Stetson's Storm

by Kathleen Ball

  Storm waited all morning for an explanation, but there was a problem with one of the horses and Stetson left without telling her a thing. Speculation was driving her mad. She saw him run from the barn and hop into his truck. He was probably going to his meeting.

  All she knew was that she was to stay inside with the windows and doors locked. Her nerves felt raw. Trying to keep Scotty entertained until naptime had been a chore. He was used to wide open spaces now and being cooped up made him cranky.

  Even Buck seemed to be unhappy with her. He gave her a couple not so nice looks and walked away.

  What or who damaged her father's barn? Well, it was probably who. He still had enemies she supposed and that meant she had to be on her guard. Plopping down on the couch, she leaned her head back. Exhaustion filled her whole body. Her eyes closed.

  A noise on the porch had her sitting up and anxious. She could see a shadow outside of the window. Damn, she wished she had the rifle with her, but with Scotty around...

  The screen door creaked and the door handle jiggled. Storm raced into action. Running to the fireplace, she tried to reach the rifle that was on a gun rack. Finally, by stretching as far as she could, she got it.

  The door handle jiggled again, and then the screen door closed. Gasping for air, she tried to regain a sense of calmness. It wasn't happening. She flew into the hall she had been before. She could see both doors.

  Where were the men? Certainly someone was around. She grabbed her cellphone. Her hands shook so badly she could hardly push the speed dial. Stetson answered and before she could say much, he told her to stay put. He'd be right there.

  She wished that hearing his voice made her feel better, but it didn't. Now the back door handle was turning. The lock was old, and she prayed it held. Damn, why had she hung curtains? She couldn't see anything out back.

  Her fingers were cramping from the tight hold she had on the rifle. Tremor after tremor went through her. She could feel the sweat rolling down her brow.

  She jumped at the sound of kicking. Oh God, where was everyone? The door moved. He was going to get in. Running was not an option. She had to protect Scotty at all costs.

  The splintering of the door seemed deafening. Fear encompassed her, but she felt strange sense of purpose. Her hands stopped shaking and she held the rifle up and aimed it at the door.

  All Storm noticed at first was the gun, aimed right at her. She heard a shot and she shot back. The intruder fell to the ground and Storm quickly grabbed their gun.

  The shooter wore a black Stetson and a blue bandanna tied around the face. On closer look, Storm recognized the intruder and her face felt as though all the blood had drained out of it. She felt woozy; she had a dead person on her floor.

  Stetson raced through the front and Stamos through the back, both had guns drawn. Stetson took one look at her and he held her. He gently pried the rifle out of her hands. The whole thing seemed so surreal. She felt as though she was a bystander watching herself.

  "There's no one else out there," Garrett said as he walked in the front. He stopped suddenly and his eyes widened. "Good Lord."

  "Exactly." Stamos had grabbed a few towels and was putting pressure on the shoulder wound. "Call an ambulance and the police."

  "Why? I don't understand why?" Storm could feel her face grow wet from tears.

  "You know why. You tried to steal my man." Chrissy's smile looked demonic.

  "You burnt down the barn, didn't you?" Stamos asked.

  "Yep. Sam Evers told me to continue on in case he was taken away. I have a whole plan to execute and soon I'll be rid of the McCrory clan."

  Feeling lightheaded, Storm swayed. She buried her face in Stetson's chest and cried.

  "No really, what's the real story?" Garrett asked.

  "I told you. Sam and me are one. He's going to marry me when he gets the money coming to him, but in order for him to have his big payday, certain people must die."

  "Are you insane or what? You tried to kill my wife." Stetson helped Storm in a chair and charged over to where Chrissy lay. "What were you thinking? The Chrissy I knew was a sweet kid."

  Chrissy gave him an eerie smile. "That's what I was thinking. You just see me as some wet nose, tagalong kid. Sam sees me as a woman. His woman. I could have been yours, but that bitch got in the way. So when Sam outlined the plan to kill her, I happily agreed."

