The Sweetest Challenge

by Marie Higgins

  Forgetting she wasn’t in man’s clothes anymore, she started digging without any worry of getting dirty. Excitement shot through her the deeper she dug, even if her palms were stinging.

  After ten minutes of digging, her hopes dropped again. If the map was as old as she suspected, perhaps the treasure had been found already. Frowning, she paused. And if that was the case, why was she out here digging, looking like a fool? The answer came swiftly—because she was desperate for money to pay off the bank. If she was full owner of the blacksmith shop, she wouldn’t have to worry about men like Mr. Drake trying to charm her into making a bargain. If she had the treasure, she and Jake would never have to worry about anyone trying to take over their lives ever again.

  Tears swam in her eyes, and her energy returned. If she found the treasure, the first person she’d tell would be that cocky Mr. Drake. She’d tell him she didn’t need him. Ever!

  Anger filled her, and she slammed the shovel into the ground again, determined to find the treasure. She concentrated on pushing the shovel into the ground and moving the dirt, even though the muscles in her arms tightened, and each movement became harder and more painful.

  In a distance, the crunching on a vehicle’s wheels as they came up the drive caught her attention. She paused long enough to glance over her shoulder. Immediately, she recognized her friend’s coach. Inwardly, Melinda groaned. Why had Judith choose this moment to pay her a call?

  Melinda slowly rose to her feet as she watched the footman assist Judith from the coach. When her friend’s gaze met Melinda’s, she gave a small wave. This was absolutely the wrong time for Judith to come by. Melinda didn’t want to wait any longer in finding the chest.

  Judith hurried toward Melinda, wearing a wide smile. But the closer she came and her attention dropped to the shovel in Melinda’s hands and the dirt on her dress, her friend frowned. Judith’s footsteps faltered and she slowed her pace.

  “Melinda Stewart, what, pray tell, do you think you’re doing?”

  Melinda wanted to laugh over her friend’s motherly tone. “If you must know, I’m digging.”

  Judith rolled her eyes. “I can see that, but the question is why?”

  “Well, you see, I’m trying to find buried treasure.”

  When Judith stopped in front of Melinda, her friend arched an eyebrow. “Buried treasure, indeed! Have you gone mad?”

  Chuckling, Melinda shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder if I have.” She released a sigh and frowned. “Judith, I cannot allow Mr. Drake to buy my land, and I’m desperate to find money.”

  “My dear friend,” Judith placed her hand on Melinda’s arm, “have I not told you to come to me?”

  “No, I cannot take your money. I fear I won’t know if I could pay you back.” She blinked back the tears stinging her eyes. “Don’t you see how hopeless the future looks for me? My father would truly be disappointed in me.”

  “Oh, balderdash,” Judith snapped. “Your father would be proud of you and Jake for trying to keep his blacksmith’s shop afloat. He would never be disappointed in his children, especially, for trying so hard.”

  A tear slipped through and ran down Melinda’s cheek. She fought back the other tears threatening to come forth, not wanting to appear emotionally weak in front of her friend. “I cannot help feeling this way.”

  Judith glanced at the shovel again and pointed at the object. “What makes you believe you can find treasure?”

  Melinda handed her the map. “My father told us stories when we were younger about a treasure being buried on our land. I stumbled across this map yesterday, so out of despair, I decided to see if there really was buried treasure.”

  In silence, Judith stared at Melinda as her attention moved between her and the shovel before resting on the map. The other woman’s brows furrowed as she nibbled on her bottom lip. Finally, her shoulders relaxed, and she met Melinda’s gaze.

  “Then I suppose there is only one thing to do. We shall find the treasure.”

  Melinda laughed, even though a cry came with it. “I do believe that is the best thing to do.” She turned and stuck the point of the shovel in the ground, but her friend grabbed her arm, stopping her.

  “However, I think we should have my footman do the digging.”

  “Whatever for?”

  Judith arched an eyebrow. “Because this is man’s work.”

