His Brother's Bride (10 page)

Fifteen

Emily stabbed the shovel into the dirt once more and pulled up a small pile of ancient earth. She wished the map had been more specific as to the whereabouts of the buried loot, but she was certain she was at least in the right cave. A whole week had passed without finding the gold, but Emily was certain she would find it soon. This cave was much smaller than the one she'd searched before. Only one open chamber and two short tunnels.

She hated that her relationship with Mara was strained each day when she dropped off Adam, but she rested assured that when everything worked out, Mara would see Emily had done the right thing.

She stopped her digging, noting that it must be growing late. She walked the short distance outside the cave to check the sun's position. She should leave now if she wanted to get home in time to get supper on.

She stooped down to enter the cave, wishing the ceilings were a bit higher so she could straighten fully in the main room. She would finish this hole before she left. Just a few more shovelsful, then she would get Adam.

She struck the earth with the shovel once, twice, then three times. She should go a few inches deeper, just to be certain. She hurried, not wanting to take the chance that Cade would return home before she did.

On the last thrust of her shovel, she heard a solid thump. She stopped a moment, wondering if her ears were playing tricks on her in the echoing confines of the cave. She struck the dirt again.
Thump.
A rock? No, she knew very well by now the way the shovel clanked, not thumped against rock.

Her heart accelerated.
Oh please, Lord, let it be!
She removed more dirt and held the lantern above the hole. Something was buried under there. Hopefully not a big log. She ran her fingers ran along the surface and felt chills snake up her spine. This was no log. It was smooth to the touch, with straight grooves across the surface.
A chest.

She sat back on her haunches, her hands trembling, her insides churning. It was late; she had to get Adam and go home. She straightened as much as she could under the damp ceiling. It would take too long to dig out the chest tonight. She would have to wait until tomorrow. The thought nearly killed her. She'd waited so long to find it, and now she had to leave it here!

She dusted off her skirts. Well, there was no help for it. Besides, the gold had been here for ages, it certainly wasn't going anywhere.

As she left the cave and rode to collect Adam, she gave praise to the Lord. Soon this would be over, and she and Cade and Adam would be a real family at last. Cade would never have to know the ugliness that had brought her here to begin with.

Later that night, when the house was quiet and she was alone in her room, she pulled her diary from the bottom of a drawer.

Dear Diary,

I have found the gold at last. I am so excited that this ruse is almost over. I wish I could give Nana a hug and assure her she'll be in my care soon, but alas, that is impossible. It's all I can do to wait until tomorrow. The gold is buried in a chest, and though I have yet to unearth it, I could see its rounded top buried a foot or so under the ground. I'm so thankful to Mara for watching Adam for me.

Diary, my heart beats rapidly even now as I think about finishing this job. I can hardly wait for it to be done so I can focus solely on my husband and child. Oh, to be a regular farmer's wife! I will be so relieved not to have this dreadful search hanging over my head.

❧

Emily took the eggs she'd collected from her basket and, one by one, cracked them into the skillet. They sizzled and smoked, their yolks staring up at her like the bright sun dawning outside. A course of energy had flowed through her veins all night and every moment since she she'd awakened. Chores had been done in record time; she could not wait to get back to the cave. But wait she must because Mara had plans this morning and couldn't watch Adam.

She would just have to bide her time until the afternoon; then she would go to that cave and unearth what she was sure was the gold. Part of her couldn't believe she'd found it so quickly. For that she was so thankful to God! Soon, her uncle would have his gold, she would have Nana, and Cade would have the wife he thought she was.

A niggle of guilt coursed through her at the thought of Cade.
Don't be silly. What he doesn't know won't hurt him.
It would be a disaster for him to find out now. It would ruin everything.

She flipped the eggs, letting the underside cook just a moment before scooting them onto a platter. She checked on the biscuits and saw they had a few minutes left to cook. The ham was already on the plate and the table set. She'd just—

Cade's arms circled her waist, and she jumped. Turning her head, she saw Cade's clean-shaven jaw only inches from hers. Her heart did a happy jig. “You mustn't sneak up on me like that.”

“Can't help myself.” The smile in his voice sent shivers up and down her arms.

She tried for an indignant voice. “Oh, and why is that, Mr. Manning?”

His hand flatted on her sides, shooting hot darts straight to her belly, and she sucked in a breath.

“I've got me a beautiful woman in my kitchen; how am I supposed to keep my hands to myself?” If she was about to take offense at his answer, it was forgotten when he planted the gentlest of kisses on her temple. Immediately, heat flared in the spot his lips touched.

Somewhere in the house, she could hear Adam singing, but her eyes were only for her husband at the moment. The green in them had come out to play, as his boyish lashes drooped lazily over them.

He turned her in his arms, and she could feel his thighs pressed up against hers. Fire kindled in her belly and spread rapidly through her limbs.

He tipped her chin up.

“You are some woman.”

The words brought more pleasure to her heart than she'd felt in a long time. She feasted on them like a starving animal and was hungry for more.

