Brodie's Gamble

by Shirleen Davies

  “All right. If you change your mind, I’ll be downstairs.”

  His head throbbed as he walked to the tub and lowered his abused body into the warm water. Tilting his head back, he closed his eyes, soaking until the bath began to cool. Picking up the sponge, Brodie made quick work of washing himself. Drying off, he dressed, picked up his hat, and made his way down the stairs.

  Even though he hadn’t eaten and his head still pounded, he felt better than he had in weeks, realizing he hadn’t thought of Maggie since the night before. Maybe his cousins were right. He needed to get back to the man he was before meeting her, before he’d made the mistake of falling in love and putting his hopes on a woman he barely knew.

  Brodie nodded to the woman who’d been in the room as he settled his hat on his head and pushed the swinging doors open. He didn’t pay attention as he stepped outside, not noticing the woman walking past, knocking her off balance. Reaching out, he grabbed her elbow.

  “I’m sorry, ma’…” His voice trailed off and his eyes widened as he took a good look at the woman. His breath hitched at the same time his chest constricted. “Maggie?”

  Taking a step back, she licked her lips. “Hello, Brodie.”

  “What are you doing—”

  “Brodie, you forgot something.” The saloon doors pushed open, the woman from the room standing before them holding his badge in her hand. She looked Maggie up and down, then turned her focus back to Brodie, her voice low and sultry. “I thought you’d need this.” She fluttered her eyes at the same time her fingers drew a path down his arm.

  Snatching the badge from her hand, Brodie sent a warning look at the woman. “Thank you.”

  “Come back whenever you’ve the time, Sheriff.”

  Brodie took her elbow, turning her toward the saloon, guiding her through the doors. Turning back to Maggie, he narrowed his gaze, his jaw set.

  “What are you doing here?”

  She stumbled back, his gruff tone startling her. Staring up at him, she froze at the unforgiving look on his face. Her gaze passed between him and the saloon doors, her heart stopping as the reason he’d been inside became clear. All the courage she’d built up over breakfast vanished.

  Guessing the direction of her thoughts, Brodie stepped closer, his face softening.

  “It isn’t what you’re thinking, Maggie.” Studying her face, he saw confusion…and something else. “We’ll find a place to talk. Seems we both have some explaining to do.”

  She cleared her throat and nodded. “Private?”

  “Aye, lass. Somewhere you can explain why you’re here and not on your way to San Antonio.”

  Escorting her down the street, searching for a place they could talk without interruption, Brodie tried to calm his jumbled thoughts.

  He’d let her go, watched her ride off with her parents. The last weeks had been the worst of his life. Then his cousins had come to his rescue, forcing him to begin the process of putting Maggie behind him—until he’d walked out of the saloon and collided with the object of his suffering.

  Before he realized it, they stood in front of his house, his hand on the small of Maggie’s back. Opening the door, he stepped aside, indicating for her to enter.

  “Where are we?” Her voice shook as she looked around the small space.

  “This is where I live. Sit down while I see to a fire.” Slipping out of his coat, he started the wood stove, then lit the lanterns.

  Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, Maggie glanced around, choosing to stand. She’d wondered where he lived when he wasn’t at the ranch. Although small, she saw it was clean and orderly. A well-used sofa sat against one wall, a table and two chairs were between the living room and kitchen. She guessed the doorway a few feet away led to a bedroom.

  Brodie finished, then turned toward Maggie, seeing her still standing. Sighing, he walked up to her. “Maggie, sit down. Please.”

  She shook her head, meeting his gaze. “This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come back to Conviction. You made it clear how you felt about me before I left. And from what I saw at the saloon, you’ve already put me behind you.”

  “What you saw at the saloon didn’t involve a woman. It involved too much whiskey and a night in a bed upstairs…alone.” He paced a few feet closer. “Now, what do you mean about making a mistake in coming back? How long have you been in Conviction?”

  Putting thoughts of the saloon girl behind her, Maggie lifted her chin, refusing to doubt her decision to return. “I arrived on the stage last night after parting from my family at Elk Horn Station.”

  Brodie’s face hardened as anger rolled through him. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for a single woman to travel alone? What were you thinking, leaving them to return here?” He paced a few feet away, then turned back around. “Answer me. Why did you put yourself in such danger?”

  Her body shook, her lower lip trembling at the harsh tone. She didn’t know what to think of his reaction. It hadn’t occurred to her he’d be angry at her return. What did he care about the danger to her? It had pained him, but he’d let her go, encouraged her to leave. From what she’d heard, taking the stage through hostile Apache country in Arizona and continuing to San Antonio would have been much more dangerous than the trip from Elk Horn to Conviction.

  When he didn’t get a reply, Brodie stalked up to her, lifting her chin with a finger.

  “Maggie, lass, why did you return?”

  Her eyes fixed on his, searching for any sign of the love she’d left behind. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she decided it would not be good to lie.

  “Because I love you.”

  Her quiet response ripped through his heart. “Ah, Maggie.” Wrapping his arms around her, he crushed her to his chest. “I’ve missed you, lass.” He could hear her quiet sobs, feel tears soaking through his shirt. Stroking a hand down her hair, he leaned back, kissing her forehead.

