Harder Than the Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  “What do you think we should do about this situation? She’s not much good here if her heart’s not in it, and I’ll wager the same thing’s going on with that boy.”

  “I think we should just ask. We’ve always been honest with each other, and her. I see no reason to change now.”

  “All right, that’s what we’ll do. Tomorrow at breakfast. I don’t want to go through another day watching that sad face of hers. But I’ll tell you, Eleanor, I won’t look forward to losing her. We can cope with the ranch. I just know my heart’s going to have a hard time adjusting,” Grant said as he squeezed his wife’s hand.

  ******

  “Place is looking great, Niall. You and Jamie have done a lot of work since I was last home, and it shows,” Will said to his oldest brother. It had been almost a month since he’d left Colorado, his brother, and Amanda. They’d gotten a couple of messages from Drew. He was doing better, even though feeling had not returned to his legs. But there’d been no word from Cold Creek. Not that he’d expected any. She’d been firm in her rejection, and even though he’d understood her reasons, it had hurt just the same.

  “Got to be honest, Will. Having you back has made a big difference. I’ve never seen a man work as hard as you have the last few weeks. Almost like you’re trying to push something or someone out of your mind.” Niall shot a quick glance at his brother. He knew something still plagued Will, and with Hawley dead, a woman was all Niall figured it could be.

  “She turned me down, Niall. It’s over and that’s all I’m going to say.” Will stooped to grab another rail for the fence repair they’d worked on for three days.

  “Fair enough,” Niall replied as he grabbed the other end of the rail.

  “What’s going on with Trent? Haven’t seen him but twice since I’ve been back. Thought with Kate here he’d be a fixture at this place.”

  “Ah, Trent’s in love.”

  “In love? With who?” Will was stunned. They’d known Trent since Will was seven and Niall was fifteen. He’d been a U.S. Marshal at that time and had helped the boys make the trek from Ohio to Arizona after raiders murdered their parents. His daughter, Kate, had married Niall several years ago. Trent had retired from the Marshal Service and now owned a ranch that shared their property line for a few miles. He was close with all four of the MacLaren brothers.

  “Joanne Babbitt.” Niall smiled. Trent had been widowed years ago, it was time he connected with a good woman, and Joanne Babbitt was a very good woman. She’d been his housekeeper for over five years. Niall was surprised it had taken Trent so long to see her for what she was—a beautiful, mature woman who’d be devoted to him.

  “Well I’ll be damned. Mrs. Babbitt. Makes sense, though, and he couldn’t ask for a better woman.”

  “The ceremony is a week from Saturday. Aunt Alicia insisted everyone come to our place after the church service. Hope you’re up for a whole troop of visitors ‘cause she’s planned one heck of a shindig,” Niall laughed. Aunt Alicia, his wife, Kate, and Jamie’s wife, Torie, had been told of the betrothal only a few days ago, but word was already out and so far most of the town planned to attend.

  “Sounds fine to me. It’ll give me a chance to see people I haven’t had a chance to visit yet.” And get my mind off Amanda, he hoped.

  “I’m finished. Let’s head in and get supper before Jamie and the kids devour it all,” Niall said as he packed up their tools.

  “Not tonight. I’m headed over to Cord and June’s for supper, but I’ll see you at breakfast first thing in the morning.” Will had only seen the McAllister’s a few times since his return. Between the work at the ranch and Cord’s new job as Sam Browning’s deputy, it had been hard to work in the time. But at least he no longer had to travel to New Mexico to see them.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “So what are you asking, Father? I’m not sure I understand,” a confused Amanda asked, and stole a look at her Mother.

  “I’m asking if you have a beau, someone you want to spend time with.” He’d tried to find the right words to ask about Will, but he’d apparently failed.

  “What your Father is asking, dear, is whether you’re in love with Will MacLaren,” Eleanor chimed in as she took another small bite of her eggs.

  “Will MacLaren?” Amanda choked out.

