Vern said, “Humph. Feels pretty vital from this side, especially with you gouging me front and back.”
Monty sent him a pitying stare. “Quit your bellyaching. How’d you get to be a Federal Marshall whining like that?”
Vern’s laugh turned into a grimace. “Temporary appointment so I could chase the Snyder gang. Ends when they’re caught, which I reckon is now.”
Amanda set a pan of hot water by Monty. “What are your plans now? Are you going back to Georgia?”
Vern shook his head. “Nothing there for me. I quit my job as sheriff so I could chase Snyder. Couldn’t let him get away to devil you. Might look around Montana and see what’s available.”
Papa said, “We have an extra bed in the bunkhouse. You’re welcome to park there for as long as pleases you. Amanda told us how you protected her and saved her life. So this is at least twice you’ve done your durndest to keep her from harm.”
Preston added to his father’s invitation. “I second that, Vern. We need men like you around here. Good place to live and opportunities for those who aren’t afraid of hard work, which sounds like you.”
The lawman shifted his gaze from Monty’s doctoring to Preston. “I’m fifty-three. Kind of late to become a drifter, so I accept your offer.”
Monty tied off the bandage. “There you are. You lay around for a week or so and you’ll be good as new.”
Vern said, “Thanks. Does feel better now you’ve quit poking me.” He smiled at the cowboy.
Monty chuckled, a rare event for him. “I might just learn to like you given time.” He motioned to Preston. “Your turn, Boss. Don’t think I don’t see the blood on your ear.”
Preston yielded to Monty’s ministrations. “You spoiled my plan, Monty. I was all set to let my wife kiss it well.”
“I reckon she can still do that. You’ll be a durn sight more appealing without blood dripping off onto your collar.”
Amanda cooked and cooked. The posse and sheriff ate as if they were bottomless. She didn’t begrudge them one crumb. Not only had they helped stop the Snyders, they’d brought Vern to her.
She did begrudge Willie Yarnell and Darrell Corinth, Clyde’s cousins, so she picked the smallest pieces of meat for them. Doing so didn’t even make her feel petty. After all, they’d come halfway across the country to kill her. She honestly believed they wouldn’t have minded killing all her family as well, even the ranch hands.
She cooked a tender steak for Vern and sliced it into bites. “I didn’t think you could cut your own meat with your arm bandaged.”
“I’m hungry enough to grab it by the bone and gnaw my way through. Looks mighty good.” He grabbed his fork and dug into his food.
She’d served everyone else, so she sat in the one remaining chair the men had apparently left for her and pulled Iris onto her lap. “We can share this steak, Dear. It’s too big for either of us to eat by ourselves.”
Iris drank her milk between bites of meat and potatoes. “What will happen to the men who got dead?”
Amanda swallowed a bite of her meat. “I guess the sheriff and his posse will take them back to Sweetwater Springs.”
Iris glared at the prisoners. “They shouldn’t have shot their guns at our house. I don’t think those dead men will go to heaven, do you?”
“We can’t know that, Iris. Only God can decide. Now eat your meal.”
Sheriff Mather caught her attention. “We’ll take them back and I’ll wire the family to learn whether they want them shipped back to Georgia. Doubt they’ll want the expense. They’ll probably be buried behind the church in Sweetwater Springs.”
Vern looked at the sheriff. “There’s a reward for Clyde Snyder. Reckon that should go to Preston since he’s the one who shot the sorry excuse for a man.”
The other lawman nodded. “I’ll see that happens. So guess you’re staying here, that right?”
“I sure am. Don’t get an invite like that very often.”
The sheriff set down his plate. “Say Kincaid, there a place we can bed down for the night?”
“I know you’ve had a hard ride.” Preston gestured to the next room. “You’re welcome to spread your bedrolls in the parlor and kitchen. Sorry I don’t have enough beds for everyone. We can add some quilts under your bedrolls to soften the floor.”
The sheriff shook his head. “Naw, the floor is fine. Beats sleeping on rocks or lumpy ground.”
Vern asked, “What about the prisoners?”
Sheriff Mather stroked his chin. “I’d say we tie them up in the barn but they need watchin’.”
Garrett said, “Leave them tied in the bunkhouse. We’ll make sure they don’t go anywhere until you load them on their horses tomorrow.”
“Sounds like a good plan. I’m beat to a frazzle, so I’m in favor of getting the prisoners settled and bringing our bedrolls in here. Let’s call it a night.”