  “That’s just rubbish. Besides, I’m already dirty, and your footman is clean.” Melinda turned back to her task and pushed the shovel in deeper. After a couple more moments of moving more dirt, the shovel hit something solid. Thinking it was probably a rock, she moved the shovel over an inch and dug the steel back into the dirt. Just like before, the end hit something solid.

  Beside her, Judith gasped. Hope rose inside of Melinda and she fell to her knees and scooped the dirt away from the object.

  “What is it?” Judith asked with excitement lifting in her voice.

  “I’m not certain.”

  She continued to push the dirt away. Soon, a bronze color appeared as did the square shape. Once she’d brushed off most of the dirt, the designs on the box were clearer. It appeared as if they were carvings of ancient warriors who carried spears or strange kinds of swords that she hadn’t seen.

  “Oh, my...” Judith must have forgotten she was wearing a lovely, pale pink dress, because she fell to her knees beside Melinda. “That can’t possibly be...”

  “Actually, I think it is,” Melinda whispered in reverence.

  She reached down the sides of the 24 inch square chest and tried to lift, but whatever was inside weighed it down. Her heartbeat hammered faster as she looked for a way to open it. When her fingers bumped into something, she pushed the dirt away to peer more closely. The latch was one she’d never seen before, but thankfully, it was easy enough to maneuver and lift. The grinding of the rusted sides made a lot of noise, but she continued to lift the lid.

  When silver and gold sparkled from underneath, she held her breath and lifted the lid faster until she could peek inside. To her utter amazement, the chest was filled with silver and gold coins. There were no jewels, just the coins, but she was certain this chest would be worth quite a bit of money.

  Judith squealed and threw her arms around Melinda. “You found it! I cannot believe it.” She released her and shouted at the footman over her shoulder. “Horace! Come quickly. We need your assistance.”

  Tears of joy stung Melinda’s eyes. Happiness consumed her, and she couldn’t contain the sobs releasing from her throat. She rocked back and forth on her knees, numb from the disbelief that she’d be able to pay off the bank. She’d be able to have a nice house built on this lot next to the shop, and she’d even be able to purchase updated tools.

  Through a watery vision, she gazed up into the sky and smile. Thank you, Father! If not for him, she would have never known about the treasure and believed in the miraculous possibilities it would bring.

  TEN

  Morgan stared out the window in his family’s coach as he entered town after three very long weeks of being gone. His sister had been thrown from a horse. Her head had hit a rock, knocking her unconscious. For a few days, the physician didn’t believe Morgan’s sister was going to live. But after five very grueling days of waiting to see what would become of her, she opened her eyes and was functioning as well as could be expected. Still, she struggled with daily tasks, such as walking and eating, but gradually Adelaide’s health improved. Because their parents were deceased, Morgan felt it was his duty to care for her until she was back on her feet.

  Although he played Adelaide’s nursemaid, he couldn’t stop thinking about Melinda—especially at night. He’d lain awake wondering how he could apologize. He didn’t think he could go on without hearing her say she forgave him. Remarkably enough, he wanted to be with her again. He’d been miserable knowing there was complication between them. Now that he was back, he vowed he would try to get her in his life once more. Dare he admit he couldn’t live without her?


  As soon as he reached his townhouse, he hurried inside and up the stairs to his bed chambers to change his clothes. He was going riding, but only one place would do. He didn’t have to close his eyes any longer just to see her in his memory. He saw her in everything, and his heart skipped a beat every time he recalled their last kiss. Indeed, he was eager to bring back that feeling once again.

  In no time at all, he was on his horse, galloping toward Melinda’s home. His heart raced with anxiety, making him that much more nervous. What would he say to her when he saw her? Would he fall on his knees and beg forgiveness? Or would he take her in his arms and ask for her forgiveness with his lips?

  He grinned. Although kissing her sounded very pleasing, he wanted her to know he was sincere.

  When he neared her home, his palms grew moist, and his heart hammered so quickly he could scarcely breathe. As he guided his horse around the bend, there was something different now that wasn’t there before. Several men gathered in her yard, standing next to a large wooden structure as they labored away, hammering nails into the pieces of wood.

