Western Dilemma Page 7

  There had to be some way to convince her of it.

  From the corner of his eye he saw Mr. Brown wave, catching his attention. Everett waved him over. “Is there a problem?”

  The man shook his head. “No. I just wanted to tell you the fire doors are in place if you’d like to inspect them.”

  “Excellent. I’ll be right there.” His safety measures were being implemented quickly, the workers even more motivated after the fire. He guessed that within another couple of weeks everything would be done.

  Mr. Brown turned to head back into the mine then snapped his fingers and swiveled back. “I also wanted to let you know there was a problem with some of the machinery. You might want to take a look at it.”

  That wasn’t something Everett generally did, but if Mr. Brown was bringing it up, it must be a safety hazard. “I’ll take a look.”

  Everett rubbed the back of his neck and glanced at the tent. He guessed Emery still had another hour or two of appointments before she was ready to leave. With any luck, he’d be done at the same time.

  Before he could take a step toward the malfunctioning equipment, a loud clang filled the air and a man screamed.

  Everett was already running toward the chaos when he saw Emery racing from the tent.

  “Everyone, get back!” Everett yelled, needing to get through.

  He pushed through a few of the men who weren’t quick enough to do his bidding until he’d forced his way to the center of the crowd.

  The equipment smoked, and he saw where a gear had exploded and sliced through the unconscious man’s leg.

  Everett swore, moving quickly to determine if the man was still alive. Once he felt a pulse and saw the man’s breaths, he yelled, “Get Mr. McDermott!”

  “I’m here!” Lucas called as he shoved his way through the group, ushering Emery through as well. “Is he alive?”

  “Yes, but if we don’t see to his leg, he won’t be shortly.” Everett pointed to the gushing wound.

  Emery moved forward. “Let me apply pressure.”

  Everett jerked his head roughly and jumped to his feet, removing his belt. “It’s too late for that.”

  Before Emery could even argue, Lucas stopped her. “Let him do it.”

  Confusion flitted over her face, but Everett put it out of his mind. Quickly, he wrapped his belt tight around the man’s leg above the wound. “Emery, bring your bag. Press cloths against the wound now.”

  He had moved into complete command, and she jumped to do his bidding.

  They moved together quickly, working in sync to save the man. When Everett asked for something, Emery handed it to him.

  The wound soaked through several cloths before Everett realized it wouldn’t slow. The artery had been nicked.

  He looked grimly into her eyes. “Do you have a needle and thread?”

  She reached into her bag and offered it to him. “Doesn’t he need an amputation?”

  He didn’t waste any time probing the wound until he found the damage. He could repair it, he was sure, but he’d have to be delicate, and it’d been some time since he’d performed such a procedure. “No.”

  When she realized what he was doing, she sucked in a breath, but remained silent, allowing him to concentrate.

  He worked quickly, stemming the flow and repairing the damage. When he’d done as much as he could, he sewed up the wound with quick, precise stitches.

  He waited a moment to see how his work fared—if something went wrong, they’d have to amputate—but when it looked like it would hold, he nodded to her. “Pack and dress it.”

  She looked at him curiously as if seeing him for the first time.

  Realizing they’d done everything they could, Lucas cleared the area and sent everyone back to work. Emery went about her task, but when everyone had left, she looked at him again. “How did you do that?”

  He blew out a breath and raked a hand through his hair. He hadn’t had to step in and use his medical skills like that in so long, he’d forgotten what it was like. The wave of adrenaline, the surge of power. It was addicting. “I told you I had medical training.”

  She shook her head. “I didn’t know you had that kind of medical training.”

  He wouldn’t lie to her. “It comes in handy.”

  Before she could say anything else, Lucas returned. He nodded grimly before looking at the man. “You both did excellent work today.”

  “We did,” Everett said, looking at Emery. “She made it possible.”

  Lucas turned to her, bowing his head. “Thank you again for doing this. I hope you see how much of a difference you’re making here.”

