Hernando Heat

by

Tymber Dalton

Chapter One

Sweat trickled down her back under her heavy black dress. The afternoon felt oppressively hot and humid for late April, even in Florida.

Through her filmy black veil, she stared at the gravestone the cemetery had just installed.

Paul William Dorchester - Beloved Husband

Born: March 13, 1857 - Died: April 3, 1889

Only three weeks ago.

She stiffened her spine as she heard footsteps approach, crunching in the dry grass behind her. She didn’t need to look to know who they belonged to. He’d been hounding her ever since Paul’s death.

“Katherine, we need to talk.”

Her eyes never wavered from her husband’s grave. “We have nothing to talk about, Mr. Dorchester.”

“Edward has already volunteered to—”

“To what?” She turned. “To marry me? I’m sorry, but I married Paul for love. I refuse to marry your other son just for your own nefarious purposes.” She started past him, but he grabbed her arm.

“Woman, you will listen to me!”

“Take your hands off me!”

He let go as his expression darkened. “That property must stay in the family.”

“I am family, not that you ever treated me as such. Or Paul, for that matter. He might as well have been a perfect stranger to you despite your blood in his veins.”

She took a step forward, and surprisingly, he stepped back. She continued her tirade. “My husband willed that property to me. You cut him out of the family, not to mention your business, if you’ll recall. As far as I’m concerned, you have no claim on that property. We have nothing else to discuss, Mr. Dorchester. Good day.” She tried to calm her racing heart as she stormed through the cemetery, dry grass and leaves crackling underfoot, her long skirts brushing taller weeds as she passed.

Her poor Paul. She choked back a sob. It still hurt too badly to contemplate. Too fresh, too raw. They should have had a long and happy life together.

The senior Edward Dorchester bellowed from behind her. “Katherine! Do not turn your back on me, woman. This is not finished!”

She ignored him and prayed her tears didn’t start until she made it to her buggy. Once she gathered her skirts and climbed in, she risked a glance toward the man who used to be her father-in-law. Despite the heat, the angry glare on his face chilled her soul. She released the brake and snapped the reins, urging her horse down the dusty road at a gallop.

* * *

Ross Steger wasn’t just Paul’s best friend—he was also their attorney. One week after Katherine’s confrontation with the senior Dorchester in the cemetery, she sat in front of Ross’ desk and watched him thumb through her paperwork. “Katie, it’s all cut and dry. You own the property, not Edward Dorchester, Senior or Junior.”

“Then I can do whatever I want with it?”

He nodded as he sat back. “Absolutely. It’s yours free and clear, no matter what those two want or think.” He rubbed his forehead. “Although I suspect I know what they want with it, if I know them.”

She stared out the window for a moment as she composed her thoughts. Dade City was growing, but she didn’t want to deal with constant memories that would torment her here. She also didn’t want to live in such close proximity to Dorchester Junior. Senior usually lived in Tampa, but ever since Paul died, Senior had been staying with his son. No doubt he wouldn’t leave anytime soon.

Likely not until he had his hands on her property.

She’d heard that Brooksville, over in Hernando county and only a few miles to the northwest of Dade City, held good opportunities. A growing, prosperous little town with successful sawmill and mining operations, and even farther from the Dorchesters.

“Can you find me a tenant for the property?” she quietly asked.

“Absolutely. Carlton Gentry has already expressed an interest in it.”

She nodded. “Very well then. How much will you charge me to manage it? I also want you to find me a place in Brooksville.”

“Brooksville? Why on earth there? What’s wrong with here? There are plenty of rooming houses here in town that would be perfect for you if the farm is too much for you.”

“I have to support myself. I can’t work the property alone, nor do I have the heart to do so. I can be a seamstress and support myself. There are already three seamstresses here in Dade City. It would be silly to set up shop here.”

“But Paul left you well off. You don’t need to work.”

“I want to work. I’ll have taxes to pay on the property. Not to mention living expenses. I cannot afford to live like some idle woman and simply wither away. Working will keep my mind occupied.”

She didn’t want to speak it aloud, but working would also ensure she could afford to keep her distance from the Dorchester family and not have to move back to Dade City. She knew she could afford to hire a man or two to help her with the property, but what difference would it make staying and torturing herself? Or worse, staying and being tortured by the Dorchesters.

Ross sighed. “I have a friend who lives over in Brooksville. Edgar Smith and his wife. He owns the local feed store. I’m sure he can help me find a suitable place for you.”

“Good. I wish to accomplish this as soon as possible.”

“No talking you into staying? I should think it would be hard to leave your home.”

She shook her head. “I want a fresh start. I’ve heard they don’t have a professional seamstress in Brooksville.” She’d learned the craft from her father, a tailor who’d plied his trade in New York City before relocating his family to Tampa, where she was born. She met Paul in Tampa when he traveled there on business and needed a jacket seam mended.

It had been love at first sight. Her handsome Paul, with his blue eyes and auburn hair, looking—and acting—nothing like his father and older brother, both pig-faced with muddy brown eyes and black hair.

And attitudes to match their porcine looks.

Paul’s mother had died while trying to give birth to a third child, a little boy who also died, when Paul was ten.

She met Ross’ steady gaze. “I don’t want to feel like I’m constantly under siege. You know as well as I do what those two Dorchester men are like. I need to make a new life for myself.” She choked back her tears. “Paul would want me to do this. I know it. He told me before he died that he wanted me to be happy.”

* * *

It was with a sigh of relief she returned home and saw no signs of Edward Dorchester, Junior or Senior. She hated her former brother-in-law with a passion only slightly less than the disgust she held for his father. They had treated her husband in a miserable way, cutting Paul off when he turned eighteen because he wouldn’t turn the property over to them when it came to him. If it hadn’t been for Paul’s mother willing him the property, which had been in her family, he would have been destitute.

Instead, he made a living for himself, and later Katie. He was six years older than her, and their five years together had been very happy, even if unfortunately childless.

She suppressed that sad pang. If she had a child to take care of now, she would be especially concerned. As it was, she had only herself to worry for. Even without the money Paul left her, not to mention income from their property, she could still work and provide for herself.

The next morning, Ross Steger brought Carlton Gentry by to talk with her and finalize the lease. With the rent he would pay for using the land for his cattle for the next five years, she could breathe easier that she wouldn’t lose it to unpaid taxes.

Two days later, Edward Dorchester Senior returned to “talk” to her again.

She ran him off the property by putting two loads of rock salt in his backside from Paul’s double-barreled shotgun. Fortunately, Ross Steger was there to witness Dorchester’s threats of bodily harm. When Dorchester returned an hour later with a deputy, Ross stood up for her and told the deputy Dorchester had threatened her, and that he was lucky she’d only used rock salt and not buckshot.

When they left, Ross shook his head as he watched their dust trail head down the road. “When are you leaving, Katie?”

“Tomorrow. I’ve got a wagon coming. I want to be out of here as soon as possible.” She smiled. “Do you have a place for me yet, or should I pack a tent with everything else?”

“Not yet, but you can stay with Edgar’s family while we get you settled. They already extended the invitation. Let’s get you over there and we can find you a permanent place. I’ll get my son to come with us. I have a feeling the Dorchesters aren’t going to stop until they get their hands on this property.”

She shouldered the shotgun. “If he or Junior sets foot on my property again, next time it’ll be a load of buckshot in their faces, and not rock salt in their hind ends.”

* * *

She fended off two more visits from her former father-in-law in the month she lived at the Smiths’ home before she settled into a small shop in downtown Brooksville, right in the center of town. With a dry goods store and the fire brigade on either side, and two churches across the street, it quickly helped her build a good reputation. She became friends with several women in town who helped bring her business. After a while, she came to call it home.

She made her home in the shop’s back room, surrounded by mementoes of her beloved Paul.

Every night she fought the urge to cry herself to sleep from sheer loneliness. She stared at Paul’s picture one night as she tried to go to sleep.

“You said you wanted me to be happy,” she whispered, “but I’m afraid I don’t know how without you.”

With the sound of crickets chirping outside, she rolled over and prayed for the darkness to take her.

Chapter Two

“Goddamn it, this coffee tastes like water!” Deputy Mason Carlisle opened the kitchen door. He stepped onto the porch and slung the offending liquid out into the yard, scattering chickens in the early morning light. “Why the hell you bother making it if you’re only going to waste it like this, Joe?”

His cousin, Joseph Lansing, arched an eyebrow at him. “Why the hell you drink it if you don’t like it? Some of us like coffee we can swallow without needing a spoon to scrape it out of the cup first.” He tolerated his younger cousin living with him because he loved him.

That was the only reason.

Well, maybe not the only reason, but it was the only reason he’d publicly admit to. Having Mason around beat living alone. Not by much, admittedly, but his thunderstorm of a cousin was enough of a distraction to help keep Joseph’s own mind off the past.

Amused, he watched as Mason rolled his brown eyes and grabbed the coffee pot off the stove. He stomped back outside and dumped it and the grounds over the edge of the porch and into a flowerbed before returning and pumping water into the sink to rinse the pot and start over. “You’re hopeless. You know that? You need a wife.”

“You need a woman worse than I do. The people of Brooksville expect their deputies to not need a bib when they eat.” He nodded toward Mason’s shirt, which sported a huge grease spot on the front.

Mason looked down. “Goddamn it!” He finished fixing a new pot of coffee and set it on the stove to boil while he stormed back to his bedroom. “This is ridiculous!” he yelled from his bedroom in the back of the house. “You need a maid!”

“I thought you said I needed a wife?” Joseph called back. “It’s not my fault you don’t know how to wash a shirt properly.”

The two cousins were as different in looks as they were personality. Easygoing, blue-eyed Joe at thirty-four, with his sun-bleached blond hair, was three years older than intense, brown-eyed and dark-haired Mason. Joe’s successful lumber mill only added to the income from his thriving cattle ranch on the outskirts of Brooksville.

Mason returned sporting a relatively clean shirt and holding the dirty one, which he dumped into the sink and began scrubbing with a bar of laundry soap. Joe watched on, amused. “You look like you’re about to lose a button on that one,” he teased Mason.

Mason swore again as he looked down the front of his shirt. “I don’t have time for this nonsense this morning.”

“Do you have any other clean shirts?”

“No!” He threw the soap into the sink, where it bounced off the enamel with a loud, clanging thump before it shot out of the basin again and sailed across the kitchen.

Joe burst out laughing.

“Shut up,” Mason growled.

Shaking his head, Joe disappeared to his room and reappeared with one of his work shirts. “Here, wear this. Take that one”—he nodded to the one Mason currently wore—“into town with you this morning. I’m sure Widow Dorchester can mend it for you.”

“Oh. Oh yeah. Good idea.” He quickly changed. “I’ve got two more that need buttons. I should take those in, too.”

“Good idea.” He shook his head as Mason disappeared to the back of the house again. Heaven help me, he thought. Thank God Mason was far better at being a deputy than he was at taking care of his laundry.

That boy really does need a wife.

* * *

Katie awoke at dawn, as she usually did. After lighting her oil lamp and firing up the stove on the small back-porch kitchen, she put on a kettle of water to boil for her morning tea. She had three dresses to finish hemming today for Mrs. Palmer’s daughter’s trousseau. The girl would be leaving for her honeymoon after her wedding next weekend. Not to mention Mr. Greenville, who ran the dry goods store, said his latest shipment of fabric should arrive today. She had specially ordered several bolts for herself to complete some pending orders, and he’d assured her she could have first pick of the others as well.

She performed her morning ablution and dressed while she waited for the kettle to boil. As every morning, she stood in front of her husband’s picture. “Good morning, Paul. Going to be another warm one today.” While several women friends had hinted they could introduce her to single male relatives, she shunned that kind of contact despite her loneliness and longing.

She’d had the best husband in the world. How could any man compare? Not to mention the men who’d approached her, or who had been volunteered to her as available, weren’t exactly…handsome.

Most mangy cow dogs had better looks.

She sat at her tiny table, sipping her tea and eating a leftover biscuit from the previous night’s dinner when a loud knock on her front door startled her.

Who could that be? Her hours were clearly posted on a neatly lettered sign beside the door, and a check of the mantle clock showed she still had thirty minutes before opening. Peeking through the curtain separating her bedroom from the rest of her store, she spotted a familiar foe trying to peer inside.

Blast that man!

She grabbed her shotgun, which she kept loaded with rock salt, and stormed to the front door. When she threw it open, the senior Dorchester looked startled before his expression turned calculating.

“Good morning, Katherine.”

“What do you want?”

“I want to talk. This is silly, for you to be living over here by yourself. You should be home in Dade City, with family.”

She hefted the shotgun, blocking him when he attempted to step inside. “You are not my family, Mr. Dorchester. Now get out of here.”

His face darkened, and she once again glimpsed the evil she suspected lived inside him. “I have someone interested in buying that property. It’s time for you to stop this foolishness so I can sell it.”

“What happened to wanting to keep it in the family?” she sarcastically asked. “That property belonged to my husband. He willed it to me. My attorney said it was legal and proper. I will do what I choose with that property, and for now, I choose not to sell it.”

She didn’t take her gaze off his face, but out of the corner of her eye she spotted Deputy Carlisle riding up.

Taking a step forward, she forced Dorchester out of the doorway and onto the front porch where Carlisle hopefully couldn’t miss what was happening.

“You will regret crossing me, Katherine.”

“That’s Missus Dorchester to you, sir.”

Deputy Carlisle did, in fact, spot the confrontation, because he spurred his horse faster until he slid to a stop in front of her store, kicking up a cloud of dust in his wake. He leapt off his mount and ran up to the porch, his hand on the butt of his revolver.

“What’s going on here? What’s wrong, Miz Dorchester? This man bothering you?”

Dorchester Senior didn’t say anything at first, just shot her a murderous glare. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m leaving.” He jabbed a pudgy finger at her. “But don’t think we’re through, Katherine.” He turned, stormed off the porch, climbed into his buggy, and snapped the team’s reins.

Once he turned the corner out of her sight, the tremors hit. It wasn’t until she felt Deputy Carlisle’s gentle hands on hers, taking the shotgun from her, that she realized she was also crying.

“Miz Dorchester?” His voice sounded kind and gentle. “Let’s get you inside and you tell me what’s going on.”

She nodded and let him escort her into the back room, where her knees gave out and she heavily sat at the table.

He knelt in front of her. “Are you all right? Are you hurt? Who was that man? Did he threaten you?”

A ragged laugh escaped her. “He’s my former father-in-law. A greedy son of a buck who thinks he can get his way by threats and bullying.”

* * *

Joe’s stable boy had Mason’s horse saddled and waiting at the hitching post outside the front porch. Mason jammed the three shirts, as well as a pair of trousers he’d forgotten needed the seat mended, into a saddlebag. The twenty-minute ride into Brooksville was, as usual, uneventful. As the sun rose in a hazy blue May sky, indicating the high pressure system sitting over the top of their area, he knew it meant another scorcher. The rainy season should start soon, bringing momentary afternoon relief from the heat every day even though it also meant a return of the horribly muggy afternoons.

Then he rounded the corner.

When he spotted Widow Dorchester standing there outside her shop and holding a man at bay with her shotgun, he urged his horse forward at full gallop. He didn’t know her very well, but he and the other deputies tried to keep an eye out for her as much as they could, as did the volunteer fire brigade members when they were at the firehouse.

After the man left and Mason got her inside, she told him the story. He fought the urge to hop on his horse and go after the man and teach him a thing or two about manners. He knew of Widow Dorchester’s story from around town, but had never had an up close conversation with her before since he didn’t often work on this side of Brooksville. “Has he been bothering you, ma’am?”

“Not lately. But now that he’s back I’m guessing his threats will resume. He said he wants to sell the property. It’s not his to sell, it’s mine! My lawyer said so!” She blew her nose in a handkerchief and despite the circumstances, he realized for the first time how cute the strawberry blonde was. Definitely feisty. Dorchester had a good foot in height on her, and she’d stood tall against him.

She looked at him. “Thank you for coming along when you did,” she said. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am. Can I make you a cup of tea or something?”

“No, ma’am, that’s all right. Actually, I was on my way here.” He explained his mending problem.

She smiled, but it looked sad and careworn. “Please, bring them in. I’ll do them for you right now.”

“I don’t mind leaving them.”

“Nonsense.” She stood and smoothed her skirts. “After the grief you’ve saved me this morning, it’s the least I can do. Won’t take me long at all. Truth be told, my nerves are still a little rattled. I wouldn’t mind the company for a while longer.”

He retrieved the items from his saddlebag as she opened her shop. He sat and watched her as she found matching buttons for the missing ones and quickly sewed them on. Her hazel eyes keenly focused on her work, yet she easily talked with him while her needle rose and fell.

She smiled at him over the ripped seam in his trousers as she poked her hand through it and wiggled her fingers. “I hope you weren’t bending over in front of any ladies when this happened.”

He laughed. “Nope. Just my cousin. Believe me, Joe teased me something fierce about it.”

He loved her smile. From the worry lines around her eyes and on her forehead, he suspected she didn’t smile very much. “I’m sure he did, Deputy.”

“Please, call me Mason.”

Did he imagine she blushed a little? “All right, Mason.”

“May I be forward, ma’am?”

She blushed a little more. Could she look anymore beautiful if she tried? “Forward, Mason? And please, call me Katie.”

He took a risk. “Katie, would you allow me to take you to the dinner at the Methodist church tomorrow night?”

* * *

Her first instinct was to say no. The word caught and hung on the tip of her tongue. Then she spotted the unmistakable hope in his sweet brown eyes. How had she missed his good looks before? Then again, she’d never had much contact with him before, despite hearing many local women talk about his charming ways and handsome features.

She took a deep breath. “I would be honored to accompany you to the dinner.” Considering it was only across the street, and she’d been planning on going anyway, what harm could come from that? If she had the handsome deputy on her arm, it would help ward off the unwelcomed advances from single men—or their well-intentioned relatives—that invariably occurred at the local shindigs.

He smiled, turning his hard face even more handsome. She knew he and his cousin, Joseph Lansing, lived just outside of Brooksville. Two confirmed bachelors, according to the young single townswomen who’d unsuccessfully attempted to claim either of them. Plenty of times she’d overheard gossip from one girl or another who’d plotted strategy to become Mrs. Joseph Lansing, wife of a successful cattle rancher and business owner. But Mason’s cousin proved as tenaciously single as he was.

“I’ll call for you around six, if that’s all right?”

“That would be fine.” She finished mending the seam, tested it, and neatly folded the trousers to add them to the pile of clothes. “There. All done.”

He stood. “How much do I owe you?”

She waved him off. “Nothing. Consider it thanks for helping my morning go from horrible to very nice indeed.” Truth be told, that’s exactly what he’d done. From her earlier melancholy, then the shock of dealing with Dorchester, and now nearly an hour of pleasant conversation that made her feel…almost normal.

More normal than she had in a year. He smiled again. She’d heard he was a tough but fair man who didn’t brook nonsense from people.

“I’m sorry we didn’t officially meet under better circumstances, Katie. I’ll make it a point to drop by regularly from now on. To check on you. Especially today. If he shows up again, I want you to send for me immediately and I’ll take care of it. Personally.”

Her heart fluttered at his protective tone. It reminded her so much of…

No. Not today. She’d had a taste of normality and didn’t want to sink back into her grief. “All right. Thank you so much.”

He extended his hand, and she thought he would shake with her, but he kissed the back of her hand. “Then I’ll see you later, Katie.”

She blushed. As her heart sped from fluttering to a full-out gallop, she realized she didn’t mind the sensation in the least.

It was the best feeling she’d had since losing Paul.

Chapter Three

Mason kept an eye out all day for any sign of Dorchester returning to harass Katie, but didn’t spot him. He also passed the word with Sheriff Birch and the other deputies. All the men, who felt outrage on her behalf, agreed that the Dorchesters Senior or Junior wouldn’t be welcomed in town any time soon. Mason also talked to local business owners, who all agreed to keep their eyes open. Katie Dorchester was a quiet woman who wasn’t unfriendly, but other than going to local functions, she mostly kept to herself. Still, everyone who knew her liked the sweet woman.

He stopped by her shop again later that afternoon as he rode out to check a report of chicken rustling at a farm south of town.

Her smile as he entered her shop touched something deep inside him. She sat on a low stool, pinning up a dress hem. The owner of the dress, Sissy Baxter, stood on a table and held still while talking to her mother, Mary Baxter, who sat in a nearby chair and looked on.

“Good afternoon, Deputy Carlisle,” Katie said. The other two women couldn’t see her playful wink.

He tipped his hat and smiled in return. “Good afternoon, Miz Dorchester, ladies. I just wanted to stop by and make sure everything was all right. See how you were getting along.” He also knew, from what he’d heard around town, that Katie was a rather private person. The details of the morning’s showdown were no doubt already making their rounds based on his warnings to others to keep their eyes open, but he didn’t want to put her on the spot in front of her customers.

Especially the gossipy Baxter women.

Katie sat up, placing her hands on her back as she straightened and stretched. “Everything’s quiet. Did my mending hold up? No more uncomfortable drafts?” she teased.

His grin widened. She was a sharp, quick-witted woman. “Good as new, thank you, ma’am.” He tipped his hat again. “I’ll make sure to spread the word about your shop and your good work,” he promised. “Good day, ladies.” As he left the shop, he heard Sissy Baxter asking Katie about him.

Suppressing a chuckle, he had a feeling maybe he’d finally found someone he wouldn’t mind losing his heart to.

* * *

It was Mason’s turn to cook dinner that night. For once he didn’t mind the task, his thoughts constantly wandering to Katie’s sad eyes and beautiful smile while he cooked. When Joe returned to the house a little before sunset, Mason had dinner waiting. “Don’t expect me for dinner tomorrow night,” he told Joe. “I’m taking Miz Dorchester to the church supper.”

“Widow Dorchester? Really?” He smiled. “I don’t know her. She’s a handsome woman, from what little I’ve seen of her.”

“Cute is the term I’d use.”

“I was trying to be a gentleman, Mase. Not that you would know anything about that.” Joe smiled at him over his cup. Mason-baiting was one of his favorite sports.

“Yeah, well, you ought to come, too, so you can see how much of a gentleman I am.” Mason regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth.

“You know what? I think I will,” Joe said. “That’s an excellent idea. Maybe I can warn the poor woman about you. How’d you end up talking to her, anyway?”

Mason explained the morning’s confrontation. He didn’t like the frown that emerged on Joe’s face. “What?”

Joe put down his cup. “Dorchester is bad news, cuz. Haven’t you heard of him?”

“I’ve heard of him, but not much about him. Why?”

“Well, maybe you haven’t heard much because he usually buys his way out of trouble with the Dade City sheriff. He usually stays away from Brooksville. None of the ranchers in the area like him. He and his brothers were into rustling back in the day. Free-range courtesies were low on their list of priorities. If you were missing cattle, chances were you could find them ‘accidentally’ wandering amongst Dorchester herds, if they were anywhere in close proximity. They didn’t make it a priority to send the cattle back to their rightful owners, either.”

Mason didn’t like the sound of that. “I have a feeling he’s not going to stop until he gets what he wants.”

Joe nodded. “It also wouldn’t surprise me if she suddenly died of an unfortunate accident.”

“What?”

Joe leaned back. “You were down in Tampa when this happened about ten years ago, but there was a rancher, Kendall Eddings, over in Lacoochee. Dorchester wanted his land and insisted Eddings sell it to him. Wasn’t a big spread, maybe a fifty acres or so, but one of the spring-fed tributaries of the Withlachooche River runs through it. Water in it even in the middle of a drought. That’s what Dorchester wanted more than anything, because his land butted up against Eddings’ spread.”

“What happened?”

“He didn’t come home one night. His wife sent for help, and searchers found him the next morning out in the woods. Best guess is his horse spooked and ran him under a low branch. Broke his neck. They found him sprawled on the ground.”

“But?”

Joe’s face darkened. “The first guy there said there were boot marks and other hoof prints all over the place. Like maybe he had a little help falling off and breaking his neck. His widow sold out to Dorchester the next week and moved to Orlando.”

Mason hated men who intimidated women. He hated bullies even more. Worse, he despised rich men who flouted their money and thought the rules did not and should not apply to them. “Then maybe you should come with me tomorrow night,” he softly said.

“I was just teasing you about that. I didn’t mean it.”

Mason, back in deputy mode, shook his head. “I want you to tell her that story yourself, if she doesn’t know it already. I also want you to make her an offer.”

“An offer? What kind of offer?”

“I want you to pay her to come to work for you, here at the ranch. We were just talking about it this morning, weren’t we? A housekeeper? It’d be nice to have a woman around here.”

“She’s not going to want to come work for me. She’s got a business.”

“I’m talking cooking and cleaning and that’s all, not farm chores. There’s not that much to do, let’s be honest. You pay people to do everything else. We’ll give her room and board and I can take her in to town every morning to her shop when I make my rounds, and bring her home every night. Ask her to clean in her spare time. I don’t like the idea of her living there by herself.”

“She’s safe in town. There’s a bunch of houses within screaming distance of her place.”

“I still don’t like it.” The fact that he felt so protective of her already was just another sign his heart had decided on the cute strawberry blonde with the sad face. He didn’t care she was a widow, either. “I don’t like that he’s sniffing around her place.”

“You said she’s got a gun. She can protect herself.”

“She shouldn’t have to.” He stood and took his dishes to the sink where he pumped water to wash them. “No woman should have to spend her life looking over her shoulder like that.”

