Page 31 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“Mikey come?” The little boy bounced on the balls of his feet.
“Yes, Mikey can come.” Jesse reached for his hand, pleased that the boy was so trusting of him. It made him feel tall and strong and refreshed his intention of taking care of both of them until their future was decided.
When they reached the sidewalk, Mikey dropped Jesse’s hand to bend and examine a ladybug. Jesse pulled Emily’s arm around his elbow. He was not letting this young woman out of his sight. Not until someone came to claim her. “I sent messages back along the line. Someone sold you a ticket. They’ll know something about you, if only where you bought the ticket.”
“It will take time to hear back.”
“In the meantime, you are safe here.”
She stiffened.
Why had he used the word safe? It wasn’t what he meant. But he decided to let it go, lest anything he said only make her more worried about her circumstances.
“How are you feeling?” He expected she’d be stiff and sore after her accident, but that wasn’t all he meant. He wondered how she felt about being back in Bella Creek.
“I have bruises all over, but nothing serious.”
“Do you want to see the doctor again? He said your bruises weren’t of any concern, but maybe he can check the bump on your head.”
She slowed to face him. “Do you think he could help me remember?”
Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything. He only thought the doctor might offer some suggestions. Perhaps look again at the lump on her head.
Her shoulders drooped. “He can’t help my memory return, can he?”
“He said it would come back. Be patient.” He thought of the evening ahead of them and wondered how he could help her.
He didn’t have to guard his heart because this was a temporary situation.
Would she even remember him once her memory returned?
Emily wasglad when Jesse dropped the subject of visiting the doctor. She would gladly seek medical help if there was any hope of it fixing her memory. But they’d both heard the doctor. Her memory would return in its own good time.
Jesse seemed in no hurry as they walked down the street. Emily understood that he was letting her take in the sights and sounds of the town, hoping something would make her remember. She inhaled the lingering heat of the day, laden with the scent of suppers cooking. The sound of wagons and horses trotting along a street out of sight warned her of activity in that direction.
“Howdy, Sheriff.” A woman with a baby in her arms called from the yard they passed.
“How are you, Mrs. Beech? How’s the little one?”
“Good. Good. You have a new friend?”
Emily understood he had no choice but to introduce her and Mikey, but she wished they could have avoided it. Mikey barely slowed enough to say hi to the woman. Everything on the ground grabbed his attention.
They exchanged greetings and then moved on.
“Meeting that woman made you uncomfortable?” Jesse said.
“It’s awkward to be introduced when I don’t know who I am.”
“But perhaps someone will arrive who recognizes you.”
“So long as it’s someone kind.”
Their slow pace allowed him time to study her. She tried not to wonder what he looked for and what he saw.
“Are you worried about the robbers?” he asked. “I know everyone around here. I’ll know if a stranger rides in. Until then, relax and trust me.”
She held his gaze. It was easy to trust him. Even if he hadn’t been the sheriff, there was something about him that made her instinctively think she was safe with him.