  “Yes, Will MacLaren. A simple yes or no will be fine, dear.”

  “Well…” Amanda started, only to be interrupted by her father.

  “Do you love him or not, Amanda?”

  She’d never lied to her parents and she saw no point in it now. “Yes, Father. I do love Will.”

  “And does he love you?”

  “Yes, Father, he says he does.”

  At least now they knew what had had their daughter brooding for weeks. “But he didn’t ask you to marry him?” Eleanor asked.

  “Yes, Mother, he asked me but I turned him down. He expected me to live on his ranch in Arizona and I just couldn’t do that—not with our ranch here.” Amanda was struck by a sudden awareness. Her mother must have gone through the same painful decision process, but had chosen a different path than Amanda had.

  The room fell silent. Grant and Eleanor knew their next words had to be spoken with care. They loved Amanda, but knew she’d be miserable staying in Colorado out of a sense of duty when her heart insisted she leave for Arizona to build a life with the man she loved.

  Grant cleared his throat. “Amanda, you know how much you mean to your Mother and me. We love you without reservation and that won’t change, no matter where you choose to live. As important as this ranch is to us, your happiness means a great deal more. If you love Will, and he loves you, then don’t let the ranch come between you and that love. The ranch will be here, and so will we. We’ll always be here for you.” He reached over to set his large, rough hand atop his daughter’s and smiled.

  Amanda looked at their joined hands then up to her mother’s tear filled eyes. Eleanor could only nod in agreement and smile at her daughter.

  Tess sat stone still during the entire conversation. She’d suspected her sister had deep feelings for Will, but hadn’t pushed. Now she was both elated that Grant and Eleanor had given their blessing, and sad to know their time together was so short. Amanda would leave for the MacLaren ranch in Arizona soon, Tess was sure of it. It would be lonely without her.

  “Amanda, you know I’m happy for you and Will, but I will miss you a great deal,” Tess leaned across her chair to hug her sister.

  “Joey, aren’t you going to say anything?” Eleanor asked.

  “Ah, I knew they were sweet on each other all along,” he replied, but smiled at Amanda. Truth was, he’d miss her, but there was no chance he’d get all mushy about it.

  ******

  “One more load of chairs and that should do it,” Will called to his Aunt Alicia. Trent and Joanne’s wedding was at noon. Afterwards, everyone would ride back to the MacLaren ranch for the reception. They figured a couple hundred people would come—not the whole town, but a fair number. “Anything else before I clean up?”

  “No, Will, that should do it. The food’s made and the house is ready. You go ahead and change. I’ll ask Niall to get the wagon.”

  ******

  The ceremony was beautiful. Trent was resplendent in his black dress coat and slacks with a deep green brocade vest, black hat, and shiny boots. Joanne wore a light shade of green. Her nineteen-year-old daughter, Alma, and fifteen-year-old son, Tommy, beamed as their mother took her vows. Their father had walked out on the family almost six years before and Trent had taken them in, given them chores and a home, but most important, acceptance.

  Everyone went back to the MacLaren ranch for the festivities, enjoying the band and eating until they couldn’t take one more bite. The bar was open. Per Alicia’s strict instructions it offered two items—punch and water. Of course, no one objected if the men wanted to add a little more flavor to their punch.

  Will looked around at the remaining guests. Many had l
eft but a good number had stayed to talk and dance. It had been a good day. He was glad his friend, Cord McAllister, had taken the job with Sam. Sam was a good man and would treat Cord with respect. They’d been huddled for an hour on the front porch, talking of the recent string of horse thefts around the area. Rustling. That was one item Will didn’t want to face again anytime soon, but ranching was a tough business and thieving was just another part of every rancher’s life.

  An image of Amanda drifted into his mind. Her head was thrown back and her long black hair fell in loose waves to her waist. Her deep blue eyes flashed as she laughed at something Will had said. They were at the stream, splashing water on their faces and dressing before the ride back to the Taylor ranch. His heart clenched at the memory and he swallowed the disappointment that haunted a little of each day. He’d move on, he knew it, but it would be a long time before he found anyone else who affected him like Amanda did.