* * *

Joe quit objecting as he spotted the firm set of Mason’s shoulders and the tense angle of his jaw. He knew why Mason felt the way he did, even if Mason didn’t want to outright admit it. When Mason’s younger sister had refused a wealthy, spoiled suitor used to getting whatever he wanted, the man had gotten drunk and come back the next night with a pistol and shot her before shooting himself. The scandal rocked Tampa when it happened six years earlier, and was the reason Mason left for Brooksville. With Mason’s parents dead and his only sibling murdered, Joe had asked Mason to come live with him.

They’d grown up together, their mothers being sisters, and had been close until Joe’s parents moved to Brooksville to start the sawmill. He’d bought the cattle ranch, taking the sawmill over after his father’s death. His own mother had died a short time later, leaving him alone, too.

It’d only made sense for the cousins to share a place. Since Joe was friends with Brooksville’s sheriff, it wasn’t hard for him to get Mason a job he excelled at. The townspeople liked him, the sheriff liked him, and most importantly, the business owners liked him. Rumor had it when Sheriff Birch retired in a few years that Mason was already the favored replacement.

After he bid Mason good night, Joe retired to his own room where he stripped, lay in bed, and stared at the ceiling. Damn bed felt far too large for a single man. In all honesty, he didn’t want a woman around. A woman would remind him too much of Laura, and what he lost when she died a week before they were to be married. No other woman had ever caught his eye or his heart in the eight lonely years since he’d lost her.

Joe stared at his ceiling. Once again he thought about Mason’s proposal. He didn’t seriously expect the widow to want to come to work for him, but no, it couldn’t hurt to ask.

Maybe she would be good for Mason. He damn sure needed a woman in his life.

* * *

Katie spent a restless night starting awake at every sound, familiar or not. She slept with the shotgun next to her in the narrow bed, and extra shells in the pocket of her nightshirt. She held no illusions—Dorchester wouldn’t give up.

Saying yes to Mason’s invitation to the church dinner might gain her an edge that way as well. If Dorchester thought she was close to a deputy, it might give him pause, make him think twice before he bothered her again. As a widow, it wasn’t like she was too concerned with her reputation anyway.

She was more concerned about staying safe.

Moonlight streaming through her back window illuminated her small mantle clock sitting on the shelf. It had been Paul’s, and she faithfully wound it every day, just as he had. It read three twenty.

That’s what she was staring at when a shadow passed across it. At first she didn’t realize what she’d just seen until she heard an unfamiliar scratching noise at her back porch door.

The screened porch had shutters, but she only closed those in bad weather. The screen door had a hook and eye latch, but anyone could cut the screen and open it.

Softly getting out of bed in her bare feet, she grabbed the shotgun and quietly unlocked her back door, letting it silently swing open. Even though only six feet away, the inner door was shrouded in deep shadows, whereas she could clearly see the intruder in the bright moonlight. There, squatting outside her back door, stooped a dark figure. She spotted a flash of silver and realized he was trying to cut her screen.

She brought the shotgun up. “Who the blazes are you?”

The man straightened with an oath and started fumbling for something.

She fired one barrel, the blast of rock salt punching a hole in the screen and catching him squarely in the chest as the loud explosion shattered the silence. He let out a howl of pain and stumbled away from her porch door. Nearby dogs started barking.

“I asked you who you are!” she screamed in a trembling voice.

He still tried to pull something from his side, and that’s when she spotted the gun belt around his waist. She fired again. While he fell to the ground screaming and clutching his chest, she immediately broke the gun open, loaded two more shells—of buckshot—and aimed. “Drop the gun or I’ll blow your head off with real shot this time!”

Apparently not so badly injured he couldn’t run, he dragged himself to his feet and took off. She raced to the door, fumbling with the latch in the darkness, and stumbled down the steps. As he disappeared into the shadows of a stand of oaks, she unloaded both barrels at him.

Too terrified to return inside, she pulled two more shells from the pocket of her nightshirt and loaded them with trembling fingers. That’s when Ben Ainsley, one of the volunteer firefighters, ran up with only his trousers on, a rifle in his hands.

“Katherine! Are you all right? What in blue blazes is going on?” More local men joined him, until a small crowd of ten men, all half dressed and well armed, surrounded her.

She tearfully repeated her story. One of the men examined her back door and held up a knife. “Here’s what he was using, the filthy bastard. He must have dropped it when you shot him.” He realized who he was talking to. “Pardon my language, Miz Dorchester.”

She nodded, not the least concerned about his swearing. Despite the warm evening she felt herself tremble as she stood there barefooted in the cool, dewy grass. She heard one of the men say, “She don’t look good. Somebody catch—”

She fainted.

Chapter Four

Mason awoke to someone loudly banging on the front door and screaming his name. By the time he reached the front door to find out what was going on, he had his trousers and suspenders on and his revolver ready. He found Jim Smith, one of the men who worked for Joe but lived in town, standing on his front porch.

Joe, also armed, rushed up behind Mason as Jim spilled the story. “Come quick, Mason! Someone tried to break into Miz Dorchester’s place!”

Mason’s heart nearly seized in his chest. “Is she all right?”

“Yeah, but considering she put two loads of rock salt into his front side at a close distance, and fired off two loads of buckshot behind him, I don’t imagine he’ll be too hard to track down.”

“Wait here. I’ll get dressed.”

He nearly tripped over Joe as he turned. “I’ll saddle a horse for you,” Joe offered. “You go get ready.”

Mason slapped him on the shoulder in thanks as he ran for his bedroom, heart racing. Damn it, I should have anticipated this!

Ten minutes later, he was on his horse and galloping alongside Jim, heading toward town. At that speed the ride took less than fifteen minutes, which still felt too long. One of the other deputies, Carl Daily, was already there and organizing a posse.

He raced inside her shop to find Katie sitting up in bed and talking to Shelby Ainsley, Ben’s wife. She looked pale and frightened.

He also didn’t miss she had the shotgun in bed with her.

Pulling his hat off, he stepped close. “Are you all right, Katie?”

She nodded, but looked close to tears. Shelby Ainsley stood and moved out of his way so he could sit down. “Can you tell me what happened?”

She softly recounted her ordeal in a trembling voice that didn’t sound like the determined woman he’d met the morning before. If Shelby Ainsley wasn’t hovering by the door, he’d have pulled Katie into his arms and hugged her until he could make her feel safe again.

“Do you think the posse will find him?” she asked.

“Maybe, maybe not.” He smiled. “But anyone who sees him will probably turn him in. Especially if he goes to see Doc Tyler. Can’t explain away a face full of rock salt very easily.”

She managed a weak smile in return and nodded.

“Look,” he said, “this is going to sound awfully forward, but please hear me out. My cousin and I need someone to help keep us two bachelors in line. Someone to cook and clean for us, that’s all. No farm chores or anything. We don’t live far from here. We’d be happy for you to come live with us, and I can bring you to and from town every day so you can still work in your shop. I’d sure feel better knowing you weren’t alone.”

* * *

The part of her still terrified over the ordeal wanted to sob yes! and throw herself into his arms. She’d never met his cousin but had seen him from a distance. Both men were handsome and single. It wouldn’t hurt her pride in the least to be a spinster housekeeper to them.

Then she caught sight of Paul’s picture sitting on the shelf by the mantle clock. She wanted to be independent, make him proud of her. How proud of her would he be if she caved in and let his father scare her like this?

Yet she couldn’t bring herself to say no.

“That’s a very fair offer, but may I have some time to consider it?”

He nodded. “Of course.” He hesitated. “My cousin, Joe, wants to come with me to the dinner tonight. Would you mind if he accompanies us? Then you could meet him and talk to him about it.”

She felt a little relief at that. While she’d love to be alone with Mason, on top of this fright, spending time alone with the handsome deputy was too much excitement for her nerves. Not to mention that two large men were better than one to help protect her after dark. “That would be fine. I would enjoy that very much.”

Katie insisted on making Mason breakfast while they waited for news from the posse, and he found her to be an excellent cook, raving about it.

“My cousin gets a taste of your cooking, I might find myself fighting him for your attention.” He winked.

She blushed. It’d been so long since she’d had anyone to cook for. Paul had loved her cooking. “It’s just scrambled eggs and ham, Mason. Nothing special.”

He shook his head. “You’re wrong. You are very special. Not many women would do what you did, stand up for themselves. That takes a lot of strength.”

She was saved a response by the return of Carl Daily and the posse. They hadn’t tracked the guy down. Carl pulled his pocket watch out and wound it. “I’ll stay here for a while this morning, just to make sure he doesn’t come back,” he assured Mason. Carl and his wife lived in town, only a few blocks away.

Despite Katie getting the distinct impression that Mason didn’t want to leave, he finally stood and nodded to her. “I’ll be checking on you throughout the day. You keep that gun loaded with buckshot, you hear?”

She finally laughed. “Don’t worry. It won’t leave my side, even when I go to the privy.” She blushed as she realized what she said, but the men laughed.

“Good girl,” Mason said. “That’s exactly what you should do.” He tipped his hat to her as he left.

Carl smiled. “I think he’s sweet on you, Katie.” His wife was one of the few people in town that she had more than a passing relationship with.

She blushed. “Oh, I doubt that.” But she certainly hoped it.

“I hear right that he’s taking you to the church dinner tonight?”

Her blush deepened, but she nodded.

His smile turned into a full grin. “Good! I was going to ask if you wanted me to come walk you over so you didn’t have to be alone, but if Mason’s taking care of it, I’m sure you’ll be safe.” He tipped his hat. “From intruders. Not so sure how safe you’ll be from Mason if he’s determined to make you his, though.” He laughed. “He strikes me as a right determined man. And only a fool would miss how sweet he is on you.”

On that amused note, he stepped out the back door to help supervise getting her screen replaced.

Huffing in frustration, she busied herself with opening her shop. As she expected, she practically overflowed with customers that morning, some with mending and some without, all wanting to hear her story and see her shotgun. Mason Carlisle stopped by several times, never setting foot inside but smiling every time he spotted her nearly full shop and caught her eye through the door. She supposed he figured if people kept her that busy, she must not be in any peril.

By the time she closed her shop at four o’clock, she felt bone weary and considered not going to the dinner after all. Ben Ainsley had fixed her screen door as well as nailed an additional piece of wood on the outside, over the center portion, to make it harder for someone to break in and unhook the latch. Despite the warm night, she’d also closed and secured her shutters for extra peace of mind.

Another thing that didn’t escape her notice—now that word had spread Mason Carlisle was taking her to the dinner, none of the eligible men who’d been by to help with repairs or check on her had made the slightest attempt to ask her out.

Highly unusual. Normally she would have to turn away at the very least two or three invites to a church dinner.

She pumped herself a large pot of water and heated it on the stove while she filled her small washtub with water. A warm bath would help soothe her nerves and make her feel better. She even unpinned her hair and washed it as well. She carefully dried her hair and pinned it up, even though it was still a little damp in back, and donned one of her best dresses. She couldn’t help but jump at the knock on her front door at six.

Both men stood there, freshly shaven and their own hair damp from washing. Mason made the introduction. “Miz Dorchester, this is my cousin, Joseph Lansing.”

He held out a hand. “Call me Joe.” If his playful blue eyes were any indication of his temperament, she suspected she might have a problem on her hands. His blond hair, lightened even further by working in the sun, stood in stark contrast to Mason’s dark hair. Approximately the same height, neither man was one she’d turn her nose up at.

She swallowed hard. “You can call me Katie. Just let me check the back locks and I’m ready to go.”

She fanned herself as she hurried to her room and checked the screen door, then the back door. Goodness, two handsome men! She chided herself for the next wicked thought that crossed her mind and sent pulses of need to her core. I am a widow. Who says I can’t let them both court me?

The men smiled at her return. They waited for her to lock her front door and place the key in her reticule, which she hung from her wrist. “All right, I’m ready.”

The men flanked her, both extending their arms. Laughing and feeling better than she had all day, she hooked her arms through theirs and allowed both of them to escort her across the street.

When they reached the Fellowship Hall, Joe released her arm and held the door for her and Mason to go first. She didn’t miss how her popularity had suddenly risen as people she barely knew seemed to line up to talk to her. Not to mention several of the single girls shot her dark looks for being on the eligible bachelor’s arm.

She also didn’t miss how Joe, despite drawing attention from several eager single women, made his way to a far corner and tried to keep to himself.

Once she and Mason had freed themselves from the crowd, they made their way over to where Joe sat. “Have you given thought to our offer?” Mason asked.

She licked her lips to wet them and buy her a moment. “I would hate to be a burden on you like that. Taking me into town every day.”

Joe’s eyes never left her face, but he didn’t speak. Mason said, “Ma’am, you might find us to be a burden on you.” He smiled. “We are in dire need of a woman to keep us on the straight and narrow.”

She wondered if Joe normally remained so silent. She addressed her next comment to him. “You’re rather quiet.”

When Joe smiled, she felt his deep sadness. She sensed he’d lost someone as surely as she had. “I don’t have much to say, ma’am. I’m in agreement with Mase, that we’d welcome your help.”

Mason looked hopeful. If she ever lost her heart to anyone, she suspected it would be him. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to do very much,” she admitted. “Not with the shop and all. That wouldn’t be fair to you, and to be frank, I don’t want to give up my shop.”

“Joe’s men take care of most everything on the ranch. We’d just need someone to cook for us. Laundry. Cleaning around the house. No milking or anything like that. And we know you’d need to take care of your business first. I come to town every day anyway. I can make sure you get back and forth safely.”

They fell silent when Reverend Anderson called for quiet. He gave a brief talk about events going on in town that weekend before saying the blessing and opening the line for food. When he finished, she looked at the men. “Why don’t we enjoy our dinner, and then I’ll give you my answer when you take me home? By then we should all know if we’d at least like each other or not. You might decide you don’t want me working for you after talking to me for a while.”

Mason grinned, an easy, open look. Joe’s sad smile nearly broke her heart. Mason said, “Katie, believe me, we’ll still like you after dinner.”

* * *

By the time they finished dinner, she did feel comfortable saying she enjoyed the company of both men. Despite her earlier wanton thought of letting both men court her, the reality of the situation sank home. She didn’t want herself, nor either man, to be spoken ill of. Not that she cared so much what people said about her, but as a respected businessman, Joe had a reputation to preserve. Not to mention that Mason was a deputy in line to be sheriff, if town rumors were accurate.

As Reverend Anderson made his rounds of the attendees and approached where they sat, an idea formed in her mind.

The older man smiled at her and shook her hand as he pulled up a chair. “I hear you had quite the scare this morning, Katie.”

She nodded. “Yes, unfortunately.”

“I’m glad you weren’t harmed.” He glanced at the two men. “I don’t see you boys in my church pews very often.”

Mason reddened slightly in the face. “Joe has to work the ranch because his men get the day off. I’m usually helping out on the ranch on my day off, Reverend.”

The minister smiled. “Then that’s an admirable excuse, and perfectly acceptable. I grew up on a ranch myself. I understand the duties.”

He stood to go, but she reached out and stayed him. “Reverend, I have a question for you.”

He relaxed in his seat. “Of course, Katie.”

She glanced at the two men. “Mr. Lansing and Deputy Carlisle have made me an interesting and generous offer, but I’d like your opinion before I give them my answer.”

The reverend looked curious but nodded. “All right.”

“Would there be anything improper about me moving in with them to be their housekeeper, and still run my shop?”

“You mean, live with them?”

“In a private room of her own, of course,” Mason quickly added.

Reverend Anderson smiled. “Are you asking me if I think lips will flap and mouths will run?”

Her turn to redden in the face. She nodded.

He laughed and patted her arm. “How about I spread the word that it was my suggestion? I personally think it’s a good idea. You’re a widow, and they’re men with honorable reputations.” His expression darkened as his voice dropped. “I’ve heard stories about your former father-in-law, Katie. Frankly, I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to hurt you sooner. If you don’t move in with these boys, you’ll end up with an armed posse taking turns sitting on your back porch every night. There are plenty of men here in town who’d like a chance at the son of a gun who tried to hurt you.”

She glanced at the cousins, who nodded in agreement.

The reverend’s smile returned. “So does that answer your question for you?”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, it does.” She looked at the cousins. “So when would you like me to move in?”

* * *

She didn’t have a lot in the way of personal belongings to move. Joe and Mason had ridden their horses to town, so Joe rode back home to fetch their wagon while Mason stayed behind with her and helped her pack.

And protect her.

She picked up her picture of Paul and stared at it.

“Was that your husband?” Mason asked.

She sadly nodded as she let her fingers caress the frame. “Yes. He was a good man. I truly loved him.” She carefully laid it in her trunk, padded by a dress so it wouldn’t get damaged.

“How’d he die, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Pneumonia.” She felt her melancholy return for the first time that evening. Talking and laughing with the two men had made her feel alive, for once. “He got sick and wouldn’t rest. Then he got sicker and…” She couldn’t finish. She couldn’t talk about him like that yet. It still felt too raw in many ways, hurt too much. She needed to get her mind off of him. “Do you mind me asking a question, Mason?”

“Of course not.”

She turned. “Why is Joe so sad? And why haven’t either of you eligible men found wives yet? If I may be so forward, you’re both handsome men. I would imagine from what I’ve heard around town that you could have your pick of ladies.”

She didn’t miss the subtle shift in Mason’s expression. “Joe’s fiancée, Laura, died eight years ago. He buried her three days before they were supposed to be married.”

A rush of sympathy filed her. “I can certainly understand that then. But what about you? Why is there no Mrs. Carlisle yet?”

His face reddened. “Just never found the right woman before now.” His gaze snuck her way.

Heat filled her as she deliberately ignored his implication. “That’s a shame.”

One of his eyebrows rakishly rose skyward. “Perhaps not, ma’am. Not if it means I missed finding the wrong woman. I don’t like silly women.”

“No?”

He fully turned to her. “No.” He stepped forward, until only inches separated them. Her breath came in a gasping rush as his brown eyes filled her existence. When he next spoke, the deep, passionate sound of it resonated throughout her body. “It’s hard to find a serious woman who’s also a beautiful and kind woman, and who hasn’t been married off already.”

“Really?” She felt like a silly woman right now, wondering what his strong arms would feel like crushing her against his broad chest.

“Really.” His voice softened. “May I be forward, Katie?”

“Please do.”

He gently stroked her cheek with a strong, calloused hand. “You’re beautiful. I had more than one reason for wanting you to move in with us.”

“You did?” It surprised her to realize she didn’t mind.

“I’m hoping perhaps in a few months you might decide you don’t want to leave.”

“But what if you or Joe find a wife, Mason? She wouldn’t want me there.”

A smile that sinful should be illegal.

“I think I already have found her. Maybe one day she’ll decide she wouldn’t mind having me as her husband. After she gets to know me better, of course. I wouldn’t want to offend her by being too forward too soon.” He stroked her cheek again before stepping away. “But don’t expect me to take too kindly to men asking to call on you for anything other than mending.”

When she swallowed, she felt a dry click in her throat.

And a warm, pleasant dampness between her legs.

Chapter Five

By the time Joe returned with the wagon, Katie and Mason had packed most of the personal items she wanted to take. The rest she could get the next day.

“Don’t forget this.” She turned at Joe’s teasing tone and saw he held her shotgun. It was one of the few times she’d seen him smile all evening.

She returned his smile. “Do you think I’ll need it at y’all’s house?”

“Probably not. But make sure you bring it to work with you every day.” His smile faded as he started helping Mason move her things to the wagon.

The men wouldn’t let her carry anything. She stood and watched them work. Despite Mason’s declaration, she knew it wouldn’t be as simple as losing her heart to him. She already felt a subtle draw to Joe as well. From what she’d heard about the cousins, she knew they were close. The last thing she’d want to do was come between them.

No, perhaps a little friendly courting wouldn’t be improper, but she refused to interfere with their relationship. And she knew nothing could come between friends, brothers, or cousins faster than jealousy over a woman.

She thought about Paul’s picture safely tucked inside one of her trunks. On second thought, keeping a little emotional distance might be the safest thing for all of them.

The three of them wouldn’t fit on the wagon seat together. Mason rode his horse while Joe and Katie rode in the wagon. Katie suspected from Mason’s alert, wary manners as he rode that he preferred the mobility of the lone horse. First riding ahead, then behind, rarely alongside for more than a few minutes before he was off again investigating something.

When he disappeared behind them, Joe noticed her glance back to check on him. “He’s paranoid.”

“I gathered as much. About what?”

While still sad, his gentle smile softened his expression. “Be prepared for both of us, but especially him, to keep a close eye on you. At least for the next several weeks or until they catch the man who tried to attack you. He’s very protective.”

“I’ll admit I’m not used to having someone hovering over me.”

“If it gets to be too much, let me know and I’ll have a talk with him. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable with us.”

“Was this his idea or yours?”

“Do you want an honest answer?”

She tried to gird herself. “Yes.”

“It’s nothing personal, but I’m fine without a woman around.” He glanced at her. “We have something in common, although I don’t claim to compare your loss to mine. I wasn’t married to her yet.”

“He mentioned your fiancée.”

His expression hardened, as did his voice. “Did he?”

She took a chance and touched his arm. “Please don’t be upset with him. I asked. You looked so sad at dinner, and I wanted to know why.”

Like a fickle summer rain shower, his expression cleared. “I’m sorry. I just don’t like to talk about her.”

They rode in silence for a few moments, Mason checking on them before riding ahead. “Sometimes,” she softly said, “it does help to talk about the ones we’ve lost.” This was a subject she had unfortunate experience with.

“I think the worse part,” he finally said, “is some people don’t understand why I don’t just move on. They don’t understand it’s not that easy. No, we weren’t married yet, but I loved her fierce. I was ready to spend the rest of my life with her.”

She squeezed his arm. “No, it’s not easy, no matter how much time you had together. And you’re right that people don’t understand.”

She pretended not to see him brush his hand across his face, wiping at his eyes. “Like I said, please don’t take it personal.”

After gently squeezing his arm again, she released it. “I won’t. As long as you promise to talk to me if you need an understanding ear.”

He nodded. “I promise. Thank you.”

* * *

She hadn’t left Brooksville since her arrival the year before, so she wasn’t familiar with the road they traveled. Despite night falling, the large moon provided plenty of light. As they turned onto a private lane, Joe pointed out their house in the distance. Around them, in fenced pastures, she saw clusters of the herd, illuminated by moonlight.

Struggling not to think back to her past with Paul, she forced a light tone. “How many head do you have, Joe?”

“Nearly five hundred. Like I said, we don’t expect you to do any farm chores like that. Just in the house. I pay one of my stable hands to milk and collect eggs, things like that. So all we need you for is things in the house.”

“I appreciate it, but I can do chores like that, too, if you need me. We had a spread of our own. I’m used to farm work.”

“No, ma’am. That’s not our deal.” She caught another faint smile from him. “I don’t go back on my word.” He pulled the team up in front of the house. She loved the large, airy wraparound porch. Unlike many of the small, squat, one- and two-story homes in town, this house spread out a little, designed to catch any breeze wafting across the pastures to help keep it cool during hot Florida summers.

Mason hitched his horse to a rail near the front porch and walked over to help unload the wagon. He untied the ropes securing her things and carted the first trunk inside. Joe climbed down from the wagon before her. Instead of waiting for him to help her, she decided to climb down on her own. Unfortunately, her foot tangled in her skirt hem, and she felt her balance tip the wrong way. She let out a startled cry as she started to fall, but she didn’t hit the ground. Instead, she landed in Joe’s strong arms.

Instinctively, her arms grabbed for his neck as he caught her. When their eyes locked she realized maybe she had an even bigger problem than she realized. Lightning raced through her as his worried face studied her.

“Are you all right, ma’am?”

She nodded. More to break the admittedly pleasant tension than anything, she said, “If you don’t start calling me Katie, I’m going to swat you.”

The next smile he gave her didn’t look as sad. “Sorry, Katie.” He gently set her on her feet.

Mason reappeared. “What happened?”

“Joe saved me from myself,” she said, her gaze still focused on Joe. “I tripped trying to get out of the wagon by myself.”

Wearing a wistful look, Joe turned back to the wagon. “Let’s get you settled.”

An hour later, the men had her things moved inside what now was her room. A large, airy guest room on the northeast corner of the house, it would stay cooler during the summer, she imagined. The cousin’s rooms lay across the hall from hers, and she fought another rush of heat to her face as she remembered the feel of Joe’s strong arms around her.

No, it’d be safer to keep her emotional distance from both men. It would prove far too easy for her to fall for either of them. And having been a married woman, she knew darn well the significance of the hard bulge she’d brushed up against while briefly in Joe’s arms.

She also knew why Mason had frequently adjusted his trousers that evening while he helped her pack, even though she suspected he thought he hid that from her.

Both men were attracted to her. Fair enough, because she felt the same.

She just prayed it wouldn’t cause a problem, because for the first time since Paul’s death, she felt reasonably safe.

As she blew out her lamp and settled into her new, comfortable bed, she suspected sleep would be a long time coming.

* * *

Sometime in the middle of the night, Katie heard a soft squeak as the bedroom door opened. When she looked, in the moonlight she spotted Joe and Mason standing there.

Both bare-chested.

She swallowed hard and ignored all her brain’s warnings about common sense and decency as she wordlessly held out a hand to them, welcoming them into her bed.

Without a sound, both men slowly walked over to stand beside her bed. As one, they unfastened their trousers and let them drop to the floor. They stepped out of them and climbed into bed with her.

