Not wasting time, he crushed his mouth to hers, his hands on her back, aligning their bodies. When her lips parted, he took control, tasting her. He could feel her frantic hands everywhere…his neck, gripping his shoulders, running down his back. The passion was like nothing he’d ever felt or hoped to find. Pulling back, he searched her dazed eyes. Seeing them filled with so much desire made his chest squeeze.
“Emma…” His deep, ragged groan was all she needed to pull him down, kissing him with all the longing she felt.
“How much time do we have, Quinn?”
Lifting her into his arms, he walked to the pallet, laying her down, then kneeling beside her, loosening the buttons of her top. “A lifetime, which is not near enough.”
Conviction
“I didn’t expect to see you so soon after the announcement about you and Emma.” Brodie walked around his desk, pulling Quinn into a hug. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”
“Nae. I admit I was an eejit when it came to Emma. It took a bit of time, but I finally realized not having her in my life at all was worse than the possibility of losing her if we married. I’ll not be changing my mind.”
“Good. Your ma might disown you if you did. And Jinny would never forgive you.” Brodie sat back down as Quinn took a chair on the other side of the desk.
Quinn nodded, taking a quick glance around, making sure they were alone. “It would be certain I’d have the entire MacLaren clan after me.”
“Aye, lad. You would. So, what brings you to town?”
“Boyd Doggett.”
Brodie shook his head. “I checked the posters and found nothing. This morning, I sent telegrams to the sheriffs in Sacramento and San Francisco. They’ve yet to get back to me. Tell me what’s bothering you about the man.”
Quinn steepled his fingers, resting his chin on the tips of them. “Wish I knew for certain. I stopped by again this morning to see Big Jim and Gertie, and talk with Doggett.” He answered Brodie’s question before being asked. “Big Jim’s doing better, but he’ll never be the same as before the shooting. Gertie says he doesn’t sleep well and eats about half of what he used to. Even over her objections, the old man’s determined to go on the cattle drive to Sacramento. Truth is, it might do him some good to get out with the men and do what he’s done his entire life.”
“What about Doggett?”
Quinn looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. “The man won’t look me in the eyes. His gaze keeps darting around, watching the men, the horses. He talks in circles, never answers my questions. It’s like he doesn’t want to.”
Brodie leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “What questions?”
“Nothing difficult. How many head are they taking to Sacramento? Does he have enough men? When are they leaving? Does he need help?” Quinn pursed his lips. “The only answers I got were he has enough men and doesn’t need help. When Big Jim came up behind me, Doggett turned and left.”
“Does Big Jim have concerns?”
“If he does, he didn’t share them with me.” He stared at a burn mark on the desk, his jaw tight. Looking up, he locked his gaze on Brodie. “I wish I could give you more. All I can say is there is something going on. I just don’t know what.”
Brodie sat back, his fingers thumping on top of his desk. “Do you want one of the Circle M men to ride along? We could talk to my da, tell him your concerns. Big Jim might do it if Da pushes him.”
Quinn scrubbed a hand down his face, shaking his head. “Nae. I don’t want to get Uncle Ewan or Uncle Ian involved. They have enough to worry about without adding Pearce ranch problems to the pile.” Standing, he walked to the door. “I need to get a few more supplies, then head back.”
Brodie walked up beside him, settling a hand on Quinn’s shoulder. “Jinny says Emma is still staying with Ma and Da and you’re over at the new place.”
“Emma knows it’s best—at least for now. I’ve work to do over there, and she’s agreed to work with Blaine, Bram, and Fletcher. I’ll go back on Saturday nights and stay until Monday morning.” He glanced at Brodie, his mouth curving into a smile. “At my house, not your family’s.”
Brodie chuckled. “Long rides away from the ranch work pretty well for being alone.”
“Aye. That’s what Emma and I hope.” Pulling the door open, he stepped outside. “It’s odd. I never worried about Emma too much before a few days ago.”
Cocking his head, Brodie lifted a brow. “What do you mean?”
