Czytaj książkę: «The Browards of Montana»

Chapter 1

Wesley Broward groaned loudly as he flung his right hand toward his shrilly ringing alarm clock. The sun wasn’t up yet, but the small town of Granger, Montana, was already coming alive as cowboys working cattle on the BWB Ranch rode out to pasture to begin the day’s work.

Getting up at 4:00 a.m. every morning to saddle a horse and trot off across the prairie was not for everybody—it definitely was not Wesley’s idea of a great way to start his day. But for most cowboys it was the norm—an important part of the job they cherished.

With another groan of protest, Wesley propelled himself out of bed and padded barefoot into the bathroom. A pair of tired brown eyes stared back as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He brushed his teeth and then fingered his neat goatee before jumping into the shower.

Fifteen minutes later, he was dressed in a pair of faded denims, a crisp plaid shirt and cowboy boots. Wesley headed out to the main house, where his parents and grandfather lived. He was on his way to join the rest of the family for breakfast. Wesley and his siblings, Jameson and Laney, often had their meals in the main house, although they all lived on the ranch.

His parents, Steven and Gwendolyn, flourished in thirty-four years of marriage, despite town gossip that theirs was an arranged marriage, a merger between two wealthy families. Even though his parents had an unconventional courtship and marriage, they truly loved and respected one another. They shared something he had never experienced with most of the women he dated—complete and total honesty. There was always some hidden agenda.

His mother’s family—the Webbs—had made its fortune breeding rare stallions. When the two families were joined, Steven and Gwendolyn Webb Broward became the two largest landowners in the state. Wesley reasoned that his parents’ marriage was so successful because Gwendolyn was wealthy in her own right. She and Steven were equals.

Just as Wesley entered through the front door of his parents’ home, he heard a familiar voice holler, “Come and get it.”

Amused, Wesley broke into a grin as he quickly made his way to the dining room. The cook, Rusty, had been whipping up meals for cowboys for nearly twenty years. Rusty recently celebrated his fourth year with the Broward family. His culinary skills were in high demand, and Wesley was grateful that the sixty-something-year-old man had decided to work for his family.

“Morning, y’all,” Wesley greeted as he sat down across from his sister, Laney.

“Good morning, dear,” his mother responded with a warm smile. “Rusty made all your favorites this morning.”

Wesley grinned. “It’s a good thing I brought my appetite.”

He picked up a plate and loaded it with Rusty’s famous sausage, egg and cheese casserole, three slices of bacon, assorted fruit and a biscuit.

“Laney and I are driving into town later this afternoon,” Gwendolyn announced as she reached for her water glass. “We need to pick up our dresses for tomorrow night’s gala. Have you boys picked up your tuxedoes yet?” She took a sip of ice water.

“I brought mine home last Saturday,” Jameson announced as he slathered butter on a biscuit.

“I’ll grab my tux and Dad’s later this afternoon,” Wesley stated. “Grandpa said that he’s wearing the same one he bought last year.” His gaze traveled to where Charles Broward sat—on one end of the table while his son, Wesley’s father, sat at the head.

“I sure am,” Charles confirmed. “It’s clean...looks good as new. I’m not spending money on another tux. Y’all can bury me in it as far as I’m concerned. I intend to get my money’s worth.”

Wesley laughed as he helped himself to another biscuit. He loved his grandfather’s sense of humor and his zest for life. At the age of eighty-four, Charles Broward was still in good health and enjoyed running cattle every now and then.

“Mama, I hope you can maneuver around all of the tourists,” Jameson said. “Granger’s not been the same since Laney brought home that gold medal.”

Wesley felt a thread of pride snake down his spine at the mention of his sister’s name. Laney was skilled in three-day eventing, a grueling sport that combined the disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross-country, which recently earned her a gold medal in the summer Olympic Games. “I think it’s a good thing,” Gwendolyn responded. “Tourism has certainly picked up.”

Wesley agreed. More and more visitors were flocking to the town every day, including celebrities.

Although some said that the town was a mile from heaven, it was in reality located about one hundred miles north of the capital city. Granger had a population of two thousand. The only reason anyone had ever heard of Granger was because of his family’s financial standing. The Broward family was named the wealthiest ranchers in the state of Montana.

