Nate had seen them do this many times. On Christmas night, the sight tugged a little harder on his heart.
Taking a sip of his own cocoa, he stared into the fire, the flames reminding him of how much Geneen loved this time of year. Then again, she loved all times of year. Each season brought new experiences, allowed her to grow in a way her father had never allowed. He recalled the day she’d told him of her loving mother and distant, domineering father.
Dougal MacGregor had been hard on his wife and three daughters, expecting much and giving little. When he demanded Sarah marry a man not of her choosing, her sister revolted, leaving their home to find work in their small Oregon town. Sarah had vowed to wait for Colin and nothing could dissuade her. When Sarah followed Colin to Circle M, Geneen left with them, never looking back. Those lessons taught her much.
Strong and loyal, she never complained, no matter the odds against her. Nate loved everything about her. Soon, he’d be riding back to Circle M to claim what he believed to be his.
“Did you hear from your parents, Nate?”
Shaking his head slightly to rid himself of his thoughts, he nodded at Caleb. “I received a letter this week. They’re doing fine, which is a relief after Pa’s illness last summer.”
“They must be missing you very much at Christmas.”
“Yes, they do, Heather. I hope to go out there in a few months for a visit.”
Until this moment, Nate hadn’t made a decision. The thought of returning to Pennsylvania no longer bothered him. He’d come a long way since riding away from his family’s Harrisburg ranch. The need to return, show them he’d recovered mentally and physically, tugged at him. If she agreed, he’d take Geneen with him. He knew his family would love her as much as he did.
“I’m glad Colt joined us for supper today.”
Nate forced himself back to the present. Caleb and Heather knew about Colt and his history with Nate when they’d both been in Nacogdoches. They knew only of the friendship, not that he’d come to Settlers Valley as a U.S. Marshal looking for Black Jolly.
He nodded at Heather, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I know he appreciated the invitation.”
“The lad should’ve stayed the night instead of riding back to town.”
Nate didn’t reply to Heather’s comment. He knew Colt felt compelled to return to town with the hope Jolly would be looking for him. He understood there’d be at least one more shipment, but as yet, Black hadn’t told him the date.
And the instant Colt knew, he’d tell Nate.
Circle M
“I’m going to miss you, Geneen.” Sarah swiped tears from her face, watching as her sister packed the last item in her satchel and secured it to the saddle. “Letters would be good.” She tried to smile, failing miserably.
“I’ll do my best, but you know how much I hate to write.”
“I do.” Sarah wrapped her arms around Geneen, hugging her. Pulling away, she kissed her cheek. “You’ll be back in the spring, though, right?”
“Of course I will. Maybe sooner, now that we know a shorter trail.”
“You ready, lass?” Blaine walked toward them with his horse, Galath. He looked to the east, seeing the sun rising above the mountains.
“I am.”
“You sure you don’t want to be staying one more day?” Colin stopped next to Blaine, holding Grant in one arm, a package in the other. “Ma wrapped food for you.”
Taking the package, Blaine slipped it inside the saddlebags, turning back to Colin. “It’s the day after Christmas. No sense putting it off any longer.”
Colin nodded. “Aye. I’d be doing the same. Does Caleb know you’re coming?”
“Nae. Ewan said he didn’t send word.”
Geneen stepped next to them. “There won’t be a problem, Colin. Caleb and Heather will be happy to have us, and they’ve plenty of room.”
As they stood talking, more of the family came to join them. Camden hugged them both, as did Bram and Fletcher.
“We’ll be missing you, lad.” Camden clasped him on the shoulder.
Smiling, Blaine shook his head. “Nae. You’ll be too busy keeping the ranch going without me and Geneen.”
“He’s right, Cam,” Fletcher joked. “At least now we’ll be knowing where he’ll be.”
“And Caleb won’t be allowing him to be a sloth,” Bram added, receiving a slight shove from Blaine.
Geneen laughed at their antics, knowing how much she’d miss seeing them together. “I can confirm Caleb will expect him to work from sunup to sunset every day.”
