Ali grinned. She loved his grandparents. Loved their grandson.
Jace reached out, grabbing Ali’s hand. “Whenever it is, I’ll keep the ranch in the family.” He leaned toward her ear. “Anywhere, huh?”
“Anywhere, Jace. And yes.”
Cocking his head, he arched a brow. “Yes?”
“Yes! I’ll marry you.”
A moment of stunned silence ensued until her words sank in. Jumping up, Jace lifted Ali into his arms, twirling her around, laughing. Slowing, he covered her mouth with his, stopping only when his grandfather cleared his throat.
“Good news?”
“The best.” Bending, he kissed her again before turning them toward his grandparents. “Miss Ali Kasey has just agreed to become my wife!”
Epilogue
Two months later…
Ali sat with Dani, Cara, and the other wives while the men competed in Freedom Meadow’s annual ranch rodeo. She’d met with Wrath, Wrangler, Ethan, and their parents, Stuart and Belinda McCord, the owners of the ranch.
Holding with tradition, she and Jace hoped to marry at Freedom Meadow, riding to the cabin not far away for their honeymoon. The McCords had been thrilled to say yes.
“I didn’t know Raider could ride like that.” Cara juggled Wyatt on her lap, watching pairs of men compete in team roping.
Ali held the other twin, Clay, smiling when Jace and Fuse waited for their calf to burst from the shoot. “I didn’t either until we visited his grandparents in Wyoming. He’s amazing. It’s as if he and the horse are one.”
“Exactly like the McCord brothers and most all members of the Posse,” Dani said from her seat on the other side of Ali. “Ghost said a few of them are talking about buying their own ranch once they retire.”
Rock’s wife, Tessa, kept an eagle eye on their son while watching her husband team up with Ghost. “A ranch and either working for WES or starting their own security service.”
Becca sat in front of them, holding her and Wrangler’s daughter, Sarah. Their son, Jamie, was competing with his father. Tori and a very pregnant Julia sat next to her. Julia’s husband, Tracker, and Tori’s fiancé, Moses, had paired up for team roping, laughing as they waited their turn.
Tori glanced over her shoulder at Ali. “When’s the wedding?”
She sucked in a quick breath. Ali still hadn’t come off the high of being engaged to Jace. “We’re waiting for you and Moses.”
“Not…” Tori laughed.
Ali nodded. “Really. You two are up next. How long has it been since he asked you?”
Tori sobered, thinking of the last couple months. “Just over two months.” She’d been so busy at the vet clinic they hadn’t a chance to plan.
Julia placed a hand on her round belly, shifting to a more comfortable position on the bleachers the McCord boys had built while in high school. “Chop, chop, sis. You’re holding everyone up. Belinda likes order, and if she’s expecting you and Moses to marry next, well…”
Tori seemed to deflate. Maybe she could talk Moses into going to Vegas.
“And don’t even consider Las Vegas,” Julia added. “Moses’s parents would freak, and I guarantee that isn’t his plan.”
“Fine. I’ll speak with Stuart and Belinda before we leave today.” Tori looked at Ali. “Any chance you’d want to do a double wedding?” She loved Dylan more than anything in the world, but she hated weddings. Planning one? Her stomach roiled at the thought.
“Sorry, Tori. I don’t want to share that day with anyone but Jace. I’d be happy to help plan yours.”
“Really? You’d have time to help me?” Tori sounded as if she’d won the lottery.
“Absolutely. I used to help plan tribal ceremonies and weddings back in Pine Glen. We can plan the weddings at the same time, just have them on different days.”
Tori stood, turned, and hugged Ali. “You’re the best.”
“Here they go, ladies.” Cara nodded at the arena where Ethan and Wrath burst forward.
“Who’s that?” Dani stared at a beautiful woman about their age with sunshine blonde hair, tight jeans, and a ruffled, white sleeveless top.
No one responded.
“Well, I’ll go introduce myself and ask her to join us.”
Dani worked her way down the bleachers, walking around the arena to intercept the woman. Holding out her hand, she offered a welcoming smile. “Hi. I’m Dani. Are you here with someone?”
