Frontier Cowboy: Northwoods, #3

By Paisley Kirkpatrick

A secret consumes Diana Bordain's life and sends her running from a certain death. She changes her identity and appearance to fit into her grandfather's world of trapping and trading.

Jory MacGregor swears an angel with a whip saved his life. He needs to learn her identity and discover why he's captivated by a woman who cries over a wolf's death.

Bounty hunters searching for the runaway heiress send them into hiding. Diana realizes the only way to find peace is to face her father and stop him from carrying out his threats.

Jory hopes his love is enough to convince Diana to trust in him before her memories drive her back into hiding with only her wolves and leaving him to yearn for a love he can never have.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paisley Kirkpatrick
• Release date: Mar 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386721260

Paisley Kirkpatrick

Drawing from her family history and a healthy imagination, Paisley Kirkpatrick kicked off a wild ride down a dusty trail with Marriage Bargain. It would be the first of many adventures during a time when men were men, and women knew how to put them in their place. Writing is in her blood, so it came as no surprise when she followed in the family footsteps. Her great, great grandfather kept a journal while traveling on a wagon train from Missouri to the California Goldrush of 1849. This beautifully written diary is considered five star and is kept in the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkley. Charles Kirkpatrick was married to the first woman to have a story printed in a magazine. With these credentials, is it any wonder that Paisley would use her talent to write historicals with a touch of romance? Paisley and her husband moved from the Sierra Mountains of California (near Coloma, where the goldrush originated) to a small community in the Northwoods of Wisconsin four years ago. History in the 1850's abounds and has given her a place to create both of her series. She's written six books in the Paradise Pines Series, and then seven in the Northwoods Series.

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Frontier Cowboy

This work is copyrighted © as of 2016 by Paisley Kirkpatrick

The cover design is copyrighted © by Gwen Phifer

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Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination, or are used in a fictitious situation. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, organizations, incidents or persons – living or dead – are coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

Chapter One

Howling Hank's Trading Post

Northwoods, Wisconsin

April 1857

WHOOSH!

Crack!

Red hot pain stabbed through Jory MacGregor's shoulder and down his back. He staggered, but held his balance. Fury spun him around with a raised fist, and he slammed a right hook against his attacker's chin. Jory slumped to his knees while watching the girl stumble backward before falling to the ground. He still bled profusely from the bite on his left arm, but knew luck had kept him alive. What a sad fate if he'd survived a wolf attack only to be killed by a crazed girl no taller than his chest.

You killed my wolf!

What? He could barely focus on her face through the haze of pain vibrating through him. Her wolf?

Why?

Jory wiped the perspiration from his eyes. The damned thing attacked me, you ridiculous lass!

She rolled to her feet and stumbled to the carcass. I'm so sorry Ankla.

Through the exhaustion causing his eyes to droop, he swore he saw her pull his blade from the dead beast. She cried and ran her hand over the wolf's blood-matted fur.

A whoop pierced his senses. Luc?

She stood and whistled, "Thweeeeeet!"

He heard her whistle, followed by the howl of wolves in the distance.

You didn't have to kill him. She hurled his Bowie knife into the ground close to his boot and ran toward the hole in the fence. He was my favorite, she tossed over her shoulder.

Don't go. Jory tried to stand, but his knees buckled and he tumbled hard against the grassy field.

Jory! Talk to me.

Gasping to draw breath, he opened his eyes. Luc?

Yes. His friend hunkered down. Let me see how bad you're hurt. Luc untied the red kerchief from around his neck.

Don't touch my arm.

Luc pushed his hand away and ripped the tattered sleeve open.

It's bad. Can you ride?

Something tight near the throbbing, feverish pain intensified the heat. What are you doing?

I've stopped the blood flow.

Take it off.

Luc grabbed his chin and forced him to focus. "If I remove the tourniquet, you will bleed to death.  Come on. Let's get you to your feet."

He leaned on his friend and walked to the horse. Luc helped him onto the saddle.

Hang on.