  But instead of agreeing, she shook her head. “I’m just glad I was here with the supplies needed to save this man’s life.”

  They looked down at the man. “What should we do with him?” Lucas asked.

  Instead of taking charge, Everett looked to Emery. “What would you advise? You’re an expert on these matters.”

  She seemed surprised he would ask her. “Bring him to the tent, and I’ll keep an eye on him. If he’s stable in a few hours, we’ll transport him into town in my wagon.”

  Lucas nodded, then called for several men to come and help move the injured miner.

  Seeing his opportunity to speak privately with her for a moment, Everett took Emery’s arm and moved her to the side, speaking softly. “I’m sure you have some questions for me.”

  She looked at him seriously. “I do.”

  “When he’s stable, we’ll talk.” He’d tell her everything she wanted to know. It was far past time for secrets.

  She glanced over at the man who was being taken toward the tent, then finally nodded. “All right.” She stepped away from him and followed after the injured man.

  Lucas returned once everything was settled. He stood next to Everett, looking at the tent. “She still doesn’t know who you are, does she?”

  Everett shook his head.

  Lucas placed his hand on Everett’s shoulder. “She’ll understand why you didn’t tell her.”

  He appreciated Lucas’ words, but Everett wasn’t so certain. He’d had various reasons for not telling her who he was. Some were selfish and some weren’t. Would she understand? Maybe.

  He just hoped Emery wouldn’t hate him when she found out.

  ***

  It had been two days since the accident at the mine, and Emery had just gotten a full night’s rest. After watching over her new patient, she’d been worn out, and sleeping like the dead last night had settled her.

  One thing she’d had plenty of time to do over the last couple days was to think about Everett and what had happened in the yard.

  She was still so surprised he’d been able to save the man’s life—that he’d had the skills to do so.

  Every time she thought she knew who he was, he surprised her. A new sliver of his personality was thrust into the light, and she found herself even more intrigued by him.

  But it had taken her some time to come to terms with this new side of him. He was so much more than the miner she first imagined him to be.

  And it wasn’t even until yesterday that she’d realized something else.

  He didn’t have to be a miner.

  He didn’t have to face danger every day in the copper mine. Oh, she wouldn’t stop him from going in to make the safety changes, but with the skills she’d seen in the yard, he could do so much more.

  She assumed he’d gone to medical school but dropped out before earning his degree. That would explain why he wasn’t working as a doctor. His skills were valuable, and she needed more help in the clinic, especially as the town grew.

  She just had to convince him of that—and she thought she might be able to.

  A secret smile crossed her face as she imagined how things could be.

  Without the fear of him dying in a mine, a new realization had come to her overnight. She wasn’t just falling in love with Everett. She was already in love with him.

  She’d
been so scared to take the leap, to trust. But she wasn’t anymore. And she couldn’t wait to tell him.

  She’d been sitting in the parlor, looking out the window and daydreaming, when Hannah looked into the room. “Are you humming?”

  Instantly, Emery stopped. Color filled her cheeks, and she looked at Hannah. “I was.”

  Hannah eyed her critically. “You seem different. Is everything all right?”

  Emery sighed. She and Hannah had never seen eye to eye, but over the last few weeks, she’d come to appreciate the woman more.

  Hannah Pierce wasn’t what she appeared to be. Her façade was cool sophistication and wealth. Class with just a little bit of snootiness.

  But Emery hadn’t understood it was just a shell hiding hurts and scars.

  Emery patted the chair next to her. “Do you want to come in?”

  Hannah cocked her head slightly, surprised. But instead of declining, Hannah moved across the room and settled into the chair. “Thank you.”

  With everything that was happening in her life, Emery wanted to fix this. “I feel I owe you an apology,” she said.

  Hannah frowned. “For what?”

  “We haven’t always agreed on things. I know that’s been my fault. I judged you unfairly.”

