He Was the Deadliest Gun in the Territory — Until a Child Gave Him Something Worth Fighting For
Chapter 11
Evelyn found the final clue in Daniel’s belongings.
It was hidden inside an old family Bible.
The original ledger was buried beneath the church floor in the town where Daniel had grown up.
Cole and Evelyn retrieved it.
With the ledger, Crowe’s entire operation collapsed.
The sheriff arrested him.
The stolen land was eventually returned to the families.
For the first time in years, Evelyn could breathe.
But Cole became restless.
One morning, she found him saddling his horse.
“Where are you going?”
Cole didn’t look at her.
“Away.”
Her heart sank.
“Why?”
“Crowe is gone.”
“So?”
“So the danger is gone.”
Evelyn walked toward him.
“You think that means you have to leave?”
“I’ve always left.”
“I know.”
Cole looked at her.
“You and Noah deserve a normal life.”
“We already have one.”
“Not with me.”
Evelyn stepped closer.
“You don’t get to decide that alone.”
Cole lowered his eyes.
“I bring trouble.”
“So do I.”
He looked at her.
She smiled sadly.
“You think you’re the only one who has been afraid?”
Cole said nothing.
“I was afraid to trust you.”
“And now?”
“I am more afraid of losing you.”
Cole stared at her.
He had no answer.
So he kissed her.
And for the first time in his life, Cole Tanner chose not to ride away.
