Issued to the Bride One Sniper (Brides of Chance Creek Book 3)

by Cora Seton

  “Can’t find good help these days,” Brian said sarcastically.

  “That’s my line,” Cab said. “Anyway, they confirmed Ramsey comes from Tennessee. Admitted they took the potshot at your horse to see what kind of defenses you had in place. They said setting fires is Ramsey’s specialty, but it won’t surprise you to find out that Ramsey is an alias. We don’t know who he really is, but I’ve got contacts in Tennessee working on it. We’ll get him and throw him in jail for arson if I’ve got any say in the matter. There’s got to be a reason one of the crime families down there is so interested in Chance Creek, and when we find him, I hope we get an answer to that. Anyway, I don’t think you have to worry about the idiots who tried to steal your house. They’ll show up for court and pay their fines. They don’t want this kind of heat on them.”

  “But this is the point where you tell us it’s not over yet,” Brian said tiredly.

  “You stole my line again.”

  When he had gone, Brian turned to Hunter. “So there’s more trouble coming sooner or later.”

  “Most likely.”

  “And we’ve got something else to sort out. I got a call from Logan a while back. He’s pretty choked. He said you got sent to USSOCOM for going AWOL from your team. Want to tell me about that? I’ve been holding him back for weeks, although he’s simmered down after the way you saved Jo, but I got to admit, we’re all pretty curious. None of this works unless you’re the kind of man who sticks around.”

  “I am the kind of man who sticks around,” Hunter said. “I’d have told you all about it if there wasn’t someone else involved who could get hurt.”

  “I think at this point either we trust each other or we don’t,” Brian said.

  “I could turn that right back around on you,” Hunter pointed out, then sighed. Brian was right; he couldn’t hold secrets back from these men. “It all started when I was a junior in high school. No, scratch that.” He paused. “Hell, it started before I was born. Guess you could say my mom fell for the wrong man.” Telling his story a second time wasn’t nearly as hard as it had been the first time, and when he was done, Brian nodded.

  “Thought it had to be something like that. Not your fault,” he clarified. “I couldn’t have come up with the rest of that story in a hundred years,” he added with a chuckle. “I’m glad to hear you aren’t the type to cut and run at the first sign of trouble. Because I think we’ve got a ways to go.”

  “I think so, too.”

  “I’ll talk to Logan.”

  “Talk to Jack, too, while you’re at it.”

  Brian lifted an eyebrow.

  “I’m pretty sure he knows most of it,” Hunter said.

  Brian chuckled again, ruefully. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure he knows just about everything.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  ‡

  Connor and Sadie arrived home from their honeymoon on a blustery afternoon that made it all too clear winter was fast approaching. Hunter thought the time away from Two Willows had done both of them good. He enjoyed hearing their stories about their travels in India, and the photos they’d taken were spectacular. Max was overjoyed that his master had come home, and Hunter sighed, knowing he’d miss the companionship of the little dog.

  “I’m so happy to be home,” Sadie said, after they’d sat around the dining room table and talked for a while. “The garden looks good,” she said to Cass.

  “I did my best,” Cass said, “but when you get out there and see how many weeds there are, you’re not going to thank me.”

  “Your customers are going to be happy to see you back,” Alice said from her perch on top of the refrigerator. “I did my best to match their ailments with the proper tonics, but some of them I had to send away until you came home.”

  “I can’t wait to see your house,” Sadie told Jo. “When will it be ready for you to move in?”

  “It’s still going to take another couple of weeks,” Jo said. “There’s lots to do on the interior. And it got damaged a little bit when it was stolen.”

  “Not too badly, though,” Hunter said. “We’ll get it done before the real weather moves in, I hope.”

  “I’d be happy to help out,” Connor said. “I enjoyed building the walled garden. I wouldn’t mind another project.”

  “I’ll help, too,” Brian said. “If you want me.”

  Hunter looked to Jo for confirmation before he answered. She nodded. “Sure, we’d be happy to have some help.”

