Montana Promise (McCutcheon Family Series Book 10)

by Caroline Fyffe

  Stifling his feelings would be the prudent thing to do, but he couldn’t. He had to know how she felt.

  “I love you, Ashley. I want to marry you.”

  In one blink, her eyes filled with tears and overflowed in a mighty gush. She brushed them away and kept staring at his face.

  Not the reaction he’d hoped for, but she was still listening. “I plan to always work for the McCutcheons, but I promise that will provide a good life. You won’t be sorry. My goal every day will be to make you happy.”

  She placed her fingers on his lips. “Please, Francis, I can’t. Even if I wanted to with all my heart. I can’t leave my home. My mother. She has no one else.” She brushed away more large, glistening tears and then looked off at the orchard. “And I can’t leave my trees. This truth will be difficult for you to understand, but they’re everything to me. I’ve been tending them with love for nine long years. So many things tether me to Priest’s Crossing. And what about my teaching position? I can’t forget about the children who depend on me either. I love what I do. My hands are tied well and good. Even if I wanted to marry you, Francis, I just can’t.”

  Two large crows landed in the tree on the top of the bank and cawed out a mocking taunt. The fruit was in danger. And so was his heart. She couldn’t give up her life for him, but in all honesty, if she asked him to move here to Priest’s Crossing, could he give up the McCutcheons and the ranch for her? That was a scary thought.

  “Twice you’ve said, ‘even if I wanted to.’ Do you want to, Ashley? Do you want to marry me? I know we’re only eighteen, but that’s not so young. I know plenty of couples who have done just fine starting out young. If you could, would you? If all those other factors weren’t issues?”

  “That doesn’t matter. They are issues. And my heart is breaking because of them.”

  Crushing defeat almost cut his knees out from under him. This exchange was really the end. He’d been dreaming for days, and especially since the kiss, that somehow, like in a fairy tale, everything would work out. She’d return with him to Y Knot, they’d marry, and everyone would live happily ever after. That just wasn’t happening.

  When he returned, the men would give him sad looks and pat him on his back. They’d say he’d get over her in time, that he and Ashley were young, didn’t know their minds. That he’d thank God when he met the real woman that was meant for him, but Francis didn’t think so. All he knew was the love of his life was turning him down. In the next hour, he’d ride out of her life, and the break would be final. He never figured this result to be the end of his dreams.

  I can’t make you love me.

  Stepping closer, he wrapped her in his arms, pulled her close, and found her lips. He’d probably regret this move, but he couldn’t stop himself. His heart, as large as he’d believed it could grow, ached, and then pushed out farther, throbbing with love, with want, growing in his chest even as sorrow pushed in behind. He didn’t know if he could look her in the eye when the time came to walk away.

  Her hands pulled him closer, running up and down his chest to finally loop around his neck in the most perfect fit. The kiss turned from sweet to urgent. She understood as well as he did this embrace was the end.

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Standing at the side of his saddled horse at the hotel hitching rail, Luke noticed Francis slowly walking Redmond up the road in his direction. Actually, Luke had been waiting for him. He was worried about Francis. Hearts were breaking at this moment, he was sure.

  His young friend reined up three horses over and looked around. “Where’s everyone else?”

  “Finishing up their noon meal in the eatery.”

  Francis chuckled. “Gettin’ fortified for the ride home.”

  “That’s right.” Francis wasn’t giving anything away. He’d have to dig if he wanted answers. “Where you been?”

  Hunkered in his saddle, Francis leaned onto his saddle horn, looking like he’d been on the trail for a month. He hadn’t yet cleaned up, and now he’d have to ride out dirty. Luke was sure that was the least of his problems at the moment.

  Luke grasped his Stetson hooked on his own saddle horn, and pushed the hat on, shading out the glaring sun he hadn’t seen for quite some time. “Want to talk?”

  Pain sliced across Francis’s face. He glanced away and blinked several times. “She said no.”