The woman looked around, shaking her head. “Not really. I, uh…well, I was once friends with Scott McCall. Do you know him?”
Dani’s forehead scrunched in concentration. “I’m sorry. The name isn’t familiar.”
“He sometimes goes by Fuse.”
“Fuse? Of course. He’s on his horse getting ready for his turn with Raider. They’re team roping right now. Come on. I’ll take you to where you can talk to him.”
“No!” Her shoulders sagged a moment as she shook her head. “I’m sorry. My name is Brittany Blackmore.”
Dani’s eyes widened. “Blackmore? As in Junior and Senator Blackmore?”
“Junior was my brother. The senator is my father.”
Dani flushed. “I’m so sorry about your brother, Brittany. His death must’ve come as a huge shock.”
Letting out a shaky breath, Brittany nodded. “Yes, it was.”
Dani thought a moment, coming up with a plan. “Tell you what. The women are sitting together in the stands. Why don’t you come sit with us? You can watch Fuse without him knowing you’re here, and decide if you want to speak with him.”
“You sure your friends won’t mind?”
“They won’t mind at all. And if you decide not to speak with Fuse, no problem. We’ll get you back to your car without him seeing you.”
Brittany smiled. “Co-conspirators, huh?”
“Absolutely.” She motioned to where they’d be sitting and led the way. Climbing up a few seats, she made room for Brittany next to her. “Ladies, this is Brittany. She came here to see Fuse, but hasn’t decided if she wants to speak with him. You all okay with that?”
The women smiled and nodded before introducing themselves. Ali reached into a cooler, pulling out a bottle of water.
“Here you go, Brittany. Fuse is paired with my fiancé, Jace.”
“Is that Raider?” She took the bottle, twisting off the top.
“Do you know Raider, too?”
Brittany thought of the cruise ship rescue. The fact a team of SEALs had been the ones to neutralize the terrorists and save them never came out in the news. She didn’t intend to be the one to blow their cover.
“Not really. Fuse mentioned him when I ran into him a few weeks ago.”
The women watched, cheered, encouraged them, letting out a collective groan when the calf got away. Brittany smiled at the sight Scott made. He was so handsome and rugged in his cowboy clothes. They used to ride a lot…before.
“This is only the first event,” Tori said. “They’ve got a full schedule. Saddle bronc riding is next. I believe all the men are competing in each event.”
“But no bull riding,” Tessa said. “We’ve got two doctors here. Three if you count our resident vet, Tori, plus Ali, who’s an emergency nurse. Even so, we don’t want to repair a man trampled by a bull. Especially one of our men.”
Brittany swallowed. At one time, she’d had one of those men. Before she’d made the biggest mistake of her life and allowed her parents to send him away.
She watched the events and talked with the women, learning two were planning weddings. It had been a long time since Brittany had such a good time. No schmoozing at fundraisers, eating another dry chicken dinner, and pretending to enjoy herself. Even if she didn’t speak with Fuse, Brittany would be leaving a happy woman.
“Where are you living, Brittany?” Tessa asked.
“I just left my job back east and am looking for one in the Phoenix area. I doubt I’d find
anything in Liberty Lake.”
“What do you do?”
“I was an analyst with Homeland Security. Now?” She shrugged. “I’m open to new possibilities.” She grabbed one of the chips Dani offered, popping it into her mouth without noticing the group of men walking toward them.
“Brittany?”
She froze, slowly turning to stare at the man standing inside the arena. With just five levels of seats, they weren’t far apart. Standing, she made her way toward him, not wanting the others to hear.
“Hello, Scott.”
“What are you doing here?”
She looked around, sensing everyone else was trying not to show their interest. “Do you have a minute?”
Fuse blew out a breath, his expression unreadable. “I suppose. Meet me over there.” He nodded at a gate several feet away. Opening it, he waited for her on the other side. “All right. Why are you here?”
She cleared her throat. Brittany should’ve expected the animosity, the annoyance at her locating him. “I wanted to thank you for what you did on the Wind Breeze.”
“Any of the teams could’ve done it. Securing hostages is just another day for us.” He tried to appear disinterested, while in reality, he was shaking inside, his heart stuttering. “So, is that it?”
