Canceled-Order Bride (Sons Of A Gun Book 1)

by Brenda Sinclair

  “Enough talk of investigations and robberies. The bank won’t be robbed again. Now, Mr. Manning tells me my daughter has news, Jackson.” Harold glanced at Lily and then met his eyes. “Would this revelation have something to do with you?”

  “Yes, it does, sir.” Jackson slipped his arm around Lily. “Your daughter has agreed to marry me, if that meets with your approval?”

  “Mr. Manning and I have talked extensively since he arrived in Boston and sobered me up. He consistently praised the McLennon family’s character and kindness for taking in my daughter. You most certainly have my blessing to marry Lily.” Harold shook Jackson’s hand.

  “To some it might appear our plan to marry centered on protecting me from Mr. Connors in case he accompanied Mr. Manning back to Milestone, but we truly love each other, Father.” Lily hugged her fiancé’s arm tightly, delighted to discuss more pleasant topics than the possibility of repeated bank robberies. “This will be a proper marriage.”

  “Sure will be,” Jackson added. “I couldn’t imagine my life without your daughter at my side.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Harold Watson leaned back in his chair. “Well, it’s been a long trip, and I’d like to check into the hotel and rest up before starting work at the bank tomorrow. I’ve received my instructions while in Butte. After a bit of organization, I hope to reopen the bank in a week’s time.”

  “Certainly, let me accompany you to the check-in desk. I need to arrange a room also.” Mr. Manning stood.

  “Lily and I should return to the ranch, and Amanda and Aunt Ruby can check on Mrs. Cameron.” Jackson helped Lily out of her chair.

  “I can breathe again, having all this behind me,” Lily said with a sigh. “I can never thank you enough, Agent Manning, for bringing my father back to me.”

  “Just doing what I was hired for. But you’re welcome, Miss Watson.”

  AJ tapped Manning on the shoulder. “Come with me to the ranch, Sawyer. I can’t tell you how pleased I am with your work. We’ll settle up your fees. Get you paid in full.”

  “I appreciate the offer, sir.” Agent Manning shook his hand. “But Mr. Watson has already covered the balance of my expenses.”

  “Worth every penny,” Harold injected. “And I’ll repay you, AJ, for the initial payment you provided on my daughter’s behalf.”

  “Thank you. You’re a good man.” AJ shook Harold’s hand.

  “I’m so happy. I can plan my wedding without a frantic rush. And I can put all of this behind me.” Lily slipped her arms around her father. “And the best part… you’ll be here to walk me down the aisle.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that promise, Father.” Lily doubted she’d ever experience a time in her life when she was more content. Partner in a thriving business. Engaged to a wonderful man. Her wedding on the horizon. Her father sober and back in her life, ready to walk her down the aisle. What more could a young lady want in life?

  Nothing could spoil her happiness now.

  Chapter 29

  Jackson paced the horse barn. He’d never been so furious with anyone in his entire life. His younger brother would be the death of him. “That is not what I said.”

  Daniel glared at him. “Well, that’s what I heard. Let the stallion out in the corral.”

  “Keep the stallion out of the corral. If left in there much longer, he would have torn the thing apart to get to those mares in season and you know it.”

  “Yeah, I do.” Daniel blew out his breath and swiped his brow with his shirt sleeve. “Hell, I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “Whatever in blazes it was, it wasn’t running the horse breeding operation on this ranch,” Jackson scoffed.

  Daniel yanked his leather gloves off and threw them on the barn floor. “To hell with this. I’m done.”

  Jackson strode across the floor and stood nose to nose with his brother. “Not by a long shot. There’s enough on your list of chores to keep you busy for a month.”

  Daniel raised his hands to his brother’s chest and gave him a good shove, eyes blazing. “Then give the damn list to someone else. I quit.”

  “McLennons don’t quit,” Jackson shouted, catching his balance.

  “This one does if it’s ranching we’re talking,” Daniel called on his way out of the barn.

