Heather's Choice

by Shirleen Davies

  His evening had been saved by meeting Miranda Harris. She wasn’t Heather, but her eager attention, easy laugh, and enchanting banter kept his mind off the woman he wanted. A few days after the dance, Miranda returned home. The evening was a turning point for him.

  Caleb had loved Heather for a long time, having no indication she felt the same. At least he’d never declared his feelings aloud, humiliating himself in front of the family he now regarded as his own. It had taken a while, but after the dance, he’d made the hard decision to let her go.

  Since then, he’d worked the northern lands purchased from Juan Estrada, returning to the main house only when summoned, and avoiding Sunday suppers. He’d heard from her brothers and cousins that Heather began returning to see her mother, Audrey, more often, sometimes riding over on Sunday morning and staying until Tuesday before returning to the Evanston ranch. It was during this time Mildred had spoken with August Fielder and the MacLarens about selling. It hadn’t taken long to reach an agreement.

  “It still surprises me Heather made no issue of you being made foreman.”

  Caleb startled, so lost in his own thoughts he’d forgotten Blaine rode beside him. “She handled it well when Ewan announced it.”

  “Aye, in front of the family. We’ll see how the lass does today when it’s just the three of us.”

  Caleb had already considered how she’d act when she saw him ride up. “She’s been coming back to the ranch for a while now. Has she ever mentioned any displeasure at the decision?”

  Blaine rubbed the back of his neck, then shook his head. “Nae. Other than asking a few questions of Colin and Quinn about what she’ll be doing, the lass has remained silent on it. You know, lad, it hasn’t gone unnoticed you’ve been making yourself absent from family suppers.”

  “Ian and Ewan know my reasons. There’s been much work at the northern property and few extra men to help.”

  “So it has nothing to do with a certain lass?”

  Caleb narrowed his gaze at him. “Even if I had an interest in one, when would I have time for a woman?”

  Blaine grinned. “I’m believing you’d have time if she were close by.”

  Nostrils flaring as his irritation grew, Caleb reined to a stop. “If you’ve something to say, Blaine, say it plainly.”

  Studying his friend’s face, Blaine shook his head. “I mean nothing by my jesting. The constant arguing between you and Heather had us all believing there were feelings between you two.”

  Caleb snorted. “There aren’t.”

  Blaine nodded. “Aye. I can see the lack of it on your face.”

  “We’ll be there in another mile. I want to send Heather back to Circle M today. Are we agreed?”

  “Aye, Caleb, we are.”

  His shoulders relaxing in relief, Caleb nodded before guiding Jupiter along the trail.

  Heather set down the pitchfork, swiping an arm across her forehead. The cool breeze of fall did nothing to stop the heat of cleaning the stalls. Looking around, she felt a slight thrill at one more chore completed.

  For some strange reason, surprising Caleb with the sound condition of the ranch meant something. After all these months of not being around him, she hated to think his approval meant anything, yet it did.

  It had been Levi Abrams who’d broken through her defenses, convincing Heather her hidden feelings for Caleb weren’t something to be ashamed of or tuck away in some private place. Neither would they hinder her ability to ride beside him. She’d always seen Caleb as a rival, someone who would take away a position on the ranch she’d earned by competing against her brothers and cousins. Levi had turned her thinking around. Him and Mildred Evanston.

  Heather had never known the older woman’s husband beyond a mere greeting in town. She knew nothing of the couple’s life together, or how they’d ridden side by side as they built their ranch into a success. Learning of their shared history had come after many nights of sitting on the porch next to Mildred, sharing stories about their families.

  To Heather’s surprise, Mildred had been able to combine her love of riding and the ranch with her role as a wife, never seeing any conflict between the two. She’d helped Heather see the MacLaren women, including her mother, Audrey, differently. They all had a role, a place in the family where their talents were needed and appreciated. Over time, she’d convinced Heather she could be both—an accomplished ranch hand and a wife—if she ever chose to take on both roles.

  Levi helped her with the first and Mildred with the second, something Heather never allowed her family to do. Instead of feeling trapped, it freed her to consider a life she’d never considered. One including Caleb, if it wasn’t too late.