“If all goes well, he won’t be having him for long.” Ewan stopped beside them, followed by Ian and their wives. “Bay hopes to be having the contracts signed soon.” He looked up, seeing a rider approaching. “Ah. There’s the lad now.”
Bay rode toward them, lifting his hand in a brief wave.
“If he hadn’t come soon, we’d be riding away without him.” Blaine returned the wave, then swung up and into the saddle.
Geneen gave Sarah one more hug before mounting Gypsy.
“Be safe,” Sarah called after her as she reined her horse around. “Love you.”
Looking over her shoulder, Geneen smiled, blowing a kiss to them all.
Settlers Valley
“My instincts tell me tomorrow’s shipment is the one.” Colt glanced behind him at the street, confirming no one had followed him to the livery. Black had seen him coming out of the boardinghouse, stopping him long enough to provide the news of tomorrow’s trip.
Nate stood, straightening his back. “Why?”
Colt’s mouth tilted into an indulgent grin. “He told me it would be the largest shipment so far.”
Nate’s eyes crinkled, although his features remained stoic. “If you’re right, your journey may end tomorrow.” He wiped his hands down his pants. “What time?”
“We leave the mine at nine o’clock.”
“I’ll let Marcus know.”
Nate hadn’t said a word to his boss about his absence during the first two shipments. When nothing happened, he felt compelled to share the reason for being gone. He shouldn’t have been surprised when Marcus supported his actions, volunteering to ride out with him. Nate declined, reminding him of his responsibility to his sister.
“Did Black stay in town?”
Colt glanced over his shoulder once more. “Disappeared the same as he always does. He must have a place somewhere close because he’s not at Dahlia’s or in one of the rooms at the Lucky Lady.”
“Good. I promised Heather I’d be at the ranch for supper. How about going to the restaurant for dinner?”
Colt pursed his lips, shaking his head once. “I’d like to, but Jolly could return at any time. I don’t want him to see us together.”
Marcus sauntered outside, wiping his blackened hands on a rag. “Esther has food ready and expects both of you inside the house in five minutes.”
Nate chuckled. “Appears we’ll be sharing a meal anyway. I doubt Black would be able to see you inside the house.”
“No. I don’t suppose he would.”
“Miss Kamm, this is the best meatloaf I’ve had in a long time. But don’t be telling Mrs. Keach or she might throw me out of the boardinghouse.” Colt took another bite before scooping up a forkful of potatoes.
“Mrs. Keach’s food is understood to be some of the best around, so I’ll take that as a high compliment, Mr. Dye.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d call me Colt.”
Her face flushed on a nod. “Then I expect you to call me Esther.”
Marcus looked back and forth between the two, saying nothing, his brows furrowing.
“Colt is right, Esther. This is wonderful, as are all your meals.” Nate took another slice of meatloaf from the platter, his hand stilling at a loud pounding on the door.
Marcus glanced around the table, his gaze stopping on Esther. “I’m not expecting anyone. Are you?”
Shaking her head, she started to s
tand.
“I’ll get it.” Marcus stood as another round of pounding began. “Hold on. I’m coming.” Pulling open the door, his stern features softened when he recognized the man before him. “MacLaren, right?”
Blaine offered his hand, a grin splitting his face. “Aye. Blaine MacLaren.” He stepped aside. “This is Bay Donahue, and I believe you know Geneen.” Shaking Bay’s hand, Marcus nodded a greeting to Geneen, hearing movement behind him.
Nate strode up to the door, his eyes widening. “Blaine? What are you doing in…” The remaining words died on his tongue when he spotted Geneen. Sucking in a breath, he recovered within seconds, clasping Blaine on the shoulder, then shaking hands with Bay. Dropping his hand, he moved forward, his gaze unwavering. “It’s good to see you, Geneen.” It came out as a whisper, his voice rough.
She looked him up and down, her mouth parting on a soft sigh. “Nate. You look, well…good.”
A self-deprecating smile twisted his lips. “Thanks. You look beautiful.”
