Stopping before them, Colin stared down at the three. “There’d best be a good reason you lads are taking up space on the ground instead of working.” Placing fisted hands on his hips, he waited. “Well?”
Sucking in a breath, making no move to stand, Fletcher looked up, his features tight and grim.
“Maddy’s back in town. The lass is pregnant.” Fletcher glanced between Colin and Quinn. “She says the bairn is mine.”
Chapter Ten
Conviction
Maddy sat at her bedroom window, staring out at nothing in particular. She’d been doing more of this, moping around with little energy since seeing Fletcher for the first time in months. He looked good. Better than good. His handsome features and dear face brought back all the desire she’d tried to forget. She now realized getting over Fletcher MacLaren would be much more difficult than Maddy anticipated.
Closing her eyes, she recalled all the times they’d sat in her bed, him with a hand on her thigh while she’d stroke fingers along his cheek, jaw, and down his neck. He was so incredibly handsome it broke her heart. Letting him burrow his way into her heart had been a mistake.
Even if she had no idea how she’d handle being a single woman with a child, Maddy didn’t regret the life growing inside her. She already loved the baby.
Unconsciously settling a hand on her stomach, she winced at the horror on Fletcher’s face when he learned of the baby. She knew he doubted the parentage. At first, his uncertainty angered her. Thinking about it over the last two days, lying awake at night and coming to understand his distrust, Maddy recognized she’d expected too much of him.
Paying to spend almost every night with Maddy didn’t eliminate Fletcher’s belief she was no more than a saloon girl. A whore who sold her body for money. She’d done little to convince him otherwise, sharing nothing of her past or how she’d come to work at Buckie’s.
Falling in love with him had taken no effort at all. It happened a little each night as he made sweet love to her, staying to hold her until almost dawn. He’d never spoken of love or a future. Still, she allowed herself to dream of a life with Fletcher, helping him on the MacLaren ranch, having the family she’d always prayed for.
An icy slap of reality destroyed her dreams the night Bram delivered Fletcher’s note. It had been cold and heartless. Until then, she never would’ve used those words to describe him. He’d thanked her for all the good times.
Good times.
She still felt the pain.
“Madeleine.”
She startled at Suzette’s voice. “Coming.” Standing, Maddy forced a smile when she opened the door. “Sorry. I was daydreaming.”
Suzette gave an understanding nod. “I wonder if you might have a few minutes.”
Maddy’s brows furrowed. “Of course. What do you need?”
“Oh, I don’t need anything. I have tea prepared downstairs and hoped you’d share it with me.”
A relieved smile broke across her face. “I’d love to.”
Making their way into the parlor, Maddy took a seat on the settee while Suzette poured tea into two cups.
“Afternoon tea may seem a somewhat silly habit, but it’s one I’ve come to love.” She looked at Maddy. “Would you like some sugar or cream?”
“May I have both?”
“Of course.” Suzette added them to the cup, handing it and a spoon to Maddy. “I once met an elderly English woman at a hotel where I worked. She told me all about her love of tea, explaining the right and wrong way to prepare it, the types of sandwiches or pastries a hostess would offer. I became quite interested, determined to learn as much as possible about the tradition. Over time, the hotel began offering an afternoon tea.” She chuckled. “It was very popular.”
Waiting until Suzette prepared her own cup and sat down, Maddy took a sip, savoring the warm drink. “I haven’t had tea in a long time. This is wonderful.”
“I’m so glad you like it.” Suzette settled back in her chair. “Now, tell me how you are feeling?”
Maddy’s fingers tensed on the cup. “Tired, but that seems to be normal right now.”
“We haven’t had a chance to talk about this, but when I came home the other night, Fletcher MacLaren was in the house. He seemed quite, well…agitated.” Suzette leaned forward, her voice full of concern. “When I asked him why he was here, Fletcher said you’d told him he’s the father of the baby. Is that correct?”
Maddy glanced away, shifting in her seat. She didn’t want to discuss the other night, the baby, and especially Fletcher. Suzette’s support and friendship meant too much to ignore her concern.