  The revelation had come a few weeks before the community dance. She’d almost reneged several times about accompanying Mildred. In the end, she’d sought help from Jinny and Emma, determined to take a step toward bringing Caleb back into her life. She’d pushed him away for far too long. The time had come to discover if they could build anything together.

  Instead of achieving her goal, she’d watched, her heart sinking, as he gave all his attention to a woman Heather didn’t know. Pretty, petite, with a bright smile, she’d sparked something in Caleb even Heather could detect from across the room.

  Learning the young woman had returned home a few days after the dance, Heather had allowed herself to hope Caleb would once again notice her. She’d returned to the ranch more often, hoping for time with him after Sunday suppers. Instead, he’d stayed away, choosing to eat his meals alone rather than share a table with her.

  The sale of the Evanston ranch gave Heather hope Caleb would see her for what she’d become, not what she was when she’d continued to spurn him.

  The sound of horses drew her attention to the trail from the north—the one used by the MacLarens when they rode onto Evanston lands. Her heart sputtered and her chest tightened seeing Caleb ride up with Blaine.

  Caleb drew in a shaky breath at the sight of Heather standing outside the barn—dirty, sweaty, and still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Reining Jupiter to a stop, he slid to the ground.

  “Good morning, Heather.” Walking toward her, he noticed a slight twitch to her lips before she nodded.

  “And to you, Caleb. You’re here earlier than I expected.”

  Looking from the barn to the house, he nodded. “Blaine and I decided to get an early start. Is Mrs. Evanston around?”

  “No. She left just after sunrise.” She glanced over her shoulder to see her cousin walk up.

  “Morning, lass. Did Widow Evanston leave you alone with the chores?”

  “We’ve two other men. They rode off after loading the wagon for her trip to town.”

  “Where to?” Caleb asked, continuing his scrutiny of the ranch.

  “They’re checking the herd in the farthest pasture south of here. That left me to do what was needed here.” She glanced down at her dirty pants and winced. Caleb had seen her a hundred times in pants and a man’s shirt. It didn’t seem to matter. His gaze hadn’t spent more than two seconds on her since he arrived.

  Caleb finished his perusal of the surrounding area, focusing his attention on her. “How much more until you’ve finished?”

  She tilted her head to the side. “Finished?”

  “Your chores.”

  “Oh, well…I suppose I’m finished for now. I usually help Mildred start the midday meal about now, but I can show you two around, if you’re ready.”

  Caleb glanced at Blaine, who looked away, offering no support. Crossing his arms, he looked at her. “No need. We can take care of our own food and seeing the ranch.” He saw her face fall, bright eyes pale, and felt a pang of guilt. It had been his decision to send her back so soon. His request had obviously been a surprise. “Fact is, Colin asked us to send you back right away.”

  Her gaze shifted to Blaine, who ignored the disappointed look. “I’ll, uh…be watering the horses.”

  “No, I’ll do it. You help Heather get h
er belongings together.”

  Her jaw tightened at the clear dismissal. “I’ll be needing neither of your help. It won’t take long, then I’ll be off the ranch.” She lifted her chin, refusing to look at either one as she turned toward the house.

  When she’d disappeared inside, the door slamming shut behind her, Blaine walked up to Caleb, shoving his shoulder.

  “There was no need to treat the lass so poorly. I’ll not be ignoring your rude behavior a second time. Do you understand?”

  Caleb wrenched off his hat, threading fingers through his overly long, dark hair. Blaine was tall and strong, with a reputation for being a jokester, unless provoked. At just over six feet tall with broad shoulders and muscles from years of working on ranches, Caleb knew a fight with Blaine would be a mistake. Slamming his hat back on his head, he fisted his hands at his sides.

  “Yes, I understand.”

  Blaine’s eyes still held a hard glint as he held out the reins. “You take care of the horses. I’ll see to Heather.” Storming off, he glanced over his shoulder. “And if you’re knowing what’s best for you, you’ll stay away until she leaves.”