  Morgan pulled his horse to a complete stop and narrowed his gaze on the working men. From what he could tell, they were building a house...a rather large house, in fact.

  His heart dropped. Had someone else purchased her land while he was away? And yet, why would she sell the land to someone else when she adamantly refused to sell it in the first place?

  Out of the corner of his vision, a woman wearing a baby-blue day dress with her hair styled in ringlets, walked out of the blacksmith shop, going toward the other men. His heartbeat stalled momentarily. Melinda? She was still here, and yet...what was going on?

  She held a large paper. As she stopped beside one of the men, he peered over her shoulder as they both studied whatever was on the paper. They appeared to be discussing whatever was being built.

  Curious, Morgan urged his horse forward a few more steps, and then stopped. He wasn’t sure what had happened to her in the three weeks he’d been gone, but he still feared this was not the time to approach her and discuss their last conversation—and how wrong he was.

  Another rider came toward him, but pulled his brown steed to a stop next to Morgan. He’d met Lord Trey Woodland a few times. He was a pleasant fellow, and the man had only improved once he married Miss Judith Farley. Lord Trey wore his riding clothes and appeared to be quite content in his outing.

  “Good day, Mr. Drake.” Lord Trey nodded.

  “I’m certain it’s a good day to someone. However,” Morgan glanced back at Melinda, “I fear I’m feeling very confused right now.”

  “How so?” Trey asked.

  “I’ve been out of town for three weeks, and this was the first thing I saw upon my return.” He shook his head. “I’ll admit, I’m speechless.” He met Trey’s gaze again. “I fear I’ve somehow entered another dimension in time.”

  Trey chuckled. “Oh, my good man. Three weeks doesn’t seem long, but a lot has happened, especially to Miss Stewart.”

  “Would you enlighten me, please?” Morgan switched his gaze to Melinda again. “She appears rather busy at the moment.”

  “Yes, she has been a busy woman of late.” Lord Trey leaned forward on his horse and stroked the animal’s mane. “You see, a little less than three weeks ago, Miss Stewart found a treasure map her father had hidden in his old desk, and she decided to pursue it. As unbelievable as it sounds, she found the treasure. She is now one of the wealthiest women I know.”

  “A...treasure?” Morgan shook his head, not believing this. Things like this only happened in fairy-tales. “Are you certain?”

  “Indeed.” Grinning, Trey folded his arms across his chest. “My wife was with her when she dug it out of the ground. Of course, our footman had to help lift the chest because it was so full of gold and silver coins it was too heavy for the women to lift.”

  Morgan returned his attention back to Melinda and the structure she was facing. “What are they building?”

  “Her house. No longer does she need to have her home in the blacksmith shop. And, as soon as her house is completed, she is going to have the shop updated. She is also planning on hiring more men to assist her brother.” Trey nodded. “Indeed, Miss Stewart is one most fortunate woman. And rightly so. She hasn’t had a very happy life. Did she tell you that five years ago when her father was down on funds, a man convinced him to sell their house? Against his better judgment, her father sold the house to the pushy man, and he moved them into the shop, only to keep a roof over their heads.” Trey frowned. “Not long after that, Miss Stewart’s father died. His heart had grown weak and eventually killed him. We believe it was because of the pushy businessman who literally forced them out of their house.”

  Morgan’s heart clenched with sorrow, knowing he was to partly blame for her misery of late. Not to mention...he’d been a pushy salesman to Melinda. No wonder she had adamantly refused his offer. Everything was beginning to make sense now. “Then she indeed deserves this happiness. From this point forward, I pray she becomes more prosperous and that nothing will stand in her way.”

  “I’m quite certain she shall. For as long as I’ve known my wife’s friend, I could tell she had a head for business. She doesn’t give up easily.”

