Promise Trail

by Shirleen Davies

  The tension in the room disappeared as Bull introduced him to individuals until they reached Lydia. “I believe you know my wife, Lydia.”

  Stepping forward, Lydia stood on her toes, surprising everyone by placing a kiss on Running Bear’s cheek. The chief’s eyes widened briefly before his features stilled.

  “I can’t thank you enough for rescuing me. I wouldn’t be here with my husband and son if you hadn’t offered your help.”

  He nodded, then turned to Bull. “We must speak.”

  Bull glanced around, seeing Dax nod toward his study. “Follow me.” Cutting a path through the people, he opened the door, letting Running Bear and Swift Bear precede him. “Please, sit down.”

  “We will stand.”

  “Then, tell me, what is it you need from me?”

  “I have news for you, Bull Mason. White Buffalo will no longer bother your woman.”

  Bull’s mouth opened, then closed before he took a breath, his heart pounding, hoping what Running Bear said was true. “I don’t understand.”

  “Know the man who took your woman will no longer come onto your land.” Running Bear turned to his grandson, motioning it was time to leave.

  “Wait.” Bull stepped forward, holding out his hand. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  Running Bear clasped Bull’s hand, then looked at Swift Bear. “It is this one you should thank. He is a man of great heart. One day, he will lead our people.”

  “Thank you, Swift Bear.” Bull held out his hand.

  The young brave’s expression didn’t change at his grandfather’s words or when he grasped Bull’s hand. “We will go now, Grandfather?”

  A slight smile crossed Running Bear’s face. “Take care of your woman, Bull Mason.”

  Without another word, the two left the house, mounting their horses and riding north, the other braves who came with them trailing behind.

  Bull stood on the porch, hands on his hips as he watched them ride away.

  “Why did they leave?” Dax asked when he and Luke joined him.

  “I don’t really know. He told me we no longer need to worry about White Buffalo. Said his grandson, Swift Bear, was the one to thank.”

  “I’ll be,” Luke said, slapping Bull on the back. “That is the best news you could have gotten.”

  The sound of an approaching wagon got their attention, all three waving when they saw who had arrived. Two women sat in the seat of the wagon, Gabe riding alongside on Blackheart.

  “I need to speak with Lydia.” Bull disappeared inside. Luke continued to watch as the Blackfoot warriors rounded the bend in the trail.

  “It’s about time you got here, Gabe.” Dax walked to Lena’s side of the wagon to help her down, then glanced at the woman sitting next to her. “Caro. We didn’t expect you. What a wonderful surprise.”

  Caro scooted over, letting Dax grasp her around the waist to settle her on the ground, then threaded her arm through his.

  “I hope so.”

  Dax looked down at her, knowing she must be concerned about Beau’s reaction to her arriving. “He’s inside. Are you ready to see him?”

  “As ready as I can be. I’ve made some major decisions. I only hope it isn’t too late.”

  Stepping inside, Dax motioned for Rachel.

  “Look who arrived with Gabe and Lena.” Before Dax could say more, Gabe grasped his arm.

  “We need to talk.” Walking down the hall, Gabe turned to Dax. “Boyden Trask and his men were spotted.”

  “What direction were they headed?”

  “Toward Splendor.”

  Dax nodded. One danger had been eliminated. Now they faced another. “Did you come for Cash and Beau?”

  Gabe nodded. “I can give them a few minutes, then we have to leave.”

  Watching the men step down the hall, Rachel pushed her worry aside, looking at her friend. “Caro, you look wonderful.” Turning, she called out to the others. “Hey, everyone. Caro just arrived from San Francisco.”

  Beau’s head snapped toward Rachel, his gaze locking on Caro. Beside him, Sarah linked her arm through his. Instead of pulling away, he settled a hand over hers.

  Beau’s chest seized the instant Caro saw him. She offered him a hesitant smile, walking forward until her gaze moved to the woman beside him, then down to their joined hands.

  Stopping abruptly, her smile faded before she turned away.

  Thank you for taking the time to read Promise Trail. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

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  I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at shirleen@shirleendavies.com

  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.

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  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Historical Western Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Tougher than the Rest, Book One

  Faster than the Rest, Book Two

  Harder than the Rest, Book Three

  Stronger than the Rest, Book Four

  Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five

  Wilder than the Rest, Book Six

  Redemption Mountain

  Redemption’s Edge, Book One

  Wildfire Creek, Book Two

  Sunrise Ridge, Book Three

  Dixie Moon, Book Four

  Survivor Pass, Book Five

  Promise Trail. Book Six

  MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Colin’s Quest, Book One,

  Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two

  Contemporary Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Second Summer, Book One

  Hard Landing, Book Two

  One More Day, Book Three

  All Your Nights, Book Four

  Always Love You, Book Five

  Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six

  No Getting Over You, Book Seven

  ‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight, Releasing 2016

  Peregrine Bay

  Reclaiming Love, Book One

  Our Kind of Love, Book Two

  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 h
er 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.

  Wilder than the Rest – Book Six

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A captivating historical western romance set in the burgeoning and treacherous city of San Francisco. Go along for the ride in this gripping story that seizes your attention from the very first page.”

  “If you’re a reader who wants to discover an entire family of characters you can fall in love with, this is the series for you.” – Authors to Watch

  Pierce is a rough man, but happy in his new life as a Special Agent. Tasked with defending the rights of the federal government, Pierce is a cunning gunslinger always ready to tackle the next job. That is, until he finds out that his new job involves Mollie Jamison.

  Mollie can be a lot to handle. Headstrong and independent, Mollie has chosen a life of danger and intrigue guaranteed to prove her liquor-loving father wrong. She will make something of herself, and no one, not even arrogant Pierce MacLaren, will stand in her way.

  A secret mission brings them together, but will their attraction to each other prove deadly in their hunt for justice? The payoff for success is high, much higher than any assignment either has taken before. But will the damage to their hearts and souls be too much to bear? Can Pierce and Mollie find a way to overcome their misgivings and work together as one?

  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 shell 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.