  A wry smile lifted Hannah’s lips. “It’s not the first time it’s happened to me.”

  “But I shouldn’t have done it. And I’m sorry.”

  Hannah looked at her seriously. “Thank you. It means a lot to me. So much has happened since we came here.” She laughed softly. “And it’s been nothing like how I expected. Life is so different here. I feel like a fish out of water, trying to do things I never had to do before.”

  Emery reached out to her then, taking her hand. She’d never been able to see another person in pain, whether it was physical or emotional, without trying to help. “You’re doing a wonderful job. I know Promise Creek wasn’t your first choice, but you’re making a life here. One you can be proud of. One you can turn into anything you want.”

  Hannah nodded slowly. “I know. At first I thought…” She laughed harshly. “At first I thought I would come and get a rich husband, take him back East, and show everyone they were wrong about me. That someone with means wanted me.” She shook her head sadly. “It was a foolish idea. No one back home even cares what’s happened to me or what my life is like. All they care about is themselves.”

  Emery’s heart ached. “It will get better. I know it might not seem like it, but it will.”

  Hannah squeezed her hand, but Emery couldn’t tell if she believed her or not. “Enough about me,” Hannah said, squeezing one last time before releasing Emery’s hand. “Tell me about you.” She arched a brow. “Tell me why you were humming just now.”

  “I was thinking of someone,” she admitted freely.

  Hannah smirked. “Would this person be Mr. Everett?”

  Emery laughed, the sound happy and carefree. “He might.”

  “What have you decided? I’m assuming it’s good since you seem so happy.”

  Emery let out a breath, and all her previous tension over a relationship with him fled. “I’ve felt something between us for a while now, but I felt like nothing could happen. First, he was my patient, and it felt wrong to me. Then, when he wasn’t, I realized at his job, he’d always be in danger. I didn’t want a life where I worried all the time.”

  “That’s understandable.” Hannah frowned. “But what changed? Is he leaving the mine?”

  Emery held out her hands. “I don’t know. But I hope so. The other day, he saved a man’s life. He’s had medical training. Extensive training. Enough that I could give him more tutoring, and he could work at the clinic.”

  Both of Hannah’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s wonderful! What does he think about it?”

  Emery hedged. “I haven’t told him yet. But I’m sure he would be ecstatic about it. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”

  Hannah nodded slowly. “It is. But there’s a possibility he may not want it.”

  It was possible, however unlikely. And Hannah’s words filled her with doubt.

  What if he didn’t want to work with her in the clinic and wanted to stay in the mine? Did that change how she felt for him or what she wanted?

  Hannah watched the emotions flow across her face. “You love him, don’t you?” she asked softly.

  “I do,” Emery admitted. “I won’t pretend everything would be all right if he continued to work in the mine. But I’m to the point where I can’t deny how I feel any longer. I can’t shove these feelings away. If he stays at the mine, I have to have faith that everything will work out.”

  Hannah offered her a sad smile. “I’m happy for you, and I’ll be rooting for him to take a job with you.”

  Until he rejected her proposal, Emery would hope for the best as well. She grinned. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  Hannah chuckled. “Me either. And here I thought we’d all end up with Copper Kings.”

  Emery rolled her eyes. “Can you imagine? There’s no way I could ever end up with a man like that.”

  Hannah shrugged. “I guess it doesn’t matter now that you found the love of your life.”

  Emery detected a hint of sadness in Hannah’s voice. “It’ll happen for you as well. I know it.”

  Hannah lifted her chin like she was being brave. “I hope so too. What will you do now?”

  Emery looked back out the window and took a deep breath. “I have to tell him how I feel.”

  “Good luck.” Hannah shook her head in either amusement or pity. Emery couldn’t tell.

  But for once Emery didn’t need luck. She had love on her side.

  Chapter 10

  The crowd was already gathering as Everett broke out in a sweat. He’d waited too long, and now he was about to lose everything.