“Yes.” She turned an uncomfortable gaze to Suzette, taking another sip of tea.
“I see. How did you meet him?”
Misery flashed in Maddy’s eyes before she stared down into her cup. “I haven’t been exactly truthful about my past, Suzette. It’s something I’m not proud of, but it can’t be changed.”
“Do you want to tell me about it?”
Eyes shadowing, her hands trembled. When she spoke, her voice wavered. “I first came to Conviction the end of last year. I’ve known Frankie, the bartender at Buckie’s, since we were children. He helped me get a job as one of the, the…”
She bit her lower lip, eyes tearing. Setting down the cup, she swiped at the moisture, grateful Suzette didn’t push her. After a while, Maddy regained a little of her composure.
“The agreement was I’d serve drinks, talk to the customers, but not be required to take men upstairs. After a few weeks, I met Fletcher. He captivated me so much, I eventually took him upstairs. Fletcher was the only man I invited to my room.” Clasping hands in her lap, she cleared her throat. “He came in almost every night, played cards and drank whiskey before we’d go upstairs. Fletcher paid for all my time, not leaving until almost dawn. Frankie cautioned me to be careful, saying a MacLaren would never marry a saloon girl and Fletcher would have a hard time believing I didn’t share my bed with other men.” Her voice broke on the last. Drawing in a shaky breath, she forced out the rest. “Instead of taking Frankie’s advice, I fell in love with Fletcher, allowed myself to dream of a future with him. One night, Bram and Camden brought me a note from him. He thanked me for all the good times, but he’d left for Settlers Valley and didn’t plan to come back to Buckie’s when he returned to Conviction.” Watery eyes locked on Suzette. “It was over.”
Leaning forward, Suzette placed a hand on Maddy’s arm, allowing her to take all the time she needed before continuing.
Brushing away tears, Maddy clasped her hands together again. “I left for San Francisco the next morning. Without Fletcher, I couldn’t stay, knowing I’d never see him again. A few weeks later, I realized I carried his baby.”
“Is that why you came back to Conviction?”
Maddy nodded. “I had no other place to go and hoped he might, well…maybe he would want to know. I don’t expect him to marry me, but…”
Suzette’s eyes softened. “You hoped he’d offer.”
A bitter chuckle burst from her lips. “A silly fantasy. He doesn’t even believe the baby is his. And why would he? I never said or did anything to make him think otherwise.”
“You’ve had months to accept the pregnancy. Fletcher’s had a few days. I don’t know him well, but from what I’ve learned about the MacLarens, they’re men of honor. If he believes the child is his, he’ll do what’s right.” She squeezed Maddy’s arm. “You have to tell him the truth about your job at Buckie’s.”
Even though she knew Suzette was right, old uncertainties gripped her. What if he didn’t believe her? She couldn’t bear seeing doubt and regret in his eyes. Maddy needed to see passion and desire on his face, what she’d always experienced when he used to visit her at Buckie’s. She feared the hungry craving she’d anticipated may be gone forever, replaced with revulsion and disdain. If he walked away again, Maddy didn’t think she would survive. At least not emotionally.
“Would you like me to send a message to him, sayin
g you need to speak with him?”
Maddy’s gaze snapped to Suzette’s. “No.” Her chest heaved. “I mean, he needs to come on his own because he wants to learn more.”
Studying her a moment, Suzette nodded. “I understand. Let me know if you change your mind. Would you like more tea?”
Shaking her head, Maddy stood. “I’d like to go upstairs and rest before going to the restaurant. Thank you for the tea, and the conversation.”
Walking up the stairs, a wave of guilt flashed through her knowing she hadn’t told Suzette the entire truth. Not of the men following her, what they’d do when they found her, or the reason she’d fled Kansas so many months before. She didn’t want to think of the horror that would arise if they learned she’d come to Conviction.
And she wasn’t ready to face a future without Fletcher.