“She’s a good ranch hand, knows how to work with cattle and horses. I always knew she’d do what was right and be safe. Emma didn’t belong to me…not until I asked her to marry me. Now I keep thinking about her getting hurt on the range, thrown from her horse, caught in a stampede...” Quinn rubbed his arm, then ripped off his hat, fingering the brim. “Hell, Brodie. I can’t stop worrying about her.”
Brodie leaned toward him, grabbed the hat from his hands, and slammed it down on Quinn’s head. “You think you’re any different from Colin or me? Nae, lad. He worries about Sarah, and I worry about Maggie. You may as well get used to worrying about Emma.”
Quinn nodded, his face grim. “Aye. But I don’t have to like it.”
“Doggett.” Leaning against the railing of the old cabin, Giles Delacroix tossed a cheroot out onto the dirt. Today, he’d come dressed in black slacks, boots, and white shirt. He’d left his vest at home.
“Delacroix.” Doggett slid from his horse, tossing the reins over a post. “What did you want to talk about?” He didn’t care if the frustration at changing his schedule for another meeting could be heard in his voice.
Giles narrowed his gaze, not liking the tension radiating from the man. “Is everything ready?”
“A few more details and we’ll be set.” He leaned against the cabin wall, then pushed away, crossing his arms.
“The drive starts tomorrow, correct?”
“At sunup. I’ve talked to the men and it’s all agreed. An accident is the best way to stop Pearce from reaching Sacramento by the buyer’s required date. Pearce loses money for every day they’re late.”
“How many are on our side?” Delacroix rested his heavy frame on the porch railing, keeping a close watch on Doggett. He had done all Giles had asked. Still, he had an uneasy feeling about the man, as if he held an important secret.
“Three.” Giles cocked a brow at him. “It will be enough. The three are anxious for the money they’ll get.” Doggett chuckled. “Once they reach Sacramento, they’ll get whatever Pearce promised them, plus the money we promised. If all goes right, Pearce won’t have near enough left to pay off the loan. The bank will have to foreclose.”
“The bank won’t get the chance. Before that, my agent will be sitting down with Pearce and his wife, making them an offer they won’t be able to refuse.”
“Are you sure Big Jim doesn’t know about the gold on his land? Seems to me he’d have discovered it long ago.” Doggett grabbed a cheroot from his pocket and lit it, blowing the smoke out in a log stream. “It don’t make sense he wouldn’t know how much his land is worth.”
Delacroix shook his head, his lips twisting into a cruel smile. “He’s a rancher. The man knows cattle. I doubt it ever occurred to him to check for gold.”
“What makes you think there’s enough on the land to make what we’re doing worthwhile? It could be a thin thread, play out on you in a few weeks.”
“I’ll be getting the land for well below what it’s worth. The gold? It’s a bonus for as long as the vein lasts. Once it plays out, I’ll sell the land to the highest bidder.”
“The MacLarens?” Doggett took another draw from his cigar, thinking about Delacroix’s plan.
He shrugged. “The MacLarens, August Fielder, or one of the other ranchers who are ready to buy up whatever is available. There seems to be no limit to the number of people standing in line to buy up land at a good price. Perhaps I’ll even sell while the mine is still active.”
“Men as sha
rp as Fielder and the MacLarens aren’t easy to fool. You’d be better off taking all the gold you can, keep the ranch running, then sell it all at a premium. From what I’ve heard, the Pearce land will bring a good price.”
Pushing from the porch rail, Delacroix started down the steps, taking his time. His knees weren’t what they used to be. He winced when he glanced at the horse he’d ridden, wishing he’d brought the wagon.
“All you have to worry about is holding up Pearce so he doesn’t reach Sacramento until after the agreed date.” Delacroix glanced over his shoulder, sending Doggett a hard glare. “There will be no room for error. I trust I’m making myself clear.”
“There’ll be no mistakes. You’ll get your land and gold. Me and the men will get what we agreed.” Doggett took the steps quickly, swinging up on his horse. “You make sure the money is ready. It’ll take a few days to ride back from Sacramento. I expect payment to be waiting.”
