Devlin's Montana Bride (Sweet, clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers Brides series)

by Maya Stirling

  "Are you cold?" he asked her, suddenly feeling her shake.

  She looked up at him, her eyes wide. "No. I'm fine."

  Devlin saw a moistness in her eyes. "What a day," he said.

  Elise's lips creased into a thin smile. "Crazy. I don't know what to make of it. You must think I'm the worst woman in the world."

  Devlin frowned. "Not at all. You were right to do that. I behaved like an idiot."

  "You did not," she said. "I had no right humiliating you like that. Especially in front of your men."

  Devlin smiled. "They don't care. They figured I had it coming. And they were right."

  "But were they? I mean all I did was cook something for you."

  "I wasn't sure that was what you wanted me to come inside for."

  "What do you mean?"

  Devlin cleared his throat. "I kinda figured you might be talking about something other than food.

  "What?" Elise's cheeks colored. Devlin immediately regretted bringing up that subject. "Oh. I didn't realize," she said looking away.

  Devlin knew he'd embarrassed her and immediately tried to rack his brains for a way to recover the situation.

  He pointed to a bright star, low on the horizon. "See that star there," he said drawing Elise back to him.

  She frowned and her gaze followed where he was pointing.

  "That star is the planet Venus. They call it the planet of love," he said.

  "Really? You're not just trying to joke with me?"

  "No. It really is the lover's planet. Look at how beautiful it is. The color and the brightness of it. Sometimes, when I'm out on the range, alone, and I'm stuck out there late with the herd, I love to look up at Venus. I just love the look of it, I love what it means. It means there's always hope for love. There's always love you can look up and see in the sky."

  Elise drew her gaze away from the glowing blue pinpoint hovering just above the horizon. "Why that's just so beautiful Devlin. I'd never have taken you for a poet," she said softly. Devlin saw a look of mild amazement on her face.

  Devlin felt himself color. "Why...I'm not exactly any kind of poet. Haven't read a whole lot. But I know what moves me," he said.

  Elise pressed herself closer to him. Devlin leaned down and lifted Elise's chin. He dipped his head and settled his lips on Elise's mouth. The taste of her lips was sweet. He felt her head rise up and her lips open up to his. Devlin ran a hand through her hair, drawing her head close to him. Her lips were moist and soft. Devlin twisted and pulled Elise tighter against him. He felt her willingness as her body softened and settled even closer to him. The warmth of her mouth matched the heat he felt inside himself.

  Devlin heard his breathing become heavier and a soft groan came from Elise. The intensity of the moment threatened to become overwhelming. Elise seemed to have given herself up to him. He felt her acceptance of his attentions. For a moment Devlin wondered where this was going to lead. The small insistent voice in his head asked him just how far he was willing to continue with the attention he was heaping upon his wife. The answer made him pause and it was enough for Elise to notice the change in him.

  She drew back, their lips parting. "Devlin? Is everything alright?"

  Devlin's breathing was heavy. His gaze delved deep into Elise's eyes, searching for an answer he knew he wouldn't find. Was she ready for him? Could he really demand this of her? Surely it was too soon. Even if what Trent had said was even a possibility, Devlin wasn't certain that Elise was ready for him. Would she understand? Did she really, truly want him? Would their passionate union be a genuine one?

  Devlin turned away. "I'm sorry Elise," he said firmly.

  Elise sat upright and tidied her hair. "For what?"

  "I shouldn't have done that."

  Devlin glanced at her and saw her furrowed brows. She seemed to be trying to regain her composure. He couldn't blame her for doing that.

  "But. We're man and wife, are we not," she said.

  Devlin nodded. "Of course we are. But... It's too soon," he murmured.

  Elise's lips tightened and she frowned. "Too soon?"

  "We hardly know each other. And this marriage." Devlin shook his head. "I just don't know what to say."

  Elise reached over and touched Devlin's shoulder. "I know all about the disappointment you felt about what happened before," she said.

