Heather's Choice

by Shirleen Davies

  Her face brightened, eyes glassy.

  “Then you’ve a choice to make. Stay or come with me.”

  Three nights had passed since he’d ridden off. Three nights Heather had cried for hours, hating herself for not saddling Shamrock and going with him.

  Caleb offered her a choice and she’d made the safe decision, the coward’s decision. He’d applied no pressure. It had been a simple choice. Stay with her family or take a chance on him.

  Turning onto her stomach, she pounded a pillow already drenched with her tears. When had she gotten to be such an emotional, crying female?

  The first two mornings, she’d woken red-eyed and weary, dragging herself through the day, doing minimal chores. The family knew to stay away, letting her bask in her grief. She doubted they’d let her get away with it a third day. Her time of wallowing in self-pity would be over as soon as the sun came up in the morning.

  Sleep had claimed her not long after midnight, and even though it had been fitful, she climbed out of bed feeling better than she had since Caleb left. It was the time that had passed. It was the decision she’d made just before falling asleep.

  Caleb had given her a choice, but not enough time to make the right decision. Sometime over the last eight hours, her pain had turned to anger. He had weeks to make his decision. He’d given her minutes to make hers.

  The lad would hear about it for the rest of their lives—as soon as she found him.

  Dressing, she pulled two satchels from under her bed, stuffing them with the essentials she’d need going into winter. Her coat and blanket would be tied behind the saddle, the saddlebags filled with other items, including food. She had some money and was almost certain she could beg some from her mother or Quinn. What she wasn’t as sure about was if they’d let her ride off alone.

  No one had said a word about where Caleb went, although she felt certain one specific MacLaren knew his destination. Pushing the satchels back under the bed, she hurried downstairs, cut off a slice of bread, then went in search of Blaine. Quinn and Caleb were like brothers, but lately, Blaine had been the one Caleb seemed to spend the most time with. And he’d been the one who’d disappeared with him for two days before Brodie came with the news about Delacroix.

  Seeing him getting ready to mount and ride out, she waved. “Blaine. I must speak with you.”

  “I’m in a wee bit of a hurry, Heather. What is it?”

  Looking around, making certain they were alone, she came close enough to grip his horse’s reins. “Where did Caleb go?”

  Blaine’s eyes widened an instant. “Even if I knew, I wouldn’t be saying.”

  “And why’s that? Did Caleb tell you not to?”

  He shook his head. “Nae.”

  “I know the two of you rode off for two days together, which is telling me you know where he is.”

  Blaine glanced around, seeing Quinn come out of the barn with his horse. “The lad needs some time before you go barging back into his life.”

  “Well, then, if you won’t be telling me, I guess I’ll be riding out on my own.” She let go of the reins, turning to walk away.

  “Wait a minute, lass. You can’t just be riding off with no idea where the lad went.”

  “I’m a grown woman, Blaine. I can ride where I want.”

  “What are you harping at Blaine about, Heather?” Quinn swung up onto his horse.

  “She’s threatening to ride off to find Caleb.”

  Quinn glared at her. “You can’t be doing that.”

  Turning, she stomped toward the house, glancing over her shoulder. “We’ll be seeing about that.”

  “This may not be one of your best ideas, lass.” Blaine rode on one side of her while Quinn rode on the other. “Maybe the lad’s changed his mind.”

  Quinn nodded. “Aye. Maybe he’s met another lass not as cantankerous as you.”

  “Or as stubborn.” Blaine pulled up the collar of his jacket to ward off the chill.

  “He’s probably already married to some widow lady with three bairns. Right, Blaine?”

  “Aye. You never know with a Stewart. They’re an unpredictable clan, they are.”

  Ignoring their comments, Heather continued forward. At least she knew they were headed to Settlers Valley, a ranching town along the Feather River, eighty miles north of Conviction.

  It had grown rapidly during the gold rush days, then slowed down when the ore thinned out. Its wealth now came from cattle, farming, and a few mines. Ewan knew several of the ranchers and businessmen. He predicted the town could grow as big as Conviction in ten years.

  “Settlers Valley is over the next rise, Heather.”

  Her heart rate picked up at Quinn’s words. For the first time, doubt crept in. What if the lads were right and he’d changed his mind, met someone else? Heather shook her head. She couldn’t let fear stop her now.

  It had taken hours of arguing, yelling, and bargaining with her family to get them to let her go. When they were finally convinced she’d ride off with or without their help, they’d given in, dug into their savings, and made her promise to stay with Blaine and Quinn until they got to Settlers Valley. No one said a word about what would happen if Caleb changed his mind. Not one person believed he would.

  Sitting at the top of the rise, they stared down at a town basking in the warm glow of the evening sun. Heather gripped the saddle horn, her chest squeezing, stomach churning. Her future lay spread out in front of her and she couldn’t wait to grasp it.

  Quinn looked at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Last chance, lass. Are you certain?”

  “Aye. I’ve never been more certain of anything.”