  “I didn’t want to leave you, Brodie.”

  “And I didn’t want you to go. I thought it was best for you.”

  She shook her head, rubbing away the tears. “It wasn’t.”

  Letting out a shaky breath, he chuckled. “I can see that.”

  Leaning down, he settled his mouth over hers. Feeling her arms wrap around his neck, he drew her closer, deepening the kiss before pulling back, his gaze locking with hers.

  “So you’re staying?”

  “If you still want me.”

  “Maggie, I’ve loved you since I first saw you. If you ever leave again, I don’t think I’d live through it.”

  Her mouth tipped up at the corners, her eyes sparkling. “I surely wouldn’t want to put your life in danger.”

  “If you stay, I have one condition.”

  She sighed. “More conditions, Brodie?”

  He grinned. “I think this one is simple.”

  “All right. What is it?”

  “Marry me.”

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later…

  “I’m glad she came back. I wasn’t looking forward to going with you to San Antonio to fetch her.” Quinn grinned at Brodie, who stood alongside Colin and Blaine, watching the family celebrate.

  It had taken little time to finish the wedding preparations started before Maggie left. Once the family learned she had returned, everyone pitched in, finalizing the details within days.

  “I wouldn’t have asked.”

  Colin settled a hand on Brodie’s shoulder. “We wouldn’t have let you ride out alone. It was a gamble you took, lad. Letting her leave, pretending you didn’t want her.”

  Brodie sucked in a deep breath. “Aye. A gamble which could’ve gone either way. If she hadn’t returned, I’d have been forced to go after her.”

  “I’m a little disappointed she did come back.” Blaine’s voice had no inflection.

  “Excuse me?” Brodie lifted a brow.

  “I’ve always wanted to see Texas. Now I may never get out there.” Blaine sipped the punch Quinn had spiked wi
th whiskey. “Ach. How much did you put in here, Quinn?”

  “Enough.” Quinn tapped the pocket of his jacket, indicating the hidden flask. “Remember, tonight will be Brodie’s first time.”

  “With Maggie,” Brodie added.

  “Aye. It’s been so long for you, I thought you might appreciate some additional courage.”

  Colin and Blaine laughed at the disbelieving look on Brodie’s face.

  “We all know you could never go more than a week, Quinn. Are there any women who’ve caught your attention you haven’t bedded?” Colin shared a look with Quinn.

  Quinn’s gaze moved around the room, landing on Emma Pearce. Few people who weren’t part of the family had been invited to witness the ceremony. The Pearce family was one of them. If one woman existed who could keep his attention, make him want to settle down and forget all others, he knew Emma was the one. He’d never acted on his feelings, never even discussed them with the men who stood next to him.

  “I will say, if I thought she’d be interested, I’d stake a claim on Emma Pearce. She is one bonny lass.”

  Quinn choked on his drink, stopping himself from reaching out and wrapping his hand around Blaine’s throat to set him straight. As if Blaine’s comment wasn’t enough, he glanced up to see Sam Covington walk up to her. Emma smiled at something he said, then responded, causing him to rear his head back with a roar of laughter. As Quinn watched, his anger flared. He’d never thought he could feel jealousy. Emma’s reaction to Sam proved him wrong.

  Brodie drank the last of his punch, setting the glass on a nearby table. “It’s time I joined my bride, lads.”

  Moving across the room, his gaze locked with Maggie’s. His wife. Everything he’d ever wanted in a woman, and her love for him shown in her eyes. Taking her hand, he pulled her away from the crowd around the table of food, walking her down the hall. Ducking behind the stairs, he took her in his arms.

  “I can’t wait much longer.” He lowered his mouth to hers, feeling the heat rip through him the instant their lips touched. Pulling her close, aligning their bodies, Brodie’s control faltered as his need for her grew. The sound of footsteps, someone clearing his throat, had him setting her away.

  “It may be time for you to say your goodbyes, lad.”

  Brodie glanced down at Maggie, seeing her face redden as Ewan approached. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close.

  “Aye, Da. I need to get the wagon.”

  “Already done. Fletcher, Bram, and Sean have it out front.”

  Maggie glanced from Brodie to her father-in-law. “I thought we were staying here. Where are we going?”

  Ewan clasped Brodie on the shoulder. “Come outside when you’re ready.”

  As his father walked away, Brodie turned to Maggie. “There are four cabins not far away. We built one for each family to live in when we first arrived at Circle M. The family fixed one up for us to use.”

  She flashed him a bright smile. “It sounds wonderful. When do we leave?”

  Brodie chuckled. “If you’re ready, we’ll start our life together right now.”

  Maggie drew her fingers down his face, placing a finger across his lips. “Right now is perfect for me, Brodie MacLaren.” She moved her finger, placing a kiss to his lips. “I love you. You’ll always be perfect for me.”

  Thank you for taking the time to read Brodie’s Gamble. 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.

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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

  MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Colin’s Quest, Book One,

  Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two

  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, Releasing 2016

  Peregrine Bay

  Reclaiming Love, Book One, A Novella

  Our Kind of Love, Book Two

  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 as
signment 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.”