Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5) Read online

  Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.

  This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Debra Holland. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Montana Sky remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Debra Holland, or their affiliates or licensors.

  For more information on Kindle Worlds: http://www.amazon.com/kindleworlds

  Welcome

  Welcome to Montana Sky Series Kindle World, where authors write books set in my 1880s “world” of Sweetwater Springs and Morgan’s Crossing, Montana Territory. Aside from providing the backdrop of setting and townsfolk, I haven’t contributed to the stories in any way. The authors bring their own unique vision and imagination to the KW books, sometimes tying them into their own series.

  Snare His Heart is written by Caroline Clemmons and ties into her four earlier Loving A Rancher series for Montana Sky Series Kindle World, one of which is the bestselling Murdoch’s Bride. I met Caroline online in 2012. Although we met only briefly at a Romantic Times Convention in 2015, we are in several of the same Facebook groups and collaborated on a box set titled Courting The West.

  I hope you enjoy reading Snare His Heart.

  Debra Holland

  Snare His Heart

  Loving A Rancher 5

  By

  Caroline Clemmons

  Synopsis

  Adeline “Addie” Ryan copes with pity and sly remarks after her fiancé abandons her at the altar and elopes with her bridesmaid. Usually optimistic, Addie suspects this event will taint her socially as long as she remains in Atlanta. At her sister’s suggestion, she visits a matrimonial consultant. One man’s letter touches her heart. To accept requires she move to Montana Territory and marry a stranger.

  Forrest Clanahan carries scars on half of his upper body he received when he tried to rescue his late wife from their burning home. The hole in his heart won’t allow him to love again, but his three young children need a woman’s guidance and he needs a wife. He offers kindness and consideration—but not love. Never love.

  Addie and Forrest meet serious threats to their family and ranch, but he still insists he can offer her only fondness. Can Addie also snare his heart?

  Chapter One

  Near Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory, May 1887

  Forrest Clanahan swiped his forehead against his arm then sliced into the hard ground with the spade. “When I figure out who’s causing this trouble, I’ll use his worthless carcass for a pole and pound him into the ground.”

  Biscuits Buchanan held the post his boss would plant. “Some spineless polecat had to have had help pulling down this fence. Reckon it’s someone who’s fighting for open range and doesn’t want the land fenced?” He handed Forrest the post and hurried to hand one to Rowdy Payton, the other cowboy.

  Forrest thrust the pole upright and stomped the dirt around it with his boot. “From the series of vandalism we’ve had, I’d say it’s personal and I’m the target.”

  Rowdy tightened barbed wire behind them. “Boss, everyone likes you.”

  Moving to the next spot, Forrest shook his head. “Nice of you to say so, but obviously someone doesn’t. Only takes one person to create a campaign like this. Wouldn’t take over one or two men to carry out all of the mischief.”

  Rowdy worked at the same rate as Forrest. “How many cattle you figure you’ve lost?”

  “Near as I can figure, there’s been a total of two dozen or so from all the incidents. Biscuits, what’s your guess?”

  “Reckon that’s close, but I’d say a few more. Remember, Ethan’s lost some, too. If this is personal, it’s against your family and not you.”

  Forrest sunk the spade into the hard soil with more force than he’d intended and shock waves reverberated up his arms. “Guess you’re right. This has to stop or we’ll be ruined.”

  Forrest’s son Noah tugged at his sleeve and pointed to the north. “Papa, look at that smoke”

  The rancher turned then gasped as he threw down the shovel. “Fire at our place.”

  He tossed his son onto the pony Noah rode then mounted his gelding, Thunder, and galloped toward his home. Praying as he rode, he pleaded that his wife and daughters were okay. When he crested a small rise, smoke billowed and flames shot from his house’s roof.

  Dear Lord, save my family.

  Reining to a stop at the building’s back, fire covered the floor. Smoke poured through the broken kitchen window. He raced around to the side beneath his daughters’ room.

  Daisy leaned out and screamed, “Papa, Papa, save us! The door won’t open.”

  He was under the window and lifted his arms. “Jump and I’ll catch you.”

  Daisy stared at the ground then at him. “I’m too scared.”

  His older daughter stood with her hand on Daisy’s shoulder. “Frannie, help your sister jump and I’ll get her, and then you jump.”

  Frances lifted her sister through the window. Forrest caught Daisy and briefly checked her before he set her down. Noah picked up his crying sister and comforted her.

  Forrest held up his hands. “Come on, Frannie. I’ll catch you too.”

  His older daughter stood motionless. At first he thought she would resist, but apparently the fire’s noise and heat propelled her into action. She crawled onto the sill and jumped.

  He clasped her to him and gave thanks neither girl was burned. “Where’s Mama?”

  She looked up at the master bedroom window but said nothing.

  “Is she in our room?”

  When she didn’t respond, he tilted her chin. “Frances talk to me.”

  Instead, his daughter offered a blank stare. He handed her to Rowdy and raced to his home’s front. Maybe the fire hadn’t destroyed that part of the house.

  At the open door, smoke was thick and flames licked at the wood. Quickly, he tossed aside his revolver and dunked his entire body into the horse trough. He emerged dripping water and headed for the house.

