“I remember one of the men having drinks with a drifter who’d ridden through Conviction and overheard some people talking about it. He said no one would be guarding the herds during the ceremony and celebration. Don’t know how reliable the information is, though.”
“That’s right.” Lon glanced around, lowering his voice. “No one will be looking for us, and few would think our gang interested in moving from robbing banks to rustling. We get in and out, move the cattle south to my contact, sell them, then ride back to Crocker. The money will be easy and quick.”
Deft nodded, his mouth twisting into a wry grin.
Lon looked at his men, still playing cards at a nearby table, and walked over, taking a seat. “Listen up. Tomorrow, we ride to a ranch near Conviction. We’re moving into rustling for a spell.”
“If anyone tries to stop us?” one of the men asked.
“Same as always. Kill them.”
Circle M Ranch
“What can I do, Mrs. MacLaren?” Pearl clasped her hands in front of her, a hopeful look on her face. Everyone else had a job, even Chrissy and Alana.
“Well, now, let me think.” Kyla wiped her hands on a towel and set it aside, her mouth curving into a smile. “How about you help me slice the meats and put them on platters?”
“Oh, yes.” Nodding her head, Pearl hurried to a cupboard, grabbed a platter, and set it on a nearby table as Kyla placed a roasting pan next to it.
“Have you ever used a carving knife before? One to cut large pieces of meat?” Kyla laid a knife on the table next to the pan.
“Many times. Me, Coral, and Opal cooked all the time for the men at the hideout—” Pearl clamped a hand over her mouth, her eyes going wide as she took a step away from Kyla.
Her face blank, Kyla glanced at Pearl as if she hadn’t heard the slip. “Sounds to me as if you have lots of experience, lassie.”
“Um…yes, ma’am.”
They worked in silence until Quinn’s mother, Audrey, walked in with her oldest daughter, Heather, and her middle son, Bram, all carrying breads, pies, and plates of cookies.
“Put them on the table,” Kyla instructed, clearing a large space.
Audrey looked at her sister-in-law, seeing she hadn’t dressed for the wedding. “The men have the tables and benches in place, a platform for the band, and the trellis you asked them to build for the ceremony. Now, you need to let the girls and me finish so you can get ready. The reverend will be here within the hour.”
Kyla glanced around, swiping a sleeve across her brow. “There’s still so much to do.”
“Not as much as you think.” Placing an arm around her shoulders, Audrey guided her to the stairs. “Now, upstairs with you. Do you need my help?”
“Nae, I can manage. You might look in on Sarah, though. She’s in the downstairs bedroom with Geneen, Coral, and Opal. I haven’t heard a sound from them in a long time.”
Knocking on the door, Audrey pushed it open, her jaw dropping open at the beautiful sight before her.
“Oh, my. Aren’t you a vision, Sarah.”
Glancing over her shoulder, Sarah’s face lit up. “Do you think he’ll like it?”
“Ach, lassie, Colin may well be struck speechless when he sees you.” Audrey stepped closer, careful not to get too close to Geneen and Coral, who were sitting cross-legged on the floor, finishing the hem. Opal stepped around them, applying the last of the ruffles.
Compared to what they’d find in a large city, the fabric choices in Conviction were limited. Viewing the selections at the general store, Sarah had become mesmerized by a beautiful blue satin patterned with cream-colored flowers.
Kyla designed a beautiful dress, using her wedding gown as a guide. The same color of tulle comprised the veil, finished with a wide ruffle of the blue satin fabric and tiny pearls.
“How much time do we have before the reverend arrives?” Geneen asked as she stood, making certain the hem fell evenly.
“Not long. Kyla is getting ready.”
“And Colin?” Sarah moved to the edge of the bed, letting Geneen spread out the dress so she could sit.
“The men are at my house. I suspect they’re well on their way to helping Colin build his courage,” Audrey laughed.
“You mean with whiskey? Surely he wouldn’t get drunk before our wedding.” Sarah’s voice betrayed her anxiety at walking down the aisle toward a man dizzy on liquor.
