Chapter One

Chapter One

Kentucky 1873

The scent of burnt potatoes hung heavy in the evening air. Smoke from their ruined supper made Emma’s eyes water as she cowered behind the table.

      "Who burned my damn supper!?" her father bellowed—his angry voice echoing off the rickety cabin walls. 

      Silas Hawke was a giant oak tree of a man with a terrible temper and a heavy hand. 

      Carolyn Hawke, Emma's mother, hung her head as she stood before her husband. "I'm sorry. I can make more." 

      A resounding crack filled the cabin as Silas swung out and struck his wife sharply across the face. Emma winced as Carolyn fell to her knees and clutched her welting cheek. 

      "Do ya think I have money fer wasted food? Do ya want to throw my money away?" 

      Before Carolyn could respond, Silas kicked her and she fell onto her back on the dirt floor. Emma screamed as her father kicked her mother's battered body over and over and over again. 

      Silas had always been angry and abusive but this was different. The liquor on his breath was stronger and his temper greater than Emma had ever known it to be before. 

      He was going to kill her mother. 

      Emma leapt to her feet and ran for him. "Papa, stop! Yer gonna kill her!" 

      He didn't seem to hear her as he continued to beat his wife's body with his worn leather boots. 

      Emma wished her mother would have fought back years ago against the devil of a man. She wished her mother could have found the strength to get away from the monster. But the woman had never put up any fight against her husband's abuse—and now that was going to cost her her life. 

      In an act of pure desperation, Emma leapt upon her father's back. Silas roared with rage. He forgot about his attack on Carolyn and turned his attention to his only child. 

      "Ya ungrateful, brat child!" he exclaimed, reaching behind him in a desperate attempt to pull Emma off. "Ya dare lay yer hands on me?"

      Emma was in no hurry to feel his angry fists striking her again—but enough was enough. The man had to be stopped!

      Silas spun in wide circles and Emma held tight. 

      Bellowing his frustrations, Silas ran backward and rammed Emma against the wall. The breath rushed from her lungs. Pain dazed her and her grip on her father fell away. 

      As Emma fell to the dirt, Silas whirled to face her. "How dare ya attack me...." He growled, rage flashing in his hard brown eyes. 

      "Ya were killin' her...." Emma gasped, struggling to pull air into her stunned lungs. 

      Silas snorted. "She's a worthless whore. Never was a good wife. Burnt meals and a messy home... and only one waste of a child came from her womb." 

      Emma felt tears on her face. Tears born of anger and fear. "Please pa... Me and mama, we do the best we can..." 

      Silas glared before stooping low and swinging his fist hard. It connected solidly with Emma's jaw. 

      Stars exploded in her head and the world spun. She was faintly aware of her father storming from the cabin into the late February cold. As the door slammed shut behind him, Emma fell to the floor and her world went black. 

---

      Wind whistling through the cracks in the cabin walls brought Emma awake some time later. Night had fallen, the cabin was dark and her head was pounding. 

      "Mama....?" Emma whispered through the pain. 

      There was no response. 

      Fear lay heavy on Emma's heart as she crawled across the dirt floor to her mother. 

      Carolyn Hawke was breathing but the breaths were shallow Her face was swollen, discolored and unrecognizable. 

      "Mama...?" Emma whimpered, laying a gentle hand on the woman's cheek. 

      Carolyn's eyes fluttered open as she took a rattling breath. "Emma...." 

      "What do I do, mama?" Emma asked, feeling so much younger than her seventeen years. 

      Carolyn swallowed hard. The sadness was deep in what little of her blue eyes was visible. "Run Emma. Run away. Leave this mountain and don't look back. Don't let him kill ya too.. or marry ya off to a man who would do the same..." 

      Emma shook her head. "But, mama, I can't leave ya...." 

      Carolyn's sad eyes closed and her breaths grew weaker still. "I'm dying, child." 

      "No mama...." 

      Carolyn's eyes opened a bit and a sad smile curved her swollen cheeks. "Ya gotta be strong now. Yer a woman and ya need to leave this place and go somewhere where ya can truly live and be happy." 

