Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5)

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Thank you, Noah. That makes me happier than I can say.”

  “I hope Uncle Ethan won’t come back unless Papa’s home. He’s different than he used to be.”

  “Oh, in what way?”

  “Now he laughs with his face but not his eyes.”

  “Maybe he’s having problems we don’t know about and that’s why.”

  Noah put his head on his pillow with a relieved sigh. “That must be it. He’s lost cattle and had fences cut too.”

  After the boy’s prayer, she kissed him and went to the bedroom she shared with Forrest. Talking to Noah had resurrected the incident with Ethan and stirred all the bad feelings she harbored for the man. She wished she could tell Forrest but he’d been through so many trials lately.

  She readied for bed. After brushing her hair, to please Forrest, she didn’t braid the tresses. Until he came up, she sat in the rocker and tried to read.

  When he still hadn’t come to bed an hour later, she tiptoed downstairs. Perhaps he’d fallen asleep in his chair. The lamp on the occasional table still burned. Forrest stood at the fireplace staring into the embers.

  ***

  Forrest was lost in thought when his wife’s voice startled him. She stood in only her gown with her golden hair tumbling on her shoulders. He ached to hold her but her treachery put a stay to that.

  A smile lit her beautiful face. “Did you forget to come to bed?”

  “I’ll be there when I’m ready.” He hadn’t meant to snap, but what did she expect?

  She took two steps toward him. “Forrest? What’s wrong?”

  He turned to face her. “After throwing yourself at Ethan this morning, how can you ask?”

  Her smile turned to anger and she put her arms on her hips. “I beg your pardon, Forrest Clanahan. I don’t know where you got that mistaken idea, but that is the exact opposite of what happened.”

  “Oh, yeah? He showed me where you sliced his arm when he rejected you.”

  Her lovely blue eyes changed from anger to… was it sadness? “I understand that he’s your brother and you’ve known him far longer than you have me. Just the same, you’re very wrong to believe him.”

  He faced her with his arms crossed. “I suppose you have another version?”

  “I certainly do—the real account. He tried to kiss me and wouldn’t take no for an answer. He had the nerve to say he wanted a sample of what you get. If I hadn’t had a knife he would have groped me… or worse.”

  Why was she lying? “I know he’s good looking and charming, but you didn’t marry him. I told you I was scarred and you came anyway. Now you’re stuck with me. Is that clear?”

  “Ethan charming? He’s a rattlesnake about to strike.” She advanced on him and poked him in the chest. “I happen to like being married to you. Is that clear?”

  “Papa? Addie? Why are you yelling?” Worry etched Noah’s face.

  Addie whirled then hugged the boy. “We… we’re having an animated discussion. Go back to bed, dear.”

  “You heard her, son. Go on to sleep. Addie and I are just coming upstairs.”

  Noah paused in the doorway. “Papa, don’t be mad at Addie. She didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “All right, Noah.” He gestured to the stairs. “Up.”

  When Noah had time to get to his room, Forrest whispered to her. “We’ll continue this in private.”

  “There’s nothing to continue. You either believe me or you don’t.” She ran up the stairs.”

  He would have sworn she was crying. With a curse, he turned out the lamp and banked the coals. Feeling several times his age, he slowly climbed to the second story and walked down the hall.

  The same thing was happening again. Why did Ethan have to charm every woman he met? Was it deliberate? Why did Forrest’s wives have to take a shine to his brother? Sure he was handsome as sin but didn’t marriage vows mean anything?

  He went into his bedroom. Addie was in bed with her face to the wall. He supposed he wouldn’t get that ointment tonight. Or likely ever again.

  To his surprise, she fetched the jar and sat beside him. “Turn your ornery carcass to your side.” She shoved him.

  Figuring he’d better cooperate, he did as she asked. “I know I’m not a decent sight.”

  “Shut up, Forrest Clanahan, or so help me I’ll shove a handful of this ointment into your mouth. This stuff was expensive and wasting it would be a shame.”

  In case she decided to carry out her threat, he clamped his mouth shut.

  The next thing he knew, morning was breaking. He looked beside him, but the bed was empty. He touched her pillow and found it still warm.

