Page 33 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“That’s right. Most people see the Marshall men as—how do I say this without sounding harsh?—”
“Big, tall?” She’d seen how tall Annie was and guessed her brothers might be as well.
He shrugged. “It’s more than their size. They’re?—”
“Wait. Let me guess.”
He grabbed Mikey’s hand as they crossed a side street, ducking out of the way of a wagon. Jesse waved in response to the greeting of the occupants but hurried on, drawing to ahalt behind a shed sheltered by a tree. “You want to guess? Go ahead.” He leaned back, grinning as he watched her.
“They’re strong?”
He nodded.
“Both physically and in their attitude?”
“Yes, they have strong opinions.”
She considered the little bit of information she’d learned about the Marshall family. Grandfather had not only started the town but kept it organized according to his directives. “I’d guess they were used to being in control. Having things done their way.”
He chuckled. “That they are.” Side by side, they sauntered down the alley, letting Mikey explore every nook and cranny. “You’d think Annie would be ordered about by all those men folk. Nope. She is the only one I know who can tell her grandfather what to do, and he does it.”
“She’s bossy? I might feel sorry for Hugh and Evan.” Though, she’d seemed like a kind person when she brought clothes over for Emily.
“No, you won’t. She’s good and kind but not the least bit intimidated by the men in her family.”
“Good to know.” Why did she feel a personal victory in Annie’s behavior? Had she been forced to deal with strong men? Cruel men? Why would the wordcruelcome to mind? Jesse had said nothing to indicate such. In fact, he seemed genuinely fond of the Marshall family and respectful of them. Cruelty did not earn respect. Her insides twisted at the idea.
She needed to change the direction of her thoughts. “Where are we going?” Emily asked.
Again, he stopped and pointed. “See that line of trees?”
“Yes, what about them?”
“They are beside the river. Mining Creek.”
“Is it a river or a creek?”
“What’s the difference?” He waited a moment, and when she couldn’t answer, he continued. “It flows into Mineral River, so maybe it’s really a creek. I don’t know.”
They crossed a grassy field.
“We had a fair here last summer.” He chuckled. “Grandfather Marshall ordered Conner and Kate to put it on.” He laughed again. “Grandfather is somewhat of a matchmaker. I suppose it helps him pass the time.”
“From what I know, it seems to me that men on ranches have plenty to keep them occupied.”
He stopped and came round to face her. “You’re from a ranch?”
She considered it a moment, then shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Never mind.” He took her hand. His work-roughened palm promised strength and protection, and she shoved away her struggle to remember. Hadn’t the doctor warned her she must not try and make it come?
Jesse enjoyedthe way Emily quickly recovered from her frequent pauses as something touched a memory but failed to bring it all back. He could tell she had an agile mind.
He held her hand as they went down the narrow path through the trees toward the river.
Mikey pulled away and raced ahead, but Jesse knew it wasn’t safe to let the boy go. “Mikey, wait.”
Jesse dropped Emily’s hand and ran after the boy, scooping him into his arms. “You must not go near the water. It’s dangerous.”