  “No, I can assure you she doesn’t.” Morgan frowned as emptiness filled his chest. Melinda would not want him now. What could he give her that she didn’t already have? Men would eventually line up at her door, wanting to court her—if they weren’t doing that already. Even if he did try to apologize, she wouldn’t need him any longer.

  Perhaps it was time to quit this town and not look back. Although he grew up around these parts, he didn’t consider it home. Not any longer. The smart thing to do would be to leave and head toward London to nurse his wounded heart and ego. There were other women out there whom he could charm. He would never forget Melinda, but he couldn’t stay where he wasn’t wanted...or needed.

  He released a heavy sigh. “I thank you, my lord, for the information. I shall be on my way now.”

  “Did you not want to speak with Miss Stewart?” Trey pointed toward her.

  “Not at this time.” Morgan turned his horse in the opposite direction and rode back to his townhouse, dragging his injured heart—and pride—behind him.

  MELINDA COULDN’T BELIEVE the difference in her life now. Society greeted her with acceptance. No longer did she have to wait for Judith to invite her to a party as her guest. Since Melinda came into money, society was sending her invitations.

  And the men... She couldn’t believe how many of them were constantly calling on her, sending her flowers, or inviting her to go riding with them. She’d lived in this town all of her life, and yet these people never acted that way before.

  It was the money they wanted. Not her.

  Nevertheless, she didn’t have time for their parties or outings. Not when she was overseeing the building of her house. Her dream house. As a young girl she dreamed of what her grand palace would look like. She dreamed of wearing the most expensive gowns and jewelry, and of course, owning the most lavish items. Finally, she had the money to get all of that, but...her dreams had changed. No longer did she want a grand palace because it was just her and Jake, after all, but she minimized the palace into the type of home she wanted. Indeed, she would be most comfortable in her new lifestyle.

  And, eventually the man of her dreams would come into her life, as well. Although, that dream might take a while, unfortunately. How could she trust a man now? She wouldn’t know if they just wanted her for her money.

  If only Morgan hadn’t been such a skunk...

  Emotion gathered in her throat and she swallowed it down with a hard gulp. Why had he turned out that way? True, their first meeting had been wonderful, but that was before he showed her who he really was...and of course, she had been keeping her true identity a secret, too. Over time, she’d gotten to know him better, and couldn’t help but fall in love.

  Grumblin
g under her breath, she shook her head and walked outside to breathe in some fresh evening air. Stopping in the middle of the yard, she peered into the sky. The lovely colors of yellow, red, and orange from the setting sun played peek-a-boo with the clouds on the horizon.

  How could she remove this feeling she had of Morgan Drake? Although he’d known her before she became wealthy, he’d only really wanted her for her land. Yet, trying to convince her heart of that was nearly impossible. Whenever she closed her eyes to sleep, memories of their precious time together would haunt her. Needless to say, she hadn’t gotten a good night’s rest for at least six weeks—right after Morgan had left town. She didn’t know why he left, and she wasn’t about to ask around to find out. She assumed he finally realized he had lost, and so was gone without saying goodbye. But...would she have even let him tell her good-bye? Probably not.

  The noise of a carriage wheels crunching on her drive, pulled her attention to her visitor. For a moment she thought it was another suitor. Then she recognized the familiar Woodland crest on the door. Melinda’s heart lightened. Judith was here.

  Melinda hurried to greet her friend as the footman assisted Judith down from the carriage. As always, the new Woodland bride looked as if she were going to a ball. When Judith’s gaze skimmed over Melinda, her friend frowned.

  “Why aren’t you dressed?” Judith asked.

  Confused, Melinda arched an eyebrow. “I am.” She swept her hand over her length. “Do I look as though I’m naked?”

  Judith chuckled and shook her head. “Of course not. What I meant to say was why are you not dressed for the ball? I know Lady Craighead invited you.”

  Melinda shrugged. “Forgive me, Judith. With all of the work I’ve been overseeing on the house, Lady Craighead’s ball literally slipped my mind.

  “That is understandable. Thankfully, however, we have plenty of time to get you ready now.”