Cowboy On Her Doorstep (Montgomery Brothers Book 1)

by Pam Mantovani

  She and Logan shared friendship, mutual respect, a daughter, and community roots. Many couples had begun with far less. Add in a strong passion, and she admitted Audra was right. Kendall felt optimistic and happy about the future.

  With love on her mind and in her heart, she walked to him.

  TWO DAYS AFTER accepting Logan’s proposal, Kendall walked into the station, surprisingly nervous about returning.

  “About time you got back to work.”

  Kendall looked over to find the dispatcher, Rhonda, giving her the same beady eye she usually reserved for jailed Saturday night drunks. Then, her ruby red lips curved with a wicked knowledge Kendall wasn’t sure she’d have recognized a week earlier. “Although, the way I hear it, you’ve been busy while you’ve been away from here.”

  Kendall felt her cheeks heat, not so much at what Rhonda said but at the images that seared through her mind. “Uhh . . .”

  “Don’t stammer, girl. You’ve got yourself one fine piece of prime meat. I say go ahead and look smug. I know I would if I’d managed to rope me in someone like Logan Montgomery.”

  For the first time ever Kendall shot back with the same verve and candor. “Well, you know, Logan’s brother Carter is cut from the same herd.”

  “There might be hope for you yet.” Rhonda laughed full and hard. “In the meantime, you’re stuck with all of this.” She passed over a five-inch stack of files and turned to head back to her neat desk. “Don’t let me catch you daydreaming.”

  Kendall sloughed through the first hour of paperwork with a single-minded determination that she hoped would obliterate the tedium. When that didn’t exactly work out as planned, she volunteered to make a run to the diner for the mid-morning latte she knew Rhonda preferred over the stationhouse coffee. She started down the sidewalk, automatically taking a visual scan of the street.

  “Morning, Kendall.”

  She drew up short in front of Buds and Blossoms where Mary Harris swept around overflowing pots of summer blooms. The woman had provided the Sunday altar flowers at what had once been her father’s church for as long as Kendall could recall. “It’s nice to see you out and about again.”

  “Yes, ma’am. It’s good to be back at work.”

  Mary smiled. “Although I was hoping you were coming by to speak to me about your wedding flowers.”

  “Oh.” Her fingers began tapping against her thigh. “I haven’t really thought about what kind I want.” It suddenly occurred to her that there were other details she hadn’t considered. Dresses for Marissa and Audra. For herself.

  “How could you with everything happening so quickly? But then, that’s what I’m here for. We can talk later.” Mary patted Kendall’s shoulder. “Your daddy would be so proud of you.” With a nod she went into her store.

  Would he? Kendall questioned as she continued on her rounds. People stopped her to chat, asked about Marissa, commented on the news of her and Logan’s approaching marriage. A few mentioned Robbie, but no one blamed her for the tragedy. Throughout it all, in the back of her mind, her thoughts circled around her father.

  As she’d told Logan, her father had blamed the police for the death of his wife. Kendall had tried to explain to him that was why she felt compelled to become a police officer, but he’d never understood. Of course, she thought now that if he had, she probably wouldn’t have turned to Logan that night so many years ago. She wouldn’t have Marissa, and she wouldn’t be on the cusp of marrying Logan.

  Kendall stopped center of the sidewalk. In less than two weeks, if all went as they’d planned, she and Logan would be married. Marissa would take her father’s name. Kendall looked down at her hand, at the naked finger where no ring announced that Logan loved her. But then, he was only marrying her because of Marissa. It should be enough.

  Standing in the small circle of doubt, she recalled a memory from her childhood.

  She’d been little, younger than Marissa. She’d still been rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she walked into the kitchen. And came to a stop as she watched her mother and father dance.

  At the time, she’d thought her parents looked like the prince and princess from her storybook. Now, with the advantage of time and distance, she pictured the early morning sunlight streaming through the window, the glow on her mother’s face, and the gentle smile on her father’s.

  Was it a real memory, or just her own heart bursting with her love for Logan that had her recalling how happy she’d felt watching her father spin her mother around the small kitchen? She’d felt the bloom of pride and wonder when they’d come to a stop and kissed. Was it any surprise that her father had grieved so for the loss of the wife he’d adored?

  That’s what she wanted, what she’d always wanted. That sense of being cherished. She knew in her heart she’d made the right decision for her daughter’s security. Plus, it involved the man she loved.

  Still, she wanted the words that neither of them had voiced.

  Chapter Eleven

  THE BELL TO the diner jingled, reminding Kendall of the day she’d walked in to discover Logan sitting in a booth with his brother. So much had changed since that pivotal evening. And much had remained the same.

  “Oh, let me see.” Tammy hurried over and grabbed Kendall’s hand. Tammy’s carefully applied makeup couldn’t hide her disappointment. “Oh, you aren’t wearing your ring.” Her smile returned, as bright as before. “But then, I guess you probably don’t want to wear it at work.”

  “Well, everything’s happened so fast.”

  “It sure did.”

