Cowboys of Burton Springs Book 7
by Pam Mantovani
Genre: Holiday Romance
The holiday spirit has wrapped up a cowboy just for her, but romance isn't in her plans.
She’s all wrapped up in him . . .
Avery McClain is looking forward to her
first Christmas in Montana with her little girl. But as soon as she arrives,
she’s caught in an unexpected tug of war between two ranchers wanting to buy
the land left to her by her favorite uncle. All she wants to do is make the
holiday special for daughter. But instead, she’s overwhelmed with attempts to
pressure her into selling. And she’s uncomfortably attracted to one of the men
competing for her property.
Judson Ford wants Avery McClain’s land to
expand his horse breeding operation. He didn’t anticipate his attraction to
her, or his admiration for her courage. And her little girl is so damn cute!
Before he knows it, he’s been swept up in her Christmas spirit. Suddenly, Avery
and her daughter are filling all the empty spaces in his life.
But then, Avery is offered a job opportunity
that would mean she’d have to relocate. And Judson realizes that everything in
him is pushing him to ask her to stay and make a life—a family—with him.
Unfortunately, someone else has other ideas.
Excerpt
Chapter One
AVERY MCCLAIN didn’t cry when
she signed the divorce papers. Tears, along with regrets, had disappeared as she’d
fought her now ex-husband for what she
wanted . . .what was rightfully hers.
Since he was a prominent attorney from a long line of prominent
attorneys, it had not been an easy battle. Still, despite all his slick
tactics, all his demands, all his legal maneuvers, she’d refused to bend.
When something mattered, when it was important, she fought to keep what
had been given to her and her alone.
Timothy had argued harder and longer for the ownership of the cabin in
Montana—the cabin she’d inherited from her uncle—than he did over signing away
any and all claim to their daughter.
Walking out of the
attorney’s office, she smiled for the first time in months. A dark limo waited
at the curb. The driver nodded as he opened the door, offering a hand to
assist her inside the luxurious interior.
“You didn’t have
to do this.”
“Of course, I
did.” Londyn Fitzgerald, her college roommate, wildly popular fantasy author,
and Avery’s only constant friend, waved a hand. “What’s the point of being
famous—and very, very rich—if I can’t do something for my best friend?”
“He never even
asked about her.”
Londyn blew out a
long breath as the driver pulled into traffic. “He never deserved sweet
Brenna,” she said, naming Avery’s three-year-old daughter. “Or you.”
“Well, now he
doesn’t have either one of us.” She turned to peer through the smoke-tinted
window. “I’m going to Montana.”
“What? Why?”
“It’ll be good for
me and Brenna to have a fresh start.”
“Come to New
York.”
“I love you for
offering, but I feel like I owe it to Uncle Alex to use his cabin.” She looked
at Londyn. “Maybe I’m just being stubborn.
Maybe I’m going simply because Timothy fought so hard to take it from
me.”
“Can’t you just
picture him, sitting there in one of his three-piece suits, in a hunting
cabin?” Both women chuckled. “I’m sorry, Av,” she said. “But what the hell did
you ever see in him?”
“I was lonely. He saw that and used it for his own purposes.” She frowned. “I
won’t let something like that happen again,” she promised.
“And you think
Montana is the place to start again?”
She shrugged. “I won’t know if I don’t go.” A store sign caught her eye,
and she pointed at it.
“The Christmas
sales start earlier and earlier,” Londyn commented.
“In Montana I can give
Brenna a traditional Christmas with a real tree, snow, and the magic of Santa.
And maybe it’ll restore my faith in joy and goodness.”
“Christmas
shopping in New York could do that.”
Avery laughed,
wrapped an arm around her friend’s shoulder. “I’ll call you every week,” she
promised.
It took time. She
packed up and shipped out the few items she wanted to keep, along with giving
her new contractor time to complete necessary renovations to the cabin before
they moved in. Londyn, as only an understanding and the best of friends would
do, postponed returning to New York and completing the final installment of her
fantasy series to provide moral support. The day Avery dropped off Londyn at
the airport, she and Brenna began their cross-country trip.
