Abby gasped, her eyes crossing at the sight of a gun pointed at her face.
“Abby?”
“I…I thought I’d surprise you. It appears I did.” She took a step backward, a heel catching on a wooden plank.
Noah muttered a curse as he lowered the gun, reaching out with his other hand and pulling her into the cabin, crushing her to his chest. “God, Abby, I could’ve shot you,” he whispered into her hair as he set the gun down and kicked the door shut.
Backing her up against the door, he cupped her face in his hands and lowered his mouth. The kiss started as a brush of his lips against hers, his tongue tracing her lower lip, coaxing her to open. Her lips parted and he delved inside, tasting what he’d been dreaming about for days. Heat flared through him as she sighed into his mouth, wrapped her arms around his neck, and drew him down to her, holding him in place.
Abby couldn’t control the fire burning inside. His hands moved up and down her back, then rested on her hips, pulling her tight. Noah’s body aligned with hers, his hands roaming over her. She squirmed against him, trying to get closer, wanting more.
He left her mouth, trailing kisses along the curve of her jaw, tracing a path down her neck, sucking the hollow at the base, soft moans escaping her lips. He continued down to the swell of her breasts, then moved back up, crushing his mouth to hers again.
Stroking her face with his knuckles, he pulled back on a ragged breath, resting his forehead against hers. “I’ve missed you, Abby.”
“I’ve missed you, too. More importantly, I love you, Noah.”
“Ah, sweetheart, I love you, too.” He captured her mouth again, this time letting the intensity grow until they were both crazed with need. Slipping his hands under her knees, he lifted her to his chest, taking long strides to the bedroom and laying her on the mattress. Joining her, he stroked a finger down the curve of her jaw, along the soft column of her neck, stopping above her chest. He could feel a shiver run through her body.
“Make love to me, Noah.”
The passion in her voice and eyes drove his need to a fever pitch. He wanted nothing more, but she had to be sure.
“Abby, it’s important you’re certain about this. If this isn’t what you want—”
“I’ve wanted this, you, forever. I want you to love me, Noah.”
“Abby, darlin’, I will always love you.”
He stretched, seeing the early sign of morning streaming into the cabin as he took her in his arms. “I need to hold you. After a while, maybe I’ll believe you’re actually here with me.” He kissed the top of her head, drawing in her scent, feeling her softness surround him.
She snuggled closer, resting her hand on his chest, and closed her eyes.
“I’ve been a fool, Abby.”
“I know,” she said against his chest, hearing his chuckle.
“I should’ve asked you to marry me months ago.”
“Yes, you should have.”
He flipped her onto her back, staring into her eyes, seeing the love he’d been missing out on all this time. “Marry me, Abby. I don’t have much, but what I have is yours.”
She couldn’t stop the tears, even as a smile spread across her face. She trailed fingers down his stubbled jaw, reached up and placed a kiss on his lips. “I’d marry you if you had nothing.”
He pulled her tight, then pushed away. “We can live at your ranch. I’m fine with that.”
“Um…that may be hard.”
She watched his brows knit together, confusion in his eyes.
“I sold it to the Pelletiers. Luke and Ginny will be making it their home.” She laughed at his shocked looked. “This will be our home as long as you want. I love you, Noah. Your home is my home. Always.”
Epilogue
“Is this the spot?” Gabe asked, clasping Noah’s shoulder and appreciating the view from the hill behind town—the same land where Noah always planned to build a home for him and Abby to share.
Abby discovered the handwritten addition to her father’s will hidden under several documents in his safe. He’d left no explanation other than stating his wish to leave the property to Noah in the event of his death. Nothing more. A few sentences and the land Noah dreamed of living on with Abby was his.
“The porch will wrap all the way around. She’ll be able to watch the morning sunrise and evening sunset from right here.”
“And keep watch on your whereabouts in town,” Bull laughed, handing him a glass of punch and nodding toward the livery below.
“She won’t have to. Abby wants to work at the bank a little longer, at least until we have a child. It’s what she always wanted to do and is her way of meeting new people.”
