by Ruth Langan
Ace felt a wave of despair. Not for himself. His life no longer mattered. But the thought of Ally’s fate had him nearly crazed with determination. He had to do something now, before he lapsed into unconsciousness.
Calling on every ounce of energy, he got to his feet and took several halting steps to one side, hoping to keep Gabriel’s attention focused away from Ally. He prayed she’d have the sense to run while he kept the gunman distracted.
“What happens if her grandfather refuses to sell to you?”
“He’ll have a little…accident. Who’d question an old cripple falling off his scooter and left exposed to the elements for a couple of nights?”
Out of the corner of his eye Ace saw Ally roll free of the chair. His hopes began to rise. Now, if she could make it as far as his truck, she would find the keys still in the ignition.
“You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you, Gabriel?”
“I’ve had a lot of years to plan my revenge against you and your brothers. Especially after your old man cheated me out of hurting him.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“I spent years plotting and scheming how to hurt Wes Wilde. I was having such a good time causing all those little…accidents on this ranch, and then watching Wes take the blame. But then I made the mistake of phoning him, and telling him what I was doing. Oh, I enjoyed myself immensely when he lost his temper and threatened to go to the authorities. I reminded him that nobody would believe such a crazy story. I knew that got to him. But then I guess it was all too much for him. I heard he keeled over in the barn and died of a heart attack that same day. I never forgave your father for dying before the fun was over.”
From her vantage point on the ground, Ally struggled frantically to stand, but found, to her despair, that her legs wouldn’t support her. She looked around, desperate to save Ace from this madman. Her heart was pounding in her chest when she caught sight of the look of absolute disbelief on his face when he heard what Mason Gabriel had just said.
Ace’s voice was choked. His vision clouded by a red mist of fury. “You caused my father’s heart attack?”
Mason gave a wide smile. “Oh, this is so good. Do you know, when you’re in a temper like you are now, you look just like him? So, if I can’t have the satisfaction of killing Wes Wilde, at least I’ll kill his lookalike son.”
Ace’s crippling pain was forgotten. Everything was forgotten except the rage that drove him. He started forward, unmindful of the rifle pointed at his head. “You’re a dead man, Gabriel.”
Ace saw Gabriel’s finger tighten on the trigger. But before he could squeeze off a shot, he suddenly screamed and clutched both hands to his face. The rifle fell to the ground.
Ace looked over and saw Ally kneeling in the dirt, holding two broken chair legs like pool sticks. The rock she’d fired in place of a cue ball had scored a direct hit in Gabriel’s eye with all the force of a missile.
It was all the advantage Ace needed. With a string of oaths he landed a blow that had Mason reeling backward. Then Ace began pummeling him with his fists, landing blow after blow to his head and face. Mason dropped to his knees and Ace stood over him, waiting to hit him again. Instead Gabriel brought his head up with such force it sent Ace sprawling backward. Before he could recover Gabriel began kicking him in the face and body, unleashing a brutal assault until he was a mass of bloodied flesh.
Amazingly, Ace struggled to his feet one more time, but the bullet had taken its toll. He found he couldn’t will his arm to move.
Mason reared back and hit him with all his strength, sending him sprawling in the dirt.
“Stop it.” Ally wasn’t even aware of the tears that streamed from her eyes, nearly blinding her. All she knew was that she had to stop this madman before he killed Ace.
“Shut up. I’ll deal with you when I’ve finished with him.” Gabriel stooped down to grab the rifle.
But Ally was there first. Fear had given her renewed strength. She snatched it up, then took a step back, aiming it at his chest. “Move away from Ace, or I’ll fire.”
Gabriel paused for only a moment. Seeing the fear in her eyes, and the way her hands trembled, he began to laugh. “All my life I’ve been a gambling man. And right now, I’m about to take the biggest gamble of my life. I’m calling your bluff. I don’t believe you have the guts to pull that trigger.”
