The Marines Long Lost Love: Prospector's Cove, #5

By S. D. Wells

The Marine's Long Lost Love

Ethan Summersby is the oldest of four kids. When their mother dies he feels that it is responsibility to look after the others. He has loved once in his life and the morning after he proposed she disappeared. He could never love or want another. His mother's Will leaves him money to invest in the horse ranch he wants to help his cousin start but there are conditions in which is does not want to accept.

Amber Holland is a 33 old inspiring chef. She has only loved one man in her live and the night he proposed she ran away scared, not knowing their last night together created an everlasting bond. Seven years later Amber comes to him and his family for help when she accidently discovers a secret about her boss that could jeopardize her life.

When Ethan encounters Amber for the first time in years he is still angry at her for hurting him and wants nothing to do with her. Then he discovers her secrets and he goes on the run to protect her from those who want her dead. Can he forgive her for hurting him? Can he trust her with his heart once again. Can this Marine save his lost love from the impending danger that lurks around the corner?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Wells
• Release date: May 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386708506

S. D. Wells

I am married with 3 grown children. I was raised in Dallas, Texas and have always loved to read and write. I have been married since April of 2001 to my best freind. I have experince loss of my own in my past. My eldest child died in 2006. I am a Christan and am strong in my faith. To me family is important as are freinds and God.

Book preview

ACKNOWLDGEMENTS

I want to first start off by thanking you as my readers and hope you enjoy the story.

To JJ Ellis for her help and support.

To Gina Chipman for all her help, advice and editing.

To Dalene Dunkerley for your advice and support.

To the Emergency staff at Baylor Hospital in Carrollton, Texas for your medical advice.

To my husband, Stephen Wells for his love and support through this experience. He is truly a blessing to have.

I especially want to thank God for giving me the courage to go for this adventure and for giving the wisdom to write this book.

PROLOGUE

November 07, 2012 ~ 10:37 am

Ethan sat with his siblings and aunt in an office of an attorney that, until yesterday, they had never heard of. The man had approached them after their mother’s funeral and told them to be in his office no later than 10:30. Looking at the clock on the wall, he had to wonder what was keeping the man.

He glared at Chase, who stood and begun to pace. Hell they were all nervous and a bit edgy. All except his aunt and he had no doubt she knew what it was all about.

Mr. Murry will see you now, A pretty brunette mumbled. He rolled his eyes when Chase winked and flirted with the girl.

He rewarded his little brother with a slap upside the head. Cut it out. We’re here on mom’s behalf not to pick up chicks, Cole let out a snort as Anna laughed.

As they entered the room a familiar feminine scent invaded his senses and he wondered what kind of perfume the secretary wore.

I do apologize for my tardiness. I had a last minute business call, the attorney said as he entered the room.

It’s quite alright, Mr. Murry, Kat responded as the attorney sat between her and Ethan.

Can we get this going? Chase barked out.

Hush up, young man. Kat scolded. Pardon my nephew’s behavior.

It’s alright. As I told you yesterday I am Franklin Murry. Your mother and I have been friends for a good number of years. We met years ago at a bridge tournament.

Why have we never heard of you? Ethan asked.

I’m not sure. Your mother was very proud of you all but she had a few secrets that she took with her. And before any of you ask, no there was nothing going on between your mother and me or this procedure would be very unethical. Ethan nodded as the man pulled out a few manila file folders. As you all know the condo is to be sold and the profit split between you four. Her furniture, clothes and other possessions are to be donated to various women’s shelters. Kat, he began as he handed her a folder, in there is a list of shelters and organizations she wants you to use. Also there are names of nieces, nephews and children that are to receive certain items, yourself included. Kat nodded as she wiped away a tear. The house is to go on the market no later than the week of Thanksgiving. It must be cleaned out completely by the time the realtor makes her run through. Anna, he stated as he slid a folder across the table to her, in there is a list of cleaning services you're to use as well as the name of the realtor. Anna nodded. Looking at her only reminded Ethan that he needed to make time for his siblings. Cole, as you know there are some things that are in need of repairs. Here, he said as he handed over a folder to him, is a list of repairmen in the area. Interview them before making a decision. Cole just nodded.

Oh Cole, can we just use Luke? He’s in town. I bet he can use the money, Anna stated. Ethan exchanged a look with Chase and wondered who this Luke guy was.

Oh that’s a wonderful idea. He’s very handy Kat replied.

Sure, call him when we’re done here. I’m sorry for the interruption, Mr. Murry.

Not a problem. Chase, your mother wants you to clean out the garage. Everything is to be sold. I have a list of places that will take the stuff off your hands. Chase nodded as he accepted the folder. As he took out a white envelope, Mr. Murry looked around the table before facing him. Ethan, as the oldest she has left you with the responsibility of making sure everyone keeps the promises they made to her. She has written a letter and would like for you to read it out loud.

