A Cowboy’s Worth: The McGavin Brothers Read online

  A Cowboy’s Worth

  The McGavin Brothers

  Vicki Lewis Thompson

  A COWBOY’S WORTH

  Copyright © 2019 by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  ISBN: 978-1-946759-64-1

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Ocean Dance Press, PO Box 69901, Oro Valley AZ 85737

  Cover art by Kristin Bryant

  Visit the author’s website: VickiLewisThompson.com

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Epilogue

  But Wait, There’s More!

  Also by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Look afore you leap, lad. But where was the fun in that? Rory McGavin had been ignoring his da’s advice for years. No point in heeding it now.

  That said, his palms were slippery with sweat as he drove down a Montana highway on the wrong bloody side of the road. At the airport in Bozeman, jetlagged and disoriented, he’d climbed into his rental without thinking. Whoops. No steering wheel.

  The rental agent had ducked his head as Rory had given him a sheepish grin before sliding out and walking around to the steering wheel side. He’d shoe-horned himself into the driver’s seat, said a prayer and pulled into traffic. Navigating had been a nail-biter, despite the bonnie voice on his trusty phone providing directions.

  The highway was easier, although delivery trucks big as warehouses swept past, buffeting his wee vehicle. Cowboys drove muscular pickups. He’d learned that from the movies, and sure enough, this highway was full of them. He’d do better against the massive commercial trucks if he had a pickup.

  But that hadn’t been an option at the rental place. He had a Stetson, though. It rested on the passenger seat because he didn’t have enough headroom to wear it in the car.

  On impulse, he’d located a Western wear shop on his phone and driven there after he got his rental. He looked good in the hat, if he did say so. His American relations might mistake him for a cowpoke passing through.

  Until he opened his mouth, anyway. His brogue would give him away. He couldn’t wait to see their faces when he announced who he was. His da and his grandparents had left Montana more than thirty years ago. His Uncle Ian, God rest his soul, had stayed behind, crazy in love with a girl named Kendra. And the rest, as they said, was family history.

  The outskirts of Eagles Nest appeared, soothing his jangled nerves. This was more like it. A single street through the village, cheerful shops along either side, folks strolling the sidewalk, many of them wearing hats like his. He looked forward to making new friends in this place.

  He passed a bakery named Pie in the Sky and eased up on the gas as his stomach rumbled. No time for pastries, though. Once he located the ranch and connected with his relations, he’d explore the area.

  Pills and Pop was likely a pharmacy, should he need one. He slowed again as he neared the Guzzling Grizzly. With that name it had to be a pub. Or maybe folks called it a saloon out here. A pint would sure taste good right now, but beer and jetlag was a bad combination.

  The view expanded on the far side of the village—plenty of open country flanked by the tallest mountains he’d ever seen. Snow gleamed on peaks bathed in spring sunshine. He’d been too excited to sleep much on the plane. Adrenaline would have to carry him through until bedtime, because it was midday here.

  The voice on his phone warned him of the turnoff to Wild Creek Ranch but he would have noticed it regardless. The wooden sign was decorated with bows, balloons and flower garlands. Had someone tipped them off that he was coming?

  Eager though he was to find out, he took the dirt road slower than a pie-eyed bloke stumbling home at dawn. His wee car wasn’t built for the ruts.

  Eventually he arrived at the ranch. It looked like a movie set—rustic barn, wooden corrals and a low-slung log house complete with rocking chairs lined up on a generous front porch.

  The parking area was a sea of pickups. His kinfolks must have gone against his wishes and alerted the McGavins that he was arriving. So much for his big surprise. Then again, walking into a house as the long-anticipated Scottish guest would be all right, too.

  He squeezed his wee car into a parking spot, grabbed his new hat and started up to the house. The porch was decorated with more balloons, ribbons and garlands. To his left, a picnic area had flowers on every table. These folks had pulled out all the stops for a visiting relation.

  Should he have brought gifts? Maybe, but he’d been in a bit of a rush to leave. Angry people on his trail and all that. But gifts would have been a nice touch seeing as how they’d gone to a great deal of trouble to welcome him.

  Taking a breath, he climbed the porch steps and used the metal door knocker in the shape of a coiled lariat.

  A woman opened the massive door and stared at him with eyes bluer than the deepest loch in Scotland. “Are you from the florist?”

  He’d heard about those blue eyes that had captured his Uncle Ian’s heart. Must be Kendra. Evidently the hat had fooled her into thinking he was a delivery boy. “Nay, I’m—”

  “Are they here?” A woman about his age appeared behind Kendra. Her dark hair tumbled to her shoulders in glossy waves and she wore a green dressing gown with mathematical equations on it. She squinted at him. “Where are the bouquets?”

  “He’s not from the florist.”