Gwendolyn wiped her mouth on the edge of her napkin. “Granger is a beautiful place to live and raise a family. The town has a rich history and much more to offer. It’s a hidden gem, in my opinion.”

He studied his mother for a moment. She was gentle, serenely wise and beautiful. She was also one of the top horse breeders in the country.

Gwendolyn met his gaze and smiled warmly. “Mayor Thorne told me that business has been booming for downtown Granger. Even our local grocery store is experiencing a boom in business. Laney’s success as an Olympian has contributed to Granger’s long-term economic stability.”

Frowning into his glass of orange juice, Jameson uttered, “I can’t believe you’re okay with a bunch of strangers coming into town and corrupting everything our community has built here.”

“Stop being so negative, Jameson,” Laney interjected, a hint of irritation in her voice. “This is a good thing. Mama is right. Tourism is a good thing because it brings in money for the town. I certainly don’t see anything wrong with that.”

“I don’t, either,” Charles stated. “Now, what I don’t like is the sudden influx of celebrities coming to Granger and wanting to turn it into some type of playground for the rich and famous. I heard some singer wanted to buy the Triple K Ranch and remodel it into some fancy mansion.”

“They were talking about it on the news last night,” Wesley contributed. “It’s not going to happen though. The owners have decided not to sell the place.”

“Good,” Jameson stated.

“Tomorrow is the big night,” Charles announced. “The annual Cowboy Auction.” His gaze traveled over to his grandson, and he said, “Wes, I’m sure you’re gonna bring in a pretty penny. You being the ‘Most Eligible Rancher’ and all.”

“Grandpa, I wouldn’t even participate if it wasn’t for charity,” Wes responded smoothly, keeping his face void of emotion. His family cosponsored the annual gala fundraiser for the Granger Farmland Preservation Society.

“You and Jameson usually bring in the most money,” Gwendolyn interjected. “The Granger Farmland Preservation Society appreciates all you do for the fundraiser.”

Jameson grunted in response.

She released a soft sigh. “I know how much you all hate participating in the auction, but can you please remember that this is for charity?”

“I’m actually thinking about putting myself on the auction block,” Charles announced. “I’m pretty sure I can still fetch a dollar or two.”

Wesley laughed. It had been three years since the death of his grandmother May. He knew that his grandfather was lonely and some female companionship might be just what he needed, even for one night.

“Maybe you should, Grandpa. Jameson and I will need some stiff competition tomorrow night.”

“Actually, Grandpa, you should participate in the auction,” Jameson agreed. “Then I can sit this one out.”

His mother shook her head. “There’s room for all three of you. Jameson, why do we have to go through this every year?”

“I know it’s for charity, Mom,” he said, “but I hate being on display like a piece of meat.”

Wesley stole a glance at his mother, who was silently studying his sister. He noted the intense but secret expression on Laney’s face. Something was going on with her—something she was not ready to share with any of them.

“You’re awfully quiet, Laney,” Gwendolyn stated. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

It was apparent to Wesley that his mother was not convinced. “Why don’t you go out for a morning ride? It might lift your mood,” he suggested.

In truth, he was not convinced, either. “I’ll ride with you,” Wesley offered. Maybe if it were just the two of them, Laney might open up to him.

“Thanks, Wes, but I really don’t feel like riding,” Laney responded as she rose to her feet. “I think I’ll just go down to the office. I need to check on the medical supplies and see what needs to be replenished. I know that we are out of some stuff.”

“What’s going on with Laney?” Wesley inquired after she left the room. “She hasn’t seemed like herself in days.” In fact, he thought Laney looked a little pale.

Jameson agreed. “I’ve noticed it, too. Maybe it’s because she’s no longer in the limelight as much. She could be going through a sort of media withdrawal.”

“I don’t think that’s what it is,” Gwendolyn stated. “But I know my daughter. Something is bothering her.”

He had never seen Laney look so troubled. Wesley had no idea what was going on with his sister, but he intended to find out.

* * *

Lydia LaSalle...LaSalle...she repeated over and over in her mind. Her feet slowed as she neared the front desk of the hotel.

