COLLEEN: A Sweet Western Historical Romance

by Ashley Merrick

  "We're not going on the road?" Colleen was surprised.

  "This is more interesting and the view is better."

  Colleen glanced around and had to agree. The fields were beautiful, nothing but green grass and scattered flowers for as far as the eyes could see. Every now and again David would slow a bit to point out apple trees or a small pond. She was comfortable with David but there was something else too, a bit of nervousness, maybe. Paul was easier to read than David. She found herself wanting to know what David was thinking. He reached over once to point out a herd of cows just over the hill and his arm brushed against hers. Her arm tingled a bit at the contact which surprised her. That had never happened with Frank, as crazy as she'd been about him. She studied David's face when he was looking away, and noticed the contrast between him and Paul. Where Paul was all sunny and light, with his blond hair and easy smile, David was the opposite. His hair and overall expression was darker, more serious. His hair was almost as dark as hers, the deep brown that looked black at times until you saw it against something black. David didn't smile as often as Paul, but when he did—as he was pointing out his favorite pond, for instance—the light came into his face and softened it.

  A home came into view as they rode over a grassy hill and moments later, David pulled the buggy to a stop by the door.

  "This is my house. I just finished building it a little over a year ago." He helped her out of the buggy and then she followed him inside. It reminded her of Liam and Julia's home—large for a single man, but simple and clean.

  "I teased Liam when he built his house, told him it was ridiculously large for one person, but his response made me rethink my original plans."

  Colleen waited for him to explain further.

  "He said he was thinking ahead and his plan was to fill up those extra rooms as soon as he had a family. He never doubted that it would happen. That made an impression on me."

  "Did you doubt that for yourself?" she wondered out loud.

  "It's not that I doubted it so much as I didn't believe it like he did. Liam was purposeful about things. He built his house and then his family came."

  Colleen smiled. "Liam is optimistic, from what I've seen."

  "That he is," David agreed. He turned to Colleen with a more serious expression. "Could you ever see yourself living here? Married to a farmer?"

  His question took her by surprise, but she answered without hesitation. "I don't see why not. Even though Liam isn't a farmer by trade, he and Julia live on a small farm and while it's certainly different from my life in Boston, I'm getting used to it and learning to appreciate it."

  He nodded. Her answer seemed to satisfy him. "It is a beautiful place. Paul's property is similar. We built our houses at the same time and both used Liam's plans as a guide. We work together most days, and share our resources.”

  "Julia explained that you are best friends as well as business partners."

  "We all get along, but Paul and I are just a year apart and have always been close. It's worked well, so far." He seemed to withdraw a bit after that and Colleen wondered again what he was thinking and if it had anything to do with Paul courting her as well. She could understand how that might be a little awkward for them. It meant that she would have to choose quickly. It wouldn't be fair to either of them to drag things out...assuming, of course, that both of them were even interested enough to consider marriage.

  They drove back along the main road. When they returned to the house, Colleen noticed another buggy parked in the spot they'd left. David frowned when he saw it but said nothing. Colleen didn't know if he recognized the buggy or was just annoyed that whoever it was had taken his spot. Once he settled the horses, they made their way back into the house and followed the sound of laughter to the living room, where everyone was gathered and listening to Ricky, the newest arrival. Ricky paused for a moment when he saw them enter the room and flashed a cheeky grin Colleen's way before continuing with his story.

  "So, he was sure sorry he made that bet. He thought there was no possible way I'd be able to come through with the steel at the price he quoted. Of course he was wrong, and because I won, he had to run down Main Street in a woman's dress. It was truly a sight to behold."

  "You're a bad influence," Mr. Donovan said with a chuckle.

  "Oh, he had it coming. I never would have taken that bet unless I knew I could win it."

  Ricky glanced Colleen's way again, and then back at the group gathered around him.

  "If you'd all excuse me, I see something delicious over there that I need to have a taste of."

  "Better hurry, it won't be around long," Mr. Donovan said.

