by R. C. Ryan
“What’s this?”
“Luke brought them.”
Ingrid looked up to see him standing at the top of the hill, dressed in a white shirt and string tie, his freshly cut hair slightly mussed, his smile causing her heart to start those funny little flips.
“Now remember,” Lily said, enjoying her role immensely. “I go in front of you. Just follow me, okay?”
Ingrid couldn’t stop the smile that curved her lips. “Okay.”
They walked slowly up the hill until they came to the spot where the minister stood in front of their mother’s grave, where a pretty stone marker had been added.
Flanking the minister was the entire Malloy family.
As she’d been instructed, Lily took the flowers from her sister’s hand and crossed over to stand next to the others. Mick kissed Ingrid’s cheek and then placed her hand on Luke’s arm before stepping aside.
Instead of turning toward the minister, Luke closed a hand over hers and stared down into her eyes. “The words we’re about to say will make it legal. But I want you to know I’ve been yours since I woke up on that lumpy sofa and got my first look at you. If ever a woman grabbed my heart and owned it, it’s you, babe.”
Ingrid blinked back the tears that had welled up out of nowhere to embarrass her yet again. “I love you so much, Luke Malloy, it scares me.”
He draped one strong arm around her shoulders and gave her that famous smile. “After what we’ve been through, nothing should ever scare you again, woman. Now let’s do this together.”
Together.
The very word had her lifting her head and turning with him to face the minister.
As Rev. Townsend led them through their vows, Ingrid and Luke couldn’t stop smiling and staring into each other’s eyes.
Afterward, as they accepted congratulations from the family and hugged and kissed each one, they floated on a cloud toward the house and the lovely lunch prepared by Mick and Yancy.
They were sipping champagne, after yet another toast, when Lily approached with a tissue-wrapped package.
“Want to open my gift?”
As Luke and Ingrid began tearing off the wrapping, Lily said, “It was going to be your birthday present. And now, since you got married on your birthday, I wanted it to be for both of you.”
They studied the framed photograph of a herd of mustangs grazing in a mountain meadow. Several mares had their foals beside them. The stallion stood watch on a rocky promontory, like a king surveying his kingdom. The entire scene was perfectly captured.
“Now that’s just about as professional as it gets, Li’l Bit.”
At Luke’s words of praise, the little girl beamed. “Gram Gracie showed me how to”—she hesitated, then repeated the lesson she’d learned from Grace—“frame a shot so that all the elements are in proportion.”
“Spoken like an apt pupil.” Luke dropped a kiss to her cheek.
Ingrid gathered her close and kissed the top of her head. “I love this. And when Luke and I build our house, this will have the place of honor. And someday, I’ll brag to everyone about my little sister who became a world-famous photographer.”
Lily was fairly bursting with pride. “Is it all right if I go on a safari with Gram Gracie and Grandpa Frank while you and Luke are away?”
Ingrid glanced at Grace before saying, “Honey, we’ll only be gone for a few days. But I think a photographic safari would be just the thing.”
With her fist pumping the air, Lily hurried inside. A short time later she emerged, wearing jeans and a T-shirt and carrying her backpack.
Luke shook his head before leaning toward Ingrid. “And you were worried she might miss you. You think she’s just a tad impatient to get started?”
Ingrid gave him a blinding smile. “She’s not the only one.”
Inside, Yancy and Mick finished up the last of the cleanup before loading the serving dishes into boxes they stored in the back of a truck.
With hugs all around, the family began the drive back to the Malloy Ranch.
When they were alone, Luke and Ingrid stood awhile, sipping the last of the champagne and watching the sun dip below the hills.
Luke framed her face with his hands for a long, leisurely kiss. “Ready to change and start on our fancy honeymoon?”
With a laugh, she led him inside. A short time later, dressed in faded denims and T-shirts, they climbed aboard his motorcycle and headed toward the hills.
“First stop, the stream,” he called over his shoulder. With a roar of engines, he shouted, “And I promise, no matter who reaches the water first, I’ll scrub your back.”
“And after that?”
“Probably wild sex.”
“Promise?”
“You bet. And then we’re going to wander like tumbleweeds. Stop whenever we want. Make love as late as we please. Babe, as long as we’re together, it doesn’t matter where life takes us.”
Ingrid wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face to his shoulder. As the wind took her hair, Nadine’s face appeared in her mind, and her tears mingled with her laughter.
Oh, Mama, she thought. We all had such a rough road. But I’m leaving the past behind and starting the first day of the rest of my life.
As they soared and dipped, her laughter grew. Who would have ever believed that a bearded stranger, who’d looked more like a shaggy beast than a rancher, would turn into her Prince Charming?
With this wild, unpredictable rogue in her life, she was absolutely certain she would never again be sad or afraid or lonely. For with Luke Malloy, all of life would surely be the adventure of a lifetime.