  Jackson had dreaded this day, but he’d known for months it loomed on the horizon. The decision had been festering in his brother’s mind for years, and Jackson faced the truth weeks ago. Daniel was not cut out for ranching. His brother hated it. The long hours. The horrible weather conditions: the freezing temperatures in winter, the spring downpours, the blistering heat of summer. Regardless of rain, wind, snow, or sleet, animals still required tending to and feeding. Stalls required daily cleaning. Cows birthed calves in the dead of night.

  Jackson and his three youngest brothers loved every minute of it!

  Daniel… not in the least.

  Jackson glanced over at the two ranch hands, standing wide-eyed and slack-jawed. And no wonder. Seldom did the McLennons disagree over anything. Let alone have it out, just short of fisticuffs, in the middle of the barn floor. “Don’t you boys have something to do? This ranch won’t run itself.”

  Both men grabbed a pitchfork and got down to business cleaning stalls.

  “Thank you.” Jackson nodded. “Sorry you fellows had to witness that. Won’t happen again.” And it wouldn’t.

  Jackson had known the day would come and today it had. His brother was finished with ranching. Daniel was probably in the house, packing a bag and counting the minutes until he saddled up and rode off the ranch. He’d return for family suppers, birthdays, and holidays. But today, he’d completed his last work on the Double M.

  “I’m just worried how Pa will take the news,” he muttered, returning to his own chores.

  * * *

  Lily jumped a foot when the back door slammed closed. Daniel strode across the kitchen floor, a murderous expression on his face. Oh, goodness. Judging by his demeanor, the man was silently seething inside.

  “What on earth happened?”

  “I quit.” Daniel yanked his Stetson off and tossed it onto the table. “It was time. But I done it… well, not in the way I figured I would.” He slumped onto a kitchen chair and crossed his arms over his chest still heaving from exertion or anger or a bit of both.

  Lily tossed the tea towel onto the table and then sat on the chair across from him. “Tell me about it.”

  Mrs. Sheridan brought two cups of coffee to the table and then busied herself with the stew she had simmering on the woodstove.

  Daniel added sugar to his coffee and took a sip, grimacing when the hot beverage most likely burned his tongue. Lily leaned back in the chair and stared at him.

  “Lost my temper when Jackson riled me up a mite.” Daniel shook his head. “All right, it was my fault. I let a stallion loose in the corral, and apparently, Jackson told me to keep him out of it. I have no idea why I did it. I know better.”

  “You don’t enjoy ranch work, do you?” Lily ventured. “The other brothers talk incessantly about the land and the animals and branding calves and… goodness, it makes my head spin just listening to them. You never participate.”

  “They eat, sleep, and breathe ranching. The whole lot of them,” Daniel summarized.

  “But not you.”

  “Hell, no.” Daniel grimaced. “Sorry about the language, Lily. But I hate ranching.”

  “Then you should do what you love.” Lily smiled at him and then reached over and patted his hand. “Find something you’re passionate about. Like Amanda did with her custom clothing business.”

  “I know what I plan to do with my life,” he muttered. “The law.”

  Lily reared back. “You plan to become a lawyer?”

  “No, you misunderstand. I want to work with Sheriff Robertson.” Daniel’s eyes lit up. “Maybe even become a Pinkerton one day.”

  “My goodn
ess, I never would have guessed,” Mrs. Sheridan chimed in, and then her face reddened. “Sorry about the eavesdropping, but it was a tad difficult to ignore your conversation.”

  “That’s all right, ma’am,” Daniel offered. “The way you care for all of us… you’re family.”

  “Thank you, Daniel.” Mrs. Sheridan patted his shoulder. “You’ve a good head on your shoulders. You’d make a wonderful sheriff or a Pinkerton. I hope you pursue your dream.”

  “Thank you.” Daniel stood and smiled at her. “Don’t expect me for supper. I’m heading to town to apply for a job with Sheriff Robertson. And if he hires me, I’ll be staying in Milestone.”

  “Where will you live?” Lily blurted.

  “Mrs. Cameron has that big house, and she works for Amanda now.” Daniel shrugged. “Jackson mentioned she wasn’t interested in renting a room to a stranger. But I’m hoping she’ll feel safe providing me with room and board, having a deputy living in her house. If not, I’ll get a room at the hotel for a few days until I can find something.”