Joe took the sheet from her and gently drew it down her body. Mason leaned in and kissed her, his stubble slightly scratchy against her cheek. She felt Joe’s fingers undoing the buttons on her nightgown, parting the light fabric and exposing her breasts.

Her heart raced faster as he leaned in and took her left nipple into his mouth. His tongue flicked against it, rapidly turning it into an achingly hard and throbbing point. Mason sat up and moved down, taking her other nipple between his lips and giving it similar treatment.

She closed her eyes and moaned as Joe guided her own hand between her legs, encouraging her with his hand to rub her clit with her fingers. She felt wanton, and yet it felt so right and better than anything she could have ever dreamed of.

As the men settled in and sucked on her nipples, she quickly shed any last reserve and started rubbing her clit, plunging her fingers into her drenched pussy and gathering her own juices to lubricate her now frantic actions.

As the men continued to suck, she felt her first orgasm since before Paul died bubbling beneath the surface, blossoming, taking her breath away.

The men didn’t stop, their hot, wet mouths helping to pull her orgasm up and out of her until she gasped for air—

And awoke to find her hand working frantically between her legs, and that she was alone in bed.

Gasping and sweating, she sat up and looked around, heat filling her face. She closed her eyes and collapsed back onto the bed.

A dream. Just a dream.

She started to laugh and had to pull the pillow over her face to stifle her near-hysterical giggles that soon turned into sobs. The dream had felt so right despite having two men servicing her.

What am I going to do?

How would she ever survive living with both of them without succumbing to at least one of them?

And how would she ever choose between them, if they were both interested in her?

* * *

Joe lay awake, staring at the ceiling. This time his thoughts turned to the attractive woman sleeping just steps away across the hall. Not that he could do anything about it. Mason had already made his intentions more than clear. Joe hadn’t anticipated how good it would feel holding her, even though it had been innocent and totally unplanned.

He just hoped she didn’t feel how hard his cock strained against his trousers as he let her down. She smelled good, felt perfect in his arms.

At least Mason would be happy. She would be good for him.

Eventually, he drifted to sleep, although he was tortured by dreams of Laura…and of Katie. The next morning he awoke before dawn to the sound of noises in the kitchen. He pulled on trousers and yanked his suspenders up as he went to investigate. He found Katie, already dressed and ready to start her day, rummaging through the kitchen.

“What are you looking for?”

Apparently she hadn’t heard him, because she let out a startled cry as she jumped and turned, a hand pressed to her chest. “You scared the deuce out of me!” Her face looked red and flushed.

“Sorry. Can I help you find something?”

“Yes, thank you. I was looking for tea.”

“We don’t have any. We’ve got coffee.”

“Ah. Okay. I’ll make that then.”

He showed her where it was and realized she had assembled a bowl of batter. “What’s that?”

“You like hotcakes, I hope?”

He smiled. “I certainly do. Unless Mason’s the one handling the spatula. His hotcakes are lacking a certain…”

“Flavor?”

“Edibility.”

“Hey,” Mason grumpily complained as he entered the kitchen. “That’s not true. It’s only the first five or six that aren’t edible. After that, you can get them down if you chew them long enough and use plenty of syrup.” He yawned, scratched himself, and then seemed to remember there was a lady present. His face reddened. “Sorry, Katie. ’Scuse me.”

Joe fought back the jealous twinge he felt at Mason’s arrival. Joe knew he had no claim on her. Not that Mason had an official claim by any stretch of the imagination, but he loved his cousin, and the last thing he wanted to do was move in when Mason had already stated his interest.

Katie laughed, apparently amused by their exchange. “Well, I’ve never had complaints about my hotcakes before, so hopefully they’ll be up to your standards.”

“I’m sure they will,” Joe assured her.

Joe left them in the kitchen and returned to his room to freshen up and dress. Mason apparently had the same idea, because he heard his cousin return to his room a brief moment later.

Good, he’s not alone with her.

Joe cringed at the thought. He couldn’t allow himself to go there. No, not at all. But now that he realized the seed was planted, he couldn’t bear to dig it up.

* * *

Katie let out a relieved breath when both men returned to their rooms. After her dream, she’d spent a restless night, albeit in a comfortable bed, but her thoughts turning to one or the other man just across the hall from her room.

Or to both.

Katie felt her face redden and quickly steered her imagination away from that. She relaxed as she cooked, something she enjoyed and hadn’t done much of for the past year.

No, don’t think about that.

One of the first things she’d unpacked had been Paul’s picture. Set up on the shelf in her room, next to his mantle clock, she fought the urge to cry. It didn’t matter what he said before he died, she didn’t know how to give her heart to someone else. And now she had two eligible men literally underfoot to choose from, if she wanted.

The men emerged from their rooms, fully dressed this time, and tucked into their meals with appreciative noises and frequently repeated thanks. Mason offered her a playful wink. “If the rest of your cooking is even half this good, you’ll have the two of us fighting to keep you here. You realize that, right?”

Her face warmed. “You barely know me,” she mumbled as she turned to the sink to wash her own plate. “You may be tired of me by next week.”

“Nope,” Joe spoke up. “Not very likely. Heck, your hotcakes are a darn sight better than the best thing Mason’s ever attempted.”

“You’re not much better,” Mason shot back. “Who ever heard of trying to mash raw potatoes?”

She burst out laughing and turned from the sink. “What? Raw potatoes?”

It was Joe’s turn to blush. “It was the first time I ever tried making them,” he mumbled. “How was I supposed to know you cook them first?”

He looked so miserable she decided muffle her amusement. But the thought kept her smiling up until Mason’s next comment broke into her thoughts. “I’m ready to head to town whenever you are, Katie. They’ve already got the buggy hitched.”

She looked around the kitchen and realized she already thought of it as “hers.” That’s when the full impact of her loss struck her with heavy clarity. She enjoyed her work, but she missed having a home, not just a place to lay her weary bones at the end of each lonely day. It wasn’t until both men crowded close, concern on their faces, that she discovered she was crying.

“What’s wrong?” Joe asked. “Did we say something to upset you?”

She wiped her face with the dish towel and shook her head. “I’m sorry. No, it’s not you two. You’ve been wonderful.”

“Then what is it, Katie? What’s the matter?”

She forced a smile. “I’m just being a silly woman, that’s all. Missing what can’t be anymore. Just give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be ready to go.” She hurried to her room and mentally chided herself for her weakness, for letting her emotions get the better of her in front of the men. They were good, kind men who didn’t need to be saddled with her burdens.

* * *

Mason watched her return to her room. The sorrow on her face worried him. “Do you think she’s okay?” he asked Joe.

“Give her some time to adjust. She’s been through a lot. Widowed, attacked, upended again, and now in fear of her in-laws. It’s to be expected.”

Mason watched as Joe headed out the back door to go check on things at the barn.

What’s up with him? he wondered. His cousin suddenly seemed sad, too. Mason left through the front door to make sure his horse was tied to the buggy. He would make arrangements with the livery stable in town to take care of the buggy horse every day, so Katie wouldn’t have to ride and he could have his own horse to make rounds.

When she appeared on the front porch a few minutes later, her bonnet neatly tied and her shotgun ready, his breath caught. She was a truly fetching woman. He could easily picture spending his life with her. He hurried over and offered his arm to escort her to the buggy.

“I appreciate you doing this, Mason, but I can drive a buggy. Truth be told, I can hitch a team and work a plow, too. I’m not a fragile woman.”

“Katie, as long as Joe or I have anything to say about it, you won’t have to do that. We made you a deal, and we’ll stick to it.”

She tried to argue with him, but he shushed her. “If you think I’m going to let you go to town by yourself this soon after someone tried to attack you, think again.”

That finally pulled a sweet smile from her. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

He felt his cock stiffen in his trousers as he helped her up into the buggy. “Not nearly as much as it means to me and Joe.”

* * *

Over the next two weeks, life settled into a comfortable routine. Joe took turns with Mason to ferry her into town despite her repeated protests that she could take the buggy herself. She didn’t miss their wary alertness on the ride into town, or that the only time Joe wore a pistol was when he drove her.

She felt no pressure from Mason, although he didn’t hide his feelings from her. She enjoyed his playful, teasing ways, a lightness of mood she knew he reserved only for her.

With Joe, she enjoyed their quiet talks about life, love, and loss. She suspected she was the first person he’d ever truly opened up to about his grief.

She also recognized Joe had feelings for her that she suspected he’d never admit due to Mason’s prior claim on her. Unfortunately, she knew that there was no way she could ever force herself to choose between the two handsome men.

She loved both of them.

Every night she stared at Paul’s picture as she silently talked to him, her heart breaking. A man she loved beyond her reach. Two men who obviously cared for her and she couldn’t dare admit it to either one for fear of it destroying their bond.

Every morning she wound Paul’s mantle clock and said a silent prayer that an answer would come and take the choice from her without hurting anyone.

Chapter Six

Rainy season finally arrived. The next afternoon, Mason made it to her shop’s front porch scant seconds before the threatening sky opened up, releasing a torrent of fat raindrops punctuated by frequent lightning and rumbling thunder.

He smiled as he stepped through the shop door and removed his hat. “Looks like we’ll be here for a while,” he softly said.

She nervously smiled. “Yes.” The afternoon summer storms arrived like clockwork and would last for nearly an hour before petering off, leaving behind steamy, soggy roads.

Meaning she’d be stuck there, with him, making small talk and trying to ignore the blatant attraction between them.

Stuck wasn’t the right word. But after living with the cousins for nearly three weeks, it was obvious to her how close they were, and how attracted both men were to her. Coming between them was not an acceptable option in her mind, no matter how much she found herself in love with them…and no matter how many sexy, lustful dreams the men inspired in her. Several more times she’d dreamed about them just to awaken and find her own hand between her legs.

He glanced through the shop’s windows, pushed the door shut behind him, and shot the bolt. Then he flipped her sign from open to closed and pulled the curtains shut. He walked toward her, caught her hand, and led her through the curtained doorway to the back room where her unused bed lay.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for so long, I’m about to burst,” he rumbled as he pulled her into his arms and lowered his lips to hers.

A soft gasp escaped her as her arms encircled his neck. Who was she kidding? His body felt good against hers, his hungry mouth lighting fires inside her even the hardest Florida rainstorm could never extinguish.

He finally broke their kiss, his forehead resting against hers. “I’m sorry if you hate me for that, Katie, but—” She kissed him again, shutting him up.

His hard cock pressed through his trousers, enticing, tempting, making long-untouched places within her ache for his body. He tasted good, his body firm and warm and smelling of horse and leather and the Hernando county pine woods he rode through. Afternoon stubble on his cheeks rubbed against her flesh in a scratchy, pleasant way, just the way it had in her dreams.

Mason’s hands roamed over her back, rubbing her skin through her cotton dress, holding her tightly against him. Finally, he lifted his head again, his breath coming hard and fast. “You feel so good, Katie,” he hoarsely whispered. “So good I can’t help myself from wanting you.”

She prepared to melt against him again when he gently released her and stepped back, leaving her startled and swaying on her feet. “What? What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “Not like this. I won’t sully your reputation.” His pants stood out in front of him like a small tent. “I swear, Katie, I’m gonna court you right and proper so no one can say anything foul about you.” He took another step back as she stepped forward.

“What if I don’t care about my reputation?” Right then, as frenzied as she felt, she wouldn’t care if the townsfolk said she ran naked down the middle of Main Street if he’d scratch her itch.

He smiled. “But I do. You’re a good woman, and I don’t want anyone sullying your reputation.” He took a deep breath and sat in the chair at her small table, then reached a hand out to her.

Katie took his hand and let him pull her into his lap, where his brown eyes stared into hers. “You’re beautiful, Katie,” he whispered, his hand stroking her cheek. “I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. I want to do right by you no matter how much I feel like I could…” He blushed. “I feel like I could throw you down on that bed and take you right now.”

“Then why don’t you?”

He looked stunned before he laughed, long and hard. “You don’t make it easy to be a good man.”

“You are a good man, Mase.” She was going to try to entice him into another soul-wrenching kiss when a sharp crack of thunder sounded like it split the sky directly over her shop. She jumped, startled, as he held her tight and laughed.

“Please, don’t tempt me harder than you already do,” he softly said. “Let me do this right.”

She sensed how important this was to him. Heck, she’d already had a courtship and a marriage…and then a mournful pang touched her soul.

Paul.

She nodded. “All right.” She settled in his arms, letting him hold her as they listened to the storm wind down outside so they could head home.

* * *

The next day, Mason stopped by the shop before lunch. His horse was loaded down with gear like he’d be traveling. She was alone in the shop, and he didn’t bother glancing around before he kissed her.

“I have to go away for a few days,” he announced.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Sheriff needs me to lead a posse, up toward Ocala. A guy over from Silver Lake killed a man, and we think he headed up that way. He’s got family up there.”

A tendril of fear rolled through her. “You be careful.”

He smiled, but it looked sad and melancholy, as if something else weighed down his soul. “I will. I promise. On my way out, I’ll stop by the sawmill and tell Joe. He’ll come pick you up tonight.”

“I am capable of driving a buggy. I told you that.” Irritation mixed with love ran through her. She’d been taking care of herself for a while now, but it was nice to have someone worried about her and trying to take care of her.

“I know you can, but I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I wouldn’t be alone. I have my shotgun.” She smiled.

“Let Joe come get you,” he firmly said. He kissed her again before putting his hat back on. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“How long?”

He shook his head. “Don’t know.” She couldn’t shake the suspicion that he was sad about something, that maybe this was more of a good-bye than he let on. “Hopefully no more than a week, or I’m gonna be right sore with the sheriff. He would’ve sent Carl, except Carl’s down with a bum ankle. He can’t get himself up in a saddle.” He mounted his horse then offered her a sad-looking smile as he tipped his hat to her.

She watched him ride off, knowing in her heart she was lost.

She loved him.

Katie tried to work, but by three thirty, with little to do and no customers, she decided to try to beat the afternoon rainstorm home. She grabbed her shotgun, gathered her things, locked the shop, and walked the three blocks to the livery stables.

Kendall Wentworth was surprised to see her instead of Joe, but he quickly readied the buggy and horse for her. In ten minutes she was on her way out of town, heading for home.

As the afternoon clouds grew so dark and angry they looked nearly purple, the winds picked up, growing cool as the storm threatened. She snapped the reins, urging the horse faster. It wouldn’t kill her to get wet, but it wouldn’t be very pleasant. The scent of impending rain filled the air as the temperature dropped.

Then she happened to glance behind her. In the distance, she spotted a lone rider, heading east from Brooksville and gaining on her fast, a cloud of wind-swept dust kicking up behind him indicating his speed.

With her heart now racing, she snapped the reins again, wishing she had a buggy whip. The horse responded. Before long she was totally focused on keeping the buggy upright and her place on the seat as the buggy bounced along on the rough washboard clay road. That’s when the sky opened.

The wind roared around her, from the storm and the speed of the horse. She didn’t dare glance behind her and prayed they didn’t hit a rut wrong and spill. She let out a terrified cry as she heard a man screaming her name behind her. Terrorizing thoughts filled her soul as she prayed the rider’s horse didn’t outrun her normally slow and gentle steed. It was only as the rider finally pulled alongside she realized it was Joe, looking angry and as sopping wet as she was.

Now crying with relief, she reined in her horse and brought the trembling beast to a stop as Joe pulled his own mount up short next to the buggy.

“Katie? What in hell is wrong with you? What do you think you’re doing?” he yelled over the storm’s fury. He jumped off and tied the reins to the back of the buggy before climbing up next to her.

She threw herself into his arms and hugged him. “I’m sorry! I finished early and thought if I came home it’d save you a trip.”

He pulled her closer. “I left the sawmill early to put in a feed order. By the time I got to the livery, he said you’d already left. Why didn’t you stop when I yelled for you? Didn’t you hear me?”

She cried harder, unable to admit the terror that she thought it was one of Dorchester’s men after her.

“Shh, it’s all right, sweetheart,” he soothed, his voice gentling. He draped his jacket over her and kept one arm around her, pulling her tightly against his side as he snapped the reins with the other to get them moving again. She felt him nuzzle the top of her head. “It’s okay, Katie. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”

“I’m sorry,” she finally sobbed. “I just felt so scared. I didn’t realize it was you.”

He laughed harshly. “Obviously.” He squeezed her tighter. “Next time, listen when we tell you what to do.”

By the time they reached the house, they were both drenched through and she was shivering from the cold rain. No sooner they pulled up in front of the house that the rain petered off and the sun broke through.

She looked up at the sky. “Thank you very much for the inconsideration!”

He laughed. “If you’d waited, we would have hung around your shop and stayed dry.”

One of the stable hands ran over to take the horses. Joe climbed out then offered his hand to her. She reddened in the face when she realized even with her chemise, she was so soaked he couldn’t miss but see her body. Every inch of fabric on her was sodden and clung to her.

When he helped set her on her feet, she also didn’t miss the feel of his stiff cock through his trousers. She looked up into his blue eyes. There was no mistaking he understood she’d felt and recognized the significance.

After a moment he finally stepped back from her. “Go on inside, honey,” he hoarsely said. “I’ll bring your things. I need to clean and oil that shotgun before it rusts.”

Wordlessly she nodded and hurried inside. In her room she dropped her wet clothes to the floor where they landed with a loud splat. She threw on a housedress after drying herself. Carrying her things so not to get herself wet, she dumped everything into the kitchen sink until she could get a washtub filled on the back porch to wash and hang them out.

She heard Joe in his room and rapped on his door. “Give me your things and I’ll wash and hang them.”

Footsteps crossed the floor, and then the door opened. He stood there, a towel draped around his shoulders, dry trousers on, feet and chest bare.

Wet, his blond hair almost looked like the color of honey, and the damp golden whorls on his chest were still plastered to his skin.

When their eyes met, he pulled her into his arms and planted a kiss on her she didn’t want to fight and wouldn’t if she could. His body felt hot against her still-damp flesh, warm and inviting and she felt she could…

He pulled away, his face reddening. “I…I’m sorry, Katie.” He turned away from her. “That was wrong of me. I’m so sorry.”

Refusing to let him retreat, she followed him, grabbed his arm, and spun him around. “You don’t get to turn away from me like that.”

“You have every right to be angry—”

She kissed him. This time his arms slipped around her waist, holding her body tightly against his as he thoroughly explored her mouth with his.

Katie whimpered with need as the feel of his body flooded her mind and heart with long-suppressed desires. Mason made her body burn. Joe made her heart melt.

He lifted his lips from hers. “We can’t do this,” he whispered. “This isn’t right. Mason loves you.”

“You love me.”

“That’s not the point!”

“Yes, it is!” She looked into his blue eyes, her own filling with tears. “I love both of you.”

There. It was out.

He stared at her, stunned. “Both of us?”

She nodded and buried her head against his chest as she cried. “I can’t and won’t choose between the two of you. I love both of you.”

If he pushed her away she knew she couldn’t stand it. But instead he held her tightly against him, his lips pressed to the top of her head as they stood there for what felt like forever.

Eventually, she composed herself and carefully pulled away before turning for the door. “I know what you must think of me,” she softly said, “and I’m sorry I’ve disappointed you.”

He grabbed her, not letting her go. “What do you think it is I’m thinking?”

Forcing her gaze to his, she whispered, “That I must be some sort of loose woman.”

He looked angry and pulled her tightly to him again. “I think you’re a smart, beautiful woman any man would be proud to have by his side. If any man ever said a bad word about you, I’d show him my fists.”

“But how can I feel like this! The two of you are so different, and I love you both so much…” Tears prickled her eyes again. “I can never choose one of you over the other, because it would hurt both of you.”

“Both of us?”

“Whoever was chosen would still end up estranged from the other, right? How could I ever do that to you!” She felt her heart breaking as she stared into his beautiful blue eyes. “I’d rather be alone and watch the two of you find happiness with someone else and still be friends with each other than to ever break the bond you have.” She quickly pulled free and scooped his wet clothes up before heading to the kitchen.

He followed her a moment later, now with an unbuttoned shirt on. He didn’t say anything as he stepped behind her at the sink and slipped his arms around her waist.

Katie closed her eyes and let him pull her back against him, wordlessly holding her. After a few minutes, he asked, “What if you don’t have to choose?”

She shook her head. “I won’t allow one or the other of you to leave because of me. I’d leave first before I come between your friendship.”

* * *

Fear gripped him unlike any other. The feelings he’d had for her terrified him, ironically, more before her confession. He’d loved her but thought her heart belonged to Mase. Now that he knew how she felt, he suspected there might be an unusual solution to keep everyone happy.

If Mase would agree to it. Not exactly how Joe would have wanted it, but however imperfect, it meant both she and Mase would also be happy, and he wouldn’t lose her.

When Mason had confessed to him that afternoon what he felt for Katie, his next admission had shocked Joe even more. “I can’t do this,” he’d whispered. “I love her, but as much as I love her, I can’t court her.”

Joe had stared at him, stunned. “What the hell are you talking about? Why not?”

He’d never forget the pain in Mason’s brown eyes when he looked at him. “Because I know you’re in love with her. And I can see she loves you. After what you went through, I’d rather see you happy. You’ve been through enough pain. When I get back, I’ll have a talk with her and tell her I can’t court her and that she has my blessings for you to court her.”

The revelation had spun his world on its axis. The truth was he didn’t need to place a feed order today, but he’d used the excuse to get away from the sawmill early, to take his time riding to town, alone, to clear his head before he picked her up to bring her home.

Pulling his thoughts from that afternoon, he kissed the back of her neck and enjoyed the way her body melted against his. “What if,” he slowly said, “the two of us don’t want you to leave?”

“What?”

He made her turn and look him in the eye. “He loves you. I love you. What if we both love you and won’t let you leave?”

“What are you saying?”

He kissed her again, deeply, waiting until her body relaxed into his before he answered, “Do you mean it when you say you love both of us?”

She nodded.

“Then you let me talk to Mase,” he hoarsely said.

“I won’t come between you!”

He smiled. “Baby, if I get my way, you won’t have to worry about that, and we can all live as a happy little family.”

Chapter Seven

Her mind reeled at the implication as she prepared their dinner while Joe sat at the table and cleaned and oiled the shotgun. Both of them?

Between her legs, she felt her clit throb with the thought. How many nights had she wickedly fantasized about being wedged in bed between their hard bodies? Could her dreams really come true?

She started to hope then stopped, chastising herself for the silly, fruitless thought.

It was selfish. It was brazenly wrong. If anyone found out, it would sully not just her own reputation, which, truth be told she didn’t care about, but ruin Joe and Mason in the town.

Wouldn’t it?

Despite the warm kitchen, she deliciously shivered at the thought of lying with both men.

She couldn’t deny the way her heart screamed for it to be so, with no one hurt, no painful good-byes.

Her hands paused. No more loneliness. No more nights crying herself to sleep.

Maybe the love of not just one but two good men could finally heal her perpetual pain.

When she turned to set a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table, her eyes met Joe’s blue gaze. He laid the gun on the table and pushed his chair back. Patting his thigh, he held out his other hand to her.

In a daze she walked over to him and let him pull her down onto his lap. Settling her arms around his neck felt more than comfortable.

It felt right.

His gaze lingered over her face. “I love you, Katie,” he whispered. “And I won’t deny the thought of Mason owning your heart, too, makes me a mite jealous, but I want to make you happy. Putting a smile on your face is all that matters to me.” He kissed her, sweet and slow and, outside of her dreams, sending heat coursing through her body in a way she hadn’t felt since…

No! Not tonight! She wouldn’t think about her poor Paul tonight. Instead, she ran her fingers through his still-damp hair and kissed him back fiercely, softly moaning as one of his hands pushed her housedress up and his fingers slipped between her legs.

Her eyes dropped closed and she rested her head against his shoulder as he sought out her intimate places, his fingers unerringly centering on her throbbing clit, gently rubbing.

“Does that feel good, baby?”

She whimpered a reply, her hips now rocking in time with his fingers. It’d been so long since she’d felt the hot, hard hands of a man on her. Praying he wouldn’t stop, she clutched his shirt with one hand, the back of his neck with the other, and clung to him.

His hand pressed forward and she gasped as two fingers easily parted her damp curls and slid inside her lubricated channel.

“Jesus!” he moaned. “You do enjoy that, don’t you?” His rock-hard erection dug into her thigh.

Her nipples rubbed against the soft fabric of her housedress, adding pleasant friction to the delicious delight of his fingers exploring her now-gushing pussy.

“More, please!” She kissed his throat, teeth grazing his warm flesh.

He started a slow, steady rhythm with his hand, in and out, as deeply as he could press, working his fingers inside her, caressing a sweet spot she knew would send her over the edge if he just wouldn’t stop.

Clutching him tighter, she whimpered against his skin, lost within her body’s whirlpool of need and hunger.

“You’re gorgeous, baby. Give me what I want.” His deep voice resonated through her, his own unmistakable passion hurtling her closer to that sweet brink. He kept two fingers buried inside her pussy as his thumb found her clit and stroked it. “Give it to me. Come for me.”

Katie rode his hand, her body on fire in a way she hadn’t felt in far too long. Nothing but the hot lust coursing through her cunt mattered to her. Shame? What shame? Something that felt this good couldn’t be wrong.

His free hand skimmed up her arm, to her chin, where he tipped her face up to his before his arm settled along her back, cradling her. “Look at me. Open your eyes and look at me.”