  Whoa. That was fast. Even in comparison to his and Faith’s short courtship. He hadn’t realized Francis was quite there. But still, when he knew what he felt about Faith, nothing would have changed his mind. “You asked her to marry you?”

  Francis nodded.

  “And she turned you down?”

  Again, the nod as he gazed off into the distance.

  “You’re eighteen, Francis. Young to settle down. I was twenty-six when I met Faith. Had done a lot of living.” And suffering. How much better has my life been since we married? Do I wish I’d met her sooner? Hell, yes!

  “I don’t think age has much to do with anything,” Francis answered. “And she didn’t actually say no. Just that she couldn’t leave the things she loved here in Priest’s Crossing. Her mother, her teaching, and mostly, the apple orchard she’s been tending for nine years. Thing is, I can sort of understand what she means.”

  That was good news. Not all was lost! “You know, we’ve always considered you family, Francis, and that when you do marry, you’ll have some acreage of your own, part of the ranch, to build a home on, just like the rest of us.” He nodded. His parents, Flood and Claire, had taken Francis in as an orphan. “You’re family. You’ll have the McCutcheon name, as well, if that’s what you want.”

  Wonder crossed Francis’s face first and then a storm of emotion. He looked away and rubbed an unsteady hand across his mouth. “I… I couldn’t.”

  Suddenly Luke grinned like a fool. I like the sound of another little brother. “You could… and you should. You have as much McCutcheon blood in your veins as I do. You know Flood’s not my real pa. I was sired by a Cheyenne brave. Same goes for Colton and Dawn, since I’m their step-pa. You’re one of us, and you have been for a long time. Feelings are what makes a family, not blood. Think on it, Francis, before you turn it down.”

  Luke chuckled to lighten the mood. Francis was still stewing over losing the women he loved. “You mentioned a while back Miss Adair has been growing some saplings, to increase her orchard. How would she feel about diggin’ ’em up and bringin’ ’em to Y Knot?”

  Francis’s expression relaxed. His chest lifted as if he’d been holding his breath since Luke had spoken of taking the family name. Being a McCutcheon meant a lot, as Luke knew it would. “I don’t know much about growing fruit, Francis, but somewhere I remember hearing that maybe they’d produce in three to four years. She’d know better than me.”

  Francis straightened in his saddle.

  His lost little puppy look vanished, and he drilled Luke with an intense gaze. Luke shrugged. “It’s worth a shot. Might not take much to get her thinkin’ along those lines. The sooner they’re planted, the sooner they’ll grow—in Y Knot. Her mother can come along if she wants, and I do believe the school might have an opening soon. Doesn’t sound like a lost cause to me.” He glanced at the eatery. “With all the hands, diggin’ those saplings won’t be a problem at all, and we might convince the new Sheriff Clark to lend us Benson’s mules and wagon. Seems the least he can do for keeping me locked up so long on trumped-up charges.”

  Francis lifted his hat and ran his dirt-smudged arm along his forehead as a wide smile appeared on his face. The temperature was climbing.

  Smokey ambled out of the eatery, rubbing his belly. He smiled and started their way.

  “Or, if she wants to wait on moving the saplings till a better time of the year, we can spare a day or two and help her get what’s there now harvested. While I’m feeling generous, having just cheated death, tell her we’ll all stay back. Get her orchard cleared.”

  Francis’s mouth opened and closed.
>
  Luke shrugged. “Well, what’re you waitin’ for?” He pulled out his pocket watch and flipped open the lid. “You’re on the clock. Go win your woman’s hand. You’re a McCutcheon. We don’t take no for an answer.”

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  The Heart of the Mountains Ranch

  “Such a beautiful spot,” Ashley whispered, snuggled in Francis’s arms, his hands locked together in front of her. Her back was to his chest as they gazed over the patch of land that would, after today, be their orchard, and where their house would someday be built.

  “I don’t think a dream could be prettier,” she said. “The stream, the mountains, and the hill where the wildflowers will grow in the spring. I’m beside myself with happiness.” She turned in his arms and his lips claimed hers, shushing all the talk.

