Wilder Than the Rest: MacLarens of Fire Mountain

by Shirleen Davies

  “I’m leaving.”

  He walked up beside her, grabbed an arm, and turned her to him.

  “You’re leaving. Just like that? Because the family wants a wedding?” He shot her a killing glare and started to pull her clothes out of the bag and return them to the wardrobe.

  “No, not just like that. I shouldn’t have come in the first place. It was wrong.” Mollie grabbed the clothing from his hands and threw it back in the satchel.

  “Wrong, how?” He dropped his hands to his sides, palms facing out.

  “Because you don’t love me!” she fumed, her voice rising as the tension in her peaked.

  “The hell I don’t!” he shot back.

  Time seemed to stop.

  Her jaw dropped and Pierce took a slight step backward.

  He squeezed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, accepting what he’d said as true.

  “I love you, Mollie, and that’s God’s truth.”

  “You love me?” she whispered.

  “Yes, I do.” He took a deep breath, “Look, I know you don’t love me, but in time, maybe…” Pierce’s voice trailed off.

  Mollie launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck, brushing brief kisses across his cheeks, chin, eyes, and nose. She pulled back and looked into his beautiful blue eyes.

  “I love you, too, Pierce MacLaren, and that’s God’s truth.”

  Epilogue

  One last wedding, Alicia thought as she pulled the last pie out of the oven. Everyone is married, finally. She sat down and picked up the lemonade she’d made that morning.

  They expected quite a number of people at the ranch today, neighbors they’d known most of their lives, and newcomers who’d somehow discovered Fire Mountain and made it their home. She figured the next big shindig wouldn’t be until Beth, Niall and Kate’s oldest, got married. She hoped that was years away.

  “Aunt Alicia, where do you want the rest of these flowers?” Torie walked up with her arms full. “Chaz sent them.”

  Alicia shook her head. Now that was one man who needed to meet the right lady and settle down. He was just too darn good looking and smart to stay single. “Please put them on the table next to the hallstand in the entry.”

  Torie turned to leave as Jericho strolled into view.

  “Good, you’re resting, Alicia,” Mr. Jericho stood in the door of the kitchen. “You’ve been working much too hard on this wedding. Let the others do more.” He continued to stand.

  “Sit down, Lawrence, you’ve been doing more than your share, too.” Alicia smiled up at the large man who’d become such a good friend since they’d first met. He’d helped Drew to overcome the paralysis he’d suffered when a bullet ripped through his body and he’d been a fixture in Connor and Pierce’s lives since their days in Red Hook. Everyone called him Mr. Jericho, but when they were alone, he preferred she call him by his first name, Lawrence.

  “Won’t be long and everyone will be here. Didn’t think I’d see the day when Connor, Pierce, and Meggie would all be married.” He poured himself some lemonade and sat back. “Guess my job here is done.”

  Alicia’s eyes flew to his. “What do you mean, your job’s done? From what I can tell, it’s just getting started. There’s still plenty of young ones to help with and more on the way. If you think you’re cutting out and leaving me to do all the work, well, you had just better think again.” She set down her glass with a thud. “Now, I’m going to get dressed for the wedding. I suggest you do the same.”

  Alicia placed a hand on his shoulder as she walked past him to the stairs.

  He watched her, glad in more than ways than he could count, that he was a part of what he considered an extraordinary family.

  ******

  Everyone was in place, the music started, and all eyes turned to where Mollie stood. She was a vision in her stunning gown, golden hair pulled up in a soft chignon, wearing the pearls Pierce had presented her with the night before. He’d purchased them in San Francisco, hoping she would one day consent to be his bride.

  Connor escorted her between the rows of guests, then stepped aside as they came to a stop in front of Pierce.

  Everyone listened as the preacher spoke the same words they’d heard many times over the last several years as each of the MacLarens had married.

  “Repeat after me. I, Pierce Mungo MacLaren, take this woman…”

  Mollie’s eyes shot to Pierce’s. “Mungo?” she mouthed as the sounds of muffled laughter could be heard behind them.

  Pierce’s face turned red. “Later,” he mouthed back and shrugged.

