Brodie's Gamble

by Shirleen Davies

  “This looks wonderful, Ma.” Colin looked at the platters of meat, bowls of vegetables and potatoes, and baskets of bread spread out on the table.

  Kyla nodded, her mind on her husband, Angus, who’d been murdered, along with Quinn’s father, Gillis, a few months before. Angus had been the one to embrace the holiday when President Lincoln signed the proclamation, encouraging the family to support it as well.

  “Well, I hope there’s enough. Go find the rest of the family and tell them to come inside.” Kyla disappeared into the kitchen to help Lorna, Audrey, and Gail finish the rest of the preparations.

  “I’ll go with you, Colin. Your mother and aunts are almost finished with the food.” Sarah took off her apron and hung it on a chair, then grabbed her husband’s hand. “I think they’re all out at the corral, watching Bram break another horse.”

  “Except for Brodie and Maggie. I believe he took her for a ride toward Boundary River.”

  Sarah sent Colin a meaningful smile. “Ah, then they may not make it back in time for supper.”

  “I think you may be wrong, sweetheart.” He nodded toward two riders coming toward them. “She sure recuperated fast.”

  “Maggie doesn’t talk about it, but I believe she lives for Brodie’s visits.”

  “Aye, lass. As I lived to fetch you back here.” Colin leaned down, placing a lingering kiss on Sarah’s lips.

  “Appears we’ve interrupted something, Maggie.” Brodie slid down from Hunter, took the reins to Maggie’s horse and helped her to the ground, his hands lingering longer than normal on her waist. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and have the freedom to kiss her the way Colin kissed Sarah, but it was too soon to show such affection in front of his family. Besides, it might embarrass Maggie, something he’d never intentionally do.

  “With her being pregnant, she requires more attention,” Colin joked, tightening his arm around Sarah’s waist.

  She pushed away, slapping him on the arm. “Ach, Colin MacLaren. You’d best behave or you’ll find yourself sleeping with your horse.”

  Maggie slid close to Brodie, wrapping her hand in his. “Theirs is a special love.”

  “Has Sarah told you their story?” Brodie squeezed her hand, then let go as the others walked toward them.

  “Some of it. She promised to tell me the rest before I leave.”

  Brodie’s heart stopped at the thought of her no longer living at the ranch. “Leave? Where are you going?”

  The shock in his voice had her turning toward him, placing a hand on his chest. “I’ll have to leave someday, Brodie. I can’t stay with your family forever.”

  “And why not?”

  Maggie couldn’t contain a burst of laughter. “Because I’m a grown woman who needs to support herself. Although, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do.” Her face darkened when she thought of her lack of skills, other than cooking and cleaning. “Perhaps the Gold Dust Hotel will hire me.”

  Brodie grabbed her by the elbow, turning her away from the family and leading her to the side of the house. Looking around, certain no one had followed, he leaned in close.

  “What are you talking about?” His voice was calm and filled with anger. “You’ll not be cleaning rooms, picking up after drunks, and being ordered about by those who think they’re better than you. I’ll not have it.” Dropping her arm, he placed fisted hands on his hips and paced a few yards away.

  When he turned around, his stomach plummeted at the look on Maggie’s face. Walking toward her, he held his arms in front of him, palms out, but she cut off whatever he’d intended to say.

  “You may think you have the right to tell me what to do with my life, Brodie MacLaren, but you don’t. We’ve made no promises, and I’ve certainly not given you the authority to lord over me. My life is mine and I mean to live it the way I want.” Her words were fierce, voice hard, even as her eyes watered. Swiping at tears, she swiveled away from him, wrapping her arms around her waist.

  A minute passed, then another, before large hands settled on her waist and drew her back to the solid wall of his chest.

  Leaning down, Brodie placed a kiss on her neck, then sighed when she tensed.

  “I’m sorry, Maggie. It’s just…” His voice stalled. He didn’t know what else to say. Declaring his love for her could scare Maggie away, a circumstance he couldn’t imagine. Even the possibility of not having her in his life sent an odd ripple of terror through his body.