She took her time
driving. After all, a three-year-old could only stand sitting in a car seat for
so long. She constantly talked to Brenna, warding off fatigue or restlessness
until they stopped, either to run off energy or take in sights along the way.
They stayed at a
quaint bed and breakfast in Tennessee, then toured the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Brenna squealed with delight while Avery got nauseous at the top of the Arch in
St. Louis. Londyn laughed when Avery told her about the experience later that
night during their weekly phone call. When road construction got in the way,
she changed routes. Crossing into Montana, beneath an eye-searing blue sky
where she spotted her first eagle, the vast landscape ranged from rugged
mountains, already topped with snow, to dense evergreen forests and more lakes
than she’d imagined.
Impatient to get to her new home, she skipped a drive through Yellowstone.
“We’ll come back,” she promised Brenna, who played with the stuffed moose she’d
become infatuated with at a truck stop.
She took time to
stop in the town of Burton Springs and pick up some basic groceries before
heading to the cabin. People nodded in that friendly smalltown way she’d come
across once or twice during her travels. This time, however, it felt different.
These would be her neighbors. Still, she rushed through her purchases and
headed out, following the directions.
At the end of a
long gravel road, she braked to a stop, shut down the engine and stared through
the windshield, taking it all in. A hundred yards away was the cabin that held
warm memories of an uncle who had welcomed her in the summers, given her the
attention and love she’d so rarely known from her parents.
“Mama,” Brenna
cried from the back seat. “Out.”
“Home,” she
corrected her daughter. “We’re home.”
“YOUR UNCLE WAS a
heck of an outdoorsman, but a lousy housekeeper,” Harley Barker said as he
signed his name to the final document.
She’d arrived in
Burton Springs two days ago and was now taking care of official business.
Harley Barker, her uncle’s attorney, was the first stop. “Whenever I visited
Uncle Alex, I always felt like I was going on a treasure hunt,” Avery recalled,
thankful that the happy memories were starting to replace her guilt for having
neglected him for so long. “I would find a bird’s nest, an old arrowhead, a
collection of elk antlers, a turtle shell he used as a bowl to hold rocks and
nuts, and, once, a bear claw.”
“The place is
cleaned and updated for you now.”
“I appreciate you
taking care of everything,” she said. The attorney had been helpful in so many
ways since he’d informed her of her uncle’s passing fourteen months earlier.
“I’m obliged to
tell you I’ve been approached by someone to inquire if you might be interested
in selling your property.”
“No, I’m not.”
“A hundred acres
of land is a big responsibility for a young woman.”
She smiled
slightly. “You mean a young woman who’s lived her entire life in a city in
Georgia?”
He paused,
glancing at the corner where Brenna talked toddler gibberish to a collection of
stuffed animals. “I mean a single mother with a young daughter.”
The reminder that
she, and she alone, was responsible for her daughter’s welfare could have
depressed her if it hadn’t been true since the day Brenna was born. Her
ex-husband hadn’t attempted to hide his
disappointment at being told he had a daughter instead of a son. His
loss, she thought now as she watched Brenna put the stuffed animals in a
basket, then laugh when she tipped it over so they spilled out. His very great
loss.
“I appreciate your
concern, Mr. Barker.”
“Harley,” he
reminded her. “It’s a generous offer, one that could give you and your daughter
a comfortable life.”
“You know how hard
I had to fight to keep this property.” He nodded. “I have fond memories of the
summers I spent here with Uncle Alex. I’m not going to dishonor his legacy by
selling it off before the ink is dry on the deed.”
“Do you have any
idea what you’re going to do with the land?”
“No, and to be
honest, I’m not entirely sure I’ll stay in Montana beyond Christmas.” She
pointed at the wall calendar a month shy of turning the page to November. “But
I am looking forward to spending the holidays here.”
“The town does it
up right. There’ll be plenty for you to do and see.”
“I look forward to
it.”