Touching a hand to her hair, she chuckled. “It appears your eyes have suffered since I left.”
He shook his head. “Not even a little, Geneen.”
Marcus motioned everyone inside. “We’re just having dinner. Please, sit down and join us. This is my sister, Esther, and our friend, Colt Dye.”
Esther greeted everyone before hurrying into the kitchen to gather the remaining meatloaf and potatoes, thankful she always prepared extra. Returning to the dining room, she set the food down, seeing plates already in front of the guests.
Geneen noticed the woman’s flushed face and felt a pang of guilt. “I hope this isn’t putting you out.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. Other than Nate, Marcus and I seldom have company. Please, help yourself and take as much as you want.”
Blaine didn’t hesitate to fill his plate. Bay and Geneen held back a little, then filled theirs, digging into the meal.
“This is bonny,” Blaine mumbled as he swallowed a bite of meatloaf.
Geneen sent him a warning glance. “Blaine. Your manners.”
Shrugging, he scooped up another forkful. “Well, it is.”
Nodding, Geneen looked at Esther. “He’s right. You’ll have to give me your recipe.”
“I’d love to share it. Our mother got it from my grandmother, made some adjustments, then gave it to me.”
“And Esther made her own improvements.” Marcus winked at his sister. “As she always does.”
Nate couldn’t stop watching Geneen for more than a few seconds. He knew they all noticed, but he didn’t care. He’d missed her even more than he thought. Every part of him wanted to take her hand, lead her outside, and apologize for all he’d done to hurt her. Now wasn’t the time. If she’d let him, he’d find the right time as soon as they took care of Black. Nate forced himself to look across the table at his friend.
“What are you doing here, Blaine?”
He nodded at Bay. “He’s the one who should be telling you.”
Bay set down his fork and picked up his cup of coffee to wash down the food before explaining. After several minutes, he shared a look with the others at the table.
“It’s important you speak of this to no one. The MacLarens have kept their intentions quiet for months. I’d hate to see this not work out because other buyers have heard the properties are for sale.”
Nate shifted toward Bay, nodding. “I can assure you, no one at this table will say a word.”
Marcus looked at Esther and Colt. “He’s right, Bay. You can trust us to keep quiet.”
Blaine leaned forward in his chair, sipping his coffee. “Since I’m new here, is there anything exciting going on?”
Nate, Marcus, and Colt shared a look before Nate spoke. “Well, there is a small matter about a gold shipment.”
Colt explained about the gold mine, the people involved, and the shipments. When finished, he rested his arms on the table. “The town is more interesting than I first imagined.”
“Black Jolly?” Blaine looked at Geneen and Bay. “He’s the man who carried out Giles Delacroix’s orders. The man who killed our ranch hand.”
Bay nodded. “I remember the name from the statements Giles made.”
Colt crossed his arms. “As I said, he’s wanted for other crimes in Texas.”
He looked at Colt. “And you’re the U.S. Marshal sent to take him back.”
“I am.”
“Are you required to take him back to Texas?” Bay asked, warming to the subject.
Colt tilted his head a little, a glint in his eyes. “If I can arrest him for crimes here, there’s a chance we can try him in Settlers Valley.”
Bay rubbed his chin. “Or in Conviction, if there’s enough evidence.” He looked at Nate. “You know, it might be he’d be sent to San Francisco for trial.”
Nate shook his head. “We’ve transported a few other prisoners there. They seem much more forgiving of crimes than any jury in Conviction. I’d rather see him tried closer to home.”
Bay looked at Colt. “You said the next shipment is tomorrow?”
Colt nodded. “We leave the mine about nine o’clock.”
“I’ll be keeping watch on the wagon,” Nate said.
Geneen clasped her hands in her lap, a grim expression on her face. “Only you, Nate?”
He nodded. “I’ve seen Colt in action. The two of us will be enough.”
Bay looked at Colt. “What if there are others? People who are helping Black?”
“From all I’ve seen, the man is working alone.”
Blaine narrowed his gaze on Nate. “What if he’s not?”