Amanda rose and drew hot water from the range reservoir and shaved soap into the dishpan. She collected plates, cups, and cutlery. She couldn’t help taking pride in the fact she’d had enough plates to serve everyone in the room.
By the time she had the kitchen tidied, five men had spread bedrolls throughout the front part of the house. Vern had gone to the bunkhouse. Preston had tucked Iris into bed.
She checked on her daughter to see her clutching her rag doll in her arms as she slept. Amanda didn’t know if she was welcome in Preston’s bedroom or not but she ventured there. Tentatively, she opened the door.
She thought he was asleep, so she tiptoed in and changed into her gown before sliding into bed. Immediately, his arm came around her.
She squeaked in surprise. “I thought you were asleep.”
“Waiting for you. I’m glad you finally came to bed. I know you cooked enough for an army tonight, but that’s what we needed.”
He paused before continuing, “I was mad when I thought you knowingly stole those dishes and such from the Atlanta house. Now I know you weren’t guilty, I admit we needed them tonight.”
“I thought the same. I was terribly embarrassed that my sister took the dishes as well as taking the linens and that I had to let you think I was guilty.”
She turned to face him. “She also took some family pieces of jewelry because they had belonged to her great-grandmother and grandmother and she wanted to pass them down to Iris and any other children she had. I understand how she felt, but you could always sell them if we ever need money. They look quite valuable.”
“I’m still angry about your lies, Amanda. I’m mad and hurt that you didn’t think you could trust me with your safety.”
With her hand on his chest, she said, “I was afraid you’d send me away. I so wanted to stay here with you.”
He stroked her arm. “I couldn’t have thrown you and Iris out on your own. I’d have been mad, I guess, but more at your sister than you.”
“Please believe me when I say I’m sorry. I’ll go if that’s what you want, but I’ve fallen in love with you.”
He pulled her closer. “Aw, Mandy, you’ve made me happy. I love you and that’s why knowing you lied hurt me so much.”
She started to speak, but he stopped her with his lips.
When he finally broke the kiss, he said, “Promise me from now on we’ll always be honest with each other.”
“I promise. I’m so lucky I’m the one who came to Amanda’s rancher. I’ve found the man and the home I’ve always dreamed of, right here with you.”
Epilogue
Spring, 1888
From the bedroom, Amanda heard May Tisdale shoo Preston, Vern, and Papa. “You men go to the barn or bunkhouse. You got no business being here. Take Iris with you.”
Her husband’s strong voice asked for the fourth or fifth time, “Should I go for the doctor?”
May’s tone turned terse. “No, and if you don’t get out of here I swear I’ll take after you with a skillet.”
May returned to the bedroom shaking her head. “I swan those men are dete
rmined to help by standing around watching. Their kind of help just gets in the way.”
From the bed, Amanda said, “By now I don’t care if a circus watches. I just want this baby to arrive.”
Three hours later, May peeked under the tented sheet and re-arranged the bedding. “Won’t be much longer. And there appears to be no problem. Baby’s turned right and getting ready to come see what’s out here.”
“Thank heavens. I don’t care whether we have a boy or a girl as long as the baby is healthy and gets here.”
“You have names picked?”
“Yes….” Suddenly a pain hit and she couldn’t remember the names or anything else.
“Push now.” May had positioned herself at the side of the bed near Amanda’s feet.
“I’m pushiiiing.”
After what seemed like hours, she heard a cry.
May held the baby. “You have a fine big boy.”
Amanda opened her arms to receive her son. “Can I hold him?”
“First I need to clean him up. Then you can hold him while I fetch the men and your daughter.”
May worked quickly and wrapped the baby in the blanket Amanda had made for him. “Here you are, your first boy.”
Amanda didn’t mention this was her first baby. Instead, she looked at the red-faced, squirming infant with a shock of dark hair. “He’s beautiful.”
May caressed the baby’s head as a soft smile graced her face. “I’ll get your husband.”
Within seconds it seemed, the three men and Iris came into the room.
Preston kissed her gently on her lips then stared at his son. “Are you all right, Amanda? You were in pain so long.”
She smiled at the bundle in her arms and turned back the blanket to touch his toes. “All I remember is seeing him for the first time. Isn’t he something?”
Preston sat beside her and kissed the top of her head. “Perfect, like his mother.”