  Blaine let out a loud whoop. “Then let’s be getting to it.”

  Caleb sat at the round table, cards in his hands, a glass of whiskey in front of him. A curly-haired redhead stood behind him, her hands massaging his shoulders, hoping her ministrations would result in more from the man who’d all but ignored her since arriving in town.

  She leaned down, her warm breath brushing across his cheek. “Can I get you another drink, honey?”

  “No, I’m good for now.” Rolling his shoulders, he did what he could to shrug off her hands without being rude. He just wanted some time to himself, a couple drinks, and a few hands of cards before returning to the ranch he’d agreed to buy. His ranch. A slight smile curved the corners of his mouth.

  Loud voices and the sound of boots pounding on the wood floor had heads turning to the door.

  “I told you we’d find the lad in here, Quinn.”

  Caleb dropped his cards, jumping to his feet. “Blaine, Quinn. What the...” His words died when a third person walked inside. Even wearing men’s clothes, he couldn’t miss the luscious curves that kept him up at night.

  Walking past his friends’ outstretched hands, he stopped in front of Heather. Settling fisted hands on his hips, he glared at her. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  She stepped back, her confidence faltering at his harsh words. Licking her lips, she lifted her chin. “I came to see you.”

  His lips twisted as he stared at her. “We said all we had to say, Heather MacLaren. You were given a choice. You made a decision. Enough said.”

  “I’m not remembering it that way, Caleb Stewart.”

  He leaned down, his face beginning to heat. “And just how do you remember it?”

  From behind them, Quinn looked at the bartender, signaling for two whiskeys. “This is going to be good.”

  “I remember some miscreant implying I’m some type of pampered princess, then giving me one minute to be deciding whether to ride off with this eejit for the rest of my life or stay with my family.” She sucked in a breath, her voice increasing in volume as her anger rose. “One minute to make a decision, then the eejit rode off and left me standing there.” Reaching out, she poked him in the chest. “What kind of man would be doing that?” She poked him again. “What kind of man, Caleb Stewart?”

  Blaine sipped his whiskey
, nodding. “Aye. This was worth the ride.”

  Caleb gritted his teeth. “Stop it, Heather.”

  She crossed her arms. “Stop what, Caleb? Touching you, loving you, wanting a future with you? What should I stop? Because I’ve had a week to make my choice and I choose you.”

  He rocked back on his heels, his jaw going slack. “What?” he breathed out.

  Dropping her arms to her sides, she clasped her hands together, too afraid to wrap them around his neck like she wanted. “You gave me a choice. You or my family. I choose you, Caleb Stewart. If you’re still wanting me.”

  A second, then two, then three passed, the entire saloon quiet as a church on Sunday morning before Caleb wrapped his arms around her, twirling her in a circle, whooping at the top of his lungs.

  “Oh, darlin’, I want you. I’ve always wanted you. I love you, Heather MacLaren, and I choose you.”

  Epilogue

  Three days later…

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. Caleb Stewart, you may now kiss your bride.” The reverend stepped away, a smile spreading across his face as the groom swept Heather into his arms. Unmindful of the surprised faces on the few guests, he gave her a smoldering kiss, holding her longer than necessary, until he heard the unmistakable sound of Quinn clearing his throat.

  Loosening his grip, Caleb set her aside, keeping his arm wrapped possessively around her. “I love you, Mrs. Stewart,” he whispered against her ear, nipping at it once before straightening.

  The reverend stepped up to them. “I now present Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Stewart.”

  A round of applause ensued, followed by whoops and hollers, as well as the familiar MacLaren war cry, which echoed within the almost empty church in Settlers Valley.

  After Caleb made a surprise marriage proposal inside the saloon, Heather refused to return to Circle M, which meant Quinn and Blaine refused to leave Settlers Valley. A hasty telegram culminated in Audrey, Bram, Kyla, Ewan, Lorna, Emma, and Geneen making the journey north for the ceremony performed by a reluctant preacher. When his wife not only insisted he marry the couple, but offered to make a cake and give them a reception, the soft-spoken man had no choice.

  The reverend’s wife stepped into the aisle, motioning toward a table in the front corner. “Everyone is welcome to refreshments.” She walked past them, knowing they’d all follow.

  Audrey slid her arm through her daughter’s, tears of joy streaming down her face. “You’ll be staying here then, lass?”

  “Aye, Ma.” Heather glanced behind her, seeing Caleb surrounded by MacLaren men.

  “It’s a lovely ranch Caleb is buying, Heather. The lad made a good decision.” Lorna, Ewan’s wife, stood on her other side.

  “Uncle Ewan made it possible, Aunt Lorna.”

  “Aye, but the lad took the chance and moved away from a good life. As did you, lass. We’re all happy for you.”

  Ewan had known Archibald Galloway, an elderly rancher, for many years, having met him through a buyer in San Francisco. A widower with no children or other family, Archie had several hundred acres on the Feather River, a large house, barn, bunkhouse, and small foreman’s house.

