Wildcat Wedding (Wranglers & Lace #2) Read online

  Wildcat Wedding

  Patricia Thayer

  To my critique group, Linda, Helen, Linda Mac and Anne. For all

  the encouragement, week after week. For the support and

  friendship, year after year. I’m forever grateful.

  Acknowledgments

  To Marsha Sample of the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Theatre Dept. for answering all my questions about Durant, and the Shakespearean Festival. And to geologist Malcolm Bratton, thanks for helping me bring in the well.

  Wranglers & Lace

  Dear Reader,

  The cowboy, the mystique and the romance of the wild West continue to fascinate us. What woman can resist a cowboy who comes along, tips his Stetson and tosses you a sexy grin? Then in a low husky drawl, he says, “Howdy, ma’am.” For hundreds of reasons we love them.

  In researching my stories, I discovered it’s a cowboy’s heart that makes him so special. Whether they’re riding the range, checking their cattle or chasing down dogies, cowboys are a unique breed. They have a special love for the land. They have spent generations trying to tame it, fighting the elements and numerous enemies to keep it.

  In Wildcat Wedding, Jessie Burke possesses that same fierce loyalty to her family and the land. She knows how to protect her property, but not her heart. And wait till you see how she reacts when wildcatter Brett Murdock tries to win her over. Could it be true love?

  Hope you enjoy their story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

  Best,

  Patricia Thayer

  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

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  It wasn’t exactly the welcome he had hoped for.

  When the bullet whistled passed Brett Murdock’s ear, he immediately ducked for cover behind the open car door. While trying to dislodge his heart from his throat, he couldn’t help wondering if coming to Durant, Oklahoma, had been such a good idea.

  “Well, it’s too late now,” he growled as he cautiously raised his head and looked past the gravel roadway that led to the Burke farm. Beyond a grove of oak trees was a huge, two-story house badly in need of repair. There were roof shingles missing, the wraparound porch’s railing was broken away, not to mention that the structure looked as if it hadn’t been painted in years. Ironically, it seemed strange to find the colorful bedding flowers circling the structure and a neatly trimmed lawn, all lush and green. He directed his attention to the old weathered barn and the patched sections of fencing around the corral that held two jersey cows.

  Brett continued to look around the area and smiled. It sure looked as if the Burkes could use some money. But first he had to find someone to talk to, hopefully someone besides the sniper. He started to stand up.

  “I wouldn’t make any moves if I were you, mister,” a kid’s voice rang out from the direction of the barn. “Unless it’s to get into your fancy automobile and hightail it out of here.”

  Brett shielded his eyes from the warm May sunlight and spotted a young boy about fourteen. Although long legged, he was small in build and dressed in an oversize plaid shirt and a pair of faded baggy jeans held up by a wide belt. His face was shaded by a straw cowboy hat. Brett could see that the kid hadn’t even begun to shave yet, but noticing the curly dark hair that hung over his ears, he decided the boy needed a haircut. What drew Brett’s attention was that twenty-two the boy had aimed at him.

  Brett raised a hand in surrender and started to stand. “Look, I just came to talk to Miss Burke. My name is Brett Murdock, I represent Murdock Oil....” That was all he got to say, before another shot crackled through the air and his hat went sailing off. Immediately, he ducked behind the car door again, cursing as he looked at his two-hundred-dollar Stetson lying on the ground with a hole in the crown.

  Dammit! He was angry now. “Hey, you can’t go around shooting at people,” he yelled as he jumped up and another shot rang out. Brett hit the ground in a flash, tearing his suit pants and taking a layer of skin off his knee and thigh.

  “We don’t take kindly to trespassers on Burke land, mister. So get goin’ while you’re still able.”

  Brett wasn’t about to leave. Not after working so hard to come up with the backing for this deal. He couldn’t return to Murdock Oil’s board of directors and tell them that a smart-mouth kid ran him off. He’d never hear the end of it. Not the son of the late great J. T. Murdock. His father would come back and haunt him if his number-two son didn’t come away with this deal.