Jory nodded and gripped the saddle horn. The horse moved. Pain like he couldn't imagine waged war with his body. He leaned across the front of the saddle and prayed for strength. Cattle mooed at their intrusion. They grazed on the long grass—ripping and munching.

Everyday sounds coming from the trading post filtered into his consciousness. Finally, the movement stopped. Luc swung the trading post gate open and the horse moved again.

Relieved he'd not fallen off the saddle, Jory fantasized about the moment he could dismount and lie down someplace quiet.

The horses stopped. Tam, get out here! Luc dismounted and tethered their mounts.

The door to the lodge swung open. Jory! Boots clumped across the porch. What the hell happened?

Jory leaned toward his brother's voice. Help me.

Wrap your arm around my neck.

He tried to focus on what Tam said as his brother pulled him off the horse. Tam half dragged him into the lodge and helped him onto the sofa. Jory leaned his head against the soft cushion and closed his eyes.

Someone shook him. "Leave me alone."

Open your eyes and drink this. Tam held a glass to his lips.

Jory let cool water slip down his dry throat.

Take it easy. You're home now.

Tam?

I'm here.

Where's the angel?

What angel?

He tried to focus. I k-k-killed her woof.

You're delusional, Jory. Luc's voice penetrated his consciousness.

Yes, angel with a whip.

No, Jory. There was no woman with a whip, Luc said.

Tam helped him sit up and out of the bloody shirt. Luc, you'd better check out the slash mark.

Luc pressed his fingers against the laceration on his back. Jory moaned at the increased pressure.

I'll be damned. I'll take care of your wolf bite first and then deal with your back.

A strong metallic odor invaded his senses as the tightness around his arm eased. Jory shoved the probing fingers away. Don't.

Luc pushed his hand out of the way.

Tam grabbed his right hand and held his fingers tight around it.

Hot metal sizzled against his torn flesh. It took all the mental strength Jory had left not to scream the rafters down.

A tremor ran through him, and he clenched his teeth and shivered.

Tam, get the scotch. Luc dripped warm water over the burning flesh, and then wrapped his arm.

Jory tried to rip the pressure of the tight cloth off.

Luc pushed his fingers away. Keep your hands off the bandage.

Tam put the rim of a glass next to Jory's lips and this time scotch burned down to his gut.

Now, lean forward.

Tam steadied him while Luc put something on his back and cooled the stinging.

I've covered the cuts with an ointment and then gauze.

Thank you. Jory leaned back and finished off a second glass of scotch. He laid his head on the couch pillow and closed his eyes.

VOICES CARRIED FROM somewhere in the lodge. Jory opened his eyes and sat up. Every inch of his body shrieked with pain. He needed some coffee, or better yet, a bottle of scotch.

Tam peeked around the corner. You're awake. Can I bring you a cup of brew?

Yup, and a bottle of the strong stuff. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Maybe this headache will vanish with coffee.

Be right back.

Thank you.

The next thing Jory knew, someone was shaking his shoulder. Jory? Wake up.

He fluttered his eyelids open and stared into Tam's troubled face.

I have your coffee. Sit up.

Tam slipped his hand behind Jory's back and shoved a couple of pillows between the cushion and his body.  He took the cup and emptied it in one motion. I can use more.

I brought the pot. Tam filled his cup. Can you tell me what happened yesterday? You kept talking about an angel whipping you.

Jory handed the empty cup to his brother. Tam filled it again.

I'm trying to remember, but my mind's foggy. Didn't I eat last night? I'm so hungry.

Tam shook his head. No, after Luc put you back together again, you either passed out or fell asleep. I might add you did consume a quantity of scotch.

Is some left?

There's plenty, but not until after you eat.

Amanda joined them and handed Jory a plate of eggs, bite-size pieces of ham, and a stack of toast.

He smiled at her. Thank you for cutting the meat for me.

She nodded. I hope you feel better after you eat. She studied him for a moment before she left.