  “Seems like this would be a good night for pizza and margaritas,” Alice said. “And a movie or two, of course,” she added.

  “I was hoping somebody would say that,” Sadie said. “Don’t get me wrong; the food in India was to die for, but I’ve been looking forward to some old favorites.”

  Cass and Brian headed to town to pick up the pizzas and movies. Sadie and Connor went upstairs to unpack. Alice stayed in the kitchen to assemble the rest of the meal, while Lena headed for the back door to check on the animals. Jo followed Lena, and Hunter was about to follow her when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out automatically and stiffened when he saw the number.

  “Marlon?”

  “Yeah, it’s me. Got a minute to talk?”

  “Of course. Where are you?”

  “On base. Just wanted to give you a head’s up. I signed the divorce papers. May and I are sharing custody. We’ve worked out the visitation schedule. The Navy knows everything. And I mean everything.”

  Hunter leaned heavily against the counter. “You told them—?”

  “Yeah, I told them about what you did for me,” Marlon repeated. “Told them you didn’t deserve to be taken off your team. They’re being lenient to me. I guess this isn’t the first time someone’s gone off their rocker over a divorce.”

  It wouldn’t be the last time either, Hunter figured. Military life could be brutal for those left at home. And for those in the service, too.

  “I wish it had turned out different.”

  “Me, too. But it didn’t. And I’ll survive this. Maybe it’s for the best, really. I want May to be happy, and she wasn’t happy with me. Truth be told, I haven’t been happy with her, either. Not for a long time.” Marlon took a deep, ragged breath. “I know I’ve let you down, Hunter. You did so much for me, and I just kept blowing it. I hope you’ll get another chance to get back to the career that you loved. The career you gave up for me.”

  Hunter didn’t know what to say about that. It was a relief to think his name might be cleared before too much damage was done, but on the other hand he’d made a series of choices that had led him to a different life. If he was going to marry Jo, he didn’t want to return to the SEALs. He wasn’t sure he could keep a clear head if he was worried about what might happen to her at home.

  “I’m getting married,” he blurted and wanted to kick himself. Marlon had just lost his wife. It wasn’t fair to crow about his happiness under the circumstances.

  “You’re… what?”

  “Married,” Hunter repeated. “To Jo. The woman I told you about.”

  There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. “That’s… terrific. Ironic, but terrific. Really, man. I’m happy for you.”

  “I know you don’t want to hear this now, but there’ll be someone else for you.”

  “Maybe. I don’t know. Someday, I guess.”

  Hunter could tell Marlon had something else to say.

  “Why the hell are you still talking to me after all I’ve put you through?”

  That was easy. Hunter owed Marlon so much he could never repay the debt. “Because if you hadn’t screwed up, I wouldn’t be here—about to marry the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  “I’m glad something good came out of all of this.”

  “You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if someday you look back on this and see that it’s pushed you in the right direction, too.”

  “Maybe. First I’ve got to sit in the brig for a month. The Navy’s being len
ient, but not that lenient. I’m actually considering re-upping.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Hunter wasn’t surprised. Marlon loved being a SEAL.

  “You might not believe this but it sounds like they might actually take me back. If I do some counseling. I guess I’ll lose rank…”

  “Might be worth it.”

  “Yeah. Might be.”

  “Sounds like you might miss the wedding, though.” Hunter would’ve liked to have his friend there. He and Jo had decided to marry before winter set in.

  “I’ll be there in spirit, even if I’m not there in person,” Marlon said. “But I won’t lie to you, man; it’s going to suck not to see you take those vows. I guess I always figured I’d be there for that. I’m letting you down again.”

  He sounded so discouraged, Hunter stepped in to deny it. “You couldn’t let me down if you tried, you got that? All I want is for you to be happy, too. Do your time. Figure out what comes next.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Good luck with your wedding. I’ll see you as soon as I can.”