  Noah pulled at his sleeve. “Papa, please don’t go in there.”

  Forrest set his son away from him. “Son, wait here. I have to get your mother. She must have passed out from the smoke or she would have rescued your sisters.” He prayed she was only passed out and that she hadn’t already succumbed.

  Biscuits pressed a hand on his shoulder. “Boss, you’ll never make it. Think of your children.”

  “Think of Evie trapped in that inferno. She needs me.” With his wife consuming his thoughts, Forrest dashed into the building.

  If he hadn’t known the way, he wouldn’t have been able to navigate through the smoke. Questions plagued him as much as the fierce heat. Why hadn’t Evie helped the girls? If she was upstairs away from the kitchen, what caused the fire? There was no need for a lighted lamp in daytime.

  Almost unbearable heat shoved at him in waves. Hunching down, he’d crept almost where he judged the staircase to be. The blaze’s roar increased with the sound of the second floor giving way. Burning wood showered down on him. Searing pain raced down his side as he fell, trapped by a flaming beam.

  Forgive me, Evie, I’ve failed you.

  ***

  Atlanta, Georgia, August 1887

  Addie Ryan and her sister, Julie, ambled down an aisle of the mercantile while Mrs. Tolliver, the owner, filled their mother’s order. Julie paused to examine a new bolt of red faille.

  Addie pulled a bit of the fabric near Julie’s face and tilted her head.
“That would look nice with your dark hair.”

  “Thank you, but I’m not sure what I want.” Julie moved to the next bolt, an emerald green. “Just because you’re blond doesn’t mean you always have to wear pastels. You’d look lovely in bolder colors.”

  When the bell above the store’s door rang, Addie gasped and straightened. She didn’t want to talk to the two women who’d arrived, but she wouldn’t show weakness.

  Beside her, Julie nudged her. “Why don’t you go home and I’ll wait for Mama’s order.”

  “Thank you but I refuse to hide, no matter how much I want to.” Addie forced a bright smile.

  Amy Beets swished toward her. “Addie and Julie, how nice to see you. Holly and I are just back from visiting Hetty. She and Richard had a lovely honeymoon in Savannah.” She laid a hand against her cheek and pretended to be remorseful. “Oh, I shouldn’t have mentioned them, should I? I do apologize.”

  Barely able to control her shaking, Addie retained her forced smile. She hoped it didn’t come off as a grimace.

  “Whatever for? I won’t apologize for the fact that Julie and I are shopping.”

  Holly Dalton patted Addie’s arm and offered a pout. “Oh, Addie, I’m surprised you’re out in public. I know you must be beyond humiliated and still pining for your lost love.”

  Addie wished she had time to count to ten. “Richard and I became engaged because we thought we were suited. Obviously, we weren’t. I’m thankful I found out before the vows were spoken.”

  Holly’s eyes betrayed spiteful glee. “You’re being so brave. I swan, I would be so devastated in your position after the embarrassment of being deserted at the altar, I couldn’t show my face in public.”

  Amy exchanged a glance with Holly. “And for Richard to elope with Hetty, your very own bridesmaid, must have been horrifying.”

  “As you can see, I’m not devastated or horrified or embarrassed. I regret my family spent money providing for a ceremony that didn’t happen, but I feel the money spent was a worthy investment to avoid a bad marriage.”

  Kindly Mrs. Tolliver appeared alarmed. “Misses Ryan, your order is ready.”

  Julie pushed by the two women. “Won’t you excuse us? We have such a busy schedule today.”

  When Addie and her sister reached the counter, Mrs. Tolliver spoke quietly, “I’m sorry those two gossips came in while you were here. I have to say you handled them expertly, Addie.” She gave them their mail along with the supplies their mother had listed.

  Addie offered a genuine smile to the owner. “Thank you for your help, Mrs. Tolliver.” She winked as she and her sister accepted the parcels for their mother.

  Outside the store, Julie stomped along the sidewalk. “I hate those two troublemakers. They’re not happy unless they’re insulting someone.”

  Addie’s false bravado almost deserted her. Her acquaintances were either pitying her or snickering about her being left at the altar. “I might as well get used to that treatment. I don’t know what else to do.”

  Her sister remained angry. “Richard should repay Papa for the wedding expenses.”

  Addie harrumphed. “Not much chance of him or his father doing so. After all, Richard now has a wife to support. I meant it when I said I’m glad to find out before the ceremony what kind of man Richard is. Being married and having him cheat on me really would have been unbearable. And, heavens, what if we’d had children?”

  If only she’d learned of his weakness and lack of character before the engagement was announced. If only she hadn’t invited two hundred people to the ceremony to witness her betrayal. If only she hadn’t had that expensive wedding gown made. If only, if only, if only… did no good.

  At their home, Julie examined the family’s letters. “You remember my friend Harriett? I have a letter from her.”

  Mrs. Ryan wiped her hands on a cup towel. “The one who became a mail-order bride?”

  Julie opened the letter and scanned the message. “She’s expecting in five months. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  Addie sighed. “If she’s happy in her marriage.”