Delacroix heaved himself into the saddle, then sucked in a breath. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, he mopped his brow. “You’ll get your money, Doggett. Then I’ll expect you to ride off, exactly as we agreed.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll have one last stop to make, then you’ll never hear from me again.”
Circle M
“Did you hear about Widow Jones selling out?” Blaine sat atop his stallion, Galath, watching the sun rise high in the sky. Colin sat next to him on Chieftain, every so often looking over his shoulder in the direction of the ranch house. Blaine knew he’d rather be with Sarah and the baby than riding miles away, chasing down strays.
“Aye. Uncle Ewan mentioned it before we rode out this morning. She told him the last few months have been hard, especially after she had to let two of the ranch hands go. The last one encouraged her to talk with a man who made an offer she couldn’t refuse.” Colin took off his hat, swiping an arm across his forehead. “The widow has three children, all under ten years old.”
“They used to come to church before her husband died. I met him once.” Blaine thought of Quinn and the reason for his reluctance to marry Emma. He feared losing her, and for good reason. Life expectancy wasn’t very long for ranchers on the frontier. “Does Uncle Ewan know who bought the land?”
“A company from back east. He didn’t have a name, but he thinks it’s the same one who bought out those smaller ranchers on the other side of the Feather River. They were having financial problems like Widow Jones.”
“I don’t like it, Colin. These ranchers are being bought out before anyone else has a chance to make an offer. It’s as if…” Blaine didn’t like where his mind went.
“Aye. Someone knows what’s going on before anyone else. They get the ranchers when their weak, vulnerable.” He glanced at Blaine, his jaw working. “I’ve a need to ride into town tomorrow and speak with Brodie.”
“Are you sure you want to leave the ranch right now?”
Colin blew out a breath. “You’re right, Blaine. I need to stay close to Sarah and Grant.”
“I’ll start at first light. If Brodie’s heard nothing, he’ll know who to ask.”
“Jinny, is that you?” Lorna wiped her hands down her well-used apron.
“No, Mrs. MacLaren. It’s Emma.”
“You and Bram are already done for the day?” She went back to kneading the dough for biscuits.
“He rode out to see how Fletcher and Sean are doing. Ian sent them down to the south border early this morning. I guess there are a number of steers missing.” Emma washed her hands, drying them before grabbing an apron. “What can I do?”
“Ma! We have company.” Jinny joined them in the kitchen, followed by Gertie Pearce.
Emma’s eyes lit up as she wrapped her mother in a hug. “Mama. It’s so good to see you. Is Papa here, too?” She glanced behind Gertie, hoping to see her father.
“No, sweetheart. I came by myself.” She hugged Lorna. “I hope it’s all right to come by.”
Lorna grabbed her hand. “Of course it is, Gertie. You’re always welcome here. Can you stay for supper?”
“Thank you, but I can’t tonight. I came by to speak with Emma, then I need to get back.”
“Of course. I’ll make some coffee and the two of you can talk in Ewan’s study.”
Emma sat next to her mother on the leather sofa, seeing the lines of worry on her face. She hadn’t gone back to the ranch since leaving a few weeks before, and the guilt she felt increased as she watched her strong mother struggle. Taking Gertie’s hands in hers, she leaned toward her.
“Mama, what is it?”
“I’m sorry, Emma. I didn’t want to come by, but your father has decided to ride with the men on the cattle drive to Sacramento. Doc Vickery advised against it, but you know your father. Once he’s made up his mind, there’s no reasoning with him.”
Emma nodded. Her father’s stubborn nature and pride had come between him and her mother many times in the past.
“Doesn’t he trust the new foreman?”
Gertie let go of Emma’s hands. Picking up the coffee cup, she cradled it, shaking her head. “I don’t know. Big Jim seems to think he’s the perfect man for the job. It still hasn’t stopped him from deciding to ride along.”
