The Minx Miner

  The Minx Miner

  A Miners to Millionaires Story

  Janelle Daniels

  Dream Cache Publishing

  Time travel and fairy godmothers?

  When Gemma is offered the chance of a lifetime—to travel back in time and meet the love of her life—she jumps at the opportunity no matter how far-fetched it sounds.

  But when she’s held at gunpoint after accidentally prospecting on one of Promise Creek’s largest claims, she realizes her fairy tale might not end in a happily-ever-after.

  He’s jaded.

  Everyone wants Logan’s wealth, but when he finds a woman—dressed as a boy—panning for gold in his river, he’s intrigued.

  She claims she’s a mail-order bride…but can’t remember who her intended is.

  Gemma is unlike anyone he’s ever met, and he wants her for himself—but as someone else’s mail-order bride, she’s off limits.

  When the truth comes out, will he believe her? Or will she lose his trust forever?

  To sign up for Janelle Daniels’ readers club and receive notice of new titles as they are available, go to www.janelledaniels.com

  To Dan.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Epilogue

  Titles by Janelle Daniels

  Chapter 1

  Excitement thrummed through Gemma Watts’ veins as women filtered into the meeting room at the back of the bookstore. She was ready—more than ready—to change her life.

  And tonight was the night.

  She clutched her favorite book—the one set in a small mining town in Montana, where gold was plentiful and women were few. She'd always loved the miners in her stories, their excitement and thrill at striking it rich—and the mail-order brides they sent for and fell in love with.

  Her heart warmed just thinking of them. She wanted the exact same for herself.

  So when Dr. Lachele Simpson, a matchmaker turned fairy godmother, had explained what had happened to some of the women in book club and offered to send each of them to where they’d find the love of their lives, Gemma knew exactly where she wanted to go. 1880s Montana. The love of her life had to be there.

  He wasn't in modern times. She knew that for sure.

  She was twenty-six years old, lived by herself, had a small catering business that wasn’t doing so well, and had no social life except for this book club. She couldn’t find a man who wanted the same things as her: to settle down, have a family, and enjoy the simple things in life.

  The men she’d met just wanted to party or to experience the thrill of the chase over and over again in an endless cycle of short relationships.

  It was so depressing! She wasn’t sure what she’d done to get to this point in her life, but she was done with it.

  Gemma wasn't one to languish over past mistakes, overanalyze her weaknesses, or regret her decisions. She was all about taking action, following her gut, and moving forward—and that's exactly what she was going to do.

  Tonight, the moment book club ended, Dr. Lachele would send her to the past. It was already set up.

  She had talked with her dad, and he knew she’d be traveling for a while and that he wouldn’t hear from her. Sadness pricked her heart over leaving her father, but he would understand once he got the letter she’d asked her neighbor to mail in a few weeks. She’d explained it all in there.

  More than anything, she knew he’d want her to be happy.

  She pulled her bag in tighter under her legs so it wouldn’t block the chair next to her. She had all the supplies she'd need to survive in the Wild West. Clothing, food, shelter, prospecting gear, a solar charger for her cell phone, antibiotics hidden in the hem of her dress, and enough gold—also hidden in the hem of her dress—to help her if an emergency arose.

  This was going to work, she knew it.

  She ran a hand over her denim shirt and jeans, second-guessing her choice in clothing, but then put it out of her mind. She had a dress in her bag, and, if needed, she could change clothes when she got there.

  But her first order of business was to find more gold. She knew where to look for large deposits, how to use her tools, and she had even traveled to Montana last summer to test it all out. It would be much easier to accomplish dressed like this. Skirts would only hamper her movement.

  A chuckle pulled Gemma out of her thoughts, and she glanced up as her friend Rory sat in the chair next to her.

  Gemma raised a brow. “What’s funny?”

  Rory reached over and tapped the worn historical western romance in Gemma’s hands. “You. Are you sharing that book again? I think since you’ve shared it twice already, we should ban it. We’ve all heard how rugged and sexy miners are.”

  Gemma grinned. “Well, they are sexy.”

  Rory laughed. “I agree, but it's fun teasing you. They don't compare to dukes, though,” she said pointedly.

  “Always with the dukes.” Gemma shook her head playfully. Her friend was obsessed with them. Rory read other kinds of Regency romance too, but she always circled back to dukes.

  “They’re the best. What more can I say?”

  “Fine. They’re pretty awesome.” Gemma eyed Rory, taking in her fitted black pants and lace blouse. Her honey-blonde hair fell in loose curls over her shoulders, and her cornflower-blue eyes sparkled. She was almost the polar opposite of Gemma. They were both trim, but Gemma had thick, dark hair and hazel eyes. Rory looked polished and lux, whereas Gemma’s appearance screamed salt of the earth—especially when clad in denim.

  Although Rory appeared to have expensive tastes, Gemma knew she was poor. Gemma didn’t know everything about her situation, but Rory worked hard—sometimes at two or three different jobs—trying to climb out of the mire her family had left her in.