  Devlin's head whirled around. "How can you understand that?"

  Elise's eyes were filled with sympathy. "I know I haven't been through anything like that, but I can try to understand. If you'll let me."

  Devlin stood and thrust his hands into his pockets. He turned his back on Elise and gazed at the shining star hovering just above the horizon. Suddenly his earlier sweet words seemed hollow and insincere. Elise stood and rested a hand on his arm. "Please let me try to understand," she said.

  Devlin found that words had deserted him.

  He turned and took Elise in his arms and held her close. After a few moments he kissed her gently on the top of her head.

  Then Devlin released her and walked slowly to the door. He glanced back and saw Elise standing there looking bereft, her eyes wide, a look of confusion on her face. Something hard and tight clutched at Devlin's heart when he saw her like that, but by now the damage had been done, and he stepped into the house and closed the door quietly behind him.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  What on earth was happening? Elise heard the door slam shut and Devlin was gone. One minute he'd seemed so loving, so close and the next he'd utterly changed, withdrawing from her, apparently without cause.

  Elise could only imagine what was going on inside Devlin. She was sure she hadn't said or done anything to prompt such an extreme reaction in him. But it was the suddenness of it that shocked her. She recalled Mrs. Mildmay's words about how Devlin had been affected by being jilted. But he had to get over it, Elise told herself. He couldn't spend the rest of his days thinking about someone who'd so cruelly left him in the lurch.

  But was there more to it than that, Elise asked herself. She thought about the conversation Devlin had had with Trent earlier that day. It had seemed so serious at the time. Sure, they'd glossed over it and avoided any mention of it during the time in the parlor. But, Elise couldn't help wondering what it had been all about. And did it involve her and their marriage?

  Elise wrapped her arms around her. The evening air was beginning to cool. She stepped over to the corral. There were no ranch hands around, and the horses had been put back in the stable. She was alone. Looking up at the stars she wondered if her life on the ranch was going to come to a sudden end, sooner than she could have anticipated. She hoped not. The truth was she was beginning to feel something strong and unfamiliar about Devlin Cooper. She'd seen so much evidence that he was a decent man, albeit a man with serious issues he was struggling with. And one of the main things he seemed to be struggling with was his obvious attraction to Elise. She could feel it every time he touched her; she could see it in his eyes, every time he looked at her.

  Elise shivered and sighed. If she was honest she liked the attention he was giving her. She loved every moment she spent in his company, even if he seemed to be doing everything in his power to keep his distance from her.

  And this place! The ranch and the Montana landscape were beginning to seep into her, take possession of her thoughts. She was beginning to get used to the sounds and sensations of ranch life quicker than she would have thought possible. It seemed like a good life could be had here, if only Devlin and Elise could work out what their relationship meant. Of course it had started as a marriage in name only, but Elise shook her head in silent amazement when she thought about how quickly it had transformed into something more real, more intense, more romantic.

  She realized that she loved being watched by Devlin. So many times she'd caught him gazing at her, observing her, seemingly savoring the ordinary things that she did. And it felt good. Real good. She wished she had her mother here by her side so that she could share her tho
ughts the way she'd always done since she had been a child. But then she realized that now she was a grown up, out in Montana with a new husband, with problems of her own, with a life to build and a handsome, troubled man at her side every day.

  Would this all work out for them? Did they have a future together?

  Tonight she figured she'd be sleeping alone. Again. The very thought of that made her feel a sharp pain inside, but she knew that there was nothing to be done about it. Not tonight.

  With a heavy heart she turned and went back into the house, thinking about the day to come, and hoping that she'd get a chance to try again.

  The next day Devlin came back from work on the ranch around lunchtime. Elise had tried to keep herself busy while he'd been away. They hadn't met upon waking, once again the day starting with them being separated.

  Devlin seemed reserved and reluctant to talk about the previous night. Elise was secretly glad. She didn't want anything to spoil the day. From her point of view it would be better to move on from the awkwardness of that.