  An idea suddenly came to Brett as he managed to climb into the car and get it started. The rear tires flung gravel as he raced out of the driveway, not knowing what this kid was going to do next. Then, once out of sight, he pulled the Mercedes off the road, behind some bushes. He got out and cut across the high grass toward the back of the barn, hoping to catch the sniper by surprise.

  Stealthily, Brett entered the rear door, avoiding the basket filled with a dog and her puppies. He soothed the nervous new mother, quickly made his way across the stalls and peeked out to find the boy still watching the road, and still holding the rifle. At least, he wasn’t aiming it. But Brett wasn’t going to be happy until he got the weapon away from the youth. Finding his chance, he sneaked up behind the boy just as he turned around. Brett kicked the rifle out of the boy’s hands and they both ended up wrestling around on the ground, the kid fighting like a tiger, scratching and kicking. Outweighing the boy considerably, Brett managed to get on top and pin his lethal arms and legs.

  “Just knock it off, kid. I’ve had about enough of your games for one day. You could kill someone with that gun.”

  The boy stopped fighting. “Believe me, mister, if I wanted you dead, I wouldn’t have gone after your fancy hat.”

  “That’s another thing. Do you know how much that hat cost me?”

  The kid was breathing hard, but didn’t stop his struggle. Brett glanced at the boy’s chest and noticed something wasn’t right. He had breasts. Breasts! All at once, Brett’s body grew warm with the quick realization of the softness under him. Then his gaze locked on a heart-shaped face, full pouty lips and a turned-up nose sprinkled with light brown freckles.

  Damn. The kid was a woman.

  Brett jumped to his feet, took possession of the rifle and watched as the petite woman got up and brushed off her clothes. She picked up her hat, but before she could place it on her head, Brett got a glance at the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. He took a deep breath and released it slowly, trying to control his own rapid breathing.

  “You...you’re Jessie Burke?”

  She placed her hands on her hips. “That’s nobody’s business. Now, get the hell off my land.”

  Jessie Burke was angry as blazes. She didn’t like letting anyone get the drop on her, especially a fancy-dressed city fella. She tossed her head and glared up at the intruder, realizing that he towered over her five foot eight. His thick midnight black hair was cut short around his ears, but lay in waves across his forehead. Her attention moved to his silvery gray suit all covered with dust. But all the dirt in Oklahoma wouldn’t take away from his broad shoulders and chest. Recalling their struggle moments ago, she knew the man kept in shape. An odd feeling came over her, and she quickly shook off her wayward thoughts. This man was the enemy, and she needed to get rid of him. Jessie glanced at her twenty-two, now held in his hand.

 
; “Why don’t you just leave and there won’t be any trouble?” she said boldly.

  The stranger frowned as he glanced down at his torn pants. “I think it’s a little late, Miss Burke.”

  Jessie looked, too, and found blood oozing from the wound on his thigh. Her stomach did a somersault seeing the jagged tear of the fabric, the nasty scrape on his leg.

  “Well, that’s what you get for trespassing.”

  “I can take a subtle hint. I know when I’m not wanted.” He limped closer and Jessie immediately stepped backward. “But you owe me the courtesy to hear me out.”

  “I owe you nothin’. This is Burke land. We don’t take kindly to strangers.”

  “Well, I’m from Dallas, Texas, Miss Burke.” His expression softened and Jessie took notice of his dark blue eyes. “And we’re well known for our friendliness and hospitality. Unless you’re stealing a horse or rustling our cattle, we’re pretty much glad to see ya.” He glanced around, then turned back to her with a grin. Then he offered her his hand as if they were attending a church social.

  “Hello, Miss Burke, my name is Brett Murdock.”

  For the first time in a long time a man had her tongue-tied. Blast it! She didn’t need this foolishness. Her back went rigid and her hands clenched. “Look, mister...”