Harley stood and
offered his hand. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
AVERY WAS USED to
the stares. Although she had arrived seven weeks earlier, people in this small
and close-knit community still looked at her as if she was a stranger rather
than their newest neighbor. The bulk of those seven weeks she’d spent in the
cabin, setting up house, acclimating herself and Brenna to their new
surroundings. She’d had work deadlines to meet—she was just starting out as a
graphic designer and knew that she had a reputation to keep up—and, she smiled
a little, she’d also spent considerable time shopping for winter wardrobes.
Today, however, the stares were for a little girl who was fussy and tired. Avery
knew she was blessed with a child who willingly went down for naps. The problem
today was, with Thanksgiving two days away–she’d spotted some businesses
already starting on their Christmas decorations—Avery had needed to run
errands. And they’d taken longer than she’d anticipated. She wouldn’t be
preparing a traditional feast, or contacting a caterer to serve it for her
ex-husband’s family and associates, but she did want to make the day as special
for her and Brenna as she could.
She glanced down
into her cart. Most of the other shoppers had full ones, with the traditional
turkey, stuffing, and other assorted items for big family gatherings. Tossed
in with their discarded coats, her cart
held a box of Breanna’s preferred macaroni and cheese and a frozen
lasagna for herself. Along with a nice bottle of wine.
“Brenna . . .”
Avery rubbed a thumb on her daughter’s palm, a gesture that, since birth,
always calmed her. Her eyes, green like her father’s, were heavy with fatigue
and her full bottom lip, inherited from her mother, trembled against the urge
to cry. “Okay, sweetie, we’re going.” It would mean a trip back to the store
tomorrow, when it was likely to be a madhouse, but she would manage.
“Uh, oh. Looks
like someone missed their nap.”
Avery watched as a
man leaned down to smile at Brenna. “I know just how you feel, sweetheart. I
get cranky myself if I don’t get enough sleep.”
Maybe it was a
small town, but Avery didn’t like the idea of a stranger being so close to her
daughter. She unhooked the safety strap and lifted Brenna out of the
seat . . .then gasped in surprise when Brenna flung herself into
the man’s arms.
“I’m sorry,” Avery
said, reaching for Brenna.
“No problem.
Well,” he said, smiling as he leaned back when Brenna reached out for the brim
of his caramel-colored cowboy hat. “Maybe one. Sorry sweetheart, but no woman,
no matter how cute, gets her hands on my hat.” He removed it and tossed it into
Avery’s cart.
“She doesn’t
usually go to strangers,” Avery said, nervously.
“Then let me
introduce myself. I’m Judson, Judson Ford. I own the New Horizon Ranch.”
“’Udson.” Brenna
said, earning a chuckle from him.
He pointed a
finger at Avery. “And who’s this lovely lady?”
“Mama.”
Maybe because this
man held her precious daughter so carefully, charming her by making funny
faces and earning delighted giggles, Avery couldn’t dismiss him outright, as
she’d easily been able to do with every man who’d crossed her path in the past
year. Still, she wouldn’t let down her guard either.
Then, over her
daughter’s head, his eyes locked with hers. She felt a shock, an intense streak
of fire, race down her spine. She had no idea what had caused it, had no idea
why she’d felt it. All she knew was it wasn’t entirely sexual in nature.
“I was sorry to
hear about Alex Mitchell’s death.”
“Did you know
him?”
“Our paths crossed
from time to time, since his property borders mine.” He paused. “Since it’s
yours now, that makes us neighbors.”
“I’ll keep that in
mind in case I need a cup of sugar.”
“That and a few
other basics are about all I have in my kitchen.”
Avery glanced down
at her cart. “Maybe I should pick up some sugar to have on hand.” She smiled at
Brenna. “And for when I make Christmas c-o-o-k-i-e-s.”
“That doesn’t look
like much of a Thanksgiving feast.”
Heat rose on her
cheeks. “Brenna’s too young to have turkey, and it hardly seemed worth the
effort to cook for one,” Avery said.