“Hello, my name is Lydia LaSalle and I have a reservation.” Her voice sounded a pitch higher than she would have liked.

The hotel clerk, a young woman, glanced up from the computer monitor, smiling warmly. “Welcome to the Granger Hotel, Miss LaSalle.”

Lydia set her iPhone on the counter and pulled a wallet out of her purse.

“We’ve reserved the Emerald Suite for you.”

She smiled. “Thank you.” Lydia relaxed as she accepted the room key from the clerk. She worried that the fake driver’s license would not pass the woman’s scrutiny, but everything was working according to plan.

“I hope you will find your stay with us an enjoyable one,” the front-desk clerk said.

“I’m sure I will,” Lydia responded. She put away her wallet as she walked toward the elevators.

“Miss LaSalle...”

It took a moment for Lydia to remember that the woman was addressing her. She turned around to find the desk clerk holding up her cell phone. She had been caught off guard—something Lydia could not allow to happen again.

“Oh, my goodness,” she murmured. “Thanks so much. I would be completely lost without my phone.”

She had checked in the hotel as Lydia LaSalle but her real name was Lydia Emerson. As far as the people in this small town were concerned, she was a wealthy heiress on vacation.

Lydia tipped the bellhop twenty dollars after he set the three pieces of designer luggage inside her suite. She had just recently arrived in town, but she had a to-do list a mile long.

As soon as she was alone in the suite, Lydia ran into the bedroom and dived into the king-size bed.

“Ooh...this feels wonderful.” Although she traveled a lot, Lydia had never stayed in a room as extravagant as this one, which was decorated in rich jewel-tone colors and dark mahogany.

“Okay, enough being silly,” she whispered. “I have a lot to do, so I need to get unpacked.”

She picked up a suitcase.

“Ow!”

She hopped on her left foot and clutched at the bruised toes on her right one. Shooting a furious glare at the bolted-down table, Lydia limped her way over to the king-size bed.

She laid the suitcase down on the bed.

With her aching toes throbbing in concert with her beating heart, Lydia opened it and began removing the contents.

She moved forward, encountering the average-size walk-in closet. Lydia hung up the gown she’d planned to wear to the upcoming charity function. She had only dreamed of wearing a couture creation like this and never expected it to come true.

After unpacking, Lydia sat down on the edge of her bed. She picked up her cell phone and dialed.

“Hey, girl...”

She smiled at the sound of her best friend’s voice. “Jasmine, I just wanted to let you know that I made it to Granger.” They’d met during Lydia’s first week in Los Angeles and had become fast friends.

“I can’t believe you’re in Montana. With your job, I figured you’d be taking trips to places like Europe or some exotic island.”

“Not this time around.”

“Take lots of pictures for me. I doubt I’ll ever visit Montana.”

Lydia laughed. “It’s actually quite pretty here. The mountains, the lakes and miles of gorgeous blue sky.”

“Really? Maybe I should come visit.”

“You’d be bored after a couple of days, Jasmine. While it’s beautiful here, there is nothing but a bunch of ranches, cattle and cowboys—none of which is of interest to you.”

“You’re right,” her friend responded. “I really don’t know how you’re going to survive these next few weeks. You’re a city girl.”

“I’ll manage,” Lydia responded with a chuckle. “I’m sure I’ll have enough work to keep me busy.”

“Well, make sure to try and have some fun. Don’t work too hard.”

Lydia laughed. “And you get some work done. Cut back on the fun.”

She hung up with Jasmine and called her mother next.

As expected, the call went to voice mail. “Mama, I just wanted you to know that I’m in Montana for business. I’m going to be here for a few weeks. Call me when you get a minute.” Her mother worked odd hours at the post office in Syracuse, her hometown. She hoped to make enough money one day to convince her mother to retire. The woman had worked hard all of her life. Lydia wanted her mother to take a moment to relax.

Lydia decided to have lunch delivered to her room.

While she waited for her food to arrive, Lydia sat down on the sofa and pulled a folder out of her leather tote.

A photograph fell into her lap.