  “Please,” he interrupted, “call me Brett.”

  Jessie drew a breath. “Just give me back my twenty-two, and I’ll let you go peaceably.” She reached out her hand.

  Once again he smiled. “Don’t you even want to know why I’m here?”

  “No! I just want you off my land.”

  “Can’t you at least give me a few minutes to talk to you and your family? I promise you, it’s very important. In fact, it could very well save your farm.”

  Jessie froze in fear, but quickly masked it. “What do you know about the farm? If you are—”

  Brett raised his hand to calm the angry woman, but he knew it was probably going to be a waste of time. “Look, like I told you, I’m from Murdock Oil. We’d like to do a mineral survey on your land, and hopefully drill for gas.”

  He watched Jessie Burke’s pretty skin grow pale as her wild chestnut-colored mane curled around her small face. Her perky nose showed off a light dusting of freckles and some dirt, which also clung to her shapely upper lip. Then anger flared in her large blue eyes and her cheeks became flushed. Jessie grabbed for the rifle. Her quickness and strength took him by surprise as she managed to strip it away, and before Brett knew what had happened, she had it pointed at him.

  “My daddy told y’all before that no one was going to drill on Burke land. Just because he’s gone doesn’t mean we’re changin’ our minds. Now, get off.” She waved the barrel of the rifle at him and Brett decided he wasn’t going to push her anymore, today. He started for his car, when a tall, lanky man came running toward them from behind the barn.

  “Jess! What the hell...?” He came closer and looked apologetic. “Hatty told you to stop this, or you’re going to end up in jail.” He snatched the rifle from her.

  “He’s from an oil company, Mac. He wants to drill on our land. You know how Dad felt.”

  Mac couldn’t have been much more than a teenager, himself. He was well over six feet tall, but still all arms and legs, needing to add a good ten pounds to his large frame. He pulled off his straw cowboy hat and shaggy light brown hair fell across his forehead as he offered his hand. “Hello, I’m Macklin Burke, but folks around here just call me Mac. I have to apologize for my sister. She gets a little uppity when strangers come calling.”

  “Hello, Mac. I’m Brett Murdock.” Brett smiled. This was the kind of greeting he was hoping for. “I represent Murdock Oil Company. If you and your sister have a few minutes, I’d like to talk to you about leasing your mineral rights.”

  “No!” Jessie shouted.

  Mac glared at her. “Doesn’t hurt to listen to what the man has to say, Jess. Besides, by the looks of Mr. Murdock’s leg, he could use a little doctorin’.”

  “I’d appreciate it,” Brett answered, hoping he’d at least get a chance to pitch his idea.

  “Come up to the house, Mr. Murdock.” Mac started across the driveway.

  “Call me Brett.”

  Jessie was so angry she could spit. She watched the two walk away as if they were best pals. Well, Mr. Brett Murdock, you and your handsome face aren’t going to be staying around long.

  Jessie had protected her family since her mama passed away eight years ago. Mac had been only eleven, her younger brother Joshua had been just seven and little Katie had been barely four weeks old when left motherless. Just turning sixteen, Jessie had had to quit school and take over the job of raising all three kids. When her daddy had had his tractor accident three years ago and ended up a cripple, she had the responsibility of the farm, too. There had been a lot of trials and hardships for the Burke family, but they were together. Jessie had made sure of that. And no fancy oilman was going to change things.

  * * *

  Brett felt as if he’d stepped back in time when he walked into the Burke home. The kitchen lacked any modern conveniences except for running water and electricity. The large table, marked and scarred from years of use, took up the center of the room. An old sink against the wall had only a single, galvanized spigot, and a faded blue checkered skirt, which also matched the curtains in the window above, decorated the base. The cabinets needed paint as did the walls, but everything was immaculate, and plants were everywhere.

  Mac came to the table with a first-aid kit. “Set yourself down here and we’ll get you cleaned up.” He went to the sink and turned on the water then reached underneath, took out a porcelain basin and began to fill it with water. “I’m real sorry my sister caused you to rip your suit.”

