A Cowboy’s Worth: The McGavin Brothers

by Thompson, Vicki Lewis

  “What’s the tune?”

  “Comin’ Thro’ the Rye.”

  “Oh! I love that one, too.”

  “Did you know it’s a poem by Robbie Burns?”

  “No, that’s news to me.”

  “It’s also about—hey, they’re startin’ already. Let’s go.” He led her quickly around to the steps.

  She didn’t have time to think as she dashed up to the platform and he swept her into his arms. His firm grip kept her steady and the music, a song from the Outlander soundtrack, gladdened her heart.

  The band didn’t happen to have a bagpipe, but they had a fiddle. She’d spent hours absorbed in the soundtrack and could fill in the sexy groan of a bagpipe, no problem.

  Soon after she and Rory took the floor, Zane and Mandy joined them. Mandy called out a cheerful You go, Damaris! That should have thrown her off her game, but by some miracle she didn’t trip over Rory’s feet.

  Bryce and Nicole took the floor next. As they danced closer, Nicole caught Damaris’ attention and gave her a thumbs-up. That didn’t make her stumble, either. Amazing. She wouldn’t question it. She’d just enjoy.

  Gradually the platform filled with McGavins and then Sawyers. Conditions were crowded, but Rory navigated the territory with deft twists and turns. She didn’t trip or stumble. Not once.

  When the tune ended, Rory spun her under his arm one last time before pulling her in for a quick hug. “Brilliant,” he murmured in her ear before letting her go.

  Mandy came over with Zane. “Hey, girlfriend. Am I wrong, or did you used to hate dancing?”

  “I did, but Rory gave me some tips. It’s just patterns, really. And it’s more fun than I thought.” She was short of breath but thrilled that she’d made it through without screwing up.

  “Well done, Rory.” Mandy gave him an approving glance.

  Zane smiled. “It’s in the genes, cuz. If you’re a McGavin, you dance. End of story.”

  “Or a Sawyer.” Brendan came over with Jo. “I’m glad to see you’ve recovered from that little swim you took earlier, son.”

  “I have. Good thing you were there to administer CPR on the fawn.” He smiled at Jo. “And thanks for wadin’ in to help pull me out. I hope your boots are all right.”

  “They’ll be fine. It was like old times. I’ve been soaked by that creek more times than I can count. Kendra and I—” She paused as the music began. “I guess we should either leave the floor or dance.”

  “I’ll choose to leave,” Rory said. “Dancin’ to that tune was special, but now I’m done for the night.” He glanced at Damaris. “You probably want to stay, though. Thanks for—”

  “I’ll walk you to the house.”

  “That would be nice.” He waited for her to go ahead of him down the steps.

  She glanced over her shoulder at Mandy and Zane. “Are you guys taking off soon?”

  “We’re gonna dance for a little while,” Zane said.

  “Good. I’ll be back.” She went quickly down the steps.

  “No rush,” Mandy called after her. “That last dance woke me up, so I’m good for another half-hour or so.”

  “Thanks for walking with me,” Rory said.

  She smiled. “It’s the friendly thing to do.”

  “And I feel like we’re friends.”

  “I feel like that, too. As if we’ve known each other longer than ten hours.”

  “Is that what it’s been?”

  “Give or take.” She pulled her phone out of her pocket. “To be exact, it’s been nine hours and forty-three minutes.”

  “Are you saying you noted my arrival time?”

  “I did. It’s not every day a ginger Scotsman comes into my life.”

  “Hm.”

  “What?”

  “Now that you mention our first meeting, I remember you saying I look like that Jamie Fraser character from Outlander.”

  “Well, you do. That’s not a bad thing. And by the way, Comin’ Thro’ the Rye is on the soundtrack for the TV series.”

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “It was a great choice.”

  “Because it reminded you of Jamie?”

  “A little bit.”

  He paused at the base of the steps and flashed her a teasing smile. “Are you telling me you only fancy me because I remind you of that bloke?”

  “Oh, absolutely.” She maintained a deadpan stare. “It has nothing to do with your gallant behavior, your willingness to risk your life for an innocent fawn, or your ability to laugh at yourself. Or your amazing dancing ability.”