  Flexing his shoulders, he was grateful she had rubbed in the ointment after their heated debate. He couldn’t keep a grin from his face. Their “animated discussion” had been a lot like an argument.

  That reminded him of what she’d done and Ethan’s cut arm. Forrest’s smile disappeared. Surely Ethan had told him the truth. Why would he lie?

  But, why would she? What if Evie had told the truth too? Was his brother a lecherous man? Was he going behind Forrest’s back and trying to seduce his wife?

  On the way to the stairway, he stopped at Noah’s door. “Good morning, son.”

  Noah buttoned his shirt. “Are you mad at Addie?”

  “You asked me not to be, remember?” He stood in the opening. “Why shouldn’t I be? Did you see her cut Uncle Ethan?”

  Noah nodded. “Papa, I sure don’t know why Uncle Ethan acted like that. He chased Addie around the table. When he grabbed her again, she cut his arm.”

  Again? His son’s statement shook him so he leaned against the doorjamb for support. “I see. So it was Ethan’s fault?”

  Noah nodded enthusiastically. “Last time he came by himself she told him not to come again unless you were home. Yesterday, he was plenty mad and said she’d be sorry.”

  He held his son’s shoulders. “Did she put you up to telling me this?”

  His son’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open. “Papa? She told me not to ever lie to you or to her. She said I shouldn’t upset you by telling unless you asked but if you did then I had to answer your question with the truth.”

  “What reason did she give for not telling me?”

  “She said you’ve had a lot of trouble already and Ethan is your brother and it would make you sad to find out he wasn’t nice.”

  His heart aching, he patted Noah on the back. “She’s right. Knowing what Ethan did and that he lied makes me sad. I always looked up to him because he was my big brother. Guess I’d better rethink a lot of things.”

  Noah’s expression was solemn. “You should tell Addie you’re sorry. She lov… likes you an awful lot.”

  “I’ll tell her this morning.” He patted his son’s shoulder again. “Let’s go get some breakfast.”

  Noah slid his hand in Forrest’s. “Know what? Addie said she loves me. I love her too. She sure is nice, isn’t she?”

  Forrest almost stumbled at that bit of news. “Yes, we’re lucky to have her take care of us.” She’d told Noah she loved him? Had she told the girls the same thing? Could her fondness for him have grown into more? Could he be that lucky?

  When they reached the kitchen, everyone but Addie was seated at the table. He nodded at his workmen and took his place.

  “Good morning. Looks like this will be a nice day.”

  Biscuits and Rowdy nodded but were silent. In fact, they were quiet through the meal.

  Biscuits stood and grabbed his hat. “We’ll get started in the barn.”

  He and Rowdy left like a mean dog was on their heels. He took a deep breath. Dadblame it, this was where he had to apologize.

  “Fine breakfast, Addie, but you should have added a big helping of crow for me.”

  She whirled from the sink. “What?”

  He stood. “I’m sorry I ever doubted you. Noah told me what happened. I asked him because I wondered why you would have acted that way and figured ther
e had to be a reason.”

  Irritation showed in her voice. “So, now you believe me?”

  He raised his hands in a motion of surrender. “I know I should never have put faith in Ethan’s stories. Apparently he did the same thing to Evie but I didn’t believe her. I’m ashamed to admit I thought she was trying to cause trouble between Ethan and me.”

  “Forrest? Why would she have done that?”

  “I had this crazy notion she was jealous of my loyalty to him. Now I realize the craziest notion I had was that Ethan was ever loyal to me in spite of him declaring he was.”

  “The poor woman. You should be ashamed you didn’t believe the mother of your children.”

  He held her shoulders and met her gaze. “Honey, I am. I’m more ashamed I fell for the same type lies a second time. Will you forgive me?”

  She caressed the scarred side of his face as if it were smooth. “Of course. I know even though you’re not blood relations that you see him as your big brother.”

  “I have since he came when I was eight. We used to be close, like best friends. I knew he’d courted Evie but she chose me. He said he was fine with her choice and congratulated me. Evidently, he wasn’t.”

  She laid her head against his chest. “Then let’s say no more about the incident.”

