Until she’d come to Circle M, he’d thought lust motivated him to spend time with her. Having Maddy at the ranch, knowing she carried his child, he accepted it was more. Fletcher wondered if it was love, if it always had been.
“Domino is already saddled. Are you feeling well enough to be taking a short ride?”
The first true smile she’d offered him in months lit her face. “I’d love to.”
“You stay here, lass. I’ll get your hat and let Ma know we’ll be leaving for a spell.”
Standing next to Snowflake, Maddy watched him leave, a deep, gnawing pain ripping through her at the love she felt for the handsome MacLaren. Blinking back tears, she steeled her resolve. Another man might be angry, unable to offer her a future. She reminded herself even if Fletcher never offered love, he’d keep her and their child safe.
Fletcher walked through the barn entrance, holding out her hat. “Here you are, lass. I’ll help you into the saddle.”
Settling the hat on her head, she lifted her skirt, placing a foot into his cupped hands. Her eyes widened at the effort it took to settle her added weight into the saddle, huffing out an excited breath as her hand closed around the reins.
“Are you ready, Maddy?”
So caught up in her excitement at being back atop Snowflake, she startled at his voice. “I’m ready.” Her breath caught at the quick smile he shot her.
Nodding, Fletcher swung up onto Domino, then clucked to get him moving, reining north as they left the barn. He kept the pace slow, allowing Snowflake to catch up. Glancing over, his mood improved at the smile on Maddy’s face. It had been a good decision to speak to his da and sister about the mare.
Kenzie had hesitated a moment at her brother’s request, but in the end, neither objected to giving Snowflake back to Maddy. His da and sister believed it to be the right decision. Seeing Maddy’s excitement, Fletcher had no doubt it was.
Riding past the last house, he reined right, toward the river.
“Where are we going?”
Fletcher’s mouth tilted into a grin. “To my favorite spot. It’s where I go when I’ve the need to be alone.”
“You won’t be alone if I’m with you.”
“Aye, lass. I’ve wanted to share this place with you for a long time.”
Maddy’s breath caught at his confession, brows knit in confusion. “You’ve thought of me?”
He considered lying, then changed his mind. Turning to look at her, he nodded. “I’ve thought of you many times, lass.”
She tried not to let his answer give her hope. To her knowledge, Fletcher had never lied to her, and he’d been clear about his feelings. Allowing her to share his private spot didn’t mean anything had changed.
Maddy didn’t respond to his comment, her gaze focused on the trail ahead. “How much farther?”
Fletcher didn’t let the way she ignored his comment hurt. What did he expect? She’d stay because it was her and the baby’s best option. Maddy would do whatever she must, even exist in a marriage devoid of love, to secure their child’s future. He knew she loved him, but doubted she’d ever express her love for him again. Not until he faced the truth and voiced it to her.
“The spot is around the bend up there.”
When they made the turn, he reined Domino to the right and into an opening, stopping a few feet from the river.
“Oh…” Maddy reined next to him, eyes wide. She took in the tiny pasture, tall elms, and the sound of flowing water. “This is beautiful, Fletch.”
Swinging to the ground, he tossed Domino’s reins over a branch before lifting his arms to help her down. The instant his hands clasped her waist, Fletcher knew letting her go would be hard. Slowing his movements, he slid her down his chest, hearing a sharp intake of breath at the same time her hands gripped his shoulders.
After longer than needed, Fletcher allowed her to slide lower until her shoes touched the ground. He looked down at Maddy, waiting several moments for her to meet his gaze, noting she hadn’t moved her hands from his shoulders.
When her eyes met his, a broad smile crossed his face at hearing her ragged breathing. The smile froze when she moistened her lips, squirming a little closer. His body responded even as his mind told him to let her go, move away before he did something more than just hold her.
“Are you planning to let me go, Fletch?” Maddy’s low voice trembled enough to let him know she wasn’t unaffected by his touch.
“Do you want me to, lass?”
Licking her lips again, she opened her mouth to speak, then shut it.