  Caleb nodded. He’d been a horse’s arse with no good reason for his behavior. Heather had done nothing except explain her chores and offer to make them dinner, not once showing the attitude he’d come to expect. His only excuse had been the way her green eyes sparkled with unguarded warmth when he’d walked up. Her reaction had caught him by surprise, making him wish for things she’d never willingly give. All he could think about was calming his raging desire by driving her away.

  Stalking toward the barn, he turned at the sound of the door slamming a second time. Blaine would take care of smoothing over the tension Caleb had caused. He’d help her pack and see her off while Caleb hid in the silence of the barn, waiting for a sense of peace.

  Chapter Three

  “He’s such an arse, Blaine.” Heather threw some clothes at a satchel, ignoring the fact they slid to the floor.

  “Aye, he can be, lass.” Picking them up, Blaine rolled them before placing them into the satchel. “He’s a lot on his mind.”

  Rounding on him, she crossed her arms. “Well, he’ll not be taking his temper out on me. I’m glad to be leaving.”

  Blaine nodded, his lips in a grim smile. “Being back home will do you good. Aunt Audrey misses you.” He picked up another piece of clothing, adding it to those already packed.

  “Aye. Anywhere will be better than here.”

  He shook his head, wanting her to continue until her anger had all been spent. “Colin and Quinn have a good list of work for you to do. You might be wanting to prepare yourself.”

  “I’ll not be needing to prepare. I’m used to hard work and lots of it. When Levi left a few weeks ago, I took on most of his chores while Mildred worked with the men.” She thought again of the widow and the ex-foreman, her anger beginning to wane. She looked at Blaine. “Levi and Mrs. Evanston were good to me.”

  Blaine pursed his lips, nodding. “I’m certain they were, lass.”

  She pulled three dresses from the wardrobe, glancing up in time to see Blaine’s eyes widen. “What is it?”

  Not wanting to restore her anger, he shrugged. “I’ve not seen those before. Did Widow Evanston make them for you?”

  Walking to the bed, she carefully laid each down. “Jinny altered this one for the community dance. I made the others.”

  Blaine caught himself before he blurted out something that would reignite her temper. “I’d not heard you’d learned to sew. Aunt Audrey said you hated making your own clothes.”

  Focusing on folding each dress and slipping them carefully into the satchel, she kept her gaze averted. “Mrs. Evanston taught me. She said I could be the best ranch hand around during the day, but in the evening, I needed to show everyone I was also a lady.” Settling her hands on the rim of the satchel, she looked at him. “Do you think I can be a lady, Blaine?”

  His mouth opened for a quick response, then closed as he thought through his answer. She’d already been cast off by Caleb this morning. Blaine had no desire to build upon what he’d done.

  “Of course you can, lass. You’ve many MacLaren women to learn from, and if the community dance was an example, you’ve already shown yourself a lady.”

  Walking to the window, she pulled back the curtains, looking down at the barn. “No matter how hard I try, some will never see me as a lady.”

  Understanding gripped Blaine. Stepping beside her, he rested a hand on her shoulder. “Then whoever the lad is, he’s daft. You’ll not be wasting your time on lads such as that.”

  A self-deprecating laugh escaped. “It seems I’ll not be wasting my time on any lad. I’m twenty-one and have never even been kissed.”

  Blaine held up his hands, stepping away. “You’ll not be saying any more to me, Heather.”

  Settling her hands on her hips, she glared at him. “We all know the MacLaren men visit the ladies of Buckie’s Castle when they want to be schooled.”

  Blaine took another step away. “Heather…”

  “Don’t you be trying to correct me. It’s no secret each one of the lads has spent time with Gwen—”

  Blaine cut her off. “That’s enough, lass. We’ll not be speaking of such things. Gwen is a fine woman with a hard past. Besides, she left the saloon months ago to help Doc Vickery.”

  Dropping her arms to her sides, she turned away, her gaze returning to the barn. Letting out a breath, she looked back at Blaine, her voice low but strong. “Did he ever visit Gwen?”

