“Rustling MacLaren cattle provides some bonus money for Colbert. As far as I know, he doesn’t know Maddy’s here. But I know Dob. He’ll be scouting out this place for days before he joins with the other gang to take the herd. If he spots Maddy, he won’t hesitate to take her. The fact she’s pregnant won’t matter, either. The man will shoot anyone, including women and children. With Maddy, though, he’ll draw out her death as long as possible. He enjoys seeing people suffer.”
Fletcher leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. “But the lass is his niece.”
Lew barked out a mirthless laugh. “Dob doesn’t care about them being related. Hell, he ordered the death of his own brother. Besides, he never took to Maddy or her mother.”
The room went silent, each man considering what to do next. Fletcher knew what he wanted to do, doubting Maddy would agree to stay inside the house until they were certain Colbert had left the area or been killed. Fletcher hoped for the second.
“What do you want to do, Da?”
Ewan scratched his chin, his gaze wandering to stare out the window. “I should be talking to Ian, but the lad’s in Sacramento to finalize another order.”
“We can’t be waiting on this, Da.”
“Aye, we can’t. Fletch, you’ll be talking to Maddy. Make the lass understand she’ll be needing to stay in the house for a while.”
“She won’t be liking it.”
Ewan chuckled. “Nae, the lass won’t. But she’s carrying your bairn, living in the house, and she’ll be doing what’s needed to keep both of them safe.”
Fletcher nodded. “Aye, Da. I’ll be talking to her as soon as we’re done.”
“All right.” Ewan stood, walking around his desk to lean against it. “This is what we’ll be needing to do.”
Maddy sat on the bed, hands clasped in her lap. Her few belongings either hung in the wardrobe or had been folded and placed in the dresser. The old, well-used hair brush lay on the vanity alongside the mirror her mother gave her when she turned sixteen. Everything she owned took up little space in this room, second only to Suzette’s as the cleanest and nicest place she’d ever lived. After Saturday, she’d be moving all of it across the hall into Fletcher’s room.
She stilled at the thought. Would she be here on Saturday or back in town at Suzette’s? She’d planned to leave in the morning. The thought brought a sharp pain to her heart, causing enough agony to force Maddy to reconsider her decision to run. Then she thought of the visitor downstairs.
Why had Lew come to Circle M today? Whatever the reason, she knew it couldn’t be good.
A soft knock preceded Fletcher joining her. “How are you feeling, lass?”
A little sore from the ride, exhausted, worried about the reason Lew rode out. “I’m fine. What did Lew have to say?”
Sitting next to her, he took Maddy’s hand in his. “It’s not something you’re going to be liking.”
She choked out a humorless laugh. “I didn’t think he rode all this way to meet you, Fletcher.”
He shook his head. “Nae, he didn’t.” Fletcher shifted to face her. “Dob Colbert is looking for you.”
“Yes, I know.”
His eyes widened a little before he continued. “Colbert is working with a gang of rustlers who’ve been raiding in this region. They already stole from us and are determined to do it again. Lew is certain Dob will be scouting our ranch, the houses, barns, and corrals, for several days before they strike.” He watched as her features changed, understanding coming slowly. “You’ll need to be staying in the house until we catch or kill him, lass.”
She sucked in an unhurried breath, a slight frown pulling down the corners of her mouth. “What about the wedding?”
Fletcher massaged the back of his neck, lips pursed. “We’ll have it inside. I’ll not be putting it off any longer, lass. By Saturday evening, you’ll be my wife.”
His wife. It should’ve brought a jolt of excitement. Instead, a surge of disappointment wrapped around her, squeezing until her chest hurt. “All right, Fletch.”
Something in her voice had him leaning forward to study her face, seeing a sadness he hadn’t expected. “Maddy—”
She jumped up, pulling her hand from his. “I’d best go let your mother know.” She moved to the door. “The wedding will need to be smaller.” Gripping the knob, she pulled the door open. “Less food, less people…” Stepping into the hall, the bravado she worked so hard to keep in place faltered, her throat constricting. “I…” Swallowing, she shook her head before shutting the door, leaving Fletcher staring after her.
