Cast In Stone: Treasures of the Heart, #2

By Lawna Mackie

Emma Taggart is a headstrong determined woman who knows exactly what she wants. That would be Finn Avery—not because he's a wealthy millionaire with a mountain of gold…literally, but because all her life she's had a crush on him. He also happens to be her best friends brother.

 

When Emma finds herself in the small town of Dawson City, Yukon, for a second time she realizes the beauty of the wilderness has grown on her. Granted the place is a far cry from the glamorous city of Chicago. Her job was to film and produce a special story for the prominent Chicago magazine, Fashion, Flare and Style featuring a local native's boutique. It seemed a perfect way for her to spend time with Finn.

 

Trouble begins when Finn's best friend and partner passes away. Finn blames himself for the death and turns away from those who care. Emma knows he cares for her, the heated moments spent together spoke the truth, but now she can't seem to break through to him.

 

When the pompous billionaire Marco Bishop comes parading into town offering to buy the Avery Gold Mine, Finn is furious. The man has little respect for the town and its heritage, even worse he has come to fancy Emma and is determined to have her as his next conquest. Not only does Marco want the gold mine but he's certain he knows where to find diamonds. Marco drugs Emma and takes her on his quest in search of the diamonds and by the time she wakes she realizes she's in trouble.

 

Upon discovering Emma is gone, Finn suspects she's been taken against her will. Finn is determined to find her and bring her home. Along the way he unexpectedly finds some interesting clues cast in the stones.

 

Come hell or high water, he refuses to let anything happen to her, but finds himself wondering if he might be too late to save the only thing that truly matters to him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lawna Mackie
• Release date: Mar 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201327224

Book preview

1

I ’m not jumping, Emma declared.

Finn couldn’t help but laugh. I can’t believe you’re scared.

Not one cloud danced in the bright blue sky, and the golden sun reflected the magnificent jade colored water below.

I’m not scared. She placed her hands on her hips. I just don’t want to get my hair wet, she stuttered through the lie.

Finn’s eyes danced over her five foot six toned, tanned body. Perfect from head to toe. Her shoulder-length blonde hair bobbed at her shoulders with every move she made.

Face it, you’re terrified. Finn continued mocking her.

From way below in the water came a voice. Come on Em. Jump.

It was Finn’s sister Samantha, beckoning from the swirling pool.

I’m going to kill her for this, Emma seethed. Just wait till I get my hands on her. She stomped closer to the edge.

Finn followed. You know you want to. He smirked at her angry glare.

She turned and stared at him. All right, she responded. I’ll go if you go.

He lost his smile. I don’t have my trunks on.

You don’t need trunks. Just wear your briefs, she said with a conniving smile.

I’ve done this a hundred times. I live here, remember?

Maybe you’re the one who’s scared, she countered.

Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not scared, Finn ground out.

Prove it. Drop ’em and jump.

You really are a vixen, you know that? He unbuttoned his jeans, kicked off his shoes and approached the edge. I’m too old for this.

You’re not too old. I’ll follow if you go first.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. Finn stood looking over the edge down at the mighty Yukon River. You better keep your end of this bargain, Emma Taggart.

I will. She nodded while Finn watched her eyes travel over his body.

Finn turned and jumped from the ledge. His body hit the water and plummeted into the cool depths of the river, never hitting bottom. Slowly, he began the ascent toward the surface, happy for air he gulped into his lungs.

His sister Sam squealed with excitement while she treaded water. I can’t believe you jumped. She smiled at him.

She goaded me into it. He pointed up at Emma.

He spied her up above chewing on her finger. Come on scaredy cat, he shouted, knowing she’d be angry.

From over on the shore just a bit downstream stood another man watching them. How’d he get out of this? Finn glared at Sam.

If Hunter jumped off the ledge Savage would follow. She shook her head.

Really?

Yes, really. He’s a tough wolf, but he’s still recovering from his injuries.

Thank heavens for Savage. Finn smiled at her.

On the ledge Finn watched Emma turn and walk away. I’m going to kill her if she doesn’t get that body of hers in this water.

I don’t know if she will. Sam shook her head.

To their surprise Emma returned to the ledge holding something in her hands.

What? She wouldn’t. Finn stared up at her in disbelief as she dropped what was in her hands over the edge, then plugged her nose and jumped.

