A Cowboy’s Destiny: The McGavin Brothers Read online

  A COWBOY’S DESTINY

  THE MCGAVIN BROTHERS

  VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON

  A COWBOY’S DESTINY

  Copyright © 2019 by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  ISBN: 978-1-946759-66-5

  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

  Chapter 29

  Epilogue

  But Wait, There’s More!

  Also by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  About the Author

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Bloody hell, Rory, you don’t need to buy me a Stetson.” Aleck had been debating the point with his brother ever since leaving the airport in Bozeman. He’d been trained to argue effectively and was currently earning a living with that skill.

  Despite that, he’d made no headway with Rory, who’d just pulled up in front of a clothing shop on Main Street. Like every other establishment in Eagles Nest, it was decorated with flags and bunting for the town’s upcoming Independence Day celebration.

  He glanced at his brother. “You are one bull-headed Scotsman.”

  Rory grinned as he turned off the motor of his pickup truck. “It’s not like you’d be just findin’ that out.”

  He sighed. “Nay.”

  “I’m tellin’ you, it makes a difference. Everybody wears them around here. Clamp one on your head and you’ll feel like you’re a part of the community.”

  “But I’m not a part of the community. I’m goin’ home in four days. Makes no sense for you to buy me a hat I’ll never wear again.”

  “It’ll shade your eyes. The sun’s bright here.”

  “I have these.” He gestured toward his sunglasses.

  “They make you look like a city bloke.”

  “I am a city bloke. Why pretend I’m somethin’ different?”

  Rory shoved back his cowboy hat, which showed signs of wear and tear from daily use. “I’m not suggestin’ that. But what’s the harm in fallin’ in with the local customs? And I can guarantee you’ll enjoy the look and feel of a Stetson. It has gravitas.”

  “Gravitas?” Aleck laughed.

  “Aye. Like the cowboys in those old movies we used to watch—John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen.”

  “You watched ’em more than me.”

  “But you know what I’m talkin’ about.” He opened his door. “Besides, you’ll need a Stetson when we walk into the Guzzlin’ Grizzly for a pint. A hat is part of the GG dress code.”

  “Aye, right.” He rolled his eyes.

  “That might be stretchin’ it a bit, but…come on in and try one. Won’t kill you.”

  “I’ll take a look, but if I decide to buy one, I’ll pay for it, not you.”

  “We’ve been over this. Buyin’ you this hat is my way of thankin’ you for all you’ve done.”

  Aleck met his brother’s gaze. Clearly this purchase was important to him. “All right.” He opened his door and climbed out.

  “You could also look at some boots while we’re here.” Rory crossed the sidewalk, opened the door, and held it for him.

  “I don’t think so.” As he stepped inside, the scent of leather and pressed cotton stirred a memory, their ma taking them to buy school clothes. Hadn’t shopped with his brother since then.

  Rory turned left toward the men’s section and a display of Western hats on the far wall. “I recommend you get a black one.”

  “Don’t the bad guys wear those?” He tucked his sunglasses in his shirt pocket.

  “Used to in the movies, but white is impractical for a working cowhand.”

  “Which I’m not.” But his brother sure did look the part as he studied the choices, his thumbs hooked in the belt loops of his jeans. He’d taken to this life as if he’d been born to it.

  He rocked back on the heels of his boots, which were polished, but creased from constant use. “Most everybody wears brown or black unless they go for a summer straw.”

  So far no sales clerk had come hurrying over, eager to help. Unusual. “It’s summer, so maybe I should—”

  “Not for your first hat.”

  “My only hat.”

  “You never know. You might fall in love with the way it looks and decide to get another in brown.”

  “I sincerely doubt it.”

  “You say that now.” Rory plucked a black one off the display, holding it by the crown. “But wait until you see yourself in this beauty.”

  Aleck sighed, took the felt hat and settled it on his head. Saints alive, the thing fit perfectly. That never happened to him. He glanced at Rory, who was sporting his I told you so expression. “Lucky grab on your part.”

  “I might have come in here yesterday to check out the hats. We wear the same size.”

  Aleck examined the rough-hewn wall in front of them. A wee bit of green tape was stuck right below where this hat had hung. “Did you ask the sales staff to back off and leave this operation to you?”

  His brother shrugged. “I know you better than they do.”

  “So what do you think?”

  “See for yourself.” Rory pointed out a full-length mirror in the back corner.

  Aleck turned and started toward it. Then he paused, disconcerted by the image. Who was that bloke? Couldn’t be him. Except the guy was wearing his shirt and jeans. He stared in the mirror. A cowboy stared back.

  “Tug on the brim in front, bring it a wee bit lower.”

