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  “I had no idea,” Tracey murmured.

  “Being her children, my brothers and I have always been fascinated with what came out of the mountain. Eli gave Brianna a blue sapphire in a heart shape for their engagement because she was born on Valentine’s Day. My big brother followed with a spring-green sapphire solitaire when he asked Jasmine to marry him. Both of them chose gems that matched their wives’ eyes.

  “If you look in a mirror, you’ll see that your eyes match the color of the stone you’re wearing. I happen to like the princess cut. I didn’t know the name of it until Mother educated me. It’s very fitting for you, since you look like a princess.”

  Those gorgeous eyes filled with tears. “You want to marry me?” Her words came out more like a squeak.

  “Do you honestly think I would have asked you to live with me if marriage hadn’t been on my mind all along? I would have given this ring to you last week, but I was afraid you’d reject me so fast, I’d never have a chance with you.”

  She looked haunted. “You didn’t know what was going on inside of me.”

  “How could I? You don’t ask a woman who recently lost her fiancé to marry you within a week of meeting her. The way I felt about you did happen too fast. I was terrified you’d never feel the same way. My heart almost gave out when you told me you wouldn’t stay at my family’s ranch house.”

  “That’s because I was afraid you only wanted me to help you. I couldn’t bear the thought of working for you during the day and then spending the night apart from you. I wanted to be your wife! The second time you took care of Chief, I knew I wanted you for my husband, but I feared it would always be a dream.”

  He cupped the side of her face. “Part of me hoped that’s what was going on inside you. I had to do something fast, and told you I loved you so I wouldn’t lose you. Now my heart is failing me again because you’re determined to leave.”

  A small cry escaped her lips. “I’m not leaving if you’re willing for us to face the danger together. As for the answer to the question you haven’t asked me yet, it’s yes, Roce. I want to marry the most wonderful man I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine life without you and I’m never taking this ring off.”

  “So some miracles really do happen.” He picked her up and carried her to the living room. Once he’d pulled her down on the couch with him, he proceeded to kiss them both into oblivion. “Do you know you’ve made me the happiest man alive?” he finally whispered against her mouth.

  This was ecstasy in a new dimension. He was so carried away, it took Tracey to tell him someone was knocking on the front door. The timing was incredibly inconvenient, as usual. With a moan of protest, he eased away from her and they both walked over to the door.

  A louder knock sounded. “Roce?”

  “Eli?” He opened up to his brother.

  “Sorry to bother you. When Wymon and I got back to the ranch house, I discovered Brianna had gone to her aunt and uncle’s house. Taffy’s having seizures. She begged me to come and asked me to tell you. Will you go over there to see what you can do?”

  “We’ll follow you.”

  “I’ll get your doctor bag.” Tracey hurried down the hall to grab it from his office.

  “Sorry to leave you, Daisy. But this is one time you can’t come.”

  He offered her a couple of doggie treats and left the house with Tracey. En route he explained about Taffy, the German shorthaired pointer who’d lived with Brianna’s aunt and uncle for years. She was dying of old age.

  “What can you do for her, Roce?”

  “To tell you the truth, this is the kind of phone call I dread. Clark and Joanne Frost own The Saddlery in Stevensville. They’re going to want to know if it’s time to put their beloved dog to sleep.”

  “Oh...that’s so hard.”

  “You’re right. I’m afraid I’ve never been able to give clients that straight, heartbreaking answer they want so badly. I learned from Hannah, who listened to the owners with compassion, but always stuck to her personal opinion that it was ultimately their choice, since they knew their dog best.”

  “That sounds very wise.”

  “She was the best. For myself, I’ve developed a philosophy about the quality of a pet’s life. Did it have more good days than bad? I’ve found myself in tears many times for the owners and their animals after years of emotional attachment. But no person is ready for the death of a loved one, whether a human or a pet.”

  “You just have to mourn with them. My horse, Spirit, is getting to that stage.”

  Roce reached for Tracey’s hand and they drove to the Frosts’ house deep in thought. He could feel the stone from the ring on her finger. Knowing it was there brought him such a fierce stab of joy, it helped mitigate the sadness he felt for the Frost family.

  “One thing I do know about Taffy is that she has been deeply loved and cared for. That’s what is important.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  When they arrived, Eli had already gone to see the dog. Brianna sat on the couch with her face awash in tears. “I’m so glad you’re here, Roce. My aunt and uncle are in the study with Taffy.”

  “Where are the kids?”

  “Libby and Stephen are with your mom.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Thank heaven for her. But now that I’m here, I can’t watch. I’ve loved Taffy too much.”

  Roce gave his sister-in-law a hug. “I understand, but her misery is about over.”

  “I hope so.”

  “You haven’t met Tracey Marcroft yet. She’s going to be my wife, but no one else knows that yet except for you and Mom.”

  “Oh, Roce!” she cried. “What a sad day to tell me such exciting news.”

  “Maybe it will help.”

  “I couldn’t be more thrilled for you.”