  "Why do you think I came all the way out here?" Ricky teased and then added, "I dream about your wife's cake. There's nothing like it."

  "Oh, go on with you. You make an old woman blush." Naomi looked pleased.

  Ricky walked towards the kitchen and stopped as he reached Colleen.

  "A pleasure to see you again, Miss Shea." There was a twinkle in his eye as he spoke and Colleen noticed David frown.

  "You as well, Mr. Donovan."

  "Please, call me Ricky."

  "Very well, then you must call me Colleen, too."

  "I would like that, very much. In fact, I'd like to talk to you. Could we walk a bit?"

  Colleen felt somewhat flustered as she sensed David tense beside her.

  "I thought you were on your way to get some cake?"

  "Oh, right. I did say that." He paused for a moment and then added, "Perhaps you'd join me for a slice?"

  Colleen smiled and said, "I had some earlier. It was very good."

  "One can never have too much cake." Ricky grinned. "At least keep me company and maybe take a bite."

  "Fine, I'll join you, but only because I really would like a bit more cake."

  Ricky chuckled as Colleen followed him to the kitchen and she watched as he found two small plates from one of the cupboards and then sliced two pieces—a big one for him and, at Colleen's insistence, a sliver for her.

  He brought them to the long table where they'd eaten dinner earlier and they sat across from each other.

  "You know why I came out here today, don't you?" he asked as they started to eat.

  "You had a craving for cake?" she teased.

  "I had a craving, but not for cake." He caught her eyes and smiled, and she felt something in her stomach do a flip. Ricky's full attention was a powerful thing. "I wanted to see you. You made quite an impression."

  Colleen glanced towards the other room. Paul was engrossed in conversation with his father while David stood on the edges, looking annoyed.

  Ricky followed her gaze and then took another bite of cake.

  "You haven't picked either of them yet, right?" he asked sensibly.

  "No, of course not. I just arrived here a few days ago. I'm still getting to know everyone."

  Ricky seemed to like the sound of that. A slow grin spread across his face and he leaned back in his chair.

  "Good. Then you can get to know me, too. I'm away most of next week, but I'll be back by the weekend and I'd like to take you to dinner."

  Colleen thought about that for a moment. "Where would we go?" As far as she knew, there were only two establishments in town that served food, the Saloon and Donovan's Pub.

  "Well, I don't think the family would approve if I took you to the Saloon," Ricky laughed. "The pub of course. The food is excellent and I already told Liam about it, while you were off riding with David."

  "You did? And he doesn't mind?" Colleen was a bit surprised.

  "I wouldn't go so far as to say he approves. But he said if that's what you wanted to do, it was fine by him. It's your choice. But, please, say yes." He looked into her eyes then, with a mischievous, pleading look and it was impossible to say no.

  "Okay, then, I'll have dinner with you."

  "Excellent!" Ricky pushed his empty plate away and looked pleased. A moment later, Julia walked up and Colleen could see by the lo
ok on her face that she was exhausted.

  "I don't mean to interrupt, but I think we are about ready to head home."

  Ricky stood. "It was lovely seeing you again. I should go tell my aunt how wonderful her cake was."

  Colleen got up as well and watched as Ricky walked away. Julia raised her eyebrows.

  "I knew he was interested. Just be careful with him. He's very different from David and Paul."

  "Yes, he certainly is," Colleen agreed. She followed Julia as they said their goodbyes to everyone.

  She reached Paul first and told him they were leaving. He looked thoughtful for a moment as David headed their way. "I'm sure I will see you soon." He stepped back, and walked off to let David speak to her.

  David got right to the point. "When can I see you again?" There was no tentativeness there, and Colleen had to admire his confidence. There was a determination, a strength in David that was compelling. Once again, she felt a bit flustered. "I'm not sure. Next Friday, possibly?"

  He nodded and then confirmed, "Friday it is. I'll see you before then, though. Either Tuesday or Wednesday I have to come to town and will stop into the pub for either a late lunch or early dinner, depending on the time."