  Devlin announced they were going to ride over to Nathan Grantly's ranch. They both got dressed up. Devlin looked fine in his pressed trousers, waistcoat and clean white shirt. Elise chose an elegant green dress and matching bonnet. She couldn't help but notice how Devlin looked at her when she emerged from the house. He was already seated on the buckboard and it was all he could do to keep his eyes off her as she stepped up onto the seat and took her place by his side.

  "You look mighty fine, Elise. If I may say so," he said to her as he took the reins in his hand.

  Elise smiled but Devlin kept his lips tight and his eyes fixed ahead. "Thank you Devlin. That's very kind of you to say so," she said.

  Devlin nodded and flicked the reins moving the horses on.

  "How long is it to Nathan's ranch?" she asked.

  "About an hour," he answered.

  The midday sun was warm. Elise took out a parasol and held it over her head as the buckboard rolled out through the entrance gate.

  "That gives us plenty of time to talk then, I guess," she said.

  Devlin frowned. "I figured I could give you a tour of the country as we make our way there. No sense in spoiling things with idle chat," he said defensively.

  Elise sighed. "I wouldn't imagine there's much to see apart from cattle and countryside," she said.

  Devlin fixed her with a disapproving look. "This here place has a bit more to it than cattle and countryside."

  Elise had to smile inwardly. He seemed almost offended at her offhand description of his beloved ranch. She wondered if he realized that she was teasing him. Probably not, judging by his demeanor.

  "I'm sure it has. Maybe you can educate me. I'm obviously just an ignorant town dweller," Elise said with a forced scowl.

  Devlin frowned and looked at her. "Are you being serious?"

  Elise nodded, smiling with a glint in her eye. "Of course I am. I'm always serious. Haven't you learned that about me yet?"

  Devlin shook his head. He drove the buckboard on along the trail. They were bumping heavily and Elise was getting thrown around from side to side. Every time she bumped up against Devlin he leaned in against her making sure she didn't fall out of the seat. Elise found his concern for her touching and secretly gratifying.

  As she watched him control the buckboard she realized just how physically well developed Devlin was. His shoulders were strong and his powerful arms hauled on the reins keeping the horses well in check and the buckboard on a safe course. It felt good to be next to such a physically capable man, someone who Elise felt could keep her safe, who could protect her from harm no matter what happened. She felt curiously ashamed at those thoughts. They were the kinds of thoughts that one read about in cheap novels, but in this moment they were entirely appropriate.

  As they made their way to Nathan's, Devlin did indeed point various things out to Elise. He knew so much about the landscape, the terrain, where the dangers were, the vantage points from which to savor the beauty of the Montana lands. Elise found herself fascinated by Devlin's breadth of knowledge and his obvious love for the place which was his home.

  Their home, she thought, correcting herself.

  This place is our home now. It is where we belong, where we will live our life out.

  Together.

  But only if we get past these barriers that stand in our way. The people who want to ruin our marriage. She thought of her father and wondered just what devilish arrangement he'd entered into with Bart Caulfield. But wasn't it strange. It was by the very means of that arrangement that she had been brought together with Devlin. If it hadn't have been for her father and Caulfield she wouldn't be here in this beautiful place, with her handsome husband, riding across a beloved landscape on their way to spend time with dear friends.

  What a strange life, Elise thought.

  Devlin seemed to sense the change in her thinking. "You okay?" he asked.

  Elise nodded and smiled. "I can see that you really love this place."

  Devlin nodded. "I do. This is the only place I ever want to spend my time in," he said slowly and then he paused. Finally he turned to Elise and his gaze was penetrating and intense, his eyes moist. His hold on the reins seemed to tighten. "And you are the only woman I ever want to be with, Elise."

  Elise's mouth opened in surprise. What was he saying?

  "You belong here, with me," Devlin continued. "And I don't want you going anywhere. You hear? No-one else is going to possess you except me," he said , his voice slow and deep. "No-one!" The last word was uttered with a guttural, emphatic sound. His words vibrated inside Elise and she felt a quiver in her middle when her eyes locked on his.

