking up the gold for the night I suppose. If it's even the real gold, from what I hear, they send several caravans, some are only decoys."

  All throughout tea, Sarah fought to stay focused. Thankfully, Camille was a quiet sort who preferred to discuss books or her plans for the shop instead of the usual gossip about town. She seemed to be as worried about what happened with the gold situation, so they speculated what happened and how the lawmen should hire more help if things were to continue as they had.

  "Should we sit on the porch?" Camille asked and Sarah was grateful. "Yes, good idea."

  Main Street was full of activity. People gathered in groups, everyone gawking at the cavalrymen on huge sturdy horses. A different group of people surrounded a six horse drawn coach. Lucas McKade amongst them. There was no sign of Brogan anywhere.

  "There was an entourage of government men from Boise and Richmond to tour the silver mines. I am not sure what that is all about," Camille told her.

  "Terrible timing for both parties to come at the same time.” Things grew worse with each passing moment. First, although he was busy, Brogan had come to ensure she went home. No wonder he'd been so mad. Also, he'd been right. It was too dangerous to be out in the open alone.

  "I should head home," Camille commented as she looked to where the coach now rolled away. "I think it's best we are all indoors by sundown."

  "I don't think you should walk unescorted where all those men are congregated." Sarah wanted to laugh at how her attitude had changed in just a few hours.

  Lucas ambled toward the clinic and Camille stiffened. Sarah looked to her friend. "I hope he doesn't bring more bad news."

  "Me either," Camille said.

  The man stepped onto the porch. "Afternoon ladies. Eventful day."

  "How is Brogan?" Sarah asked. "I just heard about what happened."

  Lucas nodded. "He's at the hotel with the cavalry officers. It wasn't unexpected. They knew the men were trailing them. However, it wasn't planned for the men to attack so close to town." His gaze went to Camille, but he didn't say anything to her. Instead, he turned back to Sarah. "Have a good day ladies.” After touching the brim of his hat, he headed back to the jailhouse.

  Sarah frowned. "What was the visit about? He went out of his way just to say hello." At Camille's shrug followed by her watching Lucas’ tall figure walk away, Sarah suspected she knew the answer.

  The following day the town returned to normal. Although the buzz about the previous day's events continued, Sarah was glad to see children playing and people milling about as usual.

  Her father would return two days hence and she looked forward to it. The house was too quiet in the evenings. Just like now, she sat before a fire in the hearth without anyone to talk to. She'd lost her favorite book out at the creek and since it had drizzled the night before, it was probably ruined. Unfortunately it had been a busy day at the clinic with several ill people, so she'd not been able to get someone to ride out with her to look for it.

  She'd not seen Brogan, nor caught a glimpse of him as she usually did around midday when he and Lucas headed to the local eatery. Too ashamed to seek him to apologize, she'd taken the coward's way out and remained indoors.

  Knocks at the door startled her and she looked to the clock on the mantel. Six, it was still early. She walked to the door and leaned her ear against it. "Who is it?"

  "Brogan."

  Her eyes widened and she automatically smoothed her hair back in an attempt to level out any disarray before opening the door. At the sight of the handsome man, she lost her breath.

  Dark eyes met hers. "May I come in?"

  Swallowing past the lump forming in her throat, she nodded and stepped back. "Yes, of course."

  The room seemed to shrink until there was only the muscular man standing in the center of the room. His hair was brushed away from his face, he wore a leather jacket and a holstered gun low on his hips. The mixture of Scot and lawman was intoxicating to her senses.

  Sarah lowered her gaze to keep the tears from showing. "I am so sorry. I should have known better than to go out to the creek alone. It was stupid of me."

  "I came to apologize as well. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

  "I don't blame you. You had so much going on and on top of me and some hatched up plan..." She covered her mouth with both hands at the slip. Unfortunately, he waited for her to continue, his brows raised. "...er plan to spend some time outdoors enjoying the...sunshine," she finished weakly.

  "From now on it's best if you do so closer to town. Times are dangerous right now it seems for this area."

  Sarah nodded and sighed. "You're right, of course."

  When he reached for her hand, she looked up to him in question. "I found this." He reached into his jacket pocket, retrieved her book and placed it in her hand.

  A part of her was glad to not have lost the book, but another mortified that he might have seen the note inside. "Oh...thank you. It's my favorite book. I was afraid it was lost or ruined...with the rain and all," she babbled, fighting the urge to open it to see if the note was still inside.

  He didn't seem to notice her nerves. He placed his fingers under her jaw and lifted her face to him. "I want to kiss you, Sarah. I want to kiss you more than anything right now."

  When his lips pressed against hers, all she could do was surrender totally to the man she loved.

  The heaviness in her heart lifted at the touch of his hands, his fingers circling the base of her neck, cradling it with care. It was like he considered her a treasure, a precious object, by the softness of his caresses.