Ethan accepted the envelope and removed the letter. As he scanned it, anger filled him like molten lava filling the cracks of the earth. He stood, cleared his throat and began to read aloud.

––––––––

My dearest family;

Since you are reading this I have gone to be with God and my Joe. I won’t say not to mourn me because I know Anna is emotional and has probably cried a ton by now. But don’t mourn too long. I want to look down from heaven and see you all smiling.

Kat, as I asked you before I need you to make sure they stick with their goals. You know what needs to be done and what I have asked of you.

My dear children, each of you sat in my hospital room in June of 2012 and talked to me about your individual goals. You all promised that you would do them. I know Anna has begun fulfilling hers. Boys give her space and let her be a woman. She can never get married and have babies if you don’t let her live and make her own mistakes.

Now a few years after your daddy passed away I opened a savings account for each of you and have deposited $50 every year on your birthday since. I also invested money into stocks and CD’s which I recently sold and divided the money between the four of you. Each account now holds an estimated amount of $66,753 and some change. My friend, Jackie Lawson, who works at the bank, will help with the distribution of the funds.

The money is to be used only for the purpose of your business plans. You may invest in each other’s businesses but you may not turn it down or say no to signing what I call the commitment clause. If one of you refuses to sign, no one gets the money. For now let’s call the money an investment on my part. I would like to see each of you not only succeed but happily married with children. Ethan John and Chase Alexander get that look of your faces right this minute. You don’t have a choice. You have three years after the date you receive the money to marry and start a family. Otherwise, your investment turns into a loan and you must pay it back to the charity of my choosing. As I said if you want to give the money to one of your siblings that is fine but you will still be responsible for your own loan. And remember everyone signs the commitment clause or no one gets the money. You have two weeks to decide. Once the commitment clause is signed you will receive a check or wire transfer from Ms. Lawson 30 days after that. I love you all and I want you to be as happy as your daddy and me were

Goodbye, my children. Love, Carol Anna Summersby

Well that sucks! She knows damn well that Ethan and I are not marriage material. I’m not signing it!

That’s a bit selfish isn’t it, Chase? Cole barked out. While you and Ethan have lived off the government for the last decade or so, Anna and I have struggled. Sure, we all have our inheritance from Grandma and Grandpa but Anna and I have used most of ours. We could use that money.

Now who’s being selfish? I’m not signing....

Shut up, Chase. Cole’s right. We may not like it but for their sake we have to sign it. Ethan said sternly.

Hold on Ethan, you missed something. Mr. Murry commented.

"I did not. Since it was addressed to me I don’t need to read it out loud.

I have information...

I don’t want it. That is a part of my life I’d soon forget. Let’s just sign the damn clause.

Anna, Mr. Murry said as he faced her, you have not said anything. How do you feel about it?

I’ll sign it and hope my nosy brothers will leave me alone long enough for me to find love and happiness.

Don’t you worry about that, baby girl. Boys, you will not interfere in Anna’s life or you will lose a part of your investment. Do I make myself clear? Kat said sternly and they all nodded. A movement behind the frosted glass door got Ethan’s attention and once again that same scent hit him. Mr. Murry spoke again as he handed them each bank statements but his mind was on the figure behind the door. He watched as she paced and his mind and heart raced. Amber? he thought but shook the thought away.

Someone touched his arm and he noticed his siblings leaving. Kat smiled at him and nodded. They walked downstairs in silence but once they were in the car Ethan finally spoke.

Cole, you had no clue about any of this?

Not a one. Whenever I tried to discuss the Will with mom she always told me it was taken care of. I asked her once if she wanted me to talk to an attorney but she said he would contact us when the time came. And I am guessing that Aunt Kat knew about all this.

Of course she did. She and mom had no secrets from each other, Chase said. I’m just ticked off about the whole damn thing. I won’t touch the money because one, I won’t need it and two, I’m not getting married. Cole started the car and Ethan slapped Chase upside the head.

What was that for?

What the hell is wrong with you flirting with that poor girl while we were there on mom’s behalf? Do you think she would like that?

You know Ethan, you stopped being the boss of me when I turned eighteen. Who and what I do is my business. I can’t help it if chicks flirt with me wherever I go.

You are an egotistical ass. Ethan bellowed.

Why don’t we talk about the message mom left for you? The one you...

It’s none of your business. He ignored his brother and thought about the words his mom had written to him.

Ethan, I know the Amber topic is off limits but I must insist you get in touch with her. She has something to share with you. She needs you, more than you know. What she did to you was wrong but her reasons were understandable. I’m not saying I agree with what she did but she had her reasons. Talk to her. If you don’t, you’ll regret it.