  Hunter had barely hung up from his call with Marlon, his heart heavy with the knowledge of all his friend would have to go through before he put his life back together again, when his phone rang a second time. It was the General.

  They’d spoken after the fire, the General berating him for not being there when Jo ran into the burning stables. Hunter had accepted the blame. He thought the same thing. They’d spoken about what might happen next, about Connor being back soon. The General hadn’t given him a chance to say that he’d proposed to Jo, or what her answer had been, and in truth he’d been grateful to hang up without having that conversation on that particular day. Better to give the man a chance to calm down. He knew the General was worried for his girls—and rightly so.

  “So you thought that was smart, huh?” the General said without preamble. “Lying for a friend. Taking the fall for him?”

  “At the time I did,” Hunter answered truthfully.

  “Lucky for you, I didn’t call you to give you a hard time,” the General said.

  “You didn’t?” Hunter couldn’t keep the surprise from his voice.

  “No, I didn’t. I called to say as far as the Navy is concerned, you’re off the hook, although you will get a reprimand for lying to a superior officer.”

  “What exactly does that mean?” Hunter asked slowly. “I’m still a SEAL?”

  “Of course you’re still a SEAL,” the General said. “You’re still in the service. You always were.”

  “But my mission here—at the ranch—your daughter—”

  “You mean your failed mission at my ranch? I don’t suppose that matters anymore.”

  Hunter straightened, alarmed. “But—”

  “Like I said, you’re off the hook. You can go back to your unit.”

  “I don’t want to go back. I want to stay here. With Jo. I’m marrying her—in about three weeks. And you’re going to pull whatever strings it takes to terminate my enlistment. Because once my ring is on her finger, and she’s taken my name, I’m not leaving this ranch again. Do I make myself clear?”

  Too late he realized he was shouting at the General, but the man only laughed. “I’d say you’ve made yourself perfectly clear. Sounds like your mission wasn’t so unsuccessful after all. Jo said yes?”

  Hunter relaxed a little. “Yes, sir, she did. I’m sorry—”

  The General spoke over him. “Good.” He sounded mighty satisfied, Hunter thought. “That’s three down; two to go,” the General went on. “Looks like the lot of you aren’t a bunch of fuck-ups after all.”

  “Sir, about that wedding? Are you going to be here? Jo would like that, more than anything. She misses you a lot, you know.”

  “Nah, it’s her mother she misses. Amelia should have been here for this.”

  “But she can’t be, sir,” Hunter said, knowing he had to stick up for Jo. His father was out of the picture for good, but she and the General still had a chance for a relationship. “That’s why Jo needs you there to walk her down the aisle. It isn’t fair to make her walk alone.”

  The general was quiet for a long time. “Not much is fair in this world, is it, Powell?”

  “No. But most of it we can’t control. This you can. Come to Two Willows. For Jo. For all your girls.”

  Hunter held his breath. Would the man finally give in? He hadn’t for Cass’s wedding, nor for Sadie’s. Would he for Jo’s?

  The General sighed. “It’s not… possible,” he said curtly.

  And hung up.

  All of the horses except Atlas had found temporary homes in neighbors’ stables until they had a chance to rebuild theirs. Atlas remained skittish from his ordeal in the fire. He’d gotten somewhat singed and had cut his leg in his struggle to break out of his stall. Hunter and the other men had managed to build a makeshift stall for him in the main barn, and while he preferred Lena’s company, he allowed Jo to brush him. Jo found the exercise soothing to her nerves.

  Animals were better than humans at rolling with the punches. Already, Atlas was calming down, forgetting what had happened. Jo wasn’t sure if she’d ever forget. Coming so close to losing her life a second time, she found most things simply didn’t feel important anymore. All she wanted was to get back to doing what really mattered—caring for the animals on the ranch. The people she loved.

  Hunter.

  When she’d woken up in the hospital, and didn’t know what had happened to him, she’d been so scared—it had been like climbing out of her own body. Now she found herself checking constantly to make sure he was still around.

