Mustang Meadow: Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance, #23

By Shirleen Davies

Clean and wholesome historical western romance.

As frontier Montana rages with felons and floods,
Their hearts wage the greatest battle.

Sean MacLaren is ready for the challenges awaiting him in Splendor, Montana. As the town's first veterinarian, he must overcome doubt, fear, and distrust to convince local ranchers to give his skills a try. It's a tricky proposition, hampered by his growing affection for a certain outspoken New York socialite determined to shove her way into town business.

Camilla Santori broke from her formal, controlling east coast life to join her brother in the wild frontier of Montana. She's determined to make her mark in the growing town while keeping her attraction to the new veterinarian a carefully guarded secret. Not only is he nine years younger, his manner and speech are too, well…western.

As multiple dangers plague the opinionated, yet guileless woman, Sean finds he can't allow her to navigate the threats alone. Nor can he stop her from getting involved in the numerous crises confronting the town.

When a fast-moving sickness threatens the burgeoning cattle industry, Sean finds himself relying on Camilla to help him bring an end to the terrible scourge. In the process, their affection grows, pushing their frail friendship to its limit.

Will the continued threats to Camilla, and the town, draw them together? Or will challenging events drive a wedge between the taciturn vet and the strong-willed lady from the east?

Mustang Meadow, book twenty-three in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series, is a full-length, clean and wholesome novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shirleen Davies
• Release date: Mar 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9781947680982

Book preview

Chapter One

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MacLaren Ranch

Splendor, Montana

Spring 1874

The wild mustang reared up with a shrill whinny, hooves clawing at the air as Thane MacLaren clung to the saddle. His hat flew off as the horse twisted in a violent attempt to dislodge its unwanted rider. Thane gritted his teeth, gripping the reins tighter as the mustang bucked and kicked.

Easy now, easy, Thane said in a low, soothing voice, even as the horse continued to fight against him. He could feel the powerful muscles bunching and flexing beneath him as the mustang put all its strength into throwing him off.

It was no use. Thane had been tossed from more horses than he could count over the years, but he wasn't some greenhand recruit. He knew how to stick on a bucker, and he wasn't about to let this wild one best him.

With a final furious blow of unease and his ears pinned back, the mustang twisted, going rigid, all four legs planted stubbornly on the ground. Thane didn't relax his white-knuckled grip, waiting to see if the horse would explode into another round of bucking. When he remained still, sides heaving, Thane loosened the reins and leaned forward to pat the mustang’s sweat dampened neck.

There now, that wasn't so bad.

The mustang flicked an ear but stayed put. Thane kept up the gentle stream of nonsense words, keeping his voice low and calm. He felt some of the tension leave the horse's body. The mustang still trembled, but the fight had gone out of him for now. Thane knew it wasn't over yet. Breaking a wild one took time and patience. But this was a start.

Satisfaction welled up in Thane as he sat astride the exhausted mustang. This one would make a fine cow pony once properly trained. The horse had spirit and endurance—qualities to be valued. With care and handling, the wildness could be shaped into loyalty.

Thane smiled to himself. This was what he loved. Thane had an innate sense to understand the potential beneath the rough exterior. Given time, even the most contrary horse could become a trusted partner. All it took was perseverance. And of that, Thane had plenty.

Sean MacLaren leaned against the corral fence, arms folded across his chest as he watched his cousin work with the wild mustang. Though he'd spent the last few years immersed in his veterinary studies in Edinburgh, it felt good here on the ranch. The wide open Montana sky, the smell of horses and leather, the creak of saddle leather. This was home, as much as the ranch he'd grown up on in California.

As his cousin coaxed the horse to walk a few steps, Sean studied his strong, lanky build. He’d shot up in height since Sean left for university. Thane still had the determined set to his jaw he remembered. The look saying Thane would stick to a task no matter how many times he was thrown off and had to remount.

Sean grinned, recalling the day at the California ranch when Thane had been tossed into the horse trough trying to break his first colt. Even sopping wet, he'd climbed right back on the horse. Tenacity like that would serve Thane well out here breaking mustangs.

