Western Fate

by Janelle Daniels

  Copper.

  A huge deposit—one which might be larger than the first—had been under their noses all along. He grinned as he looked at the changed color in the test tube. And with the celebration starting in just a few hours, he couldn’t have discovered it at a better time.

  Relief poured though him as all the pressure and stress of the last few weeks disintegrated within his chest. He’d accomplished what he’d come here to do. He’d found the new section that they would mine, and from the initial test, he knew his partners would be pleased.

  And to think it had been sitting in that abandoned shaft this whole time.

  He hadn’t believed it at first, but after several more tests, he’d confirmed it.

  He and Arabella would be leaving in the next day or two, and things would be set back to rights—because he was taking Grace with them.

  The decision sung through him. It was the right call. He could feel it in his gut.

  He might be concerned with how it would work out, that something might go wrong, but he couldn’t deny the rightness he felt in having her with them.

  Relationships sometimes didn’t work out for one reason or another, but Grace had never given him any reason to question her or doubt. She was true and good and devoted, and he knew she was the right person to care for Arabella—and he needed her in his life as well.

  They had time to figure out their relationship. Plenty, if she returned East with them to care for Arabella.

  The question of whether or not they should marry didn’t need a quick answer. They could let things unfold naturally, without any pressure from their parting.

  He chuckled at his good fortune, happy everything had worked out perfectly.

  “Well, don’t you just look pleased with yourself.”

  Hearing Nathan’s voice, he glanced over his shoulder. “Very pleased.” He turned then, showing his partner the test tube.

  Nathan whistled as he studied it, and Oliver could see how quickly his partner was processing the information. He wouldn’t be surprised if Nathan had already come up with all the particulars about when to start harvesting, how best to extract, where they would find more employees, and all the pitfalls they might encounter. “Where did you find it?” he asked.

  “Down one of the split shafts. It had been boarded off as a low producing area, but I sampled it anyway.”

  “The others will be pleased.” Nathan nodded. “Excellent work.”

  That was high praise coming from him. “Thanks. I’m glad I was able to find it before the celebration. I’ll run a few more tests between now and then, but this is definitely the spot.”

  “Good. Shall we head in and tell the others the good news?” He trailed off. “Or is there more good news you’d like to share with me first?”

  Oliver laughed. He wondered if Nathan ever missed anything. “I’ve decided to take Grace home with us.”

  His friend’s expression softened. “You’re going to be very happy together.”

  Oliver shifted on his feet. “I’m not proposing. Not yet, anyway.”

  Nathan’s brows bunched. “Yet you’re taking her home with you?”

  “As Arabella’s nanny,” he quickly clarified in case his friend came to an altogether different and despicable conclusion.

  “I see.”

  Oliver’s eyebrows lowered. “I hope you do see. I don’t mean anything untoward where Grace is concerned. I’ll be giving her every ounce of courtesy and respect she deserves.”

  “I never doubted it.”

  Even if he had, Oliver knew he wouldn’t be able to discern it. Nathan was cunning that way.

  With the continued silence, Oliver shifted on his feet. He didn’t need to explain anything further. But after another moment, he found himself saying, “I don’t see the reason to rush into anything. There isn’t a deadline. At least there won’t be if she agrees to come with us. There will be plenty of time to allow a relationship to develop.”

  “I thought you had a relationship.”

  “A deeper relationship.”

  “Ah.”

  Oliver didn’t know why, but that one sound from Nathan pushed him over the edge. He held out his arms in a confrontational manner. “Do you have something more to say, Nathan?”

  Nathan’s brow rose. “Only that it puts her in a precarious situation. What if either of you decides that you don’t want to further your relationship?”

  “Then she’ll keep her position, of course,” he said, feeling appalled by the direction Nathan was heading.

  “And what if it’s awkward for her? What if you are the one who doesn’t want her? Will she still want to stay with you? Will she have any alternative at that point?”

  Anger boiled inside him. “What are you saying? That I’m taking advantage of her?”

  Nathan shook his head softly. “No. I’m saying think of all the possible outcomes of this choice. Let her know she’ll have options to return if she ever desires to leave. Let her know she’ll be protected no matter what happens—or doesn’t happen.”

  Oliver closed his eyes and felt Nathan place a hand on his shoulder. “I know you don’t want to hurt her, that it’s the last thing on your mind.”

  “But you think I’m being careless?”

  “That’s not my call. I don’t know what’s between the two of you. Anyone can see you care for each other. And from what I know of Grace, she is a wonderful woman. You couldn’t find better.”

  Oliver knew his friend was only looking out for both of them, so he nodded. “Thank you. When I talk to Grace, I’ll be sure to let her know her options.”

  Nathan nodded and lowered his arm. “If you need anything, I’ll be here. Heaven knows things of the heart can wreak havoc on a person’s sanity.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” But Oliver had no intention of getting hurt. That was the whole reason for the arrangement he would propose. Everything was going according to plan. There was no pressure. Only possibilities.

  He knew Grace would see it the same way. In fact, she might even thank him for his thoughtfulness.

  He smiled at the thought.

  Yes, this was the right course of action.

