Sam's Legacy
Page 21
Covering her face with her hands, she turned toward Ewan. “Da, do you agree with this?”
Ewan shook his head. “Sorry, lass. You’ll have to explain what your brothers did.”
“They made Sam agree that we must court before committing to marriage. All of you know I love him and he loves me. There’s no reason to court.” Stalking to a chair, she dropped into it, uncaring if her actions weren’t that of a lady. “Besides, I’ve already agreed to marry him.”
Brodie and Fletcher glared at Sam. “We had an agreement,” Brodie said, unwilling to let it go. “Courting is important before marriage.” He looked at Jinny.
“Ach. And tell me, Brodie, how much courting did you and Maggie do before you married?”
Brodie had the good sense to look away.
“And you, Quinn. How long did you court Emma before she agreed to marry you?”
Quinn stood from where he’d been sitting on the sofa. “Now, lass, courting is different for each couple.” He backed up when Jinny stood and walked toward him.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to look at Sam, the warm expression on his face calming her. Remembering their passionate decision to marry, she swung back around.
“Aye, you’re right, Quinn. And it means something else to Sam and me. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going for ride.” She walked up to Sam, slipping her arm through his, then looked at the others, a smirk on her face. “To plan our wedding.”
Epilogue
Two weeks later…
“You’re a bonny bride, Jinny. It’s still hard to believe your mother and aunts put this wedding together in such a short time.” Emma stood beside her, holding a glass of punch, looking out at the guests to see Sam and Quinn talking. She and Jinny had been best friends for years. Now they were both married to men they loved.
“Sam refused to wait.”
Emma’s brow shot up. “Sam?”
Jinny felt her face heat, a grin lifting the corners of her mouth. “Aye, and I felt the same. If it had been possible, I’d have become Mrs. Covington the day after he proposed.”
Maggie and Sarah joined them, each looking beautiful in new dresses.
“So it’s done.” Sarah held up her glass of punch, offering an informal toast. “I’m so happy for you and Sam.”
Touching her glass to Sarah’s, Jinny took a sip, then looked around. “Where’s Geneen?”
Sarah nodded toward the porch where her sister sat alone, rocking back and forth, a plate of untouched food on her lap.
“How’s the lass doing?”
Sarah shook her head. “Not good, Jinny. Nate rode out a week ago, leaving no word for her. He’d spoken to Kyla and your pa the night before, thanking them for all the family had done and vowing to repay us. None of that matters to Geneen. She wants the lad well. I’m afraid she loves him.”
Jinny settled a hand on Sarah’s arm. “Of course she does. The lass hasn’t hidden her feelings about Nate. How was he when he left?”
“Kyla says the opium is out of his body, but fears it may take a long time to clear from his mind. Doc Tilden told her it can take years to get over the craving for the drug.” Sarah let out a deep sigh. “I believe that’s the reason Nate left town.”
Emma’s brows rose. “He quit his job?”
Maggie nodded. “According to Brodie, he packed his few belongings and rode out the instant Jack returned to town after delivering the prisoners to San Quentin.”
Jinny shook her head. “Sam said nothing to me about Nate leaving.”
“He didn’t want to spoil your wedding,” Maggie said. “Sam wanted this to be a special day for you. We all did. Besides, there’s nothing you could’ve done. Nate needs time to clear his head of the opium and decide what he wants.”
Sarah huffed out a breath, drawing their attention. “I like Nate, and I’m glad he’s doing his best to get better.”
“But?” Maggie asked, raising a brow.
“I think the way he left, without saying a word to Geneen, was cowardly. She didn’t expect much, but a simple goodbye may have eased her pain.”
“Does Brodie think he’s coming back?” Emma looked at Geneen again, who continued to rock back and forth in the chair.
Shaking her head, Maggie sighed. “He doesn’t know, but he is looking for a deputy to replace him.” Glancing up, she smiled as Brodie walked toward them. Leaning down, he kissed her cheek, then turned to Jinny.
“I know this is your day, lass, but Maggie and I would like to make an announcement.”