  “What, Brodie?” She turned in his arms, placing her palms on his chest.

  He swallowed the lump building in his throat, knowing the time had come to be honest about his intentions.

  “You must know how I feel about—”

  “Are you two going to stand over there all afternoon, or are you going to join us for supper?” Jinny stood with her hands on her hips, a smile on her face.

  Brodie cursed his luck, turning to face his sister, shielding Maggie so no one could see the line of tears still evident on her cheeks. “We’re coming.”

  “Good, because Ma is about ready to give your food away.”

  He waited until Jinny disappeared, then inhaled a deep breath, taking Maggie’s hand in his. “I promise, we will finish this conversation, lass.”

  Sam hadn’t been in Conviction long, but he joined the cousins in sharing his own stories about Brodie. Each tale built on the last, everyone laughing as Brodie’s faced reddened. Sitting beside Maggie, he reached over, taking her hand in his as she shifted a little closer.

  “Are any of these stories true?”

  “None of them.” He reached for the bowl of potatoes, casting a look around the table that dared anyone to dispute him.

  “Ach, Brodie. You know that isn’t true. At least one of them is close.” Quinn stuffed another forkful of turkey into his mouth, a cocky grin on his face as he chewed.

  Brodie’s mother listened to the conversation, glad for a chance to get to know Sam and Nate.

  “Are you enjoying your time in Conviction, Mr. Covington?”

  Sam set down his glass. “I’m not sure the word enjoy can be used in the same sentence as Conviction, Mrs. MacLaren.” Nate nodded next to him. “Since I arrived, Miss King fell under the hooves of an angry horse, there’s been an earthquake, explosions resulting in Miss King’s kidnapping, and the killing of two brothers. I may be wrong, but it seems a good amount of mischief goes on in your small town.”

  Brodie’s sister, Jinny, sat on the other side of Sam, watching the way his features changed as he spoke. He’d dressed for the occasion, wearing black slacks and jacket, a red and gold brocade vest, white shirt, and thin black tie. In Jinny’s mind, the outfit made him look like a gambler more than a lawman. Either way, she thought him the most attractive man she’d ever met.

  “Mischief, indeed,” Lorna answered, glancing at her sons, Brodie and Fletcher. Unlike her oldest, she knew Fletcher had no intention of leaving the ranch, preferring to concentrate on the horse breeding business with Bram and Sean. “I can’t recall a time since we moved here where Conviction has had so much trouble in such a short time.”

  “Aye, Ma. Perhaps our son has attracted a certain amount of tomfoolery.” Ewan settled a hand over his wife’s, cocking his brow at Brodie.

  Sam listened to the continuing banter, not unaware of the beautiful young woman next to him. Blonde and fair-skinned with deep blue eyes, he noticed her the moment he’d stepped foot into the house, her welcoming smile touching him in a way he couldn’t describe. Then he’d learned her brother was his boss. At first, he’d been pleased she’d taken a seat beside him. As supper progressed, the increased attraction made it difficult to concentrate on his food or the conversation.

  To his relief, and disappointment, Jinny seemed oblivious to his attraction or discomfort, which he accepted was for the best. He had no interest in striking up a relationship with any woman, especially one tied to Conviction whose brother was the sheriff, and who probably sat on the wrong side of twenty. At twenty-five, he had a good de
al of life to live, having no intention of tying himself to one woman. Although if his interests were otherwise and she wasn’t related to Brodie, he might feel a good deal different.

  “Mr. Hollis, do you plan to stay in Conviction?” Sarah’s sister, Geneen MacGregor, glanced across the table at the deputy sitting next to Sam.

  Nate had said little during supper, preferring to listen to the continuous conversation. By the looks the MacLarens sent him, he knew Brodie had failed to say anything about the loss of his left arm. He’d always felt fortunate to have the amputation occur below the elbow, giving him more ability to perform most daily functions, as well as defend himself. It didn’t take Nate long to learn a well-placed elbow worked as well as a punch to the jaw.

  “I do plan to stay a while, Miss MacGregor.” He nodded at Brodie. “The town is growing and it’s obvious the sheriff can use whatever good men he can find.”

