“Coffee is fine,” Bay replied.
Blaine nodded. “The same for me.”
“I’ll have lemonade. No one makes it better than Heather.” Geneen removed her hat, running her hands over her tousled hair. She followed Heather into the kitchen while the men took seats in the living room.
Bay looked around the spacious room. He hadn’t expected something this nice or as large. “This is a fine place you have here, Caleb.”
Leaning back, he placed an arm across the back of the sofa. “Archie Galloway built it years ago, expecting to have several children. His wife died during childbirth and he never remarried.” He nodded toward the side of the house. “He lives in the foreman’s home.”
Bay nodded. “I saw it. It’s a good size.”
Caleb snorted. “Archie doesn’t do anything small. I’ll make sure you meet him while you’re here.”
“I’d like that.” Bay didn’t mention he’d corresponded with Archie several times about expanding the MacLaren ranch. He’d yet to meet the man.
“Here you are.” Heather set a tray on the table, making room for the plate of sliced sorghum cake Geneen placed beside it. “This is all the lads left of the cake from Christmas. It’s Ma’s recipe.”
Blaine reached out to grab a slice, unapologetic at his enthusiasm. “Aunt Audrey makes grand sorghum cake.” He took a bite, closing his eyes as he chewed. “Ah, lass, this is grand. Your ma would be proud of you.”
Caleb sipped his coffee, impatience pounding through him as he waited for the reason Ewan sent Blaine to join them.
“I’m sure you want to be knowing why Bay and I are here.”
Heather looked at Caleb, tilting her head to the side, then turned toward Blaine. “I thought you were just escorting Geneen. Is there more to it?”
“Aye, lass, there is.” Swallowing the last of the cake, he picked up his coffee, going through the same conversation they’d had with the others. When finished, Heather’s face held a wary expression, while Caleb let out a low whistle.
“You don’t like the idea, Heather?” Bay asked.
She shook her head. “It’s not that. I’m wondering if the family has the funds for such an ambitious purchase.”
It was Blaine who answered. “Ewan and Ian showed us documents from the bank. The family is doing quite well from investments made with August in San Francisco. You may not remember, but before Da and Uncle Gillis died, the family purchased property not far from the center of town. Tenants occupy several buildings, bringing in a good deal of money. The cattle contracts are lucrative as well.”
“And don’t we own land in Conviction?” Heather asked Blaine.
“Aye. Several buildings and houses. Most are in partnership with August. Those are the funds allowing Sean to attend veterinary school and to purchase the property.”
Caleb stood, walking to the window and pulling back the drapery to look outside. He turned to look at Bay. “It’s still a risk. Do any of the properties include livestock?”
Bay reached into a pocket, pulling out a folded paper. Standing, he walked to the dining room table, spreading it out to reveal a map. He waited until the others gathered around. Pointing to the areas circled, Bay explained the different ranches and farms.
“Each of the properties include livestock, although each is different. For instance, this farm raises pigs, chickens, and turkeys. They have a few dairy cows, but no cattle, and only two horses for riding and two for pulling the plow and wagon. They’re leaving it all, as they plan to take the steamship to Sacramento and buy a store.”
Bay circled his finger around another property. “This is a working cattle ranch. The owners are Archie’s age. They have two daughters, both married and living in San Francisco. The couple wants to join them. It includes a few hundred head of cattle and at least a dozen horses. There’s a bunkhouse, large barn, and two-story house. This is where Ewan and Ian plan to have the main ranch house. It’s where Blaine will be living.”
Heather looked at Caleb. “How far away are you thinking it is from here, lad?”
Caleb studied the map, then shrugged. “No more than an hour’s ride. It’s close to the lake where we encountered the Maidu Indian boy. It would be a simple matter to get to Settlers Valley and back in a few hours.” He indicated a trail skirting around Highlander Ranch. “Blaine could take this route, which would cut time off the journey.”
“Is there more?”