“Don’t worry,” Audrey said. “I’ve never seen Colin drunk. Besides, he has a good head on his shoulders. I’m certain the lad will restrain himself.”
“Ma, the reverend is here. He’s waiting in the study with a cup of coffee. I’ll let Aunt Kyla know.” Heather’s gaze lingered on Sarah for a brief moment, her expression unreadable, before she turned.
“Heather, aren’t you going to say anything about how beautiful Sarah looks?” Audrey crossed her arms, raising one brow.
“Um…sure, Ma.” She took one step closer, looking Sarah up and down. “Real nice. I like the color.” She cast a quick look at her mother, then hurried out.
“I’ve never known a woman who reacts the way Heather does.” Geneen put the supplies in the mending basket.
“To what?” Sarah asked her sister, cocking her head to one side.
“Well, anything having to do with clothes, hair, chores, boys…”
“Ach. Heather has no use for boys or much of what she considers frivolities that interest most women. Sometimes, I think she wishes she’d been born a man. I’d better check on Kyla and make sure the reverend is comfortable. Coral and Opal, come with me. I could use your help downstairs.” Taking one last look at Sarah, Audrey closed the door behind them.
Geneen pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down, shooting a look at the door. “Don’t say a word to anyone, but I believe Heather is sweet on Caleb.”
Sarah’s eyes widened. “Why would you say that? I’ve seen nothing to show she has an interest in any man.” At one time, she’d thought Geneen might have feelings for Caleb. Her sister had laughed, saying he was like a brother to her.
“The way Heather looks at him when she doesn’t know anyone is watching.” Touching Sarah’s arm, Geneen stood. “I’m going to see how long before you’re to come outside. I hope it’s soon.”
“No more than me.”
“Are you ready, lad?” Uncle Ewan clasped Colin on the shoulder. “It’s time to claim your bride.”
Colin finished the last of the whiskey he’d been nursing for over an hour. Quinn and Blaine had done their best to push his drinking along, holding out the bottle whenever he took the slightest sip. In contrast, Brodie and Caleb had been the voices of reason. His concern for Sarah since the fever had kept his enthusiasm under control. After their conversation, he’d allowed himself to again look forward to finally taking her as his wife. He’d let nothing ruin the day, such as too much whiskey.
“I’m ready.” A broad smile spread across his face as he slammed the empty glass on the table, looking at his family. “Lads, I’m ready.”
Approaching the ranch house, Colin spotted all the people mulling around, turning to look at the group of men as they reined their horses to a stop near the barn.
“Looks like Ma invited the whole town,” Blaine chuckled. He knew Colin had little use for large crowds. “You’ll have to endure it this once.”
“I’ll be focused on Sarah. Nothing else concerns me today.” He scanned the crowd, looking for his bride.
“She won’t be out here,” Blaine reminded him. “You’re not allowed to see her before the ceremony.”
Colin didn’t have to wait long. Within minutes of arriving, his uncles ushered him to his spot near the reverend, the music started, and all eyes turned to the front porch. Geneen came out first, taking her place at the front, across from where Colin stood next to Quinn. Chrissy and Alana, who couldn’t control their giggles, came out next, almost skipping toward Geneen.
Smiling at his young sisters, Colin let his gaze return to the porc
h just as Sarah came through the front door. As the next oldest brother after Colin, she’d asked Blaine to escort her, thrilled when he accepted.
Keeping her eyes locked on Colin’s, she took his hand. From that moment on, the ceremony became a complete blur.
When the reverend finished, announcing them to their guests, Colin turned toward her, his heart hammering in his chest. Cupping her face in his hands, he placed a firm, sweet kiss on her lips, then put an arm around her shoulders as a cheer erupted. The last five years had been long and lonely, but she was now his.
Chapter Nineteen
Lon looked down at the scene below. From his vantage point, not only could he see his men rounding up well over a hundred head, but also the party at the ranch house less than a mile away. Music, loud and raucous, wafted through the still night air, a huge advantage when rustling a herd of bawling cattle.
