The Billionaire Cowboy's Christmas Surprise [Wives for the Western Billionaires 10] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “It’s worked out well. Andy and I are good friends, and we back each other up. Take off your shirt, and we’ll start the physical. Tell me why you decided today you had to be checked. There has to be a reason.”

  Clay confessed about his concern and what their mother had said. “I know it’s silly to worry about such a thing happening.”

  Rand looked him in the eye. “It’s not silly. Mom told me after I became a doctor about Dad disregarding the warning signs. I’ve had my heart checked along with my usual yearly physical. It makes good sense.”

  A sense of relief flowed over Clay. He lay back on the exam table as Rand began his examination. When it was over, Rand walked him to the back door.

  “You can avoid the crowd this way. You look good and healthy. Your EKG was perfect. I’ll have the results of your blood work by tomorrow. I’ll take it to the hospital and ask them to run it. Come by around five tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll talk more.”

  Clay felt more optimistic than he had in years. He hadn’t realized how heavy the burden he carried had been. As long as all his blood work was good, he’d be in the clear. And he definitely planned on keeping up with his yearly physicals.

  He walked around to the front to drive home and literally ran into Susie. “I’m sorry. I was thinking and not watching where I was going.”

  He grabbed hold of her arms to steady her. “Are you all right?”

  “Your little bump isn’t going to hurt me.” She started toward the doctor’s office.

  “I mean, you’re going to see one of the doctors. I thought you might be ill.”

  “Nope. See you.”

  He watched her casually walk away as though he had no significance in her life. It’s my own fault if she ignores me. I’ve been so unpredictable around her I’m sure I’ve destroyed any trust that developed between us.

  Clay didn’t like the feeling of being ignored. He got in his truck and waited. An hour later, Susie came out. She stopped right outside the door when she saw him. Then she tipped her chin upward. She strolled to the front sidewalk and headed toward her shop.

  “Wait,” Clay called out. She didn’t hesitate. He hurried to catch her. “I can drive you wherever you’re going.”

  “It’s a nice walk to my shop.” She kept going.

  “I saw the For Rent sign had been removed. You must be excited.”

  She glanced at him. “I am.”

  “Do you like the apartment?”

  “Stop pestering me, or I’ll tell the deputy. It might be embarrassing since she’s your sister-in-law.”

  “I’m not harassing you. I asked a question.”

  “I have the right to not answer. Also, I’d like to walk alone.”

  “Why? I want to see your store and what you’ve accomplished.”

  Susie stopped and faced him with her hands on her hips. “I don’t want to see you or talk to you. Your moods change too often. It’s tiring and disturbing.” She started to move on.

  “Give me one more chance.”

  “Not now. You need time to think about what you want.”

  Clay stood on the sidewalk staring at her back. No woman had ever refused him anything. He didn’t like it, but he admitted it was his fault. Still, I’ll find some way to convince her I’m serious this time.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Susie took a deep breath as she left Clay standing alone. Every cell in her body wanted to say yes. She’d have loved to take him to her apartment. They’ve have made delicious afternoon love. It took all her strength to keep walking forward. His eyes drilled into her back.

  This was the best decision. He’d had it too easy with his other women. If he wanted her, he’d have to fight for her. And if he didn’t, she’d have to recover from a broken heart. She’d jumped into deep water taking this gamble to win his love. But she didn’t see any other choices.

  In the next few days Susie signed permits for her shop and walked around the empty store planning the layout. The water and electricity had been turned on at the same time as the apartment. She talked to Millie and looked online about ordering business equipment and books. Upstairs, she worked on making the apartment her home.

  Her nights were long and lonely. She often opened the curtains and stared out at the moon wondering where Clay was and what he was doing. Had he asked Gloria out? Would he forget her?

  Thursday, she got nervous about the meeting. She wrote out her plan. Having notes would help her not lose track of her presentation. She’d put in a request to be heard. The council had accepted it.