Forcing them open, she stared into his intense blue gaze, like a summer sky across a pasture.

“Now. Give it to me now.”

His commanding tone tipped her over the brink, her soul scattering like leaves in the wind as his hand quickened, harder, faster, every stroke rubbing both that sweet spot inside her wet pussy and her throbbing clit. He swallowed her cries with his mouth, his tongue plunging between her lips, possessing her body.

Possessing her heart.

It felt like her climax wouldn’t stop as her body trembled in his arms until his fingers finally fell still between her legs. She lay there, spent, replete, satisfied.

Guilty.

He withdrew his hand. She opened her eyes, meeting his deep gaze as he sucked her juices off his fingers. Then he kissed her again, rising with her in his arms and setting her on the table. He shifted her around, stepping between her legs as he pushed her dress up over her thighs.

She held on tight, wanting more. Needing more. Guilt fell to the wayside as he unfastened his trousers, freeing his hard cock.

Hooking her legs around his hips, she pulled him close and tight as he plunged inside her, hot and ready, his previous ministrations well preparing the way for his rigid shaft. He pleasantly stretched her, the sweet ache of him filling her pussy, sending her on the climb toward another release.

“Oh, baby,” he whispered, falling still for a moment before starting a slow, deep rhythm. He clutched her tightly to him as he kissed her, one hand fisting in her hair, finalizing his claim. She met each thrust with her hips and was barely aware of the table moving under them as he picked up speed until she realized every stroke hit her already swollen clit just right, pulling her with him.

He felt it. “You gonna come with me, baby?” he hoarsely muttered. “I can feel your pussy grabbing me. You want it?”

“Please!”

Harder, faster, each thrust hitting her clit and that sweet spot inside her again. His hands slid down to her hips, his strong fingers digging in and using the leverage to hold her where he wanted her. His balls slapped against her ass as he fucked her, his lips ravaging hers, bruising kisses stealing her breath, until she gasped.

“Yes!” She felt like her soul had been ripped apart at the seams and put back together in the right way. For so long she’d felt lonely, and this felt so right in a way she never wanted to lose, no matter how wrong anyone said it might be.

“Goddamn!” He plunged again, hard and deep, then fell still as she felt his throbbing cock pumping his seed deep inside her, claiming her.

Owning her heart.

With tears streaming down her face she clung to him, desperate to never let him go. His hands roamed her back, now gentle, tender, caressing her. “I love you, Katie,” he whispered in her ear. “I love you fierce. Please, promise me you’ll never leave us.”

Unable to talk through her emotions, she nodded and held him tighter. As her bliss receded, despite her dreams appearing to be fulfilled, guilt once again established a foothold.

What about Mason?

* * *

Joe carried her into his bedroom and tenderly laid her down on his bed, where he pulled her housedress off her before dropping his clothes to the floor. Then he crawled into bed with her, slowly exploring her body with his lips, driving her close to madness yet again.

Tangling her fingers in his hair, she held him close, refusing to let go for fear he’d leave her. Together, the sweet, musky scent of their lovemaking reminded her of long-ago happiness she never thought she’d ever experience again outside of her lonely dreams.

This time when he entered her, his body covering hers as she wrapped her legs around him, he laced his fingers through hers and kissed her. Slow, sweet, sensuous glides of his cock across her clit, sliding deep inside her, their combined juices making it easy for his large member to search out and locate that sweet spot again.

“I love you, Katie,” he said, his voice sounding hoarse and full of emotion. “I’m not letting you go.”

She stared into his eyes and knew her heart was lost.

To both men.

“I don’t want you to let me go. Either of you.”

“We’ll make this work, the three of us. I promise.”

She silenced him with a kiss, knowing damn well Mason wouldn’t want to share, and part of her heart breaking at the selfish thought of losing the other man she loved. This time, her release came with his. He didn’t withdraw. Instead, he gathered her into his arms and rolled them onto their sides.

Her cheek rested against his chest, and she enjoyed the feel of his heart slowing into a normal rhythm beneath her ear. Golden curls brushed her flesh.

As she lay there in his arms, a torturous thought pounded through her brain. What have I done?

* * *

When Joe heard her stomach growl, he remembered he’d interrupted their dinner. There’d be time for him to contemplate what this meant later. “We need to get some food into you.” He untangled himself from her sweet body and poured water into the basin on his dresser. He brought a washcloth and towel and proceeded to kiss her as he helped clean her up.

Even in the dim light he saw the blush rise in her cheeks.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I’m not used to this, that’s all.”

“What? I want to take care of you.” He kissed her again. “I will take care of you. We will take care of you.”

Her eyes glistened and he heard the tremor in her voice. “What about Mason?”

“He’ll listen to me. He loves you, too.” He didn’t want to mention Mason’s earlier conversation with him. Didn’t want Mason or her to have a chance to do the honorable thing and agree to let her be with him.

There was no reason the three of them couldn’t be together. Despite knowing they’d have difficulties down the road, he couldn’t bear to take Mason’s love from him when he knew from personal experience how damn lonely it would be.

He’d mastered loneliness over the years and would never wish it on another. They could and would make this work.

“What will people say?” She kept her voice low despite them being alone, just the thought, apparently, enough to make her want to keep it secret.

He grabbed her hand. “You leave that to me. You’ll marry one of us. We’ll figure it out. Mason and I’ve lived together for a while. He’s still my cousin. It won’t cause talk.” He stroked her cheek and smiled to reassure her. “People would talk more if you didn’t marry one of us, despite you being a widow. They’ll expect one of us to claim you soon enough, I’m sure.”

When she started to protest again, he laid a gentle finger on her lips. “No more worries, Katie. Promise me.”

She finally smiled and nodded.

“Good. Now let’s get back to dinner.”

After dinner, he wouldn’t let her return to her room. Instead, he drew her into his bed, but they were both so tired they simply lay down together, with her nestled in his arms.

She fell asleep almost immediately.

He smiled as he studied the curve of her jaw, the smooth lines of her brow without wide-awake worry to crease it. He didn’t want to tell her about the one time he’d been with someone other than his Laura. A trip to Tampa, when he and Mase rented a soiled dove at one of the Tampa hotels and spent a night with her, fueled by Mason’s grief over a visit to his sister’s grave and Joe’s alcohol-fueled memories of his lost love. An evening where the two of them shared the girl, enjoyed losing themselves and their grief in her and for a few hours, deadening the pain in their souls.

They never talked about it again after that, but he suspected Mason had enjoyed it as much as he did, at the time.

He’d loved Laura so much, but she’d have tempted the angels themselves. Being young, he’d wanted her. And with only three weeks before their wedding, neither of them saw a reason not to give in.

And then she was dead just weeks later.

Deep down, he suspected Dorchester Junior, who’d made statements about wanting to court her despite her rejecting him once already, had a hand in it. The way the sickness had suddenly come on her, Joe had suspected poisoning, even though the doctors thought perhaps it was caused by a ruptured appendix brought on from a fall from her horse the day before.

The doctor insisted she was delirious when she tightly clutched Joe’s hands as he sat with her. How she begged him not to trust the Dorchesters.

The way Junior seemed to sneer at him at the funeral before disappearing.

The Dorchesters hadn’t dared cross his path since.

He’d never told Mason or anyone else his suspicions after the doctor warned him. “They’re powerful. They’re evil. And I don’t want to be burying any more people if they did have a hand in this.” The doctor shook his head. “I’m willing to bet this was natural, just unfortunate timing, son. Don’t let fantasies eat you alive. And don’t plan revenge.”

Joe hadn’t planned revenge, but if the opportunity darkened his door, he wouldn’t refuse it. No one could convince him the Dorchesters were innocent. Especially not Junior.

Chapter Eight

The repetitive, melancholy sound of a whip-poor-will awoke Katie just after false dawn the next morning. Confused, she didn’t recognize the room until she realized the warm body comfortingly pressed along her back was Joe.

Closing her eyes again, she felt like laughing and crying at the same time. They’d made love yet again sometime in the dead of night, when she awoke with her face pleasantly snuggled against his bare chest. Then he’d shifted position slightly, rolling toward her, placing his lips within kissing distance and…

She sighed.

“Good morning.” His deep, sleep-thick voice rumbled through her.

Afraid to respond and break this wonderful dream, she cuddled tighter against him. Maybe if she pretended this wasn’t real, there would be no hurt, no scandal.

No heartbreak.

His arm circled her waist as his lips brushed the nape of her neck. “You okay, Katie?” he softly asked.

“Yeah,” she finally admitted. “I’m all right.”

“Please don’t regret what we did. I love you.”

She squeezed his arm. “I love you, too.” Working up the nerve, she rolled to face him. “How do we tell Mason about this? I can’t break his heart.” She swallowed hard as she stared into his eyes. “I love you, but I love him, too. I can’t lie to you, and I won’t lie to him, either.”

He stroked her cheek. “Do you trust me?”

She nodded.

“Then let me handle this. Please?”

“You can’t run him off.”

He sat up. “That’s the last thing I have planned, believe me.” He clasped her hand to his chest. “You love us both enough to be with us?”

She nodded, afraid to say it out loud. Dreams spoken aloud rarely came true.

He brushed his lips across her knuckles, sweetly, yet lighting fires inside her. “Then trust me to handle this,” he repeated. “Please.”

She worried it wouldn’t be that easy, but she nodded. After all, he knew his cousin a fair sight better than she did.

She wondered how Mason had spent his night, and if he was safe.

Worry filled her heart. What if something happened to him while he rode with the posse? What if she never got a chance to tell him how she felt?

What if something horrible happened and she had to live with this burden of guilt for the rest of her life?

Joe leaned in and kissed her. “Let’s get up and I’ll help you with breakfast,” he said. “Then I’ll take you into town.” His face hardened, and he squeezed her hand, just a little, firmly but not painfully. “And today, when I tell you to stay put until I come for you, you mind me. All right?”

That made her smile. “All right. I promise.”

A smile lit his face. “That’s my good girl.” He helped her out of bed.

She returned to her room to wash up and dress. The sight of Paul’s picture filled her with sadness. No, he was gone even though her love for him would never wane. It didn’t make it any easier to look at his visage and feel heat rise in her again at the memory of Joe’s hands and mouth on her.

She carefully wound the clock. “I’m so sorry, Paul,” she whispered. “I hope you’re not ashamed of me, but they’re good men, and I’m so damned lonely without you. And you did tell me you wanted me to be happy.”

As the sun peeked over the woods beyond the eastern pastures, she stepped outside and checked the clothes she’d hung the evening before. They’d mostly dried, still a tad damp in the seams from the evening air, but they wouldn’t sour if she brought them in.

They ate breakfast in a comfortable silence, frequently pausing to look at and smile at each other. When he finished, before he stood he took her hand in his and brushed his lips over her knuckles, clasping it between his warm, strong palms.

“Please, Katie, believe me when I tell you this will be okay.”

She nodded.

“You think you can handle two men chasing after you all the time? Because you realize once I talk with Mason, we’re both going to be after you.” His lips quirked in a delicious smile that made her pussy ache in a pleasant way and started another trickle of moisture between her thighs.

Heat rose in her face. “After more than a year alone, believe me, it would be nice not to spend my nights alone anymore.”

He drove her to town and left the buggy at the livery before riding his horse to the sawmill. She tried to keep herself busy, to not think about either man, but whenever her eyes fell upon the chair she and Mason had shared during the rainstorm, worry crept in.

What if Mason didn’t want to share her? What if she caused a rift between the men?

What if Mason hated her? Thought her a whore for so easily settling for this solution?

She couldn’t let herself think that, so she threw herself into busy work, dusting and rearranging and organizing her shop. That’s why she didn’t look up at first a little before lunch time when the bell jangled on the front door. She was standing on the top step of a ladder and struggling to reach and dust the far corner of an out-of-the-way shelf. “I’ll be right with you.”

“You should be careful there, Katherine. You wouldn’t want to fall and have an accident.”

She dropped the feather duster with a terrified squeak and grabbed hold of the ladder as it swayed under her. Her former brother-in-law, Edward Dorchester, Jr. stood just feet away from the ladder.

Anger and fear coursed through her, and she immediately scrambled down to safety, retreating toward the doorway leading to the back room. Just inside, the shotgun lay propped against the wall where she could reach it. “Get out of my store!”

“Aw, I haven’t seen you in a while and you treat me like that? Father sent me to try to talk some reason into you.” She hated the pleasant tone of voice he used, fake sweetness she knew hid a rotten, evil core. “I wish you’d let me court you. I can understand how—”

“Get out!”

His face hardened as he took another step toward her. “You want us out of your life? Then you know what you have to do. Sign that property over to us and we’ll never bother you again.”

She tried to turn and race for the doorway, but her feet tangled in her skirts and he was on top of her before she could regain her footing. He slammed her back, hard, against the wall, knocking the breath out of her lungs.

Screaming was impossible with his forearm pressed hard against her throat. “I could kill you right now,” he growled, “and no one would ever know what happened to you. Break your neck. Make it look like an unfortunate accident. The poor Widow Dorchester tragically killed, falling from her ladder while dusting in her shop. Then the property would revert to us as next of kin. You sure you want to risk—”

The bell jangled. “Katie, I thought—you son of a bitch!” Joe roared, and suddenly Katie could breathe again as the pressure of Dorchester’s arm disappeared.

She sank to the floor, coughing and clutching her throat as Joe punched the other man, sounds of inarticulate rage coming from him.

Shelby Ainsley chose that minute to walk through the door. While Shelby stared for a moment, shocked, Katie regained her voice and her wits. “Shelby! Go get the sheriff, quick!” The woman turned and bolted into the street, screaming for help.

Edward had managed to land a few blows of his own. Now the men were scuffling, evenly matched, and Katie feared for Joe’s safety. As her senses returned, Katie clambered to her feet and grabbed the shotgun. She cocked it and placed the end of the barrel against the back of Edward’s head.

“Give me a reason, you son of a whore!” she screamed. “Give me a damned good reason not to kill you right now!”

Edward froze as Joe broke free and got to his feet. He stepped around her and gently took the shotgun from her trembling hands. He’d have a darned good shiner by nightfall, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but he didn’t look nearly as bad off as Dorchester.

“Go outside, Katie,” Joe softly said. “Go help Shelby get the sheriff.”

She started to comply, but when she read the blackness in his expression, she knew if she stepped through that door that Joe would kill the man.

She couldn’t let him do that no matter how much Dorchester deserved it. She grabbed a kerchief from her pocket, wet the corner with spit, and dabbed at the blood on his mouth. “I can’t do that. I can’t leave you.” Something about his gaze terrified her. This was more than about what he’d witnessed, she’d swear it. “I won’t leave you,” she insisted.

“Please,” Joe whispered. “I’m going to take care of this once and for all.”

“My father’s a powerful man!” Edward threatened. “You kill me, you’re dead!”

She landed a hard kick to his tailbone, making him howl in pain. She would never admit how good that made her feel. “Shut up! You’re lucky I didn’t blast your head off myself, you damned piece of no-count trash!”

The sheriff, followed by Ben Ainsley, burst through the door. “Joe! What in blue blazes is going on!”

Katie quickly told the story. By this time, several more men crowded in, all of them frowning as they heard what happened.

Joe wouldn’t let Dorchester up from the floor, but that didn’t stop Dorchester from trying to lie about what happened. “That’s not true! I just stopped by, wantin’ to pay my respects to my sister-in-law is—”

Joe knocked him hard in the back of the head with the gun stock. “Yeah, that’s why you had her on the floor, choking the life out of her! Were you planning on raping her, too, you bastard?”

The sheriff nodded to two of his deputies, who hauled Dorchester roughly off the floor but didn’t release him.

“What is she to you anyway?” Dorchester sneered at Joe. “This is family business!”

Joe stepped in, inches from the other man’s face. “Because she’s my fiancée, asshole.”

That elicited gasps from the gathered crowd, and an angry look from Dorchester. “You’re gonna regret stepping in the middle of this, Lansing. I would have thought you’d learned not to mess with my family and what’s ours.”

Before Katie could stop him, Joe hauled off and punched him again. The sheriff looked at his deputies. “You saw Dorchester fall and hit his head, right?”

All the men nodded.

The sheriff nodded, satisfied. “Joe, Katie, congratulations.” He smiled. “You want to press charges, I’m guessing?”

Joe nodded, his jaw set. “Damn straight we do.” He looked at Katie, his face finally softening. “Right?”

She nodded. “Right.”

The sheriff grinned. “Good. Haul him off to a cell.” He laughed. “I’m gonna enjoy this one. Dorchester Senior’s gonna find out real fast he don’t have enough money to buy out the sheriff in Brooksville.”

Once the crowd dispersed, Joe stepped forward and closed and locked the shop door, then flipped the sign to closed and led her to the privacy of the back room and drew the curtain shut so no one could see them.

He pulled her to him. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

She laughed then started crying as she trembled in his arms.

“What? What’s wrong?” He moved her to the bed where he sat, pulling her down to him. “What’s the matter?”

She laughed again, tears still coursing down her cheeks as she shook her head. “I’m now engaged, but what happens if Mason finds out before you talk to him?”

He swore. “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. It…just slipped out.”

Fear pulled at her heart. “You didn’t mean it?”

“No! I mean yes, I meant it.” He caught her hands. “I just didn’t mean to do it like that.” He kissed her fingers, his blue gaze capturing her soul. His voice softened. “Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

He kissed her, stealing all thoughts of their troubles right from her mind. When she could finally form a coherent thought again, she looked up. “Not that I’m complaining in the least, but why did you show up? I wasn’t expecting you until later.”

He smiled. “To see if you wanted to come to lunch with me.” His smile faded. “Thank God I did. That filthy bastard, I wanted to kill him.”

“I know.” She wrapped her arms around him. “Tell me why. That wasn’t just anger at him for hurting me, was it?”

Joe finally shook his head.

Katie stroked his cheek and gently kissed his bruised eye. “Tell me. What did he mean that he thought you’d learned?”

He told her the story about his fiancée, and not only did she feel angry, she felt even deeper fear. She remembered rumors about Edward getting jilted for another and the woman then dying soon after, but had never made the connection before. “Oh, Joe. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t you dare apologize for something you had no hand in.” He kissed her. “I swear to you, we’ll get him locked away.”

“What do we do about Mason?”

He sighed. “I told you, I’ll talk to him. I’ll ask Sheriff Birch if he’s heard any word from the posse.”

She poured him a basin of water so he could clean up. Then he coaxed her into going with him to eat at the little restaurant in the hotel on the main square across from the courthouse. At the restaurant, it seemed as if everyone in Brooksville came up to them and congratulated them on their pending nuptials.

No one seemed a bit upset about Dorchester sitting in Sheriff Birch’s jail.

Finally, during a lull in the well-wishes, she leaned close across the table. “You’d better have that talk awfully fast with Mason,” she whispered. “I don’t want him hearing it from someone else. Word’s spreading like wildfire.”

He grimly nodded. “I’m considering riding up after them myself.”

“Maybe you should.”

His head snapped up from his cup of coffee. “If you think I’m leaving you alone, think again!” He reached across the table and laced his fingers through hers.

She managed a smile. “So when is our wedding, Mr. Lansing?”

He sighed. “I suppose as soon as possible, once Mason’s back.” He squeezed her fingers. “This will be okay,” he whispered. “It will all work out. I promise.”

She wondered how many times he’d have to say it before he started to believe it himself.

Chapter Nine

Mason hated riding posses. If there was one part of his job he’d gladly do without, it was this. Not that he was old, but he wasn’t nearly as young as the Campbell brothers, eighteen and nineteen, and Joss Porter, twenty. Those men had no trouble sleeping out every night after riding all day and awaking fresh as sunshine the next morning, while he was left to cover his groans and popping joints with the sound of coughing.

Unfortunately, this time he couldn’t bring their quarry back alive. The man had holed up in an old shack and refused to come out, firing on them when they closed in. They’d returned fire and killed him.

No need for a trial, at least. And since the man admitted his guilt when he was yelling at them that they’d never take him alive, swearing that the victim deserved killing, Mason’s conscience felt clear.

At least on that point.

He laid there a little before dawn, determined to make home before lunch, where he could have a bath and a hot meal, put on clean clothes, grab a fresh horse, and ride to town to see Katie.

And have a talk with her.

He didn’t want to wait until that evening to let her know he was stepping aside. Joe deserved happiness.

It’d break his heart, but he’d survive.

He’d deal with the jealousy somehow. But it was more important to him for Joe to be happy. Joe hadn’t smiled as much or as broadly in years as he had over the past few weeks with Katie around. Only a fool would miss that.

He refused to deny him that happiness. God knew Katie had suffered more than her fair share of grief, enough to last her several lifetimes. They could help each other heal. They had so much, including that, in common.

Finally he arose, washed up in the creek they’d camped beside, and nudged the others awake. Skipping breakfast, they saddled up and rode, splitting up just north of Brooksville. Joss, who lived in town, volunteered to report back to Sheriff Birch for him, to let him know they’d returned and that Mason would be in to talk to him that afternoon.

As the house appeared before him on the road, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Home.

One of the stable hands took his horse for him and would swap the gelding out for a fresh one for Mason’s ride to town. Inside the house, on his way to his room, he paused at Katie’s door. After hesitating, he opened it. The clock, which he knew she wound religiously every day, sat on a shelf alongside the picture of her husband.

He tried to convince himself this was for the best, the right thing, despite how much it hurt now that he was home again. He drew water into the washtub on the back porch, cleaned up, and put on a clean change of clothes.

I want her to be happy. She deserves better than a deputy she has to worry about getting shot. Joe’s responsible, a businessman. Respectable. He can provide for her.

The ride home had given him time to think. Joe had protested when Mason revealed his intentions not to court her, but neither had he denied he had feelings for her, either. Joe had been so happy these past few weeks since she came into their lives.

No, this was for the best.

He ripped a hunk of bread off a loaf and took it with him to snack on during his ride to town.

Inside, he felt his heart dying and tried to ignore it.

He was halfway to town when he came up on one of their ranch hands heading toward him, driving a wagon full of supplies.

Calvin Rodgers reined the team to a stop and pushed his hat back on his head. Mason wasn’t so sure he liked the grin on the man’s face. “I heard you was back. Ran into Joss in town. Congratulations!”

Mason tried to tamp down his irritation. “What are you talking about?”

“About you gaining a sister-in-law, so to speak.” He spit a mouthful of tobacco into the dirt. “Dorchester Senior’s gonna be right sore when he finds out he cain’t bail Junior out of Sheriff’s hoosegow!”

Mason leaned forward in the saddle, his heart freezing despite the heat. “What are you talking about?” he asked again.

Calvin looked a little confused. “I figured you’d already heard. Sheriff said he thought someone rode out to tell you. Dorchester Junior’s sitting in his jail. He attacked Widow Dorchester this morning.”

“Katie? Is she all right?”

“Yeah. Joe showed up jus’ in time and beat the tar outta Junior. Junior got mouthy wit’ him, and that’s when Joe spilled the beans to everyone ’bout him and the widow plannin’ on getting’ hitched.” He tipped his hat to Mason. “Congratulations.”

Numb shock washed through Mason as he nodded. “Yeah. Thanks.”

Calvin hooked a thumb over his shoulder at the load. “I gots to get this back to the ranch or boss’ gonna have my hide.” He snapped the reins as Mason moved his horse out of the way.

It was one thing to do what was right and honorable, and another thing for the man he considered a brother to swoop right in and take it right out from under him, even if he’d already said he was going to step aside.

He stared at the dusty road leading to Brooksville and decided he didn’t want to face either one of them right then. Not to mention the rest of the town. He waited until Calvin crested a rise in the road. Then Mason turned off the road and headed his horse across an alfalfa field. He could cut through the woods and hit a little gin shack just north of town and buy a bottle of whiskey.

* * *

Katie worried when she heard the posse had returned, but there was no sign of Mason in town. Joe told her not to worry, that Mason was likely at home getting cleaned up, or had been called out to take care of other matters. She hoped he was right, but her intuition had other ideas.

Joe stared down at her as they rode home. “Talk to me.”

She shook her head. “I’m worried about Mason. And I’m worried about what Junior’s father is going to do when he finds out the sheriff won’t release him on bail. The justice of the peace is a friend of Senior’s.”

“Yeah, but Judge Kenning’s daughter is married to the sheriff’s brother-in-law.” Joe smiled. “And their family don’t like the Dorchesters at all. Believe me, if Judge Kenning has to choose between the Dorchesters or his blood relations, especially his only baby girl, Dorchester will lose every time.”

That was only moderately comforting news to Katie.

By the time they arrived home, Katie’s worries had ballooned into full-blown fear. When Calvin emerged from the barn to come take care of the team, she asked him the question she wasn’t sure she wanted answered. “Have you seen Mason?”

Calvin unwound the reins from the hitching post where Joe had tied them. “Yes, ma’am. Ran into him earlier today on my way back from town.” He frowned. “Didn’t he make it to town? That’s where he was heading, or so I took it.”

Katie exchanged a worried glance with Joe. “No, he never did.”

“I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t upset him.”

“Upset him?” Joe asked.

“Yessir. I told him about the attack on Miz Katie, and offered my congratulations on your pending nuptials.” He grabbed his hat and tipped it at Katie. “Ma’am. Congratulations, by the way.”

She numbly nodded. “Thank you.” She was barely aware of Joe’s hand gently catching her elbow and steering her toward the house.