“Can’t blame you
there.”
Avery watched
Judson’s gaze move over her shoulder and warmth softened the dark color of his
eyes.
“Audra,” he said,
pleasure evident in his voice.
Avery turned,
surprised to find a woman pushing a cart. Inside it were two young boys, and
another holding onto the cart handle. All three children were currently
entertained with toy cars and action figures.
“Hello, Judson.
I’m surprised to find you here.”
“Audra Montgomery,
this is Avery McClain. She’s the new owner of the property next to mind.”
“Oh, you’re Alex
Mitchell’s niece. I didn’t know him, but I’ve heard good things about him.
Welcome to Burton Springs.” Her features softened as she studied Brenna, who
now had her head lowered to Judson’s shoulder. “What a beautiful little girl
you have.” She sighed and stroked a hand over the small bump of her belly
before reaching over to snag the car her three boys fought over. It took only a
single look to stop the arguing. “I’ll be outnumbered five to one come July.”
“Carter’s a lucky
man,” Judson said.
“No,” Audra
corrected him, smiling at her three boys. “I’m the lucky one.”
“Audra and Carter
got engaged on Thanksgiving,” Judson said. “Since then, it’s become a tradition
for them to open their house to whoever wants to come.”
“Please join us,”
Audra said. She nodded at Judson, a gesture of acceptance of what he’d been
suggesting. “If you don’t, I’ll worry all day about you being alone.”
“That’s very kind
of you, and I appreciate the invitation. Really. But Brenna and I will be
fine.” She hesitated. “We’re used to being alone. And, as you can see, she
likes her nap time.”
“You talk funny.”
“Bradley,” Audra
gasped with embarrassment.
“Well, she does. I
didn’t say she sounds bad.” The boy standing at the handle hunched his
shoulders. “It’s kind of like music.”
Avery leaned forward and tapped a fingertip to his nose, when what she really
wanted to do was sweep him into her arms. “That, kind sir, is just about the
nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
“Hey,” Judson
protested. “Are you trying to steal away my reputation as the most eligible man
in town?”
“No, sir. You’re
not ‘pose to steal. Aunt Kendall will arrest you if you do.”
“My
sister-in-law,” Audra said with a chuckle. “Is a deputy sheriff.”
“Don’t pay any
attention to him. He’s just jealous because you’re so sweet,” Avery said,
grinning when the two other brothers made kissing noises. She straightened,
looked at Audra, then gave in. If she wanted to become part of the community,
she needed to participate. “What can I bring?”
“Nothing this
year. It’s your first time, and we always have plenty.”
“Enough for me to take home a leftover dish?” Judson asked.
“Or two,” Audra
agreed. She brushed a hand over Bradley’s hair.
“Really, I can’t
come empty-handed.”
“A bottle of
wine?” She looked at the boys. “Maybe something special for the kids?”
The boys piped up
with their favorites and Audra gave Avery her address before she led the boys
away to complete their shopping.
“I’ll take her
now,” Avery said to Judson, holding out her arms, only to realize Brenna had
fallen asleep.
“You don’t want to
wake her when she just fell asleep, do you?”
“And you want to
hold her?”
“It’s called being
a good neighbor.”
Avery gave in and
selected two additional bottles of wine, along with a bouquet of flowers for
Audra, before picking out the drinks the boys had mentioned. Standing behind
her as she paid for her purchases, Judson Ford kept up a conversation with the
clerk, who bounced curious glances between him and Avery. When her transaction
was complete, and her bags stored in the cart, she turned to Judson.
“I’ve got her.”
“But it’s cold outside,” Avery protested, holding up Brenna’s coat.
“I’ll keep her
warm.”
Rather than make a
scene in the front of the store, Avery said nothing and turned to push the cart
toward her vehicle.
“This time next
year, you won’t even need a coat,” Judson said beside her. She looked over to
find him studying her.
“It’s a long way
from Georgia. Or is it Alabama? Tennessee, maybe? C’mon,” he said when Avery
looked at him. “Even before Bradley said anything, you knew we could all hear
the magnolias in your voice. Or is it peaches?”
