Page 36 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“Emily isn’t really up to a lot of socializing.”
To his surprise, Emily spoke up. “I don’t mind. It might be interesting to meet the Marshalls I’ve heard so much about.”
Annie’s eyebrows rose. “What’s he been saying?”
Jesse spoke before Emily could answer. “I told her how you boss everyone around and rule the place with an iron rod.”
“You said that?” She jammed her fists on her hips.
“I guess you don’t so much anymore, now that you’re married to the preacher. Seems he’s made you straighten out a tad.”
“He what?” She looked about ready to explode.
Jesse laughed. “Careful, you’re about to prove me right.”
She dropped her hands, and her expression cleared. “You are such a tease at times.” She shifted her gaze to Emily. “I hope he’s not giving you a hard time with his teasing.”
A hint of pink blossomed in Emily’s cheeks. She lowered her eyes and then lifted them to Jesse. His heart almost stalled at the warmth in her gaze.
“He’s been nothing but a kind gentleman.”
Annie rumbled her lips. “Don’t be fooled into thinking he’s always kind and thoughtful.”
Jesse pretended offense. “When have I ever been anything but?”
“Like the time you and Conner locked the outhouse door when Logan was in there.”
“Annie, I was fourteen. Besides, Logan had hidden our knives, so he kind of deserved it.”
“I expect there’s a lot more to the story than that,” Emily said.
There was, but he certainly wasn’t going to admit it to her.
“Say you’ll come tomorrow.”
He turned to Emily. “Do you want to?”
She nodded. “I think so.”
“Then we’ll be there.”
“Thanks for inviting me,” Emily said to Annie.
They resumed their journey home. “You might not be thanking her after tomorrow.”
“Really? Why would that be?”
He couldn’t explain but had to try. “They’re big and rowdy.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Grandfather is a notorious matchmaker. He’ll try it with you, too.”
“He’ll understand that I am not ready for matchmaking. For all I know, I am married with a houseful of children.” She touched Mikey’s back. “Though it pains me to think I mighthave born children and can’t remember them. My own flesh and blood.”
He needed the reminder of who she might be.
Just as he needed to remember who he was. A man whose mother had been a soiled dove. A man with no knowledge of his father. There was a name for such a person, but he refused to think it. He was a man who would never be accepted by women seeking marriage. He’d grown used to the fact and had accepted his unmarried state, but being with Emily had awakened longings he’d considered dead and buried.