Wesley Broward was a very handsome man, indeed. Thirty years old and single, although it was rumored that he had left a string of broken hearts all over the Mountain States. Lydia could clearly understand why women were so drawn to him—those sexy brown eyes and smooth complexion except for the neatly trimmed mustache and goatee. According to her notes, he stood six feet tall and was well-fit and muscular. Lydia knew that Wesley wasn’t much of a society man, but someone with his wealth could not completely escape the attention of gossip columns and news magazines.

She was looking forward to meeting the Broward family, but Lydia was especially excited at the prospect of getting to know Wesley. Her eyes traveled to his face.

It was so easy to get lost in those intense eyes of his, she cautioned herself. Lydia reminded herself that she was not in Granger to fall in love with a cowboy. As soon as her work was finished, Lydia intended to return to Los Angeles.

* * *

Wesley strolled outside after everyone had finished eating breakfast. It was time to get his day started. He paused on the porch, allowing the subtle warmth from the morning sun to embrace him.

“I guess you’ll be adding another broken heart to your list after tomorrow night,” Jameson said as he stood beside Wesley.

“Actually, I have no intentions of getting involved with my date. It’s too much trouble,” he responded. “What about you? Women in Granger have been trying to tie you down for years.”

“Not for the right reasons,” Jameson said. His lips curved upward. “And I have enough sense to leave it at one date. But then again, no one has ever tossed their underwear onstage to me.”

Recalling the incident, Wesley burst into laughter. “I forgot all about that. The auction last year did get a little wild. That auction was the cowboy’s equivalent of a rock concert. I felt like a rock star.”

Jameson chuckled. “All right, Rock Star...let’s get our horses and take a ride.”

They made their way to the stables and quickly saddled their horses.

Minutes later, the cool, April morning stillness was punctured by the slapping of saddle leather, the jingling of spurs and the rhythmic beat of horses’ hooves on the soft ground as Wesley and Jameson rode their horses down the road toward the pasture where the workers had taken the cattle to graze.

“I’m going to ride around the perimeter,” Wesley stated. He usually performed a check every other day to make sure there were no broken or stretched wires, broken posts, fallen trees or branches on the fence line.

There was a time when he was excited to be outside with the cattle, but things had changed lately. He was restless.

Ranching was in his blood. Wesley was born into the lifestyle, but there was a longing—a longing to try something new. He just had no idea what he wanted to do. It wasn’t what he considered a burning desire, but an itch to explore the possibilities was severe enough to stay in the forefront of his mind.

His mother considered his restlessness as a sign to settle down with a wife and have a family of his own. Wesley wasn’t exactly opposed to the idea of marriage; it was finding the right woman that presented a challenge. He had already decided that he would have to look outside Granger for a wife. Most of the women he had come in contact with seemed to have more of an interest in the family wealth than in him. His parents were both well-off when they met and married. Wesley believed he would have to find a woman who already had financial security to take as his mate.

He valued honesty above all other qualities. The rumor mill had him painted as a ladies’ man, but while he enjoyed the attention of women, he had no patience when it came to manipulation and deceit.

* * *

Lydia turned around slowly as she eyed her reflection in the full-length mirror. The dress really was gorgeous and cost more than what she made in a month. Thankfully, she had not been the one to foot the bill for it.

In keeping her true identity a secret, it was important that she dress the part, as well. She was about to mingle with some of Montana’s wealthiest residents. Lydia inhaled deeply, and then exhaled.

Please don’t let me make a fool of myself, she prayed.

This should be easy, Lydia silently reasoned. After all, she had been pretending most of her life. Her father left when she was young and appeared sporadically throughout her teen years. The story Lydia told to her friends growing up was that his absence was because he worked overseas. No one ever knew how hard it was for Lydia and her mother to make ends meet.

At one point, her mother worked two jobs, leaving Lydia to fend for herself. When she started high school, her mother landed employment with the post office where she was now a supervisor.

Lydia shook away thoughts of the past. She wanted only to focus on the present, and right now she had a gala to attend.

She grabbed her clutch purse and made her way downstairs to the ballroom where the gala was being held.

Shortly after Lydia’s arrival, Wesley strolled into the ballroom alongside his brother, causing a stir among the ladies in attendance.

