Page 12 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
But who was she? The question had to be answered before any of them could make a judgment about her.
Emily triedto believe she wasn’t anxious for Jesse to return. But she’d be lying. Yes, she hoped he would bring her something to wear besides her soiled shirtwaist and skirt. But even if he brought back nothing, she found his presence steadying. And why shouldn’t she? He was the sheriff. His job meant she was safe with him, and he would do everything he could do to help her.
She sat at the table peeling potatoes for the evening meal. At first, Mrs. Whitley refused her help, but Emily insisted. “There’s no point in sitting about trying to remember who I am. Far better to be busy.”
The older woman had agreed, on the condition that Emily sit to work. “Jesse would have my hide if anything happened while he’s gone. That boy takes his responsibilities very seriously.” She looked out the window and waved as someone passed in the alley, then continued. “You might even say he is overly conscientious. Now, I don’t mean just about doing his job, but about life in general. He has impossibly high expectations of others, so he’s often disappointed.” She gave a sad shake of her head.
Emily didn’t know if she meant the words as a warning, but she took them that way. What if she’d committed a crime or contributed to one? Why else would she have such a worry? She’d already wondered aloud in his presence if she might be guilty of something. And if she had, Jesse would be...well, not disappointed because he had no reason to trust her or have expectations of her.
But what could she have done? She tried to think of holding a gun and using it for evil, but it didn’t feel as though she knew how to shoot a gun, let alone use it to harm someone.
The outer door clicked. She heard Jesse murmur something as he stepped inside.
Muffin, who had been sitting on the floor watching Mikey play, barked, then whined and bounded for the door.
A female voice greeted the dog.
Jesse had a sweetheart? Well, of course, he did. Emily just hadn’t considered it.
He stepped into the kitchen with a tall woman at his side. A stunningly beautiful woman with blue eyes to rival a clear sky and hair the color of the sun.
Emily sat very still, feeling mousy in contrast.
“Hello, Gram. How are you?”
“Hello, Annie.”
Jesse turned Annie to face Emily. “Emily, this is my good friend, Annie Arness. She’s the preacher’s wife. She’s promised to find you something to wear, and Mikey, too. Mikey, say hello to Mrs. Arness.”
“’Lo.” Muffin had returned to his side, and Mikey clutched at the dog.
“I’m pleased to meet you,” Emily said. Annie was married to the preacher?
“Likewise.” Annie turned to Jesse. “You didn’t tell me she was beautiful.”
Jesse gave the woman a look so full of warning it surprised Emily that she didn’t lose her smile. Instead, she chuckled. “I’ll behave myself. Don’t worry.”
“You better.”
Emily recalled his grandmother’s words about him having high expectations of others and wondered if Annie had disappointed him.
Annie turned her attention back to Emily. “I am sorry to hear of your misfortune, and both my husband and I will pray you regain your memory quickly.” She clapped her hands together. “In the meantime, I’ll take care of finding you some fresh clothing. Jesse, where’s my bag?”
Jesse held forth a valise, and Annie took it from him.
“I brought a few of Evan’s things that are too small for him.” She pulled out two pairs of overalls, three little shirts, nightwear, socks, and other necessities. “I think they’ll fit Mikey. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anything handy that would be your size. Jesse said you were taller than Gram, here and shorter than me.”
Emily’s head began to hurt at the rapid delivery of Annie’s words.
Jesse caught Annie’s arm. “Emily needs to rest.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll return with a few things.” She slipped away.
Emily called her thanks and then closed her eyes. She heard the chair next to hers being pulled out. A warm hand touched her elbow.
“Are you okay?”
She opened her eyes and looked into Jesse’s concerned face. She would have nodded but knew the movement would hurt, so she whispered, “I’m as good as can be expected, I suppose.”