  He laughed. “Good. Just so we’re clear.” His gaze met hers. “I didn’t finish tellin’ you what that song is about.”

  “No, but I always thought it described two sweethearts meeting.”

  “It’s a wee bit more specific than that, at least that’s what I’ve been told.”

  “Oh?”

  He drew her closer. “It’s about makin’ love.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Aye.” He combed his fingers through her hair. “I should be goin’ inside.”

  The warmth in his eyes played havoc with her breathing. “Yes, you should.”

  “Can’t seem to make myself leave.”

  “If you don’t get some sleep, you’ll be too tired for anything tomorrow.”

  “Not for some things.”

  Heat blasted through her. “I see.”

  “Like a riding lesson.” He cupped her cheek. “Any secluded trails around here?”

  “Uh-huh.” She took a shaky breath. “But you need to be rested for that or you might fall off your horse.”

  “Good point, lass. Then I guess it’s time to kiss you goodnight.” Leaning down, he covered her mouth with his, lingered for a dizzying few seconds and released her. Touching two fingers to the brim of his hat, he turned and went up the steps, taking them two at a time.

  She stood there, lips tingling and pulse racing. Once she could breathe again, she returned to the party just as Mandy and Zane arrived back at the head table.

  Zane glanced at the table and picked up an empty water pitcher. “I’ll go fill this and be back.”

  “Thanks, sweetie.” Mandy leaned against the table and smiled at Damaris. “Having fun?”

  “Big fun. We’ll probably hang out a little while I’m here.”

  “I should hope so. You two are adorable together. I’ve never seen you dance like that.”

  “Because I never have.”

  “I only wish he didn’t live so damn far away.”

  “Maybe that’s a good thing. When I’m involved in my research, I don’t have time to—”

  “For a man like that, you’d make the time.”

  “Okay, you could be right. Fortunately, I don’t have to figure that out. I’m on vacation this week. No work and all play.”

  “Then make the most of it, girlfriend.”

  “Don’t worry. I plan to soak up every single minute.”

  Chapter Ten

  Where in the bloody hell was he? Rory sat straight up in a bed that was not his own, a narrow mattress that fit one person, barely, in his case. Reaching up, he touched wooden slats. A second bed was above his.

  Right. He was in the bottom bunk in a bedroom that used to belong to a couple of his American cousins. He was in Montana.

  He’d left his phone on the floor beside the bed. Leaning over to pick it up, he checked the time. A little after five in the morning. Pitch black outside his window.

  But people were up. Noises came from somewhere in the house. He took a deep sniff of coffee brewing. Was Damaris awake yet?

  The combination of hot coffee and the prospect of seeing her propelled him out of bed. Pulling on his jeans, he crossed the hall to the bathroom and glanced at her door. Closed. A light was on down the hall in the master bedroom, and another light at the other end, in the living room.

  The ranch was coming to life, a bit like his gran and grandpa’s sheep farm did every morning about this
time. He hadn’t stayed overnight with them since he was a kid but he used to love being there. He’d forgotten how much.

  He washed up quickly without taking time to shave. Whatever was happening on this ranch first thing in the morning, he wanted in on it. He could come back and shave later, before he drove into town. No reason to go now. Nothing would be open.

  Dressing quickly, he put on his work boots and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Then he finger-combed his hair, grabbed his hat off the dresser and headed for the kitchen.

  Aunt Kendra’s words filtered out to him. “I’m proud of her, holding off until this morning. Although Wes might have hoped she’d wait until tomorrow.”

  “He’s okay.” Quinn’s voice. “He’s used to losing sleep. Part of the job.”

  “I’m gonna head down there.” An unfamiliar voice. Then the man who’d driven the buckboard came through the kitchen door. He paused. “Hey, Rory.”

  “Good mornin’.” He scrambled for a name. “Jim, right?”

  “That’s right.” The lanky cowboy offered his hand. “Jim Underwood, Faith’s dad.”