  With no heirs, he’d planned leave it to the man who’d helped him run the ranch for years. Unfortunately, the foreman died of a sudden illness the year before, and none of the ranch hands had the commitment to take on such a large spread. At almost eighty, Archie needed a solution. He’d begun an exchange with Ewan, hoping the MacLarens would have an interest. His friend had been honest. They were stretched to their limit, but he had offered an idea.

  The arrangement was simple. Allow a close MacLaren family friend to make a modest down payment, working off the rest of the agreed upon price out of the profits from the ranch. Archie would continue to live in the main house, while Caleb lived in the foreman’s place.

  After meeting Heather, Archie had insisted on one change—the couple must live in the main house after they married.

  “It’s a beautiful house, Heather. You’ll have it fixed the way you want it in no time at all.” Geneen stood beside her, looking better than she had in months.

  She wore a beautiful green cotton dress, her deep red hair twisted into a complicated knot with tendrils softening her face, her green eyes sparkling. Heather found herself wishing Nate could see Geneen today, knowing the man would regret his decision to walk out of her life.

  “You mean we’ll be having it fixed up in no time, lass.” She put an arm around Geneen’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’m so glad you’ve decided to stay with us for a while.”

  Geneen looked out the door of the church, a wistful smile on her face. “It’s time for a change. You and Caleb moving here is the perfect opportunity. Settlers Valley is such a beautiful place, and I know you’ll need a friend in your new town—at least for a while.”

  Heather touched her arm. “You know, lass, you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”

  Geneen started to reply, stopping when the reverend’s wife spoke up.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Stewart.” She motioned them to the table. “Are you ready to cut the cake?”

  Taking Heather’s hand, Caleb leaned close. “I’m ready for more than cake.” Kissing her cheek, he chuckled when he saw her face flush.

  “Caleb, you’ll not be saying such things in church,” she hissed, her mouth curving into a sweet smile.

  “But I can be thinking about them, right?”

  She groaned when he kissed her neck, then wrapped an arm around her, escorting her to the table.

  Unable to hear the exchange, Audrey swiped a tear from her cheek. “They look so bonny together, Kyla. I’ll be missing them both so much.”

  Taking Audrey’s hand in hers, Kyla nodded. “I’ll ride up here with you anytime you want, lass.

  Quinn, Bram, and Blaine stood off to the side, quietly passing around a flagon of whiskey.

  “What will we be doing about Black Jolly?” Bram asked, turning to the side so the reverend wouldn’t see him take a sip, handing the flagon to Quinn.

  “Brodie’s doing all he can. I wish we knew who the woman was and if she left with him. I don’t like the idea of someone spying on us.” Watching as the reverend took a bite of cake while listening to Ewan, Quinn took a quick sip before passing the whiskey to Blaine.

  “They’ll be making a mistake and get caught. Outlaws like them always do.” Blaine shook the flask, sneering at them before drinking the last of the whiskey.

  Leaning against a doorway on the side of the church, a shadowed figure watched as people he knew, friends from his past, laughed and celebrated. His gut twisted, knowing how much he’d missed. A bitterness crept through him when he thought about the irony of seeing them so far north in a town where he’d escaped to forget his failures.

  His breath caught, chest squeezing when his gaze landed on his biggest failure of all. She stood next to Emma, not thirty feet away, her stunning beauty reminding him of how weak a man he’d become. The steps he’d taken to regain the man he’d left behind now seemed insignificant when compared to what he’d need to do to win her back. Looking at her standing close to Emma, a smile lighting her glowing face, he realized he had little chance of winning her love a second time.

  Without thought, he rubbed the rounded stump below his left elbow, wondering what his life would be like if he hadn’t been standing in the exact path of the Confederate cannon blast. Shaking his head, he rid himself of the useless thought.

  Looking at Caleb and Heather, Nate couldn’t help smiling. They were good people. He was glad they’d finally found the courage to declare their love and come together. Nate wondered if he could ever do the same.

  Straightening, he took one more look at the woman who owned his heart, pressed a hand to his aching chest, then turned away, leaving them to their celebration.

  Thank you for taking the time to read Heather’s Choice. 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.

  Watch for Nate’s Destiny, book six in the MacLarens of Boundary Mountain series.

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  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical western romance, contemporary romance, 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. Her passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. Shirleen has been on numerous bestseller lists and releases several books each year. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

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  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Historical Western Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Tougher than the Rest, Book One

  Faster than the Rest, Book Two

  Harder than the Rest, Book Three

  Stronger than the Rest, Book Four

  Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five

  Wilder than the Rest, Book Six

  Redemption Mountain

  Redemption’s Edge, Book One

  Wildfire Creek, Book Two

  Sunrise Ridge, Book Three

  Dixie Moon, Book Four

  Survivor Pass, Book Five

  Promise Trail, Book Six

  Deep River, Book Seven