That little… Finn watched his pants and shirt fall to the water. Damn her!

Emma screamed the whole way down until her body plunged under the surface.

Samantha laughed while Finn managed to rescue his pants and shirt before they sank.

Emma broke the surface sputtering and coughing. Ouch! she yelled. You didn’t tell me to hold my arms in, she ground out. It feels like a belly flop but worse.

Finn swam toward her with his wet clothes in hand. If you think that hurts wait until I get my hands on you. Your butt will have my finger imprints all over it, he shouted back.

Oh shit! Emma glanced at Sam. See you by the fire.

Finn watched her gracefully break into a front crawl and pull away from them. Get back here you little brat.

Fun times. Sam laughed, making her way toward the shore.

Emma waded out of the cold water greeted by the large black wolf named Savage. Since the accident, the animal had to be kept under the watchful eyes of Hunter Gray and Samantha. The animal had gained huge respect from all of them, considering he’d taken a bullet that saved Hunter’s life and most likely Sam’s as well. Hunter had told her the story about how he’d come across Savage as a pup after the mother had died. Savage seemed to adopt Hunter as a parental figure from that time on. Now, only weeks after the incident, Hunter and Sam needed to ensure the furry critter didn’t get overexcited.

The tall large man handed her a towel. By the shouting I heard I’d say Finn’s a bit unhappy with you.

He’ll get over it, Emma said nonchalantly and made her way over the rocks toward the fire.

Hunter laughed. He doesn’t look so happy.

The sun warmed her back as she held out her hands over the fire. Thanks for this. She nodded at the flames.

I’m starving and we couldn’t very well eat cold hot dogs, he responded.

I love hot dogs, hot or cold. She squeezed the water from her hair.

Finn and Samantha started their way out of the river with Savage jumping like a puppy up and down waiting for Sam.

I think he loves you more than I do, Hunter said to Sam, wrapping the towel around her and picking her up off her feet.

Put me down. She swatted at him playfully.

No, because then he’ll have you and I won’t. Hunter glared at the jealous wolf.

Don’t be silly.

Finn emerged on the shore, and from a distance Emma threw a towel at him. She could see the glint of anger boiling in his dark brown eyes as he dropped his wet clothing, caught the towel and wrapped it around his waist.

Payback’s gonna be a bitch Ms. Taggart. He strode toward the fire.

I look forward to it Mr. Avery. She reached over and popped a marshmallow in her mouth.

At the early age of sixteen and wearing braces and pigtails, Emma had set her sights on Finn Avery. Eight years apart didn’t mean anything. Of course Finn hadn’t noticed a thing about her back then, but now at the age of twenty-four, she could see from his stare that he noticed a lot about her, and Emma intended to take full advantage of that. Let the games begin, she thought and smiled.

2

Emma towel dried her hair and pulled on a pair of denim cut off shorts. Hot dogs. When the heck had she had one last? It didn’t matter because the smell of them drifted up her nostrils, and her stomach made an obscene growl. Both men turned in her direction.

What? I’m hungry and I love hot dogs? It doesn’t matter how many food carts there are on the streets of Chicago, nothing smells or tastes better than hot dogs over a campfire.

Samantha nodded her head. She’s right.

I know, Emma echoed. "There’s some great dogs back in the city, but it’s hard to compete with the campfire.

Well you know it’s every man or woman for themselves, Finn declared, sticking a hot dog on the roasting stick.

Emma approached the tailgate of Hunter’s large pickup truck that he’d turned into a makeshift table. Finn stood in front of her with a smirk. She tried to side step him but he blocked her. She stopped and stared up at him.

Listen old man, I’m a lot younger than you are, and I’m a black belt and master of a few other things. You don’t want to stand in front of this hungry woman. You might get hurt.

He lifted his eyebrows and smirked. Thirty-two hardly qualifies me as old. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t eat them all, he teased and moved to the side.

Hey, I didn’t say you were old. You did up there. She pointed to the cliff they’d plunged from.

Samantha pushed her way over to the tailgate and grabbed the hot dogs. You both lose. I have them now and that hungry glare over there means Savage needs one also.

Both Emma and Finn stopped while Sam took the package and fed one to Savage. You snooze you lose.