  “Is Rory up?” Kendra came to the doorway. “Wow, I thought for sure you’d sleep in.”

  “I’m not much for that.”

  She smiled. “Because you’re a McGavin. Want coffee?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “I’ll get him some,” Quinn called from the kitchen. “You’re going to be so glad you woke up early, son.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ll let Kendra tell you.”

  Her blue eyes sparkled. “A mare is in labor.”

  “No kiddin’?”

  “Yep. She’s one of the few mares we board. Last year her family decided to breed her and we’ve been on pins and needles because she might have delivered yesterday. Luckily she waited.”

  “I’m gonna go check on the situation,” Jim said. “See how Wes is doing. I’ll text you if we’re getting close.”

  “Do that,” Kendra said. “Rory, if you’re hungry, there’s toast and jam. We’ve both had that because we don’t want to start breakfast yet. She could give birth any time, now.”

  He walked into the kitchen. “Toast is fine. I can make it. Is Wes a vet?”

  “He sure is.” Quinn handed him a steaming mug of coffee. “Evidently you’ve been paying attention.”

  “I can’t take the credit.” He carried the mug over to the counter and popped some bread into the toaster. “Damaris let me study her spreadsheet of family connections.”

  Kendra laughed. “I love it! That sounds just like Damaris.”

  “What sounds just like me?”

  Rory turned around as Damaris walked barefoot into the kitchen wearing her dressing gown covered with equations. Her cheeks bloomed with the soft pink of someone who’d just climbed out of bed. She hadn’t bothered to comb her hair and it framed her face in a glorious, shining tangle.

  Bloody sexy. Rory battled the urge to go over there, gather her close and kiss those rosy lips.

  She glanced at him and blinked. “Rory?” She pulled her glasses out of her dressing gown pocket and put them on. “What are you doing up this early?”

  “Couldn’t sleep. How about you?”

  “I heard people out here talking and smelled coffee, but I could swear the last few mornings things started later than this.”

  “They did,” Kendra said. “Jim got us up. He spent the night in the barn with Licorice. She’s in labor.”

  “She is? That’s fabulous! I can’t believe I forgot that she was ready to foal any day. You told me and then I got wrapped up in the wedding yesterday and totally spaced it.”

  “Jim was on the job,” Quinn said. “He made several visits to the barn during the party and kept us informed. Then he decided to sleep there.”

  “Is Wes here? Can we go down there? How soon do you think—”

  “It’ll be soon, judging from what Wes has texted us,” Quinn said. “Jim just left to eyeball the progress for himself. And yes, you can go down with us. We’ll be leaving soon.”

  “I need to get dressed, then.” She started out of the kitchen.

  “Hang on a sec,” Kendra said. “Do you want me to fix you a to-go mug of coffee?”

  “That would be great. I’ll be right back.”

  “How about toast and jam?” Rory called after her.

  “That’d be great, too!”

  He toasted more bread and made jam sandwiches they could eat on the way to the barn. “I’ve never seen a foal born. Lambs, but never a foal.”

  “Lambs.” Kendra leaned against the counter and gazed at him as she drank her coffee. “That brings back memories. Do your grandparents still have a sheep farm?”

  “Aye, they do.” He finished up the sandwiches.

  “You can put them in these.” She handed him a box of sandwich bags. “I remember the sheep farm they had while they lived here. They tried so hard to make a go of it, but we have more predators in Montana than they were used to. They got pretty discouraged.”

  “They told me that. They liked Montana and the folks they met, but it’s easier for them to raise sheep there.”

  “No doubt. I’m so glad you decided to come for a visit. It’s been less than twenty-four hours and you already feel like part of the family.”

  He chuckled. “Maybe because I got myself in trouble right away.”

  “I have to admit that creek episode reminded me of things my boys used to do. Still do, on occasion.”

  “Same here.” Quinn polished off his coffee and put his mug in the dishwasher. “Very familiar.”

  “So why did you have a rope with you yesterday?” Ever since Damaris had brought that up, it had been niggling at him.