The best news had come when they saw where the cattle were pastured. Two small sets of hills shielded the area, silencing the noise of the herd from the ears of the revelers.
“We’re ready, Lon.” Deft reined up next to him. “Appears no one will discover they’re missing until late into the night or tomorrow. You’re right. Easiest money we’ll ever make.”
“Don’t be too hasty. We still need to drive the cattle south, get our money, and return to Crocker. A lot can happen during that time.” Lon chewed on a piece of jerky as he watched the celebration. He’d heard from a man who’d recently passed through this area that the MacLaren family owned Circle M Ranch. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place where he’d heard it. It didn’t matter. Whether he’d met any of them or not, the cattle were now theirs and would fatten their pockets for the winter. “Let’s get out of here.”
Lon split the herd into two groups, lessening the chance that if the MacLarens became aware of their actions sooner than anticipated, they’d have a chance of getting at least one group to the buyer. They were to meet the buyer and his men north of Sacramento. From there, he’d take the cattle to San Francisco, where a steady demand for beef gave them the best price. Texas ranchers accounted for some of the meat, but cattle from California could be provided more profitably than those from other states, especially when Lon hadn’t put a penny into raising them.
Although they kept a steady pace, pushing the cattle harder than a normal drive, the night passed without incident. Lon kept lookouts riding well behind each herd, looking for any sign they were being followed.
“I believe your bride has danced with every man here,” Quinn joked, sipping the whiskey-laced punch. “Uncle Ewan and Uncle Ian both took turns. Seems those two are enjoying themselves.”
“As is most everyone from what I can see.” Colin watched Sarah laugh at something Caleb said as he swung her around to a fast tune.
Two fiddlers, one banjo player, and the piano man from Buckie’s Castle saloon hadn’t slowed down since they started an hour before. Colin and Sarah had begun the celebration with the traditional first dance. Afterwards, his uncles, brothers, cousins, and friends hadn’t let her take a rest. Instead of being exhausted, she looked exhilarated, as if she could go on for hours.
“Will you be taking Sarah into town tonight?”
“Didn’t you hear?” Colin shot Quinn a surprised look.
“What?”
“Your ma invited my family to stay at your house tonight. Sarah and I will have this place to ourselves.”
“Ach,” Quinn groaned. “You mean I’ll be sharing the place with five more?”
“At least they’re kin. Besides, sharing a bed with Blaine won’t be so bad.” Colin’s eyes crinkled at the corners as his lips tilted into a grin.
Narrowing his gaze at Colin, Quinn turned to the table behind him, refilling his glass with punch, then reaching into his pocket for the flask of whiskey, adding a decent pour to his drink. Taking a large swallow, he used his glass to point to the hills behind them. “It may be a good night to stay at the hunting cabin. I’m sure we could use more game.”
Colin chuckled. “Aye. Might as well tell Blaine. He said that’s where he planned to go after the party.”
“Your brother is a smart man.” Setting his glass on the table, he rubbed his hands together. “Time to get my legs moving. I believe I’ll ask Geneen to dance.”
No sooner had Quinn left than Kyla walked up, slipping her arm through Colin’s.
“She is a beautiful bride. You are a lucky man.”
Colin glanced down at his mother to see her gaze still focused on Sarah, who now danced with Blaine. “Aye, Ma. There were times I never thought this day would come, thinking I was a fool for believing she’d wait for me.” He swallowed the lump in his throat, remembering the hours he sat at the lagoon, wondering if he should forget her and move on. He thanked God he hadn’t.
“From the first day you saw her, you set yourself on a path to claim that girl. Your da and I knew you’d never be happy until you saw this through. You are a stubborn man, Colin MacLaren, much like your da.” She smiled up at him. “But you’re a good man. Faithful, smart, with a steadfast heart. I never doubted you’d go for her.” She tightened her grip on his arm, then stepped away. “I do believe you owe me a dance. And if you time it right, you might even be able to steal your bride away from all those eager men who’ve claimed her attention.”
Knowing his mother had given her blessing for them to disappear into the house, Colin couldn’t hide his enthusiasm.
