Page 55 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
Her steps slowed, and her face grew serious. “I might be able to enjoy it if I knew who I am and what kind of enjoyment I should allow myself.”
Her words sobered him. He had no right to be escorting her about town. She might be a married woman, though he had convinced himself she wasn’t. Until he had proof, one way or the other, he must treat her as if she was, and he put several inches between them.
They reached the house where Sadie and Logan and the kids lived just as the family exited.
Emily drew back. “They’ve got plans.”
Logan saw them. “You’re just in time to join us.”
Emily refused to move, so Jesse asked, “For what?”
“Some fun. Not It.” He dashed away to the open area by their house.
“Not It.” Sadie followed.
One by one, they ran off, leaving Jesse and Emily to decide what to do. While he was waiting for her to indicate what she wanted, she said, “Not It,” and joined the others.
“Not fair,” he called after her. “I didn’t know if you wanted to play or not.”
“Didn’t I hear you say I was going to have fun?” She danced about on her tiptoes in a clearly challenging way.
“Can’t get me, Uncle Jesse,” Sammy called as he darted by.
Jesse shook his head in sad resignation. “Seems I have no choice.” He took after Sammy, and zigged as he neared Emily.
But she sensed his intent, picked up her skirt, and ran away. He shifted direction again and tagged Beth.
They played until dusk, then returned to the house.
Jesse had succeeded in not chasing Emily, knowing he came too close to wanting to hold her for no particular reason. There wasn’t even the excuse of tears to wipe or fears to soothe away.
Likewise, she had always chased one of the others as if she felt the same way. Or perhaps, on her part, she wouldn’t feel anything until she knew who she was.
Tomorrow, he would redouble his efforts to find the men responsible for the robberies and murders. He would do his job as sheriff and keep his thoughts and feelings under a tight rein.
He knew the chances were good that once she knew who she was and didn’t need him to help her, she would also see him as others did, a man with a soiled background, a man with nothing to offer but his heart.
His heart had never been enough.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Day after day, Emily worked on the wedding dress. Every stitch jabbed at her emotions. But her brain remained impervious to her feelings. All she knew was she’d done this before. And so she ignored the way her heart twisted and protested and continued to sew the lace inserts and the gores, hoping it would cause her memory to return.
Jesse had been gone for three days. Before he left, he’d said he wouldn’t be back until he found those responsible for the robberies and murders.
Emily had quit looking out the window at the sound of an approaching horse or men’s boots. She stopped setting the table for four.
Midway through the afternoon, Mikey was racing about the house. He knocked over a vase of flowers.
Emily set aside the white silk dress and rushed to mop up the water. “He’s restless,” she said to Gram. “I think I should take him outside for a while.”
“You go right ahead. Don’t feel you have to spend all your time sewing, though if you decide to stay in Bella Creek for some reason, I am prepared to offer you a partnership in my business.” Gram almost looked like she wanted that to happen.
Stay? It sounded tempting. But Emily could decide nothing until she discovered who she was. She’d named states and towns in the hopes of triggering something, but none of them sounded like home to her.
“Thanks. It’s a most generous offer and one I will consider, but I’m hoping...” She didn’t finish. People must be growing tired of hearing her complain that she didn’t know who she was.
“I understand. Now run along and enjoy the afternoon.”