      Emma's heart was lying broken in her chest. She didn't want to believe her mother was dying—but she could see the proof for herself. 

      "Promise me..." Carolyn pleaded. "Promise me you'll leave." 

      Emma's throat was tight but she somehow managed to squeak out, "Okay." 

      Her mother seemed to relax then. Emma watched in helpless horror as her chest ceased to rise and her head fell to the side. 

      Letting out a cry of despair, Emma clung to her mother's broken body. She wept in sorrow for her loss. She wept in sorrow for the wasted life her mother had led married to a mean, cruel mountain man. 

      And, she wept for herself. For the uncertainty and fear she was now facing. 

      Emma had no real idea how long she laid holding her mother's lifeless body. A noise from outside drew her from her sorrow. Had her father returned?

      If he had, he would probably kill her too—she was a witness to murder, after all. Not that there was any law to report any murder to. And no one would listen to a poor, ignorant mountain woman anyhow. Men on the mountain would see her as nothing but a slave to meet their needs and no one from the valleys below would put much value in her word. 

      But her father would kill her just the same. Or, he would beat her until she was begging, pleading, wishing for death. 

      The noise proved to be a false alarm but it was enough to get her moving. Emma pressed one last kiss to her mama's cool brow and got to her feet. 

      She pulled on her threadbare wool coat and slipped her dirty bare feet into her father's tattered cast off shoes. Her wool cap and gloves had holes the rats had chewed into them but Emma pulled them on—they would have to do. 

      Emma cast one last mournful glance toward her mother, wishing she could do 

something and yet knowing she could not. Her father could return any moment. She had no more time to waste.

      Pulling her coat tighter, Emma opened the door and set off into the deep snow and freezing wind. 

      Down. 

      Emma's legs carried her down the mountain. 

      She had never been off the mountain before. Her father had insisted she never venture to the towns and valleys below. He swore the people there were evil and hated anyone from the mountains. Emma had never in her life met a valley person. 

      All she knew of them she had learned from other mountain folk. Which made her wonder and doubt whether any of those snobbish folks down below would help her at all. 

      The cold quickly sapped her of strength and energy as it seeped into her bones and stole her breath. Still Emma trudged on through the nearly knee deep snow. Her family didn't own a horse. She wished they did. She could have stolen it and made her escape a bit easier. 

      Her steps began to falter as Emma stumbled alone, barely noticing that the snow seemed to be getting shallower.  She knew she had to find shelter soon—or the cold would kill her before her father got the chance to do it. 

      The ground began to even out and the snow only came to her chins as Emma neared the bottom of the mountain. She'd been walking for miles and miles. Her face and hands were numb with cold and her strength was quickly failing. 

      Still she went onward in the dark, the wind, the snow....

      Emma nearly cried out with shock when a dark building suddenly loomed in the distance. 

      A barn. 

      A home stood behind it but Emma didn't dare knock on a door in the middle of the night. Not this close to the foot of the mountain. She couldn't be sure if the homeowner would be friend or foe. 

      Emma pulled the barn door open a crack and slipped inside. The milking cow and two horses barely seemed to notice her arrival. Emma stumbled through the darkness to an empty back stall. 

      She buried herself within the hay, her body shaking so violently, her teeth chattered together. 

      She wasn't sure if she would live until tomorrow. She was so very very cold. 

      Tears froze to her cheeks as she remained buried in that hay and wondered what she would do if she lived.

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Liam was awake with the dawn. He had checked and reset all his traps the day before to free himself today. Today he had plans of hunting and combing that mountains over for a black stallion he’d seen glimpses of over the years. The giant beast was a beauty of a horse but it had so far eluded capture for four years.

      Liam was hoping today would be the day its luck would run out.  A horse as nice as that one would fetch a fine price. 

      He shoved several bites of jerked venison into his mouth, adjusted his fur lined cap and headed out into the cold. He made his way through the snow and pulled open the creaking barn door. 

      "Good morning, ladies," he greeted the two mares and cow inside. 

      They weren't very talkative in response but Liam didn't mind. He was a solitary man and liked it that way. Conversation just wasn't for him. He only had a handful of friends and didn't see them too often. They knew he liked his privacy. 