Balancing the plate on his knees became a challenge. How'd you manage being one-armed for six weeks, Tam?

I humbled myself and asked for help. Tam picked up the napkin that dropped onto the floor and laid it on the cushion next to him. He refilled the coffee cup again.

You're a lot more independent than me, but you've got to let the trading post family help until you can use both hands again. It's their way of showing you they love you. Understand?

Jory nodded as he stuffed egg into his mouth. He picked up a piece of toast and smiled at the berry jam. Amanda's been very generous with breakfast. I understand what you're saying and promise I'll smile when help is offered.

And, say yes and thank you?

Jory sighed. Yup.

After he finished the last piece of toast, Tam took the plate and set it on the table. Now, I want to know what happened in that pasture.

Their two older brothers, Trevin and Braden, carried luggage into the room. They set a couple of valises next to the boxes they'd carried down yesterday morning.

Are you still leaving tomorrow? Jory said.

Yes, at the break of dawn. What happened? Trevin walked over to the sofa and pulled a chair up next to him. Braden followed and motioned for Tam to get up so he could sit on the sofa next to Jory. Tam nodded, grabbed another chair, and sat to listen.

I ran into some wolves. Hank lost one head of cattle, but I expect this is just the beginning of our troubles with the pack.

I'm sorry to hear it, but I asked about your arm. How bad is the damage?

Luc cauterized the gash. It looked a mess to me, but he gave the impression that he knew about medical treatment. I guess I'm on restricted activity until it heals though.

Trevin rubbed his brow. Not what I hoped to hear.

Can you move your fingers? Braden asked.

He nodded. Yup, but the pain's intense.

I'll be right back. Braden headed to the bar and came back with a tall glass of scotch. This will help.

Thanks, I appreciate this.

Your breakfast hasn't even settled yet, Jory.

I'm quite aware that I just ate, Tam, but I need some relief from the pain. A gulp of Matthias' good stuff burned all the way down.

Jory relaxed against the sofa and took his time emptying the rest of the glass. It's better than that iodine Grace used to pour over our wounds.

Aw, you know she's more than a housekeeper. She's a stand-in mother to the whole bunch of us.

"Yes, Braden, but she didn't have to smile when she tortured us with the healing stuff as she called it."

Let's hear your story. Trevin leaned toward him and took the glass. He set it on the empty plate.

I left Luc working on the fence and rode further along the fence to a second break. At the far end of the pasture, I found a frenzied pack of wolves ripping one of our cows apart.

Why didn't you go back for Luc? Trevin asked.

I thought I could chase them off by myself. Jory winced and tried to find a comfortable position for his arm. Guess I didn't think straight.

I guess you didn't. Trevin picked up a small pillow and placed it under Jory's arm.

Thank you.

Go on, Tam said.

Jory sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. I heard a shrill whistle and, with the exception of a single wolf, the pack ran into the woods. The one that remained showed me his displeasure at having his meal interrupted.

Geez Jory, you're lucky you're not dead. What a stupid thing to do, Braden said.

Don't I know it. When he jumped me, I tumbled backward. He sank his teeth into my arm. Jory shivered at the memory of the piercing pain. I figured I'd be the beast's second course.

How'd you get away?

I heard the same whistle again. The wolf let go of my arm and pulled back. Another whistle pulled his attention toward a fur-covered person running toward the fence. I grabbed the opportunity fate handed me and stabbed the wolf through the neck with the Bowie knife I keep in my boot sheath.

You stabbed the wolf like I did when I saved Hank's life? Tam asked.

Yup, so it seems.

Trevin shook his head. I'm glad the man saved you.

Jory chuckled. Nah, it weren't no man. I saw an angel.

An angel? Braden frowned. How do you know he was an angel?

Jory recalled the image. She had the prettiest blue eyes, her blond hair fell below her shoulders, and those long legs...

Braden shook his head. Good God, Jory, do you ogle women even when you're in horrific pain?

Some things never change, Trevin said.