His thumb moved tenderly across her chin, and she wondered if he knew he was causing a riot inside her. Oh, how she loved this man. How she longed to be loved by him.

“I have some things I want to tell you, Emmie,” he whispered. His breath fanned the curls loosened beside her face, and the movement sent shivers across her scalp.

She wondered what it was he wanted to say. She wished she could just drag the words from his mouth, but she had to be patient.

She was vaguely aware of tromping on the stairs and knew Adam would be coming down for breakfast. Cade must've heard it too, for she felt him withdrawing.

His hands moved down to her arms. “Plenty of time for this later, I reckon.”

Disappointment turned the fire in her belly cold, and her legs felt as wispy as smoke.

Behind her, she heard Adam scooting his chair out from the table. She smothered a sigh.

“But tonight,” her handsome husband said, “when Adam's in bed, and I've got you all to myself, I got some things I need to tell you.” His eyes promised so much. Love and—dare she hope—the fulfillment of their marriage vows. She was suddenly so grateful she'd made the decision not to tell Cade about the gold.

She nodded, mesmerized by the intense look on his face. “I'll be here.”

When he left the kitchen, she started getting breakfast on the table, and despite the delay of Cade's words, she knew she had reason for that extra spring in her step.

She almost croaked when Adam asked if they were going over to Beth's again today. When she said yes, Cade had looked at her and said, “Sure are spending lots of time over at the Stedmans'.”

She buttered her biscuits to busy her hands. “We've become fast friends,” she said, hoping he wouldn't disapprove. “But I always finish my chores first.”

She waited while he finished a bite of eggs. “I think it's good you've become friends.”

She breathed a silent sigh of relief and quickly changed the subject to the coming harvest.

The day dragged by so slowly, Emily thought she'd go mad with the waiting. She kept herself busy with her chores, especially the garden. She picked the ripe tomatoes, mopped the floors, wiped down the doors, and made two loaves of bread.

At last, it was time to take Adam to Mara's. She trotted the horse through the meadow, taking the shorter route. The shovel thumped against the horse's side, and Adam bounced in front of her.

When at last they reached the Stedman ranch, Emily whisked Adam down from the horse and hurried to the door. She knocked, her limbs trembling with anticipation. When several moments went by, she knocked again. Maybe Mara was around back tending the garden. She was just about to check when the door squeaked open.

“There you are,” Emily said. “I was just about—Mara, what's wrong?” Her friend's face was flushed, her nose an uncomely shade of red, and her eyes look glazed.

Mara put a hand to her head.

“You're sick.” The realization left her both sympathetic for her friend and worried that she wouldn't be able to watch Adam. But then, there was always Beth. Perhaps. . .”

“I'm so sorry,” Mara said. “I'm not up to watching Adam today.”

“Of course you're not. You need to be in bed.” She wanted to ask about Beth, but felt ashamed to be so selfish. Still, she could have that gold in her hands today!

“I'd have Beth watch him, but she's at the McClains' today helping Sara. I'm sorry, Emily.”

She fought the flood of disappointment that flowed through her. “Don't be silly. Get yourself to bed. Can I make some tea for you?”

“No, no, thanks. I'm sure it's nothing serious, but you don't need to be catching it.”

She gave a wan smile. “I'll check on you tomorrow, then. Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest.”

Mara nodded and shut the door, and Emily and Adam returned to the horse. Adam whined about not getting to stay until Emily felt impatient with him. What was she going to do? She needed only one more day to unearth the gold, and it would be over. And the timing couldn't be better. Tonight her husband was going to tell her he loved her, she was sure of it. How wonderful it would be to have this mess cleared up beforehand. And there was Nana too. She didn't want her staying in that asylum one day more than she had to. She had to unearth that chest today.

She helped Adam mount the horse, then mounted behind him. Was there anyone else who could watch Adam today? Her mind sifted through the town residents, and she tried to imagine herself asking each of them for the favor. Slowly she eliminated everyone she knew. What reason could she possibly give?

Perhaps. . .

No, you promised you wouldn't.

Still the thought formed fully in her mind. Maybe she could take Adam just this once. After all, the chest was buried only feet from the cave entrance. He could play outside, by the mouth of the cave where she could hear him. Why, he wouldn't even have to set foot inside.

She nudged the horse, a tentative smile forming on her face. “Adam, how would you like to go on an adventure today?”

Sixteen

Emily scooped another shovelful of dirt and tossed it in the growing pile. Even in the shade of the cave, her skin dripped with sweat. She stopped, letting herself rest against the shovel's handle, and caught her breath. Excitement raced through her veins until she trembled with it. She could see the chest now and had dug until the rounded top was exposed.

The trunk appeared to be wooden and about three feet long, smaller than she had imagined. The color was a rich brown, though since it was dirt-stained, there was no telling its original color.

She picked up the shovel and began digging again. Outside, she could hear Adam talking to himself as he played in the grass under a tall tree with his soldiers. She couldn't believe how perfectly everything was working out. Even with Mara sick, with the digging site so close to the cave entrance, it was easy enough to listen for him.