Lifting a brow, he moved his hands from Maddy’s waist to her back. “Lass?”
Biting her lower lip, she forced herself to remember the type of marriage they would have after the ceremony on Saturday. The joy of his touch vanished, forcing her to face reality. Letting her hands drop to his chest, she pushed.
“Yes, it would be best.”
Cocking his head to the side, he narrowed his eyes. “Best for who?”
“Both of us, Fletch.” Pushing a little harder, she stepped away when his hands moved from her back to his sides. She ignored the quick flash of disappointment on his face, refusing to allow her true feelings to show.
Turning away, Maddy took determined steps, reaching the river in a few strides. Resting both hands on her stomach, she scrutinized the rushing water, feigning more interest than she felt.
She still trembled from the way Fletcher helped her off Snowflake. His touch elicited memories of what it had been like before he left for Settlers Valley, how she’d fallen so hard for the tall, attractive rancher.
Maddy remembered the rush of excitement when she spotted him walking into Buckie’s each night, how much she missed Fletcher when he left her bed before dawn.
Staring at the rushing river, she also recalled how much it hurt to read his goodbye note. Even now she felt the pain, as if she’d been kicked by a mule. The message had been brief and unexpected. It had taken several hours to accept how little she meant to him.
Choking out a bitter laugh, she swiped a tear from her face at the thought she’d be marrying him in a few days. Over the last few days, she’d spent hours talking herself into going ahead with the union for the sake of their baby.
Standing alongside the riverbank, Maddy let out a resigned breath. She couldn’t...no, wouldn’t go through with it. She loved Fletcher too much to go through with the farce of a marriage.
Thinking through it, Maddy decided she had two solutions, neither good, but each better than participating in a marriage devoid of love. She could have the baby and ride away, leaving their child to the care of the MacLaren family. It would create the best future for the baby, but the worst possible option for her.
Or she could leave now. Fletcher would hate her for taking away his child, maybe try to find her. Eventually, though, he’d meet a woman he could love, marry, and build a life with. At some point, he’d realize Maddy’s leaving had been the best for him.
“Maddy?”
She felt his arms wrap around her waist from behind, his hands resting over hers, which remained splayed across her stomach. An instant later, she felt his breath brush across her ear a moment before he pressed a kiss to her neck. Closing her eyes, Maddy allowed herself to enjoy the feel of his lips against her skin, wishing it meant as much to him as it did to her.
“Are you all right, lass?”
No, she wanted to shout. Instead, she said what he expected. “I’m fine. Your private spot is beautiful, Fletch. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
Lifting his head, he pressed another kiss against her hair. “I’ll be sharing everything with you, lass. Whatever it is you’ll be needing is yours. What’s mine will belong to you, Maddy.” Tugging her closer to his chest, he looked beyond her, enjoying the same view as had captivated the woman in his arms.
“I wish…” Maddy’s voice trailed off, stopping herself from revealing too much, exposing the love exploding within her.
“What do you
wish, lass?”
Shaking her head, she turned in his arms, stepping away. “We should be getting back to the ranch. I need to help with the plans for Saturday.”
Fletcher held out his hand, which she accepted. “We’ve time to sit for a few minutes before leaving.” Tugging her a couple feet closer to the edge of the water, he helped her sit down before settling beside her. “This is where I sit when I’ve thinking to do.” Reaching out, he plucked a few strands of grass, tossing them one at a time into the river.
Watching him, a measure of peace washed over her. “What do you think about?”
He shrugged. “The ranch, the future, and you, lass.”
Eyes growing wide, she let out a surprised breath. “You thought about me?”
Glancing over at her, he frowned. “Aye.”
“Because of the baby?”
Studying her face, he cocked his head. “You and the bairn. I’ve not been able to think about you without wondering how I’ll do as a husband and a da.” Looking back at the river, he rested his arms across bent knees. “I’ve been watching Brodie and Colin with their laddies, and I’m concerned I’ll never be as good with our bairn.”