“An announcement?” Jinny’s brows furrowed for an instant before his meaning became clear. Her attention swung to Maggie. “Oh, lass. Is it what I hope?”
Maggie settled a protective hand on her stomach and nodded.
Grabbing Maggie’s hand, Brodie walked her to the porch steps. Settling an arm over her shoulders, he faced family and guests.
“If I can have your attention for a moment, I have an announcement.” Everyone quieted. “I’m proud to share our news.” A broad smile split his face. “Maggie is expecting a wee bairn.”
As everyone cheered, offering toasts and congratulations, Sam made his way to Jinny, slipping an arm around her waist.
“That will be us one day, love.” Kissing her lips, he smiled down at her.
“And how many lads and lasses would you be thinking of having, Mr. Covington?”
He thought a moment. “Two or three would be good.”
“Ach. Two or three is only a start.”
Chuckling, he pulled her tighter to his side. “Then tell me, Mrs. Covington. How many children are you thinking of?”
Her eyes twinkled in delight as she looked up at him. “At least a dozen…maybe more.”
Sam’s jaw dropped, the number making his head spin. Seeing the amusement on her face, he broke into a deep, rich laugh before lifting her into the air, spinning her around.
“Ah, Mrs. Covington. I can see we are going to have a grand time.”
Thank you for taking the time to read Sam’s Legacy. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
Watch for the other books in the MacLarens of Boundary Mountain Historical Western Romance Series.
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About the Author
Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. 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 now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
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Books by Shirleen Davies
Historical Western Romance Series
MacLarens of Fire Mountain
Tougher than the Rest, Book One
Faster than the Rest, Book Two
Harder than the Rest, Book Three
Stronger than the Rest, Book Four
Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five
Wilder than the Rest, Book Six
Redemption Mountain
Redemption’s Edge, Book One
Wildfire Creek, Book Two
Sunrise
Ridge, Book Three
Dixie Moon, Book Four
Survivor Pass, Book Five
Promise Trail, Book Six
Deep River, Book Seven
Courage Canyon, Book Eight, Releasing 2017
MacLarens of Boundary Mountain
Colin’s Quest, Book One,
Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two
Quinn’s Honor, Book Three
Sam’s Legacy, Book Four
Contemporary Romance Series
MacLarens of Fire Mountain
Second Summer, Book One
Hard Landing, Book Two
One More Day, Book Three
All Your Nights, Book Four
Always Love You, Book Five
Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six
No Getting Over You, Book Seven
‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight
Foolish Heart, Book Nine, Releasing 2017
Peregrine Bay
Reclaiming Love, Book One
Our Kind of Love, Book Two
Burnt River
Shane’s Burden, Book One by Peggy Henderson
Thorn’s Journey, Book Two by Shirleen Davies
Find all of my books at:
http://www.shirleendavies.com/books.html
Tougher than the Rest – Book One
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“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
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“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
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“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
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“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
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“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?
Read this heartening story of duty,
honor, passion, and love in book five of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series.
Wilder than the Rest – Book Six
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
“A captivating historical western romance set in the burgeoning and treacherous city of San Francisco. Go along for the ride in this gripping story that seizes your attention from the very first page.”
“If you’re a reader who wants to discover an entire family of characters you can fall in love with, this is the series for you.” – Authors to Watch
Pierce is a rough man, but happy in his new life as a Special Agent. Tasked with defending the rights of the federal government, Pierce is a cunning gunslinger always ready to tackle the next job. That is, until he finds out that his new job involves Mollie Jamison.
Mollie can be a lot to handle. Headstrong and independent, Mollie has chosen a life of danger and intrigue guaranteed to prove her liquor-loving father wrong. She will make something of herself, and no one, not even arrogant Pierce MacLaren, will stand in her way.
A secret mission brings them together, but will their attraction to each other prove deadly in their hunt for justice? The payoff for success is high, much higher than any assignment either has taken before. But will the damage to their hearts and souls be too much to bear? Can Pierce and Mollie find a way to overcome their misgivings and work together as one?
Second Summer – Book One
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series
“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, Heath MacLaren 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.