Vern beamed as if he were the father. “You picked out a name yet?”
Amanda smiled at the man who’d been like a father almost as long as she could remember. “Preston Thomas Vernon Kincaid. We’ll call him Trey.”
Papa and Vern slapped one another on the back.
Iris crawled onto the bed. “Can I see him?”
Amanda nodded. “Stick out your finger so he can grab it.”
The little girl did and giggled. “He’s holding my finger. He likes me.”
Preston winked at their daughter. “Of course he does, Princess Iris. You’re his big sister.”
May Tisdale said, “Well, my work here is done. Time for me to go home.”
Preston stood and handed her folded bills. “Thank you for helping Amanda and Trey. We’re in your debt.”
She unfolded the money and her eyes widened. “Why, this is too much.”
Preston shook his head. “No, Ma’am, not by half.”
Papa ushered her out. “Vern and I will see you home, Mrs. Tisdale. We’re all mighty grateful to you.”
That left Amanda’s husband and daughter with her and her baby. “This is nice, just us four here together.”
Iris appeared content to caress her brother and let him clutch her finger.
Preston took Amanda’s hand. “You’ve made my dreams come true. Now I have a wonderful wife and family, complete with Vern as a father-in-law.”
She brought his hand to her mouth and kissed his palm. “You were nice to hire him and treat him as family. He’s a really good man.”
“He is, and knowledgeable. Having him as foreman has made it possible for Garret to leave and stake his claim without feeling guilty for leaving.”
“When I decided to come here, I never dreamed I could be so happy. I have everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m the richest woman in Montana Territory.”
“And I’m the richest man. I love you, Amanda Kincaid.”
Dear Reader,
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Caroline
Read Caroline’s western historical titles:
Patience, Bride of Washington, American Mail-Order Brides Series #42
Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1
The Surprise Brides: Jamie, released simultaneously with three other The Surprise Bride books which are Gideon by Cynthia Woolf, Caleb by Callie Hutton, and Ethan by Sylvia McDaniel, each book about one of the Fraser brothers of Angel Springs, Colorado
The Most Unsuitable Wife, Kincaids book one
The Most Unsuitable Husband, Kincaids book two
The Most Unsuitable Courtship, Kincaids book three
Gabe Kincaid, Kincaids book four
Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book one, Free
Buy the Audiobook here
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book two
Buy the Audiobook here
Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book three
Tabitha’s Journey, a Stone Mountain Texas mail-order bride novella
Stone Mountain Reunion, a Stone Mountain Texas short story
Stone Mountain Christmas, a Stone Mountain Texas novella
Winter Bride, a Stone Mountain romance
The Texan’s Irish Bride, McClintocks book one, Free
O’Neill’s Texas Bride, McClintocks book two
McClintock’s Reluctant Bride, McClintock’s book three
Save Your Heart For Me, a western romance adventure novella
Long Way Home, a sweet Civil War adventure romance novella. Kindle only
Caroline’s Time Travel
Out Of The Blue, 1845 Irish lass comes forward to today
Caroline’s Contemporary Titles
Be My Guest, mildly sensual
Snowfires, sensual
Home Sweet Texas Home, Texas Home book one (sweet)
Caroline’s Mysteries:
Almost Home, a Link Dixon mystery
Death In The Garden, a Heather Cameron cozy mystery, Kindle only
Take Advantage of Bargain Boxed Sets:
The Kincaids, Books 1-4 in one set
Wild Western Women Ride Again, Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer, available only at Amazon, Kindle only
Wild Western Women: Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Caroline Clemmons, Sylvia McDaniel, and Merry Farmer. Kindle only
Mail-Order Tangle: Linked books Mail-Order Promise by Caroline Clemmons and Mail-Order Ruckus by Jacquie Rogers, Kindle Only
10 Timeless Heroes, time travels include Out Of The Blue and novels by
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Silver Belles and Stetsons, Christmas novellas from ten authors, Kindle only
Men of Stone Mountain, contains the first three of the Stone Mountain Texas books: Brazos Bride, High Stakes Bride, and Bluebonnet Bride. Kindle Only
Rawhide ’n Roses, fifteen 2,000 word short stories by various western historical authors, nominated for the Rhone Award, all proceeds go to Black Hills Wild Horse Rescue
About the Author
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.
Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys family time, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, and getting together with friends. Find her on
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