Bay nodded. “There is, Heather.” He went on to explain two other properties, the last one long and slender. “It’s the farthest property south and runs right into the ranchero they and August purchased from Juan Estrada. It’s a lot of land, stretching for miles, and most of it is along the Boundary River.” Bay straightened, looking around the table. “I know it seems overwhelming, and it is. Now is the time to move since all the owners are motivated to sell at reasonable prices.”
“Ewan and Ian will be sending men to be helping me once the sales are final. The larger ranch has several cowhands.” Blaine looked at Caleb. “I’ll be riding there with Bay to meet them this week. He’s going to all the properties to finalize the contracts. When I return, I’ll be working here until all the deals go through.”
Caleb looked at Bay. “How long do you think it will take to close the sales?”
Rubbing the back of his neck, he shrugged. “Hard to say. A month if all goes well and no other investors learn about it. There’s always a chance one or more will decide against selling. It’s a risk, but Ewan and Ian are determined to buy the land. It’s hard to argue with them when the family has the money, the Bank of Conviction is willing to take partial notes on each one, and they have the right person to run them.” He glanced at Blaine, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Do you plan to leave tomorrow?” Caleb stared at the map, doing his best to memorize the key landmarks.
Blaine glanced at Bay, then shook his head. “There’s another matter we have to deal with tomorrow.”
“What’s that?” Caleb pulled out a chair and sat down.
Blaine considered the question. It had taken a few strong words with Nate, but his friend had finally agreed it was time Caleb and Heather knew what he and Colt were doing. And the name of the man involved.
“Did either of you know Colt is a U.S. Marshal?”
“What?” Heather’s mouth gaped open. “The lad told us he guarded gold shipments from the mine.”
“He does. The man in charge of the shipments getting to town is Black Jolly.”
Caleb slammed his fist on the table. “Son of a…” Pushing away from the table, he stood, placing fisted hands on his hips. “Why didn’t Nate say something?”
“Because he’s been standing watch on the trail when the trips occur. The lad thought if you knew what was happening, you’d insist on being involved, Caleb.”
“And he’d be right.”
Geneen walked over to Caleb, placing a hand on his arm. “You’ve Heather and your ranch to think about. What would happen if you were shot, maybe killed?”
Caleb’s face hardened. “I’ve never run from a fight. Jolly is the man responsible for all the trouble at Circle M. If anyone should be involved, it’s me.” He sucked in air, letting it out in a frustrated whoosh. “You say you’re helping him, Blaine?”
“Aye. Nate, Bay, and I will be watching from points along the trail. Colt believes Black plans to rob the wagon tomorrow, then take off.”
Blaine continued, explaining Black’s crimes in Texas and how Colt had followed his trail west, learning from Brodie what happened at Circle M.
Heather shook her head. “Black is a busy lad.”
Blaine nodded. “And a nasty one, lass.”
Caleb crossed his arms, glaring at Blaine. “What time will you be on the trail tomorrow?”
“You aren’t joining us, lad.”
“You can’t stop me, Blaine. I know the trail from the mine to town. It would be easier if you just let me ride along with you rather than me pick
ing a random place on the trail.”
Throwing up his hands, Blaine mumbled a curse as he looked at Bay.
“Don’t ask me for advice on this one. Caleb’s as stubborn as you MacLarens.”
Geneen looked between the men, clearing her throat. “I think Heather and I should go along.”
“No!” Caleb, Blaine, and Bay all answered.
Crossing her arms, Heather glared at her husband. “And why not? We were there to help you lads when Black came after you.”
Caleb stepped next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders, which she shrugged away. “Sweetheart, this is different.”
Heather lifted a brow. “Aye? You’ll need to be telling me how it’s different.”
Blaine spoke first. “Colt doesn’t know if Black is acting alone or if he has others working for him. If he has partners, we’d not be knowing how many or where they’ll be waiting. It’s too dangerous, lass.”
