Page 24 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
If only she could find answers to her many questions.
Sucking in courage, she opened the door and stepped into the hall.
Jesse strode out of his room, Mikey perched in one arm and grinning at her over Jesse’s shoulder.
Her eyes stung. Mikey looked like he’d found a home. It was all Emily could do not to rush into the circle of Jesse’s other arm. Everything else was gone but the strength radiating from this man.
Mikey saw her. “Mem, mem, mem,” he babbled.
Jesse faced her. “I hope you slept well.”
“Yes, thank you.”
His eyes held a question.
She shook her head. “Nothing.”
“I’m sorry.” He reached out and took her hand. “It will come.”
“Maybe no one cares where I am.” She tried and failed to keep the tremor from her voice.
He pulled her close. “That simply doesn’t make sense. Someone is out there waiting for you to return from your errand with Mikey, expecting a letter from you to say you’ve arrived safely. I’m sure the Newmans will be able to help us.”
They descended the stairs into the kitchen, where Gram stirred a frying pan of potatoes. A pot of coffee filled the air with a delicious aroma.
Mikey saw Muffin and demanded to be put down. The dog and boy greeted each other with squirmy hugs.
“Do you drink coffee?” Jesse asked.
“I believe I do, and if I don’t, I’m about to start.”
He kissed Gram on the cheek. They exchanged a glance, and Jesse shook his head.
Emily knew he’d informed her that Emily’s memory had not returned.
He poured them each a cup of the hot liquid. They sat at the table, which Gram had already set.
“I’m feeling much better today.” She had no idea when Jesse would begin the trip to the Newmans.
Gram carried the potatoes, bacon, and eggs to the table and sat at her place. “I enjoy having company.”
Emily nodded, not knowing what else to do.
“Come to breakfast, Mikey,” Jesse called.
The boy climbed up beside the man, gazing at him with wide-eyed adoration.
Gram chuckled. “Seems someone has laid a claim to you.” She moved the little boy’s plate across the table so Mikey could sit by Jesse.
Looking at the pair, seeing the mutual admiration, filled Emily with such emptiness she wondered why she didn’t collapse like a lifeless paper doll.
Jesse looked at her, his gaze steady.
She shamelessly clung to his look, feeling much like Mikey.Keep me safe.
He nodded as if understanding...as if giving his promise.
He bowed his head and asked the blessing on the food and added a desire for Emily to remember who she was.