  "I look forward to seeing you soon, then." Colleen realized she was looking forward to the coming week with anticipation. It had been a long time since she'd felt any excitement towards seeing a man, and now she was feeling drawn to two....but not the two she had expected. As she rode home with Julia and Liam, they were all quiet and Colleen was lost in her thoughts. Paul hadn't mentioned going out again and she wondered if he sensed that there wasn't as strong of a connection between them. She found Paul delightful, easy to be around and very sweet but she didn't feel flustered around him the way she did with David and Ricky.

  CHAPTER SIX

  "I'm stepping back," Paul said to his brother as they rode out together the next morning. The sun was just starting to make its appearance and the fields were glistening with morning dew.

  "You're giving up already?" David was surprised.

  "She's a lovely girl, beautiful even. But the spark isn't there between us. Not the way it is between the two of you, and..." He paused then as if he'd said too much.

  David chuckled. "That was obvious to see. First family dinner he's been to in months."

  "He can be a charming devil, that one," Paul agreed.

  "He's not right for her," David said simply, then added, "Hopefully she'll realize that."

  "She came here to get married. The sooner you do that, the better. If you take too long...you might lose her. Or I might change my mind." Paul was teasing, but David knew there was truth in what he said. He knew he would have to move more quickly than he had intended. He wasn't worried about Paul. Ricky was another matter.

  "Maybe his plans changed?" Julia said as she and Colleen sat down late Wednesday afternoon to have their lunch. It was almost three and the restaurant was empty except for a few men at the bar. Colleen took a tentative sip of the rich onion soup in front of her. It was so hot that she could see wisps of steam rising from it.

  "He did say it might be later in the afternoon that he'd be by." Colleen was still hopeful. David had mentioned that he would stop in either Tuesday or Wednesday and she'd been a little jumpy the day before as each new customer came through the door, hoping it was him. She was starting to feel somewhat deflated, though. Maybe his plans had changed. They were going to do something Friday night, but nothing specific had been discussed.

  "There's a dance Friday night," Julia said as she reached for her turkey sandwich. "Liam mentioned going for a bit, too, if Billy doesn't mind covering for him at the bar. It would be fun if David wanted to do that. We could all go together."

  "That does sound fun." Colleen liked the idea of going somewhere with Liam and Julia as well.

  When they were almost done with their lunch, Colleen heard the front door open and footsteps walk toward the bar.

  "You finally made it!" They heard Liam greet the new arrival.

  "We just dropped off our load at the train. I have to admit, I'm starving." Colleen recognized David's voice.

  "Go and say hello. I'll finish up for us in the back and then we can head out." Julia said.

  "Are you sure?" Colleen didn't want to shirk her duties.

  "Don't be silly, go. There's hardly anything left to do." Julia stood and gathered their dishes to bring into the kitchen. Colleen rose as well and walked toward the bar. David was sitting at the far end and as soon as he saw her, a smile spread across his face.

  "You're a beautiful sight to see. Can you join me for a bit?" David indicated the chair next to his and Colleen walked over and slid into it.

  "I can't stay long. Julia is finishing up out back and then we'll be heading home."

  "She's tired, I bet?"

  "Exhausted. The days are long for her," Colleen admitted.

  "She's lucky to have you, then, to help.

  "I suppose so. I'm happy to do it."

  Liam returned a moment later and set a plate in front of David that held the same meal the girls had just eaten, the soup and sandwich special of the day—a crock of cheese-topped onion soup and a toasted turkey sandwich.

  "The soup is amazing," Colleen commented as David dipped his spoon into the melted cheese and then took a taste.

  "You're right. I haven't had a bad meal here yet, though. It's always good."

  They chatted easily while he ate his lunch and then when he pushed the plate away, he turned to her.

  "So, Friday night. There's a dance, a social in town. The music should be good. A few of my friends will be playing."

