Dixie Moon Read online

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  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Historical Western Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Tougher than the Rest, Book One

  Faster than the Rest, Book Two

  Harder than the Rest, Book Three

  Stronger than the Rest, Book Four

  Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five

  Wilder than the Rest, Book Six

  Redemption Mountain

  Redemption’s Edge, Book One

  Wildfire Creek, Book Two

  Sunrise Ridge, Book Three

  Dixie Moon, Book Four

  Survivor Pass, Book Five, Releasing 2016

  MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Colin’s Quest, Book One, Releasing 2015

  Contemporary Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Second Summer, Book One

  Hard Landing, Book Two

  One More Day, Book Three

  All Your Nights, Book Four

  Always Love You, Book Five

  Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six

  No Getting Over You, Book Seven, Releasing 2015

  Kerrigans of Peregrine Bay

  Reclaiming Love, Book One, A Novella

  Our Kind of Love, Book Two, Releasing 2015

  Sign up to learn about my New Releases:

  www.shirleendavies.com/contact-me.html

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  Dixie Moon

  Redemption Mountain

  Historical Western Romance Series

  SHIRLEEN DAVIES

  Book Four in the Redemption Mountain

  Historical Western Romance Series

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  Copyright © 2015 by Shirleen Davies

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  For permission requests, contact the publisher.

  Avalanche Ranch Press, LLC

  PO Box 12618

  Prescott, AZ 86304

  Dixie Moon is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used facetiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is wholly coincidental.

  Book design and conversions by Joseph Murray at 3rdplanetpublishing.com

  Cover design by Kim Killion, The Killion Group

  ISBN: 9781941786239

  I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at [email protected].

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  Description

  Dixie Moon, Book Four, Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “The author has a talent for bringing the historical west to life, realistically and vividly, and doesn’t shy away from some of the harder aspects of frontier life, even though it’s fiction. Recommended to readers who like sweeping western historical romances that are grounded with memorable, likeable characters and a strong sense of place.”

  Gabe Evans is a man of his word with strong convictions and steadfast loyalty. As the sheriff of Splendor, Montana, the ex-Union Colonel and oldest of four boys from an affluent family, Gabe understands the meaning of responsibility. The last thing he wants is another commitment—especially of the female variety.

  Until he meets Lena Campanel...

  Lena’s past is one she intends to keep buried. Overcoming a childhood of setbacks and obstacles, she and her friend, Nick, have succeeded in creating a life of financial success and devout loyalty to one another.

  When an unexpected death leaves Gabe the sole heir of a considerable estate, partnering with Nick and Lena is a lucrative decision…forcing Gabe and Lena to work together. As their desire grows, Lena refuses to let down her guard, vowing to keep her past hidden—even from a perfect man like Gabe.

  But secrets never stay buried…

  When revealed, Gabe realizes Lena’s secrets are deeper than he ever imagined. For a man of his character, deception and lies of omission aren’t negotiable. Will he be able to forgive the deceit? Or is the damage too great to ever repair?

  Visit my website for a list of characters for each series.

  http://www.shirleendavies.com/character-list.html

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  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to all of my wonderful readers. Your support means a great deal to me.

  Thanks so much!

  Acknowledgements

  Thanks also to my editor, Kim Young, proofreader, Alicia Carmical, and all of my beta readers. Your insights and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

  As always, many thanks to my wonderful resources, including Diane Lebow, who has been a whiz at guiding my social media endeavors, my cover designer, Kim Killion, and Joseph Murray who is a whiz at formatting my books for both print and electronic versions.

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  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Other Books by Shirleen Davies

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  Dixie Moon

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  Prologue

  New Orleans, 1860

  Stretching in her rumpled bed, Magdalena Campanel opened her eyes, reaching a hand across the mattress. At the feel of the cold sheets, she sat upright and glanced around, seeing no one. A wary smile curved her lips as she stood, noting the slight soreness from the night before. Grabbing her wrapper, she peered out the bedroom door. All was quiet. Then again, it would be at this hour of the morning.

  Closing the door behind her, Lena walked the short distance to the end of the hall of private rooms, stepped onto the second floor landing of the Orleans Saloon, and looked over the railing. Empty. Dashing down the stairs in her bare feet, she hurried to the back room, expecting to see him as soon as she pushed the door open. Again, nothing.

  A small surge of dread sliced through her as she rushed back upstairs and into her room. Taking a quick look around for a note, anything which would explain his absence, a chill claimed her when she realized he’d left nothing behind—no message, no clothes, nothing. Dread turned into panic as she glanced at her dressing table. The jewelry he’d helped her remove the night before no longer lay on the handmade doily her friend, Isabella, made for her.