  ******

  “Well, Amanda, we’re only a few miles out. Still want to go through with this plan of yours? Showing up without warning can create a heap of trouble, and disappointment,” Grant said as he rode alongside his daughter. He and Eleanor had agreed she could travel to Fire Mountain but only if Grant rode with her. No sense taking a buggy. It would just slow them down, and if things didn’t work out as Amanda hoped, horses would make for a faster retreat.

  “Yes, this is still what I want to do. If he’s changed his mind, well then, at least I’ll know and can move on with my life.” Amanda’s stomach tightened at the thought that Will might not still love her, want to marry her. But somehow, she believed that once a MacLaren man fell in love, it would be until death.

  It was dark when they rode up to the MacLaren house. The house was well lit and laughter wafted through the windows into the cool night air. A few horses and a couple of buggy’s sat outside, evidence that they may have company. Well, she and her father couldn’t turn back toward town now. It was late and both were exhausted.

  Amanda dismounted and watched her father slide off of his horse. He was as agile now as he’d been when she was a girl. She’d miss his strength and unwavering support, but he was right, her life was here, with Will. If he still wanted her.

  She tried to brush the dust off her split skirt and tucked loose strands of hair up into her hat. Amanda knew she must look a mess, but there was no help for it now. They were here. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and started up the front steps, Grant right behind her. Laughter poured from the house, and for a brief instant she wanted to turn and run.

  “It’s okay, Amanda. Go ahead and knock,” Grant said from his spot next to her. She nodded, lifted her hand, and knocked three times on the wood door.

  “I’ll get it,” someone said from inside, but it wasn’t a voice Amanda recognized. The door opened and a girl of about twelve or thirteen stared up at her. “Hello. I’m Beth MacLaren. Are you here to see Trent and Joanne?” the girl asked.

  Amanda’s throat went dry and she froze. What was I thinking coming here unannounced?

  “Are you all right?” Beth asked as she held the door open.

  Amanda swallowed and nodded her head. “Yes, yes, I’m fine. I’m Amanda Taylor and this is my father, Grant Taylor. I’ve come to see Will—if he’s at home.” There, she’d said it. There would be no turning back now.

  “Oh, he’s here all right, along with most of the family who were at the wedding today. Come on in, I’ll get him,” Beth indicated that Amanda and Grant should wait inside. The word “wedding” had Amanda’s heart racing and she wondered, only for a brief moment, if he’d changed his mind and married another. But no, she simply wouldn’t believe that.

  Beth turned and walked the few feet to the living room entry. “Uncle Will, there’s a lady here to see you.” Conversation stopped and Will looked up from his discussion with Cord.

  “A lady, huh?” Will’s heart began to pound. Could it be? But he refused to believe she’d changed her mind. He walked across the room and turned toward the entry. His heart slammed into his chest. Amanda had come to him.

  “Amanda…” was all he could get out as he walked towards her.

  “Will, I know this is unannounced…” Her words trailed off as Will grabbed her by the waist and swung her around. She began to laugh as he set her on the floor before grabbing her face in both palms.

  “You came,” he said, then drew her face up for a long kiss before he pulled back to look at her once again. “Tell me you’re here to stay, Amanda. Tell me you’ll marry me.”

  Her smile was broad. “Yes, Will. I’ll marry you and live here, at the ranch, if you still want me.”

  Will backed away, grabbed her hand, and pulled her toward the living room. “Everyone, this is Amanda Taylor, and she’s just agreed to marry me.”

  The brief silence was broken when Jamie walked over to Amanda and gave her a hug. “Welcome to the family, Amanda. We’re real glad to have you.”

  “Who’s Amanda?” Kate whispered to her husband, Niall.