  He did as Rory suggested. Damned if it didn’t make him look mysterious. He’d never looked mysterious in his life. He didn’t now, either. His shoes took the mystery right out of the picture.

  “If you’re lookin’ at those trainers and thinkin’ you need to switch them out for boots, you would be right. Oh, and over here trainers are called runnin’ shoes.”

  “Let me guess. Cowboys never wear ’em.”

  “Only if they’re doin’ somethin’ that requires a lot of runnin’. Otherwise it’s boots all the way.”

  “I see where this is headin’. The hat leads to boots which leads to...” He glanced at Rory. “I’m not cowboy material. If that’s where you’re goin’ with this, then—”

  “Didn’t say you were, but since you’re gettin’ the hat, let me treat you to a nice pair of boots.”

  Aleck held up both hands. “No, I accepted the hat, but I’ll pay for the boots.”

  “I’m gainfully employed brewin’ beer and workin’
for Aunt Kendra on the side. I can afford it.” He sounded proud of the fact that he could do this for his big brother.

  Which meant accepting his offer was the only choice. “Then thank you. Much appreciated. Once I put on the hat, I look like a numptie in these trainers.”

  “Exactly. Do you still wear the same size?”

  “Yes, and I…did you preselect my boots, too?”

  “Just in case you agreed to it. Didn’t want to waste too much time here.”

  Twenty minutes later Aleck left the store, his boot heels hitting the wooden floor with authority. Boots announced his presence in a way trainers couldn’t. They had…gravitas. He smiled. Rory might have a point, there.

  “Watch you don’t knock off your hat when you get in the truck.”

  “Probably better to take it off.”

  “Some do. I like wearin’ mine. When I bought the truck, I made sure I had enough headroom for my hat.”

  Aleck took his off and climbed into the passenger seat. Then he put it back on. The crown didn’t touch the headliner. “Evidently those old cowboy movies had quite an effect on you.”

  “Didn’t realize how much until I arrived at Wild Creek Ranch. It looks like a movie set except it’s real.”

  “Sounds like you’re happy, then.”

  “Aye. More than I’ve ever been in my life. Not that I don’t miss everybody. I do. I’ll visit when I can manage it. I want Damaris to come with me.”

  “Ma and Da will love hearin’ that. You obviously made the right choice, decidin’ to live over here, but it’s weird not havin’ you around. I find myself pickin’ up my phone to see if you want to go for a pint. Then I remember you’re gone.”

  “I miss you, too.” He pulled into the parking lot of a two-story, rustic saloon. “Like I said, I’ll visit when I can.”

  “Let’s hope it’s soon.” He glanced out the window. “So this is the famous Guzzlin’ Grizzly?”

  “This is it. The bar’s been here forever, but it’s been upgraded over the years. That said, nobody considered addin’ a brewery until I came along. Luckily the property’s big enough, so they pushed out the back wall and McGavin brewery became a reality.”

  “That’s fast work, little brother.”

  Rory switched off the engine and turned to him. “It wasn’t all my doin’. When the town throws its support behind a project, miracles happen. You’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “But you still had to produce those recipes practically overnight.”

  “After all those frustratin’ months workin’ in a bloody warehouse, I was ready. I was on fire to create somethin’ special. I worked night and day.”

  “What about Damaris?”

  “She was with me all the way. The woman’s brilliant. It’s not her field, but she caught on quick and we were a team. We’d work for hours, fall into bed, exhausted, and make love.”

  “She’s truly your soul mate, then?”

  “Aye. And I’m hers.”

  “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “She can’t wait to meet you, either, but she thought I should come alone so we’d have time to catch up. Stoppin’ at the GG is part of that. By the way, Michael’s expectin’ us.”

  “He’s the bloke who co-owns this place with our cousin Bryce?”

  “Aye.”

  “Does he know about your campaign to get me into a hat and boots?”

  “I might have said somethin’ to him.”

  “I see. More was ridin’ on this than I thought.” He was doubly glad he’d gone along with it. Rory would have lost face if he hadn’t. “Anybody else in there in on it?”

  “I said somethin’ to Tansy.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “One of the bartenders. A good friend. Oh, and Jenny heard about it. She’s our top server. Might remind you a wee bit of Ma. She told Ellen, who’s second in command to Jenny.”

  “Why was everybody so interested?”

  “Wagers were involved.”

  “Were they, now?”

  “Folks around here enjoy a friendly wager now and then.”

  “I don’t mind one, myself. Do you know which way folks bet?”

  “Last I heard, Jenny and Ellen thought I’d succeed. Michael and Tansy went the other way. Tansy was the most vocal. She didn’t think I had a snowball’s chance in hell of talkin’ you into it.”