Abby and Noah had married in a quiet ceremony a week before. At night, they either stayed in the small room off the livery or rode to the cabin. Today, the entire town had been invited to celebrate on Abby’s Mountain, as Noah referred to it.
“You’ve got plenty of friends ready to help. Just give the word.” Cash popped a cookie into his mouth, chewing as he turned in a slow circle. “This sure is a beautiful place, Noah.”
“I figure there’s enough flat land for the house, barn, a corral, and pasture. We don’t intend to run cattle, but she wants a few chickens and a garden.”
“Chickens?” Luke asked.
“That’s what she wants.” Noah smiled at the thought of his wife chasing after a chicken, then preparing it to eat. He wasn’t even sure she could cook. They’d eaten most of their meals at the boardinghouse.
“Noah.” Abby walked up, holding baby Patrick. “Suzanne says it’s time to join the rest of us.” She cut a look at Cash. “The food is ready…real food, not the dessert you’ve already discovered.”
Cash grinned, showing no remorse as he slid the last cookie he’d pilfered into his mouth.
Noah slipped an arm around Abby’s waist, nuzzling her neck as they returned to the main gathering. As with each day since they married, he couldn’t wait to get her alone and in his bed.
Long tables held platters loaded with beef, venison, ham, potatoes, vegetables, and bread. Suzanne and several women from church had prepared the food. Nick and Lena provided the music, hauling up the piano and the gentleman who played it from the Dixie. Dax and Luke brought the punch and a large barrel of water, while Ginny and Rachel made pies and cookies. From the looks of it, Noah guessed most everyone for miles around had ridden in for the shindig.
Noah glanced around, spotting Gabe standing next to Lena, Nick, and Suzanne. From what he’d heard and seen, Nick appeared to have more than a cursory interest in his landlord. He guessed the same could be said of Gabe and Lena, although neither would ever admit it, and Noah suspected nothing would ever come of it. He leaned into Abby, kissing her cheek.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” he said, walking toward the small group. “Thank you again for bringing up the piano.” Noah extended his hand to Nick, who gave it a vigorous shake.
Nick glanced around. “You can’t have a party without music. Fact is, in New Orleans, we’d sometimes have two or three pianos going at once.”
“And a fiddler or two,” Lena added with a laugh.
Gabe shifted toward Lena, grinning at her spontaneous laughter. “Do you miss it?”
Lena’s brows knit together, her head tilting. “New Orleans? Sometimes, but not enough to move back and start over. Besides, it’s nice to be around regular people and not be surrounded by professional scoundrels.”
Gabe grinned at the disdain in her voice. “You met a lot of them, did you?”
“More than you’d think, and at least one more than I wanted.” She sipped her punch, a hand moving to her stomach at the memory of the man who’d deceived her so completely.
Everyone turned at the sound of approaching horses to see Gil and Ty Murton ride up and dismount, broad grins on their faces, waving to their brother Mark and Ty’s wife, Tilly, who sat at one of the tables.
“Sorry we’re late, but we got held up.” Gil
removed his hat, nodding at Suzanne and Lena. “A rider came by with some big news. Seems there’s been a gold strike at the site some Englishman’s been working up in the mountains. A big one, according to the rider who came through.”
Gabe stood next to Lena, sensing her body tense at the announcement, deciding to ask her about her reaction later.
“That so?” Gabe asked as the circle closed around Gil and Ty.
“We knew some foreigner had been prospecting the area, but never met the man.”
“You remember an Englishman buying supplies from you?” Gabe asked Noah.
“Can’t say as I do. Toby might remember.”
“You have a name for the man, Gil?”
Everyone crowded around, waiting.
“Sure do, Sheriff. The rider said the miner’s name is William Randolph Carlyle.”
Lena gasped, a hand going to her throat as she glanced at Gabe. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head just before she fainted into his arms.
Thank you for taking the time to read Sunrise Ridge. 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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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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Other Books by Shirleen Davies
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 Res
t.
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.
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 . . .
Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) Page 26