Fletcher started to say something, stopping when Maddy shut the door. Jaw dropping, he couldn’t move. The woman whose spark, easy laugh, and challenging manner had captivated him from the first night they’d met had disappeared. Instead, those qualities had been replaced with a sullen sadness that cut straight through him.
Following her downstairs, he heard female voices and headed to the kitchen. Standing in the doorway, he waited until Maddy noticed him, his narrowed gaze locking with hers. He didn’t look away when he spoke to his mother.
“Did Maddy tell you about the changes needed?”
Lorna took a step toward him. “Aye, and we’ll be having the wedding in the house. There’s no need to be worrying, lad. We’ve time to make changes.”
Bending down, he kissed his mother’s cheek before locking his gaze on Maddy once again. Walking to her, Fletcher gripped her hand.
“If you won’t be needing Maddy for a while, I’d like to speak with her.”
Lorna waved a hand in the air. “Go on with you. I’ll send Kenzie to get Kyla, Audrey, and Gail,” she answered, mentioning the other three aunts. “Maddy, did you and Emma write the list of what’s needed in town?”
She pulled on Fletcher’s hand, forcing him to stop walking out of the kitchen. Glaring up at him, she glanced back at Lorna. “Yes, ma’am. She’ll be going to town in the morning.”
“Ach, that doesn’t give the lass much time to finish your dress, but it’ll have to do.” Lorna turned back to the stove.
“Come on, lass.” Fletcher tugged on her hand, leading Maddy through the living room and down the hall to one of the guest rooms. Leaving the door open, he ushered her inside, pointing to a chair.
Crossing his arms, he stared down at her. “You need to tell me what’s going on in your mind, lass.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Pulling the other chair next to hers, he sat down. “You’re not happy, lass. I’m wanting to know why.” He didn’t lean closer, didn’t reach for her hand. “And don’t be lying to me.”
Maddy’s heart pounded so hard, she felt certain Fletcher could hear it. She had a decision to make and no time to assure it would be a good one. Ignoring the regret clawing at her, she met his gaze. The time had come for her to say what haunted her heart.
“You don’t love me, Fletch. Your offer to marry me is honorable, and I appreciate it. The truth is I’m not interested in a marriage without love.” She gripped her hands together until the knuckles turned white. “I’m sorry, Fletch, but it’s too hard being in love with you knowing you’ll never feel the same.”
Tilting his head back, he stared at the ceiling. Chest heaving, Fletcher tried to find a way to convince her marrying him wouldn’t be as bad as she expected. But he’d spoken the same words several times, doing his best to change her mind. He’d succeeded for a few days. Now he understood the decision broke her heart.
“I need more time, lass.” Fletcher wasn’t sure where the words came from or why he spoke them.
Her sad eyes met his. “More time?”
This time, he reached over and took her hand in his. “You’re important to me, lass. You and the bairn.”
Squeezing his hand, she gave him a pleading look. “How would you feel if you did love me and I wasn’t able to return your love?”
He didn’t hesitate. “I’d not be liking it. I’d also not be liking you leaving. Giv
e me time, lass. Time to figure out how I feel.”
Desperation laced her features. “You’ve had enough time. Don’t you see? We could have an amicable marriage, live in quiet acceptance, and never experience real love.”
Fletcher’s head began to spin. She’d said the same so many times, Fletcher started to believe she might be right.
“I also understand marrying a former saloon girl would be a significant blow to your pride.”
His features hardened. “Pride?”
Closing her eyes for an instant, she let out a frustrated breath, pulling her hand from his. “You’re a proud man, Fletcher. The MacLaren family is well-respected. Marrying me won’t help your image.”
He exploded. “My image means nothing to me. I’ll not be letting you think less of yourself because you worked in a saloon.” Standing, he paced a few feet away before turning back toward her.
Her mouth dropped open. “But—”
“Nae, lass. I’m no longer worried about what others think.” He blew out a breath. “You’re the only lass I want. Now and forever.” Walking back to her, he knelt, taking both her hands in his. “Don’t be leaving, Maddy.”