  “Based on what? She doesn’t know me.”

  “She knows you’re a solicitor and she figured a lawyer wouldn’t go for somethin’ so illogical.”

  “Sound reasonin’. And for the record, it’s not logical, but—”

  “It vastly improves your look.”

  “Are you sayin’ I have gravitas?”

  “Aye.” Rory nodded, his expression solemn except for the twinkle in his eyes. “That you do, laddie.”

  “Your head’s full o’ mince.” Laughing, he climbed out of the truck. But as he crossed the parking lot beside his brother, he lengthened his stride, squared his shoulders and lifted his chin.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Although Monday afternoons were typically slow at the GG, all the flags and bunting around town must have put Eagles Nesters in a celebratory mood. Customers kept Tansy and Jenny hopping. As the only server on duty, Jenny scurried among the tables taking orders old school with paper and pen. The WiFi was down and the electronic order tablets were useless.

  Despite hustling to fill orders, Tansy managed to keep an eye on the front door. Rory and his brother could arrive any minute. Money was on the line and the odds were in her favor.

  Rory had admitted Aleck wasn’t eager to take up riding and roping. He was here to see his brother and meet his relatives, not dive into the cowboy way of life. Besides, he’d be leaving in four days.

  Therefore, she and Michael, co-owner of the GG, would split the pot. Jenny and Ellen, who’d made a sentimental bet that Rory would prevail stood to lose their ten bucks.

  Or not. The front door opened and Rory sauntered in looking pleased as punch, followed by a broad-shouldered dude wearing a Stetson. And boots!

  How could she have been so wrong? Either Rory was more persuasive than she’d given him credit for, or his brother had abandoned logic to please his little brother. She was going with option two, which gave Aleck McGavin a whole bunch of points in her book.

  He looked damned good in the hat, too. Jenny hurried over to welcome him to the GG and he took it off, revealing wavy brown hair that hadn’t had time to be imprinted by the hat.

  He ran his fingers through it and said something that made Jenny laugh. The words were indistinct but the brogue came through. Tansy was a sucker for a good Scottish brogue.

  Jenny escorted Aleck and Rory to the bar. “Our Scottish visitor prefers a bar stool to a table, Tansy, so he’s all yours.”

  Fine with me. She gazed into smiling green eyes. “Welcome to Eagles Nest, Aleck.”

  “Thank you kindly, lass.” He’d put his hat back on, likely because Rory or Jenny had said that was GG protocol.

  “Love your accent.”

  “Love yours, too.” He nudged back his hat and a lock of hair escaped, making him look rakish. “Boston, aye?”

  “Good ear. What can I do for you?”

  “Two pints of McGavin’s pale ale, please. One for me and one for my brother.”

  The soft burr in his voice warmed her all over. “Anything else?”

  “Not for me.” He turned to Rory. “But if you want somethin’ to eat…”

  “No, thanks. I’m savin’ up for the big family feast at the ranch tonight.”

  “Then I’ll get your drafts.” Tansy had looked forward to the moment when Aleck tasted Rory’s signature brew. She picked up two logo mugs, filled them slowly with shimmering gold liquid and topped them off with a perfect head of ivory foam. Placing them gently on a GG coaster, she stepped back.

  “Hey, now, those deserve a picture.” Aleck pulled out his phone.

  Jenny was headed over with more orde
rs, but Tansy had a minute to spare. “Let me take one of the two of you.”

  “Even better.” Aleck handed her the phone. “I’ll send it to Ma and Da.”

  “Pick up the mugs like you’re doing a toast.”

  “Good idea.”

  She snapped a picture as both men lifted their beer.

  Aleck started to take a drink and paused. “I should do a proper toast. This is historic.” He raised his mug in Rory’s direction.

  “Hang on a sec.” Tansy looked back at Jenny standing beside the bar. “Be right with you. I need to video this.”

  Jenny nodded. “Go for it.”

  “Okay, Aleck. You’re on.” She tapped the button.

  He sent her a quick smile and faced Rory. “To my talented brother and the noble brew he created, one that proudly bears the McGavin name. Slainte Mhor.”

  Rory grinned. “You haven’t even tasted it, yet. Could be mingin’.”

  “Not if you made it.” He took a sip. “Ahhh. Nectar of the gods.”

  Tansy hit the stop button. “Perfect.” She returned the phone.

  “Thanks, lass.”

  “You’re most welcome.” She took the orders from Jenny, grabbed glasses and began mixing drinks.

  “Sending it to Ma and Da now. It’s ten there, so they might be in bed, but likely not yet. They’ll want to see this.”