by Leah Atwood
As much as he didn’t want to face the truth, he owed her an explanation. He stood from the blanket and went inside to find her. She sat on the bed, her head buried in her hands.
“Emma Lee?” He didn’t know where to begin.
“Go away,” she said without looking up.
“I can’t.” Walking to her, he tried to formulate words. When he reached the bed, he sat down beside her and the frame creaked.
“Please.” There were a few more words spoken, but they were too muffled to understand.
Garrison clasped his hands in front of him. “I’m real sorry about your folks, Emma Lee, and I’m sorry I’ve only made you feel worse.”
She looked up at him, her eyes puffy. “What do you have against me? I know you don’t like me, but I’ve tried so hard to make this situation tolerable. What else can I do?”
“It’s not you—” His words cut off when his hand rose automatically and trailed a finger down her cheek, erasing the tears as he went. “You’ve been brave, strong, even wonderful.”
A breathless gasp came from Emma Lee.
“And to set facts straight,” he continued, “I like you just fine. Too much is the problem.”
She was still speechless. The more she didn’t say anything, the more he wanted to kiss her, but that would not happen.
“Let’s go outside. I want to tell you about my mother.” Standing up, he held out a hand to assist her.
They walked outside and found seats again on the blanket. Neither resumed eating, and Garrison still held Emma Lee’s hand. He told himself to let go, but his hand wouldn’t obey.
“What did you want to tell me about your mother?” Emma Lee asked after moments of silence.
Even years after Ma’s death, the facts never became easier to handle. “My mother worked for the Tomlinson’s, one of the wealthiest families in Dallas.”
“I know them. They’ve hosted my father on occasion during his trips to the city.”
“Yes, I suppose you would.” He wished he hadn’t made that comment when he saw Emma Lee’s face contort with sadness. “Gregory Tomlinson is my father.”
Her eyes widened. “I had no idea.”
“Few people do, or believe it to be true. I’m the illegitimate child of him and my mother, Sandra Gray.” He ran a hand through his hair. “My mother was a poor laundress, used by Gregory. He lied to her, promised her marriage until he got what he wanted.”
“I never did like that man.” Emma Lee’s response and quick recovery from his revelation surprised him, and her boldness made him smile.
“Me either. When Ma discovered she was expecting me, Gregory broke off their relationship.” He paused, making a deliberate mental attempt to ward off the anger. “My mother could never accept that she’d been used. She spent the rest of her years pining away for him, begging him to take her back into his life.”
“I’m sorry.” Emma Lee squeezed her hand.
“After so long, people passed off Ma as a crazy woman and no one believed I was really Gregory’s child.” Leaning his head back, he stared at the sky, the twilight hours approaching. “My mother became a laughingstock among Dallas’ finest, and I’ve never forgotten how the wealthy and upstanding citizens treated her.”
“And you thought I was like them?”
He hesitated, debating on if he should tell her the things he’d seen and heard her do. “I had witnessed behaviors from you, before this temporary marriage idea, which gave me reason to believe so.”
Emma Lee gazed off as though trying to recollect events. A soft pink covered her cheeks. “You were right. I wasn’t a very kind person and often was shallow and mean.”
Letting go of her hand, he shifted his position so that he could face her. His hand went to her face and his palm covered her cheek. “But that wasn’t the real you, was it? That was the insecure child who needed attention, not the woman who understands honor and strength in the face of adversity.”
“Do you really think I am strong?” Her gaze held such hope. “Did you tell me something similar on our first night here when I woke up from a nightmare?”
Nodding, he caressed her cheek with his thumb. “My mother was weak and let life’s circumstances destroy her. That would never happen to you, my dear, because you wouldn’t allow it to.”
“How do you know?” she squeaked.
“I’ve watched you this week. You’ve struggled to complete tasks you’ve never been taught to do, you’ve pressed forward and not let grief consume you. You’ve not given up, no matter how hard it’s become.”
She looked at him, a foreign expression in her eyes. “I don’t feel so strong.”
“Then let me be your strength.” He moved his hand to her shoulder and drew her close to him, holding her, showing her she was not alone.
CHAPTER NINE
For the first time in a week, Emma Lee woke up with a spark of joy, instead of crushing grief pushing against her chest. She’d found a serendipitous friend in Garrison even if that friendship only lasted the duration of their stay. Oddly, the thought of leaving made her sad—she didn’t want to return to Mucksbe and face reality.
What if she could make this her new life, if she and Garrison could have a real marriage and live here permanently? Well, with a slightly bigger house perhaps and a few more furnishing.
She laughed. It was a ridiculous fantasy with her imagination running amuck—as if Garrison would go along with that idea. Although, there had been moments yesterday where he looked at her with a longing. Twice she had thought he might kiss her, but he hadn’t.
Sitting up in bed, she wiped the hairs out of her face that had fallen out of her braid during the night. The solitude really must be getting to her that she was thinking such outlandish things, yet in her heart, peace reigned when she thought of not returning to town. Memories of her parents would always haunt her if she remained there.