She was careful to stay out of sight. Lydia wanted a chance to observe Wesley without his knowledge.

He was very handsome, and from his body language, it was obvious that Wesley knew that he looked good.

He was well aware of the magnetism he exuded. Lydia was sure of it. She was by no means blinded by his appeal, but such an attraction could prove disastrous. Lydia was determined to do exactly what she came to do—nothing more. The last thing she intended to do was get involved with a cowboy. She couldn’t imagine anything they would have in common.

She took note of his parents when they arrived with daughter Laney. The Browards were a stunning family. Steven stood tall like his sons; he was bald with a graying beard. His wife, Gwendolyn, was a tall woman with a medium brown complexion and intelligent eyes that missed nothing. Wesley’s sister had an athletic build, although she moved about gracefully. She wore her long brown hair straight.

The patriarch, Charles Broward, entered the room within minutes of the rest of the family, smiling and even flirting with a few of the women. He was still a handsome man with distinctive blue eyes despite his advanced age.

Lydia noticed a couple of females staring in her direction and whispering. Most likely, they were discussing her. After all, she was the interloper. She supposed this was due to Granger being a small town with a population of about two thousand.

She lifted her chin, meeting their curious gazes straight on. Lydia gave them a tiny smile before walking toward the bar. Lydia caught sight of Wesley coming toward her and quickly changed directions. She was not ready for him to take notice of her.

“Your dress is stunning,” a young woman complimented. She was standing directly in Lydia’s path.

“Thank you. I love the color of your gown,” Lydia responded with a smile. “That shade of blue is a favorite of mine.” After a brief pause, she added, “Hi, I’m Lydia.”

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Maggie. Welcome to Granger.”

“I suppose in a town this size, everyone knows everybody.”

Maggie nodded. “You’re absolutely right, honey. We can spot an outsider as soon as they step across the city limits. If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you to Granger?”

“A few months ago, I came across an article on the town and decided it would be the perfect place to visit,” Lydia stated. “I’ve always wanted to see Montana.”

“Since Laney Broward won a gold medal at the Olympics, we have had a flood of folks from all over. Some come to visit and end up staying. I think it’s wonderful. This town can use some new blood, if you ask me.” Maggie took her by the arm. “C’mon over here, honey. Let me introduce you around. Maybe that way the folks will stop staring you down. We’re a curious bunch here in Granger.”

Lydia chuckled.

They moved about the room, pausing here and there so that Maggie could introduce her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met people who were so warm and welcoming,” Lydia said.

Maggie led the way to where a group of important-looking attendees were standing. Lydia glanced over her shoulder, searching for Wesley. She found him standing near the buffet table with two other men.

Their gazes met and locked.

After what seemed like an eternity, Lydia turned her attention back to Maggie.

“Where are you from?”

“Los Angeles,” Lydia replied. She stole a glance to where she last saw Wesley. Lydia’s eyes traveled the room, searching when he was no longer there. She found him sitting down at a table with his sister. The two appeared deep in conversation.

At the sound of her name, Lydia pasted on a smile as Maggie continued to make introductions.

As they neared the table where the Broward family was sitting, Lydia released a soft sigh. It seemed the men had decided to leave the table for whatever reason.

“Hey, y’all,” Maggie uttered in greeting. “I want to introduce you to Lydia. She’s visiting our lil’ town.”

Gwendolyn smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you, dear.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well,” Lydia responded. She turned her attention to Laney and said, “Congratulations on winning the gold.”

“Thank you,” Laney murmured. “I hope you’ll enjoy Granger.”

“I’m sure I will. It’s so beautiful here.”

Lydia was glad when they moved on to the next table. Maggie was intent on her meeting everyone at the fundraiser, it seemed.

“Oh, the auction is about to start,” Maggie said. “We should take our seats.”

“Thanks for the introductions,” Lydia told her. “I appreciate it.”

“Happy to do it,” Maggie responded with a smile. “I’ll catch up with you after the auction.”

Lydia walked quickly, her heels tapping a steady rhythm across the dance floor.

The moment she had been waiting for all night long had finally arrived.

Lydia was ready.