“I like your idea, Ma. May I have this dance?”
“Why, I’d be charmed, lad.”
Sarah needed no additional encouragement when Colin whispered in her ear they’d be leaving the party. He’d danced with his mother, taking Sarah in his arms as soon as the song ended, giving her one more dance before they retreated inside.
“We’ll need to say our goodbyes.” Sarah glanced up at him as the music ended.
Taking her by the arm, Colin guided her near the band and turned her toward their guests.
“Thank you all for coming to celebrate our marriage. Stay as long as you like, enjoy the food, drink, and dancing.” He smiled down at Sarah. “My bride and I will say goodnight to you now.”
Before Sarah realized his intentions, he swung her up into his arms. Blushing a deep red, she buried her face in his neck at the boisterous laughter and cheering that followed. Within seconds, he’d covered the distance to the porch, kicked the door open, then shut it as the guests continued to hoot and holler their approval.
Laughing, she tightened her hold around his neck, placing kisses on his jaw.
“You keep doing that and we won’t make it to the bedroom,” Colin warned, his body already heating.
Sarah didn’t stop. Instead, she unbuttoned his shirt, reaching inside to spread her hand across his hardened chest. On a deep growl, he took the stairs to their bedroom, backing inside, sitting on the bed, with her secured in his lap.
“So you plan to tease me, lass?” He didn’t wait for her to answer before capturing her mouth in a searing kiss, unbuttoning her dress as he increased the pressure of his mouth on hers.
Sarah whimpered as his tongue stroked and teased, creating an intense ache that pooled at the juncture of her thighs. As she arched toward him, he growled, seizing her hips, crushing her against him.
Pulling back, Colin stared into her face. When she opened her eyes, they were glazed with passion, while his own were dark with desire. Lowering his head, he brushed a trail of kisses down her neck, lingering at the sensitive hollow of her throat.
Sarah moaned, squirming closer to him, craving more. “Colin…” she breathed out on a ragged sigh.
“I know, love.” He turned, placing her on the bed. Removing his boots and shrugging out of his coat and shirt, he stretched out beside her. Spreading the dress and the chemise open, he drew in a deep breath, marveling at her beauty. He’d never get tired of looking at her, touching her.
Tracing a line down her jaw and creamy column of her neck with his lips, he whisp
ered words of love, exciting her with his deep, husky voice. His hands moved under the hem of her dress, searching for pleasure points as she curled into him, writhing as if trying to bury herself within him.
“Colin, please.” Her whimpered plea sent a wave of urgency through his body.
He undressed her in unhurried, slow movements, then removed his own clothes, lowering his body over hers. Gathering her warm, pulsing body to his, he took her mouth in another passionate kiss.
“You’re mine, Mrs. MacLaren,” he whispered before he could no longer wait to claim his bride.
“You’ve worn me out,” Colin growled into her ear as he felt her hand move slowly up his chest.
“You don’t feel worn out.” Her throaty chuckle sent a new wave of passion through him.
Grabbing her hands, holding them captive between their bodies, he traced the outline of her lips with his tongue, then sealed his mouth on hers. His kiss was slow, gentle, savoring, until he heard the low rumble of her stomach. Chuckling, he raised up, gazing into her eyes.
“Come on. We both need food.”
As much as she wanted to continue, she also knew they needed to eat. Looking around, her gaze landed on her wedding dress, then darted back to Colin.
“My clothes are in my room.” She tossed off the covers and stood.
“You could always—”
“No, I couldn’t.” Folding her arms, she started for the door.
Laughing, he grabbed her arm. “Stay here. I’ll get them.” Pulling on trousers, he headed for her room downstairs. He hadn’t hit the last step when the front door burst open, Blaine and Quinn rushing inside.
“Sorry to bother you the day after your wedding, but we have bad news. We thought you’d want to know right away.” Blaine glanced around.
“She’s still upstairs. Wait in the study. I’ll be right there.” Grabbing her clothes, he dashed back up the stairs and into their room, handing them to her. “Blaine and Quinn are downstairs. Something has happened.”
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