“Hello pretty girl. Are you tolerating Lucas?” Emily was happy when Munch didn’t growl. She continued to pet Munch until the cat curled into a ball and fell asleep. Emily laid down and closed her eyes.
* * * *
Lucas found her a couple of hours later. He walked softly toward her and squatted down. He brushed her hair off her face. Her eyes opened slowly.
“Hi darlin’,” he whispered right before he kissed her.
Emily smiled against his lips. “Hi. What time is it?”
“Almost six.”
Emily jumped up. “I haven’t even started dinner.”
“It’s fine. Let me get a shower and we’ll go into town for dinner.”
“Are you sure?”
“Why not? We’ve both been stuck on this ranch for weeks. Let’s go out.” Lucas stood and gazed down at her.
“I’d like that.” Emily grinned and started toward the stairs. “But I need a shower first.” She ran up the stairs. Lucas right behind her.
“We’ll conserve water and shower together.” He laughed as he caught her and carried her the rest of the way. Dinner was very late.
Lucas jerked awake later, and quickly glanced around the room. It was past midnight but the full moon lit the room enough to see nothing was amiss. He was about to close his eyes when he heard voices. He quietly got out of bed and moved to the window.
“Shit!” He moved to pull his jeans on.
“What is it?” Emily asked.
“The horses are out of the barn.” Lucas ran from the room.
“What?” Emily squealed as she quickly dressed and ran out the door behind him. She caught up to him in the kitchen. Lucas grabbed her and sat her on a chair.
“Stay here.” He pulled his coat on.
“I’m going out there, Lucas.”
“No! It could be a diversion to get you outside. You will stay in this house and lock the door behind me.” He grasped her arms. “Do you understand?”
She nodded. “Yes.” She grabbed his arm when he turned from her. “Please…be careful.”
Lucas kissed her quickly and ran outside and toward the men. They were trying to corral the horses but the animals were scared. Tinker glanced over at him.
“I hope none of them took off for the pastures.”
“How long have they been out?”
“About fifteen minutes is all.” Tinker nodded his head toward the road.
“Any idea how they got out?” Lucas asked.
“Not yet,” Tinker told him.
“I have an idea,” Lucas muttered. Tinker stared at him and nodded.
Lucas and Tinker moved about helping the men round up the horses. Once they were back in the barn, Lucas did a head count. Two were missing.
“I can send Jack and Eric out to look,” Tinker suggested.
“It’s too damn dark and I don’t want them out there as cold as it is. The horses shouldn’t go anywhere but the pastures. We’ll look in the morning.”
“All right, but one of the missing is Emily’s horse, Cinnamon. I wouldn’t tell her if I were you. She’d want to go looking for her.”
Lucas nodded. “You’re right. It may be warming up during the day but at night, it’s still frigid and I don’t want anyone out there after dark. Maybe the horses will come back by morning.” He slapped Tinker on the shoulder. “You and the men get back to bed. I’ll see you first thing.”
Tinker nodded. “Are you sure you don’t want one of us to keep an eye out?”
“I don’t think he’ll come back tonight but he’s shown his hand now. We’ll keep an eye out.” Neither man had to say who they thought it was causing trouble. They knew it was Adam letting them know he was around.
Tinker sighed and strode off. Lucas knew Tinker wanted to keep an eye out but Lucas was sure Adam was just getting started. Things were going to get much worse before they got better. Lucas clenched his fists. He wanted a shot at the coward. Just one shot.
Early the next morning, Lucas rode Blue out of the barn and saw Emily standing on the porch. He knew the minute she saw him, he galloped the horse over to her.
“Hi.” He smiled at her.
She smiled. “Where are you going?”
Lucas shifted in the saddle. “Two horses were left out last night.”
“What?” She practically shouted. “Why didn’t you tell me this last night?”
“Because I knew you’d want to go out looking for them and it was too dark and too damn cold.”