  “Then who the heck is he?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “I’m Rory McGavin.” He grinned and took off his hat.

  The equation lass stepped closer and peered at him. “You’re from Scotland?”

  “Aye.” Why wouldn’t she know? “Inverness. I’m—”

  “You’re my nephew?” Kendra’s eyes widened. “Hamish and Greer’s son?”

  “Yes, and I—”

  “Good grief! Come here.” She pulled him through the door and into a hug. “Why didn’t you let us know you were coming?”

  “Thought it would be fun to surprise you.” Clearly the decorations weren’t for him.

  “You most certainly did surprise me!” She closed the door. “Are you here for the wedding? I didn’t bother your folks with an invitation because I didn’t think they’d be able to—”

  “What weddin’?”

  “Ryker’s!”

  “Ryker! Good for him.” That explained the ribbons and balloons. His Uncle Ian and Kendra had been blessed with several sons, at least four or five. His information on his cousins was spotty and he hadn’t had time to question his parents. He wouldn’t be able to name those boys if his life depende
d on it.

  “It is good. He’s marrying his high school sweetheart at long last. April finally agreed to a wedding.” Kendra stepped back and looked him up and down. “Are you saying you just took a notion to come over and hopped on a plane?”

  “Somethin like that.”

  “And you arrived today, of all days.”

  “Didn’t mean to cause extra trouble.”

  “Not at all! The boys will be excited to meet you. They—”

  The dark-haired woman next to her cleared her throat.

  “Goodness, where are my manners?” Kendra turned to her. “This is Damaris Gataki, one of April’s bridesmaids.”

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Rory held out his hand. “Never met a lass with equations on her dressin’ gown.”

  “Oh.” She glanced down as if she’d forgotten she was wearing it. “Gift from a friend.” She smiled and gave him a firm handshake. “I love your brogue.”

  “Thank you.” Damaris Gataki had a mouth made for kissin’. Not that he’d be kissin’ anyone on this trip unless it was a chaste peck on the cheek.

  “You sound just like Jamie,” she said. “Look a little like him, too.”

  “Jamie?”

  “Jamie Fraser.”

  “I don’t—”

  She made an impatient noise. “From Outlander.”

  “Oh.” He’d never seen the show but he’d heard about the Scottish bloke who starred in it, mostly from ladies speaking the way Damaris had, like this Jamie was some kind of god.

  “No one’s ever told you that?”

  “Nay. They mention Prince Harry sometimes. Guess it’s the ginger hair.”

  “And the blue eyes. If your hair was a bit longer—”

  “’Scuse me, kids, but I think I heard somebody pull up.” Kendra opened the door and peeked out. “It’s a van. That’s promising.”

  Damaris blinked. “Right. The flowers.”

  “The guy has a clipboard. I’ll bet this is it.” Kendra opened the door wider and raised her voice. “Are you from the florist?”

  “Yes, ma’am! Sorry about the delay.” He slid back the van’s side door.

  “At least you’re here now.” Kendra turned to Damaris. “Better go tell April. I’m sure she was freaking out.”

  “She was, which is why I came to check. See you later, Rory.” She started toward the hallway. Then she spun back to face him. “How long are you staying?”

  “I’m not sure. It depends on—”

  “For a while, then?”

  “I hope to.”

  “Good.” She pivoted and hurried down the hall. “April! Flowers are here!”

  Kendra looked at him. “She’s a big Outlander fan.”

  “Figured that.”

  “And super smart. She was valedictorian of April and Ryker’s class.” She tilted her head toward the open door. “If you’ll come with me and help carry, it’ll go faster.”

  “Glad to make myself useful.” He clapped his hat on and followed her.

  She started down the steps. “I’m happy to hear you can stay a while. How are your folks?”

  “They’re well. Said to give you their best.”

  “It’s a shame we’ve lost touch over the years. You’re about the same age as my boys. I’m sure you’ll get along great.”

  “I expect we will.”

  “They’re all up at Cody’s A-frame getting ready. I’d send you up there, but having you appear out of the blue might disrupt the flow and Ryker wants everything to go like clockwork. I could say that he’s schedule-oriented because of his Air Force training, but he’s always been a man with a plan.”

  “I’m the exact opposite.”

  She laughed. “I’m getting that.”

  * * *

  A Jamie Fraser look-alike. What were the chances? And he was sticking around for a while. Damaris was a-okay with that.

  The invitation to be a bridesmaid in April’s wedding had arrived at a particularly frustrating period in her research. Fortuitous timing. After spending a dozen years in California with only brief visits back to Eagles Nest, she yearned for a dose of its nurturing atmosphere. Her parents didn’t live here anymore, but she still thought of it as home.

  April had planned the wedding around Caltech’s spring break to accommodate her, and Kendra had urged her to stay on after the wedding for some R and R. She’d accepted.