  Tammy’s gaze dropped to Kendall’s stomach in response to the news. Kendall fought against the instinctive urge to press a hand to her flat stomach. After all, she’d already had one child without marrying. It wasn’t such a big stretch for some to speculate that being pregnant is why she would now rush into marriage.

  “I’m not pregnant.” Kendall held Tammy’s gaze. “I’m as surprised as anyone that this happened.”

  “You might be surprised, but I knew all along there was more than just friendship between you two. And if I know Logan, he’ll get you a doozy of a ring.” Tammy wrapped her skinny arms around Kendall and hugged her tight. “I’m so happy for you.”

  Fifteen minutes, several handshakes, and hugs of congratulations later, Kendall walked out trying to balance a carton of cherry pie along with three to-go cups of latte. She’d also been given marriage advice, wedding suggestions, and offers of help for the wedding setup and reception. Somehow, her small, private wedding showed all the earmarks of becoming a community social event.

  “What took you so long?” Rhonda demanded as Kendall walked into the station. “Did you have to grind the beans yourself?” With what anyone would term desperation, Rhonda grabbed one of the cups, removed the lid, and took a long swallow of the steaming beverage.

  “Sorry, I got sidetracked.” She looked around the room, still a little dazed, and discovered Logan talking with two other officers.

  “Good, you’re back,” Sheriff Owens said as he walked out of his office. He gestured toward the two officers. “Logan and I have gone over his evaluations, and the three of you have been selected as the best candidates for a provisional sniper team. Log out and head over to the abandoned building on Denver Street where you’ll go through a scenario training exercise.”

  Kendall’s first thought was gratitude that she’d no longer have to deal with the paperwork. Then, she felt a warm glow of pride. Based on the way Logan had treated her during the evaluations, she knew he’d selected her for the team based on her ability and not as a result of their being engaged.

  Once they all assembled at the abandoned building, Sheriff Owens took up a stance off to the side, prepared to observe and take notes. Logan had each officer take a turn as the hostage, the perpetrator, or the sniper; building on strengths and developing a ve
rbal shorthand between them that could be utilized in a real situation.

  Nearly four hours later, exhaustion coupled with the heat of the building had Kendall’s shirt sticking to her back and her breathing strained.

  “In order for the three of you to work well together,” Logan said when he called for a water break, “trust is not only important, it’s essential.” Kendall watched him absently rub at the wound on his upper thigh. “It can make the difference between the success or failure of a mission.”

  The military term caught her by surprise. Was it little more than habit? That’s when she admitted that with all the wedding talk, she’d assumed Logan didn’t plan to return to the Army. Carter’s assertion and talk of building their home aside, she needed to ask Logan outright about his plans.

  By time they returned to the station, Kendall had a headache and wanted nothing more than a long, hot shower. She also needed some time to gather her thoughts. When the other members of the group suggested they meet after shift for a wind-down drink, she declined.

  “Of course you’re coming,” Rhonda stated as she walked up to the group. “Both of you.” She hooked an arm through Logan’s and sent Kendall a wink. “Maybe I can get you liquored up enough to dump this skinny girl so I can have my way with you.”

  “Thanks,” Kendall said. “But I can’t. I really should get home to Marissa.”

  Rhonda waved her off. “All taken care of. Go shower and change. We’ll be waiting at The Mug Shot,” she said, naming the local place where the officers and staff had a habit of gathering.

  Resigned, Kendall took a quick shower and changed into the spare set of clothes she kept in her locker. She stepped outside to find Logan waiting for her. “If you’d rather not put in an appearance, I can make excuses for you,” she offered.

  “You’re the one who tried to get out of going.”

  “I guess I’m just a little more tired than I expected.” She bit down on her bottom lip as she stepped a little closer. “Logan, we need to talk.”

  “About what? Have you changed your mind about getting married?”

  “No, of course not.”

  He reached out and drew her into his embrace. “Then anything else can wait until later.”

  LOGAN KEPT HIS hand on the small of Kendall’s back as they crossed the parking lot of The Mug Shot. They’d made small talk during the trip here, but he knew her well enough to know she had something on her mind.

  He’d never considered himself particularly brave. As a kid, he’d done whatever the old man told him to do. Once in the military, he’d simply followed orders, done what needed to be done.

  Logan couldn’t explain why he’d felt the need to deflect Kendall’s comment that they needed to talk.

  “I agree with the sheriff,” Kendall said, interrupting Logan’s thoughts. “I can’t imagine we’ll ever have a situation where we need a sniper, but I’m thankful for today’s exercise.”

  Logan smiled. “I bet. You’re not one who can be happy sitting and doing paperwork.”

  Kendall stopped and stared at him. “You did that on purpose. You showed up today and suggested the training exercise because you knew I’d be antsy about sitting in one place for so long.”

  “Whenever our unit was out on maneuvers we’d all talk about how much we wanted to be back at camp. When we did get back, no sooner did we get a hot shower, eat a decent meal, and get a few hours of sleep, then we’d be chomping at the bit to get back out in the field.”

  She looked over his shoulder. “Is that why you’ve been helping Carter around the ranch, giving Brittany lessons, and training the sniper team—because you’re not used to having time on your hands?”