  Ever so slowly, he lowered her to the rug in front of the hearth, and moved to lie beside her as she clung to him, not wanting any space between them. They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment until finally she spoke. "Stay with me, Brogan."

  "You don't know who I am. A woman like you shouldn't even speak to me. I have a past that would shock you."

  She kissed him to stop the words. "It is who you are now and, from now on, who I want. You are the man for me. I want you to be mine, Brogan." The boldness of her words made her hesitate, but not one to back down, she continued by taking his jawline with both hands and pressing kisses all over his face.

  Brogan lost the battle and finally let out a sigh and closed his eyes. He pulled her against him.

  It was new to her, what happened between a man and a woman. He'd made her feel such wonderful things before, so many sensations. Sarah wanted to feel so alive again, to experience it all with Brogan.

  He pulled her to her feet and slowly undressed her. Soon her skirts joined the discarded blouse and shift on the floor. She shivered as his heated gaze raked over her nudity.

  "You are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. So perfectly made." As he spoke, he pulled his own clothing off. Although she'd seen every part of his body, this was the first time she'd been nude with a man and she couldn't keep the nerves at bay. What if she didn't fulfill him? Should she do something special?

  He pulled her close until her body was flush against his harder, broader one. "Touch me, Sarah. I'm all yours." The husky tone in his voice at her ear sent shivers dow
n her body.

  Sarah ran both hands down his arms and then back up. Next she did the same on his back, not stopping until she felt the roundness of his backside under her palms. He breathed heavily, his broad chest lifting against hers. When she looked up at him, he appeared to be dazed and it made her grow bolder. She moved back and placed her flattened palms on his chest, moving them in circular motions then down his sides to his hips.

  His manhood jutted out from his body, strong and begging for attention. She didn't dare touch him there. Instead she ran her hands down his thighs and back up to his flat stomach. There were countless scars on his body, she stopped counting at six. Several gunshots, including the one she'd helped her father stitch. Yet he was stunning. All male, muscular yet lithe at the same time. His body was well built, strong and large.

  "Come." He pulled a blanket from the sofa and helped her to lie upon it. Unsure what to do, she waited for him to initiate what would happen between them.

  His lips curved. "I don't deserve you, Sarah, but I will make you mine tonight." Brogan lay over her, the heaviness of his body sending hers to full alert. At once she wanted him more, trails of heat coursed through her veins and she lifted her face, offering her mouth to him.

  He kissed her neck and slid his hands down her sides to cup her bottom and lift her against his hardness. The friction of the soft hair at the junction between his legs made her squirm with so much need she clawed his shoulders.

  "Not yet. I want this to be unforgettable for both of us.” Brogan moved lower until his face settled between her breasts and he licked the sensitive skin, then took one tip into his mouth while he rubbed the pads of his fingers over the other.

  "Oh!" Sarah arched into his mouth and grasped his head to hold him in place. When his tongue trailed down her stomach, her eyes flew open. "Brogan what are you...” His mouth covered her sex, the heat of it along with the flicking of his tongue so wondrous she cried out immediately, losing control.

  He suckled at her throbbing core and slid a finger into her tight sex needing her to be ready to take him. Brogan was large and he wanted to make her first time as pain free as possible. As she began to flail in release, he positioned himself between her legs and thrust in. She screamed and attempted to close her legs, pushing at him. He didn't move, remained in her tight hot sheath until she calmed.

  Slow at first, he pulled out just a bit and moved back in. Each time he pulled out further until setting a rhythm. Sarah moved with him, her hips lifting and lowering as she responded to the sensations.

  "I can't be gentle much longer. Are you in pain?" His voice was breathy, the sound of it sending her to climb higher. The only discomfort at the moment was the elusive peak that ebbed each time she got close. Sarah shook her head. "No, I think I need you to do something. I don't know what. I feel as if I float and then fall."

  His lips curved. "I will ensure next time you climb, you don't fall too soon. Let go with me." He kissed her, the entire time his body sliding in and out of her, the pace becoming faster.

  Soon Sarah lost control of everything, she looked into Brogan's eyes until her vision faded. The room vanished as the only thing she saw were falling stars and explosions of lights. Unable to stop herself, she let go and her body flew into an invisible space that shook her to the core.

  Brogan's deeper cry followed and he shook with release, his body trembling as his heated seed filled her.

  He should leave, not stay the night. Tongues would wag as it was if anyone had seen him come to the clinic. Thankfully her father had asked that he guard Sarah, but Brogan knew this was definitely not what the kind man had in mind. She snuggled closer against him, her face hidden in the crook of his shoulder and let out a happy sigh.

  Instead of getting up, he pulled the blanket over them and wrapped his arms around her. Sarah was everything he ever wanted. The woman had stolen his heart and he'd be damned if anyone would take her from him. No matter what it cost him, he'd fight tooth and nail for the woman in his arms.

  "Brogan?" Her voice was dreamy. "What are you thinking?"

  He pressed a kiss to her temple. "I enjoy having you in my arms."