  “While you two get acquainted, I’ll see what’s happening. I won’t be long, sweetheart.” He gave Tracey a kiss on the temple, then headed down the hall, gripping his bag.

  Chapter Ten

  Eli’s wife smiled up at Tracey through her tears. “Come and sit down. When did you get engaged?”

  Tracey checked her watch. “About an hour ago.”

  “Oh, my gosh. That must have been right when Eli called Roce.”

  “He came by the house, actually.”

  “Have you two set a date?” the beautiful blond woman asked her.

  “Not yet. I’m still trying to get used to the fact that he wants to marry me. I love him so much. You probably think we’re crazy to get engaged this fast.”

  “Not at all. I fell in love with Eli at first sight. And you should hear Jasmine’s story. She’d been seeing this other man for three months, and then they were in a plane crash, but survived. Wymon was up in the mountains and saw it happen. He rescued both of them and Jasmine fell for him on the spot.”

  “The Clayton brothers have a fatal charm.”

  “You’re right.” Brianna wiped her eyes. “I’ve learned a big secret about them. None of them are players and they don’t have an agenda. But when they suddenly figure out what they want, they go after it without worrying what people will say. Nothing gets in their way.”

  Her comment made Tracey laugh. “That describes Roce to a T.”

  “Mom Clayton must be ecstatic.”

  “I hope so, but I haven’t met her yet.”

  “You will, and you’ll love her. How does it feel being engaged to a veterinarian?”

  “I love how dedicated he is to his profession. His treatment of the injured horse at the dude ranch let me know just how exceptional he is. But I’ll have to get used to being the wife of a doctor. The phone calls come at the most unexpected moments.”

  “I’m sure that’s true. Now let me see your ring.”

 
“I want to see yours, too. Roce told me about it.”

  They put out their left hands.

  Tracey darted Brianna a glance. “Roce was right. Your eyes look like blue sapphires.”

  “And yours are an incredible violet, just like your ring. Wait till you see Jasmine’s. Green as spring grass. We all have very special, unique rings.”

  “Those qualities define the Clayton men, too, don’t you think?”

  Brianna nodded with tears in her eyes. “Eli told me about the trouble at the dude ranch. I’m so sorry.”

  “It has been awful, but he and Wymon have been a wonderful help. I’m afraid we’ve put all of you in danger.”

  “Nonsense. The guys don’t give it a thought.”

  “Well, I do. Right now we’re having to take it a day at a time. I don’t know what I’d do without Roce.” Tracey had just said the words when he and his brother came back into the living room.

  Eli walked over and embraced his wife. “Taffy’s gone. The suffering is over.”

  As Brianna broke down sobbing, Roce pulled Tracey close. “They asked me to put her to sleep,” he whispered. “It was for the best. They have a permit to bury Taffy in the backyard, so my work is done here. Come on. Let’s go home and let them grieve.”

  He helped her into the truck. She threw her arms around his neck. “I’m so thankful I have you, and so happy to know Daisy is there waiting for us.”

  “You took the words out of my mouth.”

  “I’m afraid I’m too happy, Roce.”

  He kissed her until they were both breathless. How fast everything had changed since he’d put that ring on her finger in the kitchen! Though she wanted to press herself next to him during the drive back to the house, she knew she shouldn’t, and fastened her seat belt. But he grabbed her hand and clung to it all the way home.

  “How did it go with Brianna?”

  “She’s lovely. Being able to share our engagement with her has made everything a little more real for me. We compared our rings and agreed that the Clayton men are the most extraordinary men on the planet.”

  Roce squeezed her hand harder. “Don’t ever take off your blinders.”

  “I’m not wearing any. I know what I see and feel. The miracle is that you love me. When we get home, let’s enjoy the picnic I fixed and curl up on the couch. I need to hold you and start to believe I’ve actually found my other half.”

  “I want that, too, but do you mind if we save the picnic for tomorrow? This evening I want to take you out for a five-course meal and celebrate our engagement. Let’s go back to the house and get dressed up.”

  “Oh, Roce—I’m afraid I’m still dreaming. We’ll have to take some pictures on my phone and send them to both our families. Mine is going to love you so much.”

  “That works both ways, sweetheart. But as soon as Toly sees our announcement, he’s going to be afraid to come home.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Three brothers down. He’ll be terrified it’s contagious.”

  She chuckled. “Every female in Montana who loves the rodeo is crazy about him. Don’t tell me he doesn’t have any girlfriends.”

  “I thought he was seeing someone, but I’m not sure if it’s working out. He doesn’t want to talk about it.”

  “Oh, well. One day I guarantee he’ll wake up.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Brianna and I have a theory about you Clayton men. You take your time, but when you suddenly figure it out, it’s a done deal.”

  Roce’s deep laughter filled the cab. It was the most wonderful sound she’d ever heard.