  Mrs. Brodie called around three o’clock. “Hi, I wanted to reassure you we’ll all be at the meeting. Every daughter-in-law and I will support you.”

  “Thanks. I’m a little nervous, but seeing your faces in the audience will help.”

  “Why don’t we all meet at Millie’s for dinner at five? Millie said she and her friends will be at the meeting. She’s stopping work at six to get ready.”

  “I can’t believe how much support I’m getting. Several women stopped by the shop to ask when I’d be open. I told them about my ideas for the town, and they promised to come and bring others.”

  “It’ll be wonderful to see the old courthouse full. You’ll shock the men on the council. I’m excited,” Mrs. Brodie said.

  “So am I. I’ll meet you at Millie’s in a few hours.”

  Susie put down her phone and wandered around the shop. Her dreams of her own business were coming true. She’d found her town and her shop. The only shadow on her happiness was the other part of her dream. She wanted the man she loved to love her. But sometimes it didn’t work out that way. However, she wasn’t planning on giving up, not yet anyway.

  * * * *

  Susie was taken aback when she walked into the meeting room in the courthouse. It was packed with people, mostly women. But there were a good number of men. It promised to be a heated debate. Her stomach churned.

  She took a quick glance at the men sitting together. Yes, there was Clay and all his brothers. Rand saw her looking and winked. Maybe they weren’t all on Clay’s side.

  Millie led the way to the front. Two rows of seats were empty and they filled them. Susie sat on the end of one aisle with Mrs. Brodie next to her.

  One of the council men banged the gravel to get order. He had a pinched expression and sighed heavily. “Come to order, please. We obviously have much to discuss.”

  Mrs. Brodie leaned closer to Susie. “Remember, they’re only men and some of their wives are sitting on your side of the aisle.”

  Susie tried to smile, but it came off as more of a grimace. Why did I think I’d be able to do this? I almost panicked whenever I had to get up in front of my speech class in college.

  She took the index cards with her notes out of her purse and clung to them. They’d help her keep on track and talk about the most important reasons to make changes.

  The man at the podium rocked back and forth on his feet. “This meeting is called to order. We might as well get this first request over with.” He pressed his lips tight and glared at Susie. “Miss Nyland has a proposal to put before the council. After she finishes, we will have an orderly discussion. Miss Nyland.” He nodded his head at her and went to his seat.

  “This is it. I can do this,” Susie muttered to herself over and over as she walked what seemed a long distance. At the podium she laid her cards out in front of her.

  “Hello. I’m pleased to see such a wonderful turnout to the meeting. This will affect us all. I believe for the better. First impressions are important whether you’re meeting someone for the first time”—she glanced at Clay. He had a grin on his face. He knew what she was thinking—“or you’re visiting a new town. Often people can’t get past that impression. It stays with them forever.” Susie stopped and took a sip of water. “That’s why I suggest Frontier City needs a facelift. We all want more business from the outlying ranches. How many of you go to Wagon Wheel for your shopping?” A number of hands were raised, most of
them women. Susie nodded. She had forgotten her nervousness and remembered her enthusiasm to change the town’s appearance.

  “Making Frontier City more beautiful will entice these women and other visitors to spend more time shopping here.” Susie went on to explain her ideas. Her audience was polite and attentive.

  “Thank you for hearing me out. I hope you’ll give serious thought to my suggestions.”

  When she sat, the women cheered loudly. Some of the men clapped, but the councilmen all had stoic expressions.

  The mayor stood and walked to the podium. “The floor is now open for discussion.”

  One older man, sitting in back, rose and spoke. “I don’t want our town to become some sissy place. Damn it, it’s a western town and that’s what brings in our tourists.” He abruptly sat, and some men clapped, but not all.

  “Mr. James, we will not tolerate any further cursing. There are ladies present.”

  “She ain’t no lady.” He nodded at Susie. “She’s a troublemaker.” More men clapped.