  “Habit. A couple of times I didn’t have a rope when I wished I’d had one. Eventually I made it a practice to always carry one tied to my saddle.” He glanced at Kendra. “Even when I’m going to a wedding.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’ll admit I was wrong to poke fun at you for that.” Kendra took a to-go mug out of the cupboard and filled it for Damaris. “After yesterday’s deal, I’ll carry one, too. If I’d had one, I could have thrown it to Rory.”

  “That’s right,” Quinn said. “Brendan said the same thing. He doesn’t always carry one, either. Glad I made a couple of converts. The more ropes, the better.”

  “I’d be a convert, too,” Rory said. “Except I don’t know how to throw one so taking it would make no sense.”

  “I can teach you.” Damaris walked in wearing jeans, boots and a long-sleeved t-shirt like his, only hers was moss green instead of black. She’d pulled her hair into a ponytail.

  “You know how to rope?”

  “Kendra taught me.” She took the to-go mug Kendra handed her. “Thanks.”

  “And to think I taught you to rope without knowing the physics of how to build a perfect flat loop. Thanks to you, I do, now.”

  “I don’t know the physics of it,” Quinn said. “Guess I have more to learn about roping, after all.”

  Damaris shrugged. “Not really, if you’ve been doing it all your life. I was just amusing myself, seeing if I could reduce it to an equation.” She glanced around. “Are we ready to go?”

  “I think so,” Kendra said. “Rory made your toast and jam into sandwiches so you could take it with you.”

  “Yum. Thanks.” She smiled at him. “I’m so excited about this. I only remember one other time you had a foal born here. It was on a school night and my parents wouldn’t let me stay.”

  “I’d forgotten you missed that one.” Kendra picked up her phone. “Before we leave, let me text Jim and see if we need to bring coffee or food for Wes.” She tapped on her screen and waited for an answer. “Wes is okay. Ingrid came about an hour ago and brought him stuff.”

  “Wes’s sweetheart is one of the baker ladies?” Rory glanced over at Damaris and got a subtle thumbs-up.

  “She is.” Quinn laughed. “Damaris, I wish I’d had you around to make me a spreadsheet when I fir
st came to town.”

  “I keep telling Kendra I’m only an email or text away.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Okay, let’s move out.” Quinn started toward the front door. “There’s a chill in the air. Anybody need a jacket?”

  “I’m from Scotland. I’m used to it.”

  “I’m too excited to be cold,” Damaris said. “Go ahead. We’ll follow you guys.”

  Rory waited for her to go out. Then he stepped into the brisk morning and pulled the door closed. “We’re off.” He hurried down the steps and handed her a sandwich bag.

  “Thanks for making these. Can you hold my coffee for a minute?”

  “Sure.”

  She took the sandwich out and stuffed the bag in her jeans pocket. “I can take my coffee, now.” She sipped from the hole in the lid. “Mm. Best breakfast ever.”

  “Company’s good, too.”

  “Yeah. I’m so glad I woke up.”

  “Me, too.” He bit into his sandwich.

  “I don’t think Kendra realized how much I wanted to see this or she would have come in to get me. I guess you wouldn’t have knocked on my door, either.”

  “Would you have liked me to?”

  “Absolutely! Who wants to sleep when something like this is happening?” She took another bite.

  “Some people would. For all I knew, you stayed up partyin’ with your friends and needed the rest.”

  “I didn’t stay much later, but even if I had, I wouldn’t care whether I got enough sleep or not. I’d want to be here. Wouldn’t you?”

  “Aye. You know, it’s amazin’, though, how I just happened to come over to America when my cousin was gettin’ married. And this mornin’ a foal is bein’ born, and it’s not like that happens every day on this ranch, either.”

  “It doesn’t. Kendra runs a riding and boarding stable, not a breeding operation. The mare that gave birth when I was a kid was a similar deal. The mare was boarded here and her family thought it would be cool to breed her.”

  “Is that mare still here?”

  “No. Not her foal, either. I played with that filly a lot, but then about a year after that, the family moved out of state and took the mare and her filly with them.”

  “Kendra didn’t say whether this mare’s family is here. Didn’t sound like they are or they’d be down at the barn right now.”