  “Aye, Nate. I can use a couple more good men. Fielder has given his approval, so if you know of someone…” Brodie’s voice trailed off, his body going still when he felt Maggie’s hand rest on his leg. “Uh…other men who are interested…” He choked the rest out, noticing the knowing smirk on Quinn’s face.

  “Jinny and Geneen, would the two of you help us with dessert?” Kyla pushed back from the table. She didn’t know about the other women, but she hadn’t failed to notice the looks the two women gave Sam and Nate.

  “Of course, Aunt Kyla.” Jinny began to rise, then waited as Sam stood, pulling out her chair. “Thank you, Mr. Covington.” She could feel her face heat, hoping it hadn’t turned to crimson.

  “My pleasure, Miss MacLaren.”

  Those around the table sat in silence for a moment before Blaine took pity on Jinny and steered everyone’s attention to another topic, one that let his cousin escape the questioning eyes of her family.

  After supper, Sam and Nate rode back to town, leaving Brodie to stay another night at the ranch. He left early the day after Thanksgiving, never having another chance to get Maggie alone. Although he’d ridden back after church the following Sunday, staying until dark, they’d had little time to talk.

  The women kept Maggie busy with plans for Christmas and a tea party they wanted to give for Sarah in January to celebrate her being with child. The men discussed plans for the horse breeding program, as well as a new partnership the MacLarens were entering into with August Fielder.

  It had come to the attorney’s attention that one of the holders of an original Mexican land grant, Juan Estrada, had built up substantial debt during the protracted period of defending the grant per the California Land Act. He’d won his right to the grant, but took on a financial burden which now forced him to sell. August, along with Ewan and Ian MacLaren, arranged to buy a major portion of the grant. They would purchase sixty thousand acres, giving Estrada enough money to pay his debts and remain the owner of ten thousand acres. Although a fourth of his original grant, it would allow him and his family to continue their tradition of ranching, debt-free. In addition, other grant owners were now reaching out to Fielder and the MacLarens to discuss a similar deal.

  The MacLarens were taking on considerable responsibility and doubling their current holdings, making them the second largest landholder in the area. In addition, they’d be managing the grant owned by Fielder. Without putting too much pressure on him, each of the men in the family made it clear they wanted Brodie to return to the ranch.

  It had been a tense discussion. At least his father, Ewan, had stayed silent most of the time, not wanting to put pressure on his son. After several hours, Brodie had agreed to think about returning, with the caveat he wouldn’t make a decision until after the first of the year.

  By sundown, Brodie had spent less than thirty minutes close to Maggie, most of the time including at least one other MacLaren. The visit had been frustrating, as well as disappointing.

  “I’m sorry we’ve had no time alone.” They sat together on the front porch swing, holding hands while keeping a somewhat respectable distance.

  “It wasn’t your fault, Brodie. The women kept me as busy as the men kept you. I don’t suppose you’d be able to ride back out Tuesday for supper. It’s my turn to cook, and well…”

  He squeezed her hand. “Of course I’ll be here…under two conditions.”

  Maggie’s eyes flew open. “What are they?”

  “One, you walk with me to the barn tonight to get Hunter, and two, you promise you’ll make time for us to talk after supper on Tuesday.”

  She let out a breath. Those were conditions she could give him. “All right.”

  Taking her hand, he led her into the barn.

  Chapter Nineteen

  In the weeks since Thanksgiving, the weather had turned from chilly to frosty. For at least nine months of the year, nearby Boundary Mountain sat covered in snow at the higher elevations. Between mid-December and February, the storms hit the Circle M Ranch in sporadic bursts. Their first storm came early this year, blanketing the ranch in a foot of snow weeks before Christmas.

  “It’s none of my business, Brodie, but when are you going to ask Miss King to marry you?” Sam stood next to him in Buckie’s Castle, turning the glass of whiskey in his hand, trying to keep his thoughts off of Jinny MacLaren.

  “Aye, Covington. It’s not your business.”