Ranch Chili (Mick’s Fire)
3 pounds sirloin—cubed
1 large onion chopped
3 jalapeno peppers stemmed, seeded, chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled, crushed
6 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
Salt
Pepper
3 large tomatoes peeled, seeded, chopped
1 can beer
2 ounces tequila
4 cups beef stock
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over high heat. Add meat and stir until no longer pink. Lower heat to medium and add onions, peppers, garlic, and chili powder. Stir several minutes before adding cumin, salt, and pepper. Add tomatoes and stir. Add beer, tequila, and beef stock and simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the meat is fork tender.
Serve with bowls of chopped green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, and thick slices of sourdough bread.
Cowboys love it.
You will, too.
Also by R. C. Ryan
Montana Legacy
Montana Destiny
Montana Glory
Quinn
Josh
Jake
The Maverick of Copper Creek
The Rebel of Copper Creek
The Legacy of Copper Creek
Matt
RAVES FOR R. C. RYAN’S NOVELS
MATT
“With tough, sexy cowboys set against the beautiful, rural landscape of Montana, Ryan’s latest is a must-read.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Touching and romantic…Readers will eagerly anticipate future installments.”
—Publishers Weekly
THE LEGACY OF COPPER CREEK
“Solidly written romance. Rich, layered, vulnerable characters in Whit and Cara, coupled with strong chemistry and intense heat between them, proves Ryan does the contemporary Western love story well.”
—RT Book Reviews
“What a perfect ending to a series…I love this story.”
—SillyMelody.blogspot.com
“If you’re looking to lose yourself in a fictional family that will steal your heart and pull you into the thick of things, this is the book for you. Copper Creek is where a wayward soul can find a home and have all their dreams come true.”
—MommysaBookWhore.com
THE REBEL OF COPPER CR
EEK
“A winner. Ryan writes with a realism that brings readers deep into the world she’s created. The characters all have an authenticity that touches the heart.”
—RT Book Reviews
“An awesome story.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
THE MAVERICK OF COPPER CREEK
“Ryan’s storytelling is tinged with warmth and down-to-earth grit. Her authentic, distinctive characters will get to the heart of any reader. With a sweet plot infused with family love, a fiery romance, and a bit of mystery, Ryan does not disappoint.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Full of sexy cowboys and a Western feel that is undeniable…A well-written, fun story that I really enjoyed.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
JAKE
“A must-read…cozy enough to make you want to venture into the Wild West and find yourself a cowboy…And if you haven’t read a Western romance before, R. C. Ryan is where you should start.”
—ReviewsbyMolly.com
“Wonderful characters who quickly find a way into your heart…a glorious picture of the West from one of my favorite authors.”
—FreshFiction.com
JOSH
“There’s plenty of hot cowboys, action, and romance in this heady mix of a series that will leave you breathless.”
—Parkersburg News and Sentinel (WV)
“A powerfully emotional tale that will connect with readers…Love a feel-good cowboy romance with a touch of suspense? Then pick up Josh.”
—RomRevToday.com
QUINN
“Ryan takes readers to Big Sky country in a big way with her vivid visual dialogue as she gives us a touching love story with a mystery subplot. The characters, some good and one evil, will stay with you long after the book is closed.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Engaging…Ryan paints a picturesque image of the rugged landscape and the boisterous, loving, close-knit Conway family.”
—Publishers Weekly
MONTANA GLORY
“These not-to-be-missed books are guaranteed to warm your heart!”
—FreshFiction.com
“Wonderful romantic suspense tale starring a courageous heroine who is a lioness protecting her cub and a reluctant knight in shining armor…a terrific taut thriller.”
—GenreGoRoundReviews.blogspot.com
MONTANA DESTINY
“5 stars!…R. C. Ryan delivers an ongoing, tantalizing mystery suspense with heartwarming romance. Sinfully yummy!”
—HuntressReviews.com
“Ryan’s amazing genius at creating characters with heartfelt emotions, wit, and passion is awe-inspiring.”
—TheRomanceReadersConnection.com
MONTANA LEGACY
A Cosmopolitan “Red Hot Read”
“A captivating start to a new series.”
—BookPage
“Heart-melting sensuality…this engaging story skillfully refreshes a classic trilogy pattern and sets the stage for the stories to come.”
—Library Journal
The town’s resident ladies’ man, Reed Malloy, is always on the hunt for his next conquest. But when Reed meets beautiful Ally Shaw and her adorable son, Kyle, this wild cowboy aches to settle down…
A preview of
Reed
follows.
Prologue
Glacier Ridge, Montana—Twenty Years Ago
Hey now, Frank.” Burke Cowley, white-haired foreman at the Malloy Ranch, caught his boss, Francis X. Malloy, storming out of the big, sprawling ranch house shared by four generations.
From the look on Frank’s face, it was the final straw in a winter that had been filled with tragedy, with the shocking accident on a snowy road that had taken the life of his son, Patrick, and Patrick’s beautiful wife, Bernadette, leaving three sons without their loving parents.
“Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Reed’s missing.”
“What do you mean, missing?”