  The warm sunshine on his shoulders felt nice. He’d been impatient for a few kisses but had learned over the two months since she’d moved to Y Knot that giving her time to express her feelings was always a good thing.

  She pulled back but kept her hands up around his neck. “Are you as happy as I am?”

  The feeling of his heart expanding had become a regular occurrence these past few months. “Happier. The happiest I’ve ever been. And I’ll be even happier come spring, when you become my wife. The baby green grass just sprouted, wildflowers blooming everywhere, hundreds of calves bawlin’ for their mamas…” He glanced up at the clouds filled with wonder. “That’s a heady thought. You, my wife. Me, your husband. This whole thing has been quite the surprise.”

  Smiling, she nuzzled his neck. “I hope you like surprises. I’ve always been fond of giving them. I’ll fill your days with surprises and your nights with love.”

  A flush broke out on his face. When they were alone, she wasn’t shy in the least. He loved that about her but was still getting used to being one half of a couple.

  “The Klinkners were kind to invite you to live with them until the wedding. Lots of exciting events planned for next year. We’ll start on the house. Then, after the wedding, you’ll keep teaching for as long as you can…”

  Dreaminess filled her eyes and she smiled. “You mean until we’re blessed with a babe?”

  He nodded. “Well, yeah, that usually…”

  “You’ll be a fine father, Francis.” She went up on tiptoe and kissed his chin. “You’re so patient. I’ve seen you with Holly and Dawn, and even Rachel and Amy’s little fellas. They’re all so cute.”

  More wonder filled his chest. A husband was one thing; he was ready for that, no question, but a father? A tiny niggle of alarm traced up his spine. What had happened to his father? Had he been killed, leaving Francis an orphan, or had his sire tossed him away unwanted? No way to know. None at all. He’d never want to be like that.

  “All this talk of being a father—” He chuckled, but the humor wasn’t there. “Let’s take one step at a time. We still have a long winter to get through. Only after that, we’ll start talking spring flowers, calving season, and weddings.”

  She quickly pulled back to read his expression. “Are you getting cold feet?”

  Seemed she wasn’t afraid to talk about anything. She’d said she liked open communication, and she’d proven that fact more times than he could count.

  “Not on your life. I just like taking things slow and easy when the talk turns to young’uns. I never had any parents, and I don’t really know why. Maybe my father was some horrible person. I just get a little anxious, is all.”

  She lowered her hands from around his neck and rested them on his biceps, feeling his muscles ever so gently. “And maybe he was a very loving man who was accidentally killed, as well as your mother, leaving you an orphan and no one alive to tell the tale. That explanation is just as plausible as the other. Don’t let your fear undermine who you really are, my love. Who I know you to be.”

  Her understanding smile chased away his anxiety.

  She reached up and finger combed his hair behind his ears and then played with the curls around his collar, knowing very well he liked the caress. “You’re a natural,” she went on softly. “Even the baby animals respond to you. You have the touch.”

  “Well, your mother finally likes me, and that fact must mean something. She sure enjoys her job with Berta May, sewing and darning all day long.”

  “I think she enjoys the larger town. Having friends, male and female. Starting out new. And I’m enjoying having her in town but living in separate places. I’ve never done that before. Her at Berta May’s and me at Ina’s. The move has been good for both of us. And she’s the apple expert. Taught me all I know, but there’s always more to learn.”

  Sounds of a jangling harness made them both turn.

  “Here come your trees. I hope you’re ready.” They’d been keeping the saplings inside one of the covered lumber sheds at Klinkner’s mill for a few days since the trees had arrived from Priest’s Crossing. The ranch hands had come out one day and helped prepare the land to Mrs. Adair’s specifications, for the trees from the original orchard in Priest’s Crossing and others Ashley and Angelia had ordered. The hundred and fifty holes were dug in one day. Today, the trees would be planted, followed by a picnic with everyone in attendance.

