Page 38 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“She left so she could get there a little early. She likes to sit in the church before it fills up. Says it helps prepare her for the service.”
Emily smiled. “That’s what my grandmother said, too.” She spoke slowly as the memory came. “My grandmother wore her gray hair in a bun and had a jolly laugh.” The memory ended. “I can’t bring forth a face or a name. What is wrong with me?” The question sounded like a wail.
“You’ve lost your memory. It’s frightening and frustrating. But the doctor was certain it would return.” He paused. “If it hasn’t come back by tomorrow morning, do you want to see the doctor again?”
“Yes! He might have something that will make it come back.”
They reached the church, and any more discussion about her lack of memory would have to wait.
Jesse paused. “I’ll introduce you as Miss Emily Smith. Most people will let it go at that. Word is getting around that you were on the stagecoach and had a blow to the head.”
Jesse grinned at Mikey. “They will have nothing but admiration for this fine young man.”
“Mem, mem, mem,” Mikey said.
She and Jesse met each other’s eyes and smiled. She squared her shoulders and nodded.
He understood and stepped forward, pausing at the first person they met. “Mrs. Abernathy, this is Miss Emily Smith.”
Mrs. Abernathy. The woman Gram was sewing clothes for. Why could she remember that and not her own identity? She greeted the other woman, and they moved on.
Jesse introduced her to each person as they made their way toward the steps. Then she saw Annie. She knew immediately that the tall men near her were her brothers and that the older man was her father. The white-haired man leaning on two canes would be her grandfather. He might be crippled, but his bearing and his expression still shouted authority. Like she’d said, these men were used to having their wishes obeyed.
The three women near Annie would be her sisters-in-law and the children were her nieces and nephews.
As Jesse led her toward the group, Emily tilted her chin upward. She had nothing to fear from these people.Do what’s right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well withthee.A Bible verse from Deuteronomy 6:18. Why, she inwardly bemoaned, could she remember this detail but not who she was?
One by one, Jesse introduced the Marshall family. Dawson and his wife, Isabelle, and their seven-year-old daughter Mattie. Emily wondered if Isabelle was in the family way.
Then there was Conner and Kate and a little girl, Ellie, who was about a year old.
“Conner and I have been best friends for a long time,” Jesse said.
Conner planted a playful punch on his shoulder. “We’ve had some good times together.”
The third brother edged his way between them. “I’m Logan, and this is my sweet wife, Sadie. Kids, introduce yourselves.”
An almost grown girl said her name was Beth. A young boy of seven, if she could remember the details Jesse had provided, said he was Sammy. A shy little blonde girl with big brown eyes said, “I’m Jeannie. I’m four.” She turned to Mikey. “How old are you?”
He tried to hold up three fingers, but one kept escaping. “’Most free.” He worked hard to get the words out as clearly as possible.
Annie pulled her husband forward. “Hugh, this is Emily that I told you about.”
The man gave her a welcoming smile, then excused himself. “I have to get to the front of the church.”
Annie drew a little boy from behind her. “This is Evan. He’s almost five now.”
Emily met Bud Marshall, father of the Marshall brood.
The man on canes edged forward. “They leave the best to the last. That’s me. Everyone calls me Grandfather. I’d be honored if you’d do the same.”
She took the gnarled hand he held out to her. “It would bemyhonor.” She held his steady gaze. His blue eyes were as bright asany of his descendants’. He nodded as he studied her, and she wondered what he saw.
“You’ll do just fine.”
“Grandfather!” Annie scolded.
“I’ll do for what?” Emily asked.