“Peaches,” she
confirmed as her lips twitched. “Atlanta to be specific.” Using her key fob,
she opened the rear hatch of her SUV and unlocked the doors before turning to
him. She had the added feature of the engine starting, and therefore the heater
going as well. “I’ll get her strapped in the car seat if you don’t mind putting
the bags in the back.”
She had a hand
slipped between Brenna’s body and his chest when she froze. It was, she
realized, the first time she’d had to make this kind of transfer. Brenna’s
father had never held his daughter, not even as an infant.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded,
completing the transfer. But she held Brenna close a moment, before moving to
place her in the car seat. It was nice to have an extra pair of hands, someone
to take care of the groceries while she settled Brenna. “Thank you,” she said
sincerely when he came to her door.
“What time should
I pick you up on Thanksgiving?”
“I appreciate the
offer, but I’d rather drive myself,” she said, clicking her seatbelt in place.
“I need to do some work that morning, and if I have my own car, I can leave if
Brenna gets cranky.”
He stepped back.
“Okay. See you then.”
Hours later, after
dinner, bath, and cuddle time with Brenna before she fell asleep, Avery poured
a glass of wine and thought back over the day. A part of her questioned how
she’d allowed herself to be railroaded into spending Thanksgiving Day with
strangers but another part of her had been warmed by the invitation. Besides,
how could she deny the sweetness of having a small boy tell her that she
sounded like music when she talked?
There’d been
little sweet about Judson Ford. Oh, he’d been charming, but there’d also been a
sharpness and intensity beneath that public layer. It reminded her, painfully,
of why she was in Montana. She recalled Thomas’ pursuit of her back when they’d
been dating. At the time, it had been flattering to be the center of his
attention.
Then again, Judson
had made no effort to change her mind when she insisted on driving to the
Montgomery ranch on Thanksgiving.
She roamed the
central room, with an unobstructed view of the eating area and kitchen. The
master bedroom and bath were on the other side of the cabin, with two remaining
bedrooms, split by a bathroom, lining the rear of the house. A wide deck, now
covered in a foot of snow, extended the front length of the house and would be
a great place to sit outside in warmer months. Maybe she’d speak to Jessica
Thorne, the woman who’d handled the renovations, about building a swing set for
Brenna. And a rocker for herself.
It was a far
different, more updated version of the house she’d stayed in while visiting her
uncle. But the house had just been somewhere to be when they couldn’t be
outdoors. She’d had a different freedom here than at home. There had been so
much to explore and discover. Uncle Alex had shown limitless patience as he
taught her about the environment and respect for the wildlife.
He'd laughed with
delight when she’d caught her first fish, had beamed with satisfaction when he
taught her how to select and cut a thick branch to make into a hiking stick.
She recalled the two of them sitting on the back porch, juice running down
their chins from the first freshly picked tomato they’d grown together. He’d
never been too busy to answer questions or explain something to her. He’d given
her the attention her own parents had been too interested in their careers to
offer.
She vowed Brenna
would never doubt her mother’s love.
Taking her wine
with her, she went into the bedroom she’d set
up as an office. She’d take her mind off disappointments, heartache,
and the surprising attraction to Judson Ford by concentrating on work. If she
succeeded in winning the graphic design contract for a national cookie company,
it could make all the difference in the world for her and Brenna. Not only
would it give her more financial security, but it would ensure she could keep
working from home and always be available for Brenna.
Whether home ended
up being here or somewhere else was a question to be answered later.
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About the Author
An author of passionate, emotional romances with heart, Pam loves
crafting stories about independent women and men who discover the thrill and
joy of falling in love. After years of moving as both an Army Brat and
corporate wife, Pam and her craftsman husband settled in Atlanta, close to
family and friends. When not writing, Pam enjoys quilting, planting beautiful
flowers, home improvement projects and spending time with her wonderful family.
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3041797.Pam_Mantovani
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