  “She’s very happy. In fact, she tried to get me to consult the same matchmaker she used. The woman checks the men before she links them with a bride. The grooms have to have a letter from their minister, priest, or rabbi and one from an influential neighbor.”

  Mrs. Ryan put her hands on her hips. “How can she check on the men if she’s here? Their letters might be fakes.”

  “She sends wires to verify everything. Apparently she has contacts across the country. The reason Harriett chose her is because her cousin Phoebe met her husband that way and is very happy.”

  Addie regarded her sister. “You’re not considering applying to this matchmaker, are you?”

  “Not now.” Julie blushed. “I confess I became depressed and considered the idea, but Erroll has been very attentive recently.”

  Addie sent a genuine smile to her sister, thankful that one Ryan daughter was happy. Plus, she believed Erroll was a kind man who’d make Julie a loving and considerate husband.

  “I’ve noticed. The way you glow when you’re around him is a huge clue.”

  Julie laid the letter on the table and reached for Addie’s hand. “Addie, you could meet with this matchmaker. You wouldn’t have to accept anyone unless you were impressed.”

  Mrs. Ryan waved a hand. “Now, Adeline, it’s only been four weeks. This will all blow over as soon as the gossips find someone else to fuel their rumors.”

  Mulling over the idea, Addie recalled the way Amy and Holly had taunted her. They weren’t the first and she didn’t believe those types would ever let her forget being deserted at the altar. Attending any event was an ordeal and she had no intention of sitting at home for the rest of her life. Young men hardly paid her any notice now.

  Yet, she hadn’t even had the willpower to unpack her trunks. They contained items made through the years by both her grandmothers for her “hope chest” as well as special things Addie had made or collected most of her life for her someday-home. She’d merely extracted three dresses and closed the lids again.

  “Mama, I’m not sure I can withstand the stares and whispering behind hands much longer.” Addie leaned toward her sister. “Tell me the woman’s name and address.”

  Julie poked in the desk for paper and a pencil. “I’ll go with you to offer my support if you want me to.”

  “Thank you, dear sister, but I’d better do this alone.”

  Chapter Two

  At nine the next morning, Addie left for the matchmaker’s office. Armed with determination and desperation, she set out for the address her sister had supplied. Two blocks from her home, she encountered two long-time acquaintances.

  Melanie Sullivan fluttered her eyelashes. “Addie, how are you holding up? We’re so sorry about your wedding disaster.”

  Mamie Forbes laid her hand on Addie’s arm. “You must be distraught. We’re truly sorry for what you’re going through, dear. They’re back from their honeymoon, by the way.”

  Forcing a smile, Addie wanted to strike something. “Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine, really.”

  When she was able to get away from the two gossips, she was even more committed to remedy her situation. Perhaps she was a coward, but she refused to live with this cloud hanging over her.

  She was surprised to find the address she sought was a residence instead of an office building. After comparing the number on the gate, she verified she was at the correct place. A discreet sign announced

  E. Hawkins, Matrimonial Consultant

  Gathering her courage, Addie opened the gate and strode to the door. She took a deep breath in spite of the steel band that constricted her chest. Knowing her future could depend on the outcome of this meeting, she turned the bell.

  The woman who answered was middle-aged with brown hair in a bun. Twinkling blue eyes explained the smile lines at their corners. She was dressed in garnet business attire.

  Mrs. Hawkins
gracefully extended a hand in a gesture to enter. “Won’t you come in? Have you come to be a bride?”

  Addie faltered. She had but could she marry a stranger? All she needed to bolster her courage was recalling the remarks of Melanie and Mamie.

  “I-I believe I have—if you can explain to me how this works.”

  “Certainly.” The woman escorted her to a neat office and gestured toward a chair. “Have a seat at the desk. I’m Evelyn Hawkins. I’ll need to ask you some questions to see how you fit with any of the prospective grooms.”

  Addie took a seat while the matchmaker settled behind the desk. She answered Mrs. Hawkins’ questions then explained about her aborted wedding and her treatment since then. “Do you have someone I could meet right away? The sooner the better.”

  Mrs. Hawkins tapped her fingers on her desk. “Usually I have the couple exchange letters for several months to get acquainted and see how they fit. However, one man has sent the money and a ticket in eagerness for a wife. None of the prospective brides have chosen him.”

  “What’s wrong that they haven’t?”

  “See for yourself.” The matchmaker passed her a letter.

  Dear Prospective Bride,

  I am a thirty-year-old rancher and a widower with three children. I’m badly scarred both inside and out. The outer is confined to my right side from a fire in which my wife died. The result is shocking to most people, even frightening to some. I don’t want pity, but I would like a wife who can look me in the face and see the man inside.

  My children are Noah who’s eight, Frances who’s six, and Daisy who’s four. Frannie hasn’t spoken since the fire, which is balanced out by the fact that Daisy never stops talking. Noah spends a lot of time helping me, caring for his sisters, and is mature for his age. While that’s nice, I’d like for him to concentrate on being a boy rather than trying to become a man so soon. Also, he and Frannie need to be studying. We live two hours from town, too far to attend the school there. Frannie needs special care so—hopefully—she will start talking and be her once-cheerful self again.