Gabe watched the newlyweds, Beau and Caro, talking with Reverend Paige and his wife.
Dutch joined him, following his gaze. “Glad that’s over with. I’ve never felt comfortable at weddings.”
“You ever been married?”
A look of horror crossed Dutch’s face. “Not me. I’m not the type. Besides, who’s to say she wouldn’t turn out like one of those Ritter sisters.”
Gabe took a slow sip of punch, nodding. “I doubt we’ll ever know the full story now that they’ve been sent back east for trial. Must’ve been a lot of hate in the house they grew up in for both to turn into unrepentant killers.”
“There’s got to be a story there, and I’m guessing it’ll all come out at the trial. No matter. Neither are right in the head.” Dutch looked at Rosemary and Dirk, standing in one corner of the room. “At least we got Rosemary back unharmed. Seeing her now, you’d think nothing ever happened.” He motioned with his drink toward the couple.
Rosemary stood next to Dirk, who stayed upright with the help of crutches.
She placed a hand on his arm. “I don’t think Beau would’ve waited any longer to marry Caro.” They watched the bride and groom laughing at something Cash said.
“He waited a long time for Caro. It’s time they made it official.” Dirk cleared his throat, the muscles in his jaw twitching. “Would you mind going outside for a few minutes? I could use some air.”
“Not at all.”
Wyatt watched Dirk struggle on the crutches, refusing help from those he and Rosemary passed on their way outside. The day after the fire, Dax and Luke repeated their offer of a job working with the horses. This time, Wyatt accepted. He’d been at Redemption’s Edge for weeks, working with Travis at the old Frey ranch. From what he’d heard of Dirk’s experience breeding horses, it still surprised him the man chose to work with the cattle.
“How are you, Mr. Jackson?”
A slow smile spread across his face as his gaze settled on Gabe’s sister, Nora. He’d met her while staying in town, forcing himself to show disinterest, even though he’d been attracted to her right away. Desiring the sheriff’s sister didn’t seem smart when he had so little to offer and too much of a past.
“Miss Evans. Are you enjoying the wedding?”
“Very much. You?”
He chuckled. “As much as any man can enjoy seeing another man give up his freedom.”
Her brows furrowed. “Is that how you see it?”
“In some ways.”
Nora watched the couples dancing, considering his comment. “It’s amazing how, in a few short minutes, they can transform a solemn church into a place of celebration. Do you like to dance, Mr. Jackson?”
His mind spun at her change in direction. “At times, Miss Evans.”
She glanced at him, her eyes sparkling. “Is this one of those times?”
Setting down his glass, he turned toward her, holding out a hand. “It is. Would you care to dance, Miss Evans?”
“Yes, Mr. Jackson. I believe I would.”
It had been a long time since Wyatt had held a beautiful woman in his arms. His time with women over the last few years consisted of card games, whiskey, and brief couplings. He hadn’t allowed himself more. As they moved around the dance floor, he began to realize what he may have missed.
“Have you been married before, Mr. Jackson?”
He’d been taught to dance at a young age, hearing the rhythm and picking up the steps easily. Her question caused him to stumble.
“My apologies,” he mumbled, recovering quickly.
“None needed. I’ve been told I ask too many questions.”
Glancing down at Nora, he shook his head. “No.”
“No?”
“I’ve never been married.”
When the music ended, he held her an instant longer than necessary before escorting her off the floor. “Thank you, Miss Evans. It was a pleasure.”
“As it was mine, Mr. Jackson.” Turning, she walked away, looking back to see his gaze still on her.
“She’s a handful.”
Wyatt startled at Gabe’s voice. “I wouldn’t know. Your sister and I barely know each other.”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Jackson.” Lena walked up, slipping her arm through Gabe’s.
“I’d prefer you call me Wyatt.”
“Wonderful. Please, call me Lena. You are quite the dancer.”
Wyatt chuckled at the compliment. “Rusty would be a better description of my skills.”
“Regardless, Nora seemed to enjoy it. Well, I’m going to go talk with the young ladies. It’s time to introduce them around.” Lena kissed Gabe on the cheek, then left in the direction of Tabitha, May, Deborah, and Sylvia.
“Is the rumor true, Gabe?”
“What rumor is that?”
Wyatt grinned. “I heard Lena led the effort to bring the mail order brides to Splendor.”
Gabe held up his glass, taking a sip, then laughed. “She did, along with a few other women. Seems they believe we have too many bachelors and not enough single women.”
“Should I be scared?”
“Absolutely.”
From across the room, Travis watched Wyatt and Gabe talking before his gaze moved to see Dirk and Rosemary as they walked back inside, their faces full of happiness.
“What is it?” Isabella, the woman he’d been courting, the woman he loved, stood next to him. “Is something wrong?”
He looked at her, his features softening. “Everything is fine.”
Travis had never been a man who expressed himself in grand terms, talking of love or emotions. His late wife used to say their horses spoke more to her than he did, causing their daughter to laugh. They were both gone now, as was their horse ranch in Tennessee. All casualties of the war.
Isabella nodded, used to his taciturn manner. “Look, Travis.”
He followed her gaze to where Dirk spoke to Beau. In the next instant, Beau grasped Dirk’s shoulder, then leaned over to kiss Rosemary on the cheek before turning to the other guests.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Dirk Masters would like to make an announcement.”
Holding her hand, Dirk faced the crowd, clearing his throat.
“Uh, Rosemary and I are getting married.”
“What’s that?” Luke called out from across the room.
Clearing his throat again, Dirk faced Luke. “Rosemary and I…we’re getting married.”
“Sorry, Dirk. I still didn’t hear you.” Bull, his face neutral, stared at his friend.
Mumbling to himself, Dirk hobbled forward, pulling Rosemary along with him. Lifting his face, he spoke in a clear, bold voice.
“I’ve asked Rosemary to marry me, and she said yes.”
“About time.” Bull lifted his glass. “To two people who are perfect for each other. Let the fighting begin!”
Thank you for taking the time to read Courage Canyon. 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.
Watch for book nine in the Redemption Mountain series, Forsaken Falls!
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About the Author
Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical western romance, contemporary romance, 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. Her passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. Having been on numerous bestseller lists, Shirleen has over thirty books in print. 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
Deep River, Book Seven
Courage Canyon, Book Eight
MacLarens of Boundary Mountain
Colin’s Quest, Book One,
Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two
Quinn’s Honor, Book Three
Sam’s Legacy, Book Four
Heather’s Choice, Book Five, Coming next in the series!
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
Foolish Heart, Book Nine
Forever Love, Book Ten, Coming next in the series!
Peregrine Bay
Reclaiming Love, Book One, A Novella
Our Kind of Love, Book Two
Burnt River
Shane’s Burden, Book One by Peggy Henderson
Thorn’s Journey, Book Two by Shirleen Davies
Aqua’s Achilles, Book Three by Kate Cambridge
Ashley’s Hope, Book Four by Amelia Adams
Harpur’s Secret, Book Five by Kay P. Dawson
Mason’s Rescue, Book Six by Peggy L. Henderson
Del’s Choice, Book Seven by Shirleen Davies
Watch for more books in this series!
Find all of my books at:
https://www.shirleendavies.com/books.html
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 her 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 passiona
te, 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.
Courage Canyon Page 21