Caleb studied his wife’s face, knowing how stubborn she could be when it came to not being included with the men. “You and Geneen are needed here. We only did a few chores on Christmas and the work is piling up. We’ll be further behind if all of us leave to help Colt.”
Bay looked between the women. “Marcus also volunteered. That’s five men posted off the trail, plus Colt guarding the wagon.”
Heather blew out a frustrated breath, placing her hands on her hips. “Ach. It seems you’re right. It’s just…I hate to be left behind when my family is in danger.”
Drawing her against his chest, Caleb placed a kiss on her forehead. “I’d not be able to focus on the trail if I knew you were there, lass.” He lowered his voice so only she could hear. “You’ve got to think of the wee bairn you’re carrying.”
She squeezed him once more, then lifted her gaze to his. “Aye, you’re right,” she whispered. They’d told no one of her suspected pregnancy. Settlers Valley didn’t have a doctor, which she and Caleb hoped to change when they rode back to Conviction in a couple weeks to see Doc Tilden to confirm her condition.
Dropping his arms, Caleb stepped away. “It’s settled.”
Blaine nodded. “Aye. We’ll be leaving tomorrow morning at eight. With luck, before the end of the day, Black Jolly will be behind bars and we’ll finally be seeing justice.”
Nate stared at the ceiling, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He’d returned to the ranch for supper, sitting across from Geneen, who focused her attention on Bay, barely acknowledging him. It seemed getting through to her might not be as easy as he’d hoped.
Geneen’s decision to return to the ranch gave him hope she’d consider giving him another chance. After she snubbed him at supper, he wasn’t as confident. Giving up on them wasn’t in his thoughts. One way or another, he’d make her listen, let her know he’d conquered his demons. It was still a mystery to him how it happened, waking up one morning to realize his mind no longer craved the vile drug.
A soft knock had him swinging his legs off the bed and striding to the door. Opening it, his mouth opened on a surprised breath. She stood before him in her nightdress and wrapper, making it hard to think.
“Geneen.”
Licking her lips, she glanced behind him. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Not at all. Is something wrong?” He blocked the doorway, unsure whether to invite her in or step into the hall.
“Yes, and no.” Her eyes danced, although he couldn’t miss the edge of uncertainty in her voice.
Opening the door wider, he stepped aside. “Do you want to come in?”
She looked up and down the hall before nodding. “For a minute.”
Nate nodded to a chair by the window before closing the door, making certain to leave it slightly ajar. Lowering himself to the edge of the bed, he waited for her to start.
Fidgeting with the fabric of her wrapper, she looked around the room so similar to her own. Archie had built several bedrooms, each comparable, yet different. The curtains and bedspread in Nate’s room were made of darker colors—burgundies, browns, and greens. It suited him.
“You wanted to talk?”
Pressing her lips together and straightening her shoulders, she looked up. “I need to know if you think there’s a chance for us, Nate. If not, you need to tell me.” She felt her heart lodge in her throat when he didn’t answer. “I understand if you no longer have feelings for me. It’s just, well…I need to hear it from you.”
Nate had a hard time controlling the incessant pounding in his chest. She’d surprised him with her request. He didn’t know what he’d expected, but it wasn’t this. Standing, he walked to within a foot of her. Leaning down, he took her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over her palm.
“I’m not sure what to say.”
She looked at their joined hands. “The truth would be best.”
Sucking in a breath, Nate knelt before her. “I can’t see a future for me without you, Geneen. No matter how I’ve tried to tell myself to let you go, let you find a man without the scars I carry, I can’t do it. After what happened before you left for Circle M, I never thought you’d allow me another chance. Is that what you’re offering?”
She fought to keep the tears pooling in her eyes from falling before one slipped loose, rolling down her cheek. When Nate dropped her hand to swipe the tear away, she couldn’t hold back a sob.
“Yes, it’s what I’m offering.”
Cupping her face with his hand, he leaned forward, brushing his lips across hers. When she leaned into the kiss, he deepened it, wrapping his arm around her.