  * * *

  TRACEY COULDN’T BELIEVE it when another Saturday rolled around. Several things had been set in place during the week. They’d driven into town on Monday afternoon to pick up her car, and Roce had hired a private detective agency to keep surveillance on the house. But she hadn’t heard from John yet and wondered why

  Knowing they had protection reduced her fear about Wes Hunter, so she could concentrate on the love of her life. So far there’d been no incidents of any kind. She could almost believe the threat was finally over.

  Not only had the days flown by and kept her busy, but she was learning more and more about Roce’s profession. Every morning he was out the door to make visits to his patients on various ranches in the area.

  New clients were calling or dropping by the house. Tracey realized that Roce hadn’t exaggerated. He did need an assistant, and she found she loved the job. Every suffering pet that people brought in tugged on her heartstrings. Though he didn’t need to check on Chief anymore, which was a relief to both of them, Tracey still felt an attachment to that horse. One day soon she hoped to see him again.

  Now that the news of their engagement had gone viral and they’d celebrated at a family dinner, she and Roce were trying to decide when would be the best time to get married. They wanted it to be soon, but a lot had to be sorted out to accommodate Toly’s rodeo schedule, as well as their friends and relatives both in Polson and Stevensville.

  Around three on Saturday afternoon, someone rang the front doorbell. Roce should have been back by now, after going out on an emergency appointment. He didn’t have another one on the books today.

  Tracey hurried through the house to the front door and pressed the intercom button. “Are you here to see Dr. Clayton?”

  “Yes. My name is Marcie Hewitt. He took care of my cat when he was practicing in Missoula and should have my file. Is he available?”

  “He isn’t here right now, but he should be back soon. Have you driven all the way from Missoula?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you’re welcome to come in and wait. Give me a moment.”

  Tracey herded Daisy to the kitchen and shut the door, then hurried back through the house and unlocked the front door.

  A stunning brunette dressed in a summery skirt and flouncy blouse walked inside on stylish high heels. She carried a fancy crate that held her cat.

  “Please, won’t you sit down?”

  The other woman did as she asked. Her brown eyes played over Tracey with seeming curiosity. “I don’t remember seeing you at the hospital in Missoula.”

  “No. My name is Tracey Marcroft. I only started working for Dr. Clayton two weeks ago.”

  “Are you studying to be a veterinarian?”

  “No. I’m just helping out. What’s wrong with your cat?”

  “Sandi cries whenever she has to urinate.”

  “Oh, dear. The poor thing.”

  “When I took her to the hospital today, I found out it was closed. There was a sign on the door with Dr. Clayton’s new address. I couldn’t believe he’d moved, and decided to drive straight here without making an appointment.”

  “You’ve come a long way.”

  “I don’t trust anyone else to touch her. He’s an excellent vet.”

  “I agree. The best. There’s a bathroom down the hall if you need to freshen up.”

  “Thank you. I think I will.”

  “Do you mind if I keep your cat company?”

  “Of course not, but don’t open the crate.”

  “I won’t.”

  She returned in a few minutes.

  “Your cat is beautiful.”

  “She’s a very expensive purebred champagne Burmese.”

  “You look elegant, Sandi, but I can tell you don’t feel good, do you?” Tracey murmured to the animal.

  She was still bent over, talking to the cat, when she heard sudden barking from the kitchen just as the front door opened. When Roce walked in, she looked up at him, but his gaze quickly went to his client.

  “Marcie?”

  The other woman stood up. “Well, hello, stranger. That was a fast move you made from Mis
soula without sending people your new address.”

  Tracey had the distinct impression these two knew each other beyond simply being doctor and patient. She got to her feet. “Her cat, Sandi, is in pain. If you need me, I’ll be taking care of Daisy.”

  Without giving Roce a chance to say anything, she hurried through the house to the kitchen and got dinner started. She’d learned he was a meat-and-potatoes man, so she made stuffed pork chops and potatoes in a half shell.

  Naturally, Tracey was curious about the other woman who’d shown up without an appointment, but of course an attractive man like Roce had a past. He’d probably dated several women who’d come to the surgery in Missoula. All Tracey had to remember was that he’d asked her to marry him and she had the ring on her finger to prove it.

  At ten after six, he came into the kitchen and put his arms around her waist from behind. “This dinner smells fabulous.”

  “I hope it tastes as good.” She whirled around and kissed him hard.

  When he finally lifted his head, he said, “I needed that.”

  “Not as much as I did. You’ve had a long day.”

  “One of the sheep at the Farnon ranch has pasture bloat.”

  “I presume it was serious for you to be gone so long.”

  “I’m afraid so. I had to use a stomach tube to release the gas pressure, and then perform a rumenotomy.”

  “What is that?”

  “It means puncturing a hole in the rumen, the first compartment of a sheep’s stomach. I sutured it afterward. I’m happy to say the poor thing will recover.”

  “Lucky sheep.”

  He chuckled.

  “How’s the cat?” Tracey asked.

  “She has a urinary tract infection. I’ve given her medication, but I had to draw blood and screen her for any blockages. She’ll have to stay in the surgery overnight. After I check her urine again tomorrow, Marcie will be able to take her home, but I’m sure she’ll be fine.”