Page 95 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“You do that.” Emily laughed as she looked for Mikey. He perched in Jesse’s arms.
Jesse joined her. “Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes, please.”
Jesse looked around as they entered her house. “You’ve made it very cozy.”
“It’s through the generosity of the Marshalls and Gram. I have nothing of my own.” She hoped he wouldn’t think she complained because she was feeling more than blessed. Already, her business was thriving. In time, she would replace the borrowed items with her own things.
“Can I help with the meal?” Jesse asked.
“Can you set the table for me?”
He grinned. “Lady, Gram had taught me to set a proper table by the time I was eight.” He reached past her for plates.
She held very still, ignoring the urge to turn into his arms and press her face to his chest.
He moved away. The air between them crackled with tension.
She stirred the gravy with undue vigor.
By the time Grandfather and Gram arrived, the table was set, and the meal was on the table.
She might have worried that the tension between herself and Jesse would make conversation awkward, but Mikey told a long, involved story about Evan’s dog that had them laughing, and Gram and Grandfather told stories of their childhoods.
They finished up with her cake, and it earned her lots of praise.
As soon as the dishes were done and the food put away, she turned to Jesse.
“I have something to show you.” She glanced at the older couple, not wanting to exclude them.
Gram waved her away. “I’d like to sit if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Mikey opted to stay with Gram and show her the little booklet he and Emily had made with pictures he drew—with a little help from Emily.
Emily and Jesse went outdoors and stood side by side, admiring the garden. “I haven’t thanked you properly for all the work you did for me. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
They reached the gazebo, but she paused without going in. “You said actions speak louder than words. I’d like to hear what words you meant.” She faced him, wanting to...needing to see his eyes and his mouth as he responded to her request.
He looked down at her, dark eyes inviting her to explore. She opened her thoughts to him, as well, holding nothing back, hoping he would see all that was in her heart.
He lifted his hand and pressed his palm to her jaw.
She leaned into his touch.
He cleared his throat. “There are so many words. First, I want to say that I don’t in any way brand you as those in your past have. Second, I want to make sure you understand that I think you belong here.”
“In Bella Creek?”
He pressed his free hand to his chest. “And here.”
Her breath lodged somewhere in her throat.
“If you choose.” His voice deepened to a groan.
She couldn’t let his uncertainty remain. “I choose.”