  "Oh, Devlin!" she managed to gasp, a hand rising to her throat.

  Devlin slowed the buckboard to a halt. He leaned in, his head dipping, his lips consuming Elise's. The kiss was forceful, intense and it made her heart hammer in her chest. He grasped her tight and she felt he would never let her go. His arms held her close, the strength of his body a persuasive, dominating presence.

  Their lips parted and Devlin peered into her eyes, searching, asking.

  "Elise. I'm sorry about last night," he said.

  Elise shifted a loose dark lock of hair from his forehead. "It's alright Devlin. I'm doing my best to understand."

  Devlin seemed to peer into Elise's soul, so earnest was his gaze. "You must believe me when I say that I will never let any harm come to you. Even in the short time we've been together I know that we are meant to be together," he said with a deep, resonant voice, filled with conviction.

  His eyes were locked on her and there was nothing she could do to pull her gaze from him. The world seemed to disappear around them. There was only Montana and Devlin and that was more than enough. For now.

  His words burned into her, taking her by surprise. She didn't know what to think of them. It had been a sudden outpouring of feeling and it told her that her husband was a man of strong and powerful impulses. Elise took a deep breath and tried to compose herself, but it proved to be difficult.

  They held on to each other for what seemed like an eternity and then Devlin let her go. She felt the separation from him keenly.

  Devlin smiled at her and then silently flicked the reins and they continued on their journey to Nathan's ranch.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  "Welcome to our humble little ranch," Nathan said with a mischievous grin as Devlin drew the buckboard up in front of the Grantly ranch house. Nathan stood in front of the house with his arm wrapped around a beautiful, blonde woman with striking blue eyes that glinted with happiness. Elise supposed she must be Abby, Nathan's wife from Boston. Abby was dressed in a plain blue cotton outfit.

  Devlin came around and helped Elise step down from the buckboard. Elise kept a tight hold of her green dress wanting to make an immediate impression of grace and composure.

  Nathan and Abby came up to greet them. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Abby said in a clear voice wi
th an obvious Eastern accent. Elise shook Abby's hand and both women nodded graciously to each other.

  Nathan patted Devlin on the shoulder. "It's good that you could both come. Abby's made a fine lunch for us all," he said.

  Abby rolled her eyes. "If you can call it that," she said with an exasperated tone. "Mrs.Wardle had a hand in it too," she admitted.

  "I take it she's your housekeeper," Elise asked.

  Abby nodded. "She's a real treasure. I don't know what I'd do without her."

  "Spend more time with me," Nathan said with a smile.

  Abby waved a dismissive hand at Nathan. "Let's get inside."

  They all made their way into the house. Elise took off her bonnet and deposited her parasol in the hallway.

  They settled in the parlor where tea and cake had been laid out. It was a beautiful house, just as lovely as Devlin's. Elise could see that both men had similar taste in decor and furniture. All her preconceived ideas about ranchers had been swept away in the recent days. It made her wonder what other prejudices she had which would prove to be equally unjustified.

  It was clear that Nathan and Devlin were the best of friends. They shared jokes about life on the ranch and made sure that Elise and Abby kept up the conversation between themselves.

  Elise liked Abby immediately. It was plain that the Boston woman had adjusted to life on the ranch almost as quickly as Elise felt she herself was doing with Devlin. What was it about these ranchers that made them and their lives so persuasive? Was it that both men were devastatingly handsome and well-to-do? It wasn't just that. They were good men. That was their real secret. She watched Devlin and Nathan talking and joshing together and it was clear that the needs of creating a successful business and a life for their dearest had forged decent characters in them both.

  There was a burst of childish laughter and a young girl came bounding into the parlor. She was a gorgeous little girl. Elise guessed she was about five or six years old. She glowed with energy and enthusiasm as she threw herself into Abby's arms. Abby laughed as she tried to control the young girl's obvious excitement at having visitors.