  Behind Hayden and Heather’s wagon came Roady with Sally and the baby. More townsfolk would arrive any time as well.

  When the wagons were close enough, Roady called, “Thought we’d come out early. Hope you don’t mind.”

  Francis smiled and found one of Ashley’s hands, a feeling of wonder, peace, and love swirling around inside his heart. His life, one that began on such unstable ground, was now one of deep gratefulness and love. “’Course not. Always glad to see you.”

  Hayden expertly circled the wagon, parking close to the straight rows of holes, and pulled the team to a halt, the saplings in the back slowly swaying.

  Roady followed suit. Gillian howled loudly in her mother’s arms.

  In all the catching up after they’d come back from Priest’s Crossing, he’d only seen Roady’s daughter once, and only for a moment. Curious now, he and Ashley walked close as Hayden and Roady helped the ladies down, making sure everyone was safe.

  Sally held Gillian to her shoulder, vigorously patting her back. “I think she has a pesky bubble stuck in her craw. Poor baby has been fussing and fretting since we left the mill. I’d hoped the bumpy ride would work out the nuisance, but we’ve had no luck with that. My little princess is miserable.”

  Just as Roady went to take Gillian, Francis stepped up with outstretched hands. “Can I give her a go? I’ve had some experience with Dawn and Holly.”

  Hayden and Roady exchanged a look and then Roady winked. “As her sleep-deprived father, I give you my blessing.”

  Francis carefully lifted a squalling Gillian from Sally’s hands.

  When she looked into his face, she howled so loud an enormous burp sounded, and then she settled down, her face wet with tears.

  Francis pushed out his chest and then let his gaze stray over to Ashley, so thankful for the young woman who’d captured his heart. “See, darlin’. One way or the other, I get the job done. You can count on me.”

  Smiling, Ashley snuggled under his free arm, gazing at the now sleepy-eyed infant. A moment later she looked up at him in adoration.

  Their life was just beginning. If he felt this good now, contemplating the rest of his life was exciting. “I love you,” he whispered as he fell into her eyes as if the others weren’t there, standing nearby. “I promise that will never change.”

  She ran a hand over his chest, staying clear of Gillian who had fallen asleep. “I can see your feelings deep in your eyes, Francis, and it makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I love you more than you could ever know. I promise I’ll never forget the way I feel this moment in your arms.”

  Read on for an excerpt of Heart of Eden!

  Coming January 2018!!

  Don’t miss HEART of EDEN, Book One of the new Colorado Hearts Series!<
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  USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe’s sweeping saga about five sisters finding love and forging new lives on the Colorado frontier.

  Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

  http://amzn.to/2w1O21T

  Other Books by Caroline Fyffe

  McCutcheon Family Series

  Montana Dawn

  Texas Twilight

  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Evie

  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Heather

  Moon Over Montana

  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Kathryn

  Montana Snowfall

  Texas Lonesome

  Montana Courage

  Montana Promise

  ~~~*~~~

  Colorado Hearts Series

  Heart of Eden (January 2018)

  Hope of Eden (June 2018)

  ~~~*~~~

  Prairie Hearts Series

  Where The Wind Blows

  Before The Larkspur Blooms

  West Winds of Wyoming

  Under a Falling Star

  Whispers on the Wind

  Where Wind Meets Wave

  ~~~*~~~

  Stand Alone Western Historical

  Sourdough Creek

  ~~~*~~~

  Stand Alone Contemporary Women’s Fiction

  Three And A Half Minutes

  ~~~*~~~

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  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to my editors, Linda Carroll-Bradd of Lustre Editing and Anne Victory of Victory Editing & Oops Detection. You make my books shine. To my talented cover artist, Kelli Ann Morgan, for creating a cover so beautiful it makes me want to move to Montana. To Bob Houston eBook Formatting, I think you’re great! Working with you is always a joy. My whole team is brilliant and I couldn’t do what I do without them.