  Several minutes later, they’d completed their vows, and he slipped a simple gold band onto her finger.

  “You may now kiss your bride,” the preacher finished, motioning for them to turn toward their guests. “Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Pierce MacLaren.”

  Pierce let out a loud whoop before grabbing Mollie in a tight hug and swinging her around.

  ******

  Pierce sipped a whiskey and looked on as Mollie sat with the women and looked over the gifts that had been left for them. He’d been stunned at the generosity of the townsfolk and neighbors he barely knew.

  Connor came up beside him and clasped a hand to his shoulder. “You did good, real good.” He smiled and lifted his glass in salute to his brother. “She’s a wonderful woman, which makes her an excellent match for you.”

  Pierce accepted the veiled complement as he saluted Connor in return.

  “Pierce, there’s a card here from Settlers Valley, California,” Mollie called and held up an envelope.

  He walked forward, opened the envelope, and read the brief message.

  “What’s it say, Pierce?” Alicia asked from her seat next to Mr. Jericho.

  He looked up, a smile spreading slowly across his face. “Says congratulations and that they can’t wait to get all the MacLarens together to share our stories of coming to America and settling in the west.”

  That will be quite a reunion, Alicia thought. Yes, quite a reunion indeed.

  The End

  Watch for Shirleen’s continuation of the MacLaren clan

  in her new series,

  The MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Book one, Colin’s Quest

  Scheduled for release in early 2015

  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

  Shirleen began her series, MacLarens of Fire Mountain, with Tougher than the Rest, the story of the oldest brother, Niall MacLaren. Other books in the series include, Faster than the Rest, Harder than the Rest, Stronger than the Rest, and Deadlier than the Rest. Book six, Wilder than the Rest, is due for release in early summer, 2014. Her contemporary romance series, MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary, opened with book one, Second Summer. Book two, Hard Landing, released in April 2014, and Book three, One More day, is scheduled to release in midsummer, 2014. Book one of her newest historical western series, Redemption Mountain, will release in the fall of 2014.

  Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.

  Write to her at: shirleen@shirleendavies.com

  Visit her website: http://www.shirleendavies.com

  Comment on her blog: http://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html

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  Other Books by Shir
leen Davies

  Tougher than the Rest – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, fast-paced story set in the untamed western frontier by an exciting new voice in historical romance.”

  Niall MacLaren is the oldest of four brothers, and the undisputed leader of the family. A widower, and single father, his focus is on building the MacLaren ranch into the largest and most successful in northern Arizona. He is serious about two things—his responsibility to the family and his future marriage to the wealthy, well-connected widow who will secure his place in the territory’s destiny.

  Katherine is determined to live the life she’s dreamed about. With a job waiting for her in the growing town of Los Angeles, California, the young teacher from Philadelphia begins a journey across the United States with only a couple of trunks and her spinster companion. Life is perfect for this adventurous, beautiful young woman, until an accident throws her into the arms of the one man who can destroy it all.

  Fighting his growing attraction and strong desire for the beautiful stranger, Niall is more determined than ever to push emotions aside to focus on his goals of wealth and political gain. But looking into the clear, blue eyes of the woman who could ruin everything, Niall discovers he will have to harden his heart and be tougher than he’s ever been in his life…Tougher than the Rest.

  Faster than the Rest – Book Two

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.”

  Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.

  Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?

  Marshal MacLaren struggles to learn the truth and do his job, but the past and present lead him in different directions as his heart and brain wage battle. Is Victoria a victim or a villain? Is life offering him another chance, or just another heartbreak?

  As Jamie and Victoria struggle to uncover past secrets and come to grips with their shared passion, another danger arises. A life-altering danger that is out of their control and threatens to destroy any chance for a shared future.

  Harder than the Rest – Book Three

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “They are men you want on your side. Hard, confident, and loyal, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will seize your attention from the first page.”

  Will MacLaren is a hardened, plain-speaking bounty hunter. His life centers on finding men guilty of horrendous crimes and making sure justice is done. There is no place in his world for the carefree attitude he carried years before when a tragic event destroyed his dreams.