I hate to trump all of you but I made the fire and that’s my truck, so if you want a ride back I’m going to need one of those. Hunter plucked the package from Sam’s fingers.

Emma watched Sam’s mouth open then they all burst out in laughter.

When Emma could catch her breath she spoke. We could have steak and lobster, but no, we eat good old wieners. She laughed out loud again.

Of course the hot dogs went a long way and even Savage had his fill. The day had been fantastic.

Hunter and Sam, this was a great idea. I couldn’t wait to get back here, and I honestly don’t know how I’m saying that. I’ve only been gone for two months, but I missed all of you and I missed the outdoors with its gorgeous beauty. Emma spun around in circles with her arms spread wide. I could get used to this. She nodded her head.

Finn stared at her, and Emma wondered what he might be thinking. You’d miss Chicago, he said.

Well, I might miss shopping for sexy underwear and bras, maybe an occasional pair of shoes, but that’s about it, she responded, winking at Sam.

I’m not looking back. Sam walked over to Hunter and placed a hot smoldering kiss on his lips.

Hey! Get a room, Emma teased.

Speaking of rooms, you haven’t had a chance to see the progress on Finn’s cabin or should I say mansion yet, Hunter said to Emma.

Is it that big? I guess I couldn’t really tell from the plans. She looked at Finn.

The corners of his mouth turned into somewhat of a smile. As I recall I asked for your help with the whole design of the ‘cabin,’ Finn said and purposely chose the word cabin instead of mansion. I wouldn’t have any idea what to build and Sam did say you had excellent taste.

When money isn’t a problem it’s not difficult to build something like your cabin. After finding the gold mine, money hadn’t posed a problem for any of them anymore. Finn ensured each were properly compensated for saving his life. The new Charlie Avery Mining Company named after Sam and Finn’s Great-Great-Uncle Charlie Avery made them all very well off, especially Finn who overlooked the whole operation. To find that amount of gold made it very prosperous for all the businesses in town too. More businesses were opening, and again an influx of prospectors entering the area became huge. Emma, however, had refused to take money from him. She didn’t believe it was proper. Finn had been furious with her.

Have you heard from Simon’s family? Emma asked, unsure that she should have.

The look on Finn’s face darkened. There’s been no change. He’s still in a coma and fighting the spread of the infection.

I say we clean up our mess here and head back to town for a cold one at the bar, what do you say? Hunter changed the subject. That is if we’ve all had enough hot dogs?

In all honesty I could stuff another one down, Emma announced.

Where do you put it? Finn waved a handed at her from head to toe.

Thank heavens Hunter had managed to change the subject. Simon Lamarche had been Finn’s partner. While Finn escaped, losing just one finger from the bastards who took them hostage and tortured them, Simon had not been so fortunate. Talbot Tucker, resident town crook, had succeeded in taking all of Simon’s fingers off one hand and by the time they got to the hospital he was gravely ill. He’d lost not just his hand, but his lower arm right up to the elbow and then slipped into a coma. It went from bad to worse, and now the infection was still spreading and they couldn’t seem to stop it. Finn held himself fully responsible for the man’s misfortune.

Tucker Talbot and his men were awaiting trial, but Emma knew they’d never see freedom again. Not if she had anything to do with it. She’d managed to pin some incriminating evidence on them. She just hoped the courts would find it admissible.

Emma brought her attention back to the moment and sighed. I guess I can wait until dinner.

We can have s’mores at the cabin later, Finn urged.

Her eyes went large. Oh, I’m so all over that, she said eagerly.

We don’t need to tag along for that. Sam and I see that enormous building almost daily. You two have fun. Hunter winked at Finn.

Em, you’ll be surprised at what two months does when you have a team of professionals building a cabin. Finn smiled at her and her heart did a flutter.