“So you just decided not to tell me at all?” Emily placed her hands on her hips and glared at him.
“I just told you, didn’t I?”
“Only because I asked. Damn it Lucas. You don’t have the option of not telling me something like that.”
“Do I or do I not own half this ranch?” He leaned forward.
“You do but as a partnership, we need to let each other know when something like this happens.”
“You wouldn’t have slept, Emily. I’m sure they’re fine.” He tuned the reins to move away.
“What horses are they?”
He sighed. “Star Gazer and Cinnamon.”
“Cinnamon is missing? You should have told me last night.” She ran back into the house and came back out with her coat.
“What are you doing?” Lucas asked her.
She glared up at him. “That is my horse and I’m going after her. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this.” She marched to the barn and disappeared inside. A few minutes later, she came back out on horseback and after giving him a glare, she nudged the horse into a run out through the yard. Lucas swore and tore off after her. The woman could ride, that was for sure. Lucas caught up to her, reached over, and grabbed the reins, halting her horse. Emily jerked them from him.
“You need to slow the hell down,” he roared.
“I know every inch of this land and I know how to ride.” She jerked the horse away and tore off again.
“Son of a bitch!” Lucas nudged Blue and ran him full speed until he caught up with her. This time, he reached over and pulled her off the horse and across his lap.
“Put me down,” Emily screamed.
Lucas stopped his horse. “Not until you settle down.” He sighed. “Look, I’m sorry but Tinker and I both made the call not to tell you last night. It was mostly my decision but we didn’t want you out here in the dark looking for your horse. If you’d just calm down and think, you’d admit I’m right.”
She quit struggling and nodded. “I know you’re right. It’s just that I’ve had her since she was a year old and she’s fifteen now. I hate it that she spent the night out here as cold as it is.”
Lucas kissed her. “We’ll find her. Now. If I put you back on your horse, you’re not going to take off are you?”
“No. I’ll ride alongside you.”
He gave her a nod, rode her over to her horse, and sat her on the saddle. She smiled at him. Lucas rolled his eyes and shook his head. They rode the horses through the north pasture and didn’t see the other horses yet. They headed to the west pasture and spotted them. Lucas heard Emily let out a sigh. She glanced over to him and smiled. His heart hit his stomach.
“See? They’re both fine.” He tried to swallow the lump in his throat.
“Yes. Let’s get them home.” She rode her horse closer and dismounted.
Lucas watched as she slowly moved toward the two horses. Her horse, Cinnamon walked right toward her. The other horse followed. Cinnamon butted her head against Emily’s chest. Emily laughed and rubbed her ears.
“Let’s go home, girl.” Emily said as she slipped a rope over Cinnamon’s head then she mounted her horse and they rode home.
Chapter Five
As the April weather began warming the earth, Emily grew more fearful. She knew Adam was out there, even though nothing more had happened in the past two weeks. He was waiting for the perfect opportunity to make his move. She stood staring out the window in the office. The snow was almost gone. Brown gras
s was beginning to push through what snow remained and she knew it would soon turn green. It wouldn’t be long before daffodils sprouted up. Sighing, she headed for the kitchen to get a cup of tea. The back door opened and Lucas walked in as she entered the room. He took his hat off and reached her in a few strides. He cupped her face in his palms and kissed her.
“Hi,” he said against her lips.
“Hi yourself.” She smiled up at him. “What are you doing in here?”
“I wanted to see you.” He pressed his lips to hers and deepened the kiss.
Emily moaned then pulled back. “You have work to do, Mister Taggart.”
Lucas laughed. “I’d rather do you, Missus Taggart.”
Emily gasped. “You did not come in here for that…did you?”
He chuckled. “No but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be up for it. Literally.”
She swatted at him. “You’re awful.” Emily moved to the stove when the teapot whistled. “Do you want me to make you some coffee?”
“No. I came in to talk to you about Joe. I think he deserves a raise.”