  Millie stood. “Listen here, you old coot. The women in this town have let you men lead too long. This is 2013, and we are going to have a say from this point on. I plan to run for the council next term. I think I’ll win. Watch out, or we’ll take over Frontier City.”

  The women went crazy cheering. Several husbands had surprised expressions on their faces and tried to get their wives to sit down and be quiet. But none of the women were intimidated.

  After the mayor beat his gravel several times, the women quieted and another man stood to speak. “What do you Brodies think? It seems to me Clay started this by bringing Miss Nyland to town.”

  “Here, here,” several men shouted.

  Susie gasped, and her heart jumped into her throat. She had no idea what Clay would say. Mrs. Brodie took her hand and squeezed it.

  Clay walked to the podium. “Mayor, if you don’t mind, I’ll use the microphone.” He slipped it out of the holder and strolled to the edge of the raised platform.

  “Miss Nyland came with me to help me find an office and get it in order. On a visit with me to Wagon Wheel, she got the idea to change Frontier City’s appearance.” He glanced at Susie. “I must admit my first reaction was the same as yours.” The same men cheered. “But given time to consider what she suggested, I’ve changed my mind. And I’m considering moving my office to Frontier City after my year’s lease expires. Still, I won’t do that unless this proposal is approved.” A man started to speak up. “Ted, give me a chance to finish. I’ve spent several days lately in Wagon Wheel. It’s been a busy town every day I’ve been there. I want the same for us. I want to see us flourish. And that is why my brothers and I will vote yes.” Clay put the microphone back and walked to his seat. The audience had quieted. The women regarded the men, and the men observed the women.

  “This discussion is over,” the mayor said.

  “We’ll take a vote by raising hands. One woman will come up here and count along with me. If we agree to the numbers, we’ll have our answer. Mrs. Brodie, will you count the votes for the women?”

  “I’d be honored.” She joined the mayor.

  “All raise your hands to accept the proposal.”

  Susie glanced around. It looked like every woman in the room voted yes and a lot of men.

  “It’s pretty obvious the majority wants the town to change,” the mayor said. “I hope you don’t regret this decision.” He frowned at Susie when he spoke.

  A few men left mumbling and shaking their heads, but the majority of women and men stayed to congratulate Susie.

  Clay was one of the last in the line. “You did it. Your speech went well. You impressed me.”

  “You helped by speaking positive about the new look for the town. Did you mean what you said?”

  “All of it. I’m sorry I already signed the lease in Wagon Wheel.” He glanced around and others had walked off or were chatting in groups.

  “Susie Nyland, I’m Clay Brodie, the oldest of the notorious Brodie brothers. You must have heard of us since arriving in town. I wonder if you’d allow me to take you for a celebration meal tomorrow night.”

  “Are you serious or joking?” Susie tipped her head to the side and studied him.

  “Very serious. You see, my old girlfriend dumped me because I was too wishy-washy about what I wanted. I’m getting my head on straight, and I’d like to get your opinion on my improvement.”

  “Do you think I might have an influence on your girlfriend?” Susie asked.

  “It’d be nice if you’d put in a good word for me.”

  “I’ll think about it after I see if you’ve really changed. But I would enjoy the dinner.”

  “Is seven o’clock a good time?”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  Clay lifted her hand and kissed it. “Until tomorrow night.” Then he turned and walked briskly out of the room.

  Mrs. Brodie broke away from her group. “I’d say things are looking up for you and Clay.”

  “You never know. I’m going to try and not get my hopes up.”

  “I’ll drop you off at your apartment. It might be okay to walk to Millie’s and around town at dusk, but it’s dark and you need a ride.”

  “Yes, madam, I accept.” They waved to the others and left.

  After getting home, Susie went right to bed. All the earlier adrenaline had worn her out. She lay in the darkness going back over all Clay said on the podium and later.

  If he’s had a change of heart, I hope it lasts or I’ll be devastated. She twisted in bed trying to sleep, but when she did she had bad dreams and woke up shaking.