He leaned down to speak in her ear. “Katie, this doesn’t mean—”

She wheeled on him. “It means he’s upset,” she angrily hissed. “This is all my fault!” She stomped up the steps to the house, Joe close on her heels.

“How can you say this is your fault?” he asked. A rumble of thunder from a late afternoon storm punctuated his question as he caught up to her at the front door.

Was he truly that dense? “Because,” she said, her vision blurry from tears as she fumbled for the latch, “if I hadn’t moved in with y’all, none of this would have happened!”

He forced her to turn around and look at him. “You saying you ashamed of me? Or that you don’t love me?”

Her throat hurt from the effort it took to choke back her sobs. “No,” she whispered. “That’s not what I’m saying. I just don’t think very kindly of myself right now.”

Joe gently cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. “This will be okay,” he assured her. “I will talk with him and believe me, it will be all right.” He reached around her to open the door as the sky broke open and a deluge of fat raindrops pattered against the grass in the yard.

She stared out from the safety of the porch. “You should go look for him,” she softly said. “Make sure he’s okay.”

“He’s okay, Katie. I’m sure of it. He might be drowning his misery in a bottle of whiskey, but he’s okay. He’ll come home when he’s good and ready to, and then I can talk to him.” He pressed his hand into the small of her back and guided her through the door into the dim house. “Go on, now,” he gently said. “Go change into your house coat and wash your face and I’ll help you with dinner.”

Nodding and still close to tears, she headed to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her, resting her forehead against it for a moment before turning. The first thing she saw was the clock and picture of Paul.

That brought on a renewed spate of tears that left her sprawled across her bed. She never heard her door open a few minutes later, but she felt Joe’s touch and the mattress sink beside her as he gathered her into his arms. A renewed bout of crying left her sniffling, her cheek pressed against his shoulder as he stroked her hair.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“No. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel better again.”

He tipped her chin to look into her eyes. “Stop thinking like that. Let me talk to him before you go assuming the worst.”

She glanced out the window, where the rain had stopped and the greenish-grey light of dusk had settled across the yard, with speckles of golden sunlight holding on for dear life as the sun sank below the trees on the other side of the pastures.

“It’s late. Shouldn’t he be back by now? Can’t you please go look for him?”

He kissed her forehead and sat up, pulling her with him. “I don’t need to. He’ll come home when he’s ready.” He stood and held out his hand. She finally took it and he helped her stand. “Change, wash up, and meet me in the kitchen.”

She nodded and he kissed her again before leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Trying to avoid looking at Paul’s photograph, she quickly shed her dress and donned a simple, comfortable housedress. Joe was already out in the kitchen and had fired up the stove to boil water for the potatoes. When she heard the sound of hoofbeats in the yard, she almost didn’t recognize the angry, slurred bellow accompanying them.

“Joe! Get yer worthless hide out here right now, goddamn it!”

* * *

Joe ran out the back door onto the porch with Katie on his heels. Mason, a nearly empty whiskey bottle in hand, rode up into the back dooryard, scattering chickens in his wake as he unsteadily slouched over his mount’s neck. Tight-lipped, Joe wanted to order Katie into the house but knew she probably wouldn’t go anyway.

“Mase, get down from there before you get hurt.” His cousin was sop-soaking wet, obviously caught in the afternoon deluge. His horse looked mud caked and miserable, but none the worse for wear.

Joe stepped off the porch to make a grab for the horse’s reins, but Mason lurched back in the saddle, forcing the horse to take a couple of steps backward. Mason pointed the bottle at him.

“You. You fuggin’ sumbitch. Din waste no time, didja?” He took one last, long pull from the bottle, draining it before throwing it at Joe. The wild pitch sent the bottle sailing against the water trough, where it shattered. “Jus couldn’t wait, cudja?”

Joe held out his hands in supplication. “Mase, it’s not like that. Let me explain.”

He lurched forward in the saddle again as he jabbed an unsteady finger at Joe. “Waz to explain, you bastard! You took her!”

Joe bit back his temper. His cousin was upset and drunk, neither of those conditions ones he wanted to tackle alone on a good day, much less together at the same time. First things first, he had to get Mason off that horse before he got himself hurt.

“Mase, please. Get down and let me talk to you—”

“Nuttin’ to talk about!” Mason roared, taking a wild swing in the air. “I love her, and you stoled her from me!”

Joe was painfully aware of Katie’s presence on the porch, standing there, holding on to one of the columns, the soft sound of her tears ripping his heart apart. He’d gladly trounce Mason for putting her through this, but first he needed to get control of the situation. He forced his voice to remain calm and steady.

“You and me need to talk about this. She loves you, too. She loves both of us.”

Mason’s mouth gaped. “What?” He made an unsteady grab for his saddle horn as a chicken spooked his horse. Instead, he missed and tumbled off into the mud with a loud, wet splat as his mount skittered sideways away from the offending fowl.

Katie gasped, but Joe held up a staying hand without turning. “Stay there, Katie. Let me handle this.” He stepped forward. Most likely he and Mason both would be sporting shiners and even more bruises in the morning, but he wouldn’t let Katie get between them. This had to happen, and perhaps sooner rather than later was for the best, especially if Mason was so drunk he might not remember most of it the next morning.

And Mason being drunk would likely give Joe a physical advantage he might not normally have.

“Mase, sit with me and talk.”

Mason rolled over, his front side covered head to toe in orange clay mud and chicken poop. “Fug you!” He tried to stand and slipped, landing on his back in the muck.

Joe stifled a laugh. This would be funny if his cousin’s heart and their relationship weren’t at stake. He took another step forward. “Mase, let’s talk. Please. Be reasonable.”

Mason let out a drunken roar and launched himself up from the mud, catching Joe in the midsection and driving him back and down into the mud himself.

* * *

Katie gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as Mason charged Joe and sent them both sprawling into the mud. Punches and curses flew from Mason, with Joe blocking them and trying to get his cousin to listen to him and see reason. Finally, Joe started throwing punches of his own. Despite how drunk he was, Mason still managed to hold his own against his cousin.

As the fight raged on, Katie felt the tears on her face, hating herself that the men she loved had been driven to this point. She thought Joe would get the upper hand, but then he tripped over a rock, and Mason landed on top of him, quickly raining punches down on his face.

That’s when she snapped. She screamed as she ran off the porch, barefoot, through the mud. “Mason! Please, stop!” She threw herself at him, grabbing his arm but losing her footing in the slick clay mud and going sprawling herself.

Mason tried to shake her free at first, but she held on to his wrist as tenaciously as a kudzu vine clinging to a pine tree. “Please, stop! Listen to him!”

“I’m sorry, Katie, but I love you and—”

“I love you, too!” she cried out.

Mason froze, staring at her. “You do?”

She nodded. “I love both of you,” she softly admitted, barely able to force the words through her trembling lips.

Joe took that moment to come up out of the mud and shove Mason off him, throwing Katie off balance and face forward into the muck in the process.

Both men cried out in dismay. She felt their hands on her, trying to help her up. Mason grabbed her under her armpits to haul her to her feet. Instead, he slipped and landed on his butt, pulling her face down on top of him with her legs straddling his hips and her hands on his chest.

She didn’t miss the feel of the hard length of flesh pressing against her through his soaked and muddy pants.

Realizing what she must look like, and seeing both men covered head-to-toe in mud, she felt the first laugh bubble through. Joe plopped down next to them and with a muddy finger brushed the hair out of her eyes. He smiled then started laughing with her.

Mason stared up at them, watching them laugh with confusion on his face. Katie laughed so hard tears rolled down her cheeks again, creating clean trails in the mud coating her face.

Once Katie regained her composure, she reached down and stroked Mason’s cheek, leaving another filthy handprint there. “I do love you, Mason. But I love him, too.” She looked at Joe, who nodded. “He says maybe the three of us can figure this out so we can all be together.” Somehow, she finally drew strength to meet Mason’s gaze again.

He looked up at her. “Both of us?”

She nodded, fighting to hold back another bout of tears. “Yes. If you think you can stand it.”

Joe spoke up. “I’m not strong enough to walk away from her, but I am strong enough to give her what she needs and wants. She wants both of us. I’m willing to give her that, but only because you’re even closer than a brother. I couldn’t do it if it was anyone else but you, Mase.”

Mason stared at Joe then returned his attention to her. She stared into his brown eyes. “I don’t want to hurt either one of you,” she said, her voice cracking. “And if we can’t make this work…Well, I’d just have to leave, because I can’t bear the thought of hurting either of you.” Joe started to speak again, but she laid a finger over his lips, silencing him. “I know you said you’d do the talking, but I think I need to.” He finally nodded.

Mason’s finger traced the path of her tears down her cheeks. “Please don’t leave, Katie,” he softly said. Then his fingers snaked through her sodden hair, gently cupping the back of her head and pulling her down to him. He thoroughly kissed her, for a moment making her forget the three of them were sprawled in the mud, curious chickens scattered by the scuffle already returning to investigate.

Joe touched Mason’s shoulder. “I’ll go draw a bath. We all need to clean up.” He climbed to his feet and headed for the house.

Katie settled herself more comfortably over Mason’s hard bulge. “I’m sorry you found out like that. I wanted us to be able to talk about it.”

“Calvin said there was a fight in town. Between Joe and Junior. Did that bastard hurt you?”

“No. He would have, if Joe hadn’t showed up when he did.” She laid down on top of him, enjoying the feel of his arms slipping around her, the sound of his heartbeat under her ear pounding through his muddy shirt. “He threatened to kill me, and that no one would know what happened to me. That he’d make it look like an accident.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”

The smell of whiskey on Mason’s breath nearly made her eyes water, but she didn’t pull away. “It’s all right. You didn’t know.”

“How am I supposed to take care of you?” he softly asked, his voice sounding pained. “I can’t even be there for you when you need me. You’re better off with Joe.”

She rose up to look into his eyes. “Don’t you love me?”

He nodded. “Of course I do, Katie. More than anyone or anything, ever, in my entire life.”

“Can you share me with him?”

He slowly nodded. “Just don’t ask me that when I’m alone in bed and I know you’re with him.”

She grabbed his chin. “Who says we can’t all sleep in the same bed?”

He studied her. “You mean it?”

“If you’re okay with it.” She snuggled up against him again, hoping he’d remember this conversation when he sobered up. “Nothing would make me feel safer than lying between you and him every night, feeling both of y’all’s arms around me. Nothing would make me feel more loved.”

His arms tightened around her as he pulled her in for another kiss. His lips tenderly explored hers, lighting fires inside her that threatened to consume her soul. “I love you, Katie,” he whispered. “If the only way I can have you is to share you, I’ll do it. Gladly.” He touched her nose with his finger. “But only with Joe. No one else. I’ll kill anyone else that even looks at you strangely.”

“Do you mean it?” She hoped he still felt like that tomorrow.

He nodded. “But I’m so drunk right now y’all might have to remind me of that in the morning.” A smile curled his lips, drawing creases in the mud coating his face.

She laughed. “We will. She carefully climbed to her feet, careful not to let her muddy housedress trip her as it clung to her legs.

Mason unsteadily wobbled to his feet. Joe came down from the porch to help Katie steady him. “Everything okay?” he asked.

Mason swayed a little. “You hit me!” he said to Joe in an accusing tone.

For a moment, Katie worried another scuffle would break out until she spotted the playful smile on Mason’s face.

“Well, you come home drunk as a skunk and slinging whiskey bottles at me, yeah. If you’ll recall, you hit me first.” He draped an arm around Mason’s waist and helped him up the porch stairs to a wooden rocker, where they got him seated with a groan.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry about that.”

Joe clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I got my own licks in.”

Katie dropped to her knees in front of Mason and started working on getting his boots off. “You’re a mess. You’re absolutely filthy.”

Mason howled with laughter. “Look who’s talking! You look like you lost a wrestling match with a pig.”

Joe smiled as he reached down and unfastened Mason’s gun belt, which was caked with clay muck, and removed it from around his waist. “She did, you pig. I’ll get this cleaned up for you after we get this mud off us. Katie will help you with that part. Not to mention I need to get your horse cleaned up.”

He grinned a little lopsidedly. “Yeah, I’d much rather have her hands on me than yours, cuz. No offense.”

Joe laughed, shaking his head. “None taken.”

Chapter Ten

Fortunately, the night was warm and they didn’t need to heat water for the tub. Katie drew the curtain across the little alcove on the back porch where the washtub sat for summer use. Mason stood there, still swaying a little on his feet as she peeled her muddy house coat off and over her head, letting it drop to the wooden porch floor with a wet splat.

With trembling hands, she stepped over to Mason and started unbuttoning his shirt. His brown eyes bored into hers.

“I love you, Katie. I love you fierce. I do want this to work.”

She smiled. “I do, too, Mase. Believe me.” She helped him out of his shirt and trousers, and when he stood naked before her, she stepped into his embrace. His cock had hardened again and rubbed against her thigh. Part of her wanted him to take her right then, but the sensible part of her wanted to scrub the mud off them first. As he kissed her, his hot lips scorching against hers, she felt her pussy grow wet and wanting. Her sensible brain struggled against her body’s desperate need to feel him inside her, especially as he started to nibble on her ear.

Then he spit out a little mud.

She laughed. The sensible part of her brain finally won.

The washtub was big enough for them both to sit in. She grabbed a washcloth and a bar of soap and started scrubbing him down as he sat, docile. She ladled water over his hair, mud sluicing down his face as it rinsed free. “You’re a mess, Mason.”

“If I’m half as bad as you look, I reckon I am.” He playfully smiled.

She laughed. “You don’t worry about me. I’ll clean you up. You’re in no condition to try to do anything yourself.”

He pulled her to him, her legs wrapping around his waist. “I’d beg to differ with you there.” His cock stiffened against her, and she didn’t resist as he pulled her close for another deep, searing kiss.

Katie felt her insides melting under the passion of his touch. Unable to take it any longer, she rocked her hips, trapping his cock until she settled fully on top of it with a soft sigh. She loved the feel of him sliding inside her wet, aching pussy, rubbing against her in a pleasant way.

Two men together? At times like this, she didn’t care what the world thought. How could something that felt this good be ever possibly wrong?

He moaned. “Darlin’, we can’t do this yet. We’re not married.”

“Shut up, Mason. I’m not a virgin. You’ve teased me long enough.” She closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his shoulder as they settled into a slow rhythm, water in the tub sloshing against the sides as they moved. Every deliciously slow stroke rubbed her clit, pulling her closer to release.

He stroked his fingers along her spine and nuzzled his lips against her ear. “Jesus, I love you, baby,” he whispered. “I can’t lose you. We will make it work. I promise.”

His hard body perfectly hit her clit with every slow glide. “Good,” she gasped, “because I don’t want to lose either one of you.”

Mason reached up and cupped one of her breasts with a calloused palm, the pad of his thumb brushing over her nipple. “You gonna make it for me like this, baby?”

She nodded, already beyond speech as she felt a deep, warm glow start within her, soon roaring into bright life like the afternoon sun as her orgasm swelled from her clit and throughout her entire pussy, spreading to her whole body.

“Oh, Katie, I feel you.” He moaned. “I can’t hold it much longer.”

His cock drove inside her as she moved faster, harder, taking what she needed from him, her climax rolling through her like heat lighting. When she bit down on his shoulder to stifle her moan, he tightened his grip around her.

“Yes! Give it to me, baby!”

Holding on for dear life, she sobbed as her orgasm seemed to last forever, her muscles squeezing his cock until he couldn’t hold on any longer and his release joined hers. His hips bucked against her, water now spilling over the sides of the washtub as he cried out her name. Finally, once his throbbing subsided, they sank lower in the water and caught their breath.

Joe’s soft laughter drew her attention. She looked up to see him standing there, shirtless. “That’s one way to get the mud off,” he teased.

“It’s a fun way,” Mason muttered from beneath her.

Katie sat up and finished ladling water over her head and Mason’s until she was satisfied they were clean. Joe pulled the plug on the drainpipe that led off the porch as Mason stood and held out a hand to Katie to help her from the tub. She wrapped a towel around herself and noticed Mason didn’t bother covering up.

“What now?” Mason cautiously asked.

She glanced at Joe, who nodded. She said, “I think Joe needs to get cleaned up. You and me will head to bed, and Joe can join us once he’s ready.” She leaned over and kissed Joe, carefully watching Mason’s reaction out of the corner of her eye.

The fact that his cock stiffened again gave her hope that he truly wasn’t upset. Then Mason scooped her up in his arms and carried her to her bedroom, where he laid her on her bed. Slowly peeling the towel away from her, his eyes swept her body.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, sounding sober now.

She hesitantly smiled. “You don’t think less of me?” she asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.

He solemnly shook his head. “Never.” With his lips, he traced a line from her mouth, down her chin, pausing in the hollow of her neck before traveling down her chests, to the gentle valley between her breasts.

She plunged her fingers into his hair, wanting his mouth to latch on to her nipples, her clit, anything to ease the ache already building within her again.

He continued lower, his tongue slowly circling her navel before teasingly moving south. He settled between her legs as his hands parted her mound of short curls. “I will never think less of you for loving us, Katie,” he whispered, his breath blowing across her clit and sending shivers through her body.

As his hot mouth descended upon her clit, she arched her back and let out a soft cry of pleasure. This was real. This was happening.

This was even better than all her weeks of dreams put together.

He slowly explored her, his tongue laving up and down her folds, lapping up the juices now freely flowing from her body. His tongue slipped inside her wet cunt, fucking her with his tongue and doing things to her she never dreamed possible. Then he replaced his tongue with two fingers, slowly fucking her with them. His tongue flicked at her clit, driving her up and over the peak and making her explode with a gushing orgasm that made her cry out and sob with relief.

But he didn’t stop. He hooked one hand around her thigh when she tried to ease away from him, resisting her efforts to push his head away when she thought the sensation was too much for her to take. Instead, he latched on to her swollen nub and sucked on it, forcing her to lay there and orgasm again and again until finally, she begged him to stop. When he did, she collapsed into a limp mound of boneless flesh on the bed, too spent to move.

He sat up, a playful smile on his face. “How did that feel?”

The look on his face made her laugh. “I never knew someone could be killed from pleasure, but I think you almost managed it.”

He moved up the bed to lie next to her, taking her into his arms and holding her close. “Good. Because the two of us are going to keep you so tired you won’t ever even think about wanting to leave us.”

She stared into his eyes. “Do you mean it?” she whispered.

He laughed. “I certainly do. You ready for another demonstration?”

“Not that.” She swallowed, trying to steel her nerves to say it. “Are you two really going to be okay sharing me?”

His face grew serious. He kissed her again, slowly, tenderly, taking his time. “I love Joe. Not like that,” he quickly added. “But if there was ever a man I could share the woman I love with, it’s him.” He nuzzled her nose with his. “I won’t ever have to worry that you’re not being taken care of when I’m away. I’ll never again have to worry about you being left alone.”

She hugged him tightly, surprised at the tears suddenly springing into her eyes. “I love you so much. Both of you. Please promise you won’t ever leave, no matter what.”

He smiled. “That’s a promise I’ll be more than happy to swear to and keep.”

She sat up and pushed him back down to the bed. There was something she’d been wanting to do, dreaming of doing. She knelt between his legs and cupped his heavy sac in her palms, his slack cock laying there like a beast in repose, waiting to awaken at any instant.

She leaned in and blew on his shaft.

One fully wide-awake beast rose to life, his cock quickly growing hard before her. She smiled up at him and enjoyed the playful look on his face as he laced his hands behind his head and looked down at her.

Dipping her head between his legs, she slowly licked his sac first, which tightened under her touch as his cock grew even harder. She could see every rippling vein and fold of skin in the dim light. Then, starting at the base, she laved her tongue over his hot flesh, taking her time working her way to the tip where a pearly drop of pre-cum had already beaded at the slit.

He let out a soft moan. “Katie, please, don’t stop. Don’t keep me in this state.”

“What state?” she playfully asked as she flicked out her tongue to scoop up the warm drop of salty juices she’d coaxed from him. It rolled down her tongue, the taste musky and sweet and tangy and firing her need once again.

“Horny. Please take care of me.”

“I will, Mason. I promise to take good care of both of you.” She engulfed just the tip of his cock with her lips, slowly sliding his foreskin back with her hand and running her tongue along his glans.

He gasped before letting out a moan. She tasted more pre-cum and swallowed every drop as her lips and tongue massaged his member.

She heard footsteps down the hall before sensing Joe in the doorway. He chuckled. “Mmm, that’s a beautiful sight.” She didn’t stop what she was doing as he walked across the room to the bed. She felt the bed shift behind her as Joe knelt on the mattress. Then his hands caressed her ass, stroking her rounded cheeks, his fingers pausing to brush against her mound.

That made her moan with pleasure, which in turn drew another moan out of Mason.

Joe chuckled. “Hmm, that’s an interesting reaction.” He stroked her again, making her moan around Mason’s cock again, and drawing yet another moan from his cousin.

She started to lift her head from Mason’s cock, but Joe gently rested a hand on the top of her head, holding her in place. “No, I think I like seeing you just like that. Plus it gives me perfect access to do what I want.”

She wondered what that was until she felt his lips and tongue between her legs, making her moan again. Every sound Joe pulled from her was echoed by Mason as the vibrations flowed from her throat to his cock. Joe licked and explored her pussy then drew her complete attention when he used his hands to hold her ass cheeks apart and his tongue slipped between them.

Katie nearly came from the new sensation as he circled her virgin rosebud with his tongue.

“Jesus,” Mason gasped. “What the hell are you doing to her, Joe? It sounds like you’re driving her out of her head!”

He sat up and chuckled, making her whine at the loss. “Nothing compared to what I’m about to do to her.” She sensed him reach for something but kept her eyes closed as she slowly sucked Mason’s cock. Then she felt something cool and slippery on her rim, followed by one finger carefully massaging the tight hole.

She shivered and spread her legs, giving Joe even better access to her ass. First one finger slipped inside her, then a second, nearly driving her out of her mind with need but not quite enough to push her over the edge. She desperately wished for a finger or tongue or even a cock to rub her clit and help her jump the final hurdle, but the men were content to keep her on the edge.

Finally, Joe withdrew his fingers, and then she felt him change position. “Relax, baby. Breathe through it.” The hard head of his cock pressed against her ass, and she felt stretched, not sure if she could take it. Then Joe reached between her legs and lightly stroked her clit with his finger.

She gasped around Mason’s cock. Joe didn’t tease her enough to make her orgasm, but the distraction from the stiff rod now plunging deep into her ass was enough to make her beg for them to make her come.

Both men laughed. Once she felt Joe’s thighs pressing against her ass, he slowly withdrew before sliding deep inside her again. It was an exquisite, filling sensation, different from their cocks in her pussy, strange and yet as right as everything else they’d done to her.

Then Joe reached around her and made her sit up against him. “Mason,” he hoarsely said, “I can’t hold it long. Let’s show this little lady who she belongs to.”

“Gladly.” With a sinful smile, Mason slid into position between her legs and helped Joe lower her down until his cock was poised at the entrance to her gushing pussy. “You belong to us,” Mason said as he grabbed her hips and thrust up into her.

She cried out with pleasure at the incredible fullness within her. Then they started moving together, slowly at first, gaining speed and thrusting harder until they found a seesaw rhythm that had both cocks slamming into her. Mason reached up and rolled her nipples between his fingers, while Joe’s fingers found her clit again.

“Come for us, Katie,” Joe said, his voice deep and full of heat. “Show us who you belong to.”

She cried out when her orgasm hit, the hardest she’d ever felt in her life, the pleasure-pain of the hard and fast fucking keeping her release rolling through her like a runaway coach. She sobbed as it didn’t stop, the explosion bouncing around inside her and taking away all will.

“Yes!” she cried.

“Who do you belong to?” Joe commanded. “Tell us. Say it.”

“I belong to both of you,” she sobbed.

“That’s it,” Mason encouraged as he grabbed her hips and thrust hard and deep up into her. “You belong to us and you’re never gonna leave us, are you?”

“No!” she cried out.

“We feel you, baby,” Joe said, his hands now around her waist as his balls slapped against her flesh with every stroke. “You can’t lie to us that you love this. We feel your pussy begging us for more, don’t we?”

“Please don’t stop!” she begged. Despite worrying the pleasure might kill her, she never wanted it to end. It felt like her heart would burst from her chest.

“Tell us what you want, Katie,” Mason ordered. “Tell us you want us to fuck you hard.”

“Please…please fuck me.” She could barely gasp the words. Pleasure the likes of which she’d never felt before threatened to take her very breath away.

“That’s our good girl,” Mason said. “I’m going to give you exactly what you want.” She felt his cock swell inside her cunt, triggering another orgasm in her. In her ass, Joe fucked her even harder, the whole bed now shaking with his efforts.

“I’m going to come,” Joe said. “You’re going to be filled with us, and you’re going to wake up knowing you belong to us, aren’t you?”

“Yes! Please, do it!”

Both men cried out as their climaxes hit. She felt their hot seed flowing into her, filling her. Sobbing with relief, she collapsed on top of Mason as Joe dropped onto her, holding most of his weight off her with his arms. He kissed her spine, licking at the beads of sweat that had formed there as his cock slowly went soft inside her ass.

Under her, Mason turned her face to his, kissing her tenderly, gently.

Lovingly.

They loved her. Both of them. A dream come true.

She’d never be alone again.

“Are you okay?” Joe softly asked.

She laughed as Mason finally released her so she could look over her shoulder at Joe. “I’m worse than that.”

His brow furrowed. “Worse?”