Circle M
Standing in the barn, Fletcher stared at the house where his father, Ewan, worked in his office. His cousins had encouraged him to speak with him, get his thoughts on Maddy and what he’d learned. At first, he’d thought they were right.
An hour after his cousins left the barn, he still hesitated, unconvinced talking to his father before seeing Maddy again was wise. He had questions, important ones, before he faced his da, a man who’d insist on answers before offering advice.
Emerging into a clear afternoon, he observed Bram and Camden working the same horse Fletcher had half-heartedly attempted to train earlier. They appeared to be making progress, a lot more than he’d achieved with his mind preoccupied with Maddy and the baby.
Taking long strides to the corral, he watched a few more minutes until Bram saw him and handed the rope to Camden.
“Have you made a decision, Fletch?”
Mouth forming a thin line, he nodded. “I’ll be riding to town when I’m done here. Speaking with Da will have to wait until I’ve more information from Maddy.” Removing his hat, he shredded fingers through his hair. “The lass seems convinced I’m the bairn’s da. How could she be so certain? I’ve not seen her in months. Any of the men she’d been with could be the da.”
Pushing his hat off his forehead, Bram considered what he knew. “Don’t be getting angry before you hear me out, lad.”
Fletcher’s brow furrowed. Crossing his arms, he leaned a shoulder against one of the rails, waiting. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m not certain Maddy is what she seems. Something about the lass doesn’t make sense.”
Fletcher had thought the same, but his brain was too cluttered with images of her swollen belly to think clearly. “What are you trying to say, Bram?”
“None of us ever saw the lass take another lad upstairs. Ranch hands I’ve played cards with swear she served drinks and nothing more. Until she met you, Fletch. Afterward, you were the only one she’d allow to accompany her to the second floor. The lads were pretty vocal about it.” Bram gave him an unsettling look. “According to Frankie, Maddy left town the morning after I gave her your note.”
“The lad seems to know a good deal about her.”
“Aye, Fletch, he does. I’m thinking there’s even more Frankie knows.” Shifting toward Camden, he grimaced when the horse reared back, almost clipping his cousin on the way down. “Watch yourself, Cam!” Bram shook his head, looking back at Fletcher. “I’ll be riding in with you. You talk with Maddy and I’ll be visiting Frankie.” Lips twisting in a wry manner, he locked his gaze on his cousin. “Do you love the lass?”
Scrubbing a hand down his face, Fletcher shrugged. He’d asked himself the same question for months, ever since leaving for Settlers Valley and continuing upon his return. The answer still confounded him. There was one thing he knew with certainty.
“If I’m convinced the bairn’s mine, I’ll be marrying the lass whether I love her or not.”
Bram studied his face a long time before nodding. “Aye, lad. I know you will.”
Conviction
Maddy felt a good deal better after taking a short nap. Not great, but much more rested than after speaking with Suzette. Explaining her relationship with Fletcher had been difficult and painful.
Relationship.
She wondered if he’d ever thought of them being together or if he just considered her a mere convenience, someone to satisfy his needs. Reminding herself of his terse note, she couldn’t fool herself any longer. Fletcher had seen her as no more than the soiled dove he perceived her to be, never looking further, never asking questions to satisfy his curiosity.
Their long talks consisted of stories of their childhood and little more. His had always been entertaining, generating laughter she hadn’t experienced in years. Fletcher helped her forget her past, the humiliations she’d endured, providing a joy she hadn’t known since well before leaving Kansas.
After putting up her hair, Maddy slipped into her chemise, skirt, and blouse, then slid into her black shoes. She had fifteen minutes to cross the short distance to the restaurant. Unlike the last few days, she looked forward to the job, not feeling the distress dogging her since Fletcher’s visit.
As had become a habit, she placed her right hand on the bannister, left hand on her stomach while descending the stairs. Suzette left mid-morning, the same as every day. Maddy didn’t know how the woman kept up the torturous pace of managing both the hotel and restaurant. Even with an assistant manager, the job consumed her, leaving Suzette little room for a life beyond work.
Grabbing a shawl, Maddy opened the door, giving a slight yelp at seeing Bay on the stoop. “Mr. Donahue. You startled me.”