Chapter Twenty
Maddy pulled the covers under her chin, staring at the ceiling. Her mind had been fighting sleep for hours, long enough for her body to ache and head to throb. No matter how hard she tried, Maddy couldn’t get Fletcher’s words out of her thoughts.
His beseeching look and sincerity in his voice melted her resistance. Something else also struck her. Fletcher did love her. He may not know it, fought to accept it, but Maddy heard it in his voice, saw it in his eyes. Leaving would destroy any chance he’d figure out how he felt, and Maddy couldn’t think of anything she wanted more.
Before Fletcher left her yesterday to return to work in the corral, he’d asked Maddy to think about what he’d said. He also requested an answer the next day. She didn’t need the time, but kept the knowledge to herself. Maddy had already made the easy decision not to leave Circle M—not when she knew in her heart Fletcher loved her. The idea made her feel giddy, the troubles of the past fading away, if only for a short time.
Maddy had also decided to shift her reason for staying to something else. She wouldn’t tell Fletcher the truth. Instead, she’d blame Colbert. With him and his gang searching for her, moving back to Suzette’s would put her friend in danger. Maddy refused to bring any harm to the lone friend she’d made since returning to Conviction. It wasn’t a lie, but not the entire truth.
Huffing out a breath, Maddy glanced out the window, impatient for the sun to rise. She guessed at least two more hours remained before light filtered into her bedroom. Two long hours before she’d dress and head downstairs to help Lorna with breakfast. Unless…
Throwing off the covers, she hurried to slip into her clothes. Maddy knew Fletcher wouldn’t approve of what she planned. In fact, he’d be furious, thinking she’d be putting herself in danger. Maddy knew better.
Almost nothing could get Colbert and his men out of their bedrolls before sunrise. If she rushed, Maddy could ride for an hour and get back before anyone would miss her, including Fletcher.
Grabbing her coat, she carefully opened the door, peeking into the hallway. Empty. Creeping down the stairs, she hurried out the front door. By the time Maddy reached the barn, her breath came in short pants. Pausing a moment, she continued to Snowflake’s stall and winced. That was when she comprehended saddling the mare could be a real problem. Pursing her lips, Maddy squared her shoulders.
Refusing to let being six months pregnant prevent her from the ride she so desperately desired, Maddy removed the saddle and blanket from the rack. It took longer than usual, but with a great deal of effort, she completed the task.
It took three attempts before she settled into the saddle. Shoving aside the exhaustion already moving through her, Maddy guided the mare out of the barn and looked around. Seeing no one, she headed north, straight for Fletcher’s special spot.
Dragging a hand down his face, Fletcher stood at his bedroom window, glad to see clear skies. He hadn’t slept well, getting maybe three hours of sleep, and wondered if Maddy fared any better. A loud knock had him crossing his room to open the door, surprised to see Quinn in the hall.
“You’ve a problem, lad.”
Fletcher’s brows drew into a confused frown. “What problem?”
Shoving one hand into a pocket, Quinn pointed down the stairs with his other hand. “Maddy rode north a few minutes ago. I would’ve gone after her, but—”
Fletcher’s roared curse interrupted him.
Quinn stayed in the hall, watching Fletcher slip into his pants and shirt, then pull on his boots. Grabbing his hat, he pushed past Quinn.
“Thane’s saddling Domino for you.”
Pausing at the top of the stairs, Fletcher glanced over his shoulder. “Thanks, lad.” Bounding down the stairs, he heard Quinn right behind him.
“Thane’s also saddling Warrior. I’ll be coming with you, Fletch.”
They didn’t talk again before taking the reins and swinging into their saddles. Kicking the horses, they galloped north, Fletcher having a good idea of Maddy’s destination.
“Where are we going, lad?”
Glancing at Quinn, his jaw clenched for a moment before he answered. “I’ve a spot along the river. I took Maddy there a few days ago.”
“The lass liked it.”
“Aye.” What Fletcher didn’t understand was why she rode off knowing Colbert and his men searched for her.
