Cowboy Homecoming Read online

  Rocky Mountain Proposal

  After two years, Tolley Northam returns home, transformed from a mischievous youth into an ambitious lawyer confident of winning his father’s approval at last. But he soon begins to wonder if the only way to do so is to marry family friend Laurie Eberly—a woman his father has always liked. If only she weren’t so adamant about refusing Tolley’s proposal...

  Laurie’s childhood friend is now a handsome, accomplished lawyer with undeniable charm. But she can’t accept Tolley’s proposal; she believes it’s just to earn his father’s praise. First he’ll have to prove to her that he wants her for a wife not because his father thinks she’s the perfect match, but because he does.

  Laurie’s bright blue eyes shone with kindness.

  Could she see his inner turmoil? He dipped his head to hide his face.

  She moved forward as if about to jump down from the rail, and Tolley hurried around his horse and grabbed her waist to lift her down. Once her feet touched the barn floor, he didn’t want to let go. Marrying this pretty little gal would have all kinds of benefits, not simply gaining the Colonel’s approval. That selfish thought, so like his old way of thinking, broke his grip like a bee sting. He stepped back. “Those city shoes might turn your ankle if you jump. They’ll sure as anything get messed up if you tromp around these stalls.”

  “I suppose so.” She sounded a bit breathless as she blinked those big blue eyes at him.

  He started to chuck her under the chin like he used to but resisted the urge. Such a gesture might offend her.

  “One of our cowhands can take Gypsy back to Four Stones.”

  “Thanks.” He secured his carpetbag to the back of the saddle and mounted up. “See you later, Laurie.”

  She reached up and squeezed his hand. “Welcome home, Tolley.”

  How did she know those were the exact words he’d needed to hear?

  Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical line. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in 2005 and placed in 2011 and 2015; she also placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. When she isn’t writing, she and her husband, David, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums. Please visit her website at blog.louisemgouge.com.

  Books by Louise M. Gouge

  Love Inspired Historical

  Four Stones Ranch

  Cowboy to the Rescue

  Cowboy Seeks a Bride

  Cowgirl for Keeps

  Cowgirl Under the Mistletoe

  Cowboy Homecoming

  Lone Star Cowboy League: The Founding Years

  A Family for the Rancher

  Ladies in Waiting

  A Proper Companion

  A Suitable Wife

  A Lady of Quality

  Love Thine Enemy

  The Captain’s Lady

  At the Captain’s Command

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

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  LOUISE M. GOUGE

  Cowboy Homecoming

  Man looketh on the outward appearance,

  but the Lord looketh on the heart.

  —1 Samuel 16:7b

  This book series is dedicated to the intrepid pioneers who settled the San Luis Valley of Colorado in the mid to late 1800s. They could not have found a more beautiful place to make their homes than in this vast 7500-foot-high valley situated between the majestic Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountain ranges.

  Thanks go to my beloved husband of fifty-two years, David Gouge, for his loving support as I pursue my dream of writing love stories to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Dear Reader

  Excerpt from Undercover Sheriff by Barbara Phinney

  Chapter One

  June 1885

  San Luis Valley, Colorado

  At last!

  Tolley Northam struggled to keep from laughing with unfettered happiness as the Denver and Rio Grande train descended onto the vast San Luis Valley plains, picking up speed after its laborious climb over La Veta Pass. After wiping what must be a foolish grin off his face, Tolley glanced around the Pullman car at his fellow passengers, especially the couple who’d sat across from him since the train left Walsenburg early this morning.

  “Almost home.” The middle-aged woman gave him a maternal smile, reminding him of Mother.

  “Yes, ma’am.” When they’d asked about his travels, he’d told them about attending college in Boston to become a lawyer and how he now headed home to open his practice and help run the family ranch. “My whole family will be at the train station. They always come out in force to welcome home family members who’ve traveled.”

  “As it should be.” The husband nodded his approval. “We expect our son and his family to be waiting for us in Alamosa.”

  The two years in Boston had seemed like an eternity, but at last Tolley would be back on the family’s ranch doing the work he loved. Of course he’d honor his father’s wishes and set up a law practice, as befitted his Harvard law studies. He’d even purchased a shingle that should please the Colonel, as everyone called his formidable father. Gone was the mischievous boy who’d caused more than his share of trouble. Tolley vowed to be the perfect son so maybe, just maybe, the Colonel would at last approve of him.

  He’d pictured this day in his mind for the entire two years. He’d kiss Mother first, of course. Shake hands with his brothers and brother-in-law. Kiss his sister and sisters-in-law on the cheek. Embrace his nieces and nephews, some of whom he’d never met. But his imaginings always stalled over how he’d greet the Colonel. Maybe the old man would reach out to shake his hand and Tolley wouldn’t have to decide. But then, their bitter parting had been fueled by anger on both sides. He could only pray the Colonel had mellowed.