  What’s wrong with me? All my wishes have been coming true. But she knew not to discount the feelings. She’d always picked up when something bad was going to happen.

  She got up and put on hot water for tea. She doubted she’d sleep anymore tonight.

  Chapter Sixteen

  It had been a beautiful day and some of Susie’s uneasiness had gone away, but not all. She admired how her shop was coming together. She’d filled out orders for bookshelves and books. Millie had recommended a local carpenter who could make the changes she wanted in the empty space. She’d called him and this afternoon they’d walked around discussing what she needed and wanted. When he left, she glanced at her watch. It was five o’clock. Time to run upstairs and get ready for her date.

  Susie chose to wear a dark purplish-blue dress with long sleeves. She had a black purse and shoes to wear with it. It was the one really nice outfit she’d brought with her.

  She’d turned on the furnace for the first time. The Indian summer was over. In about three and a half weeks it would be Thanksgiving, and then Christmas would follow close behind.

  There was a knock on the door. Susie glanced at her clock. It was six forty-five. Clay must be as anxious for their date to start as she.

  Without thinking, Susie pulled the door open. She started to say welcome, but the words stuck in her throat.

  “Andrew, what are you doing here?” He pushed her aside and walked into the living room.

  “It took me a while to find you, but I did. You can’t get away from me, Susie. You are my girl.”

  “No, Andrew, I’m not. We had fun dating, but you know it was never serious.”

  “It was to me.” He leaned over her. “You kept putting off sex, and I thought you were saving yourself for me after our wedding. Then I saw you coming out of the woods with that guy. I’d borrowed a horse and followed him.”

  “Borrowed or stolen?” Susie snapped.

  He laughed. “What does it matter? They didn’t see me. I returned the horse before it was missed. As I was saying, I rode behind him. I didn’t dare get close when he stopped. But I waited patiently, and the two of you came out of the trees. Your hair was wild. It was obvious you hadn’t put him off.”

  Susie saw the weird look in his eyes and her heart beat faster. Andrew didn’t look like himself and his clothes were dirty. He’d always been an impeccab
le dresser, whether in jeans or dress pants. He’d lost touch with reality.

  Andrew paced her floor. “You’re all dressed up to go out with him.” He put his face almost against hers and yelled, “Aren’t you?”

  Suddenly Clay came bursting through the door. “You!” He started toward Andrew, but Andrew pulled a gun out of the back of his pants.

  “Stay right there. This is perfect. I’ll shoot you in front of her, and then she and I are going home to New Mexico.”

  “I won’t go with you, Andrew. This isn’t going to end well for you. Please put the gun down,” Susie pleaded with him.

  “I will”—he raised the gun toward Clay’s chest—“as soon as he’s dead.”

  Susie saw his hand move. She threw herself between him and Clay. Vaguely in the background she heard Clay yell, “No.” A fiery pain hit her arm and she fell to the floor.

  There was more shuffling and another shot. Susie didn’t want to look. She feared she’d see Clay lying on the floor.

  When Clay knelt by her, she gave a sigh of relief. He dialed 911 and reported the shootings.

  “The police and ambulance will arrive soon.” He checked her arm. “It doesn’t look like it hit your bone.” He yanked off his shirt and folded it into a pad. “There’s some bleeding. Can you hold this against the wound? It must hurt like hell.”

  “It does. What happened to Andrew?”

  “I managed to get the gun. It went off in the process and hit him in the leg. He’ll live to see trial. I need to check him to make sure his bleeding hasn’t increased. Put your arm above your head.” He watched her. “Good.” Then Clay moved to Andrew and knelt at his side.

  Susie heard a moan. “I guess that’s him.”

  “Yes, I want to put pressure on the area. He’s bleeding more than you, but still not bad. I’m out of shirts. Where are your towels?”

  “In the hall closet.” Clay walked briskly to the hall and came back with a towel. She watched him put one against Andrew’s upper leg.