A Mail-Order Hope (Miners to Millionaires Book 3) Page 7

  Asher was at the end of the line of shooters and glanced down to Belle, while trying to block out Ronan’s figure several people over. “Good luck.”

  “You too,” she whispered.

  When the smoke cleared, Belle clucked at her shot, knowing she was out. But she didn’t complain or wail over it. She simply nodded and accepted that she hadn’t shot well enough.

  “I’m sorry you didn’t make it through,” he said.

  “I guess I need to practice more.” She nodded at another perfect shot from him. “I think we might need to go shooting together. You could give me pointers.”

  If only things could be that simple. If only he were just a normal guy, just like any of the others in town, he would have gladly taken Belle shooting. But he wasn’t, and could never be. But for some reason, he couldn’t tell her no right then.

  “I hope you win,” she said, and begun scanning the other targets. “I wonder who you’re shooting against.”

  But she hadn’t needed to look.

  A moment later, Sawyer called out, “And the finalists are...Asher Walker and Ronan Briggs!”

  Chapter 8

  At Sawyer’s words, Asher’s fists clenched. Asher and Ronan. He would be shooting against Ronan.

  Asher wiped his damp brow with the edge of his shirt as a wave of nausea roiled through him. The last time they’d shot together—

  His body shook, dislodging unwanted memories. He couldn’t go back there. He couldn’t go back to a time where fear, death, and despair ruled his life. They weren’t soldiers anymore. That time was long past.

  “Are you all right?” Belle asked, and again it surprised him that she could pick up his moods so easily. “You don’t look well again. Perhaps you should sit down. I’m sure Sawyer could call a break.”

  And let this feeling fester any longer than it needed to? No thanks. “I’ll be all right.” He had to be. Besides, unless they tied, there would only be one shot. He could stand by Ronan that long.

  She didn’t argue with him, although she still looked skeptical. He just needed to get away from here. Get away from everything and everyone. Stop everything from reminding of him of how he’d failed the people close to him continually. Ronan was only one in a long line. He couldn’t pull Ronan from the dark hole he’d been in.

  And look what had happened, what would probably still happen. Ronan would lose his wife, and most likely his life, over his revenge. Asher couldn’t stomach watching it.

  Taking up his rifle, he marched over to the center targets where the final shots would be taken. Ronan arrived at the same moment, but Asher was only capable of nodding in greeting. He wasn’t sure he could speak over the lump in his throat.

  “Asher…” Ronan’s voice trailed off as if he couldn’t think of anything else to say. And really, what could he?

  It’d been so long since they’d had a conversation. Even when they’d teamed up to find Clara they hadn’t spoken, unless it was absolutely necessary. It was the way it had been since they’d come to Promise Creek. Almost a lifetime ago, it seemed.

  He cursed himself for ever agreeing to Belle’s conditions. It had caused more trouble than it was worth. The run-in with Simon, the tension between him and Belle, and now this. He should’ve let her keep visiting him at the cabin.

  “You ready, gentlemen?” Sawyer asked the two of them.

  They both nodded.

  “Good. Same rules as before: One shot; winner takes all; no rematches. Agreed?”

  They both said yes and turned their attentions to the targets.

  As Asher began to tune everything out, giving sole attention to the target and his task, he heard Ronan say, “Good luck.”

  The sincerity in Ronan’s words startled Asher a moment, but he recovered in time to block everything and focus.

  “Fire!”

  Asher didn’t need the smoke to clear to see that he’d shot perfectly. Pride and derision spiraled within him. This is who he was. This is all he was good at—shooting, killing. His time as a boy soldier had certainly shaped him.

  War had shaped him.

  “Asher’s the winner!” The cry rose up and the crowd cheered.

  Ronan chuckled. “You always were a better shot.”

  Asher wasn’t sure what startled him more, Ronan’s words, or the laugh. Asher’s gaze reluctantly fell on his old friend as he tried to reconcile the person in front of him with the man he knew Ronan to be.