  “Nancy would be foolish to turn you down.” Mrs. Sheridan smiled at him. “I wish you the best of luck, young man. Make us proud.”

  A broad smile creased Daniel’s face. “I surely will, ma’am.”

  “There’s just one problem,” Lily warned. “We still have to explain all of this to your father. I’m not certain AJ’s going to take to the idea.”

  “He’ll get over it.” Daniel shrugged. “Won’t have much choice. I’m going to be a lawman, and no one will talk me out of it.”

  Lily touched his hand. “Your father is in his study. No time like the present to break the news to him.”

  “I was in the study. Break what news to me?” AJ wandered into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee as he spoke.

  Daniel glanced at Lily and then met his father’s eyes. “I’m leaving the ranch to become a lawman. Maybe even a Pinkerton.”

  “You’re going to do what?” AJ demanded.

  Judging by his expression, Lily feared his son had shocked him with the announcement.

  Daniel shook his head. “About what I reckoned your reaction would be.”

  AJ slumped onto one of the kitchen chairs and set his coffee cup on the table. “You’re serious about this?”

  Daniel nodded. “Don’t have a kitten when I tell you… I hate ranching.”

  “Jackson mentioned something awhile back. Never thought much of it at the time.” AJ leaned forward resting his arms on the kitchen table. “So… have I got this right? You hate ranching. You’re moving to town to become a lawman. Maybe a Pinkerton someday.”

  “This has been a long time coming, Pa. Festered like an infected wound since you put Jackson in charge. I can’t abide taking orders from him. My mind’s on anything but my work whether I’m in the barns or riding herd. My heart’s not in it. Never will be.”

  His pa leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and smiled. “Then I reckon you’d best convince Carl Robertson to train you in keeping the peace. You’re good with a pistol. I won’t be worrying you’ll be gunned down first time you cross paths with someone out to maim you. Most likely acquired your talent with a firearm from me.”

  “I’d bet on it, having learned about your past, Pa.” Daniel smiled at his father. “What do they say about the acorn not falling far from the tree? Or something like that.”

  His pa stood and placed a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “You take care of yourself, son. Never underestimate how sneaky some men can be. It’ll keep you alive.”

  Daniel nodded. “There are some terrible men roaming the world. Meeting that Manning fellow who came for supper that one night, I could barely see straight from jealousy. I’d give anything to be in his shoes.”

  His father pulled him into a tight hug. “Someday you’ll be hired as a Pinkerton, son, if that’s what you’ve set your heart on. Work hard, train well, and it’ll happen.”

  Daniel hugged his father, leaned out of the embrace, and met his eyes. “Thank you, Pa. I promise I’ll make you proud.”

  “He’ll make all of us proud,” Jackson added, walking into the kitchen.

  Lily swung around on her chair, fearing a verbal go-around could be in the making.

  Daniel glared at his brother for a moment. “Do you mean that?”

  Jackson nodded. “I understand what it means to love your work. Wild horses couldn’t drag me from this ranch. If being a lawman means half as much to you, then I wish you all the luck in the world.”

  Daniel stuck out his hand and Jackson shook it. “Thank you.”

  “Same goes for me.” AJ shook Daniel’s hand after Jackson.

  “Besides, I’ve put Adam in charge of the horse-breeding operation.” Jackson grinned. “Might as well be a Pinkerton. No job for you here.”

  “Fine with me.” Daniel grinned. “Won’t be here for supper, Mrs. Sheridan.”

  “Hadn’t planned on it,” the housekeeper called as Daniel dashed out the kitchen door and headed upstairs.

  AJ slapped Jackson on the back. “Want to place a bet he’ll be off Double M land within the hour?”

  “Fool’s bet if I ever heard one.” Jackson grinned. “But I wouldn’t say no to a cold beer to send him on his way.”

  AJ laughed. “Second best idea I’ve heard today.”

  Just then they heard the front door slam closed.

  AJ met Jackson’s eyes. “Do you reckon he’s been packed for a while now?”

  Mrs. Sheridan collected the coffee cups and muttered, “Been tripping over his suitcase for the past two weeks, every time I cleaned his room.”