      Liam busted the ice that had formed on top of their water troughs and refilled their feed bins. He patted his favorite mare's neck. "Honey, I believe I'll let you eat before we head out for the day." 

      Liam stepped into the spare stall where he stored hay, straw and oats. Bending down, he grabbed up some hey—then yelled in shock, leapt away and dropped the hay to the ground. 

      He sure as hell hadn't been expecting to see an arm! He was a twenty-seven year old man and had been living out here alone for eleven years and this was certainly a first. 

      Liam stepped back toward the hay pile and used his hands to quickly uncover the body. It was a young woman with porcelain skin and midnight hair. A large angry welted bruise marred her jaw and her full lips were nearly purple. 

      Was she dead?

      "Ma'am?" he called, nudging her gently in the shoulder.         

      Liam was relieved when she groaned in protest even though she didn't regain consciousness. He pulled of his glove and laid his bare hand against her face.

      He hissed as he jerked his hand away. The woman was damn near frozen solid. It looked like finding that black horse was going to have to wait. 

      Heaving a sigh, Liam stooped down and lifted the limp woman into his arms. She was light as a feather and he realized she was quite scrawny beneath that oversized, threadbare wool coat full of holes—starvation scrawny. 

      Where in the hell had she come from?

      Liam carried her into his cabin and laid her on the bed. He went to the fire and stoked it up, tossing on several more logs to add more warmth to the air. Town was a good two hour ride away in this weather and she'd likely freeze to death if he tried to take her now. 

      Looked like he'd have a damn house guest a while. He'd warm her up, get her awake, feed her and then get her wherever it was she'd been heading before she'd ended up in his barn. 

      Liam spread his bear fur on the floor and returned to the bed. The woman's clothes were wet and would only kill her faster if she kept them on. 

      He swiftly undressed her, doing his level best to be a decent man and avoid letting his gaze linger on her bare body. He couldn't help but notice several bruises—some old and some recent—and her bones were clearly visible, jutting against her skin. 

      Beaten, bruised, skinny, frozen and hiding in a hay pile in his barn. Who the hell was this woman?

      Liam wrapped her up tight in a thick quick before laying her upon the bear fur, close to the fire's warmth. 

      It was with a bit of annoyance that Liam realized he couldn't leave the cabin at all until she woke up. He didn't want her waking up and being terrified in strange surroundings.... He didn't like being cooped up. 

      Sighing with defeat, Liam strung her clothes up to dry before the fire and set about cooking breakfast. There wasn't any sense in gnawing on jerky all day when he had plenty of time to cook a good meal. 

---

The scent of bacon frying teased Emma’s senses and stirred her into consciousness. It had been a long time since her mama had cooked bacon. Where had her pa gotten the money for a hog?

      Emma sank deeper into the fur and quilt she was bundled up in. Never in her life could she remember being so very warm. 

      Memories flashed through her mind. Supper burnt. Her father flying into a fit of rage. Her mother's death. The freezing cold as she had trekked down the mountain and the hay pile she'd buried herself inside.....

      But it wasn't hay she was covered in now—and where were her clothes?

      Opening her eyes just a crack, Emma saw a man standing at the other side of the one room cabin. He was tall and broad beneath his buckskin shirt tucked into pants of the same material. 

      He seemed to feel her eyes on him because he turned toward her. Emma swallowed hard. His skin was tanned from the sun. Messy brown hair fell across his brow and hung to the collar of his shirt. He had brown eyes and the unmistakable look of exactly what she'd been running from. 

      A mountain man. 

      "Nice to see you're finally awake." 

      Emma frowned. He didn't talk like any mountain person she knew.

      "Not a real talkative person are you?" He shrugged. "Good, I don't like a lot of chit chat." He sat a plate of bacon on the table beside a heaping pile of potatoes and eggs. "Breakfast is ready." 

      Emma's mouth watered at the sight of so much food. Had he cooked it himself? Emma hadn't known that men knew how to do such things. Women's duties is what her pa would have called them. 