  Sarah looked up at him. "Truly?"

  "Yes. Now go to sleep. I'll come by tomorrow and see you."

  "Don't leave," Sarah said, clinging to him.

  "All right." He could deny her nothing already.

  She drew lazy circles on his chest. "When do you plan to return to Scotland?"

  The large shoulder moved up and down. "In a couple years perhaps. I'd like to see my mother."

  "How about your father's family in England, what are they like?"

  "My great-great-not sure how many greats grandfather was a legendary warrior. He was called the Scorpion, a legend and a knight who could not be bested in battle. So as you can imagine, his male descendants have quite a reputation to fulfill."

  She enjoyed hearing his relaxed voice as he told her stories of the great knight. It fulfilled all her romantic notions of men from the past and she could visualize Brogan as a mighty knight like his ancestor.

  As he told her of Kevin Hage's legacy, Sarah fell asleep to the sound of his deep voice with a smile on her face.

  Chapter Twelve

  "The sheriff hasn't been by today." Her father studied her over his spectacles. "Is he gone somewhere?"

  Sarah tried hard not to fidget under his perusal. "I don't know. I'm sure he's busy or something."

  Her father chuckled. "Don't think I've ever seen a man more smitten than Brogan Hage. Nor have I seen you so animated and alive."

  "Father, the things you say. I'm sure Sheriff Hage has no such feelings for me. If it were true, he's not declared himself."

  A few moments later, the doctor put on his jacket and went to the doorway. "I'm going for a walk. Won't be long."

  As he was prone to walks in the evening alone, Sarah didn't think anything about it, but his amused grin did strike her as odd and she wondered what her father was up to.

  Moments later, one of Olivia's boys came to the door and handed her a note and scampered away before she could ask who sent it.

  Miss Sutherland,

  Your presence is required at the courthouse sitting room.

  No signature. She didn't recognize the handwriting. Although Sarah knew it wasn't her birthday, she still checked the calendar. "Nowhere near my birthday. What is my father up to?" she mumbled with a smile as she pulled a shawl over her shoulders and headed out.

  Although it was early evening, Sarah soon wished she'd brought a heavier coat. The cool wind seeped through the thin shawl she wore. There were no lights inside the jailhouse, so she didn't stop to see if Brogan was there. Although he was very attentive and often called on her in the afternoons or evenings, she didn't expect any declaration from him. As a matter of fact, as each day passed, Sarah was beginning to think he wouldn't at all.

  The few stolen kisses when they were alone did little to cool her urges for him. She desired him more than ever and by the heated looks, he felt the same. However, he remained collected.

  Unable to keep her mind away from him, Sarah was surprised she'd arrived at the courthouse. This building was dark as well. The only light seeming to come from candles.

  She knocked then opened the door. "Is anyone here?"

  "I'm here." Brogan moved into the center of the room. His gaze was full of emotion when meeting hers. "I wondered if you'd come."

  Sarah blinked into the darkness. "Why are you here in the dark?"

  "I have a surprise for you." He lifted his hand toward her. "Come with me."

  Thinking the entire situation was quite odd, she hesitated and looked around before taking his hand. "Brogan what is going on?"

  He led her to the adjoining room. In the center of it was a round table, a bright candelabra in its center. The grouping of candles gave the room a romantic glow and she could clearly see flowers in a vase and two meals. He assisted her to sit and poured wine in a glass before placing it in front of h
er.

  Brogan sat opposite her. "I wanted to do something special to mark this day."

  He was leaving.

  She didn't know how she knew, but her heart sank. He wouldn't meet her eyes, instead kept his attention on the table.

  "Mrs. Blakely outdid herself don't you think?" Brogan asked.

  The food did look perfect, but the wonderful aroma didn't help the heaviness in her chest, nor did any appetite appear.

  "Why do you want to make this day special?"

  "I'm going to miss you, Sarah. But I have to go..."

  A romantic dinner, as a goodbye gesture. Sarah was enraged. She jumped to her feet. "I'm not hungry. Just go, Brogan. There is no need to prolong our goodbye. Thank you for the gesture."

  To make things worse she began to cry.Damn it.

  Brogan rushed around the table and tried to take her hand, but she moved away. "No, no...don't touch me."

  "I'm doing this all wrong. I have to go testify in Montana. What I meant to tell you is I want us to be engaged before I leave. I don't want to take a chance and lose you."

  "Engaged?" She blinked away the tears. "Engaged to be married?"

  Brogan nodded, his eyes boring into hers. "Will you marry me, Sarah?"

  With a happy yell, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Yes, oh yes, Brogan. I will marry you. Yes!"

  Their laughter sounded clear through the window as her father walked by. He smiled, knowing his daughter had finally found the man who would make her happy. Brogan Hage was the perfect match for his feisty girl.

  He looked up at the sky. There were so many stars it looked silver. "Our daughter has found true love.”

  The End.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Hello, dear reader. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you.