He removed his hat. “Apologies, Madeleine.” His gaze moved over her, stopping on her stomach. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Um, Suzette isn’t here. She left for the hotel several hours ago.”
“Actually, I came by to speak with you. Do you have a few minutes before you leave?”
Glancing behind her into the house, Maddy hesitated a moment. “There’s no one else here. I’m not certain…” Her voice trailed off when she saw understanding register on Bay’s face.
“This won’t take long. We can stand in the entry and leave the door open.”
“Well, I suppose that would be all right.”
Opening the door wide, she moved a few feet inside. He followed, making certain anyone who looked inside would have no doubt they were involved in no more than conversation.
“I’ll get right to it. I need to know if you’re with child, Madeleine.”
She felt the blood drain from her face, her body swaying enough for Bay to reach out and steady her. Tilting his head, he didn’t let go until certain she wouldn’t faint.
“It seems my question surprised you.”
Maddy nodded, fear forming a knot in her stomach. “Well, yes. It did.”
He lifted a brow. “Well?”
Resigned, she let out a stuttering breath. “Yes, I am, Mr. Donahue.”
“Is that why you’re living with Suzette?”
Maddy felt her body begin to tremble, her hopes of continuing at the restaurant dissolving. “Yes, it is. Mrs. Baker doesn’t allow unmarried women in my condition to live at her boardinghouse. Suzette learned of it and offered me a room here.” Searching for courage, she lifted her chin. “Was that wrong of her?”
Ignoring the question, Bay continued. “You realize working at the restaurant more than a few more weeks isn’t possible.”
Swallowing her distress, she nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“How would you feel about taking a job in the kitchen when the time comes for you to move from the dining room?”
Eyes widening, a wary smile appeared. “I’d love to work in the kitchen.”
Bay almost chuckled at her enthusiasm. “It’s hard work, harder than in the dining room, but it would conceal your condition a little longer.”
“I don’t mind hard work.”
Satisfied, he nodded. “I’ll speak with Suzette today.” Clearing his throat, Bay opened his mouth to ask something else when the sound of boot
s pounding up the steps stopped him.
Looking through the open doorway, Maddy’s breath caught at the sight of Fletcher moving toward her.
Chapter Eleven
Fletcher’s steps faltered, seeing Bay standing inside with Maddy. Glancing between the two, his features hardened. “It seems I should be coming back another time.”
“No need, Fletch.” Bay held out his hand, which Fletcher grasped. “I wanted to speak with Madeleine about her work at the restaurant. We’re finished.” He looked at Maddy. “I’ll let you and Suzette decide the best time to make the change.”
The smile returned to her face. “Yes, sir. And thank you, Mr. Donahue.”
Her excitement at not losing her job faded when her gaze moved from Bay’s retreating back to Fletcher. Chest tightening, her face clouded with unease.
“Hello, Maddy.” He glanced behind him, making certain no one could overhear. “Would you be having time to talk?”
Hesitating, she shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m on my way to the restaurant.”
As if he didn’t hear her, Fletcher took a step closer. “I’ve questions, lass, and I’ll not be leaving until I have answers.”
“I know you need answers, but I can’t lose my job.” She heard the panic creep into her voice. “Please, Fletcher. I need the money for the baby.”
His expression clouded in anger. “Is the bairn mine?”
She stiffened, ignoring her humiliation. “Yes.”
“How can you be sure?”
Maddy shuddered, but refused to let his anger cower her. “I’ve been with two men. One who forced me long before I came to Conviction. The other one is you, Fletcher MacLaren.”
Pushing past him, she didn’t stop when he called after her, but came to an abrupt halt when he grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at him. Tears formed in her eyes as she tried to break his hold.
“Stop fighting me, Maddy.” He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. His throat tightened on the sound of her sobs. Rubbing a hand in circles over her back, he let her cry, ignoring those who moved past them. “We’ll be working this out, lass.” He relaxed when he felt her arms wrap around his waist.
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