  Ronan offered Asher his hand. “Congratulations.”

  Warily, Asher shook it. “Thanks.”

  “Look”—Ronan ran a hand through his hair and eyed the crowd moving toward them—“there’s things I need to say to you. I’m sure you want to get out of here, but would you stay? I won’t keep you long.”

  Asher wanted to say no, maybe another time, but his curiosity got the better of him and he nodded in agreement. There wasn’t time to say anything more as the crowed rushed in on him, wanting to celebrate his win with him. He searched the group and found Belle outside the mob, laughing at the display.

  He couldn’t help but smile at her enjoyment. Having so many people converge on him was a nightmare, and she knew it.

  Ronan removed himself from the group, allowing Asher all the praise deserved from a perfect shot, but he didn’t seem the least upset over losing. Asher couldn’t remember a time Ronan had looked so carefree and at peace. Was it because of his new wife?

  At that thought, Olivia wandered over to Ronan once he’d extricated himself and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him in open sight. Ronan said something that Asher couldn’t hear, but it earned him a poke in the ribs from his petite bride.

  How Ronan had ever won her over was a mystery to him. Perhaps Belle would tell him.

  As the celebrating taper off, Asher felt a little harassed, but happy, although he wasn’t looking forward to his conversation with Ronan. Really, what could Ronan say? What would he want to say after all this time?

  Belle finally stepped toward him. “Now that all your admiring fans have left, let me offer you my congratulations as well.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I can’t believe you shot a perfect contest.”

  He shrugged. With how hard he’d worked on honing his skill, he believed it. “It wasn’t that big of a deal.”

  She snorted. “Now I’ll have to practice even harder so I’ll beat you next year.”

  The fact she even wanted to amused him, pleased him. “You did very well yourself. I know a lot of people were surprised. They might even second-guess messing with any of you ladies if they’d had an inkling.”

  She grinned. “I liked surprising them. And I’m pleased with my shots as well.”

  “Good.”

  “Shall we visit Sally’s?”

  Asher glanced at Ronan, and the other man nodded, before saying something to his wife. Olivia gave him a last kiss and glanced over her shoulder at Asher, offering a small smile, before returning to the town square.

  “Maybe in a little bit. There’s something Ronan wants to speak with me about.”

  “Oh.” Belle glanced over at the man waiting patiently in the brush. “All right. I hope everything is okay?”

  “I’m sure it will be. I’ll meet you in town.” He didn’t add that he planned on leaving the minute he was done speaking with Ronan, but he figured he’d let her know after his conversation.

  “All right.” She seemed like she wanted to say something more, but instead, she followed Olivia back toward the crowds.

  Ronan walked toward him again, now that only the two of them were left. “Thanks for staying.”

  Asher nodded, not sure what else to say.

  Ronan rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I wanted to talk to you. It’s been a long time.”

  “It has.”

  Ronan seemed to be mulling over his words until he swore. “Look, I’m not good at this sort of thing. I guess that’s why I need Olivia in my life so much.”

&nb
sp; Asher’s eyes trailed toward the two women again. “Belle told me you’d gotten married. Congratulations. Honeymooned in Georgia?” When Asher heard the unintended accusation in his tone, he shook his head. “Sorry.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. You have the right idea.”

  Asher’s jaw clamped. Ronan had always been intent on his path, but knowing Ronan would one day take his revenge, and hearing actually went through with it, were two very different things. “I take it you got exactly what you wanted.”

  “I did.”

  Asher was about to turn and leave. He couldn’t stand to hear about how the life he’d saved all those years ago had turned and taken another.

  “Wait.” Ronan put a hand on Asher’s shoulder, only for a second, before removing it. “Look, I know what you’re thinking. You think I killed Lawrence.”

  Asher snorted. Ronan didn’t need to spell it out.

  “But you’re wrong. I didn’t kill him.”

  “What?”