Letting his gaze travel over the vast ranch, Sean felt the familiar swell of wonder and excitement. The ranch covered rugged hills and wooded draws. It was beautiful, open country, filled with possibilities.

Beautiful, aye? Bram's voice broke Sean's reverie, and he turned to see his cousin standing beside him. Bram had a slight Scottish lilt that always made Sean smile.

Stunning. He nodded toward the landscape. I can see why you all love it out here so much.

Bram grinned. Aye. It gets under your skin.

It does. I'm not sure I could handle the isolation for long.

That's part of the appeal. Bram’s eyes sparkled. You learn to rely on yourself out here. And your family, of course.

Soon, he’d be opening his veterinary practice in Splendor. The thought sent a spike of anticipation through him. He was ready to put his training to use, to carve out a new life here on the frontier. He’d yet to tell his cousins of his decision.

It wouldn't be easy, but challenges had never stopped him from pursuing his dreams. With his cousins’ ranch flourishing, and him serving the community as a veterinarian, the future held great promise.

Thane managed to get the wild mustang under control, bringing the horse to the fence, where Sean and Bram watched.

He's got some fight in him yet. I think he'll make a fine cow pony once he's broke. Thane patted the horse's muscular neck.

Sean nodded, a grin appearing. You've always had a special way with the horses.

Bram nodded. Aye, the lad does.

Thane grinned, reveling in his older brother's praise. Though they shared ownership of the ranch, Bram was the one with the most experience.

Couldn't have done it without all you've taught me. Thane looked at Bram, then over at Sean. Suppose you'll be putting those veterinary skills to use before long, patching up whatever critters we drag in.

I'm happy to help any way I can.

Thane and Bram had welcomed him onto the ranch like a third brother. Both had assumed he’d help with chores when not tending to injured or sick animals.

Bram chuckled. Once word spreads about your skills, folks from all over will be coming to the ranch, asking for your help. You'll be the only educated vet in the entire territory.

Sean hoped Bram was right. He wanted to make his own imprint, not just ride on the coattails of his cousins' success. Montana was a place to prove himself.

He gazed out at the endless Montana horizon. This wide open space was different from the large family ranch the three men had grown up on. There was a wildness to this land that called to his adventurous spirit.

Remember when we were kids, and you'd beg your ma to let you be the one to break the colts? Sean asked, smiling at the memory. You've come a long way from those days.

Thane chuckled. I was too cocky back then. Nearly got myself killed a few times trying to prove I was as good as everyone else. Especially Bram. He patted the neck of the bay mustang. Now I understand it takes patience and empathy. You've got to earn the horse's trust.

Bram walked closer to the gelding, looking him over. Aye, he's learned when brute force won't work, you need a gentle hand, Bram added. Though the brothers' personalities differed, with Bram being bolder and Thane more soft-spoken, they balanced each other out.

Sean admired the way Thane had grown into a confident horseman without losing his thoughtful nature. He hoped veterinary school had honed his own skills and instincts without dampening his compassion for animals.

I can't wait to see you put all that book learning to use, Thane told Sean, as if reading his cousin’s mind.

Sean smiled, warmed by his cousin's faith in him.

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Sean stepped outside, inhaling a deep breath early the next morning, his gaze moving to the barn and corrals. Though he loved his family's ranch, it no longer felt like the frontier. Here, the frontier still beckoned with opportunity and challenge. He stepped back inside, facing his cousins as they ate breakfast.

I've decided to open a veterinary practice in Splendor.

Thane's eyes widened. Truly?

Sean nodded, a grin spreading across his face. It's the perfect place to forge my own path, apart from the MacLaren legacy. There’s cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, ranch dogs, and frontier folk in need of a vet. I can make a real impact.

Leave it to you to pick the most rough-and-tumble town in these parts. Bram shook his head with a chuckle.

It won't be easy, I know. But I'm ready for whatever comes. This is my chance to test myself, to put all I've learned into practice. His green eyes shone with resolve.

Thane clasped Sean's shoulder. We believe in you, cousin. Just try not to get yourself shot by rowdy cowboys, eh?