      "Can I..." Emma's voice trembled and she licked her lips. "I'm not dressed." 

      She was certain she saw color rise on his cheeks as he headed for the door. "I'll step out while you dress. Your clothes are hanging behind you. They were wet and half frozen so I had to remove them. I didn't do anything improper..." His jaw snapped closed as he seemed to realize he'd been rambling. 

      Without another word, he strode out the door and slammed it behind him. 

      Emma was quick to rise and yank her worn and tattered clothes on—mindful of the soreness in her back from being slammed against the wall so roughly the night before. She rushed clumsily through her task, not wanting the stranger to return and see her. 

      Then again, he'd already seen her bare of clothes. 

      Swallowing hard, Emma shoved her hair behind her ears and simply stood awkwardly upon the bear fur. She still was quite unsure if this man was friend or foe. 

      He lived very close to the mountain and dressed in skins like a mountain man—but he hadn't yelled or been cruel to her. He had even saved her life. 

      Emma stood there a long while, simply chewing her lip and staring at all that food. She was starving but she didn't dare touch it without permission. 

      The ma returned and frowned when he saw her standing where he'd left her. "Aren't you going to eat?"

      "C...can I?"

      The man tilted his head and studied her as if she were the strangest puzzle he'd ever seen. Then he shook his head and headed for the table. "I can't eat it all myself." 

      Emma stepped gingerly to the table, the pain in her back quite intense. She could feel his sharp gaze on her as she sat down across from him at the table. 

      Hesitantly, Emma placed one strip of bacon and a spoonful of eggs upon her plate. The man's brown eyes narrowed and his firm jaw tightened. 

      Had Emma done something wrong?

      He reached out toward her and Emma whimpered as she ducked away. 

      "God almighty, lady," he grumbled as he grabbed several more strips of bacon and tossed them on her plate. 

      Emma's face heated and flamed red. "Thank ya, sir." 

      "Liam," he quickly amended before shoving a large forkful of eggs into his mouth. 

      Emma took a small bite of her own and realized he was staring at her expectantly. She frowned, unsure of what he wanted. 

      Liam seemed quite annoyed and Emma felt her own temper rise—though, she would never be foolish enough to be rude to a man. 

      "When someone tells you their name, it's custom to tell them your name back," Liam informed her. 

      "Emma," she quickly replied, eager to please him and avoid his anger. 

      Liam simply nodded and continued his meal in silence. Emma did the same. 

      The food was delicious but her stomach, unaccustomed to such large meals, could barely hold any at all. Her place was more than half full when she pushed it away. 

      Liam grunted his displeasure. "You need to eat more. You're skin and bones." 

      Emma couldn't explain the hurt in her gut at his insult. It wasn't her fault there had never been enough food. 

      Liam stood and began to clear the table. Emma opened her mouth to offer to help but was silenced when a voice rang out from outside. 

      "Liam McIntyre? It's Silas Hawke. I need to speak with you!"

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Liam tensed, somehow knowing the reaction Emma would have seconds before she had it

      As the woman's eyes darted toward the back door, she made a run for it. Liam sprang into action, coming between Emma and the door just before she reached it. 

      Her momentum had her colliding with his chest. Liam wrapped his arms around her to keep her from falling and, damn, if it didn't feel as if a lightning bolt struck him. 

      Holy hell. 

      He wondered if Emma felt it too but when he pulled away and looked down at her face, all he saw was fear. Plain, raw terror. 

      "Emma, is he looking for you?"

      A barely perceptible nod tilted her head. 

      "And you're afraid of him?" 

      Yet another nod as she trembled reminding Liam of a leaf in a windstorm. 

      Liam felt his fists clench. Any man who would reduce a woman to this kind of fear deserved to be hanged. 

      Silas' fist hit the door sharply three times. "Liam McIntyre? Are ya here?" 

      "Be right there," Liam called back. 

      Emma's blue eyes filled with tears. "Please..." she gasped. "Please, help me...." 

      Liam nodded. He led her to a wardrobe in the corner beside the bed and pulled open the door. "Get in here, stay in here and don't make a sound."