She grinned. “I’m now officially spoiled. That was…that was incredible.”

Both men smiled. Joe carefully untangled himself from her and she felt a wistful pang at the sensation of his cock withdrawing from her ass. She rolled off of Mason’s limp cock and landed on her back beside him on the bed. The insides of her thighs were coated with their hot, sticky juices.

She briefly worried about getting pregnant before pushing that away. No room for melancholy tonight. If she hadn’t gotten pregnant in her years with Paul, it wasn’t very likely she’d get pregnant now.

Joe disappeared for a moment, presumably to clean up. He reappeared a few moments later with a full pitcher of water and clean cloths. With ablutions done, she snuggled between her men.

Her men.

The strange thought felt oddly right and comfortable.

Joe kissed her. “I love you, Katie,” he whispered. “We’ll take care of you better than any woman’s ever known.”

“I love you, too.”

Mason kissed her next. “I love you, too, Katie.” He added, “I promise this will work.”

She nodded and kissed him back. “I love you, too. And I believe you.”

With both men looking happier than she’d ever seen them, and her own soul feeling lighter than it had in a long time, she drifted off to sleep in their arms.

Chapter Eleven

The next morning Katie stretched, a smile on her face as she felt the men’s firm bodies tightly nestled along either side of her. She rolled to her side, her pleasantly aching butt pressing against Mason, her forehead tucked against Joe’s shoulder.

Joe kissed her forehead. “How you feeling, sweetheart?”

She smiled. “Good. Real good.”

Mason nuzzled the back of her neck. “Too bad my head doesn’t feel good.”

“That’s your own dang fault,” Joe chided. “You’re getting too old to drink like that. Lucky for you it’s Saturday, and you don’t have to ride into town.”

Mason groaned as he rubbed his forehead. “Lucky me.”

Katie started to say something when she realized how high the sun sat in the sky outside. “Oh, no!” She sat up and tried to climb over Joe.

“Whoa, where are you going?” Joe gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her down to him.

“I’ve got to get cleaned up and dressed! I’ve got Mrs. Paisley coming in at ten for a fitting!”

Joe released her after a quick peck on the lips. “Go on, sweetie. Don’t worry about making us breakfast. I’ll get dressed and take you in.”

Mason slowly rolled to a sitting position. “If I can make the world stop spinning, I’ll go tell the guys to get the buggy and a horse ready.”

Katie gave him a quick kiss in passing as she headed for the bedroom door. “Thank you, Mase.”

With a heart that felt lighter than it had since before Paul’s death, she quickly washed up and dressed. By the time she returned to the kitchen, Joe had dressed and made her a biscuit with strawberry preserves to eat on the ride in. They should make it to the shop with about twenty minutes to spare.

During the trip to town, Joe kept his arm draped around her shoulders. She enjoyed finally being able to cuddle with him without guilt eating at her. And if she wiggled just right, she felt reminders of the night before in the slightly achy, yet pleasant twinges in her ass.

She wanted to do that again real soon. Maybe even that night, if she could coax the men into it.

Somehow, she didn’t think she’d have any problems coaxing them.

“See?” he said with more than a hint of humor in his voice. “I told you it’d work out all right.”

“Now we have to deal with Junior sitting in Sheriff Birch’s jail.” She’d managed not to think about it the evening before, but the ride into town reminded her of that reality. It wouldn’t be long before Senior showed up and demanded she drop the charges against his son.

She shivered.

“No, you don’t have to deal with that at all. Mason and I will take care of that.” He squeezed her closer. “You just enjoy being a well-loved and spoiled woman and planning our wedding.”

She looked up into his eyes and couldn’t help but return his smile. “It doesn’t seem fair that we’re getting married and Mason isn’t.”

“He’ll be my best man. Don’t worry. Mason has developed a bachelor’s reputation. No one will question him staying single and living with us.”

When they reached the shop, they found Ben Ainsley sitting in a tipped back chair on the porch, his shotgun laying across his lap and feet propped up on the railing.

Joe helped Katie down from the buggy. “Ben? What’s going on?”

He tipped his hat to Katie. “Sheriff told me to spend the day here. He got word from Dade City that Dorchester Senior is on the warpath and headin’ here to try to get Junior out.”

Katie swore under her breath. Joe had brought her shotgun. He reached into the buggy, handing the weapon out to her. “Go on inside, honey, and let me talk to Ben.”

With nervous fingers, she unlocked her door and stepped inside. She had about twenty minutes before Mrs. Paisley arrived. As she got her shop ready, she kept glancing outside at Joe, who now sat in another chair on the porch while he talked with Ben.

The men didn’t move from their posts when Mrs. Paisley arrived. She cast a curious glance at the men as she passed them and stepped inside the shop. She turned to Katie with a knowing smile.

“So I hear congratulations are in order, dear? You and Joe are getting married?”

Katie felt the blush creep up her face. Likely, the whole of Brooksville knew already. The speed of gossip exceeded even that of the fastest train, apparently. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good for you!” She smiled as she took the dress Katie handed her and stepped into the back room to change. “Joe is a wonderful man. So is his cousin, Mason.”

“Yes, they’ve been very kind to me.”

“So how is Mason handling the news? I thought he was rather sweet on you. Everyone seemed to think he would be marrying you.”

Katie gulped. Thank goodness the woman was behind the screen and couldn’t see her. “He’s very happy for us. He offered to move out after the wedding, but Joe and I wouldn’t hear of it.” She took a gamble. “Truth be told, Mason really isn’t interested in a relationship. I was just doing him a favor and helping him fend off single women.”

“Oh?” Katie wasn’t sure she liked the woman’s inquisitive tone and decided she should clarify.

“He prefers being a bachelor. Said he doesn’t want a woman ordering him around or telling him to wipe his feet before he comes in. He’s also worried that since he has his sights on becoming sheriff eventually, he doesn’t want a woman to risk losing him in the line of duty. He saw how broke up Joe was after his fiancée died. Mason said he’d rather be alone than put a woman through that kind of grief.”

“Aww.” The woman’s sympathetic tone told Katie her words had the desired effect. “That’s sort of sad, don’t you think? Sweet, but sad.” She stepped out from behind the screen and Katie helped her button the back of the dress.

“Some might think that, but Mason is set in his ways. I thought it was sad at first, too, but now that I know him better, I see he really is happy. He’s married to his work. You know how some men are. I’d feel sorry for any woman who does manage to put a ring on his hand. She’d be better off alone.” Okay, that was putting it on rather thickly, but maybe it would help accomplish two goals at once—keeping single women away from Mason, and explaining why he was still single and living with them.

Mrs. Paisley let out a sad sigh. “Yes, I can see that. Well, my cousin Georgia will be crushed. She was hoping once she’d heard about you marrying Joe that maybe she would have a chance with Mason again.”

Katie knew Georgia. Black hair and brown eyes and not plain-looking, but no blue ribbon winner, either. “No offense, ma’am, but Mason’s first obligation and love is his work. I doubt any woman will ever be able to steal him away from that.

Or from me, she silently added.

* * *

Katie could close up the shop for the day after Mrs. Paisley left. Once the woman changed back to her other dress and Katie finished the final alterations, she paid Katie and took the neatly boxed dress with her. Ben and Joe both stood as one and started to step inside when a commotion out on the street caught their attention. A group of five horsemen, led by Dorchester Senior, were racing into town, scattering people and the odd chicken and dog in their path.

Katie stepped toward the doorway, but Joe blocked her path. “No. Lock this door, go get your gun, and take cover in the closet in back.

Anger rose in her. “Do you honestly think I’m going to run from a fight? I’ve spent too much time running from that son of a gun already.”

Joe spun her around by the shoulders and planted a stinging slap on her rump before pulling the door shut behind her. “You mind me, Katie,” he yelled through the door. “Go get the gun and stay out of sight!”

She wanted to argue, but he’d already turned to face the group as they pulled up to a stop in front of the store. She locked the door before racing to the back room and grabbing the shotgun. But instead of hiding in the closet as ordered, she stood behind the curtain to the back room and peeked out.

The feel of Joe’s hand making contact with her bottom both angered her and made heat rise in other, more intimate places. She’d had to be in charge of her own life and well-being for what felt like forever, and now she wasn’t alone anymore.

And Joe wouldn’t take any back talk from her when it came to her safety.

When they got through this, she was going to tackle that man and take him to bed.

She shook her head to clear it of the wanton thought. This is certainly not the time to think of that!

But now that she had thought of it, she could barely think of anything else, especially with the pleasant ache she still felt between her legs from the thorough fucking both men had given her the night before.

Her former father-in-law dismounted his horse and angrily strode up to the store where Ben and Joe stood, shoulder to shoulder, blocking access to the porch. “Where’s that woman? I want a word with her!”

“You want to talk to her,” Joe said, matching Senior’s angry tone, “you talk to the Sheriff first. Then I suggest you get a lawyer for that no-good son of yours. He tried to rape and kill Katie.”

Senior sneered at him. “It’s her word against his.”

“No, it’s my word and her word against his,” Joe told him. “I came in while he was attacking her. He would have killed her if I hadn’t showed up.” Both Joe and Ben stepped forward, forcing Senior back a step. “And she ain’t dropping the charges, and neither am I. He assaulted her, and he assaulted me, and as far as we’re concerned he can rot in the damn jail until the end of the world.”

Senior’s face turned beet red. “We’ll see about that!” He jumped onto his horse and kicked it, spurring it down the street with his cadre of men following, presumably heading for the jail.

Katie walked across the store and unlocked the door as Ben spit in the street in the direction the men had gone. “I don’t trust that sumbitch,” Ben said.

Joe shook his head. “Neither do I, Ben.”

Katie stepped aside as Joe opened the door. “Ben, can I stash Katie at your house for a couple of hours? I don’t want to risk taking her back home just yet until I can get Mason here and we have more back up. I wouldn’t put it past that man to try to ambush us on the way home.”

“No problem.”

Katie gathered her things and locked up, then followed Ben to his house while Joe brought up the rear, gun ready and with a wary eye. Once Joe was satisfied she would be safe, he pulled her in for a quick kiss. “You stay here, understand me? You stay put until either me or Mason comes for you personally. No one else. If you move from this house, I will tan your bottom.”

She nodded. As Joe left, she watched him walk back toward the main street. Shelby Ainsley chuckled from behind Katie, startling her.

“I think he means it,” she told Katie.

Katie managed a smile. “I know he does.”

“He really loves you. I don’t think I’ve seen him look so happy. Well, happy despite being angry at the Dorchesters,” she added. “I really thought you and Mason would be the ones together.”

Katie knew she had another round of storytelling ahead of her. While not as bad a gossip as Mrs. Paisley, Shelby did have a lot of friends in town who were. “It’s a bit of a story.”

Shelby put an arm around her shoulders and led her to the kitchen. “I’ll make us tea and some lunch and you can tell me all about it.”

* * *

Joe sent a rider from his mill to go fetch Mason. Then he headed for the sheriff’s office. As he rightfully guessed, Dorchester and his gang were already there and raising Cain with the deputy on duty. From a cell in back, separated from the office area by a heavy wooden door, Joe could hear Junior yelling for his father, demanding he be released from the cell.

Joe stepped inside. “Leave him alone, Dorchester,” Joe ordered. “You aren’t going to be able to buy Junior’s way out of trouble this time,” he said as he rested his hand on the butt of the revolver slung on his hip.

Dorchester’s face grew angry. He stepped toward Joe. “You listen here, you bastard, you cain’t tell me—”

“But I can,” Sheriff Birch’s voice boomed from behind Joe.

The room fell silent.

Sheriff Birch stepped inside, flanked by two deputies. “What seems to be the problem here, Mr. Dorchester?”

He shoved past Joe and got in the sheriff’s face. “I’ll tell you what the problem is, Sheriff. This man and that whore of his have filed a false report against my son!”

As Joe stepped in to confront Dorchester, the sheriff stepped between them and muttered low under his breath, “Son, don’t do it. He’s not worth it. Let me handle him.” Joe reluctantly stepped back but glared at Dorchester.

“Mr. Dorchester,” the sheriff said, “Joe and Miz Dorchester aren’t the only ones. We have several witnesses who heard her screaming for help and who saw him attack her and Joe. And your son isn’t getting out of that cell until the justice of the peace says he can. And considering he’s up in Dunnellon until next week hearing cases, I suggest you and your son both should just make yourselves comfortable and wait.” He stepped up to Dorchester, forcing him a step back. “Unless, of course, you want me to lock you in the cell with your son so you can wait there together?”

Dorchester went even redder in the face. “You’ll never get away with this!”

“Get away with what? Enforcing the law? I assure you, that’s what I was hired to do in this town, and that’s what I’m going to do. And unlike in Dade City, you’ll find your money’s no good here, Mr. Dorchester. Now you and your men can ride out of town peaceably, or you can spend a few days in a cell with your son for disturbing the peace. Which will it be?”

Dorchester sputtered and fumed, then turned on his heel and slammed out the door with his men following in his wake.

With a relieved sigh, the sheriff made his way over to his desk, where he sat down. “Well, this certainly turned out to be an interesting day, huh, Joe?”

Joe couldn’t help but laugh. “I can’t believe it. Dorchester finally won’t get his way.”

The sheriff started filling a pipe with tobacco. “Nope, he surely won’t. Not if I have anything to say about it.” He lit his pipe and took a few puffs. “Never did like that son of a buck. Pushy bastard.” He pointed his pipe in Joe’s direction. “Now you look here, Joe. Don’t let him egg you into doing something foolish, got it? I won’t hesitate to lock you up if you break the law.”

“I’ll only go after him in self-defense, Sheriff. I promise.”

Sheriff Birch nodded. “Good man.” They heard Junior hollering again in the back, and the sheriff cocked his head at the door. “You three deputies go in there and check on him and warn him he’d better be quiet.” The men smiled and nodded, heading back to do it. The sheriff looked like he was about to say something else when the door opened and Mason burst in.

“What’s going on? What happened?” The sheriff and Joe filled him in. Mason turned to Joe. “Where’s Katie?”

Joe tried to placate him. “She’s safe with Ben and Shelby, don’t worry. I told her to stay put under threat of spanking.”

The sheriff laughed. “I suspect you boys are going to have your hands full with her.” He winked at them. “Congratulations again Joe…and Mason.”

Both men blushed. “What?” Mason choked out.

The sheriff glanced in the direction of the doorway leading back to the cells to ensure they were alone and dropped his voice. “If you two ain’t sharing her, I’m one of them Egyptian mummies they been digging up over there. It ain’t none of my concern what y’all do, and believe me, I ain’t gonna go running my mouth about it. Frankly, I think until this business with the Dorchesters is settled, she’s gonna need both of you to keep her safe.”

His face darkened as he looked at Joe. “Don’t think I don’t know what went running through your mind when you buried Laura. I would have gone after Junior then if I’d had evidence to hold him on it. Unfortunately, I didn’t.” He pointed at the front door. “You two go take her home and keep her safe. As far as I’m concerned, there ain’t nothing improper going on between the three of you, and that’s the story I’ll tell anyone who asks. But you keep that woman safe. She been through more than enough heartache in her life to last her, and so have both of you. If y’all can make each other happy, then I ain’t gonna be one to judge you.”

Joe and Mason shared a glance before thanking the sheriff and leaving. Mason gathered his horse’s reins and walked with Joe across the town square toward the Ainsley house.

“Well, what do you think about that?” Mason quietly asked.

“Heh. Looks like Sheriff Birch has us figured out.” He glanced at Mason. “I don’t think we should tell Katie that, though.”

“Why not?”

“She’s already plenty worried about you and me, understand? About how the town would view us. Let’s just let her mind lay easy on the subject. I trust Sheriff Birch not to say anything to anyone. He’s a man of his word. Deal?”

Mason nodded. “Deal.”

* * *

Katie gave Joe and Mason both big hugs when they reached the Ainsley house. The three of them bid the Ainsleys good-bye, then headed over to the store, where the horse and buggy were still hitched.

“So what do we do now?” Katie asked, sounding nervous.

Joe patted her on the shoulder. “We, as in Mason and me. You don’t have to do anything except tell the truth to the justice of the peace at the hearing,” he assured her. “You let Mason and me take care of you.”

She started to protest, then gave up with a smile. From the protective look on both men’s faces, she knew arguing with them would be useless. “Okay then, what should our next step be?”

“I think a picnic sounds good,” Mason suggested. “Maybe a little skinny-dipping?” he added with a grin.

Joe nodded. “Dang good idea, Mase.” He smiled. “I know just the swimming hole you’re talking about. I think we should go tomorrow.”

She looked from Joe to Mason before laughing. “All right, I know when I’m outnumbered. A picnic sounds nice. Not sure I’m up for skinny-dipping, though.”

They reached her store. Joe and Mason helped her up into the buggy. “Who said you’ll have a choice?” Mason teased. He kissed the back of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before releasing her.

“Yes,” Joe agreed. “Then a nice, long, hard fucking on a blanket in the shade. Let you scream your head off in passion all you want.”

Katie gulped as her pussy clenched with sudden, overpowering need. If it wasn’t for the fact they were in town, she’d let them both fuck her right there and then. “Okay,” she squeaked out.

Both men laughed. Joe gathered up the buggy reins. “Let’s get you home, sweetheart. I have a feeling you have something that needs to be taken care of.

She wordlessly nodded as both men laughed. Joe kissed her before snapping the reins and urging the horse onward.

Mason mounted his horse and followed them down the road and out of town toward the ranch.

Katie had a feeling with these two men she’d be spending a lot of time in bed over the next few weeks, if not for the rest of her life.

Chapter Twelve

Edward Dorchester Senior pulled up his horse just outside of town and gathered his men around him. He pointed to two of them. “You. Go back into town. I want you to follow them around. Keep tabs on them. Find out anything you can on them that we can use against them. I’ve heard she’s living with those two even though she’s only marrying Lansing.” He knew the rumors about his son’s involvement with Lansing’s fiancée’s death.

Unfortunately, he also knew his son was more than capable of something like that despite it having nothing to do with business. He certainly didn’t have a problem with revenge, but not in such a stupid and foolhardy way as his son had engaged in it.

The men nodded, turned their horses, and headed back to town. He looked at another of his men. “Angus, you head back to Dade City. Tell Boyd Simpson to get his ass over here immediately. I can’t have my son sitting in jail until next week. If he gives you any guff, remind him that I pay his salary, and he’s my lawyer first and foremost before anyone else. Got it?”

The man nodded and quickly started riding east.

Dorchester looked at his last man, Bill Campbell, his foreman. The man he trusted even more than his own son. “Any ideas?”

He nodded and spit tobacco into the dust away from his boss. “Yessir, but ain’t none of them legal.”

Dorchester grinned. “Did I say anything about legal?”

Campbell smiled. “Nope. You sure didn’t.”

* * *

Katie breathed a sigh of relief as their home came into sight.

Their home. That was almost enough to drive her to happy tears. She fixed them all a late lunch before starting in on chores. There was laundry to do, dusting, cleaning. Mason went to lie down for a while, his head still bothering him. Joe went out to take care of some things on the ranch.

By dinnertime, Mason was feeling more like his old self. As the sun set, Katie felt a little nervous. Would they all sleep together again that night?

She hoped so, but wasn’t sure how to broach the subject.

After she cleaned up the remnants of dinner, Joe walked up to her and caught her by the hand, pulling her into his embrace. “Ready to call it a day, Katie?”

She nodded as she rested her hands on his shoulders. “Yes.”

He smiled and kissed her. “Not sure how much sleep the three of us will get, but we can sleep late in the morning.”

Mason laughed as he walked into the kitchen from the back porch. “We might keep you up rather late.” He stood behind her with his hands on her hips. She felt his hard erection pressing into her ass through his trousers.

Heat swelled inside her. Just being in their arms did things to fuel her need for them.

Joe led her to her bedroom where the men wasted no time helping her out of her housecoat before they stripped and joined her in bed. They laid her on her back as Joe crawled between her legs. Mason stretched out next to her, passion burning deep in his eyes.

When he kissed her, she melted against him, enjoying the feeling of being owned by the men. Then Joe used his hands to spread her folds open. With the lightest of touches, he started flicking her clit with his tongue. Mason swallowed her passionate cries, chuckling as she grabbed onto him and dug her fingers into his arm.

He lifted his mouth from hers. While he spoke to Joe, his gaze never left hers. “Don’t stop doing that. She really seems to like it.”

Joe chuckled between her legs, the sensation sending even more pinwheels of need spinning through her. What he did wasn’t enough to drive her over the edge, just drive her crazy with desire.

“Please!” she softly begged.

Mason stroked her chin. “Please what, sugar?”

“Please make me come!”

“I don’t know, Joe. What do you think?”

Joe chuckled again, but this time he sucked her clit between his lips, flicking it harder with his tongue and shooting her over the edge like a falling star. Her back arched, and Mason crushed her lips with his, fucking her mouth with his tongue.

When it became too much, too intense, and she tried to push Joe’s head away, Mason grabbed her arms and pinned them over her head. “No you don’t, sweetheart,” he growled. “You let him make you keep coming. We promised to take care of you, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Helpless, she could do nothing but lay there and tremble, crying out as wave after wave crashed over her, more intense than anything she’d ever experienced before. Pleasure so strong it brought tears to her eyes as she squirmed and thrashed against Mason.

Finally, Joe relented, planting a final kiss on her mound before he sat up. She went limp on the bed and gasped for breath as the men chuckled.

“Do you think I warmed her up enough?” Joe asked.

Mason laughed. “I think so.” He released her arms and sat up, exchanging places with Joe. Joe sat against the head of the bed with a pillow behind him for support. She rolled over and crawled between his legs. Once in position, she licked the head of his rigid cock. Salty drops of pre-cum oozed from the slit, rewarding her with a taste of things to come.

Mason knelt between her legs and nudged her knees farther apart. When he slipped two fingers inside her wet cunt, he found her more than ready for him. “I’m going to fuck you so good, baby. I want you to suck him deep while I fuck you. We’re going to fill you full of our cum on both ends.”

She happily moaned around Joe’s cock. He plunged his hand into her strawberry-blonde tresses, gently guiding her mouth up and down on his cock. She loved the feeling of being totally owned and helpless like this, loved and cherished while at the same time firmly reminded of who was in charge.

They were in charge, of her body and her heart.

Mason lined up the head of his cock at the opening of her cunt. “Get ready for me, baby.” He thrust his hips forward, sinking all the way in to the hilt. With his hands on her hips, he started thrusting hard, fucking her possessively.

“Don’t hold back, Joe,” Mason breathlessly warned. “I won’t last long. She’s so damn tight it’s like she’s squeezing it out of me.”

Joe laughed and thrust his hips up. “Don’t worry, I won’t be long.”

Lust took her to dizzying heights as Mason’s cock hit a sweet spot inside her. At this rate, she’d be coming with them. She used her tongue and lips to suck Joe’s cock, eagerly trying to massage his juices out of him. The thought of having one of them filling each end of her at the same time was the thought that finally pushed her over the edge.

She loudly moaned as her climax hit. The feeling of her muscles clamping down on Mason’s large cock only intensified the sensation. Her moans triggered Joe’s release.

“Oh, fuck yeah, baby!” His grip on her head strengthened as he thrust deep, shooting his semen into her throat, filling her mouth with his tangy seed.

Mason didn’t hesitate. With one final, deep, hard thrust, he buried himself all the way to her womb as his hot jism coated her insides.

Damp with sweat and breathless, the three of them collapsed on the bed with Katie sandwiched between her men. Mason spooned behind her, his arm slung over her waist. She tucked her head against Joe’s shoulder, her legs twined with his.

“Love you both,” she whispered before a large yawn hit.

The men laughed. Joe kissed her forehead. “Love you, too, baby.”

Mason kissed the back of her neck. “Love you, too.”

Katie crashed into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Chapter Thirteen

With the stress of dealing with the Dorchesters behind her for now, Katie decided to take her men up on their offer of a picnic. Sunday morning, she carefully extricated herself from them and pulled on a housecoat. She was in the kitchen when the men both stumbled out to find her a short time later.

“What are you doing, sweetie?” Joe asked as he pulled her against his naked body to give her a good morning kiss.

“Yeah,” Mason said, patiently waiting for his turn and planting a kiss on her. “We woke up and you were gone.”

The sight of their bodies was almost enough to make her want to drag them back to bed, but she remembered the promised picnic. “I decided you two were right. We need to take a day of leisure. I’d like to see that swimming hole you were telling me about. I’m making us a lunch to take.”

Both men smiled. “Now you’re talking, sweetheart,” Joe said. “How about we go after breakfast?”

Mason surveyed the counter. “What is for breakfast?”

She smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll make you eggs and hotcakes. You two go get some clothes on.”

“Maybe you should take your clothes off, Katie,” Mason teased.

She swatted at him with her apron. “We’ll never get going if you don’t let me finish fixing the food.”

Joe caught her from behind, pinning her arms to her side. “I got her,” he crowed.

Mason knelt in front of her and ducked under her housecoat. He pushed her legs apart, and she was about to protest when his mouth latched on to her clit.

It took the fight out of her. Thank goodness Joe was holding her, because she sagged against him as a loud moan escaped her.

“I think you got her attention, Mason,” Joe said with a laugh.

Just when she thought she was getting close to coming, Mason stopped what he was doing and sat up with a playful smile. “Maybe that’ll keep you focused, baby.”

She whined. “You can’t stop now!”