Sean laughed. I'll do my best. With luck, I can earn their trust, just like with breaking a wild horse.

Unlike most in his large, extended family, Sean’s heart yearned for new experiences, new challenges. Splendor awaited, rough and full of potential. Similar to an unbroken mustang. He poured a cup of coffee, turning toward his cousins.

California was comfortable, predictable. I didn't become a vet just to follow the easy path. He met their eyes, his jaw set. I want to test myself, prove I can survive on my own. Demonstrate how the skills I’ve developed will matter out here.

Thane nodded. We understand, Sean. This wild land gets into your blood. You gotta follow your dreams.

Just promise you'll visit often. Bram stood. It won't be the same around here without you.

Sean clasped Bram's shoulder. Wild horses couldn't keep me away. You're my family.

Bram pulled him into a quick, tight hug. As they parted, emotion shone in his eyes as his cousins walked off to start their work for the day.

Alone again, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. Failure was possible, even likely. But he refused to let fear stop him from trying.

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The following morning, Sean said goodbye to his cousins and their wives. He turned his horse west, toward the impressive mountain range and his future in Splendor.

The short distance passed in solitude as Sean lost himself in thought. He reflected on the path that led him here, to this pivotal moment. Years of intense study, late nights poring over medical texts, the nonstop training to hone his veterinary skills. All of it was for this—to bring his knowledge to a town in need.

A hawk's piercing cry jolted him from his reverie. He surveyed the lonely terrain. The sheer scale of it made him feel small, yet filled him with awe. This was a land of extremes. Harsh and unforgiving, but possessing a stark, natural beauty.

Sean continued west. Bram had told him the trip wasn’t long if he kept heading toward the large mountain range. In the distance, dark clouds were gathering, promising rain. He frowned, hoping to reach Splendor before the downpour.

A rumble of thunder echoed across the plains. Urging his horse into a trot, he scanned the landscape for any sign of cover. In the distance, he spotted a small cabin nestled in a copse of trees. Guiding his mount off the trail, he approached the spare homestead as the first raindrops began to fall.

Dismounting, Sean led his horse to the cabin's overhang. When he was about to knock, the door opened to reveal an elderly woman, her face creased with age, her eyes sharp.

Saw you from the window. Reckoned you'd be looking for shelter. C'mon in and dry off.

Thanking her, Sean introduced himself before stepping inside the humble cabin. The woman busied herself stoking the fire as he shed his wet slicker.

Name's Ida. Some people call me Widow Ida. There's coffee on the stove if you want it. Help yourself.

Sean MacLaren. I’m on my way to Splendor.

Over steaming mugs of coffee, Ida asked Sean about himself. He explained his plans to open a veterinary practice in Splendor.

Good folk there. My husband and I lived there years back. We had ourselves a little spread outside town. Then he got the urge to move closer to Big Pine. Her eyes took on a faraway look, as if glimpsing the past. It’s the territorial capital east of here. Turned out, there were too many people there for my husband, so we built this cabin. I ride into Splendor every couple weeks to get supplies.

When the rain stopped, he thanked her again for the hospitality. Mounting, he started back on the trail. Not long afterward, Splendor came into view. The sight sent a thrill through him. Though he’d been there several times with his cousins, today was different.

This would be the day he’d begin a new chapter in his life.

Chapter Two

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Camilla Santori gazed out the window of the Eagle’s Nest restaurant, taking in the rough wood structures of her new home in Splendor, Montana. Though she’d lived a life of privilege and luxury as a wealthy heiress in New York, Camilla felt drawn to the wildness and simplicity of the west.

She was the eldest of eight children born to Reginald and Marguerite Santori, pillars of New York society. Her father had built a prosperous financial empire, which afforded the family an extravagant mansion on Fifth Avenue near Central Park, and summers spent at their sprawling estate on Long Island. As a young woman, Camilla had been groomed to marry well and maintain the family's social standing.

Yet now, at thirty-eight, she found herself seeking something beyond the confines of New York society. When her youngest brother, Cole, who was a deputy in Splendor, decided to marry Martha van Plew, Camilla made the decision to join them. She yearned for open skies