  Tolley gulped back the fear that always tried to consume him when he recalled the night his father ordered him to leave, ordered him to Boston to become a lawyer and finally make something useful of his sorry self. After all he’d done as a boy and youth, Tolley couldn’t deny he’d needed correction, but if he ever had a son, he’d guide him with a loving hand, something he’d learned about from an elderly Boston pastor. Yet all of old Reverend Harris’s paternal kindness didn’t change Tolley’s desperate need for his own father’s approval.

  He shook away his thoughts. If nothing else, the rest of the family would welcome him home, and Tolley could get back to Thor, his Thoroughbred stallion he’d raised himself.

  The train chugged to a stop, and the conductor called out, “Alamosa, Colorado.”

  “Here we are.” The couple stood and gathered their belongings, and Tolley stood in deference to their age.

  “Best wishes for your homecoming.” The man sh
ook Tolley’s hand.

  The woman reached up and patted his cheek. “Blessings, dear boy.”

  Touched by their kind wishes, Tolley reclaimed his seat and watched through the window as they disembarked. Sure enough, a young family greeted them with hugs and kisses, all the things Tolley looked forward to upon his own imminent arrival at home.

  “All aboard!”

  The conductor waved his white signal flag to the engineer and then hopped up into the passenger car. The train picked up speed and chugged over the seventeen miles to Esperanza. With every mile, Tolley’s heart seemed to inch closer to his throat. In spite of his pleasant conversation with the couple, by the time the engine screeched to a halt at the yellow-and-brown depot building, Tolley could barely control his shaking, inside and out. He grabbed his carpetbag, followed the other five passengers to the door and descended the three steps to the platform.

  The empty platform.

  And all the emptier as the other passengers gathered their baggage and went about their business, leaving him alone.

  Tolley swallowed hard. He’d written Mother to let her know when he’d arrive. If his father and brothers weren’t eager to see him, she, at least, should’ve come. Perhaps he should get back on the train and keep traveling. But where would he go? This town, this community, held everything he knew and loved. Apparently his love wasn’t returned. Perhaps his youthful mistakes were too much even for these kindhearted people to forgive.

  * * *

  Laurie Eberly drove the box wagon through the dusty streets of Esperanza as fast as she dared, being out of practice driving the two-horse conveyance. She dreaded the chore ahead of her. Knowing Tolley, he’d pout and bluster over no one being at the station to meet him, and it would all fall on her shoulders to soothe his crossness. Well, it wasn’t Laurie’s fault. She wouldn’t have chosen to take on this responsibility if it weren’t for her love for the rest of the Northam family.

  The thick leather reins tugged against her cotton-gloved hands, causing her fingers to ache. In the past two years while she studied at the Denver Music Conservatory, a friend or beau always drove her around so she could protect her hands from strain that might interfere with her piano playing. Now she must reclaim her former skills learned on her family’s cattle ranch.

  The windy day sent dust whipping up around her, soiling her yellow gown. She hadn’t had time to change clothes after Nate Northam asked her to fetch his spoiled youngest brother from the train station while the entire Northam family tended a more important matter.

  As she’d feared, the moment she turned off Main Street into the depot yard, the Denver and Rio Grande train pulled out of the station and headed west toward Del Norte. After the last car sped past her, she could see Tolley standing alone beside two trunks and a carpetbag. The hunched-up look of his shoulders made him seem angry, just as she’d expected.

  Or was it something else? The word forlorn came to mind, but she quickly dismissed it. Brash, know-it-all Tolley Northam could never be accused of having such a wounded disposition. He’d always done most of the wounding.

  She set the brake and climbed down from the wagon, taking care that her new high-topped white shoes didn’t slip on the narrow step. As she walked toward Tolley, remembering to take small, ladylike steps as she’d learned at the conservatory, he caught sight of her and gave her a smile of recognition.

  Something slammed into her chest. She stopped walking and reached up to see what had struck her. Nothing. Not even a stray rock whipped up by the train wheels or blown by the wind. It was his smile, the one that sent all the girls into a swoon. Even Laurie fell for it as a young girl. But no more. She’d known Tolley all her life, and she’d never let him have her heart, no matter how devastating his smile. She exhaled crossly. A troublemaking young man simply shouldn’t be that handsome.

  Continuing her walk toward him, she hurried to mend her attitude. No matter what he’d done in the past, even Tolley Northam didn’t deserve to hear bad news delivered in an unkindly manner.

  * * *

  Tolley’s heart began to race. He could hardly believe the beautiful vision gliding toward him with the grace of a skilled ice skater on a frozen pond. Little Laurie Eberly. My, how her gait had changed from the stride of a cowhand to that of an elegant lady. How she’d grown into a lovely young woman in two years. Her face had the slender lines of a Greek sculpture. Her posture exuded confidence and refinement rivaling any Boston debutante’s. In all of his boyhood mischief, he’d never flirted with girls, but this beautiful woman’s appearance tempted him to try.