  Amanda is the daughter of a successful Colorado rancher. Determined and proud, she works hard to prove she is as capable as any man and worthy to be her father’s heir. When a stranger arrives, her independent nature collides with the strong pull toward the handsome ranch hand. But is he what he seems and could his secrets endanger her as well as her family?

  The last thing Will needs is to feel passion for another woman. But Amanda elicits feelings he thought were long buried. Can Will’s desire for her change him? Or will the vengeance he seeks against the one man he wants to destroy—a dangerous opponent without a conscious—continue to control his life?

  Stronger than the Rest – Book Four

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Smart, tough, and capable, the MacLarens protect their own no matter the odds. Set against America’s rugged frontier, the stories of the men from Fire Mountain are complex, fast-paced, and a must read for anyone who enjoys non-stop action and romance.”

  Drew MacLaren is focused and strong. He has achieved all of his goals except one—to return to the MacLaren ranch and build the best horse breeding program in the west. His successful career as an attorney is about to give way to his ranching roots when a bullet changes everything.

  Tess Taylor is the quiet, serious daughter of a Colorado ranch family with dreams of her own. Her shy nature keeps her from developing friendships outside of her close-knit family until Drew enters her life. Their relationship grows. Then a bullet, meant for another, leaves him paralyzed and determined to distance himself from the one woman he’s come to love.

  Convinced he is no longer the man Tess needs, Drew focuses on regaining the use of his legs and recapturing a life he thought lost. But danger of another kind threatens those he cares about—including Tess—forcing him to rethink his future.

  Can Drew overcome the barriers that stand between him, the safety of his friends and family, and a life with the woman he loves? To do it all, he has to be strong. Stronger than the Rest.

  Deadlier than the Rest – Book Five

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, heartwarming story of the iconic MacLarens of Fire Mountain. This captivating historical western romance grabs your attention from the start with an engrossing story encompassing two romances set against the rugged backdrop of the burgeoning western frontier.”

  Connor MacLaren’s search has already stolen eight years of his life. Now he is close to finding what he seeks—Meggie, his missing sister. His quest leads him to the growing city of Salt Lake and an encounter with the most captivating woman he has ever met.

  Grace is the third wife of a Mormon farmer, forced into a life far different from what she’d have chosen. Her independent spirit longs for choices governed only by her own heart and mind. To achieve her dreams, she must hide behind secrets and half-truths, even as her heart pulls her towards the ruggedly handsome Connor.

  Known as cool and uncompromising, Connor MacLaren lives by a few, firm rules that have served him well and kept him alive. However, danger stalks Connor, even to the front range of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, threatening those he cares about and impacting his ability to find his sister.

  Can Connor protect himself from those who seek his death? Will his eight-year search lead him to his sister while unlocking the secrets he knows are held tight within Grace, the woman who has captured his heart?

  Read this heartening story of duty, honor, passion, and love in book five of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series.

  Second Summer – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series

  “In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family.”

  The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, Heath MacLaren is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.

  Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage, Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .

  Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have, yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.

  It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul mate and confidante. She has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship.

  Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shel
l after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.

  However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .

  The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?

  Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose.

  Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.

  Hard Landing – Book Two

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series

  Trey MacLaren is a confident, poised Navy pilot. He’s focused, loyal, ethical, and a natural leader. He is also on his way to what he hopes will be a lasting relationship and marriage with fellow pilot, Jesse Evans.

  Jesse has always been driven. Her graduation from the Naval Academy and acceptance into the pilot training program are all she thought she wanted—until she discovered love with Trey MacLaren

  Trey and Jesse’s lives are filled with fast flying, friends, and the demands of their military careers. Lives each has settled into with a passion. At least until the day Trey receives a letter that could change his and Jesse’s lives forever.

  It’s been over two years since Trey has seen the woman in Pensacola. Her unexpected letter stuns him and pushes Jesse into a tailspin from which she might not pull back.

  Each must make a choice. Will the choice Trey makes cause him to lose Jesse forever? Will she follow her heart or her head as she fights for a chance to save the love she’s found? Will their independent decisions collide, forcing them to give up on a life together?