Joe stood her up on her feet, even though she swayed a little unsteadily when he released her. “Oh, yes he can. You want more of that, you have to wait until the picnic.”

She didn’t miss Joe’s cock had hardened, too. She wanted to drop to her knees, God help her, and service both of them with her mouth and hands.

Better yet, she wanted both of them to fuck her at the same time again.

Molten heat washed through her. She had to reach out to the table for support as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“You okay, baby?” Mason asked.

“You’re both mean,” she whispered, her hand fluttering up to her neckline and pulling it open to give her some air. “To get me so frustrated and not give me relief.”

Joe gave her a playful swat on the bottom. “Consider it inspiration. Now get moving, sweetheart. We’ll ease your frustration later.”

It took her the better part of an hour to get their breakfast cooked and get herself ready, but before long the three of them and their lunch were loaded into a buggy. Katie sat nestled between her men and enjoyed the beautiful day.

Joe drove, snapping the reins and turning the buggy away from Brooksville. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“To a little spot we know on the Withlacoochee. Beautiful, spring-fed swimming hole. Nice shade trees, and a perfect picnic spot.”

Mason slipped an arm around her and leaned in close to nuzzle her ear. “And perfect for other things, too,” he said.

She knew exactly what other things he had in mind, and she couldn’t wait to do them. “How long will it take us to get to your perfect picnic spot?”

Joe laughed. “Long enough for Mason to get you all hot and bothered again before we get there.”

“I’m all hot and bothered now!”

It took them the better part of an hour, after turning down several progressively smaller lanes and tracks until the path they were following was barely wide enough for the buggy to make it through, to reach the promised spot.

It was almost beautiful enough for Katie to forget why they were there.

The men helped her down from the buggy. Joe hobbled the horse, letting it graze while they enjoyed their day. Mason laid out the blanket and picnic basket. Then he smiled and pulled his shirttail from his trousers. He slid his suspenders off his shoulders and started unbuttoning his shirt.

“Mighty hot day. I feel like a swim.” His intense gaze burned into hers as he dropped his shirt onto the blanket and pulled his boots off.

Joe started with his own boots first. “So do I.” He smiled at her. By the time both men were dropping their trousers, she started unbuttoning her dress.

The men’s smiles widened. “That’s a good girl,” Mason said.

Katie felt her pussy throb with need. God help her, she wanted them, and wanted them badly. She wanted their hands on her and their cocks inside her.

When all three of them stood naked on the blanket, Mason stepped forward, pressing her against Joe. Joe nibbled on the back of her neck while Mason kissed her. She wanted to melt between them and their hot bodies.

Mason slipped a hand between her legs, making her moan. His finger found and gently rubbed her clit as she spread her legs for him. “Mmm, you’re awfully hot down there, baby,” he said.

“Uh-huh!” If they would just make her come again, that’s all she wanted.

Joe nipped her earlobe. “Maybe we should cool her off, Mase,” he said.

He chuckled. “I think that’s a good idea.” Before she could react, Mason scooped her up into his arms and ran with her toward the water, Joe on his heels.

She screamed as she felt him leap through the air, holding on to his neck for dear life as they plunged into the cool water, Joe landing next to them, both men laughing like a couple of loons.

As she broke the surface, sputtering her outrage, she lashed out at them, splashing water at them. “That was plain mean!” she squealed in protest.

The men, treading water with her, crowded around her. “Glad to see you can swim, sweetheart,” Joe teased.

She splashed water at him. “What a way for you to find out! You could have asked me, you know.” She tried to swim around Mason and head for the sandy bank, but he blocked her path.

“Oh, no you don’t. You’re not escaping us that easy.” He caught her legs and wrapped them around his waist, making sure his cock sank home inside her pussy in the process.

All the fight taken out of her, she moaned, leaning back against Joe. The two men maneuvered a little closer to shore so their feet touched bottom. Then holding her hips, Mason started thrusting while Joe reached around and played with her nipples. Joe held her, her head lolling back against his shoulder while he breathed in her ear.

“Does his cock feel good, baby?”

“Uh-huh!” She reached behind her and hooked her arms around his neck, holding on while Mason’s cock plunged deeper with every stroke.

“When he’s done, I’m going to fuck that sweet pussy of yours. Would you like that?”

“Uh-huh!” She shivered, as much from pleasure as from the passionate tone of Joe’s voice.

“We’re both going to fuck you so hard and so good that you can feel us inside you even when we’re not. You’re going to be a well-fucked woman, sweetheart. And after lunch, we’re going to give you what we know you want.”

His mouth crushed hers, and he swallowed her moans. In that moment, she didn’t give a darn how wrong it was to be living and sleeping with two men she wasn’t married to. All she wanted was them.

“Look at me,” Mason commanded.

Joe lifted his mouth from hers so she could comply. She somehow managed to focus on Mason.

“Tell us what you want,” he said.

She swallowed hard. “I want you both to fuck me,” she whispered.

A sexy smile engulfed Mason’s face. “Tell us exactly how you want us to do that. Don’t be shy, baby. We know what you like and we want to hear you say it.”

She swallowed again. “I want you to fuck my ass and pussy at the same time.”

Joe massaged her breasts. “That’s our good girl.”

“Very good,” Mason agreed.

She would have said something else except that the angle of Mason’s cock hitting her clit finally took her over the edge. Her back arched as she let out a moan. White heat swirled inside her as her release seemed to last forever. Sex had been great with Paul. It was fantastic with these two men.

Mason’s release followed hers. She felt his hot seed pumping into her as he fell still inside her. Joe handed her over to Mason, who took her into his arms, raining kisses on her lips as his cock finally quit throbbing inside her.

“I love you, Katie,” he murmured in her ear. “Forever, baby.”

“I love you, too.” She reached behind her and found Joe, pulling him close. “I love you, too.”

He smiled. “And I love you.”

“How long until we have her pregnant,” Mason teased.

She smiled but didn’t want to tell them in case it would disappoint them.

Joe laughed. “Not long, at this rate.” He reached around her and slapped Mason on the shoulder. “Thank God we’re cousins. We look enough alike no one will talk.” He laughed.

Mason carried her back to the blanket and gently laid her down on it. “Ready for something to eat?”

She smiled and opened her mouth, leaning in to swipe her tongue along his limp cock. “Is it ready for me to eat?”

Both men laughed.

* * *

They finally ate lunch, but the men mercilessly teased and taunted her the whole time, keeping her need stoked and her pussy wet. After they ate, Joe pulled Katie on top of him. His cock was already rigid and standing at attention.

“I think it’s time for dessert,” he said with a playful smile.

“Oh, yeah?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Mason agreed from behind her. He helped her straddle Joe. She let out a content sigh as she impaled herself on Joe’s cock. She sensed Mason reach for something in the picnic basket. Then she felt him rubbing something wet and cool on her rim.

Her heart raced as she relaxed on top of Joe, settling comfortably in his arms while Mason prepared her for his cock. She loved this, and she wouldn’t even begin to try to deny it. She felt complete with both of them possessing her.

She felt safe.

Most importantly, she felt loved and no longer alone.

Mason pressed the head of his stiff member against her opening. “Relax, sweetheart. I want to feel what it’s like to fuck this sweet ass of yours.”

She wiggled against him, trying to urge him to enter her. He laughed. “That’s not going to make me go faster.”

“Please fuck me!” she begged, eliciting laughs from both men.

“Don’t worry,” Joe assured her. “We will fuck you all day long.”

Mason held on to her shoulders as he slid his cock inside her. Katie reveled in the mix of pleasure tinged with just the right amount of pain as both cocks stretched her in a delicious way.

“All day long,” Mason agreed. The men started slowly at first. Katie braced herself on Joe and relished the delicious sensations bouncing through her. Then the men settled into a sweet, sultry rhythm, one withdrawing as the other thrust, that started driving her toward release.

“How’s that, baby?” Joe asked her.

Katie nodded as she licked her lips, beyond coherent speech. All she wanted to do was ride these two wonderful cocks all day long.

“Look at me,” Joe said.

She forced her eyes open. Joe’s blue gaze peered up at her. “You belong to us, Katie. You understand? Forever.”

She smiled. “Forever.”

The men picked up the speed of their thrusts. “You gonna come for us, baby?” Joe asked.

“Mm-hmm!”

“Do it,” Mason rumbled from behind her. “We wanna feel you coming.”

She closed her eyes as her release hit. From somewhere deep inside her, it felt like an overwound clock spring snapping, sending a flood of heat surging throughout her body. She let out a long, loud cry as her entire body trembled.

“That’s it, baby,” Joe said. His fingers clamped down on her hips as he thrust hard up into her. Mason matched his cousin’s thrusts stroke for stroke, the sound of his flesh slapping against her nearly as loud as her own cries.

When the men came, Katie let out another cry, sobbing with relief to feel them both deep inside her like that, both cocks claiming her at the same time. She really was theirs.

Sated, they all collapsed in a tangle onto the blanket, spent and tired in the drowsy afternoon heat.

* * *

In the brush, the two men watched the three naked people sprawled on the blanket. “Man, I’d love a chance to fuck her,” the one whispered.

“Me, too,” the second one whispered. “Maybe the boss will let us after we tell him what we seen here.” He leered at the sight before them. “She’s gonna wish she’d kept her legs clamped shut when he gets done wi’ her.” He slapped his cohort on the shoulder. “Come on. We need to go tell him what we seen here. This’ll be more than enough for him to get back at her.”

Quietly, the two snuck back down the path to where they’d left their horses.

* * *

The three of them took a nap then went for a swim. Katie’s body felt achy in all the right ways and places. She had a feeling it was something she’d get to experience whenever she wanted.

“So when are we getting married, Joe?” she teased.

“I think I’d better marry you sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you’ll fuck me dead before I know it. I need to be married to you so when I die, Mason can get my stuff when he marries you.”

She splashed water at him as Mason laughed.

“Seriously,” she insisted. “The less chance people have to talk about you two, the happier I’ll be.”

Both men looked serious as they gathered around her. “Now you listen to us,” Joe said. “Quit worrying about what people will think about us. We don’t give a damn.”

“People can go to hell,” Mason said.

“But Joe, what about your business?”

He shrugged. “What about it? I’ve got the only sawmill in Brooksville, and the biggest in three counties. I could care less what they say about my personal life. I’m marrying you, and I love you.”

She looked at Mason, hoping he’d see reason. “What about you? You’re in line to be sheriff.

He smiled. “Sheriff Birch likes me. And no offense, honey, he thinks quite highly of you and could care less about anyone’s opinion but his own. And if I wasn’t to make sheriff, so what?” He pulled her to him and kissed her. “All I care about is keeping you happy. To hell with everyone else and to hell with what they say about us.”

Joe nodded. “Exactly. Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

They eventually got out of the water and dried off. They dressed, and Mason helped her gather up their things while Joe got the horse hitched up to the buggy. On the way home, she leaned against Mason and closed her eyes, happy and without care.

Life was good.

* * *

Monday morning, Katie felt worn out in a good way. She was going to go into the store despite not having any customers scheduled when Joe and Mason overruled her.

“You’re staying here today, Katie,” Mason declared after breakfast.

She looked to Joe, who nodded. “I don’t want you anywhere near town right now. I wouldn’t put it past Senior to try something.”

“But I have a shop to run!”

“I’ll stop by and put a note on the door,” Mason insisted. “You said yourself you have no one scheduled for today or tomorrow. No one will begrudge you a little vacation. And Wednesday, both Joe and I will go in with you.” He smiled. “And it’s not like you’re going to change our minds about this. If I didn’t have to, I wouldn’t be going to town myself today. I’d stay here and you’d spend all day naked in bed.”

She fought the blush creeping up her throat. No doubt if he stayed home, she’d be happy to spend all day naked in bed with him.

“And I’ll be back early this afternoon,” Joe said. “I have to take care of a few things at the sawmill.”

She didn’t enjoy feeling like she was lazy, but knew the men were right and wouldn’t fight them on this. “Okay, I’ll stay here.”

Both men smiled. For that reason alone, she’d appease them. They both kissed her before heading out for the day. It was a little after lunchtime. She was sitting at the kitchen table, peeling potatoes for dinner, when she heard the back door open.

Smiling, she assumed it was one of her men. “’Bout time you got back here.”

That’s when she heard the unmistakable click of the hammer of a revolver being drawn back, and she felt the cold, hard steel press against the back of her neck.

A strange voice said, “Didn’t know you were expectin’ me, but I’m honored.”

* * *

Mason stopped by the sawmill around lunch time to find Joe. “Sheriff needs me to run south of town to investigate a robbery. When are you going back to the house?”

He glanced at his pocket watch. “I’ll be leaving here in about an hour or so.”

Mason nodded. “Keep our girl safe.”

“Don’t worry, I plan on it.”

Mason headed south of town on his horse. He hated having to be this far from Katie, but it couldn’t be helped. He had a job to do, and while the sheriff had offered him the option of another deputy going, Mason didn’t want to shirk his duty like that. He couldn’t spend every waking minute looking over Katie, and she’d already proven that she could, for the most part, take care of herself.

Plus they’d left her with her shotgun, and several ranch hands working close to the house with explicit orders to keep an eye out for any trouble.

Two hours later he was heading back to town when another rider going full-out met him on the road, pulling his horse up when he reached Mason. It was Ben Ainsley.

Mason’s heart filled with fear. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Ben shook his head. “Come quick, Mase. Sheriff had to let Junior go.”

“What? Why the hell he do that?”

Ben’s face looked dark and angry. “Katie recanted her story. Sheriff had no choice.”

“What the hell’s going on?”

“I don’t know, but she was with Senior.”

* * *

The man kept the gun pressed to the back of her head and let out a whistle. Two more men quickly came into the kitchen.

“Are you going to kill me?” she asked.

The first man snorted. “Hell, no. Boss would kill me if’n I did that. You got paper and a pencil here?”

“Yes.” She started to stand, hoping she’d get to the shotgun which stood ready in the hallway, but the man pressed the barrel of the revolver against her head. “No, you tell us where it is.”

Blast. “In the desk in the living room.”

One of the other men went to get it and brought it back, placing it on the table in front of her. The first man pointed his free hand at the paper. “Can you write?”

“Yes.” She wanted to say something snarky to him, but decided that might not be a wise idea.

“Then pick up that paper and you write exactly what I tell you to.” He leaned in close, his horrible breath in her ear. “And I know how to read, too, lady. So if’n you don’t write what I tell you to write, I’ll kill you right here. I saw exactly what you did with those two men on the blanket by the river. What a special whore you are, ain’t ya? Letting them both fuck you at the same time.”

She thought her heart would stop from the shock and shame.

“Oh, yeah,” he said. “Boss sent us to spy on ya, get info he could use. The three of you perverts gave him just what he needed. Now pick up that pencil. This is what you’ll write…”

With a shaking hand, she picked up the pencil as he began to dictate.

* * *

Twenty minutes later, Katie found herself on the back of a horse, holding on to the ringleader as another man carried a carpetbag with some of her clothes in it. The man had gone into her room and packed it for her.

She suspected she might want to burn the clothes rather than wear them again.

They bypassed the main lane, heading instead across one of the fields, away from the barn and out of site over the hill from where any of Joe’s ranch hands would see.

I will not cry. I will not cry.

She didn’t want to think about the words she’d written, every stroke of the pencil shredding her heart. Part of her hoped her men wouldn’t believe the message, that they would refuse to give up on her and come looking for her.

Part of her suspected it would be too late for them to save her once they found the note.

Another part of her wondered if they would take the words at face value and let her go without a fight. She didn’t want them hurt, physically or their reputations. She knew Senior wouldn’t stop until he’d ruined—or worse, killed—both men if he didn’t get his way.

The only way to truly protect her men was to give Senior what he wanted.

They rode for twenty minutes until they came to a clearing where Senior waited with a buggy. The rider who carried her gave her a rough arm down while the rider with her bag tossed it into the buggy.

Senior grinned at her. “Glad to see you’ve seen reason, Katherine.” He stepped down to help her up, but she yanked her arm away and climbed into the buggy without a word.

He laughed. “You can be petulant all you want, but if you want to see your men remain safe and sound and unsullied, you’ll do exactly what I say. You’re the one who acted like a cheap whore and took up with two men. I wouldn’t expect anything better of you though, I suppose.” His smile held all the charm of a rattlesnake. “You’re going to recant your story, then we’re going to Tampa and you will marry Junior. Then the property will be his as your husband.” He laughed. “I warned you I’d get that property one way or another. Too bad you insisted on the hard way.”

She fought the urge to spit in his face, knowing it would probably mean her death if she did.

The riders followed them into Brooksville. She refused to look at Dorchester, kept her arms crossed in front of her and sat as far away from him on the seat as she could. She felt sick to her stomach and close to vomiting by the time they reached town. When they arrived at the sheriff’s office, her heart fell when she realized Mason wasn’t there.

Dorchester leaned in close, his voice low. “You tell Sheriff Birch you’re dropping all charges, that you made it up. If you don’t, I’ll send my men back to the ranch to wait for those two, and then I’ll kill you. You do this, nobody gets hurt.”

With her jaw clenched, she followed Dorchester inside. Sheriff Birch looked at her funny, but after Dorchester talked for several more minutes, and she managed to hold back her tears under the sheriff’s questioning, he finally, reluctantly agreed to let Junior go.

Sheriff Birch waggled a finger at Senior. “You and your son stay out of my town, got it? You ain’t welcomed here no more.” With a final glance at Katie, who couldn’t bear to meet his gaze, he went in back and freed Junior.

Senior wasted no time hustling her and Junior into the buggy and racing out of town via a different road she wasn’t familiar with. As Brooksville fell farther behind them, Katie wondered how much longer she’d be alive.

* * *

Mason tried to hold back his fear as he pushed his horse hard back to town. He arrived at the sheriff’s office and burst through the door. Joe stood there looking as angry and upset as he felt. “What in blazes is going on?” Mason demanded.

Sheriff Birch wore a dark expression. “I don’t know, boys. Like I was just telling Joe here, I suggest you two track her down as soon as possible. I strongly suspect Senior coerced her by some sort of force to recant her story.”

Joe and Mason looked at each other. “Let’s get back to the house. Maybe she’s there.” The two of them jumped on their horses and rode back to the house.

Joe didn’t even bother tying his mount. He rode up to the front porch, jumped off, and ran inside screaming her name. “Katie! Where are you?”

Mason followed him, pulling up short in the kitchen where Joe held a piece of paper.

“What’s that?”

Joe held up a staying hand as he read before he handed it to Mason. “She’s gone,” he whispered.

Chapter Fourteen

Katie kept her gaze firmly focused out the window at the landscape passing just beyond the tracks. Every clack of the wheels ripped another piece from her heart and threatened to send her upset stomach over the cliff. She’d felt horribly nauseous all day long.

Something else she could blame on the Dorchesters.

She should have known she’d never find happiness. She should have known that the Dorchesters would win.

She wouldn’t cry. She swore she’d never give them the satisfaction of shedding another tear in front of them.

And Heaven help Junior if he thought he was going to consummate their sham of a wedding after it happened. She’d geld him before he could even get both legs out of his trousers.

“Well, Katherine. A few more hours, and we’ll be home.”

She didn’t turn to her once and soon-to-be-again father-in-law. “It’s not my home. It never will be. You’ll see to that, no doubt.”

Senior settled his bulk into the seat across from her. She didn’t look at him even when he grabbed her knee through her skirt and painfully squeezed. “You’re right about that,” he growled in a dangerous tone. “You’ll be lucky if you see your first anniversary if you keep this up.”

She finally turned to him, knowing her expression looked as deadly as his. “If I’m lucky, I won’t.”

“I could easily arrange that,” he grumbled in a low voice before heaving his body out of his seat and trundling himself down the aisle.

She returned her gaze to the window. “Just try it,” she whispered. “Just try it and see.”

Secretly, she hoped Mase and Joe would swoop in and rescue her, no matter how improbable she knew that scenario would be. Besides, she couldn’t sully their reputation. Wouldn’t let Senior and Junior have the satisfaction of ruining her men.

And in her heart, they were still “her men.” They always would be.

That thought nearly started her crying. She choked back her tears and steeled herself for the lonely days to come.

* * *

Joe sat at the table and stared at the note as Mason read. “She wouldn’t leave willingly,” Joe insisted. “I don’t give a damn what this note says, there’s no way you can convince me she would ever willingly leave us. She was finally happy for the first time since Paul died. She told us so.”

Mason handed the note back to Joe and started pacing the kitchen. “What in blue blazes is going on?”

Joe looked up at his cousin. “I don’t know, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let Junior steal the woman I love from me twice in one life. She’ll have to look us in the face and tell us she meant what she said in this note.” He balled it up and tossed it across the kitchen before standing and heading for his bedroom.

He strode down the hall, pausing at the door to what used to be Katie’s room. “Hey, Mase.”

“What?”

“Come here.”

Mason joined him in the doorway. “What?” Mason looked into the room.

“Now I know for sure she didn’t leave willingly. I don’t care what that blasted note says. Dorchester forced her to write it.”

“Why?”

Joe pointed. “What do you see?”

“Son of a bitch.”

Paul’s picture and the clock still sat in their places on the shelf. “There is no way she would ever willingly leave those behind,” Joe insisted as he turned to Mason. “Not if she was leaving of her own volition. You know that as well as I do.”

“You think they kidnapped her?” Mason asked.

Joe grimly nodded. “I think they forced her to write that note. Either at gunpoint or by some other threat.” He met Mason’s gaze. “Maybe threatened us somehow to make her do it, and you know how protective of us she is. Otherwise, she would have put up one hell of a fight.”

For the first time since discovering Katie’s departure, Mason smiled. “I’ll be damned. I bet that’s it. She would do that. She’s so blasted worried about people talking bad about us.” He slammed his fist against the doorway. “One of these days, we’ll get it through that thick, pretty skull of hers that we could care less what people think about us, and that we can take care of ourselves and her just fine.”

Joe headed for his bedroom, where he stored his guns. “Exactly. So you know what I plan to do?”

Mason turned toward his bedroom to get his own weapons. “You’ll have to keep up with me as we chase down that damned train.”

* * *

The men raced down the drive a scant fifteen minutes later. Mason had saddled fresh horses while Joe readied their guns and ammunition. They knew there was no time to waste, that they’d have to ride like the Devil himself to catch the train.

“Any idea when the train pulls out of Dade City?” Joe called out to Mason, who rode ahead of him.

“No,” Mason yelled over his shoulder. “I know they have to stop there for mail, passengers, and water. So at least an hour. It’s usually due into the station by five, I think.”

Joe knew they wouldn’t make it. “I know where we can get some fresh horses there. We’ll be chasing this damn train halfway to Tampa.”

The ride into Dade City felt like forever. Sure enough, the train had already pulled out by the time they reached the depot. Fortunately, they’d only missed it by an hour, meaning they had a chance to catch it.

The sun lay low in the sky to the west when they jumped on their fresh mounts and took off after the train, following the railbed. Mason had Sherriff Birch telegraphed from Dade City to let him know what was going on and to ask him to telegraph ahead to Zephyrhills to alert the station and sheriff there to stop the train.

The sun lay low in the sky, golden shafts of light stabbing through the pines along the railbed. Neither man talked. Joe didn’t hear the sound of the horses’ hooves pounding into the dirt, their sharp breaths as they spurred them into a full gallop, or the creaking of saddle leather and jingle of bridles.

All he heard in his mind was the sharp report his gun would make while putting a bullet through Junior and Senior’s heads.

After another twenty minutes of riding, they caught sight of the train ahead of them. Joe screamed in triumph and dug his heels into his lathered steed’s side. The game animal responded with a snort and another burst of speed that took him past Mason. He heard Mason whooping behind him, using his reins to slap his horse’s withers to keep up.

In another minute, they’d gained on the train. Relentless, they charged alongside, catching up and gaining ground, passing several stock and cargo cars before passing the five passenger cars. They didn’t bother trying to look in the windows as they passed, their goal the locomotive at the head of the metal beast.

Joe pulled alongside the train and drew his pistol as he screamed at the engineer.

“Pull the brake!”

The soot-covered fireman looked up, startled, and reached for a rifle in a rack against the back window when Mason also rode up and pointed at the deputy star pinned to his shirt. “Stop this goddamned train right now! You’ve got a kidnapped woman on board!”

The engineer and fireman looked at each other and shrugged. The engineer reached over and threw the brake while the fireman blew off the boiler.

* * *

Katie heard but ignored the mild commotion on the other side of the train. One minor consideration she was glad for, she didn’t have to sit on the hotter western side of the train with the sun beating in on her through the window.

She heard Junior and Senior remark about whatever was going on. When the train lurched and began to slow, Senior sent Junior up front to check it out. When the train finally came to a stop, Katie briefly considered jumping from her seat and bolting for the rear of the car. She entertained fleeing into the woods and evading the Dorchesters, maybe to find her way back to Brooksville.

Then Senior’s meaty hand cruelly clamped down on her shoulder. “You wait here. If I have to hunt you down, no one will ever see you again.”

She didn’t look away from the window, but managed a soft, chilly tone despite her fear. “If you don’t take your hand off me, Mr. Dorchester, you will wake up with a bloody stump.”

Katie didn’t believe it when he released her as if she were a hot coal. “Watch your tongue with me,” he growled low enough no one else could hear. “You might awaken one morning without any teeth.” She didn’t breathe a trembling sigh of relief until she heard his heavy, lumbering stride head toward the front of the car.