  “You’re generous. If Julie said I’d made a pass at her, would you believe her?”

  She met his gaze. “Not for a minute. You’re an honorable man who’d resist even if you were tempted. But I also know Julie would never lie about such things.”

  “You don’t think you’d have a twinge of doubt?”

  “I’m serious. I’ve learned your character. No matter how angry you were with me, you wouldn’t violate our marriage vows.”

  He gently raised her chin. “Your faith humbles me.” He kissed her, softly at first but their touch deepened.”

  Noah’s voice interrupted, “Yuck. Are you guys gonna do that all morning?”

  Forrest grinned at his wife, enjoying her flushed skin and rosy lips. “I wouldn’t mind, but reckon Biscuits and Rowdy would like some help.” With another quick kiss, he turned and grabbed his hat.

  He whistled while walking to the barn.

  Biscuits looked up from shoveling the stalls. “Thank goodness, your rotten mood is cured.”

  He shook his head but grinned. “If you weren’t family, I’d probably punch your face.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Three mornings later at a little after nine, hoofbeats caught Addie’s attention.

  Noah hurried toward her. “Watch out! Uncle Ethan’s here.”

  “Children, hurry to the schoolroom.” Addie braced herself for confrontation and slid her hand to the pocket where she kept the revolver.

  Ethan strode through the door.

  She glared at him. “I told you not to come unless my husband is home. Now leave.”

  He sneered as he advanced. “Don’t get high and mighty with me. You only came here because no one in Atlanta would marry you.” He tried to grab her.

  She pulled away and firmly grasped her pistol. “Why I came here is no business of yours. I’m married to Forrest. You have no right to come into the house as if you owned it. You have no right to touch me.”

  He pointed at his chest. “Everything should have been mine. I’m older by two years, but that worthless Forrest got everything.”

  “That’s not true. His father saw you had your own ranch. You have a house and as much land as Forrest.”

  He pointed to the floor. “This is the ranch I wanted. Evie would have been mine but Forrest stole her. Noah should have been my son.”

  “Ridiculous! Forrest couldn’t steal Evie. She chose him over you, so quit fooling yourself. Noah combines Forrest and Evie and could never be yours.”

  Noah appeared beside her. “Uncle Ethan? Why are you yelling at Addie?”

  Ethan’s expression changed to charm his nephew. “She’s trying to get me to go away with her instead of her staying here with your father. She’s a bad woman.”

  Noah walked toward his uncle. “No, she’s not. I heard what you said. Why would you say those things?”

  “Stay away from him, Noah. Come over here by me.” Addie pulled the pistol from her skirt pocket.

  Ethan grabbed Noah and pulled him in front like a shield. “He should have been mine, I tell you. If I can’t have him, no one can. Just like Evie. She had her chance but she wouldn’t come with me. Guess I showed her who was boss.” He backed toward the door.

  Noah kicked and wriggled. “Put me down, Uncle Ethan. I don’t want to go with you.”

  She had to stop him but she didn’t want to abandon Noah. “You set the fire? How could you do such a terrible thing to an innocent woman and two little girls? You’d kill your own sister-in-law and nieces. You’re insane.”

  Her efforts were futile. Ethan backed until he was off the porch, and then he dangled Noah in front while mounting his horse. He rode off.

  She’d whirled, intending to rush to the mantle and grab the rifle. But, Frannie appeared by her side and handed the firearm to Addie. Taking careful aim, Addie prayed she didn’t err and shoot through Ethan and into Noah. She fired and saw Ethan jerk as the bullet entered his right arm.

  Noah kicked loose and fell to the ground. Ethan turned and aimed at the boy. Addie shot again but missed. At least, she discouraged Ethan and he rode away. She shot again into the air and prayed Forrest was close enough to hear.

  Noah was sobbing when he ran to her. She hugged him close and pulled him onto the porch in case Ethan returned. Frannie and Daisy were crying and she hugged them too.

  ***

  Forrest heard the shots. “Did you hear that? Something bad is wrong.” He mounted his horse and his men followed.

