Page 41 of Fool's Gold

"Yes, I have made up my mind." Sarah chose to ignore the comparison even though she knew it was true.

"In love, huh." Pipi grumped. "I thought you were going there to set things right, not fall under his spell again."

"You make him sound like a hypnotist. He's my Western Romeo, and helping him out is my way of paying him back."

"For what?"

Sarah gritted her teeth. She should have kept her mouth shut. "He saved my life," she said reluctantly.

"What?" Pipi screeched.

Sarah brushed the hair back behind her ear. "Keep calm, Pipi. I'm okay."

"I'm coming out there to get you," Pipi shouted.

She frowned. "Well, I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me. It was just some nut taking pot shots. Rafe has been taking good care of me."

Pipi sighed. "He is, huh?"

Sarah frowned at the doubting tone. "Yes, he is. So, now it's my turn to take care of him."

Chapter Eight

Rafe savored the last sip of his breakfast coffee. It was Monday morning, and all of the men were already at work, while he was lingering at the table, putting off the inevitable meeting with Wilson. How would Sarah react if he were actually charged with shooting the wolves? She’d said she believed him, but did she really?

He would know soon enough because he was due in Wilson's office in an hour. No doubt, if he didn't show, they'd send the sheriff out to arrest him.

He stood and walked into the kitchen where Sarah was helping Rose with the dishes.

She glanced up sharply at his approach. He could see the anxiety in her eyes, and it made him tense. What was she thinking? Then, he focused on the white bandage on her arm, and his gut twisted. She'd been shot while trying to prove his innocence. That told him she trusted him.

How could he have guessed this summer would bring such a roller coaster of emotions?

He walked up to her and pulled her into his arms. "Don't worry, sweetheart, it will be okay."

"If only I could have gathered some evidence," she whispered while caressing his back.

He luxuriated in her touch for a moment. This was right and real. "We were rudely interrupted, remember? There wasn't time to get any evidence. Besides, Wilson and the sheriff went up there. If there was anything to find, I'm sure they discovered it."

She nestled in his arms. "I'm sure they're going to realize that it's all a mistake."

"I don't want you to worry." He hugged her tighter. Her belief in him meant everything.

She nodded. "I know it's all going to blow over." She stepped out of his embrace, obviously noting he looked like a man going off to face a firing squad. "It'll just take me a minute to get ready."

"For what?"

"I'm going with you." She grabbed her purse and walked toward the door.

He frowned. "I don't think that's a very good idea, Sarah. They didn't ask you to come in."

She stood tall in the face of his repressive attitude. He didn't want her involved, but there was no way she would back down. "Tough. I want to be with you. Don't worry. I won't get in the way. Besides, I have some business to do in town later."

"What business do you have to do?"

"There are a few items I forgot to buy at Daley's Camera Shop last time."

"I could pick up any photography supplies you need," he offered.

---