She closed her eyes and struggled against the tears threatening once again to flow. She wouldn’t cry in front of them.

She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

* * *

“There’s at least two men, the Dorchesters, with a woman. You see ’em?” Mason yelled over the sound of the steam blowing off.

The engineer shook his head. “I don’t pay no attention to the passengers. That’s the conductor’s job.”

“Where’s your conductor?”

The engineer spit a mouthful of tobacco juice out of the cab, but away from the two mounted men. “In the caboose. Where the hell else you think he’s at?”

Mason and Joe whirled their mounts around and were starting toward the rear of the train when the conductor, an older and overweight man, jumped down from the caboose and started waddling toward them, his face red with outrage.

“Who the hell do you two think you are?” he puffed.

Mason pointed at his badge. “Brooksville deputy. I’m searching for Miz Katherine Dorchester. She’s most likely with two men, Dorchester Junior and Senior.”

“And she ain’t here willingly,” Joe chimed in. “I can damn sure guarantee you that. They forced her to go with them.”

The conductor’s eyes widened. “She done been kidnapped?” His expression turned angry. “That explains why she looked so sad and upset. I knew there’s a problem from the get-go, but you know how them Dorchesters are, you don’t cross—”

Mason waved the rest of the conductor’s comments away. “Where the hell are they?”

“Coach three, about three quarters of the way back, if I recall.”

Joe jumped down from his horse. “Which car is that?”

The conductor waddled forward, taking the lead. “This way.”

Joe and Mason exchanged a murderous glance as Mason dismounted. With their guns drawn, they followed the conductor toward the front of the train.

* * *

Katie couldn’t believe her ears when she heard two familiar voices arguing with some of Dorchester’s men at the front of the car. She stood and caught sight of Mason, who drew his gun.

Dorchester’s men raised their hands. “Joe, go find her,” Mason ordered.

“You won’t get away with this!” Senior bellowed.

“What, you mean rescuing the woman we love?” Mason said.

Junior snorted, but didn’t lower his hands. “Woman? You mean whore, don’t you?”

Joe decked him, sending him to the floor before he pushed his way through the throng and down the aisle to her. With a sob, she fell into his arms. “It’s okay, sweetheart, we’ve got you.”

“He threatened to ruin you both, or even kill you if I didn’t do it!”

“We know. Where’s your bag?” She pointed at the carpetbag in the rack above her. He grabbed it then grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him.

“Is he going to arrest them?” she asked.

Joe shook his head. “There’s too many of them. We just want to get you safely out of here and back home.”

Senior glared at her as she passed. “You leave this train, you’re as good as dead.”

She looked at him and, without thinking, shot her foot out, catching him squarely in the balls. Dorchester’s face turned purple as he clutched his crotch before crumpling to the floor.

Then she leaned over and spit on him. “If I ever see you again, it’ll be a bullet I put between your eyes instead of buckshot in your ass, you son of a bitch.”

Mason kept them covered as they raced through the exit, backing away from Dorchester’s men as Joe helped Katie down off the train. Mason put her bag on his horse as Joe mounted and swung her up behind him. Together again, they raced north toward Dade City and away from the train.

Behind them, she heard Senior bellow, “You’ll live to regret this, Katherine!”

She shivered and successfully managed to keep her upset stomach in check, but clutched Joe’s waist even more tightly. She’d never let go of her men again, no matter what the threat.

* * *

It was late that night, with a cup of hot tea laced with whiskey in her to help soothe her stomach, that she told the full tale to Sheriff Birch at their kitchen table. Several armed deputies stood around, looking murderous as she related the tale and the threats, leaving out the specifics dealing with her men.

Sheriff Birch scratched at his chin. “Seems like an awfully big risk for Dorchester to take just over a piece of property. I don’t know why he’d do that.”

Joe looked at Mason, who nodded. “Sheriff, you know why.” He looked at Katie and gripped her hands in his, giving them a gentle squeeze. “Time for the truth, sweetheart.” He looked at all the gathered men, then back to the Sheriff. “Mason and I know you figured us out, Sheriff.” He took a deep breath. “Dorchester had his men spying on the three of us. They saw that Katie is…involved with both Mason and me.”

He sent a defiant glare to the deputies, most of whom looked shocked. “Let me set something straight right now. Katie is marrying me, only because the law won’t allow her to marry both of us. We love her, and neither of us will ever walk away from her. We ain’t gonna hide who we are, either. If people think badly of us, that’s their problem, not ours. Dorchester used threats that he would ruin Mason and myself, as well as threats to have us killed, to force Katie to recant the story and withdraw the charges. Now, what’s worse? A man who will stoop to murder out of greed, or three people who truly love each other who aren’t hurting anyone else?”

The deputies shifted nervously and looked at each other. Ben Ainsley spoke up. “I, for one, want to be the first to congratulate the three of you. Ain’t my business what you do, as long as no one’s being forced to do it. There’ll be a new scandal to take y’all’s place soon enough. I’d rather see Junior sitting behind bars next to his father than to waste time gossipin’.”

The other deputies considered that for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Sheriff Birch smiled. “That’s settled then. Let’s go get us a posse.” Mason started to join them when the sheriff turned, holding up a staying hand. “I’m ordering you to stay here and guard her. At least until we have those two bastards safely sitting in jail.”

Mason smiled as he turned to Joe. “So when do you want to hold the wedding?”

He laughed as he pulled Katie to him. “How about first thing in the morning?”

The sheriff smiled. “Make it tomorrow afternoon. I want to be there.”

“Yes, sir,” Katie said as she stared first at Joe, then at Mason. “Tomorrow afternoon it is.”

Chapter Fifteen

Katie nervously studied her reflection in the mirror. She hoped Joe wouldn’t mind this was the same dress she wore when she married Paul. She’d awoken with her stomach feeling nervous and urpy again, but she imagined it was just leftover stress from the previous day’s events. After a cup of ginger tea for breakfast, she felt a little better.

With misty eyes, she sat on the bed and held Paul’s picture. “I miss you so much, but they make me happy. They’re good men. I hope you don’t think wrong of me for doing this, but I love them both, and they love me.” She stroked the frame before lovingly setting it back on the shelf. She wound the clock next, taking a moment to dust it. Then she looked at the wedding ring on her left hand and carefully removed it, placing it on her right hand.

It felt strange, but she knew in less than a few hours, Joe would be placing his own ring there.

She heard a soft knock on her bedroom door. “Yes?”

Mason stepped inside and closed the door behind her. At least he would give her away and hand her over to Joe. “You ready, sweetheart?”

She nervously nodded. “How do I look?”

He gathered her into his arms and thoroughly kissed her, taking a long moment to explore her mouth with his tongue. “Does that answer your question?” he hoarsely asked.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

He smiled. “Absolutely. And by the way, Ben Ainsley told me the story about us has already made the rounds of town, and we’ve still got people coming to the wedding. They’re just happy to see the Dorchesters out of everyone’s hair for good.”

“Did they catch them?”

He shook his head. “Not yet, but it’s just a matter of time. Everyone’s looking for them. They can’t hide for long.”

She hugged him. “Do you think women will still chase you?”

“I’m sure there will still be a few tenacious ladies dedicated to getting a ring on my finger, but I imagine most of them will get pitying looks for chasing a lost cause.”

His expression turned serious. “But you listen to me. Even if someone were to talk about us, you let me and Joe handle them. You just ignore them if they’re nasty. I don’t give a whit, and neither does Joe, what people say. They’re going to say what they want to say regardless of what the truth is. The only truth that matters is that the three of us love each other.” He kissed her again. “Understand?”

She nodded. “Absolutely.”

Ben Ainsley and two other deputies waited outside with the buggy. Joe had already ridden into town and was waiting for them there. Reverend Anderson had agreed to perform the ceremony at the church even though he now knew the truth about the three of them.

As Mason helped her up into the buggy, the three deputies took up position behind it, on guard for any sign of the Dorchesters or their men. Joe had arranged for two of their ranch hands to guard the house while they were gone.

Katie suspected the Dorchesters would never make trial. Not because of their money or influence, but because they were pretty well despised in the area. No one would shed a tear over them if they disappeared or ended up dead in a gunfight.

She voted for disappeared. There was a lot of thick piney woods in the area. A body could be hidden and never found.

Even someone as fat as Senior.

Katie clung to Mason for the entire ride. She was startled to see nearly a hundred people gathered at the church to witness the wedding. Fear set in. Would they call her a whore and berate her and her men for this?

Judging from the smiles on people’s faces, which well outweighed the occasional disapproving frown, they wouldn’t.

Katie felt like she was living a dream as Mason walked her down the aisle, handing her over to Joe, who stood waiting for her with a big smile on his face.

When the reverend launched into the vows, Katie could barely focus on what she was supposed to say. Her entire focus was on Joe’s blue eyes.

“Do you, Katherine, take Joseph to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Unable to pull her gaze away from Joe, she nodded. “I do.”

He smiled as the preacher repeated the vows for him.

Joe nodded. “I do.”

“Do you have a ring?”

Mason, who was also Joe’s best man, handed it to him. Katie fought back a fresh round of tears as she watched Joe slip it on her finger.

“By the power invested in me by God, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Joe took her into his arms and laid one on her that set the whole church applauding and nearly took her breath away. Then he whispered something to Mason, who stepped in and also kissed her. She felt her face turn beet red, but didn’t miss the second round of applause that followed.

Joe and Mason both smiled at her. “There, see? The secret is out.”

Her stomach felt a little nervous again, but she returned their smile. The men both escorted her to the Fellowship Hall, where their friends had prepared a small reception, complete with cake. Katie managed to eat a little, eager to be away from everyone despite receiving nothing but congratulations and well-wishes from those in attendance.

Finally, in a shower of rice, they made their way to the buggy. With Mason’s horse tied to the back, the three of them climbed on and left for home with two deputies following them. Only once they were safely back at the ranch did the deputies leave.

At the front door, the men stood, their heads bent in quiet discussion.

“What’s wrong?” Katie asked.

They turned. “We’re trying to figure out who gets to carry you across the threshold first,” Mason said. “Joe says it should be me, I say it should be him.”

She rolled her eyes. “How about you both do it?” She held up her arms and the men caught on. Standing on either side of her, she draped her arms over their shoulders while they locked hands underneath her, supporting her butt.

Laughing, the three of them squeezed through the door. “There, was that so hard?” she quipped when they set her back on her feet.

“No,” Mason said from in front of her, “but I am.”

Joe pressed his body along the back of hers. “Me, too.”

She felt their hard cocks. Finally, her stomach had settled enough she knew she could enjoy their attentions. “Then let’s take care of that.” Taking their hands, she led them to her bedroom where the men slowly undressed her.

Lying down on the bed, she watched their nearly identical passionate expressions as they undressed. Both of their gorgeous cocks stood at rigid attention as they climbed into bed on either side of her.

They were hers for life.

How did I get so lucky?

They both smiled at her. “Well, Mrs. Lansing,” Joe said, “what would you like to do first?”

She couldn’t help but smile at their playful grins. “I want the two of you to fuck me silly, that’s what.”

Mason reached for the jar of lotion. “Ooh, a woman who knows what she wants. I’m in love.”

Joe pulled her on top of him. He buried a hand in her tresses, pulling her down to him and kissing her, teasing her with his tongue and making her squirm against him. She wanted his cock inside her, and he wouldn’t let her mount him.

Mason laughed. “Aw, Joe, you’re being mean to your new wife. Give her what she wants.”

Joe released her hair and, without breaking their kiss, unerringly put his hands on her hips and let her get into position. With a happy sigh, she felt his thick member sink home, slowly stretching her pussy and filling her to her very womb.

Mason wasted no time kneeling behind her, slicking her ass with the lotion and pressing his cock against the tight ring of muscle.

“Breathe, baby,” he said with a grunt as he slowly pushed home.

First the slightly uncomfortable pinching burn as her body struggled to stretch and accept him, then the pleasantly full feeling as he pressed onward until his entire cock was completely buried inside her ass.

“Oh, yes!” she gasped. “Fuck me hard, boys!”

“Your wish is our command, baby,” Mason said as he grabbed her by the waist and started fucking her hard and fast.

Beneath her, Joe held her hips as he fucked his cock up into her. She enjoyed this, literally having them both own her body at the same time, belonging totally to them, with no control over them or even herself as pleasure assaulted her. Rough and hard and raw, with the sweet, musky scent of all three of them and the squeak of the bed and the slap of flesh against flesh.

Yes, this is what she loved, and she’d be damned if she’d ever give them up again.

Her nipples rubbed against Joe’s chest, adding erotic friction to every thrust. With both cocks churning inside her, her body couldn’t help but respond, until she finally succumbed to a shattering orgasm that left her sobbing from the force of it.

“That’s our girl,” Joe said as he dug his fingers into her hips and thrust harder. Soon, he was crying out as his own release hit. Mason joined him, burying himself deep inside her as he pumped hot cum into her very depths.

Limp and exhausted, Katie collapsed, eyes closed, on top of Joe while Mason did his best not to crush her.

“Are you okay, Katie?” She heard the concern in Joe’s voice and blindly groped for both men’s hands.

“I’m perfect,” she sleepily whispered. “Don’t wake me if I’m dreaming.”

Mason chuckled and planted a kiss on her sweaty brow. She felt him get up and heard him leave the room, presumably to clean up. She didn’t move despite Joe’s cock softening and eventually sliding out of her, leaving a warm, sticky trail along her thigh. When Mason returned a moment later, he wiped her down with a wet cloth before crawling back into bed with them.

“You know,” Joe said, “I think we need a bigger bed.”

Mason slipped an arm around Katie’s waist. “I think you’re right, cuz.”

They were starting to banter back and forth when they realized she was falling asleep. Joe, then Mason kissed her cheek.

“Good night, wife,” Joe whispered.

“Good night, wife,” Mason echoed.

She managed a smile. “Good night, husbands.” With that, she crashed into a wonderfully deep and dreamless sleep.

* * *

The next morning, Katie awoke alone in bed to the smell of bacon cooking. She found a house coat and pulled it on before making her way out to the kitchen. Joe and Mason were playfully arguing over who got to make the hotcakes.

“We want her to be able to eat them, don’t we?” Joe teased.

“She’ll be able to eat them,” Mason shot back. “After the first six or seven are done.”

When they spotted her, their smiles warmed her heart as they swooped around her, both kissing her good morning. “Did you sleep well?” Joe asked.

She nodded despite letting out another yawn. “You two are going to flat wear me out at this rate.”

Mason laughed. “Did you ever consider that was our plan? To keep you so tired and satisfied you didn’t have the energy to ever want to leave us?”

“That figures. I believe it. When are you two heading out?”

“We’re not,” Joe said. “We’re both taking a few days off to spend with you.” He gathered her into his arms. “And, we’re taking you out for a picnic today.”

“Picnic? Don’t you mean skinny-dipping and fucking me silly on a blanket in the great outdoors?” She wasn’t sure she wanted to go back there after knowing Senior’s men had spied on them.

Mason pressed in behind her. “That’s just a bonus.” He nuzzled her ear. “That place is our special place,” he insisted, as if reading her thoughts. “We’re going to go back there and make new memories as a family. We refuse to give an inch of ground to Senior in any part of our lives.”

* * *

After breakfast, they loaded supplies for their picnic, got in the buggy, and headed away from the house. Both men were armed, and for extra measure they brought Katie’s shotgun along.

It took her a while to relax. Finally, with an unusually cool breeze blowing, and the comforting shade of trees lining their way, she was able to enjoy herself.

Mrs. Joseph Lansing. Part of her would miss being known as Paul’s wife. He would always hold a place in her heart. But now, these two men were her life, and her future, even if she could only bear one of their names.

They finally arrived at their picnic spot. Instead of getting playful with her immediately, like she thought they might, they coaxed her into the water for a swim. Floating in the cool, blue, spring-fed swimming hole was a luxury, a welcomed distraction from the past few days. She relaxed and chatted with her men.

After a few minutes, Mason got out. “Where are you going?” she asked with a laugh, noting the tight set of his jaw.

“Need a little privacy,” he said as he pointed to the woods.

“Oh.” She laughed. “We need to build an outhouse here.”

He nodded and disappeared into the woods.

She turned back to Joe, surprised to see stress on his face, too. “What’s the matter with you?”

He shook his head. “Nothing, sweetheart.” He caught her hand and started coaxing her farther from shore. “Let’s swim.”

Her instincts nagged at her. “What is going on?” She tried to pull her hand free, but he wouldn’t let go. Instead, he pulled her to him and put his arms around her.

“Listen to me, wife,” he whispered in her ear.

His serious tone, as well as what he said, silenced her. She let him lead her into the river, where the gentle current caught them and began to carry them down river.

“What’s going on?” she finally asked when they’d drifted past the swimming hole.

He put a finger to his lips to silence her then led her to the opposite bank, to a sandy place where they could easily climb out. He caught her by the hand and led her a short ways inland, where they couldn’t see the river from where they sat.

“You stay here,” he whispered, then started to turn.

“Joseph Lansing! You can’t leave me here naked!” She felt on the verge of hysteria.

He clapped his hand over her mouth and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “We were followed by someone. Stay here.”

Before she could argue, he slipped back into the river, swimming directly across it and disappearing into the woods just south of where their swimming hole was located.

She nervously looked around, crossing her arms over her, finding a small patch of ant-free grass to sit on while she waited.

After what felt like forever, she heard the sound of men yelling, followed immediately by several gunshots, then silence.

* * *

Mason had been well aware of the men following them. In fact, he’d counted on it. It was a risky chance to take, but if he didn’t draw the Dorchesters out, it was only a matter of time before they tried to hurt Katie, or any one of them, again. He’d caught sight of them a few times during the ride out to their favorite spot.

He’d considered asking the sheriff for a few deputies to follow them, but he wanted to finish this himself.

For good, if that’s the way the Dorchesters planned on playing it.

Before they went swimming, while Katie was spreading the blanket, Mason whispered into Joe’s ear. They’d planned for this contingency. Joe would take Katie to safety and return to help.

It was up to the Dorchesters how this would end.

When Mason undressed, he was careful to keep his gun close to the shore, so he could easily reach it.

And he watched their horse. When it suddenly lifted its head, a tuft of grass hanging from its mouth, nostrils flaring as it sniffed and its ears swiveled, Mason knew.

He tipped his head to Joe to take Katie away as he headed for shore under the guise of needing to relieve himself.

Once he knew Katie couldn’t see him, he grabbed his trousers, Joe’s trousers, his and Joe’s guns, and waited.

Joe returned before the Dorchesters made their appearance. Joe and Mason lay in wait, hiding in the thick underbrush as they watched Senior, Junior, and two other men creep into the clearing with their guns drawn.

“Drop it!” Mason yelled.

The other men took cover. “I want that deed!” Senior yelled. “I’m not leaving here until I get it, or you three perverts are dead!”

“This is your last chance, Dorchester!” Mason yelled. “Surrender now.”

“Like hell I will!” He fired in their direction while Joe snuck around behind them. Mason returned fire, distracting them from Joe’s approach.

Joe shot and wounded one of Dorchester’s men. “Drop your guns, now!”

“Never!” Junior growled. “I’m gonna kill you two bastards and that whore of a wife of yours just like I killed that stuck-up fiancée you had!”

Mason heard Joe’s roar of anger and a new burst of gunfire. Then, all went still.

“Dorchester!” Mason yelled.

Silence.

“You okay, Joe?” Mason hollered.

“Yeah,” Joe replied, stepping out from his hiding spot behind a huge, fallen oak.

Mason emerged from the woods and joined a grim-looking Joe. With a bare foot, Mason kicked Junior’s shoulder, rolling him over.

Half his face was missing from where Joe’s shot had caught him in the back of the head.

Mason shook his head. “I wish it hadn’t come to this,” he said as he checked the other three men and found them dead, too. “But I can’t say I’ll lose any sleep over it.”

Joe nodded. “That makes two of us.”

Mason reached out and touched Joe’s bare shoulder. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I always knew in my heart that son of a bitch killed her.” He looked at Mason with tears in his eyes. “I couldn’t protect her. I should have protected her from him.”

“It’s not your fault.” He pointed at the four bodies before them. “And we kept Katie safe. That’s what’s important.”

* * *

Katie stood and made her way back down to the river, debating on whether or not to swim for their picnic spot when she spotted Joe swimming back down the river toward her.

Crying with relief, she embraced him when he climbed out of the river. This time, he wore a shirt and trousers.

“What happened?”

He looked grim. “It was Senior, Junior, and two of their men.” He unbuttoned his shirt and handed it to her to put on. Despite being wet, it hung down past her hips and gave her a little cover.

“How’s Mason?” She was almost afraid to ask.

“He’s fine.”

“And…” She couldn’t finish.

He shook his head.

She hugged him tightly, afraid to let go. He finally coaxed her back into the river, where they swam to the picnic spot. She charged out of the water and over to Mason, who also wore trousers. Throwing her arms around him, she sobbed with relief to see him fine with her own eyes.

Then she noticed where he was looking.

On the ground in front of him, laid out, were Senior, Junior, and two men, including the man who’d kidnapped her.

Her knees gave out as she collapsed to the ground and cried.

Epilogue

Ross Steger put down the papers on his desk and looked at where Katie sat between Joe and Mason, holding their hands. “Katie, you know I’m not really fond of this arrangement you’ve got, but as your attorney, I’m not going to comment on that.”

“Good,” Joe said. Mason and Joe had already butted heads with Ross. Katie had intervened, suspecting that as Paul’s best friend, Ross had more than just the usual reasons for objecting to their lifestyle.

She squeezed Joe’s hand. “Hush,” she whispered.

Ross continued. “This is, I suppose, a final irony. Despite your remarriage, you were Paul’s beneficiary. That does not change. And the wills are quite clear for both Senior and Junior that Paul was the next in line to inherit what they had.” He grimly smiled. “I suppose Senior was too busy trying to steal that piece of land from you to have his will updated. I’ll file everything with the probate court, but I suspect once the judge hears this, he’ll agree.”

She couldn’t believe it. “So…you’re saying I inherit all of their estates?”

He nodded. “Don’t be surprised if there’s a few challenges from some of Senior’s business partners, but as Paul’s next of kin, and since you have no children with Paul, you get everything.”

She held a hand over her nervous stomach. Three weeks since Mason and Joe had killed the men and been cleared by the sheriff for doing it in self-defense, and her stomach still wouldn’t quiet down. Nearly every morning, she either threw up or felt like throwing up. And her monthlies were late, too. She’d need to see the doctor. Maybe he could give her something for her nerves.

When they finished at Ross’ office, they walked down to a small restaurant a few blocks away for lunch. She didn’t miss Dade City at all, preferred the people and atmosphere of Hernando County and Brooksville.

While hungry, when her food arrived she only managed a few bites before putting down her fork. “I’m sorry. I thought I could eat, but I can’t.”

Joe and Mason looked at her oddly. “What?” she asked.

“How long have you been feeling poorly?” Joe asked.

“Ever since that last business with…them.” She didn’t like to say their names if she could help it.

Mason stood. “That’s it. You’re seeing a doctor before we go home.” He threw his napkin into his chair and walked outside. He returned a few minutes later. “There’s a doctor on the next block. He’s in, and he can see you right now. Let’s go.”

Joe paid the bill and the men escorted her to the doctor’s office. The men nervously paced in the waiting room and anxiously confronted a stunned Katie as she emerged from the office.

Joe grabbed her hands. “What’s wrong?”

“How is she?” Mason asked the doctor, who’d followed her out.

The doctor laughed. “She’s fine.”

“We need to get rid of one of the beds,” she managed in a shocked whisper.

The men gathered around her. “What?” Mason asked. “Why?”

She looked at Mason, then Joe. “Because…” She burst into tears as she collapsed into their arms. The men looked at the doctor.

He laughed again. “It’s all right. Women in her condition are often very emotional.”

“What’s her ‘condition’?” Joe angrily demanded as he tried to comfort her.

The doctor laid a hand on Joe’s shoulder. “She’s pregnant, son. Congratulations.”

Katie sobbed even harder. The men guided her over to the sofa in the waiting room and tried to get her to talk. When she finally could, she looked at them, tears streaking her red cheeks.

“Paul and I tried for so long,” she whispered. “I didn’t think I could get pregnant.”

Mason hugged her tightly to him. “Sweetie, I don’t think you had a chance against the two of us,” he whispered, making her laugh.

Joe smiled as he brushed hair away from her eyes. “Not much chance at all.”

During the ride home, Katie didn’t speak much despite her men’s attempts to engage her in plans for their baby. She kept her hands resting on her belly. When they passed the road leading to the cemetery on their way out of Dade City, she asked Joe to make a detour.

He obliged without comment or complaint.

Mason and Joe offered to wait in the buggy, but she instead grabbed their hands and quietly led them to the marker. She hadn’t been there since the day Senior confronted her over a year earlier.

Releasing their hands, she dropped to her knees in front of the stone marker and traced Paul’s name with her fingers. “I love you, Paul. I’m sorry I lost you so soon, but I did as you asked. I found happiness.” She kissed her fingers and touched the phrase “Beloved Husband” etched in the sun-warmed stone.

After a few moments and a few more tears, she held her hands up to Mason and Joe.

“Are you okay?” Joe asked as they helped her stand.

She nodded and kissed him, then kissed Mason. “Let’s go home, boys.”

THE END

WWW.TYMBERDALTON.COM

Content

Hernando Heat
by
Tymber Dalton

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

Epilogue