“Don’t,” she cried. She glanced at Ace, then back at Gabriel, and realized he had no intention of stopping his torment.
As he reached for her, there was a thunderous explosion. For a moment the man facing her paused, staring at her in mute surprise. Then, as he clutched at his chest, a river of blood spilled through his hands, staining the front of his shirt and pooling on the ground at his feet. He went rigid, before dropping to his knees and falling forward in the dirt.
“Ace.” Ally rushed to his side, kneeling beside him, tears rolling down her face. “Oh, Ace. Please don’t die.”
“…Not dead.” He managed the words over a bloody, swollen mouth.
“Thank God. You’re alive. But…I’ve shot Mason Gabriel. I may have killed him.” The tears came harder and faster now.
“Shhh.” Against a wave of pain he struggled to sit up, and nearly passed out cold. “Do you realize…just saved both our lives?”
“But I’ve… Oh, Ace. I pulled the trigger.”
“Come here, Red.”
Sobbing, she fell into his arms, needing to touch his face, to feel his strength, to assure herself that he was, indeed, alive.
As for Ace, he’d never known his heart to beat so erratically. As though he’d been swimming through quicksand. But now, someone had tossed him a lifeline. He closed his eyes and held on, allowing himself to drift on the peaceful current. And vowed that even when he reached shore, he was never, ever again, going to let go.
Chapter 15
“All these years. All this hatred and jealousy. And it was all over money.” Chance shook his head, as Ace recounted everything Mason had told him.
They were in the great room. Ace lay on the sofa, swathed in bandages after an airlift to the hospital in Laramie. Ally had never left his side. She sat now, holding his hand, listening quietly as he fielded their questions.
“What happens to a man, that he can get so caught up in revenge?” Erin asked softly.
“I don’t know.” Hazard shook his head. “Seems like such a waste of a life. If he had put half that energy into pursuing something positive, he could have been wealthy and successful in his own right.”
“Huh.” Agnes huffed into the room and pressed a hand to Ace’s forehead. Satisfied, she nodded. “I’m just glad you were able to stop the madness.”
“It wasn’t my doing.” Ace smiled at Ally. “Here’s the real heroine of the day. If she hadn’t reacted when she did, we’d both be dead now.”
For a minute Agnes merely stared at Ally without words. Then, her lips trembling, she burst into tears before waddling out of the room.
The others fell silent. Ace glanced at Cody, who simply winked before staring down at his hands.
When Ally found her voice she wiped away a tear of her own. “How could I do less than you, Ace?” She turned to the others. “Even though he’d been shot, Ace managed to carry me, chair and all, through a wall of flame, and out of that inferno.”
Harlan, who had been listening in stunned silence, cleared his throat. “And for that, I owe you, son.”
Ace turned to him. “I’m just sorry that you had to lose everything. I hope you’re insured.”
“You saved the most important thing in my life. My granddaughter.” The old man sighed. “As for the house and barn, I think there’s enough to rebuild. But if you don’t mind, it looks like my granddaughter and I will be accepting your hospitality awhile longer.”
“Mind?” Ace’s smile was dazzling. “I’m getting used to having her…and you, of course, and Buster and Billy, around.”
The others grinned.
&nbs
p; Maggie stifled a yawn. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m exhausted just thinking about all that went on today.”
Chance stood and dropped an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “That makes two of us.”
As they walked away, Harlan brought his scooter closer and offered a hand to Ace. “Thanks, son, for being there for my granddaughter. I’m ashamed of all the years I’ve held a grudge against your family.”
Solemnly the two men shook hands.
Harlan turned to Ally. “Good night, Allycat.”
“’Night, Gramps.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely. “I love you.”
“And I love you. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.”
When he was gone she helped Ace to his feet. “Think you can make it to the bedroom?”
He shook his head. “Mine’s too far away. I think I’d better stop at yours.”
Behind him, Hazard and Erin laughed.
“Same old Ace,” Hazard muttered against her ear.
“Uh-huh. I was thinking the same thing. Some things never change.”