  "And the fire? What the hell was that all about?" Stetson's hands were clenched against his sides.

  "He threw Sam under the bus. The rustling was all McCrory's doing. Sam never got his fair share. It was revenge and a distraction to get that broken down woman you call a wife alone."

  The ambulance sirens were a godsend for Storm. She wanted Chrissy as far away from the ranch as possible. The smell of blood was making her nauseous and she felt bone tired.

  Scotty woke up and Garrett graciously took him and Buck to his ranch. She knew she would always remember his kindness.

  Stamos walked to her and kissed her cheek before he left. It was so sweet that she started to sob. Maybe she was sobbing about that or Chrissy or a billion other things.

  Stetson picked her up in his strong arms as her body jerked with each cry. He carried her into the living room and sat her on his lap. He cradled her to his body and rocked back and forth.

  Finally she quieted. It was over. She didn't even care if her father had been part of the rustling or not. She was safe in her husband's brawny arms, and that was all that mattered. She felt safe in trusting him, safe in loving him.

  Epilogue

  Storm loved days like this. Days where it was still cool but not chilly and everything was turning green, looking shiny and new. The sun was rising all orange and pink with a hint of purple.

  She had just fed little Seth, bundled him up, and sat on the porch swing with him. It seemed to be his favorite. What a beautiful child. He had blue eyes with the longest lashes and his hair was coming in blond. He was born bald, which made for many unwanted jokes. He looked a bit more like her than Stetson.

  Across the yard she could see Nellie sitting on her front porch with little J.J., Joseph Junior. Now that was a baby with big lungs. Sometimes Nellie would be beside herself when she couldn't get him to stop crying. It seemed Joe had some magic touch. J.J. quieted down every time Joe held him.

  Storm had tried to explain a colicky baby to Nellie, but she often thought it was her fault. Storm couldn't wait for little J.J. to outgrow this stage.

  Looking down on her precious son, she smiled as he cooed at her. The screen door opened and Buck bounded down the stairs and into the trees.

  Scotty, the proud big brother and big cousin, came out in his pajamas and bare feet. He looked at Seth and frowned. "Are you going to spend the day with him again?"

  "And with you too."

  "Naw, I'm going to work with Daddy. He doesn't cry. Just make that Seft doesn't play with Buck. Buck doesn't like Seft."

  Storm nodded and shooed him inside to get dressed. Next fall he'd be starting school. She had to admit she and Scotty had been through some hard times, but since Stetson came back, they'd been happy.

  The screen door opened again. The heavy boots against the wooden floor gave him away. Stetson just stood there and stared at her.

  "What? Do I have something on my face?"

  Stetson shook his head and sat down next to her and Seth. "You, my dear, are glowing. Anything you want to tell me?"

  Storm handed Seth to him. She loved watching them together. Stetson's hands were so big and Seth was so tiny. Stetson was a very hands-on dad and it made her proud. "No, I'm not pregnant. I'm just happy. I feel so very blessed to have you and the boys."

  "All things considered, everything turned out for the best."

  Neither said it, but she knew that they were both thinking about the recent trials. Sam Evens and Blue Sawyer got life without parole. They were lucky they didn't get the electric chair, but it seemed they both had important information. There were a couple other bodi
es found. Cowboys that had worked on her father's ranch and were thought to have left.

  Chrissy was proclaimed incompetent to stand trial. She was currently in a state hospital.

  As it turned out, Storm's father didn't know about the rustling. Sam Evers manufactured proof to keep her father under his thumb.

  Storm laid her head on Stetson's shoulder. How she loved this man. It had scared her at one point, but now it only made her stronger.

  Her father had tried to mend fences and Stetson told her it was her call. She couldn't do it. Forgive and forget. She could maybe forgive, but she would never forget the horror he put her through. The worst was when he knew Stetson was the father and still called her a tramp. No, she couldn't have a relationship with him.

  She had her own family now. One she was very proud of. One that loved one another. They worked hard during the day, but the nights with Stetson were sweet, sweet heaven.