      Gratitude lit her eyes and Liam would have been lying if he said it didn't tug at his heartstrings. 

      She hid herself within the wardrobe and Liam closed the door. He quickly tossed her coat, gloves, hat and shoes onto the tattered armchair and covered them with the quilt. 

      Liam slid his gun belt around his hips and fastened it snugly before opening the door. 

      Silas Hawke stood on the porch with clenched fists and anger in his hard, dark eyes.  

      "What are you doing here, Silas?"

      Liam had met the man several times over the years and had disliked him a bit more with each encounter.... He didn't expect this time to be any different. 

      Silas shoved a hand through his stringy black hair and his thin upper lip curled. "I'm lookin' fer somebody." He glanced over Liam's shoulders. "Ain't ya gonna invite me in? It's awful cold out here." 

      Liam raised one shoulder and moved out of the way. "I was just finishing breakfast. Help yourself." 

      Silas shoved his way past and the rickety kitchen chair groaned in protest as the mountain of a man sat down. Heaping piles of food onto a plate, Silas began to shovel forkful after forkful into his mouth. 

      Liam added several logs to the fire and stood with his arms crossed as he watched Silas make a hog out of himself. "So, who is it you're looking for?"

      Silas swiped his stained sleeve across his mustached mouth. "My poor daughter." 

      "I didn't know you had a daughter." 

      Silas nodded. "She stays put at the cabin which is her damn place. Plus, that keeps all the young bucks up on the mountains from trying to spoil her. Carolyn, my wife, was trainin' her and I've been huntin' husbands fer her now that she's grown. I'm tryin' to see how much I can get fer her." 

      Liam felt anger burn in his gut. Things were different up in the mountains. People lived by their own rules and they had their own customs and beliefs. 

      Liam knew Silas to be a loud, cruel, abrasive, heavy-handed drunkard—just like many others up there. He was a rough husband—and apparently father too if those bruises on Emma were any indication. 

      Beating women, selling children and starving your family when you yourself didn't appear to have ever missed a meal? Those things riled Liam's temper in a hurry. 

      "You said she ran away? What would make a girl run off in this kind of weather?"

      Silas glared. "It's personal family business. Nothin' to concern ya." 

      "Well I've not see anyone, Silas." 

      Silas stood slowly. "I followed a trail down. I took it to be hers. It led to yer barn." 

      Liam shrugged. "I've been out there and didn't see a soul." 

      "Mind if I check fer myself?"

      "My word isn't good enough for you?" Liam inquired. 

      Silas let out a sigh. "I just wanna be sure. I'm awful worried. Ya see, her mama took ill last night and passed on. Emma was so upset, she just took off... can ya believe that? The ungrateful brat, running off and abandoning her pa in his time of need?"

      Liam fought the urge to snort. Silas must have killed poor Carolyn and Emma had fled for her life. 

      "No." He shook his head. "I sure can't." 

      Silas' infamous temper reared its head. He strode forward with his fists clenched. "Are ya callin' me a liar?!" he bellowed. 

      Liam's gaze went upward and he stood his ground. He didn't scare easy and it would take more than an overgrown coward to get it done. "Calm down, Silas. This is my home, not yours. I demand a bit more respect from my guests—especially after I've been kind enough to feed them." 

      Silas was fuming. Liam could practically see the smoke billowing from his ears. "Now your damn daughter isn't here. If you think you need to check the barn, go ahead. But I think you need to go back to searching the mountain. Chances are she never made it down in that weather and she's probably already froze to death." 

      Silas snarled. "It would serve her right. Abandonin' her pa when he needs her...." 

      Liam raised a brow. "Children these days."

      Silas headed toward the door. "I'm gonna take a look in that barn." 

      Crossing his arms over his chest, Liam shrugged. "Do what you got to do." 

      Silas slammed the door behind him as he left the cabin, shaking the walls. Liam went to the window and watched the big man step into the barn. He was there a long while before finally stepping back out and heading back toward the mountain trail. 

      Liam let the curtain fall, locked the door and crossed the room to the wardrobe. He pulled open the door and stared down at Emma. 