Neither slowed their pace, riding low in their saddles as Fletcher took the trail which ended at the river. He began to relax as they got closer. Spotting Snowflake through the trees, he let out a relieved breath.
Slowing, Quinn glanced at him. “I know you’re angry, lad.”
Fletcher gritted his teeth. “Aye.”
“You’ll need to be keeping it under control. At least until you hear why the lass rode out here alone.”
Sucking in a deep breath, Fletcher did his best to heed Quinn’s suggestion. It was hard. His heart still pounded, chest squeezing with the fear plaguing him during the ride. It had faded some, but the other emotions hung on, even if he couldn’t quite define what they were.
Approaching the clearing, they saw Maddy sitting next to the river. Snowflake neighed as Domino and Warrior got closer, getting her attention.
Fletcher saw the instant she recognized them. Her eyes went wide, the color draining from her face.
Good, he thought as he reined his horse to a stop next to Snowflake.
“Keep your temper, lad,” Quinn reminded him, deciding to stay with the horses.
Placing fisted hands on his hips, Fletcher drew in a deep breath to calm his irritation. “I’ll be doing fine, Quinn.”
Chuckling, he reached into his saddlebag, withdrawing a canteen and taking a sip. “Aye, but I’m still staying.”
A wry grin crossed Fletcher’s face. “Thanks, lad. I’ll be making this quick.”
“Do what’s needed. You’ve plenty of time.”
By the time Fletcher started for the river, Maddy had begun taking slow steps toward him. Her face was still pale, fear radiating from her eyes. He stopped, letting her come to him, allowing himself another minute to contain his waning anger.
“Lass.”
She glanced at the ground before meeting his gaze. “Fletcher.”
“Are you all right?”
Biting her lip, she nodded. “I’m fine.”
Cupping her elbow, Fletcher guided Maddy away from Quinn. Turning her toward him, he rested his hands on her waist.
“You scared me, lass.”
“I’m sorry. I just, well…”
“What, Maddy?”
The corners of her mouth slid up the slightest amount. “I couldn’t sleep and decided to take a short ride. And before you yell at me, I did think about Dob and his men. I’ve never known them to rise before dawn.”
“So riding out in the
dark seemed safe to you, lass?”
The bravado she’d felt earlier disappeared under his intense glare. “You’re right. After our talk last night, I needed to get away from everyone…even you.”
A new wave of fear began in Fletcher’s gut. Shoving aside the doubt tearing at him, he tightened his grip on her waist. “Did getting away help?”
She placed her hands on his arms, nodding. “If it’s still all right, I’d like to stay.”
He couldn’t contain his relieved breath, or the broad smile breaking across his face. “Aye, it’s more than all right.” Fletcher moved his arms around her, drawing her close. “So you’ll be marrying me, lass?”
Maddy laughed. “I love you and absolutely will marry you.”
Dob, Ross, and another of his men watched from a safe distance away, a sneer on Colbert’s face. His decision to scout Circle M in the early morning had been a good one. He hadn’t expected to find Maddy, but couldn’t have been more pleased.
Ross stared through his field glasses. “She’s pregnant, boss.”
Dob held out his hand, taking the glasses to confirm what Ross said. “It doesn’t matter. We’ll be going ahead with our plan. Nothing’s changed.”
“I don’t know, boss. Murdering a woman is one thing. Killing a pregnant woman is something different. It just doesn’t sit well with me.”
Dob’s narrowed gaze bored into Ross’s. “You know what doesn’t sit well with me?”
Ross shook his head.
“Leaving her alive to talk to the law. She knows our names, faces, and how we work. That knowledge is dangerous for us.”
“Lew knows the same,” Ross countered.
“And he’ll be the next to fall. I don’t intend to leave either of them alive when we ride out.”
The third man, who’d stayed quiet until now, pointed toward the three riders. “They’re heading back to the ranch, boss. Do you want to follow them?”
Dob rubbed his jaw, watching the three make their way along the trail. “No. We know Maddy’s there. All I need to do now is keep watch on the place until most of the men are gone. That’ll be our chance to take her.”
Fletcher's Pride Page 17