Before Emma had left to rush back to Chicago in May, Finn already had a chunk of property picked out. The land encompassed about ten acres and stretched out alongside the river. He’d had his eyes on this piece of property for quite some time but of course he couldn’t afford it. Now things had changed dramatically. It was the first thing Finn purchased. He also wanted a large cabin, one of those beauties built by the professionals. What the heck he planned on doing with such a big home hadn’t crossed his mind. Someday he hoped to have children. In a flash his mind thought of Emma Taggart, and the quick witted, smart children she would likely someday have. A pang of jealous emotions tore through him. He had no claim over her and until these last three months he’d never given her any thought at all. She was his little sister’s best friend who used to wear funny things in her hair and had braces. She was cute back then. Now she was drop dead gorgeous—the cute little girl had grown up. And no matter how he tried to get her out of his thoughts since she busted through his captor’s door with a gun in each hand, he couldn’t. Fearless couldn’t begin to describe her actions. She took on Talbot head to head and kicked his ass. She’d saved his life and now he couldn’t get her out of his mind or thoughts of her in his bed. He kept telling himself eight years apart in age would make a difference—it didn’t seem to be sinking in. The other problem was Em. Relentlessly she stalked him, and Finn didn’t know how long he could keep saying no.

The driveway into his new home was well treed, so much so that it caused grief for the heavy machinery needed to haul the logs and put them in place.

Emma squirmed in the front seat of Finn’s large fully loaded four-wheel drive truck. I can’t believe you didn’t show me this place before I had to leave to go back to Chicago? She clasped her hands together, trying to peer around the corner down the road.

I wanted it to be a surprise, he responded.

I can’t contain my excitement.

Really, I would never have guessed, he joked. She looked like a puppy hanging out the window with her hair blowing in the wind.

She stopped and looked over at him. I can’t tell you how happy I am. Why you asked for my input on the design of your mansion of a cabin, I’ll never know, but I sure am excited.

Her blue eyes sparkled like a pool of glacier water in the moonlight. I made the right decision. Sam told me you would be great at helping to design the cabin.

I feel privileged. Damn her beautiful smile that melted his heart each time. Are we almost there? The river’s not far.

Yes, it’s just around the corner. Finn tried to keep his eyes on the road, but he wanted to see the look on her face when she saw the massive structure.

The smile on her face faded and her mouth opened as he watched her shocked expression. For once he’d rendered her speechless.

It’s a bit bumpy. Hang on, he stated.

She stared at the construction site, not speaking a word. When Finn stopped the truck, she opened the door and climbed out, still not uttering a sound. Maybe she didn’t like it.

The men were almost done for the day as the large crane hoisted the giant red cedar log into place. Don’t you like it? Finn couldn’t help but ask her. I included everything you suggested. I didn’t forget anything. I just added quite a few more things. The builder is amazing.

Emma stood in front of the truck and turned to him. Sam and Hunter were correct, this isn’t a cabin, it’s a damn lodge that could fit fifty people.

You’re disappointed, he said, defeated.

Hell no. She smiled. It’s amazing…beyond that. I’m stupefied. Look at that log in the front entrance—it’s at least ten times bigger than I am, and there are four of them.

I’m glad you like it, and you think those logs are huge, wait till you see the one on the inside.

A man approached them with a friendly smile. I wondered if you would be around today? This must be the young lady you were speaking about? He extended his hand. I’m Ben.

Emma stepped forward, shaking his hand. Emma Taggart. She smiled back.

Ms. Taggart, I must say the crew and I were amazed with the rough drawings you put together for this place. If you ever need a job, we’d certainly hire you.

Please call me Emma. I have to say this isn’t quite how I imagined it to look. It’s about ten times larger, but it’s incredible.

Go big or go home, that’s our motto. Ben laughed.

I hope Mr. Avery here has considered housekeepers because he’s going to need one.

I think he thought you’d be the one keeping up the house. The man grinned at Finn.

Finn watched her eyes bore into him while she spoke. Unfortunately Ben, I already have a very full plate and cleaning doesn’t fit into my wheelhouse.

Both men chuckled. Hey, I never suggested any such thing. Finn held up his hands in defense.

It looks like they finished securing that log, so you two are welcome to tour around. My men will be out of here in about a half hour. Ben nodded toward the site. It was nice to meet you, Emma. I hope we’ll see you around.

Yes, I’m certain you will, and it was nice to meet you as well.

Come on Emma, let me show you around the site while we wait for the men to finish up. Finn ushered her away from the truck.

I had no idea this place would be so beautiful—or large.

I always wanted to have a large cabin. Finn smiled, walking her toward the backside of the structure.

This place really is the size of a giant lodge, not a cabin, she corrected him.