“Joe Truman?” At his nod, Emily went on. “If you think he deserves a raise, you don’t need to talk to me about it.”
“No?” Lucas sighed and ran his fingers through his thick hair. “I guess I’m just not used to being in charge.”
Emily moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You are, though. We’re in this together. This is half your ranch. Remember that.”
Lucas grinned. “Yes ma’am.” He winked as he picked his hat up and walked out.
Emily shook her head and after getting her tea, headed to the office to work on the books and sales coming up.
* * * *
Two days later, Emily and Lucas drove into town to pick up feed and she needed to visit the bank. “We’re supposed to get more snow tonight.” She shook her head. “I thought we were done with it.”
Lucas sighed. “Yeah, I know. I’ll be glad when winter’s over.”
“That could be June.” Emily laughed.
Lucas glanced over to her. “Not funny.”
She chuckled. “We do live in northern Wyoming.”
“Well, if we get stranded inside, we’ll just stay in bed and while away the hours some way.” He winked at her, then chuckled when she blushed.
“You love to embarrass me, Lucas.” She folded her arms across her chest and stuck her bottom lip out.
“I love to see you blush. Even though we’re married, you still blush when I mention sex in any way.” He pointed at her. “See? There it is again.”
Emily laughed. “I hate you.”
Lucas shook his head. “I sure hope not darlin’. I sure hope not.”
They pulled in to the feed store and walked inside. A few of the patrons waved but others stared at them as if they couldn’t understand why Emily would marry him. Lucas took a deep breath, and strode to the counter.
“We need ten fifty-pound bags of oats for the horses,” Lucas told the man behind the counter. The man stared at him for a few seconds then shifted his eyes to Emily.
“Give him anything he wants, Carl. Anytime Lucas comes in here, you take his order and fill it,” Emily told him.
Lucas clenched his jaw and stared at Carl, who turned from the counter to place the order. He felt Emily’s hand on his arm.
“You won’t have a problem if you come in alone the next time,” she said.
“They’re all wondering why you married someone like me,” Lucas muttered.
“It doesn’t matter what they think, does it? We’re married and it’s none of their business,” she whispered.
Lucas nodded. “If you say so.”
Emily grabbed the sleeve of his coat. “Lucas Taggart, you listen to me. I don’t care what any of them think my reasons for marrying you are.” She glared up at him.
He glanced down into her face and she knew he saw truth and determination. He grinned. “All right.”
“I’m going to go to the bank while you get the feed.” She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. He grinned at her.
She was strolling down the sidewalk toward the bank when she heard her name. Stopping, she looked over her shoulder and smiled.
“Hello Mr. Danvers.”
Harley Danvers was the president of the Bank of Dry River. She did all her business with him.
“Hello Emily. How are you honey?” His bushy mustache covered most of his teeth when he smiled.
“I’m just fine. I was actually heading for the bank to make a deposit and pay off the loan.”
“Well, then do me the honor of accompanying me.” He stuck his elbow out for her to take. She looped her hand through his arm and strolled along with him. “It looks like more snow is moving in again.”
Emily glanced at him. He seemed nervous. “What is it?”
Harley stopped and stared at her. “Adam was in yesterday. He came waltzing into the bank, walked around, and then left. Never said a word to anyone. Just strutted like a peacock.” Emily felt the blood drain from her face. Harley patted her hand. “You didn’t know he was back?”
“I thought he was back. It’s just hearing he’s actually here, is too real.”
Harley led her into the bank and his office. He had her sit while he got her a cup of water. He handed it to her and sat behind his desk. “Are you all right, Emily?”
She nodded but sipped the water. “I’ll be fine.”
“Is there someone I could call for you? You look a little pale.”
Emily shook her head but reached into her purse and pulled her cell phone out. She glanced at Harley. “I’ll call Lucas. He’s down at the feed store.”
Harley nodded. “Is there anything I can do for you while you wait for him?”
“Just pay the loan off.”