What the hell was so important that it took six years to tell him? As for walking away as she had done, there was no excuse. He had vowed that day, to never trust another woman with his heart again. Amber Holland had been the last woman to ever hold a place in his heart. His mind flashed back to the day they had met all those years ago in Paris......

––––––––

Death is someone you see very clearly with eyes in the center of your heart: eyes that see not by reacting to light, but by reacting to the kind of chill from within the marrow of your own life. By: Thomas Merton.

ONE

September 16, 2004 ~ 05:33 pm ~ Pairs, France

Ethan paid the cab driver and looked up at the brownstone where his sister lived. She shared the place with a girl she had met on the flight from Chicago. He would need to find out more about the girl and her family. Maybe he’d run a background check on her. As the oldest he was always looking out for his siblings and his mom.

When his father died, all those years ago, he had been stuck with the responsibility to look out for them. Hell, even before dear old dad died he was watching out for them. Though he never beat his wife and children, Joseph Summersby was a bastard. The man cheated on his wife, gambled and drank most of his pay check away. Their mom had worked while going to school to keep food on the table. Ethan hated the man and he knew the feeling was mutual. To his father, Ethan and Chase were the spawn of Satan. As for Anna and Cole, they could do no wrong. It had irked him that no matter how good his grades were or how many touchdowns he made, his father never seemed proud of him. If something went wrong or if one of the others screwed up, it was Ethan’s fault.

As he made his way up the stairs, he recalled the night his father died. The man had left him with strict instructions.

I have to go to the plant. Watch out for the others. Make sure Anna and Cole are in bed on time and make sure Chase stays in. He’s still grounded for the bad report he got from school. No one leaves this house. Do you understand?

Yes sir! Ethan had replied.

Distracted by a video game Ethan had not noticed when Chase slipped out or that Anna and Cole had stayed up past their bed time. He had been certain his dad would lay into him but the man never came home. From that point on, Ethan made sure his familyalways came first.

Shaking off the past, he approached apartment 2C. At the door he could hear music blaring and he knew no amount of knocking would be heard. Instead, he pounded on it. The music stopped and he could hear someone moving around. The sound of locks unlatching echoed and when the door opened Ethan nearly swallowed his tongue. Standing before him was a buxom beauty.

Can I help you? his angel asked. She was about five foot, five inches, with long, curly blonde hair, cornflower blue eyes, flawless cream colored skin and kissable, pouty lips. Her voluptuous and curvy figure had his body heating to almost a boil. Stepping back, he looked at the number again and then back at the paper in his hand. Umm, hello can you understand English?

He just stared at her as he tried to find his words. I...I’m looking for...

Ethan? Anna squealed as she threw herself in his arms. What are you doing here? she asked as she finally pulled away.

Have you forgotten about our date?

No but you said the seventeenth.

No I said....never mind we’ll debate about it later. I have reservations for us at six.

I can’t go, she pouted. I switched with another girl so I could have tomorrow off. I was about to leave. Looking at her outfit, he noticed she was wearing a uniform. He had forgotten she was working. It was all part of her independence. I’m sorry. Can we do it tomorrow?

I can’t. I only have a few hours. This was just a layover. Sighing, he leaned against the wall. Well, I’ll walk you out and then I’ll just go eat alone.

I have a better idea, Anna chirped, Take Amber. She has nothing to do tonight.

I’m sorry who?

Oh, forgive my manners. Ethan, meet Amber Holland. Amber, meet the best big brother a girl could have, Ethan Summersby. Ethan looked at the blonde beauty again and smiled.

Nice to meet you, Ethan, Anna talks about you and the other two all the time. Might I add, you guys should give her a break.

Ethan chuckled and stuck out his hand. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Amber. I’ve heard a few things about you as well. She laughed as she accepted his hand. Would you care to join me for dinner?

And where would we be going?

A new Chinese restaurant across from the Tower.

La Egg Roll? Wow that place is hard to get into. How did you manage it? He smiled as he tapped his uniform shirt. Right, military treatment. It was his turn to laugh. Let me just change and grab my purse.

Anna kissed him as she walked past him. Be nice to her, E. Don’t interrogate her.

I won’t, he stated as she walked down the hall. When she reached the end, he hollered, Much! Anna turned as she scowled at him and then they both laughed. After reentering the apartment he looked around at the tiny place and nodded his approval. It’s not much but mom would approve.

Did you say something? Amber said as she reenterted the room and once again he was at a loss for words. Ethan was a fifteen year old boy again going out on his first date. The red dress she wore clung to her curves and accentuated her breast. His mind went to places he knew it shouldn’t and then he decided that he would just see where it went.

His phone beeped and when he read the message, he inwardly groaned. Please talk to Amber about Chase. I don’t want another Terri incident. That was like a bucket