  “Oh, God…” Her voice trailed off on the pray as she placed a hand over her mouth. A search of dresser drawers and her wardrobe proved futile. Everything of value had been taken by the man she loved, the one she’d given herself to only hours before.

  A sick feeling crept through her at the realization she, and her business partner, Nicholas Barnett, had been deceived. She needed to find Nick, a man who’d been like a brother to her since they were kids, and do a complete search.

  Changing
into a day dress and grabbing a key, Lena ran down the hall, pounding on Nick’s bedroom door. Getting no answer, she slipped the key in the lock, knocking once more before pushing the door open. The bed hadn’t been slept in. Racking her brain, she tried to remember the name of his current mistress—an actress new to town, but the name escaped her.

  Using a key to open the office, her heart sank at the sight of the open and empty wall safe. The picture which had concealed it lay on the thick carpet a few feet away.

  A scream gurgled up within her throat, begging for release. Holding both hands to her mouth, she allowed a small cry to escape before tears clouded her sight. Using one hand for balance, Lena lowered herself into a nearby leather chair, the pain in her chest intense.

  “What have I done?” she mumbled, uncontrollable sobs shaking her body. Her mind reeled at the betrayal and her own part in it. Nick had warned her to be careful, but she’d let her emotions, and the man’s declarations of love, take over. She’d given him her heart, and he’d taken everything—their savings, jewelry, and her virginity, then fled. After the trust he’d placed in her, facing Nick would be unbearable.

  She had to tell him the truth and hope he didn’t cut all ties, sending her out to build a life without him. Her chest tightened at the thought, but she had no other alternative. She had to pray he didn’t turn her away.

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  Chapter One

  Splendor, Montana Territory 1867

  “What the hell?” Gabe Evans muttered as Magdelena Campanel’s eyes widened and skin paled before she slouched into his arms. Nick Barnett, her business partner and longtime friend, cursed at Gil Murton’s announcement.

  “What happened? Is she ill, Nick?” Noah asked, glancing between him and Gabe, his eyes narrowing.

  “No, not ill. The news of the gold strike is what happened.” Nick moved closer to Gabe, holding out his arms. “I’ll take her.”

  Gabe ignored him, kneeling to the ground and setting Lena on a bedroll Gil had retrieved from his horse. He gently swiped strands of hair from her face, feeling the clamminess of her skin.

  “What do we have here?” Doc Worthington knelt beside Gabe.

  “She fainted dead away, Doc. She’s only been out about thirty seconds.” Gil stood to the side, his hands resting on his hips. “All I did was announce the name of the man who discovered the vein of gold west of our ranch. Don’t know why that would bother her.”

  Nick shook his head, glancing around at the circle of friends who’d gathered to celebrate Abigail Tolbert’s recent marriage to Noah Brandt. The whole town had been invited to make the short trek up the hill behind town where Abby and Noah planned to build their home.

  No one in Splendor would know the significance of the name William Randolph Carlyle, or the impact it would have on Lena. Nick did, and the knowledge such a scoundrel might cross paths with them again burned a hole in his gut.

  Doc pulled a pouch from his pocket, retrieving a small bottle. He removed the stopper and passed the smelling salts under Lena’s nose once, then twice, before she tried to bat his hand away.

  “That’s it, Miss Campanel. Open your eyes for me,” Doc coaxed, using a damp cloth to wipe her face. “Gabe, why don’t you put her in one of the wagons and bring her to the clinic? I’ll keep watch until I’m sure she’s all right.”

  “No…” Lena’s raspy voice accompanied a hand lifting to rest on the doctor’s arm. “I’ll be fine if you’ll help me up.”

  “Lena, you should listen to him,” Nick warned, worry edged on his face.

  Doc Worthington looked between the two. “Let’s get you to one of the benches. If you feel all right in another ten minutes, I’ll allow you to stay for the party.”

  “Thank you, Doctor.” Lena gripped his hand, feeling a strong arm at her back. She looked over to see Gabe on her other side, Nick standing behind him.

  Although Lena tried to brush off their help, she relented when Gabe’s grip tightened.

  “I’ve got her.” Gabe glanced at Worthington, who nodded.

  They walked the few feet to where benches and tables had been set up, several people asking if they could help as they passed.

  “I’m fine, Gabe. Truly.” Lena’s color appeared to be returning to its natural olive tone.

  When Gil Murton announced the gold strike by English miner William Randolph Carlyle, she’d gone almost white. The name held no significance to Gabe, but judging by her reaction, it certainly did to Lena.