  Turning her head, she studied her handsome husband. He would never leave, she was certain.

  "What? Do I have something on my face?" He gave her a slow sexy smile.

  "Yes. A smile. I love you so much."

  "What's not to love? I love you too, honey."

  The End

  I'm so pleased you chose to read Stetson’s Storm, and it's my sincere hope that you enjoyed the story. I would appreciate if you'd consider posting a review. This can help an author tremendously in obtaining a readership. My many thanks. ~ Kathleen

  Free Download

  FREE DOWNLOAD

  Love Before Midnight

  By Kathleen Ball

  Get you free copy of “Love Before Midnight”

  When you sign up for the author’s VIP mailing list

  Get Started Here

  Cowboy Seasons Boxed Set

  Get Started HereFour Book Boxed Set only 99¢

  Cowboy Seasons

  Summer Fitzgerald eyed each shirtless cowboy before her. Something wasn’t right. She was supposed to be the nanny/housekeeper for these young men? She answered the ad assuming she’d be mothering young boys.

  Hell, these boys outgrew toys a long time ago. The oldest appeared to be about eighteen and the rest looked only a little younger. They were probably only each a year apart. “Where are the rest?”

  “You’re looking at all of us,” said the second tallest.

  The oldest elbowed the one beside him. “Put your shirts on. I heard it isn’t polite to be without a shirt in front of a lady.”

  “I’m Matt—this here yahoo is Mark, Luke is next and the little squirt is John.”

  Her eyes widened. They intended to grow bigger? “Nice to meet you, I’m Summer. But I have a feeling I’m in the wrong place. I answered an ad to help out with boys.”

  John smiled. They all looked similar, brown wavy hair and deep brown eyes. “That’s us, Ma’am.”

  “Surely you’re old enough to take care of yourselves.”

  All the boys suddenly peered over her shoulder. Summer turned to see what they were looking at and almost gasped. Now this was a mature cowboy, an extremely handsome one at that. He would be the oldest brother, older than her twenty-five years.

  “Ma’am, I’m Holden O’Leary. I placed the ad. I need some help with these young whelps. I’m always working and I thought a woman might be needed around here to help out.”

  It was hard to pull her eyes away from Holden. His dark eyes entranced her. “I’m Summer. But I don’t know about this. I was expecting little boys, not practically grown men.”

  “Can you cook?” Mark interrupted.

  “Please stay. Give us a chance.” The plea in Holden’s voice tugged at her heart.

  She stared at the ground and shuffled her feet. Would she be able to do the job? She glanced up at Holden and her heart raced. She shook her head. “I thought the job was for a live in nanny/housekeeper. Small children I can handle but I’m not sure about teenagers. It wouldn’t be a good fit for me.”

  Holden took a step toward her. His wide shoulders were broader up close. “I apologize. I know I stretched the truth a bit.”

  “Stretched? You totally misled me, and I don’t know if I can work for someone who isn’t up front with me.”

  His grin was a mix of guilty and sexy. “Look, I’m really sorry. Damn. We’re not off to a good start are we? I’d be obliged if you’d reconsider. The last two are really just babes.”

  Luke, a smaller version of his eldest brother, stepped forward with a wide scowl on his face. “Babes? I’ll show you a babe.” He lowered his head and lurched forward, butting his head into Holden’s abdomen.

  Holden grabbed Luke by the collar of his shirt. “What do you think…” Holden glanced her way and smiled, letting Luke go. “We don’t usually fight.”

  Laughter started to bubble up inside her and she quickly suppressed it. Holden wasn’t telling her the truth about anything as far as she could tell.

  Taking a deep breath, she surveyed her surroundings. The house appeared sound, and it was certainly big; a two story place with a wide front porch. The barn seemed well kept and the horses in the corral were prime. A flawless view of the mountains awed her. Whoever first settled this place had picked a perfect piece of land.

  Any objections faded away as she remembered how much gas she didn’t have in her car. It was barely enough to take her back to Carlston. But, she would come up with something. “Nice to meet y’ all but I’ll pass.” She turned and walked to her car. She just opened the car door when a big, tan, hand grabbed it.