Maddy’s jaw dropped a little at his confession. She’d always thought of him as a confident, proud, and somewhat arrogant rancher, a man who could intimidate anyone with a look or make a fast friend with his charming smile. The man sitting next to her exuded insecurity, something she didn’t quite know how to handle. She placed a hand on his arm.
“You’ll make a wonderful father, Fletch. I believe you’ll be even better than Brodie or Colin, and they’re the best.” Whatever else she planned to say stuck in her throat at the sound of gunfire.
Jumping to his feet, Fletcher held out his hand, helping her stand. “We need to be hurrying, lass.” He led them to the horses, lifting her into the saddle. “The gunfire came from the north. We’re riding south. We’ve got to warn the others.”
They rode fast, her mind racing at the same pace as her mare. Her heart sank with the truth of what she had to do. Maddy would miss Fletcher. She’d miss the entire MacLaren family, but she couldn’t stay. Sitting next to him, wishing for so much more than he could give was slowly killing her. A marriage wouldn’t solve anything. Her decision wouldn’t make sense to most people. It did to her.
Maddy would leave in the morning, and she knew exactly where she’d go.
Chapter Nineteen
Slowing in front of the barn, Fletcher jumped to the ground, helping Maddy off Snowflake before turning toward the house. Ewan rushed outside, Lew right behind him. Fletcher didn’t miss the way Maddy’s steps faltered at the sight of the second man.
“We’ve a problem, lad. This is Lew Quick. He’s the man who brought Maddy to the ranch.” Ewan glared at Lew. “He used to ride with Dob Colbert.”
Fletcher pulled back the hand he’d intended to offer to Lew. “Colbert?” He shot a look at Lew, then at Maddy. “I’ll be thanking you for bringing Maddy to me, but why are you here now?”
Ewan spoke first. “He’s here to be warning us about Colbert and his plans.”
Placing fisted hands on his hips, Fletcher glared at Lew. “What plans?”
Crossing his arms, Ewan nodded at Maddy. “Get the lass inside and we’ll talk.”
Fletcher hadn’t noticed how she stood behind him until he felt her hand rest against his back. The touch said a great deal. She either feared or didn’t like Lew, which bothered Fletcher a lot. Glancing down, he noticed her other hand on her stomach in a protective gesture.
“Come on, lass.” Taking her hand, he led her into the house. Once inside, he turned her toward him. “You know the lad.” It wasn’t a question.
She winced, the color draining from her face. “Yes. He rode with the gang while my father was still alive.”
Pulling Maddy down the hall, his eyes narrowed on her. “Why don’t you like him?” His jaw clenched. He thought he knew the reason, but wanted to hear it from her.
Clasping her hands together, she shot a furtive glance toward the front door. The muscles in her face tightened. She didn’t look at him.
Using his thumb and forefinger, he lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. “Maddy, what about the lad worries you?” Again, he waited, becoming impatient. “We’ll not be leaving the hall until you tell me.”
Closing her eyes, she sucked in a deep breath, swallowing the knot of shame. “He, um…” She bit her lower lip, shaking her head slightly. “Lew…” Her throat squeezed.
Lowering his voice, Fletcher stroked her cheek. “Is he the one?”
She didn’t have to ask what he meant. Wincing, she nodded. “Yes.”
The instant the word left her mouth, she regretted telling him. His face colored to an angry red, nostrils flaring, a muscle in his jaw pulsing. Fury building, he started to turn away, stopping when she gripped his arm.
“No. I need to explain. Please don’t do anything until you hear what happened.” Her panicked gaze met his angry one.
“Fletcher?” Ewan’s voice broke the tension long enough for Fletcher to gain a measure of control.
“We’ll be finishing this talk, lass.”
Letting out a shuddering breath, she nodded. “Promise me you won’t do anything until I explain, Fletch. Please.”
“Ach. There you are, lad. Come into the study.”
Fletcher waited until Ewan walked away before glaring down at Maddy. “I’ll be waiting until we talk, lass. I’ll be expecting the truth.” Leaning down, he brushed a kiss across her lips before leaving for the study.