  Chapter 12

  Grace’s heart was in her throat, and the celebration hadn’t even started yet.

  She brought her attention back to the young miner who was trying to entertain her by telling her the story of when he first struck gold. She smiled politely and hoped she looked appropriately impressed when his voice rose with excitement.

  But even though she was being terribly rude, she couldn’t stop herself from glancing around the gathering crowd, looking for Oliver.

  They’d arranged to meet here separately since he hadn’t gone to work earlier that day. But as she stood around, waiting for him to arrive, waiting to finally have the conversation about going with him that could no longer wait, her nerves were on edge.

  With a deep breath, she turned her full attention to the young man. Oliver would arrive when he arrived. And at that point, she would convince him to take her with him no matter what.

  “And that’s when I saw it. Gold!” he finished with a flourish.

  “Amazing! It all sounds so very exciting.”

  He grinned. “Oh, it was, Miss Cooper. The best moment of my life—up until this moment, of course,” he added with a wink.

  She tried to stifle the giggle, but she couldn’t. It was just all so ridiculous. He seemed so very young, like a boy trying to impress a girl for the first time. “You’re too kind, Mr. Rigler.”

  Fortunately, he didn’t seem to realize her amusement. She was about to excuse herself when he grabbed her hand. “Miss Cooper, will you do me the honor of allowing me to court you?”

  “Oh! Um.” She glanced around, realizing people were watching their interaction. How had this gotten awkward so quickly? “You’re very kind to ask. I appreciate your interest, Mr. Rigler, but unfortunately, I don’t think that will be possible.”

  His face
fell, but he didn’t release her hand. “Why not?”

  She contemplated telling him there was someone else, but with no understanding between her and Oliver, it seemed foolish. “Because I expect to be returning East shortly for work.”

  He nodded his acceptance and released her hand. “Is there nothing I can say to convince you? If you’re looking for marriage, I’d be happy to marry you on the spot.” He looked hopeful.

  He really was sweet. “I thank you for such a generous offer, but I must decline.” Now for a delicate exit. “If you’ll excuse me, I must see if my charge has arrived.”

  She gave him a final, gentle smile, and was relieved when he returned it after a moment. No crushed heart there.

  Feeling lighter, she glanced through the crowd, looking for the dark hair and blue eyes she couldn’t get enough of.

  Her eyes fell on him, and her heart leaped. He was here! Arabella was next to him, her hand in his, chatting away as she always did while snuggling Fluffy…but Oliver wasn’t responding to her.

  She hadn’t noticed it at first, but he was rooted to the spot, his expression pinched as he stared her into the ground.

  Confused, she moved toward them, a tentative smile on her face. But with each step she took toward him, dread filled her.

  Unable to meet his chilly eyes, she gave her attention to Arabella. She crouched down to eye level. “Hi, sweetheart. Are you excited about the party?”

  The little angel lit up. “Yes! Uncle Oliver told me there would even be a juggler!”

  Grace chuckled. It was easy to feel the little girl’s excitement. “I saw him right over there.” She pointed over toward the stage. “He’s warming up before his performance.” She lowered her voice. “I heard he was going to juggle fire.”

  Arabella’s eyes widened. “Fire?” She sucked in a breath as if even the thought was too exciting. Then she swiveled to her uncle. “Can I watch?”

  “Yes. But don’t wander off.”

  With a whoop, Arabella took off toward the stage.

  Grace stood, giving her full attention to Oliver. He wasn’t looking at her. Instead, he focused his attention completely on his niece. “She’s going to love the act,” Grace finally said, guessing Arabella was a safe topic.

  “She’s been looking forward to it.”

  Silence.

  Grace twisted her hands in front of her. “I’m sure she’ll love the rest of the entertainment too.”

  “Indeed.” His gaze remained on everything but her.

  Had something happened? Grace couldn’t understand what was causing this distance between them.

  Ice filled her veins. Had he made up his mind not to take her with them? Never one to shy away from her problems, she swallowed hard and turned toward him. “Is anything the matter?”

  “Of course not. This celebration is going better than any of us ever dreamed.”

  That hadn’t answered her question. “Is something wrong outside of the celebration?”

  He met her eyes then, and her heart shuttered. It was as though every emotion he’d ever felt for her was missing.

  “Everything is all right. In fact, it’s wonderful. Arabella and I will be leaving on the first train out tomorrow.”

  “You will?” Excitement warred with her anxiety. “That’s wonderful news.”

  He nodded slowly. “I was able to find the next location to mine, and with the celebration over, there seems to be little reason to stay. It will be good to get Arabella back to her tutors and nanny once we return home.”

  “Her…her nanny? But I thought…” He wouldn’t even look at her. Her fist clenched as disappointment, doubt, and despair filled her. “I thought I was going to be her nanny.”

  “I’m sorry to tell you in this way. I’d hoped for a more private conversation,” he said calmly. But as much as he tried to keep his tone even, Grace heard a slight catch in it as though he didn’t enjoy saying the words.

  “Is there nothing I can do to make you reconsider?” She refused to make a scene, but she also wasn’t going to lie down and accept this.