  “I’ll pay you double.”

  The offer made her hesitate and she turned around. Holden’s dark eyes were wide, desperate. Letting go of the door she crossed her arms in front of her. “I haven’t seen you around town. When I saw the ad, I assumed you were a new family that moved into the area.” She stared at him. “With children.”

  “It’s a long story but we are new to the area. We needed a new start and here we are. I’m a veterinarian and—”

  “Say no more. I heard a new vet was coming to town. You are planning to work with Colt O’Malley and his rescue horses aren’t you?” She held her breath. She’d know what type of man he was by his answer.

  “Colt invited me up here. We plan to work very closely. I always wanted to get involved with animal rescue operations.”

  Summer breathed out slowly. She assessed him one more time, and then nodded. “If Colt knows you then I’ll stay. Just so you know up front, no funny business.”

  Holden frowned. “Funny business?”

  “Y’all keep your hands to yourselves.”

  Holden laughed, his dark eyes crinkled in the corners. “You don’t have to worry about that. I can promise you that we don’t need or want that type of thing from you.”

  That was the answer she wanted but somehow she still felt insulted. “Well good. I’d like to see the house now.”

  “Matt, can you show Summer the house?”

  Matt walked toward them, a smile on his face. His dark brown hair reached his shoulders and upon closer inspection, she saw his dark eyes had a hint of amber in them. He had the build of a young adult that was bound to grow bigger.

  “This way, Ma’am.”

  Holden watched Summer walk toward the house. She had long, honey blonde hair that blew in the wind, and he could tell by her flashing blue eyes that she had a lot of spirit. Realizing that he was watching her rear end as she walked, he quickly glanced away. He meant what he said to Summer about no funny business. No women, except for cooking, cleaning and looking after the boys. Hell, he’d had to uproot them all and move from Texas to Montana because of his lousy judgment in women and he was not going to put his family at risk again.

  “Do we get to keep her?” John asked, his expression hopeful.

  “For the time being,” Holden told him. “I need to get going. Lots of animals to see today. Stay out of trouble and make sure you work with the horses and get the rest of the chores done.”

  Mark, Luke and John all nodded
and watched him leave. He hoped Summer was still there when he came back. His brothers could be a handful and truth be told, they were just boys. But if Summer didn’t work out, he’d find another solution. He’d been finding another solution for years now. They’d be fine.

  He drove into the small town of Carlston, passing Rex’s Barber Shop, Ander’s Food Mart, and Lucy’s Deli. His office sat between the community center and a big white church with a huge steeple. The town was much smaller than he’d anticipated, but the gossip was bigger than he imagined. Any hope for privacy deflated the moment Beverly Rain, the town librarian, visited his office last week.

  Talk about a busybody. She didn’t own any animals; she just wanted to know everything about him. Holden felt lucky to have escaped with only telling her a few bare facts the first time he met her. He found out later that day, however, she considered herself the town matron and society leader. All he knew was that she wore too much perfume, dyed her hair a magenta color and was a royal pain in the ass.

  He was determined to make a go of it here in Carlston. His brothers needed a fresh start after all the trouble in Texas. Maybe if he’d hired someone to look after them then, things would be different. It wasn’t worth rehashing but he did it daily.

  Walking into the clinic he smiled at Mindy Sue, his veterinarian tech. Actually, she did much more than vet techs usually did and he was grateful for it. She answered phones, did all the lab work, and handled owner’s questions. If things worked out he was going to pay for her to go back to school.

  “Good morning, Holden.” Her bright smile was always welcome.

  “Morning, Mindy Sue.” He noticed that her hair was blonde this morning. She changed color and styles so often he began to wonder if she wore wigs. Her light brown eyes beamed kindness and confidence. She had some interesting ideas about nail polish too or whatever it was she put on her nails. Always a different pattern, but he wasn’t about to ask anything the least bit personal. He didn’t want to have to answer any of those questions himself.