She dug deeply on the side of the chest and saw the dark metal loops attached to the side. Her heart thumped heavily in her chest, both from exertion and anticipation.

“Whatcha doing?” Adam's voice came from inside the doorway of the cave.

“Adam, you're not to be in here.”

“Why does that tree have arms?”

“What? What are you talking about?”

He pointed out toward the spot he'd been playing in. “It goes like this.” He forked his hands showing her how the tree was one trunk that split into two.

She had to get him out of here. “It's called a schoolmarm tree, Honey. It just grows that way. Now, you need to go back outside.”

“Did you find treasure?” he asked.

For a moment a dash of anxiety prickled her skin, then she remembered all the times she'd buried his marbles and knew the child couldn't know the truth.

She stepped around the hole, not wanting him to see there really was something under the dirt. Something very big and valuable. She mustn't let him see it or he would say something to his pa for sure. She wondered idly how she would get the chest out of the cave and to her uncle.

“Let's go back outside,” she said, ushering the boy through the little opening. “I shouldn't be much longer, then we'll go home and have supper.”

“Can we have corn cake?”

“We'll see.” Emily slipped through the doorway and resumed her digging. She would have to leave the chest here and come back for it when Adam wasn't with her. And how would she get it to her uncle? How did one go about shipping a chest full of stolen gold coins? Perhaps she should wire her uncle and have him come get it. Yes, that would be the safe thing to do. But first, she would insist he take Nana out of the asylum. He could bring her with him when he came for the gold. She wouldn't give him his precious loot until he brought Nana safe and sound.

She moved to the front of the chest and began digging. Her mind wandered back to this morning when Cade had embraced her. Shivers ran up her arms even as heat curled in her belly. What had he been about to say when Adam had come downstairs? It was torture having to wait an entire day to hear his words, but the promise in his eyes left little doubt that he'd fallen in love with her.

Her heart skittered faster, and a smile tilted her lips. Would tonight be their first night together as man and wife? She could hardly believe it was happening, and yet she'd seen the love shining in Cade's eyes. Why, she might yet get to experience the feeling of a child growing within her. Cade's child.

Her stomach clenched at the thought. A baby brother or sister for Adam would be just the thing.

“I'm bored.” Adam's whine from the cave's entrance scared her.

“Adam. You're supposed to be playing outside.”

“I wanna come in here with you.”

When he approached, she stepped in front of the hole. She had to keep him occupied safely, outside the cavern, if she ever wanted to get this gold dug up. “Would you like me to bury some marbles for you?”

“In here?” He dug the marbles from his pocket.

“No, Adam, your pa said—”

Adam threw down his marbles and stomped a dirty boot. “I wanna stay in here with you, Ma.” His tears welled up; she could see them even in the dim light of the cave. “Please. . .”

Emily sighed and looked over her shoulder at the chest, still half covered with dirt. Well, she knew there were no wild animals in the cave, and that had been Cade's biggest concern. Besides, it wouldn't take long at all to finish.

“All right. But just this once.”

Adam clapped his hands and bounced on his feet.

“But you have to stay over there near the entrance.” She wanted to add that he couldn't tell his pa but couldn't bring herself to do it. Lying herself was bad enough; she wouldn't teach Adam to do it too.

She walked over with her shovel and began digging. “Turn around, so you can't peek.”

When he did as she said, she continued digging until she had each marble hidden, then she covered the spot with the fresh dirt. “There you go. Stay over here, understand?”

“Yes Ma'am!” Adam was already on his hands and knees pawing through the dirt.

She walked back to her hole, keeping the lantern closer to Adam so he couldn't see the chest. She worked hard, removing the packed earth from around the wooden exterior. Every few minutes, Adam would let out a squeal when he found another marble.

Soon, she had all but one corner of the chest unearthed. There seemed to be a rock or something equally hard against this side of the chest, for she made very slow progress. Finally, she began stabbing harder and harder at the dirt with her shovel blade. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her back strained with every downward slice. She grunted under the effort, her arms aching.

Then she heard something. Something that started quietly, like the rumble of a stampede off in the distance. But it grew louder. She stopped and listened, holding her shovel still.

Gravel slid down the wall beside her as the rumble grew louder, and all of a sudden it dawned on her. The cave was going to collapse.

She threw down her shovel just as larger rocks began to fall around them. The rumble was so loud she had to shout as she ran toward Adam. “Get out!”

Adam stood, his eyes wide with fright, and his feet rooted to the ground. As if in slow motion, she saw a rock break loose from the wall above him.

“Moooove!” She reached out and shoved him out of the way, toward the entrance. Her feet found the hole he was digging, and she stumbled, falling just feet from the cave's entry.

“Ma!”

Her head smacked the hard floor of the cave, and the rock that had fallen hit her calf with the force of a cannonball. She cried out, barely recognizing her own voice. The rock's rough edges tore into her skin, the weight of it crushed her bones.