  “Sit down like the doctor said and have some punch.” Gabe leaned toward her, keeping his voice low. “Then tell me who the hell this Carlyle fellow is.” He looked up as a shadow covered them to see Nick close by, his gaze locked on Lena.

  She returned Nick’s stare, gripping her hands in her lap as she straightened her spine. “I don’t know who he is.”

  Gabe couldn’t miss the looks passing between her and Nick. “That so? Then why did you faint at the mention of his name?”

  “I’m certain it was a reaction to being out in the sun too long, nothing more. Running the saloon leaves me little time for outside pleasures, as I’m sure you’re aware, Sheriff.”

  Gabe studied her, noting she refused to look him in the eye. “All right. I won’t push, but if there’s anything you want to tell me or need my help with, let me know.” He looked up at Nick. “That goes for both of you.” He stood, not missing the fact Lena noticeably relaxed at his comment.

  “Thanks, Gabe. I’ll take care of her from here.”

  Gabe nodded, walking toward Noah and a group of other men as Nick sat down. “It may be wise to tell him about Willie, Lena.”

  “No, absolutely not.” The thought horrified her. “Besides, it’s been too long.”

  “He stole thousands from us. I, for one, would like to get the money back.” He pulled a flask from his pocket, offering it to Lena, who took a small swallow before handing it back.

  “It’s been years. Besides, this may not even be the same man.”

  A hint of annoyance crossed his face. “Is that what you believe?”

  She took a deep breath, looking around at the crowd before glancing up at Nick. “No.”

  Leaning forward, he rested his arms on his legs. “We must be prepared to see Willie in the Dixie. He’s stayed away so far, but a strike like this will draw him into town, and eventually, our saloon.”

  “I know.” Although anger knotted her insides, her body began to tremble at the prospect of seeing him again.

  “I don’t want you to confront him, Lena. If he comes in, I want you to get me.” At her lack of response, he grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Do you understand me?”

  She exhaled slowly, glancing at their joined hands, understanding Nick’s need to protect her. “Yes, I understand.”

  “Have you mentioned Willie to anyone in Splendor?”

  A look of surprise crossed her face. “Outside of a few people before leaving New Orleans, I’ve never mentioned him to anyone. All I want to do is keep him where he belongs—in my past.”

  “That may be, but I’m not optimistic you’ll succeed. He can’t be trusted, caring nothing of the damage his remarks may cause another. Don’t mistake him for a gentleman, thinking he’ll be quiet about what the two of you shared in the past.”

  She gasped, her eyes going wide. “No…he wouldn’t. What possible good would it do him to bring that up?”

  “Lena, the man is a snake. If he needs to use the information to gain favor with someone else or achieve his goals, he won’t hesitate to throw it in our faces.”

  “Can I get either of you some food?”

  Lena startled at Cash Coulter’s voice before pulling her hand from Nick’s and glancing up. “If you don’t mind, perhaps you could accompany me to the food table, Mr. Coulter. I do believe I’m hungry.”

  “My pleasure, Miss Campanel.” Cash held out his arm, noticing Nick position himself on her other side. “I hope you’re feeling better.”

  “Much. Thank you. I don
’t know why I didn’t think to bring my parasol.”

  “It might be best to fill a plate and take it over to where the other women are sitting.” Cash nodded toward a large poplar tree with expansive limbs, where several women Lena knew sat on blankets, eating their meal.

  “Thank you, Mr. Coulter. I believe that’s just what I’ll do.”

  Gabe sipped his punch, now flavored with liquid from Bull’s flask, and watched Cash escort Lena to a spot next to Rachel and Ginny Pelletier. Shifting his weight to one hip and slipping a hand into a pocket, he tried to figure out why she’d lied to him about recognizing the name of the miner.

  He couldn’t have mistaken the look of panic on her face when Gil mentioned Carlyle. Until then, she’d shown little interest in the announcement of a gold strike not far from Splendor. The name of the minor triggered her eyes to go wide, as if she were a cornered animal. In an instant, her face paled as she collapsed into his arms.

  “What do you think, Gabe?”

  Bull’s voice tore through his musings. Tilting his glass toward him, Gabe waited while Bull added a slight amount of whiskey.

  “About what?”

  “The gold strike. If it’s deep and rich enough, it could change Splendor’s future, attracting hundreds, maybe thousands of men looking to get rich.” Bull’s words sounded optimistic, yet his face didn’t display any enthusiasm.

  “As well as those who aren’t so honest in their pursuits.”

  “True,” Bull agreed. “But if the miners are lucky and find gold, they’ll settle down, spend their money here.”

  “They may erect a tent city like those in other mining towns. The number of saloons, gamblers, and camp followers will swell. It will be more than a fulltime job to keep the peace.”