Page 35 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“This is one of my favorite places.”
“Because it’s so peaceful?”
He caught the hint of teasing in her voice and laughed. “Maybe in part, but mostly because there is always something new to see.”
She moved away, looking at the tall grass and the tiny bluebells, and then she saw the flash of brilliant orange. “Wild tiger lilies. They’re beautiful. I only recall seeing them once before, and that was—” She stared into the distance as she tried to remember.
He waited, silent, hopeful, and nervous.
She twitched and let out a sigh, then turned back to admiring the flowers.
She hadn’t remembered. Tension slipped from his shoulders—a mixture of relief and disappointment.
“Would you like me to cut a few stems so you can take them home?”
“I don’t think so, thanks. There are plenty of flowers in your grandmother’s garden. It seems a shame to think of ripping them from where they belong. I’d prefer to leave these here for others to enjoy.”
He hadn’t thought of ripping them, as she said. Did her words signify something about her past?
They poked about for a bit longer before Mikey came to him.
“Up.” He lifted his arms to Jesse.
Jesse picked him up. “Did we tire you out?”
For an answer, Mikey rested his head on Jesse’s shoulder and stuck his thumb in his mouth.
“Let’s go home.” He turned back the way they’d come.
She stumbled on the rough ground and caught his elbow.
“Hold my arm,” he said. “The last thing we want is for you to take another tumble.”
She clung to him, her breathing rapid, as if she’d been running.
He stopped to look at her. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I just relived those few seconds when the stagecoach went over the edge.” She shivered, and her voice fell to a whisper. “It was terrifying.”
He shifted Mikey. The little guy protested being disturbed. “Shh. You’re okay.” He pulled Emily to his side. By rights, she should have died in the accident or been shot like the two men. “God protected you.” He managed to keep his voice steady. But to think he might have found this pair in the same condition as the driver and shotgun rider twisted his stomach into a knot.
“I know, and I’m grateful.” She sucked in air, but they only went a few more steps before she pulled away. “I’m fine. I know my life was in God’s hands at the time. Just as it is now.”
She sounded strong, but he knew she must feel uncertainty, given her loss of memory.
They left the shelter of the trees. He glanced around, making certain no danger faced them. They crossed the open meadow. Again, they headed for the alley. She might be strong, but she wasn’t ready to deal with a bunch of strangers, not knowing who to trust and who to be fearful of.
They drew abreast of the manse. Annie flew out the back door and across the yard. “I was hoping to see you.”
“For your sake, I was hoping to avoid her,” Jesse murmured.
“She’s safe, isn’t she?”
He wondered at her choice of words, but Annie had reached them, and he couldn’t ask her about it. “Tomorrow after church, we’re gathering at the ranch. Jesse, we want you to come, too, and bring Emily and Mikey.”
“I don’t know,” he replied. Emily had made it clear she wasn’t keen on meeting others.
Annie wasn’t above begging. “Please. It won’t be the same without you.”