  Sam chuckled, noticing the narrowed eyes and disgruntled expression on Brodie’s face. “Most of the town knows you bought a wedding band.” He sipped the whiskey as Brodie turned toward him.

  “Most of the town?”

  “Well, perhaps not everyone. You are a MacLaren, however, and there appears to be a good deal of interest in each member of your family. And since you are the sheriff…” He didn’t continue, getting perverse pleasure at watching Brodie draw a hand down his face.

  “The lass is skittish.”

  “You’ve already bought the ring. I’m assuming you plan to offer marriage whether she is skittish or not.”

  Brodie sucked in a deep breath, then downed the amber liquid in his glass. Setting it down, he looked at the clock behind the bar, his stomach churning. Waking up that morning, he’d spent the day building up his courage, ready to see if he and Maggie had a future. Plans had already been made for him to ride out to the ranch and spend the evening with her and his family. As the day progressed, his courage diminished until he’d accepted Sam’s invitation to meet him at Buckie’s for a drink.

  The love he felt for her increased each moment they spent together. Brodie had never been like some men who never planned to marry. Someday, he knew he’d meet the right woman and fall in love. At twenty-two, Brodie never expected it would happen so soon. He figured he had years ahead of him to enjoy his bachelor status, settle into his job, and pick the right woman. Then he’d met Maggie.

  “Go ahead. Nate, Jack, and I have the town covered.”

  Brodie nodded, sparing Sam a slight glance before he walked outside, heading toward the livery, never slowing his stride. In his heart, Brodie knew Maggie loved him and would agree to marry. Yet a sense of foreboding gripped him as he swung into the saddle and turned Hunter toward the ranch.

  “There’s no need for you to help us clean up tonight, Maggie. I know you and Brodie want to spend some time together.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. MacLaren.” Maggie looked at Brodie. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.”

  “I have Jinny and Kenzie to help. Plus, the other boys always do their share.”

  Brodie stood, holding his hand out to Maggie. “Thanks, Ma.”

  Lorna and Ewan watched their oldest son and Maggie walk toward the study. “I believe he has something on his mind, Lorna.” He wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist.

  “Aye. I believe you’re right. I hope the next time we see them they’ll be wearing smiles.” She leaned her head back on Ewan’s shoulder and sighed. She’d seen Kyla go through losing her oldest son to marriage. The difference was, Colin and Sarah lived at the ranch. Without Maggie to visit, she did
n’t know how often they’d see Brodie if they married. Of course, she and Ewan could both be wrong and Brodie’s mind might be on something different than his obvious love for Maggie.

  Brodie closed the door behind him, escorting Maggie to the leather sofa he’d sat in so many times since they’d arrived in California. This time, he didn’t sit. Instead, he watched as Maggie settled at one end, then paced to the window, looking out at the heavy snow, trying to calm his racing heart.

  He pushed aside the sounds of Banner and Clint arguing in another room, concentrating on what he wanted to say. The thought of Maggie turning him down created a hard ball of ice in his stomach. It felt about as large as the snowman he stared at through the window, the one the younger MacLarens had built after chores. Shoving hands into his pockets, he took in an unsteady breath.

  “Brodie? Are you all right?”

  The concern in Maggie’s voice caused his mouth to go dry. He knew the time had come.

  He could hear the sound of her dress rustling, footsteps moving toward him. All the plans he’d made, the words he wanted to say, fell from his mind, his concentration failing. Feeling fingers touch his back, Brodie turned, taking her hands in his.

  “I’m all right, Maggie.” His voice shook, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.

  “Are you sure? You don’t act like everything is all right.”

  “No? How am I acting?” He continued staring into her eyes, her voice comforting as he began to gather his thoughts.

  She bit her bottom lip, her gaze falling to the floor, then back up to lock on him. “Unhappy, like something is bothering you. Is it me, Brodie? Have I done something wrong?”

  Brodie’s eyes widened, registering alarm. “No, Maggie. You could never do anything wrong.”

  Laughing, she squeezed his hands. “I know that’s not true.” Sobering, she moved her hands up to rest on his chest. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”