  “No.” His jaw clenched, and he finally looked at her. “It’s already been decided.”

  With his final pronouncement, he saw the light in her eyes die. He was ready to call back every ridiculous word he’d said, but he clenched his fists tighter at his side and continued down the path he’d begun.

  Everything had been set for her to return with them, all arrangements had been made. The only thing left had been to tell her, and he’d planned to do that in this exact moment.

  But when he’d arrived and had seen her so animated in her conversation with one of his workers, so attentive, so focused—just like she’d always been with him—even allowing him to hold her hand, he’d slammed his heart closed.

  If she could behave in such a way so easily with other men, she must not care for him as much as he did for her.

  That made her dangerous.

  And he wouldn’t tolerate danger in his or Arabella’s lives. What if she came home with them and found someone else? She’d abandon both of them and Arabella would be heartbroken.

  Why hadn’t he considered that before?

  No. It was better this way. No matter how much it hurt in the short term, he had to do this.

  He couldn’t already be in love with her—he refused to believe such a thing. It wasn’t too late to detach himself. “I’m sorry if the short notice is inconvenient for you.”

  “Inconvenient?” Each word from her was like a lashing to his heart. “None of it was inconvenient. Not the prospect of packing up my belongings, not the thought of moving back across the country, not about leaving my home or my friends, or anything else.”

  With each word spoken, her voice rose, attracting unwanted attention. “I’m sorry if you’re hurt. That was never my intention.” It was the last thing he ever wanted to do.

  “Why?” Her voice was hoarse, and her destroyed eyes met his. “Why would you not let me come with you? I love her.”

  Those small words almost broke him. But instead of backing down, he went for the kill, needing to end this before he lost his resolve. “Because you aren’t needed.”

  She whimpered and fell back a step as if he’d slapped her.

  He reached out, unable to bear her pain.

  “No.” She held a hand out to stop him and wrapped the other around her waist as if to hold herself together.

  In that moment, seeing her in physical pain, his eyes opened. I love her. How could he do this to her? He was such an idiot. “Grace, I’m sorry.”

  She shook her head. “You don’t need to say anything more.”

  “No.” He stepped toward her. “I do. I need to apologize, to explain—”

  “I think you’ve done enough explaining.” Lucas McDermott stepped between Oliver and Grace, blocking his view. “I think this conversation would be better left until later.” He looked around them. “Perhaps, without an audience?”

  As Oliver glanced around, he received glares of anger and realized he’d not only hurt her, he’d humiliated her. He glanced around his business partner. “Grace, please, just hear me out. Let me explain.”

  She straightened to her full height slowly, as if putting her armor back together piece by piece, blocking him from her heart. “I think you’ve said all you need to say. I think—”

  A cry sounded from the mine entrance. Then another.

  The music stopped, and people rushed toward the entrance. Yells were never a good sign.

  But before he and Lucas made it to the entrance, Everett rushed toward them. “Oliver, it’s Arabella.”

  “Arabella?” Panic filled him and he glanced around the opening, searching frantically for her nearly white-blond hair. “Where is she?”

  Everett reached out, forcing Oliver’s attention on him. “Arabella was last seen entering the mine,” he informed him calmly.

  “What! Did no one try to stop her?”

  “They did. But she ran too fast. They co
uldn’t stop her, and they lost her in the tunnels.” His face was grim, knowing as well as any of them the danger and pitfalls that could harm a full-grown man—let alone the added dangers to a young girl. “We’ll find her. I’ll assemble teams to go in and scour the shafts.”

  “I’m going in.” Oliver’s tone brooked no argument. Everett nodded.

  Grace pushed herself forward. “So am I.”

  “No.” Oliver’s head was already shaking before he finished the word. “It’s too dangerous. If anything were to happen—”

  “I would be responsible. And I can take care of myself.” She gave him a mutinous look.

  He couldn’t do what he needed to if he were worried about her, too. “You’re not going down.” He turned to Everett. “She’s not to go down.”

  Everett nodded. “All right.” He gave Grace a look of remorse. “I’m sorry, Grace. He needs to focus on Arabella right now.”

  Oliver knew Grace wanted to argue, but instead, she clenched her jaw and held silent.

  Relieved that was settled, he gave his attention back to Everett. “Show me where they lost her.”

  He’d find Arabella, then he’d fix things with Grace. Once everyone was safe, he’d put everything back to rights.

  Chapter 13

  Oliver had only been in the mine thirty seconds before Grace rushed to the entrance.

  Everett moved to block her path. “Grace, no.”

  “Move out of my way, Everett.” She didn’t care what she had to do, she was going in there.

  “I can’t let you do that. Oliver would be distracted if you went in.”

  She took a step toward the man she’d come to know over the last few months, since Emery and he had married. “First, he wouldn’t know I was in there. Second, he doesn’t care.”

  “He does care. I know it.”

  She shook her head sadly. She’d thought so too, but today he’d proven he had no true feelings for her. “He doesn’t.”

  Everett reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. “I know he does. I—”

  She jerked out of reach. “He’s leaving for home tomorrow. Without me,” she said bluntly, unable to listen to him defend Oliver.