  Brett pulled off his suit jacket and tossed it over the back of one of the chairs. “Serves me right,” he said as he jerked the knot from his tie and hitched his hip on the end of the sturdy table. “I probably should have called before I drove out. Since your father passed away, I bet you’ve had to be pretty suspicious of people.”

  Mac carried the filled bowl to the table. “My daddy was suspicious of everyone. After his accident, he was in a wheelchair. He’d sit out on the porch for hours and hours, his shotgun always by his side. They’re a lot of people wanting to buy the farm. Some of them got pretty rough, and a couple even threatened him. And since this here land has been owned by a Burke since 1923, my daddy felt it was his duty to protect it.”

  Brett could see the pride in the young man’s eyes, hear the determination in his voice. It was going to take more than just a little talking to get this deal signed. “And here I come barging in without even a phone call.”

  Mac laughed as he dipped a cloth into the warm water. “We don’t have a phone. Daddy didn’t think we needed one. Of course, if you look around, you can see he didn’t think we needed much of anything. What worked for his daddy was good enough for us.”

  They both chuckled, then Mac spoke, “I think you’re gonna have to take off your pants if you want to clean your wound properly.”

  Just then, Jessie walked into the kitchen. She stood by the door, her arms folded over her chest. For the first time, Brett caught a trace of a smile playing across her sassy mouth. “Don’t worry about me, Mr. Murdock. I powdered and diapered my brothers more times than I could count, so you haven’t got anything that I haven’t seen before.”

  Brett saw Mac’s smile and was tempted to put her to the test. He didn’t like to be dared, and this woman was making him crazy. He watched her face as he gripped his pant leg and tore a bigger hole, exposing the long scrape. “I think I’m safer with my pants on around Jessie,” he told Mac. “I wouldn’t want to expose anything she might take a shot at.”

  Both men broke into laughter, which had Jessie fuming, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing that their teasing got to her. Over the years, Jessie had learned how to hide her feelings. In school, she’d had plenty of pra
ctice when kids had riled her about being skinny. Later on it was because she wasn’t too smart. Jessie didn’t care what people thought; she couldn’t change the way things were. All that mattered to her was her family and the farm.

  She glared at the intruder in her kitchen. “I don’t waste shells on small targets,” she said, returning a smile.

  “I take it my hide isn’t as valuable as my hat,” Brett chided.

  “Your hat was a warning, Mr. Murdock.”

  “Jess!” Mac gave her a stern look. “Why don’t you come over here and make yourself useful?” He held up the washcloth. “You’re much better at this doctorin’ than I am.”

  Jessie hesitated. But seeing the wary glance from Mr. Murdock, she decided to let him know who was in charge. Just as she walked toward the table, the back door swung open and Josh and Katie came hurrying in as if the devil himself were chasing them.

  “Who’s that neat car belong to?” The fifteen-year-old gasped for air, dropping his schoolbooks on the sideboard. “It’s parked off down the road, Jess, but still the bus nearly hit it.”

  Katie was just as excited as she held up the pearl gray Stetson with the burn hole right in the center of the crown. “Did Jessie shoot at someone again?”

  Finally noticing the stranger on the edge of the table, eight-year-old Katie bravely walked up to Brett, as if she knew him, and examined his wound. “Did my sister do that?”

  Brett smiled. “No, I just tripped over my own big feet and scraped up my leg.”

  “Is that your car, mister?” Josh also came closer, irritating Jessie even more. Hadn’t she taught these kids not to talk to strangers?

  “Josh, Katie, get out of Mr. Murdock’s way. I need to get him patched up so he can head back to Dallas,” Jessie said as she took the cloth out of Mac’s hand and dunked it into the warm water. Then, not too gently, she began cleaning the scrape.

  “Dallas, Texas?” Josh’s eyes lit up. “Wow, I’ve never met anybody who lives in Dallas.”