  Nonsense. The Eberly girls were like sisters to his brothers and him. Of course, the Colonel always wanted at least one marriage between the two families. Maybe he should marry this little gal. Then the Eberly family would turn out to welcome him home next time he traveled.

  “Good morning, Tolley.” Laurie offered no smile, and her eyes held a guarded look as she approached him.

  “Morning, Laurie.” Tolley smiled, which only made her wince. “If you’re meeting somebody, I’m afraid they didn’t arrive or went off before you got here.” He should’ve talked to more of his fellow passengers to see if they knew any of his friends. But he’d spent most of his travel time talking about himself to anyone who’d listen. Another failure on his part.

  “I came to meet you.” Laurie touched his arm, and a spark shot clear up to his shoulder, raising gooseflesh on his neck. “Nate asked me.”

  He had no time to examine his response to her or his bitter disappointment. Before anger could take hold of him over his family’s careless neglect, tears shone in her eyes, and fear crowded into his heart. “What is it? Mother?” Three years ago, Mother and the Colonel went to Italy for her health. Did her heart finally give out?

  Laurie shook her head, and her sunny red curls bounced around her face. “It’s your father, Tolley.” She gripped his arm more firmly. “Doc says it’s apoplexy.”

  For countless moments, Tolley couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. Finally, he managed, “I-is he—?”

  “No, he’s not gone.” The words not yet hung in the air between them.

  Laurie stared away for a moment, then gazed up at him with sweet compassion. “Your family is with him now. I know your mother will be glad to see you.” She waved a hand toward a box wagon he recognized from the many times he’d visited the Eberly place while growing up, the ranch next to his own family’s spread. “Maybe we can find someone to help load your trunks.” She glanced around the area.

  “I can get them. Just drive the wagon over here. No, wait. I’ll get it.” In the past, the Eberly girls would’ve considered his gentlemanly offer offensive, being capable cowhands themselves.

  This new Laurie simply smiled. “Thank you.”

  Tolley quickly loaded his trunks and took the reins. As he drove, he and Laurie didn’t speak. His mind disoriented, he couldn’t even think of what to ask about his father’s illness.

  The familiar sights of Esperanza, along with the newer buildings, filtered past his numbness. Mrs. Winsted’s mercantile. Williams’s Café. The barber shop. Across the street sat the bank, the sheriff’s office and two empty buildings. At the corner where they turned south, the Esperanza Arms, his sister’s hotel, loomed over the town with its three towering stories, shops lining the south side and a narrow portico on the east.

  Tolley guided the team of horses around the corner headed south and urged them to a brisk trot. Down one side street, he spied Mrs. Foster’s boardinghouse. On another street stood the high school Tolley helped to build. Would anyone remember that good deed?

  The more important question? Would he see the Colonel before he died?

  * * *

  Laurie clung to the side of the driver’s bench, sure she’d tumble to the ground if they hit a bump. Tolley drove with understandable urgency, but he also skirted around
the worst of the ruts and dips in the road. He obviously hadn’t lost his driving skill while in Boston. Aching sympathy rose up within her, accompanied by a pinch of shame over her poor attitude about coming to town to fetch him home.

  While she couldn’t say for sure, it appeared Tolley had changed. Even before she delivered the bad news about the Colonel, Tolley’s gaze in her direction appeared softer, gentler than before. His countenance exuded some quality she couldn’t name. What she’d first regarded as belligerence in his posture now appeared to be vulnerability, especially in light of his father’s condition.

  “What happened?” His question startled her out of her reverie.

  “Nate said they found him unconscious in the barn last evening. I didn’t press him for details because he needed to get back to the ranch.”

  Tolley kept his eyes on the road and gave her a curt nod. “Doc’s with him?”

  “Yes.” Her brother-in-law, Doc Henshaw, was the most capable doctor in the San Luis Valley.

  “If anyone could help the Colonel, it’s Doc.” Tolley smiled, and Laurie’s heart warmed at his attempt at problem-solving. But then, he’d always been that way, from trying to fix her broken corncob doll to trying to figure out how to build a bridge over Cat Creek. Once again, shame pinched at her conscience for assuming the worst about him. Since Tolley’s childhood, his father had heaped condemnation on him, sometimes warranted, sometimes not. Laurie needn’t add her own disapproval.

  Four Stones Ranch lay about six miles south of Esperanza. Even at a brisk trot, it took over twenty minutes to traverse the distance. Tolley turned down Four Stones Lane and drove into the barnyard at the back of the house. His brother Rand, an older version of Tolley and second oldest of the four Northam children, came out to meet them just as Tolley jumped down from the wagon.

  “Tolley!” Rand shook his brother’s hand and slapped him on the back as if nothing was wrong. “Good to see you. Welcome home.”

  Tolley gave him a shaky grin. “I wish it could be under better circumstances.”