  There had to be a way to still fix this, a way to make it so he could explain things properly to Emery. He just couldn’t see how.

  He was a fool.

  It had completely blindsided him when he’d entered the office and found three of his partners, Lucas, Chase, and Max, all talking about the announcement they would give to the workers. Everett had thought it days out still, but it was decided the announcement would happen today instead of delaying.

  The workers needed reassurance that the Copper Kings would take care of their health and safety. With all the accidents and fires, their employees needed it now more than ever.

  Everett couldn’t disagree. Morale had gone down. And even though he’d messed everything up with Emery, their workers had to be their top priority. Everett had agreed to the announcement today.

  But as he stood in the yard, watching the men gathering, curious about what the Copper Kings would say, he couldn’t help but worry over his relationship with Emery. She wasn’t due for checkups today, so it was unlikely she would be here. That should give him time to leave immediately after the announcement and confess everything to her. He still didn’t have high hopes the conversation would go well, but he knew it would go much better than hearing it from someone else.

  Everett was beside the platform, ready to take his place in front of everyone once Chase was finished. When the yard brimmed with men, Chase took center stage in front of the group, and everyone quieted down.

  Chase practically oozed charm, and seeing him up there just reaffirmed that they’d chosen well for their spokesman. Everett wasn’t too bad, but compared to Chase he seemed like a hermit.

  Chase grinned at the workers. “I want to thank you again for doing such an excellent job. Without you, this operation wouldn’t be a success. My partners and I want you to know that even though there’s been hardships here, we’re determined to lessen those and to make things safer for everyone.”

  Hope shone in the men’s eyes as they listened intently. Just knowing they were being supported by the owners made a tremendous difference.

  This was the right thing to do, and even if other big mines weren’t
putting such elaborate safety measures in place, Everett knew he and his partners would never regret this.

  He was still thinking of that when a rider entered the yard. As he looked more fully at the person, Everett froze.

  Emery.

  He looked around in panic. What was she doing here? He thought for sure she wouldn’t show up today.

  He wanted to go to her, to whisk her away and confess everything, but there wasn’t any time—and now he was about to lose everything.

  She gazed across the gathering, no doubt trying to figure out what was happening. And then her eyes landed on him and she lit up. It was a look he’d been waiting forever to see. In it, he saw her hopes, her dreams, and her love.

  The panic leeched from him, and sorrow took its place. He didn’t understand why fate was so cruel.

  She dismounted from her horse, tying it to one of the posts outside the office, then stepped toward the back of the group to hear the announcement.

  Everett’s fists clenched, and he breathed in deeply, keeping himself calm. Regardless of the bad choices he’d made with Emery, he still had a job to do.

  And with a flourish Chase made his announcement. “As you’re aware, changes have already occurred.” Chase’s lips pursed amusingly. “We thought having Everett pose as one of the employees here would help you all feel freer to voice your concerns, to suggest changes you would never vocalize to one of us. But now that he’s heard you, now that changes are being made, I’d like to invite Dr. Everett Clarke, one of my partners, to say a few words.”

  At the shocking announcement, chatter ignited.

  Everett stepped on stage and shook Chase’s hand before turning his attention back to the crowd. His eyes connected with Emery. Even from that distance he could read the emotions crossing her face.

  Surprise. Hurt. Betrayal.

  They were all there just as he’d expected. He wanted to go to her to explain everything, but he had a job to do first. He only hoped Emery would stick around long enough for him to explain.

  “Surprise,” he said, holding out his hands. Several of the men in the crowd chuckled. “Our intention from the beginning has been to make this mine a success. But success is more than how much copper it produces or how much money we make. Success has always consisted of many things all working together, and one of those aspects is all of you. Our employees. Without you, this mine would fail. There wouldn’t be one. You are the mine’s greatest asset, and because of that, we want to help you do what you’ve come to do. We want to keep you healthy, to give you the tools you need, and to make sure you have the highest quality of life possible.”