She felt herself flush, embarrassed at his quick dismissal. Screw it. This might be her only chance. “I know you’re still angry about what happened between us. I’m so sorry it ended the way it did.”
Crossing his arms, he let his gaze roam up and down her gorgeous body, lingering on her curves. “It’s way in the past, Brit. Means nothing to me anymore. I’ve moved on, and I’m sure you have, too.”
Her stomach twisted. So he had moved on, might even have a fiancée or at least a girlfriend. She shouldn’t have come.
“Look, I’m sorry I bothered you.” She nodded over her shoulder. “Your friends are waiting for you.” Brittany held out a hand, forcing a smile. “Again, thank you for all you did for the people on the ship. It may have been routine for you, but it was far from it for the rest of us.”
Fuse stared at her hand, not making a move to take it. “Yeah. You’re welcome.”
They stared at each for several long moments, pain surging through her at the indifference in his eyes. She exhaled a slow breath, dropping her hand. “Well, good luck, Scott.”
Fuse watched as she turned away, walking toward the parked cars. He wanted to call after her, ask her to stick around, talk. Maybe even schedule a time to meet for breakfast. Instead, he let her go. Nothing had changed.
She’d always be the daughter of a U.S. Senator, and he’d always be the son of a ranch manager. No matter what he’d accomplished on his own, it would never be enough for Brittany or her family.
Thank you for taking the time to read Exposed. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
Watch for book five in the Eternal Brethren series, Undaunted.
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About the Author
Shirleen Davies writes romance. She is the best-selling author of books in the romantic suspense, military romance, historical western romance, and contemporary western romance genres. Shirleen grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. Her passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
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Books by Shirleen Davies
Romantic Suspense
Eternal Brethren, Military Romantic Suspense
Steadfast, Book One
Shattered, Book Two
Haunted, Book Three
Untamed, Book Four
Devoted, Book Five
Faithful, Book Six
Exposed, Book Seven
Undaunted, Book Eight, Coming Next in the Series!
Peregrine Bay, Romantic Suspense
Reclaiming Love, Book One
Our Kind of Love, Book Two
Edge of Love, Book Three, Coming Next in the Series!
Contemporary Romance
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary
Second Summer, Book One
Hard Landing, Book Two
One More Day, Book Three
All Your Nights, Book Four
Always Love You, Book Five
Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six
No Getting Over You, Book Seven
‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight
Foolish Heart, Book Nine
Macklin’s of Burnt River
Thorn’s Journey
Del’s Choice
Boone’s Surrender
Historical Western Romance Series
MacLarens of Fire Mountain
Tougher than the Rest, Book One
Faster than the Rest, Book Two
Harder than the Rest, Book Three
Stronger than the Rest, Book Four
Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five
Wilder than the Rest, Book Six
Redemption Mountain
Redemption’s Edge, Book One
Wildfire Creek, Book Two
Sunrise Ridge, Book Three
Dixie Moon, Book Four
Survivor Pass, Book Five
Promise Trail, Book Six
Deep River, Book Seven
Courage Canyon, Book Eight
Forsaken Falls, Book Nine
Solitude Gorge, Book Ten
Rogue Rapids, Book Eleven
Angel Peak, Book Twelve
Restless Wind, Book Thirteen
Storm Summit, Book Fourteen
Mystery Mesa, Book Fifteen, Coming Next in the Series!
MacLarens of Boundary Mountain
Colin’s Quest, Book One,
Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two
Quinn’s Honor, Book Three
Sam’s Legacy, Book Four
Heather’s Choice, Book Five
Nate’s Destiny, Book Six
Blaine’s Wager, Book Seven
Fletcher’s Pride, Book Eight
Bay’s Desire, Book Nine
Cam’s Hope, Book Ten
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Copyright © 2019 by Shirleen Davies
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
For permission requests, co
ntact the publisher.
Avalanche Ranch Press, LLC
PO Box 12618
Prescott, AZ 86304
Exposed is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is wholly coincidental.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Epilogue
About the Author
Books by Shirleen Davies