  Ronan blew out a breath. “I intended to kill him, almost all the way up until the last moment.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “Olivia.”

  A small smile played around Ronan’s lips, and Asher realized Ronan loved her.

  “I married Olivia and went to Georgia with the intent of killing Lawrence, but Olivia found out the truth. She told me that if I went through with it, I’d never be the same, and she would leave me.”

  “Smart woman,” Asher said under his breath, but Ronan didn’t comment on it.

  “I didn’t want to lose her. And I soon realized that she—that you—were right. You both were.”

  Asher swallowed hard, but didn’t say anything. He just let Ronan get it all out.

  Ronan spoke quickly now, explaining everything that had happened—how’d he’d ruined Lawrence and set a trap for him, how Lawrence was arrested, and how Ronan’s name was cleared of the murders he’d been accused of so long ago.

  “I’m happy for you.” And a part of him was also relieved. The sacrifice Asher had made all those years ago—choosing to forfeit his good standing in the military, in order to rescue someone who’d been wronged—had been worth it.

  “There’s more.” Ronan reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sealed paper before handing it to Asher.

  Asher saw his name written on the front. “What’s this?”

  “It’s from a court in Georgia. When my lawyer helped me clear my name, I had them clear yours as well. You’ve received an honorable discharge.”

  Asher’s stomach dropped. “What?” His voice was hoarse as he stared at the sealed paper.

  “It’s true. It’s all in there.” Ronan pointed to the letter. “I’ve been carrying it with me since I came back, figuring I’d see you at some point, and hoping I’d have the guts to give it to you and tell you that I’m sorry.”

  Asher shook his head, but Ronan wouldn’t let him brush off his apology. “I mean it, Asher. I’m sorry. You were right this whole time. For years I was filled with anger and hatred, and all I could think about was making Lawrence pay. You told me all those years ago that I’d regret it, that I’d end up in jail or worse, and you were right. I should have listened to you back then.”

  Ronan’s words eased the vise around Asher’s heart. For the first time in a very long time, Asher wasn’t filled with numbness, with despair. He’d done the right thing in rescuing Ronan. He’d taken a chance, saved a life, protected someone who was innocent, and it had been the right thing to do. That knowledge blossomed within him. “Thank you.” He tucked the envelope in his pocket, choosing to read it later once he was alone.

  Ronan shuffled his feet. “I hope that one day, we can become friends again. I’d like to know you, but I won’t force it. It’s your right to choose.”

  Asher appreciated the olive branch Ronan offered. Asher didn’t have many friends, and a part of him missed that. He hadn’t noticed the lack in his life until Belle had shown him what a gaping hole there was. “I’d like that.”

  “Good.”

  Ronan held out his hand for a shake, and Asher accepted, feeling like something monumental had changed in his life.

  Chapter 9

  Belle ignored the conversations behind her as she snuck glances over at the two men talking in the field. Oh, how she wished she could hear what was being said. She knew the two men had a history together, but she had no idea what it was, or what had happened to cause a rift. Only that it had to have been something big.

  Perhaps she should go over there. Perhaps they were arguing and one would pull out a gun and shoot the other. Then Asher would either die or go to jail. She needed to—

  “Belle! There you are.”

  Belle stumbled as her concentration on what possibilities could occur between Ronan and Asher was interrupted. Her hand flew to her heart. “Aria.” She sucked in a breath. “Are you trying to kill me?”

  “No! Sorry.” Her eyes narrowed in concern. “What are you doing over here?”

  “I’m—” Belle lowered her voice a hair. “I’m watching Asher and Ronan talk.”

  Aria’s eyes whipped toward the two men, her mouth forming an O. “I didn’t think they liked each other.”

  “They didn’t—they don’t. I’m not sure what’s going on.”

  “Well, that certainly is interesting.” Her green eyes gleamed with mischief, and her red locks seemed to brighten. “I wonder if we can get Olivia to tell us what’s going on?”