  “I don’t rightly know, but I guess we’re all about to find out,” he said and smiled at his wife. It has turned into a truly memorable day, Niall thought as he leaned over to place a kiss on Kate’s cheek.

  Epilogue

  “Would you like to hold him, Amanda?” Torie turned toward her new sister-in-law and held out Caleb. He was the most beautiful baby Amanda had ever seen. He’d been born only days after Jamie had returned from the Taylor ranch in Colorado.

  “What do you think, Mrs. MacLaren? Would you like about a dozen like him?” Will asked. He walked up beside her and wrapped a possessive arm around her waist.

  “A dozen?” She laughed. “Not a dozen, but a couple of boys and girls would do just fine for me, Mr. MacLaren.” Amanda smiled at her new husband. He wondered if he’d ever get over the way her smile seemed to knock the air from him.

  They’d been married that morning and everyone was at the ranch to celebrate. They’d decided to hold the wedding in Fire Mountain after Grant and Eleanor had informed them they would bring the rest of their family as well as a wagon filled with Amanda’s possessions.

  “Four is good for me, too,” Will said and bent down to kiss his wife on the tip of her nose. He looked back up at the mass of friends and family and thought of Emily. They’d shared a good life, if only for a brief time, and he would always love her. But Amanda was his life now and he knew they’d build a strong, devoted family, the way MacLarens always did.

  The thought made his mind skip to Drew. He hadn’t been able to make the wedding. A telegram from Louis Dunnigan had arrived two days earlier saying Drew was doing well but having trouble adjusting to his paralysis. It had been weeks since the shooting and feeling had still not returned below his waist. No one was giving up, but as time went on, they all knew Drew’s chances of walking again were slipping away.

  “I want to speak with Tess a minute, Will,” Amanda said and handed Caleb back to Torie. Her sister had been more quiet than normal the past few days. Amanda suspected she knew why, but had been hesitant to say anything. But time was short. Her family was leaving to return to their Colorado ranch in the morning. This might be her only opportunity to speak to Tess in private.

  She found her sitting in a swing on the porch, watching, but not participating, in the celebration. “Mind if I sit?” Amanda asked. They sat a while in comfortable silence before Amanda spoke.

  “Why don’t you go to Denver and check on him, Tess?”

  “How did you know that’s what I was thinking?”

  “Well, let’s see. I’ve known you for almost twenty years, we’re sisters, and I’m about ninety-percent sure you love Drew.”

  Tess began to protest, but stopped. Amanda was right—she did love Drew. But he’d indicated no similar feelings for her. “He’s never spoken of any feelings for me. What if it’s one-sided and he sends me away?”

  “You go as a friend, not as someone expecting anything from him. His focus is on walking and I�
��ll bet he could use a friend, someone he knows wants nothing from him but to help. That’s you, Tess, not Louis Dunnigan and not Patricia. Go to Denver, be his friend. You’ll never know what could be until you take the chance.” Amanda watched Tess absorb her words, then settled back against the swing.

  When she looked up she saw a different expression on her sister’s face—determination mixed with a calm acceptance. At that moment Amanda realized that Tess had made her choice.

  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies began her new series, MacLarens of Fire Mountain, with Tougher than the Rest, the story of the oldest brother, Niall MacLaren. 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 grew up in Southern California and now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona. Between them they are the proud parents of five grown sons.

  Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.

  Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com

  Visit her at www.shirleendavies.com

  Check out her blog at www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html

  Thank you!

  Other books in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series

  by Shirleen Davies

  Tougher than the Rest

  Niall MacLaren is determined to turn his ranch into the biggest cattle dynasty in the Arizona Territory. The widower will do whatever he must to obtain the political and financial support he needs, even marry a woman he does not love. Nothing will stand in his way.

  Katherine is well-bred, educated, and seeks a life away from her cloistered existence in the East. Landing the teaching job in California provides her with the opportunity she seeks. Most importantly, and unlike many of her peers, she will not need a husband to achieve her goals.