  Rory was one of the strongest people Gemma knew and one of the kindest. Which shocked Gemma even more, considering her background. If she’d had to deal with the same things Rory had, bitterness would have poisoned her heart.

  Gemma cocked her head as she considered her friend. “What is it about dukes? I just realized I’ve never asked you.” And this was her last chance to find out.

  Rory tucked a curl behind her ear, looking away uncomfortably. “Because, even though other members of the aristocracy had money and land, dukes had the most power, the most influence. But more important, they fiercely protected what was theirs—including everyone under their care. They stepped up and did what was necessary, sheltered and protected those they loved, and provided opportunity for their tenants. If I could find a man like that, I'd never let him go.”

  Gemma leaned closer to her. “Will you take Dr. Lachele up on her offer, then?”

  Rory bit her lip. “I don't know if I believe it. It seems almost too good to be true, doesn't it? I mean the others from book club are going somewhere. They haven’t been back. But I just don't know.”

  Gemma understood completely. It was difficult to take things on faith, especially when life had been so hard. “I'm asking her to send me tonight.”

  Rory's eyes widened. “You are? After the meeting?”

  Gemma nodded. “Yes. And if you want, you can be there. Watch me disappear, then you'll know it's true.”

  “But are you sure you want to go? I don’t think the books we read are as accurate as we think. It might not be safe.”

  Gemma wasn't naïve. She knew things could go wrong. Horribly wrong. But to her, it was worth the risk. “I know. And I'm prepared.” She patted th
e backpack under her seat. “I've thought of everything I could, prepared as much as possible.” She shrugged. “But the bottom line is I want to do this. I want to see what it was like back then. I can't describe it, but I feel like I belong there. This is the right thing for me.”

  “You aren’t worried at all? About anything?”

  Gemma started shaking her head but then stopped. “My only worry is that I’ll find someone who won’t be faithful. That I’ll fall completely in love and then he’ll break my heart.” She took a deep breath then smiled. “But with so few women, I hope that doesn’t happen. I’m optimistic and prepared for everything else. It’s worth the risk.”

  Although worry shone in her eyes, Rory smiled. “Then it’ll be an adventure…if it works.”

  Gemma grinned. “It will. But I don't know how I'll make it through the rest of this meeting. I’m bursting out of my skin.”

  Another voice joined the conversation. “What? Do you have a hot date after?” Helen, one of her other friends from book club, crinkled her eyes in amusement as she took the seat to her right.

  Gemma couldn’t help but notice she was holding three books from different time periods. She looked at the books pointedly. “You couldn't decide which one to bring, so you brought all of them again?”

  She arched a brow. “Why settle? If it's historical, it’s worth sharing.”

  Gemma held up her hand. “No argument from me. Rory and I were just discussing which were better: miners or dukes.”

  “Dukes, obviously,” Rory said, leaning forward and laughing.

  “So she says.” Gemma pointed her thumb in Rory's direction. “And no hot date. At least none that I’m planning on. It’s possible though.”

  Helen looked at Rory, confused. “I don’t understand.”

  Rory spoke softly. “She’s taking Dr. Lachele up on her offer after the meeting.”

  “You are?” Helen’s voice took on an excited edge, and she scooted closer. “I’ve been thinking about going somewhere too, but”—she tapped the three books in her lap—“how do I choose? Do I want a knight?” She held up each book in turn. “Or a prince? Or a suave millionaire from the 20s? How can you choose between such heroes?” She jokingly fanned her face. “If you ask me, you both have it easy. You already know what you want.”

  Gemma looked at her doubtfully. “I think you know what you want too.”

  Helen gave a small smile. “I know what I don’t want, at least. I’m tired of men wanting me for my money or what I can give them. It seems all they see when they look at me is dollar signs. Whoever I end up with, in whatever time period, needs to have made his own fortune. Otherwise, how can I know he truly wants me?”

  Rory frowned at Helen. “Do you really believe Dr. Lachele can do what she says?”

  Helen nodded slowly. “I do. It's crazy, but I believe her. And if she can’t”—she gestured around the half-empty room—“then where is everyone? Sure, sometimes people can't make it for a week or two, but not like this. It has to be true.”

  Rory huffed. “Or she's a serial killer,” she muttered.

  “She is not!” Gemma said with a laugh. “You'll see.” She looked over at Helen. “And if you want to watch me disappear as well, you're welcome to.” She raised her voice then and looked out at the room. “Everyone is welcome to come and see me go poof after the meeting.”

  At her announcement, Taylor swiveled toward her, leaning forward to see past Rory. “You’re leaving tonight?” Excitement filled her eyes. “I’m thinking of leaving soon too. I’d love to see how it works.”

  Another voice joined the conversation. “I’d like to see it happen as well. Or rather, see if it happens at all,” Penelope said. Gemma didn’t know her as well as the others, but from everything she’d gathered, Penelope was a business shark. “It seems a little too fantastic if you ask me.”

  Rory nodded at Penelope, agreeing whole-heartedly.

  Gemma grinned. “Join us then! It’ll be my farewell party.”

  Rory and Penelope still seemed skeptical, but Helen and Taylor looked excited. At least, by disappearing in front of everyone, they would know it was true—then they could make their own decision about what to do.