Slanting his mouth over hers, he groaned at her ragged sigh. Her lips were warm, soft, allowing him access he’d only dreamed of for the last few months. He wanted to do more, much more, but now wasn’t the time.
They needed to start fresh, give themselves a chance to make sure a future was what they both wanted. And he needed to prove to Geneen she could trust him.
Breaking the kiss, he pulled away, his chest squeezing at the glazed look in her eyes. Smiling, he stood, holding out his hand to help her stand.
“I accept your offer, Geneen. Thank you.”
Chapter Seventeen
Conviction
“Sheriff!” Ira Greene ran down the boardwalk, doing his best to keep his short legs pumping. Holding up the letter, he yelled again. “Brodie!” This time, he got his attention. Turning around, Brodie walked toward him, watching as the older man fought for breath. “I haven’t run so far since I was this big.” Ira held his hand about three feet above the boardwalk. “I think what you’ve been waiting for has come.”
Brodie took the letter Ira held out, seeing it came from Settlers Valley. When his gaze moved to the recipient, his breath caught. “This can’t be the right one.”
“It’s the only one, Sheriff. Not much mail between the two towns, but if I recall right, there’ve been other letters from Settlers Valley to the same person. Isn’t she—”
Brodie grabbed his arm, cutting off whatever else Ira planned to say. Ushering him between two buildings, he glanced around. “Don’t mention this to anyone.”
Ira shook his head, his eyes round as saucers.
Handing the letter back, Brodie’s mind worked as he tried to understand the connection between Black Jolly and the person receiving his letters. “When does she come to pick up her mail?”
“She’s living at Mrs. Baker’s boardinghouse. If there’s mail, I usually deliver it on my way home each night.”
Brodie thought a moment, looking toward the street. “Stop by the jail and let me know when you’re ready to make your delivery tonight. I want to follow you.”
Nodding briskly, Ira grinned. “Yes, sir. It’ll be right after I close.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Brodie walked back to the boardwalk and straight to his horse. Swinging into the saddle, he rode the gelding down a couple streets, stopping in front of August Fielder’s law office. Dismounting, he spotted Sam not far down the street.
“Sam!”
Spinning on his heels, his deputy and brother-in-law turned around. Taking long strides, he reached Brodie in seconds.
“I’ve news from Ira.”
“The letter came?”
“Aye. Ira says the same person has received other letters from Settlers Valley.”
“Who’s the letter addressed to?”
Glancing up and down the street, Brodie shook his head. “I’m on my way to talk with August. Come with me.”
Strolling inside, Brodie waved to August’s assistant as he headed up the stairs to the law offices, ignoring the young man’s surprised look. August had a large office on one side of the building while Bay Donahue had a smaller one on the other side. Knocking, Brodie opened the door without waiting for a response, coming to an abrupt stop.
“Aunt Kyla?”
She jumped up from where she sat on the edge of August’s desk, her face turning a deep red. He hadn’t seen her so gussied up since well before her husband, Angus, passed away.
August stood, glancing at Kyla before coming around the desk. “Brodie. Did we have an appointment?”
Shaking his head, Brodie’s gaze moved between the two. “Nae, we didn’t.”
Letting out a sigh, August motioned Brodie and Sam to chairs around a table. Taking Kyla’s hand, he whispered something to her before pulling out a chair for her.
“I’ll make this short. I’ve asked Kyla for permission to court her. She’s agreed, but I’ve yet to speak to her sons. We’d both appreciate it if you’d say nothing until I’ve talked to Colin and Camden.”
Brodie nodded, a slow grin spreading across his face.
“Sam?” August asked.
“This may get me in trouble, but I won’t say a word, not even to Jinny.”
“Good. Let me walk Kyla outside and I’ll be right back up.” He slipped her arm through his, escorting her into the hall.
“Aunt Kyla?”
Stopping, she turned to face her nephew. “Aye, Brodie?”
“It’s grand news.”
She flushed again, smiling in a way he hadn’t seen since before his uncle’s death.
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