“You’re sure you want to do that?”
“Yes. We sold two horses this week.”
“All right. I’ll get the papers.” He walked around the desk and put his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll be right back. Call Lucas.”
Emily’s hand was shaking as she held her phone. She dialed Lucas’s number.
“Hello darlin’. You miss me already?” He chuckled.
“Lucas…” Her voice cracked.
“Emily? What is it?” She could hear the panic in his voice.
“I’m at the bank. Harley told me Adam was in here yesterday.”
“Stay there. I’m on my way.” Lucas hung up.
Emily sat in the wingback chair and stared at the phone. He’d be there soon and then she’d feel safe. Lucas would keep her safe. She dropped the phone into her purse and folded her arms. She couldn’t seem to get warm as she rubbed her hands up and down her arms. Harley came back into the office.
“Did you call Lucas? Is he coming here?”
She nodded. “He should be here in a few minutes.”
Harley sat at his desk and laid the papers out for her to sign. Emily knew he was trying to keep her occupied until Lucas got there. Harley handed her a pen but she sat there staring at the papers. She raised her eyes to look at him and she knew he could see the fear in them.
“Lucas will be here soon,” Harley said softly.
Emily sat on the edge of her seat and signed the papers then she pulled out a checkbook and wrote a check for the balance of the loan. Her hand was shaking so badly, she had trouble holding onto the pen. She finally signed it, tore the check out, and handed it to Harley. He took it from her and then squeezed her hand. At that moment, Lucas came through the door and then squatted down in front of her.
“Hey darlin’,” he whispered.
Emily stared at him for a few seconds before a sob tore from her throat as she launched herself at him.
“He’s really here. I know we thought he was when the horses were let out but people have actually seen him, Lucas.”
“I know, baby. Let’s go home. I’ll take care of you.” Lucas kissed her forehead then glanced at Harley. “Is there anything els
e she needs to do about the loan?”
“No. I’ll mail you the papers showing the loan’s paid off. Just take her home, Lucas.”
Lucas shook Harley’s hand and helped her walk out of the bank to their truck. After helping her in, he walked around and got in. She glanced over to him. He put the truck in drive and headed home.
* * * *
As Lucas drove toward the ranch, his gaze moved from the rearview mirror to Emily. She stared straight ahead. He didn’t want to alarm her but he was sure there was a car following them. It pulled out behind them in town but stayed back far enough so he couldn’t see the driver or the front license plate. Not wanting to scare Emily, he reached for her hand. She turned scared eyes to him.
“Don’t turn around but I think we’re being followed.”
She quickly glanced in the side mirror. “The black car behind us?”
“No. The red one behind it. He’s been following since we left the bank but staying back far enough to not make him out. I think he deliberately let the black car between us.” Lucas shook his head. “I don’t like it.”
“It’s Adam,” she said with certainty.
Lucas’s jaw clenched. “I’m sure it is too.” He swore under his breath. “I’d love to have a conversation with him. Man to man.”
Emily snorted. “He’s not a man. He’s a snake who slithers around to scare people.”
A burst of laughter erupted from Lucas. “He doesn’t scare me.”
“You’re probably the only one then.”
Lucas swerved the truck off the road and parked it on the berm. His eyes never left the mirror as the red car approached then slowly passed by. The tinted windows didn’t allow him to see the driver. He pulled out behind the car and followed it.
“What are you doing?” Emily asked.
“Just giving him some of his own medicine.”
The car sped up but Lucas stayed with him. Emily touched his arm. He glanced over to her.
“Please don’t. It will just make him angry.”
“I want the son of a bitch angry. I want him to come after me.”
“Lucas, please.”
He sighed and let off the gas then pulled off the road and shoved the truck into park. He laid his arm along the back of the seat. “He’s pushing it, Emily and he knows it. Walking into the bank he used to work at then following us. He’s going to get more and more brazen as time goes on. I want him to know I’m not afraid of him.”
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