I don't remember much after she reached me. I was slipping in and out of reality by then, but I swear she pet the dead wolf and cried over its body. Before she ran away, she chastised me for killing her wolf.

Did anyone else see the girl?

No, Trevin, Luc didn't see the girl. Like you, he didn't believe me until he saw the slash from her whip on my back.

An angel with a whip, a knife, and a pack of wolves. How can it be?

Chapter Two

B efore I join my wife , I want to know what you plan to do, Trevin said. No more stalling, Jory. Are you going home with us in the morning or not?

Jory glanced at the stack of valises and boxes that still needed to be packed into their stagecoach.

Don't worry about your belongings. Rebecca can pack up your clothes and I'll load your saddle and gear in the back of the coach. I suppose you'll have to ride inside until you heal enough to ride on horseback.

Jory rubbed his throbbing brow. You want an answer right now?

Yes, we must return and relieve Quintin of all the chores. Your brother's been doing the work of three. Warmer weather will hasten our traveling time to California.

Jory's gaze locked with Tam's. Doubts about leaving his twin and the trading post had plagued him for months. Trevin and Braden wanted a decision and he still didn't have one.

The door opened and a rush of girls burst into the main room, all of them talking at once. Hank followed their governess, Genevieve, inside and shut the door.

Jory gazed at Tam. I need a shirt. Will you grab one from my bedroom please?

Yup, be right back.

Braden and I'll go upstairs and see if our wives are ready for the noon meal. Please think over what I said. I'd like an answer after we eat.

Jory watched his two older brothers leave. What am I going to do?

Genevieve headed toward him. Are you feeling better this morning?

He pulled the blanket over his bare chest and nodded as the Hughes sisters also gathered around him. It's nothing I can't handle. How'd the gardening project go?

Seven-year-old Gabby spoke first. Wait until you see what we did. Daddy took part of the fence down so we could weed around Mama's grave.

Francesca bubbled with excitement. I thought we should bury Lottie and Teacher's mama next to Mama so she won't be lonely, and Daddy agreed.

Jory gazed at Hank. It sounds like you had a busy day.

He nodded. Yes, Isabella would approve of what the girls did.

All their excitement brightened Jory's indecisive mood. He adored Hank's daughters. Good, I'm glad. The place will look lovely once the flowers bloom.

Genevieve gazed at Jacqueline and Madeleine. I need some help setting the table, please.

They both nodded. We'll wash our hands and meet you in the kitchen.

That's fine, Jacqueline. Genevieve gazed at Jory. Would you prefer to eat in here or the dining room?

Luc walked into the main room and set his bag of medicines on the floor next to Jory. He'll eat in here.

I can get to the table just fine.

Yup, you can and then what would you do if someone accidentally knocked against your arm?

Jory leaned back. I'm not an invalid.

Don't be so stubborn. Luc pulled up a chair. Girls, you need to leave and let me check Jory's arm. You can come back after your meal.

After they left, Luc unwound the gauze from around Jory's arm. He scowled as he searched through his bag and finally pulled out a container Jory hadn't seen before.

What's wrong?

It's not healing. I'll use some of this salve I make. Hopefully it will work better. He opened the jar and rubbed a foul-smelling balm into the wound.

Don’t rub so hard.

The piercing glare Luc gave him turned Jory's innards cold. Let the women take care of you for a couple of days. Do not use the arm. He tied off the gauze. Do you understand what I just said?

Jory nodded.

You're sure? You MacGregors don't always hear what I say.

Yes, you said do not use my arm.

Tam returned with a shirt and laid it on the sofa.

What about doing the fence repair and tracking down that woman with those damnable wolves? Jory asked.

Not your job to worry about the pasture right now, Tam said. I will take care of the fence repair.

Thank you. I accept your offer. We still have a lot of repair work that needs doing, Luc said.

Luc turned his attention back to Jory. You find a good book and read it or go out and watch the plants sprout. Until I say otherwise, you're on restricted duty. Now, lean forward so I can put this salve on your back, too.