  Luckily, he stayed close for the most part, as if he sensed her need for him—or maybe to quench his own need for her. She saw the way he looked at her. Hungrily.

  Desperately.

  She was so lucky to know a love like this. Jo felt that down to her bones. To be understood—and thoroughly desired. To feel she knew the man she was going to marry. To be secure he’d always come to her aid if she needed him.

  She didn’t sleep alone anymore, hadn’t since the day she’d left the hospital. They hadn’t needed to talk about it. Hunter packed the things in his room, came to her door, and she’d let him in.

  Soon they’d move into their little house.

  Jo couldn’t wait.

  When Hunter had told her about his call to the General, and the General’s refusal to come home for the wedding, Jo had found she wasn’t as hurt as she’d thought she’d be. She realized she’d always miss the way things were in the past, but she’d grown since then.

  She’d changed.

  She didn’t need to moon after a father who couldn’t force himself to be near her. She had better things to do.

  Other men to love.

  “Ready?” Hunter asked, coming into the kitchen, where she was waiting for him.

  “Ready.”

  “Where are you two off to?” Sadie wandered in and opened the refrigerator. “God, I’m starving.”

  “To town. To buy a ring,” Hunter answered, linking Jo’s arm with his own.

  Sadie straightened. “Pick a good one, Jo. Get exactly what you want. You only get to do it once.”

  When they arrived at Thayer’s, Jo was uneasy. She didn’t wear much jewelry and wasn’t sure what she wanted. She knew some women kept up to date on styles and probably picked out their rings years in advance. She’d never really paid much attention to that kind of thing.

  Rose Johnson greeted them and indicated the glass cases where the engagement rings were stored. “Take your time,” she told them. “Give me a holler when you’re ready for me.”

  Jo was grateful when she moved away again.

  “See anything you like?” Hunter asked.

  She found it hard to answer. What if she chose wrong? What if—?

  “There are a lot of them,” he added, and he sounded as bewildered as she felt.

  “This is going to be boring for you,” Jo said apologetically. “It might take time for me to decide
.”

  “Hey, listen.” He cupped her chin in his hand and bent down to kiss her. “I’m never bored when I’m with you. Never. Take all the time you want. Do we need to come up with a method to figure this out?”

  Jo smiled, falling in love with her fiancé all over again as he motioned Rose over. “I think we’re going to need to see all of them,” he went on. “Jo needs to try on every single one.”

  Jo’s mouth dropped open. “I don’t need—”

  “A woman after my own heart,” Rose said happily. She opened the case and began to bring out trays. She put a small silver salver beside them. “Put any contenders on here. We’ll keep comparing them until we’ve got one left.”

  She went away again, leaving Jo and Hunter to it, and the next hour and a half was one of the happiest times of Jo’s life. Hunter made her try on every single one, even the gaudiest, most hideous ones that Jo figured were left over from when Rose’s predecessor owned the store. She laughed until she cried at the monstrosities Hunter added to the little silver tray, but in the end there was only one that truly caught her heart.

  It was a very refined, very grown-up silver ring with a single diamond in a simple setting.

  “Are you sure? There are fancier ones,” Hunter asked her.

  “This is the one. I’m sure of it.” It was feminine, but it was strong, too, and that’s how she felt. It was the kind of ring worn by a woman who knew her worth shone forth from her actions, not her wardrobe.

  Jo handed it to Rose, and Rose held it a moment, then smiled a smile that was so warm, so full of happiness and genuine respect, Jo knew she’d chosen wisely.

  “You two are going to have an amazing life together,” Rose told them, and Jo took Hunter’s hand. He squeezed hers in turn.

  “Yes, we are,” he said.

  It had been over a week since Marlon’s last call. Hunter wondered how he was faring in the military prison. He’d hoped the Navy would commute the sentence given the circumstances, but it seemed like Marlon was going to serve his full time.