“Maybe it has to do with negotiating the price with the buyer. Except for you and Jimmy, Papa has never been comfortable letting others handle the money part of the ranch. It could be he needs to give the foreman more time.”
“Perhaps. Time doesn’t help the reality that he plans to ride out with the men early tomorrow.” Gertie looked up at Emma, moisture in her eyes.
Emma’s stomach clenched at the sight of her mother’s rare tears. “Tell me what I can do?”
Gertie took a sip of coffee, her hands unsteady as she set the cup down. “I hate to ask. I know you want to continue here, learn about breeding horses.”
“Mama. Please, tell me what I can do?”
Gertie lifted her face, meeting Emma’s concerned gaze. “Ride with them.”
Emma sat back, surprised. She’d gone on cattle drives many times over the years, always enjoying the experience, knowing the trips were a normal part of ranch life. For reasons she didn’t understand this time, she hesitated.
“I don’t know what I can do that the men can’t.”
“You can keep watch on him, make sure he lets the men do the dangerous work. Doggett and the men won’t worry about him the way you will. He’ll listen to you if you tell him to take it easy.” Gertie eased back on the sofa. “I know it’s a lot to ask…”
Emma shook her head. “No, Mama. It isn’t.”
She thought of Quinn and the promise she’d made to stay safe, not put herself in danger, and not leave the ranch alone. Cattle drives were one of the more dangerous activities on a ranch. Anything could happen. She knew of more than one ranch hand who’d lost his life when the cattle became spooked or rustlers tried to take the herd. Quinn would tell her not to go, that he or one of the other men would ride with her father. She couldn’t ask that of any of the MacLarens. Their generosity had already exceeded what Emma expected, and she had no intention of asking them for more. Sucking in a breath, she touched her mother’s arm.
“All right. I’ll go. How do you want to do this?”
Chapter Fifteen
Emma couldn’t calm the nerves she’d had since agreeing to her mother’s request. They’d decided it would be best for her to join the drive a few miles past Conviction, telling her father she’d heard they were taking the cattle to Sacramento and decided to come along. If he became upset, she’d try to calm him, making it clear she intended to stay.
At the sound of the approaching herd, she twisted in her saddle. It wouldn’t be long until she learned the extent of her father’s anger at her showing up. Reining Moonshine around, she spotted the moving mass of cattle, her father and the chuckwagon at the back. Her mother used to drive the wagon, making the meals and coffee well before sunrise. Jimmy’s death had changed so much, includi
ng her mother’s desire to be a part of the drives.
Emma recognized the large frame and wide girth of the man they’d hired from town to take her place. He’d been on more than one drive with them, always doing well.
Sucking in a deep breath to calm her internal storm, Emma started down the hill where she’d been waiting, setting her pace to join her father at the back. The noise of the herd covered her approach until she reined up alongside him. He gave her a cursory glance before he realized who rode next to him. The shock on his face didn’t surprise her.
“Hello, Papa.”
“What are you doing here, girl? You’re supposed to be at Circle M.” His voice held a strong reprimand, even as his face softened as he looked at her.
“I told Ewan and Ian of my plans to ride with you to Sacramento.”
His eyes widened before narrowing. “You aren’t riding anywhere with us. I have all the hands I need for the drive, and not enough food for one more person.”
“Then I guess I’ll fend for myself.” Emma reached behind her, patting the saddlebags. “Lorna made sure I left with plenty of food—in case you didn’t have enough.” She smiled, knowing the battle wasn’t over.
“Doesn’t matter. I don’t need your help and neither does Boyd Doggett, the foreman.
All the jobs are already doled out. You’d just be in the way.” His gruff voice held a hint of hesitation, even as his stern features showed a finality in his decision.
“It’s a pity you won’t accept my help since I have no plans to leave until the cattle are in Sacramento.” She kicked Moonshine, moving her into a slow gallop.
“You wait up, Emma.”
She heard her father coming up behind her, but didn’t slow her pace.
“I’m going to introduce myself to your foreman. Would you like to ride along?”
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