Jory had to admit whatever Luc put on the whip's damage actually made it feel better. The arm—not so much.

He leaned forward while Luc wrapped gauze around his chest, securing his arm next to his heart in the process. Tam slipped the shirt over his head and eased his right arm into the sleeve. He pinned the vacant sleeve toward the front. I'm off to eat with my wife.

Listen to Luc, Hank said, entering the room. He handed him a plate of food and set a cup of coffee on the table next to the sofa. Relax and heal. It's all you're going to do until we're sure you've mended enough to work again. Understand?

Yes, sir, I get what you're saying.

Hank left and came back with his own plate. Before you decide whether you're going to stay or not, I'd like to present a proposal. I've discussed it with Tam and Caroline already. He's accepting my offer whether you remain with us or not.

I'm listening.

When I was a teen, my father operated a mill not far from the trading post. He had a good business going and was able to employ a number of people. We used lumber from the mill to build the lodge.

Jory hadn't paid attention to the walls and ceiling before. He noted how the knots and flaws in the wood enhanced the room's design. Why isn't the mill still running?

Not long after Madeleine was born, my father tried to break up a fight between two mill workers. In the scuffle, he stumbled backward into a sawblade. Hank fought tears. The gory scene is imbedded in my memory to this day. My father... He shivered and glanced away. I fired everyone and let the mill go to ruin.

Jory reached over and squeezed his arm. I'm sorry, Hank. You don't have to say anything else. You've had more than your share of bad times. Look at all you have at the trading post because of your father's forward thinking. We must rebuild the mill as a tribute to him.

"Thank you. It is time to get the mill working again. My proposal to you and Tam includes the equipment, saws, and whatever else that's usable. It's all yours to start up the mill. If you decide you want to stay, I'll have a legal document drawn so everything with our transaction is lawful."

Jory's heart filled with determination to make a success of the mill. He couldn't believe the magnitude of Hank's offer, but they had a problem. It's a generous proposal, but Tam and I don't have startup funds.

It's a gift. You rebuild the business and run it as you both see fit. Big Dog is available for doing repairs or rebuilding what you need in regards to the equipment. How you handle his offer to do the work is between the three of you.

Why are you doing this?

Last fall you and Tam saved my life during the wolf attack. We're connected through family ties as well as gratitude on my part. He slapped Jory's knee and got up. Think about it. Talk to Tam and your older brothers. It's a big decision.

Hank picked up the empty plates and cups. Later tonight we're going to have a MacGregor going-away get together. If you're up to it, I'd love to have you there.

Jory leaned back and tried to grasp everything Hank had offered him and Tam. If the equipment is usable, they could have the mill up and running by summer. Ideas swirled through this mind. How can I not take him up on his offer?

Tam came into the room and pulled up a chair. What do you think about Hank's proposal?

He gazed at Tam. It's a business we've always wanted to own. I can't believe he's handing it to us with no ties.

My father-in-law is an honest man.

I know. Jory couldn't stop grinning. He's been so good to us since we arrived last fall.

Can you imagine us owning a saw mill?

Jory shook his head. These woods are thick with trees. We'll never have to worry about running out of timber or water here.

Tam leaned toward him. I'd really like you to stay.

Jory loved the Northwoods and the people who lived here. I've always known deep in my heart that I'd end up staying.

Why didn't you tell me a long time ago?

Jory shrugged. I always had a bit of doubt, but Hank's proposal can't be passed by. I can hardly wait to get started. After our brothers and sisters-in-law leave in the morning, we should check out the mill's foundation.

Whoa, brother, slow down. You need some down time until that arm heals. It took six weeks or so for my wolf bite to completely mend.

Do you know if any part of the mill is still standing?

Are you listening to me? You're not going to do anything but let your arm heal first, and then we can start our plans. The place has been vacant for years so another few weeks won't hurt.

You've known me all my life. Do you honestly think I'm going to sit quiet and do nothing except heal for several weeks?

Tam shook his head. No, but don't forget you still have to let Trevin and Braden know you're not leaving.