Geneen nodded. “He had a gang in Conviction. There must have been close to fifteen men working for him. I believe Colt mentioned Black had men working with him in Texas.”
Colt looked around the table. “We caught those men. Only Black got away. And from what I’ve seen, there aren’t many men in this town who’d go along with his plan. They’re ranchers, farmers, and businessmen. They’ve families.” He shook his head. “I don’t think we need to worry about Black having any more than the other guard and the driver.”
“The driver was hired by Nettles,” Nate added.
“Are you willing to bet your lives on it?” Bay asked.
Colt and Nate looked at each other, remaining silent.
“I’m not thinking so.” Blaine glanced at Bay, his brow lifting. “Are you up for a little excitement, lad?”
A wry grin tugged at Bay’s lips. “Always.”
Blaine returned the grin. “It’s settled then, lads. Now, tell us the details.”
Chapter Sixteen
Highlander Ranch
Caleb walked out of the barn and stopped at the sight of three riders coming toward him. “What’s this?” A smile spread across his face when he recognized them. Opening his arms, he wrapped Geneen in a hug the instant she slid from the saddle. Letting her go, he stepped back. “This is a wonderful surprise.”
She felt a ripple of nerves. “I hope you don’t mind me returning.”
“I just hope you’re here to stay. Heather will be thrilled.” Caleb gave Blaine a hug, then shook hands with Bay. “Good to see both of you.”
“Ewan sent me to help you and Heather. I’ll be staying for a while.” Blaine saw his brows knit together. Clasping him on the shoulder, he sought to relieve the confusion on Caleb’s face. “It’s an exciting reason I’m here. We’ll be explaining everything to you and Heather.”
“Whatever the reason, you’re always welcome. Heather should be coming along in a bit. She stopped to check on a new calf in our eastern pasture. Have you had dinner?”
Geneen nodded. “We stopped to let Nate know we were back.”
Caleb’s brow lifted. “I’ll wager it was quite a surprise for him. I hope it went better this time.”
She let out a half-hearted chuckle. “He didn’t walk away from me if that’s what you mean.”
Settling an arm over her shoulders, Caleb
grabbed Gypsy’s reins, walking toward the barn. “He’s not the same as when you left. These last few weeks have made a big difference in the way he sees himself.”
A knot formed in her stomach. “Then leaving turned out for the best.”
He shook his head. “Not in the way you may be thinking.” Stopping at a stall, he unsaddled the mare, settling it on a rack, while Blaine and Bay removed the tack from their horses. “It’s for the two of you to work out. All I’m saying is you might consider giving him a chance.”
Letting out a breath, she nodded. “I’ve also changed since leaving.”
Leading the way to the house, an impish grin slipped across Caleb’s face. “I hope not too much.”
“Geneen!” Heather whipped her hat off her head, waving it in the air. Reining Shamrock to a stop, she jumped to the ground, running toward them. “You’re back.” Giving her a hug, she stepped away. “How long?”
Geneen couldn’t help the happiness flowing through her. “For as long as you’ll put up with me.” She looked over Heather’s shoulder, seeing Blaine and Bay striding toward them. “I didn’t come alone.”
Whipping around, Heather whooped at the sight of her cousin. “Blaine. I should’ve been knowing you’d be the one to be riding here with her.” She hugged him. “And Bay. It’s been a while.” After giving him a brief hug, she slipped an arm through Blaine’s. “Let’s get in the house and you can be telling us all about the family. Have you had dinner?”
The three let out simultaneous chuckles. “Aye, at the Kamm’s,” Blaine told her. “We wanted to see Nate before riding out. We met an interesting man. Colt Dye. Do you know him?”
They walked up the steps and into the house, hanging their coats on hooks by the door. “Aye. Colt is an old friend of Nate’s. Caleb and I know little about him, other than he guards gold shipments from the mine to town.”
Blaine and Bay shared a look before Blaine gave a slight shake of his head.
“I’ve lemonade and coffee in the kitchen.” Heather glanced at the men. “Unless you’d like something stronger.”
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