Until now she hadn’t allowed herself to think of Luther and what his betrayal meant. She didn’t know for sure that he was guilty, but a niggling instinct told her it was true. What had he hoped to gain by killing her parents? She should have been heartbroken over the loss of her beau, and her heart was in pieces but only because her parents were gone and in such a brutal way. Regarding Luther, she only felt anger and a profound sadness. Plus, guilt. Would her parents still be alive if she hadn’t allowed Luther to court her?
The door flew open and Garrison burst in. Water dripped from his hair—he must have gone to the creek and bathed.
“Get dressed.” There was a hard glint in his eyes. “Someone is riding in, and from the distance, I think it's Luther.”
Her chest constricted and a fearful chill passed through her. “Are you sure?”
“Can’t be positive until he’s closer.” Garrison removed one of the Peacemakers from its holster and handed it to her. “I need you to stay in the house, but promise me you’ll use this if needed.”
She read his meaning. If anything happened to him, protect herself. Her hands shook as she took the six-shooter. “I promise.”
“Do you remember how to use it?”
“Yes.” Reflecting back, she was glad he gave her lessons on it during their second day at the house.
“You shouldn’t have to, but just in case…” He trailed off, grabbing his hat from the bedpost. Before he put it on, he leaned forward and planted a kiss on her lips. “Stay put.” He set the hat on his head and walked out, his arrogant swagger in place.
Emma Lee pressed her fingers against her lips where Garrison’s mouth had just met hers. It was the briefest of touches, but erupted multitudes of tiny, pleasant butterflies within her, the complete opposite of what feeling Luther’s kiss had produced. As much as she wanted to relish the moment, she remembered the danger facing both her and Garrison.
“Protect him, Lord,” she prayed. She pulled on a skirt and simple blouse, thankful to the sheriff’s wife for sending practical clothing. My, how my thoughts have changed. In a matter of seconds
, she was dressed, but if she’d had one of her gowns, it would have taken her minutes to get the buttons fastened.
Walking to the window, she dared a peek outside. She swallowed the lump in her throat that formed when she spotted Luther. Garrison had been correct about the man’s identity. They were arguing, and she saw Luther raise a gun.
Turning away, she couldn’t watch. A gunshot sounded, and she screamed. All Garrison’s orders were cast aside, and she ran out the door, expecting to see Garrison a bloody mess.
Tears of relief sprung when she saw Garrison standing over Luther, who was crumpled on the ground, covering his shoulder and groaning with pain. She threw away all inhibitions and propriety and ran to her husband, throwing her arms around him.
“I was so afraid.” She breathed in his clean scent. “I saw him raise his gun then heard the shot.”
Garrison returned her embrace, a smirk appearing. “Honey, I’m the best shot and quickest draw around. He never stood a chance.”
“You,” Luther growled, attempting to point a weak finger at her. “You ruined it all.”
“No, Luther, you did.” She let go of Garrison, but he kept an arm around her waist. “Why did you kill my parents?”
“They were in my way of getting to your inheritance.” Luther’s eyes held pure evil. “We could have had a good life if you hadn’t married this gunman. Why him? He’s nothing but poor dirt.”
Emma Lee spat on Luther’s writhing form. “Garrison is a better man that you’ll ever be.”
Unperturbed by the insults, Garrison knelt down and began to tie Luther’s hands behind his back, then his ankles. “Actually, Luther, I’d be willing to bet my bank account is larger than yours.” Effortlessly he picked up the wounded man and carried him to where the wagon was parked. He tossed him into the back like a bale of hay then returned to her side.
“What now?” Her hands fidgeted in front of her, waiting for Garrison’s answer.
“We take him in, get you settled back in town.” He wouldn’t look at her.
“I guess you’ll be moving on now that you’ll have your freedom?” Inhaling deeply, she held the breath.
“Actually, I thought I might settle down somewhere. Mucksbe’s as good a place as any.” The tip of his boot drew circles in the dirt, and he glanced up at her.
She exhaled, feeling hope. “I hear there’s a vacant homestead available, but it’s pretty far outside town.”
“What about you? What will you do?” A sad smile sat on his lips.
“I don’t know. I know I can’t stay in Mucksbe, especially not in my parents’ house.” She rocked on bare feet. “Too many memories.”
“You can move with family.”
“They’re all in the city.” Maybe she’d have to be bold. “I’ve discovered I enjoy open spaces.”
“Oh yeah?” Garrison’s eyebrows raised. “You think you could survive without any maids or servants?”
“I know so.” She winked. “Though I’d probably want to hire a cook for a while who could teach me.”
Garrison laughed. “That might be a wise idea.” He glanced to the wagon, then back at her. “We should get him to the sheriff.”
“You’re probably right.” Her shoulders sagged. She’d thought he understood what she was hinting at, but apparently it hadn’t been as obvious as she thought.
He helped her up, and she sat on the front bench of the wagon. Garrison hitched the team then sat beside her. Behind them, Luther had passed out. They rode in silence all the way to Mucksbe. When the small town came into view, Garrison brought the wagon to a sudden stop.
“Did you mean it about enjoying the open spaces?” He looked at her, all arrogance gone.