  Lily, AJ and Jackson burst into laughter.

  “God’s speed, son,” AJ whispered. “God’s speed.”

  Chapter 30

  Lily stared at Jackson. “What do you mean… it doesn’t matter?”

  “Perhaps that was a poor choice of words,” Jackson muttered. “Of course, everything about our wedding matters.”

  “Then why did you say what menu we plan for our wedding meal doesn’t matter?” Lily stood, arms crossed over her chest, fuming inside.

  Jackson reached for her hand. “I care. I really do. Whatever you decide is fine with me, sweetheart. You know I’ll eat anything.”

  She tipped her head and stared at him.

  “It’s just that I’m busy with the ranch. Pa wouldn’t take back control. I’m still in charge and making all the decisions. I’ve got a lot on my mind. Things that are more important than—”

  Lily gasped.

  “I’m sorry. Not more important… more… time-consuming than I’d like. I haven’t time for… dang it all, Lily.” Jackson threw up his hands. “None of this is coming out right. I can only do so many things in a day.”

  “And helping plan our wedding is clearly not one of them.” Lily waved him toward the kitchen door. “Go run your ranch. I’ll do this myself. But I’d better not hear any complaints.”

  “Not a one.” He kissed her cheek. “Thank you, sweetheart. You’re my favorite fiancée.”

  She laughed despite her annoyance with him. “I’m your only fiancée.”

  “And I couldn’t love you more,” he called, grabbing his Stetson off the hook and charging out the back door.

  Lily slumped onto a chair at the kitchen table, dropping her head into her hands.

  “Bet you’re wondering if he’s even the man for you.” The familiar male voice startled her from her thoughts which mirrored his comment more than he could know.

  Lily looked at her future father-in-law. “He’s the most frustrating, the most infuriating man…” She shook her head.

  “If I had a dollar for every time Edna accused me of that.” AJ chuckled and poured them both a cup of coffee.

  “Don’t get me wrong. I love your son dearly.” Lily took the cup from him, adding cream and sugar while AJ settled onto a chair across from her and doctored his own.

  “But he drives you to distraction,” AJ suggested.

  “T
o say the least.”

  “He’s definitely my son. Edna accused me of ignoring her more times than I could count. But Jackson would never abandon you when you needed him, any more than I did Edna. Even now, he’s not ignoring you, he simply knows you’re capable of handling the wedding planning yourself. And men don’t care about dresses and flowers and all that frippery. Tell him when and where and he’ll be there.” AJ sipped his coffee.

  “This is one of the most important days of our lives.” Lily straightened on her chair. “He should want to be involved.”

  “He’s involved all right. He’ll ensure there’s a lovely carriage and horse to drive you to the church. He’ll ensure your father shows up to walk you down the aisle. He’ll be standing at the altar waiting for you, shaking with nerves despite his best man’s efforts to keep him calm.” AJ leaned back in his chair, smiling. “Believe me, Daniel has his work cut out for him. Every best man does.”

  Lily heaved a sigh. “You think I’m being too harsh with him.”

  “Not at all. I see myself in Jackson. Obsessed with this ranch. I left Edna to run the house and care for the children while I was always busy working.” AJ blinked rapidly. “On her death bed, Edna told me her only regret was that we hadn’t spent more time together when we were younger and building our legacy.”

  Lily touched his hand. “I’m sure she understood, though.”

  “I suppose she did. At the time.” AJ covered her hand with his. “I just hope Jackson doesn’t make the same mistake. When I was his age, I was busy building this ranch. That isn’t the case now. This is an established enterprise. Promise me you’ll insist my son makes his family a priority. He can afford to take a day off and enjoy time with you and your children. Jackson has plenty of ranch hands to ensure the work gets done.”

  Lily finished her coffee and set the cup aside. “But will he see it that way? He’ll want to oversee everything, and I’d bet he sets high standards for those men to live up to.”

  “Doesn’t matter. He needs to set priorities. Something I never did.” AJ heaved a heavy sigh. “Too often the ranch was my main concern, and I let my family down too many times.”