He sighed. I'm in no condition to face an argument with them tonight.

I'll hurry them along so you can get it over with right now. If you want, I'll stay as reinforcement.

Thank you.

Jory hoped his brothers would understand. Hank's generous opportunity would definitely help pave his way.

Trevin and Braden entered the room with Rebecca and Charly following. Trevin pulled over a chair for Rebecca and smiled at his wife as she sat. Charly backhanded Braden in the stomach. See what a gentleman your brother is? You haven't pulled out a chair for me since the day we wed. Braden blinked and then scurried to copy Trevin's example. Charly laughed in jest and grabbed his arm to stop him. Thank you, but I can get my own damn chair. Trevin leaned back in his seat and steepled his fingers. We understand you've made up your mind.

Jory started to speak, but Trevin held his hand up. Jory knew what the hand meant—a lecture before he could have a chance to state his case.

We're going to make it easy for you.

Trevin had all of his attention now. What does easy on me mean? Sweat formed on his brow. Am I about to face a firing squad?

When you sent us the telegram about Tam's wedding, the four of us and Quintin became very concerned.

Tam scoffed. I can imagine what Quintin had to say about me.

Yes, but your other brother cares about you and Jory. He just doesn't know how to show it.

He's actually mellowed with his rash judgments and did volunteer to take care of business while we came here to see how you are doing.

The knot in Jory's stomach tightened. I never thought our rebel brother would mellow.

Time and age has a way of softening the best of us, Trevin said.

I suppose you're right. Jory wiped the sweat from his hand alongside of his breeches. Please don't drag this out, Trevin.

You're both so young and it concerned us that Tam's judgment might have been influenced by raging hormones.

Tam's cheeks turned scarlet. Jory pursed his lips to keep from chuckling. Caroline stole Tam's heart at first sight. It was obvious to everyone from the start they belonged together.

After spending time here we've come to the same conclusion. Tam made a good choice and we're pleased with his marriage.

Thank you, I agree. My wife is the best thing that's happened to me, Tam said.

Trevin nodded. Yes, she's lovely. He turned his attention back to Jory. You're a different story. You have no wife to hold you here and we hoped you'd return home and help run the ranch. Please, tell us what you're thinking.

You've sacrificed for Tam and me since Pa died. We know we gave you a difficult time and appreciate you never gave up on us.

You were a handful, but we figured you'd be fine once you reached maturity.

The decision to return home or stay here wasn't an easy decision until Hank made his proposal to Tam and me today. He wants to set us up with our own sawmill.

Whoa, that's quite a gift, Braden said.

Yes. Legally it'll be ours to run as equal partners. It's something we'd talked about doing in Paradise Pines before we came here. The forests in the Northwoods are much richer with timber. Hank knows we'd never do anything to break his trust in us. I think our love for this area is one of the reasons he chose us to rebuild the mill. It'll help bring money into the trading post as well as earn us a good living.

How does Caroline feel about this proposed arrangement? Braden asked.

Let me bring her into our meeting. She should answer for herself. Tam left the room and returned a few minutes later with his wife. She sat on a chair next to him.

I'm quite pleased about Jory and Tam starting the mill. We'd both like Jory to stay in the Northwoods and, if they're working together at the mill, it would even be better.

Trevin gazed at Braden. Do you have anything else you'd like to say?

Yes, I do. You've both matured since you left home. I'm proud of the way you've stepped up and helped Hank take care of the trading post while his broken leg healed. Your wife is beautiful and an asset to our family, Tam. He glanced at Caroline. You're a MacGregor now and if there's ever anything you need, contact us. We MacGregors stick together.

Thank you. I'll not forget your kind offer.

Braden turned back to Jory. I understand why you like the Northwoods. It's beautiful here. You have my congratulations for accepting Hank's extravagant gift and I wish you both a great success.

Jory couldn't hold back the grin. He relaxed as the knot in his stomach unraveled. One brother down.

"Braden has once again stated my