Who cares about size? he said, poking fun at her.

Around the backside of the building the water rolled at a fast pace downstream.

Now this is what really cost money. He pointed to the large boulders that had been put into place along the banks.

This river can flood and I had to ensure the cabin would be safe, so I had these large boulders brought in to keep the water from coming up this way. I couldn’t touch the river itself, but should the water get high enough to overflow the banks, this giant wall of rock should help.

He watched her shake her head. Wow.

You’ll also notice that the landscaping around the cabin is very impressive. Another step I took to keep my home safe was to build the cabin higher off of the ground…thus all the dirt that has been brought in. There are a series of levels surrounded by rocks and boulders making sure the cabin will be okay if, or when, the water rises.

This view is breathtaking. Emma stared at the river then back to the cabin.

Finn knew the scenery couldn’t be beat, but his eyes were fixed on the blonde woman beside him who made everything else pale in comparison. He realized he was staring.

So I did good, right?

She leaned into him. So far you exceeded my expectations.

His body reacted to her closeness, so he stepped back and away from her. Ready to see the inside? he asked.

Still scared of me I see, but yes I’m ready to see the rest.

Finn shook his head. Let’s go, and watch your step.

3

Emma had to hand it to Finn. He resisted being too close to her at all times. He’d be a hard nut to crack, but she had to try. How long could he fight the attraction he had for her? She felt it and so did he. The age gap did not come into play for Emma. For heaven sakes, there was only eight years difference. She figured she’d need to keep reminding him that the sixteen year old he remembered had long gone, leaving the confident and sexy woman now standing before him.

Emma took a deep breath of air, smelling a sweet scent of something. It smells so good out here, what is it?

Finn pointed to the far side of the cabin where large patches of pink blossoms were in bloom. Wild roses. Sinful, aren’t they?

Amazing. She closed her eyes, taking in another breath.

From the back of the cabin they walked up a large piece of plywood and entered the cabin. She stood, taking in the miraculous structure. This is the kitchen area. Emma spun in circles, then turned looking out the way they’d come from. And this is where the large window will go so you have this beautiful view to stare at each day.

You’re right. That’s how you put it in the designs, he confirmed.

She turned back to him and stepped toward him quickly so he couldn’t escape. I hope you like to cook? Her finger reached up to touch his lips and made a trail down his chest to his stomach.

Finn grabbed her by the wrist to stop her touch. With a wicked smile she held her arm ridged until he pulled her up against him. Her heart skipped a beat or maybe two. Slowly she looked up into his eyes and bit her lip, hoping he’d kiss her. Pent up desire danced in his deep brown eyes. As a matter of fact I do like cooking, especially when I have this view. His eyes never left her, leaving her to wonder if he meant looking at her or the scenery. No, she chose to believe he liked looking at her.

Emma pushed into him and stood on the tips of her toes. That’s good because I’m always hungry, she said seductively.

She knew he wanted to kiss her and was certain he would, but Ben’s voice interrupted the moment. Finn stepped back and cleared his throat.

Sorry to interrupt, just wanted to let you know the men and I are leaving, Ben said, wiping his hands on his pants.

Thanks Ben. Finn walked toward him.

Emma followed. Ben, this place is incredible.

He smiled. I’m glad you like it so far. I know how important your approval was to Finn.

I love what I see. Emma looked at Finn.

I’ll leave you to see the rest of it. Ben turned and left.

Come on. I’ll show you the rest, but I really want you to see one of the main features.

Emma followed him through the cabin to the main area. You told me there should be a major feature here so…what do you think? Finn asked.

She didn’t know how many more surprises she could have in one day. In the center of the large room was the largest log she’d ever seen. No, it was actually a tree complete with some of the gnarled root, which formed the base. It towered above her, spanning the height of the cabin.

Okay, that has my full attention. Wait, what is that? She pointed up to the top of the tree where it appeared something had been burned into the wood.

"It may seem odd, but I wanted a way to share the history of Great-Great-Uncle Charlie Avery. After all, he originally found the gold mine so I wanted his story to be known. In his journal he left some amazing memoirs about this country and his search for gold. I’m placing some of those facts in this tree. Thus the need for the giant staircase that not only takes us to the second and third stories but also wraps around the tree so people can read the inscriptions from top to bottom.