  She wasn’t great at relaxing, especially when work was tying her in knots. She’d vowed to loosen up by mucking out stalls and taking long horseback rides on familiar trails.

  Now it looked as if Wild Creek Ranch would have another house guest, a Scottish ginger with a fetching brogue. Her stay had just become exponentially more interesting.

  Nearly everyone in the bridal party was dressed when she arrived to announce that the flowers had arrived. They cheered at the news.

  “Wow, you all look gorgeous!” Damaris surveyed the large group of attendants, the consequence of marrying into a big family. “The vintage riding outfits are pure genius.”

  April smiled. “I can’t wait to see you in yours. The green should exactly match your eyes.”

  “Which reminds me. I need to put my contacts in.” She wished she’d had them when she’d met Rory so she could have seen his magnificent self with more clarity.

  “Bouquets incoming!” Kendra brought in florist boxes, set them down and went back for the rest.

  April’s sister Leigh was the matron of honor. Ryker had chosen his Air Force buddy and business partner in Badger Air, Badger Calhoun, as his best man. Damaris was paired with groomsman and Air Force vet, Aaron Donahue, who’d recently moved to Eagles Nest to work for Badger Air. Ryker’s brothers made up the rest of the groomsmen contingent and their significant others were all bridesmaids.

  In the hubbub that followed as everyone claimed their bouquet, Damaris found a moment to speak to Kendra. “So where’s Rory?”

  Kendra looked amused. “Liked him, did you?”

  “How could I not? He’s a Scots ginger.”

  “I settled him into a bedroom so he’d have a chance to freshen up before the wedding.”

  Damaris nodded. “Good move.” Only one bedroom was available for Rory—the one next to hers. They’d be sharing the hall bathroom, too. Cozy. “Does he know that most of the guests are riding out to the meadow?”

  “I didn’t think to tell him, but we should find out whether he rides. If he does, Quinn or Jim will need to saddle another horse. Or he can just take the buckboard.”

  “I’ll bet he’ll want to ride.” A Jamie Fraser look-alike wouldn’t be caught dead taking a buckboard when he could sit astride a high-spirited horse.

  “He did arrive wearing a suitable hat. Listen, the Whine and Cheese Club will be here any minute and I still need to change clothes. Would you ask Rory if he wants a horse, and if he does, will you contact Quinn?” She pulled out her phone. “I’m texting you Quinn’s number.”

  Damaris checked her phone. “Got it. I’ll handle this. I can make sure Rory is introduced to everyone in the bridal party, too.”

  “That would be great. Thanks.”

  “Trust me, it’s not a hardship.”

  “Exactly why I asked you.” Kendra gave her a quick wink and left the room.

  Chapter Two

  Rory hadn’t packed for a wedding. He’d brought his kilt, only because he never traveled without it and his plaid, but dressing in all his Highland glory would draw too much attention. Jeans and his work boots would have to do, along with his favorite blue plaid flannel shirt. He’d brought a wool sweater, but the day was fine, especially by Scottish standards. He wouldn’t need the sweater.

  Judging from the increasing noise level in the house as he changed clothes, more folks had arrived. When he emerged, hat in hand, the place was humming. Bonnie lasses had gathered in the living room and laughter spilled from the kitchen.

  Kendra was nowhere to be seen, so he headed for the only person he recognized, Damaris th
e valedictorian. Exchanging the housecoat for a lacy green dress gave him a better idea of her curves, not that he should be letting himself notice curves on this trip, either. She wore a fancy brimmed hat that matched her dress.

  She smiled when he approached. “Hey, Rory! Kendra asked me to find out if you want to take the buckboard out to the meadow for the ceremony or ride a horse.”

  “A horse?”

  “See, I knew you’d choose that! I need to text Quinn.” She took her phone out of a hidden pocket in her skirt.

  “Right. A horse.” He knew about buckboards from the movies, too. They were used for hauling things. And people who couldn’t ride. That wasn’t him. He’d seen it done enough times. Looked easy enough.

  But his mount would be chosen by a unknown bloke named Quinn. Must be a stable hand. Should he ask for a gentle beast? Nope. That would brand him as a beginner.

  “Done.” She tucked her phone away. “We all know who you are, so let me make some introductions so you can get acquainted with everyone.”

  “I’d surely appreciate that.”

  She turned to the slender brunette in an ivory dress and hat. “We should start with the bride. April and I have been friends since kindergarten.”

  “Pleased to meet you, April.” Rory shook her hand. “Wishin’ you great happiness on your weddin’ day.”

  “Thank you.” She took his hand in both of hers. “I’m so glad you’re here. Ryker will be, too.”

  “Does he know, yet?”

  “I’m not sure. We agreed not to call or text each other today.” April glanced at Damaris. “Has anybody told him about Rory?”