  Blaine shook his head, knowing who she asked about. “I’ll not be answering such a question, lass. What Caleb does is his business, not mine…or yours.”

  Studying the firm set of his jaw, the way his gaze didn’t meet hers, she shrugged. “Which means he’s been with her.”

  Blaine didn’t answer this time, knowing she’d only continue with her questions.

  “Women have no such tutor,” she said, almost to herself.

  Scrubbing a hand down his face, he looked at the satchel. “Do you have more?”

  Shaking her head, she looked down at the dirty clothes. It didn’t matter if she wore them back to Circle M or not. No one there would expect her to arrive in anything else.

  “Nae. I’ve no more.”

  “I’ll be meeting you downstairs then. Do you need me to saddle Shamrock?”

  “Nae. I’ll be saddling her myself. I’d be grateful if Caleb was out of the barn when I come down.”

  “Aye. I’ll be letting him know.”

  Heather stayed in the room a few minutes longer, accepting this was the last time she’d find comfort within these four walls. The decision had been made and she’d abide by it. After Caleb’s words this morning, she no longer wanted to stay. He’d made his thoughts clear. No longer did he feel anything for her, other than perhaps a small measure of friendship. It truly was time to turn away and move on.

  Circle M

  “Did you hear we have a new schoolteacher?” Sarah kept watch on little Grant as she helped the other women prepare Sunday supper.

  Heather looked at Sarah from her spot at the stove. “Nae. What do you know of her?”

  “Little, I’m afraid. Jinny said she came from somewhere back east at the recommendation of August Fielder. I think her name is Miranda.”

  Sucking in a slow breath, Heather pushed aside the unease at a name she’d heard months before. Rocking back on her heels, she looked down at Grant, who sat at Sarah’s feet. Soon, he’d be walking, then they’d all need to keep watch of his actions.

  “When Jinny arrives, we’ll ask her what else she knows of the new teacher.” Sarah bent down next to Grant, wiping his face with a damp cloth.

  Heather didn’t need to learn more about the woman Caleb had paid considerable attention to at the community dance. She wondered if he’d already learned of her return to Conviction.

  Sarah looked over at Heather. “And there is other news. August Fielder ha
s accepted a partner into his law firm. I believe Ma and Aunt Audrey invited them both to supper tonight.”

  “Are you thinking Mr. Fielder will be bringing the new schoolteacher?” Heather continued her work at the stove, doing her best to feign indifference.

  Sarah shrugged, ignorant as to the real purpose of Heather’s question. “Perhaps. Either way, we have plenty of food.”

  Chuckling, Heather nodded. “Aye. We’ve always plenty.”

  “Ach. The weather is turning colder with each passing hour.” Jinny came through the kitchen doorway, setting a bowl on the table. Her mother, Lorna, and Emma followed right behind, placing bowls of their own alongside Jinny’s. “Heather, did Sarah mention August Fielder and his guest will be joining us for supper?”

  “Aye, just now. She also talked of a new schoolteacher. Do you know her?”

  Jinny retied her apron, taking stock of the food on the table. “Aye. I met her at the community dance last spring. Her name is Miranda Harris.”

  Lorna moved next to Sarah, then bent to lift Grant into her arms. “I heard she is staying at the boardinghouse until the house provided by the town is ready.”

  Sarah looked at Lorna. “Then she’ll be joining us tonight?”

  “Aye, I would expect it.”

  Emma filled a pot with water, glancing over her shoulder. “As I recall, Caleb spent considerable time with her at the dance.”

  No one noticed the way Heather’s shoulders slumped at the comment. She’d been back a couple weeks. In that time, she’d stayed busy working with Colin and Quinn, doing all they asked without complaint. When the work had been completed, she’d joined her mother in the house, helping to prepare supper, the same as she’d done with Mildred.

  Caleb hadn’t appeared during her time back. No one expected him tonight, for which she was grateful. It would give her a chance to study the woman who’d held his interest and changed the direction of Heather’s life.

  “We’re so glad you could join us tonight, Mr. Fielder.” Colin’s mother, Kyla, held the front door open, gesturing for August and his guests to enter.