  "Julia mentioned that earlier today, too. She said that she and Liam might go, if he can convince Billy to cover for him."

  "Well, we can go together then, if you like?"

  "That sounds perfect to me," Colleen agreed. She noticed Julia standing near Liam by the kitchen door and realized she must be ready to leave. David noticed as well.

  "You have to go," he said, and she nodded.

  "I'll see you Friday, around six."

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  David arrived at Liam and Julia's house Friday evening at six o'clock sharp. Colleen opened the door to welcome him as Liam came out of his bedroom in fresh clothes. Billy had agreed to cover for him, but he still didn't get out as early as he wanted to and had made it home with barely enough time to wash and change.

  "We could all go in my buggy if you like," David offered. They followed him out and both Colleen and Julia carried blueberry pies. The meal was a potluck and each family was bringing something. David took the pies from them and set them in the back of the buggy next to a tray of sliced ham. Julia raised her eyebrows when she saw it.

  "You did not cook that?"

  David chuckled. "Of course not. My mother had it waiting for me when I stopped by earlier. She insisted."

  "That was nice of her," Colleen said.

  "She was the one who told me about the social," he said with a grin.

  "And your friends will be there too, playing music?" she asked.

  "I ran into Kenny earlier this week, the day I saw you at the pub, and he told me they were going to be there. He sings and Tony plays the guitar and Lou plays the fiddle."

  "That sounds fun." It had been a very long time since Colleen had danced. Too long. The last time was well over a year ago when Frank was still courting her. She frowned thinking of it and David caught her.

  "Is something wrong?" he asked softly.

  "No, not at all. I was just thinking that I can't wait to dance and listen to music."

  About a half-hour later, they arrived. There was already a good crowd gathered and as they walked inside, David explained that he'd helped to build the community building several years ago. It was adjacent to the town hall, and was used for all kinds of gatherings, from town meetings to social events, even weddings.

  Colleen and Julia took the food to a long table where the other women were setting things
up. David and Liam had wandered off to chat with David's friends, who were unpacking their instruments and getting organized in the corner.

  "You must be Colleen?" A slightly plump woman who looked to be in her late twenties introduced herself. "I'm Mabel."

  "Hello, Mabel," Julia said coolly and then added, "You are correct, this is my good friend Colleen. She recently moved here, from Boston."

  "It's nice to meet you," Colleen said politely. Julia rarely adopted that cool tone, which Colleen knew usually indicated dislike.

  "So, who are you here with?" Mabel's tone was accusatory and Colleen took a step back, and before she could answer the question, Mabel continued her attack. "It looks like you're here with David Donovan, but word is that you've been seen with Ricky as well."

  "There's nothing wrong with being courted by two men!" Julia jumped in to defend her, and Colleen cringed when she added, "That is very common with most women, wouldn't you agree?"

  Mabel frowned. "I wouldn't know about that."

  "It's been nice catching up with you." Julia's voice was sugary sweet and Colleen had to fight back a chuckle. She followed Julia as she walked off to find a table.

  "What was that all about?" she asked as they sat at a round table near the band. David looked their way as they sat down and smiled.

  "I like just about everyone, you know that. But Mabel is hard to like. Part of me feels a bit sorry for her. She's never married and lives with her parents. Her mother isn't well, so Mabel cares for her and helps out at the farm. But she's always been mean-spirited and has had a crush on David for years."

  "She has?"

  "He's completely oblivious to it, of course. He thinks she's sweet, probably because he's one of the few people she is nice to!"

  "He's not interested in her?"

  "If David was interested, they would have married by now. She's not his type."

  A short time later, once most everyone had arrived, they lined up to make their way through the buffet line of various dishes. There was a wide variety of food, from sliced meats, to casseroles, potpies, potatoes, vegetables and assorted bread. After they ate, while people were lingering over coffee and dessert, the band started to play. Colleen found herself tapping her feet to the beat as they played an upbeat, catchy melody.