“Yes.”
“I meant what I told Luther. I’ve been paid well for my services but have a large sum that my father left me, an attempt to buy my mother’s silence once and for all before she died.”
Reaching over, she rested a hand on his arm. “I don’t care about money. Not anymore, at least. My parents’ deaths showed me there are more important things to life than what I’d previously thought.”
“I never thought I’d want to marry.” His eyes bore into her. “Now I don’t want to lose my wife.”
Tears pricked at her eyes. “I don’t want to lose my husband.”
“Will you stay married to me then, Emma Lee? Have a real marriage?”
She flashed him a wink. “On one condition.”
“Which is?”
“You finally tell me what landed you in jail.”
Garrison chuckled. “I shot Mayor Linden’s hat straight off his head.”
Bursting into laughter, Emma clutched her sides. “How I would have loved to see that. Someone needed to put him in his place.”
“You’re a woman full of surprises.” Garrison sobered and stared at her. “I love you, Emma Lee. I never thought it would happen to me, but I’ve fallen completely in love with you.”
“I love you too, Garrison.”
When they kissed, neither noticed Sheriff Daniels sitting atop his horse, watching them with an approving smile.
Epilogue
One year later
The citizens of Mucksbe filled the barn for a night of celebration. Garrison stood at the entrance, his arm around Emma Lee’s waist, whose midsection was heavily swollen with their child due to arrive in the next several weeks.
Emma Lee glanced at him and smiled. “I’m glad we decided to have a party. We’ll have to have another one when Kitty and her husband return from their European honeymoon.”
“Maybe for Christmas. I’ve never cared much for parties, but we’ve been so busy that it’s nice to have an evening with friends.” Garrison looked outside, toward their house newly constructed house.
The building had been completed last month, and they’d moved in two weeks ago. It was a two-story building with six bedrooms, larger than many homes, but not nearly of the grandeur to which Emma Lee had been accustomed. They didn’t buy the property where they had stayed for their first week of marriage, opting instead, to purchase a spread only five miles from town so they’d be near friends but still have their space.
“Our house is perfect.” Her gaze had also traveled to their new home. “You know I would have been content with something smaller, but you’re the one who is insisting on lots of children.”
Garrison laughed. “I don’t hear any arguments from you.”
Sighing contentedly, she leaned against him. “And you won’t. I only wish Mother and Father could be here to see their grandchildren.”
“Me too.” He loosened his hold on her when Sheriff Daniels and his wife made their way to them.
“Great party.” Sheriff Daniels extended a hand and Garrison grasped it.
“Thank you, Sheriff.”
“Thank you for inviting us.” Mrs. Daniels embraced Emma Lee. “Be sure to stop in for tea next time you’re in town.”
“I will.”
“Are you sure I can’t convince you to come work as my deputy?” Sheriff Daniels asked with a wink. “I always need good men to uphold the law.”
Shaking his head, Garrison chuckled. Every time they met, the sheriff asked the same question. “My guns are retired.”
“Thanks again for having us. Have a good evening.” Leading his wife outside, the sheriff and Mrs. Daniels walked to their buggy.
“We had a great time.” Kane Masterson and his wife, Faith, were the next to bid farewells. “The little ones are tired.”
Faith carried a sleeping infant in her arms, and two sleepy-eyed girls held Kane’s hands.
“Thank you for coming,” Emma Lee told them. “Be safe going home.”
A heavily pregnant Josie McGraw approached. “Cord left with Coralie to bring the wagon to me.”
Emma Lee smiled. “Next time I see you, you’ll be rocking a baby.”
“I surely hope so.” Josie gave a tired laugh and looked through the door. “I see my husband now.” She leaned over and gave E
mma Lee a brief hug. “I’ll see you soon.”
For the next hour, the guests continued to leave until Garrison and Emma Lee were alone. Emma Lee went to begin cleaning the mess, but he stopped her. He knew she would try to overdo it, and he wanted her well rested for the baby.
“Don’t worry about cleaning up.”
“We can’t leave it until tomorrow.” She picked up a discarded cookie in protest, struggling to stand upright again until Garrison assisted her.
“You’ve been baking and cooking for two days straight in preparation—you must be tired.” He brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “I’ll take care of it.”
“You’re too good to me.” Exhaustion filled her words.
“I like to think it’s the opposite, that you’re too good to me.”
She smiled at him. “Let’s compromise and say we’re good for each other.”
Grinning, he pulled her to him. “Sounds perfect.”
Dear Reader,
Sometimes it takes a major event to turn a life around. For Emma Lee, it was her parent’s deaths. For Garrison, it was falling in love. Together, they both realized they had some growing up to do and prejudices to put aside, and despite their differences, they fell in love.
I can relate with Emma Lee in Free to Protect because when I was first married, I was the girl who could burn boiling water. To my husband’s delight, I have learned to cook over the years though I confess, I don’t ever foresee a career as a gourmet chef in my future.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed their story and have found yourself smiling in the end. Be sure to look for Free to Serve, coming in mid-June.
Until next time,
Leah
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