If Ace heard them, he never let on as he allowed Ally to help him into her room. When the door closed, he leaned against it and drew her into his arms.
“Are you okay?” she whispered.
“Oh, yeah. Better than okay. Red, I’m so glad to be standing here right now, just holding you. There were a few moments there when I was afraid I’d never have the opportunity to do this again.”
And then, as his mouth covered hers, he listened to the sound of their beating hearts, and realized just what a gift they’d been given.
Ace lay in bed, his hands under his head, enjoying the familiar rituals of morning at the Double W. The air was spiced with cinnamon and apple, and he knew Maggie was baking one of her fabulous coffee cakes for breakfast. Somewhere a door slammed, and the sound of Chance shouting something to Hazard had him grinning.
Just outside his window, Buster and Billy were barking at the arrival of a truck. He heard the engine idle for a moment, then go quiet. The crunch of footsteps grew closer, and the back door was thrown open as Cody entered, calling a greeting.
The bedroom door opened and Ally stepped in looking all fresh and glowing from her shower. Behind her Buster and Billy padded to the bed. Billy leapt up and licked Ace’s face, while Buster, still nursing his wound, had to be content to wait on the floor, his whole body wiggling with happiness.
Ally dressed quickly, in a shirt tied at the midriff and a pair of cotton shorts that showed off those long legs to their best advantage. Ace scratched Billy’s ears and enjoyed the view.
“Coming to breakfast?” she called over her shoulder.
“Yeah. In a few minutes. You going to give me a kiss?”
She crossed to the bed and brushed her lips over his. He felt the slow simmer begin deep inside. Would it always be like this? he wondered. Would he never tire of the taste of her, the feel of her in his arms?
“Come on, Billy.” She picked up the dog and started toward the door, with Buster lumbering behind.
“Where are you going?”
“To join the others. Coming?”
“Yeah.” He swung his feet to the floor. “Soon as I shower. Tell Maggie to save me a piece of that coffee cake.”
Ally grinned. But when she pulled the door closed, her smile faded and she took a deep breath. This was going to be a lot harder than she’d thought. Every time she even looked at Ace, her heart did a series of somersaults, and her brain turned to mush.
She stiffened her shoulders and lifted her chin. She could do this. A little bit of fear couldn’t stop her. After all, wasn’t she the greatest hustler in the world?
She greeted the others and helped herself to a glass of juice. Agnes, who was just pouring herself a cup of coffee, poured one for Ally and handed it to her.
“Thanks, Agnes.”
“You’re welcome.” The old woman cleared her throat. “You really going to go through with it?”
Ally nodded.
Agnes put a hand over hers and lowered her voice. “You and Ace belong together.”
Ally felt her eyes fill and blinked furiously. “Thanks, Agnes. That’s really sweet of you, but…”
“No buts. I’ve seen a lot of females making big eyes at that boy. But none of them were right. Now you…you’re right.”
She waddled away before Ally could argue.
The others got suddenly busy, pretending they hadn’t overheard. Even Harlan, usually so outspoken, seemed subdued this morning. But all of them had privately agreed that Ace, no matter the assault on his heart, was a confirmed bachelor.
By the time Ace walked into the kitchen, they were gathered around the table enjoying breakfast.
“’Morning, all.” Ace turned to Maggie. “Did you save me a piece of that coffee cake?”
“You know I wouldn’t forget.” She placed it in front of him and watched as he dug in.
He tasted, sighed, then finished the entire piece before reaching for the platter of eggs. As he did his glance fell on the suitcases by the door.
“Who’s leaving?”
Ally turned to him with a smile. “I can see that Agnes was right. This last week of pampering seems to have affected your mind. I told you the insurance company is providing Gramps with a mobile home while the house and barn are being rebuilt.”
“Yeah. I remember. So those are yours, Harlan? Why so many?”
“Half are mine,” the old man said. “The other half belong to Allycat.”