“Yancy called him down for supper, and he never answered. Matt and Luke went looking for him. So did Gracie. They searched the house while Colin and I went through the barns. He’s nowhere to be found. Colin said the last time he saw Reed he was saddling up old Nell, but that was hours ago. Damned fool kid said he just wanted to be left alone. Colin thinks he was heading up to the range shack on the North Ridge, since that’s the last place Reed spent with his pa.”
“And Colin couldn’t stop him?”
“He tried. You know how hotheaded Reed can be. He dug his heels into Nell’s rump, and that horse took off like it had a burr under the saddle.”
“Hold on. You’re not thinking about heading up there now?” Burke held up a hand. “You can see the blizzard heading this way.”
“You think I’m blind?” Frank Malloy’s eyes burned with a terrible, raging passion. “I’ve already buried a son. I’m not about to lose a grandson, too.”
“You get inside. I’ll go.” The ranch foreman spun around and headed toward the barn, giving his boss no time to argue.
By the time Burke had saddled his horse and bundled into heavy winter gear, Yancy Martin, the ranch cook, stepped inside the barn to hand him several wrapped packages.
“You could be trapped up there a few days. Some roast beef sandwiches. Reed’s favorites. And a bottle of whiskey for you. To keep from freezing, and hopefully to keep you from throttling that little spitfire when you find him.”
“Thanks, Yancy.” Burke shoved the supplies into his saddlebags before pulling himself onto the back of his trusty mount, Major.
The cook put a hand on the reins. “I know Reed’s done a stupid thing, but he’s been missing his folks something awful. It’s a heavy load for a kid to bear.” He paused. “I know he’s a handful, but that ornery kid has a way of sneaking into my heart. You bring Reed home safe, you hear?”
Burke nodded and pulled his wide-brimmed hat low on his head. Reed might be rebellious and reckless as hell, but he had that same effect on all of them. Despite all the trouble he could cause, they couldn’t help but love him. He had a kind heart, and as his grandmother, Grace Malloy, was fond of saying, he was like an old man in a boy’s body. In so many ways, Reed was wise beyond his years.
“You know I will, Yancy. The good Lord willin’.”
As horse and rider faced into the storm and started across a high, sloping meadow, the old man found himself thinking about the terrible crash that had happened weeks ago on a night like this. The death of Patrick and Bernadette had left a void that would never be filled. Not for the Malloy family, and especially for Patrick and Bernadette’s three sons, twelve-year-old Matt, ten-year-old Luke, and nine-year-old Reed, who were floundering in a world rocked by the sudden, shocking loss of their parents.
“Stay safe, Reed,” the old man whispered fiercely. “At least until I can find you and tan your miserable hide.”
For hours Major plodded through drifts that were now waist-high, before the outline of a mountain cabin loomed up in the darkness.
Burke unsaddled his horse in the shed behind the range shack, grateful to see Nell, Reed’s favorite mare, contentedly dozing. Tossing the saddlebags over his shoulder, he trudged around and let himself into the cabin, bracing for the encounter to come.
Reed Malloy sat huddled in front of the fireplace, where a couple of stingy tree branches gave off a thin flame. He’d shed his boots, which now lay in a puddle of melted snow by the door.
The boy’s head came up sharply. Seeing the fire in those eyes, Burke bit back the oath that sprang to his lips. The last thing the kid needed right now was any more fuel poured on the flame that was burning so hotly in his soul.
Without a word, Burke draped the saddlebags over the back of a wooden chair before heading outside, returning with an armload of logs.
“What’re you doing here?” Reed’s jaw jutted like a prizefighter.
“Getting out of the cold.” Burke deposited the logs beside the firep
lace and set the biggest one over the flame.
Crossing to the table, he tossed aside his parka and began removing the packages from his saddlebags.
When he saw the boy’s gaze dart to the wrapped sandwiches, he took his sweet time unwrapping them. He walked to the tiny kitchen counter and filled a coffeemaker before placing it on a wire rack over the open fire. Within minutes the little cabin was filled with the rich fragrance of coffee boiling.
“Good place to sit out a storm.” Burke glanced over. “You hungry?”
Still frowning, Reed shrugged.
Taking that for an answer, the old man placed the sandwiches on plates and handed one to Reed before settling into a rocker in front of the fire and easing off his boots with a sigh.
For long minutes the two ate without speaking, listening to the hiss and snap of the fire on the grate and the howling of the storm as the wind and snow buffeted the walls of the cabin.
“They sent you here, didn’t they?” Reed set aside his empty plate.
“I volunteered. Everyone back home is worried sick.” Burke calmly continued eating.
“I don’t want you here. I came up here to be alone.”
“You could have skipped the drama and just gone up to your room.”
“Right. Where I’d have to listen to Matt and Luke jabbering all night long. Luke telling us to just suck it up. Matt telling us we have to put on a good face so we don’t add to Grandpop Frank and Gram Gracie’s pain. Easy for him to say.” Reed hissed in a breath. “But what about us? What about our pain?” He turned away, but not before the old man saw the look of abject misery in his eyes.
“It’s tough that you had to learn the lesson so young. Life’s not fair. Never has been. Never will be.”
“Gee. Thanks for nothing.” Every word sizzled with hot anger.