  Logan stopped outside the door of the bar and used a fingertip to tilt her face to his. “What are you really asking, Kendall?”

  “I guess you miss your unit, your friends.” She blew out a breath. “All of this,” she swung out a hand, indicating the town, “must be pretty boring compared to what you’ve seen and done the last five years.”

  “Have I given you reason to believe I’m bored?”

  When embarrassed color rose on her cheeks, Logan grinned. “Trust me, Kendall, I’m never bored around you. In or out of the bed.”

  With the same careful manner that he’d handle a skittish horse, he eased her into his embrace. When she leaned into him without pause, he began lowering his mouth. Yes, he wanted more between them than physical compatibility, but damn if he could stop from enjoying it whenever the opportunity presented.

  The door swung wide open, stopping the kiss before it could begin. It also stopped the headache of questions buzzing through his brain.

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Rhonda declared. The brash woman was such a contrast to Kendall. “You can do that later.” But she winked at the two of them. “Right now, we’re going to party.” She somehow managed to pull them both inside as shouts of surprise rang out.

  The Mug Shot was filled with more than the officers and staff Kendall worked with. A banner proclaiming Congratulations along with several white streamers and at least a dozen white balloons had been hung throughout the room. And while a bar was perhaps an atypical place to hold a wedding shower, the size of the crowd indicated no one took offense. People they’d both known most of their lives applauded, along with local merchants, neighboring ranchers, Carter, and Audra. There were greetings, hugs, handshakes, and good-natured ribbing as they made their way around the room.

  Logan joined in the ribbing when someone asked Carter when he was going to take the plunge. Logan also noticed Carter took one quick look in the direction where Audra tried her best to pretend she wasn’t looking back.

  There was a surprising number of gifts, some practical, while a few others, most notably the one from Rhonda, leaned toward the risqué. People asked about the house they planned to build, about the wedding ceremony itself. Logan took the first step away to grab a beer when talk turned to flowers, dresses, and food.

  He drew up short when someone asked Kendall about her engagement ring. “Oh.” She laughed, and Logan wondered if he was the only one who heard the force of humor in her voice. “Tammy asked me about it earlier.”

  “I guessed she didn’t have it on ’cause she didn’t want to wear it while she worked,” Tammy explained. A range of opinions were voiced on the subject, until finally, several women looked at him.

  Logan was at a loss for what to say.

  “Really, a ring isn’t necessary.” Kendall managed a smile, but he saw the resignation in her gaze. That’s when he realized the reason she believed a ring wasn’t necessary was because theirs was to be a marriage of practicality and not romance.

  “Of course it is,” someone—Logan thought it was probably Rhonda—argued. “And make sure you get one with a big diamond. That way if the marriage goes south you can pawn it for a good return.”

  “Or one that’ll keep him so far in debt that he can’t afford to get out of the marriage,” an older man said, earning him an elbow in the gut from his wife.

  Kendall looked at him, and in this one unguarded moment, Logan saw everything she’d never told him. Everything he hadn’t taken the time to acknowledge.

  His heart froze in his chest before it began sprinting like a racehorse.

  He wasn’t marrying Kendall Grant because they had a daughter together. Or because that daughter insisted they do so. He wasn’t marrying Kendall because she’d once been a friend, and even now was someone he felt comfortable with. He wasn’t marrying her because they shared a mutual passion. He was marrying her because somehow, somewhere along this rocky path they’d traveled, he’d fallen in love with her.

  And unless he read her wrong, she’d fallen in love with him too. In that instant, Logan promised himself that at the first opportunity he would indeed get her an engagement ring.

/>   “At least tell me he’s going to wear his uniform at the wedding.” Rhonda sighed. “The only thing better than a man in uniform is one out of it.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Kendall said but with far less enthusiasm than the dispatcher.

  Logan managed to stand quiet for another three minutes. Then, he leaned down to whisper in Kendall’s ear. “I need to talk to you. Now.”

  She looked at him, questions in her gaze, but after a brief pause, she nodded.

  “Ladies,” he said to the group. “Will you excuse us for a minute?” Without waiting for an answer, using a hand at her elbow, Logan steered Kendall toward the hallway leading to the bathrooms.

  “Logan? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  But before she could say anything more, he felt compelled to lower his mouth to hers. She responded, as he’d known she would. Her arms slid up to wrap around his neck, she rose on her toes for a better angle. That small sound she always made low in her throat made him wish they were alone, really alone, so he could follow up the words with the right actions.

  Slowly, he pulled back, stared into her confused gaze.

  “I love you, Kendall.”

  She bit down on her bottom lip as she moved her head to gaze at something over his shoulder. “Really, Logan, that’s not necessary.” She tried a shrug, but it was feeble, mostly because during their kiss his body pinned hers against the wall. “All that talk about a ring is just in-the-moment female talk. I don’t expect a ring.”

  He cupped a hand around her cheek and guided her face back so he could stare into her eyes. “Did you hear me, Kendall? I love you.”

  She looked up at him, her lips swollen from the kiss, her breath rushing out to fan over his face. Her eyes filling. “Logan, it’s not necessary for you to tell me that.”