Watching him leave, she felt another wave of confusion. He claimed to not love her, but Fletcher’s actions often said something else. Maddy closed her eyes, rubbing her temples. She hoped his meeting with Ewan and Lew lasted long enough for her to prepare what she’d tell Fletcher. After his reaction, she had to be careful what she said. It wouldn’t do to have her baby’s father arrested for murder. Especially when his older brother was the sheriff.
Fletcher took a seat across the desk from Ewan and next to Lew. He had a chance to study the man for a few moments when he entered the study, doing his best to contain his anger.
Lew wasn’t bad looking. He appeared to be in his thirties, older than Fletcher expected. He had so many questions, but he’d stay quiet until Maddy explained, and he’d keep his temper under control.
“Lew came here to warn us about Colbert. He’s working with another gang, rustling cattle and horses.” Ewan narrowed his gaze on Fletcher. “He’s also wanting Maddy.”
A harsh curse left Fletcher’s lips as he shot to his feet. “Why Maddy?”
“She’s seen too much and can recognize everyone in the gang.”
Lew’s calm voice irritated Fletcher to the point he cursed again. Settling fisted hands on his hips, he walked to where Lew sat, glaring down at him.
“Why didn’t you tell Da about Colbert when you brought Maddy here?”
Standing, Lew faced him, not intimidated by the anger rolling off Fletcher or the murderous look in his eyes. “I’m telling you now. Are you ready to hear all of it, or do you need time to settle down?”
Fletcher’s jaw clenched. He wanted to grab the miscreant by the collar and slam him against the wall. Instead, he took a few slow breaths and crossed his arms. “Go ahead.”
Lew gave a curt nod and sat down. “Not long ago, Dob rode with his brother, Byron—Maddy’s father. They got along well enough, but Dob wanted to lead the gang without interference from his older brother. He forced an argument, knowing Byron would fight him.” Lew took a sip of the whiskey Ewan handed him. “Byron had Dob on his back, landing blows to his face. Not enough to leave real damage, but Dob didn’t see it that way.” His jaw worked as he thought about what to say next. “Byron was a better leader, but Dob had brought most of the men together. After a quick nod at one of his most loyal men, Byron fell away from two shots in the back. He died within seconds.” Lew looked at Fletcher. “Maddy saw it all.”
Scrubbing a hand over his face helped muffle a long string of curses. After a few moments, Fletcher’s hard gaze bored into Lew. “What’s the rest?”
“Byron’s wife killed herself a week later, leaving Maddy alone. There’s an older brother, but he took off a long time ago. He hasn’t been heard from since. Dob made life miserable for Maddy, threatening her, forcing her to cook meals for all of us and wash our clothes. I did what I could to protect her, but…” Lew glanced away, unable to voice the worst of what happened to Maddy. “She rode off one night. We’ve been chasing her ever since.”
“If the lass hasn’t gone to the law yet, why keep chasing her?” Ewan asked.
“She knows all our faces, names, backgrounds, and what jobs we’ve pulled. Right now, there aren’t any wanted posters out on us, and Dob means to keep it that way by killing anyone who can identify us.”
Fletcher’s brows drew together. “But everyone knows of the Colbert gang. I’m not understanding why there are no wanted posters.”
“A man who served with Dob during the war thought he recognized us robbing a stagecoach he was on. He talked to a reporter who published the story. Other papers ran the story, too.” He snorted. “It wasn’t us. The men who did rob the stage were caught and hanged, but the story stuck. The law wouldn’t put out wanted posters on men who hadn’t committed the crime.”
Fletcher rubbed a hand over his forehead. “How long has Colbert been chasing Maddy?”
Lew let out a long breath, shaking his head. “Going on two years. That gal’s been through hell. Meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to her. And I can tell you, if she says she was never with another man in the saloon, she wasn’t. Maddy can’t lie worth spit.”
Fletcher wanted to say something else about her being with one other man, but promised Maddy he’d get the story from her first. Knowing the man was Lew, it took all his willpower to not haul him up by his neck and give him what he deserved.
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