  Belle rolled her eyes. “Doubtful. She’ll be a vault on this topic, I just know it.”

  Aria huffed. “Well, we can hope.”

  Tuning into her friend’s tone, she asked, “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes,” Aria said a little too brightly. “Fine. Everything’s great.”

  “Mm hmm.”

  Aria’s shoulders fell a little, and she tossed an errant red curl over her shoulder. “I’m fine. Honestly. I mean, everything is great, right? We have each other, the house, and the mine. Everything’s perfect.”

  “But…?”

  Aria held up her hands, palms up. “But I’m not used to just sitting around and doing nothing.”

  “Ah. I completely understand.”

  “You do?”

  “Absolutely.” Belle threaded her arm through Aria’s and they walked toward the refreshment table. She’d done enough spying on the men for now. And it’s not like she was learning anything from watching them. Besides, Aria obviously needed someone to talk to. “We were a lot alike, it seems. We were busy doing chores and helping out at home. There was always something that needed scrubbing, something that needed cooking, mending that needed attention, or weeding. I know some of the others are used to this lifestyle, but some of us aren’t. It’s an adjustment.”

  The tension seemed to drain from Aria’s frame. “Yes. That’s exactly it. I’ve been trying to keep busy with things, but there’s only so many walks I want to take or books I can read. I’m going a little crazy.”

  They paused and collected cups of lemonade, before wandering off to the edge of the group for more privacy. Belle studied her friend, seeing the pinched expression on her face. “Is there something you want to do?”

  Aria’s cheeks flushed to match her hair. Her gaze darted around at the other people to check if they were in hearing distance, before saying, “I want to work.”

  Belle laughed, but tried to stifle it. “Forgive me. I’m only laughing because I don’t think that’s something you need to keep quiet about. Working is a good thing. It keeps your mind busy, doesn’t allow you to dwell on the things not going your way, and it’s a great way to earn money. I might even try to find work if I don’t find a husband soon.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Is there anything in particular you’d like to do for work?”

  “Well...” Aria chewed her lip. “I noticed you speaking with Mr. Grant, the banker, earlier. What did you think of him?”

  “Mr. Grant?” Aria tr
ied to remember the handsome, rangy man who’d judged the pie contest with Asher earlier. She was a little embarrassed to admit that she hadn’t paid much attention to him. Her focus had been purely on Asher. “I don’t know him well.”

  “What was your impression of him?” Aria asked pointedly.

  “He seemed a nice man. Handsome, certainly. Perhaps a bit more reserved than Asher or Sawyer.”

  Aria snorted. “More reserved than Asher? I can’t imagine that.”

  “Asher has a side not a lot of people have seen. He can be relaxed, humorous. He isn’t always so standoffish.”

  “Really?” Aria stressed the word.

  Belle narrowed her eyebrows. “Don’t read anything into it. He and I are only friends.” A thought crossed her mind, and a small smile curved her mouth. “On that same note, as I mentioned, the banker is quite handsome.”

  “Oh!” Aria swatted the air like she was swatting Belle’s comment away. “That is not why I’m asking.”

  “You mean you don’t want to set your cap for him?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Then...I’m confused.”

  Aria focused on the cup she rotated in her hands. “He’s a widower with two children. I heard it mentioned that he’s looking for a nanny.”

  “I see.” That was a lot more of a commitment than Belle first realized. “Would you have to live there?” She held her breath.

  “No. I would sleep at home, but I would spend my days and some evenings at their residence.”

  Belle let out the breath she was holding. If Aria had been interested in a live-in situation with an unmarried man, that could’ve caused a lot of problems. “I don’t see any problem with that. But it sounds like it would be a long-term situation. What would happen once you married?”

  “They are looking for someone long-term. The children get used to someone, you know. And while I don’t know if I would continue working there if I married, I don’t see that happening. At least not any time soon.”

  “Why not?”

  Aria shrugged. “I haven’t found anyone I’m interested in yet.”