“You’re…” He swiveled his head. “…Leaving, too?”
“You don’t think I’d let Gramps go back there alone?”
“Yeah. I thought…” He looked around the table and realized that everyone was watching and listening. “Look. Could we go someplace alone and talk?”
“Talk?” Ally lowered her cup of coffee. “What’s there to talk about, Ace?”
“About us. I thought, since we get along so well together, that you might…that we might…” He set down his knife and fork with a clatter. “This isn’t easy for me to say. But I thought we might stay together.”
“We can get together, Ace.” She began gathering up her dishes before getting to her feet. As she crossed to the sink she said, “Now that you and Gramps are such good friends, you can come visit whenever you want. Even Buster and Billy will be happy to see you.”
“That isn’t what I meant.” Annoyed, he tossed down his napkin.
“All right. Then I’ll come here to visit, too. Often, if you’d like.” She started rinsing the dishes, then placing them in the dishwasher.
Around the table, the others ate in silence.
“I want more.” He shoved back his chair and stood facing her. “I was thinking maybe we’d…get married.”
“Married?” Ally looked up, then shook her head. “You know you don’t really want to get married, Ace. You’re just saying that because you think it’s what a woman wants to hear.”
“Well? Don’t you?” He could feel his temper rising. “After all, it isn’t like I make this kind of offer every day of my life. In fact, damn it, you’re the first woman I’ve ever said this to. I should think you’d give it a little more consideration than this.”
“Oh. You want consideration?” She paused, stared at the ceiling, then smiled sweetly. “Okay. I’ve considered your proposal, Ace. But I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.”
“You can’t mean this.” He stalked closer, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “You love me. And I love you. Why shouldn’t we get married?”
She shrugged, then to add insult to injury, patted his arm. “Because I like things the way they are. No strings. No commitments. We’ll still get together. Have a few laughs.”
“Laughs?” His eyes narrowed. “Is that what you think life is all about? A few laughs? A roll in the hay?”
“Ace.” She straightened. Dried her hands. “Why should we spoil things? We’re both feeling so g
ood now. Let’s not rock the boat.”
“Whose boat? Yours or mine?”
“I thought we were both happy with the way things are. Aren’t you happy, Ace?”
“No. Yes.” He hissed out a breath. “Listen. I am happy. But I want it all, Red. I want marriage. Commitment. A family.” He paused. “Is that it? Are you afraid to think about having a baby?”
She shrugged. “I haven’t given it a lot of thought. But I suppose, when the time comes, I’ll get used to the idea.”
“Get used to…” He huffed out another breath. “Okay, look. I know it’s different with you, Red. You had all those years to take care of your mother. And now you’re worried about your grandfather. A husband and kids would just be more work for you. But I give you my word. If you agree to marry me, I’ll share everything. I’ll never ask you to take on more work than you really want.”
She was shaking her head. “Ace, I don’t think…”
“Wait.” He caught her by the shoulders, and for a moment thought about shaking some sense into her. Then he seemed to catch himself. His touch gentled and he ran his hands up and down her arms. His tone turned persuasive. “Tell you what, Red. You agree to marry me, I’ll do something I swore I’d never do.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ll…go for the big wedding. You know. Tuxedo, flowers, the whole town of Prosperous invited. Hell, I’ll even invite the whole state of Wyoming.”
She shook her head.
“And I’ll…” He started talking faster. “I’ll live with you and your grandfather.” At her look of surprise he nodded emphatically. “Really. It’s closer to the mine anyway. While the builders are there, we’ll have them build whatever kind of house you’ve always dreamed of having. And I’ll…” He dragged in a breath. He was on a roll now. “I’ll get Maggie’s recipe for coffee cake. I’ll get up early and bake it while you sleep in late.”
She pulled away and faced him, her hands on her hips. “Now I know you’re not being serious, Ace. You’re just saying whatever you think I want to hear. When are you going to take no for an answer? Because that’s my answer, Ace. Read my lips.”