  Gemma thought she’d be too excited about leaving to be anxious, but as she watched Dr. Lachele say her goodbyes to a few of the other girls after the meeting, she wrung her hands in front of her. It didn’t matter that this was the right choice or that she was prepared.

  She was about to change everything.

  Permanently.

  Perhaps it was all right to be a little anxious. She was ready to move forward. Her happily-ever-after was waiting.

  Dr. Lachele walked over to her, her curled, shiny, purple hair bouncing with each step. Kindness shone in her eyes, and it immediately put Gemma at ease.

  “Looks like you’re ready to leave.” Dr. Lachele smiled as she glanced to the bag slung over Gemma’s shoulder. “You have a period-appropriate dress in there?”

  “I do. I’m all prepared.”

  Her smile deepened. “I can see that.” Her attention then turned to the other four women. “Hello, ladies! I didn’t get a chance to talk to you before the meeting. I hope you’re all doing well.”

  Each of the girls assured Dr. Lachele they were fine before Gemma caught her attention again. “They wanted to be here when it happened.”

  “Ah, I see.” Understanding lit the matchmaker’s eyes. “I haven’t sent anyone through time with others around, but I don’t see why it would make a difference. The more the merrier!”

  “That’s exactly what I thought. Might as well make it a party.” Gemma laughed.

  “I love that.” Dr. Lachele rubbed her hands together, and Gemma could feel the woman’s excitement. “Let’s get down to business. You want me to send you to find the perfect man for you.” She glanced down at the book still clutched in Gemma’s hands. “One in the Wild West?”

  “Preferably in 1880s Montana. But if he’s not there,” she added quickly, “I will go wherever he is.”

  Dr. Lachele tapped her lip. “I have a feeling you’re right. 1880s Montana is the right place. I can feel it.”

  Gemma didn’t know if that’s how it worked for the others, but she didn’t care. Her excitement built until she thought she would burst.

  “Are you ready?” Dr. Lachele asked.

  “I am.”

  “Good. Hurry and say your goodbyes. This happens fast.” She stepped back to allow the other book club members to wish her well.

  She quickly exchanged a few words with Taylor, Penelope, and Helen. But when Rory hugged her, her chest tightened.

  “Be careful,” Rory said one last time. “I’m rooting for you.”

  Gemma pulled back, swallowing a lump in her throat. “I’m rooting for you too. You deserve love, Rory. Go after it. I bet there’s a duke waiting for you.” She gave her friend a wink to lighten the mood.

  Rory chuckled before stepping back. “If I knew that for sure, I’d leave in a heartbeat.”

  Gemma hoped her friend took the leap.

  Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Dr. Lachele. “I’m ready. Let’s do this.”

  The others moved back to let Dr. Lachele get closer. “Things are going to turn out so well for you, Gemma. I can feel it. Now, to make it official, I need you to say the words. I wish…” She lifted her eyebrows encouragingly.

  Gemma’s heart thundered. This was it. No turning back. No second-guessing. “I wish to go back in time and meet the love of my life.”

  Dr. Lachele’s smile widened. “Have a wonderful time, dear.” She twitched her nose, the lights flared, and a moment later—

  Gemma landed in the middle of a river.

  Chapter 2

  Gemma gasped as icy cold water saturated her clothes. The current sucked her down, tugging at her bag until she worried it would break free. Oh no you don’t! She would not lose her bag.

  She kicked hard, using the adrenaline coursing through her to f
ight through the cold. Years of swim training helped her move before her brain could fully function, and she freestyled her way to the edge. The current was calmer here, and she pulled herself out, falling to her back on the bank.

  Her chest heaved, not from the exertion, but from the shock of what had happened. She’d been dumped in the river! So much for her plans about what to do upon arrival.

  My phone!

  Whipping her bag to her lap, she opened it, grateful to see the plastic bags she’d used to pack the sensitive items had remained sealed tight. They’d even worked traveling through time.

  Maybe the company could use it as a selling point.

  She snorted and lay back down now that she knew her belongings were safe.

  She was chilled from the freezing river, and, after a few minutes, she realized she’d have to do something about it. Inside the bag, her dress was also wet, but she hoped the antibiotics were still wrapped tight. She’d either have to strip down and hang her clothes by a fire or risk the cold and let them dry on her.

  She was tempted to go sans clothes but didn’t dare.

  She scanned the thick foliage shielding her on the bank and stilled. The incessant honking that plagued her ears in New York City had vanished. Only the sound of bees in the wildflowers behind her and the occasional call of a bird in its nest could be heard.

  The air was clean—unlike anything she’d ever breathed. Even when she’d traveled to Montana in her time, it hadn’t been like this. It was so pure it was almost sweet!

  She closed her eyes and ran her hands along the grass that enveloped her. Silky and strong, it rustled as wind moved through it.

  She was alone. Utterly and completely.

  Tears filled her eyes, but she pushed them away. She’d miss everyone she left, but she’d come to find someone even more important. And finding him would make the sacrifice more than worth it.