  When they galloped into the yard, Addie ran to meet him. She laid her hand on his leg, tears streaming down her face. “Ethan tried to kidnap Noah. He admitted setting the fire that killed Evie. He’s insane.” His three children stood sobbing on the porch.

  He squeezed Addie’s hand. “We’ll find him. Biscuits, stay here in case he comes back.” Forrest and Rowdy rode off following Ethan’s trail.

  Forrest should have believed Addie. How could he have been so blind he didn’t see Ethan was to blame? Up ahead, he spotted a rider’s dust.

  He prayed his own horse could overtake Ethan before the man escaped. There was no telling what his stepbrother would do now that he was exposed. Ethan had become more and more irrational and cynical.

  Recalling the brother he’d looked up to all these years, the realization struck him that brother had never existed. Ethan had always resented him. Forrest had given him the benefit of the doubt because Ethan hadn’t had a father’s guidance until their parents married.

  His horse was tiring but Ethan’s must be also. The distance between them decreased. Now they raced along the edge of an arroyo on Ethan’s ranch. In the distance, cattle were penned.

  His missing cattle, no doubt, rustled by Ethan. All those months of trying to find the culprit when he only had to look at the next ranch. Ethan rode over the edge on a game trail.

  Halfway down, Ethan’s horse stumbled and he flew off. He rolled down the side of the ravine, dislodging rocks and kicking up dirt before he came to a stop at the bottom. Was he alive?

  He rolled over and screamed, “Aiii, help me!”

  Slowing to prevent his own horse from stumbling, Forrest made his way down the trail with Rowdy right behind him. At the bottom, a fearsome sight awaited.

  Ethan’s descent had disturbed a nest of rattlers. He’d been bitten by several of the serpents. He must be injured because he lay on his back and scooted away. He batted at the rattlers, which only increased their strikes. Forrest and Rowdy shot snakes until they could get close to Ethan.

  In addition to a bullet wound, his brother was in a bad way. His right leg was broken and Forrest had no idea how many rattlers had struck him. Ethan had to realize his fate.

  “
Should have known you’d win again. You may have had Evie first, but I had her last. She sobbed and fought me but I enjoyed every second.” His smirk revealed his true nature.

  Rage such as he’d never known took possession of Forrest. “You left her and the girls to die in a fire.”

  Ethan’s voice was fading, “Naw, she was dead when the fire started. Fought too hard and I snapped her neck. Didn’t mean to but it served her right. She should have come with me like I asked.”

  Ethan’s face changed color, his eyes bulged, and he clutched at his throat. Gasping for breath, he died.

  Tears rolled down Forrest’s cheeks. So much could have been prevented if he’d realized Ethan’s real character.

  Rowdy kicked away snake carcasses and grabbed Ethan’s arms. He tugged the man’s body toward his horse and threw him over the saddle.

  When Rowdy returned, he clapped Forrest’s shoulder. “Come on, Boss. Let’s go home.”

  Forrest wiped his eyes on his sleeve. “Guess there’s nothing else to be done. When I think what poor Evie endured at Ethan’s hands it makes me want to resurrect him so I can kill him with my bare hands. He set his sights on Addie, too. And my poor children have been through too much terror and loss for their years.” He mounted Thunder and slowly headed home, leading Ethan’s horse.

  “He was your brother so it’s understandable you’d believe him. Too bad he was a sorry ’un.”

  They rode into the ranch yard slowly. Rowdy had covered Ethan with a blanket from Ethan’s bedroll. Addie and the children joined Biscuits on the porch to greet them.

  The children ran to him as he dismounted.

  Noah hugged his waist. “You didn’t die, Papa. I was worried. I’m sure glad you’re okay.”

  Frannie hugged his leg. “He made Mama lock us in our room. He said if I talked he’d kill you. I was awful scared, Papa.”

  He swung the girl into his arms. “Oh, Frannie, you don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you speak again.”

  Daisy tugged on his pants leg. “And you can hear me, too, Papa.”

  “Yes, I can hear you.” But he watched Addie. She looked beautiful with the sunlight on her hair and her gorgeous blue eyes shining with love he didn’t deserve. But, he would be grateful she gave it until his dying day.