      She was sitting at the bottom of the wardrobe with her knees pulled into her chest and tears on her face. Something inside Liam softened at the sight. Just because he was a loner didn't mean he was cold-hearted. 

      He had a soft spot for helping those in need. It was something his aunt had instilled in him from a young age. 

      Liam held out a calloused hand. "You can come out now, Emma." 

      She stared hard at his hand a moment before reaching out and taking it. "He's gone?" she whispered, as Liam helped her to her feet. 

      "Yeah, I reckon so," Liam replied, releasing his hold on her hand and attempting to steady himself. Something about this woman's touch made him feel off center. 

      "Emma Hawke? That's your name? You're Silas Hawke's daughter?" 

      "Yes," she admitted. 

      Liam realized he'd opened up an entire can of trouble by saving this woman, bringing her in and lying to her pa. While Silas didn't scare him, if Silas chose, he could come back with an entire posse of mountain men if he discovered Liam was lying. 

      There was no law for hundreds of miles. Men tended to take the law into their own hands and settle issues their own ways. 

      "Please..." she pleaded. "Please, Liam, help me get to a town. I was on my way to one when ya found me." 

      "No, you were on your way to the grave when I found you." 

      Emma nibbled at her full bottom lip and Liam found his eyes drawn to the movement. What the hell was wrong with him?

      "I thank ya, Liam. I really do. And I thank ya fer helpin' me with my pa just now.. I won't ask ya fer nothin' else if ya could just point me in the direction of town..." 

      "No." 

      Her face fell. "But I can't stay here." 

      "I know you can't," Liam assured her quickly. Liam wasn't in the market for permanent company—not even the pretty kind. 

      Liam saw the confusion on her face. He also thought he saw hurt. Dear Lord, did the woman 

want to stay?

      "I'll find town on my own then," she announced. 

      "Not today you won't," Liam argued. "The sky looks bad. It's going to start snowing again soon. The wind is howling and it's freezing cold. Even on horseback, in weather like this, it'd take you a good two hours or longer to reach town. And you'd freeze to death on foot." 

      Liam sighed as he realized what had to be done. "You'll stay here until the weather breaks." 

      Fear lit her blue eyes. "With you?"

      "Damn lady," Liam muttered. "If I was going to hurt you, I would have done it already." 

      He moved away from her and headed for the door. "We can talk more later. For now, I've got stalls to clean and animals to tend. Make yourself comfortable, Emma." 

      Without giving her time to respond, Liam left the cabin. He had questions he wanted to ask, but, being a private person himself, he wasn't comfortable getting too personal. 

      Plus, he wasn't look to have too much chit chat between them. He didn't want her forming some kind of attachment. He'd get her to town, make sure she was in safe hands and that would be that.

i’

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Emma sat the fresh baked apple pie on the table and glanced around the cabin. She had swept, dusted and tidied the place as a thank you to Liam for all he had done.

      She had not seen him since he'd gone out earlier and evening was darkening outside. Emma hoped he liked apple pie—she'd wanted to do something to please him. 

      Liam was—

different— from anyone she had known before. Despite the way he dressed, he was nothing like the men she so feared on that mountain. He had helped her. He had protected her against her father—and he showed no sign of meaning her harm.

      Footsteps on the porch signaled an approach. Emma stood anxiously as the door swung open and a snowy gust of air accompanied Liam inside. 

      He closed the door, shook of the cold with a grunt and stared around the cabin with wide eyes. "You cleaned...."          

      Emma wrung her hands. "I hope ya aren't angry." 

      "No, I'm not angry." He ran his hand over the dust-free side table. "Just wasn't expecting it." 

      Liam's nostril's flared and his gaze went to the table. "You baked pie?"

      "Are ya angry?"

      The look he fixed her with was full of annoyance. "If you do something to make me angry, I'll let you know. Until then, quit asking."

      Emma's face reddened as her gaze dropped to her feet. Liam sighed. "Let's eat some pie." 

      Emma was surprised when Liam served her a piece before getting one for himself. With anticipation she watched him take a bite and felt pride fill her when he nodded his approval. 

      "This is damn good. I don't think I've ever had better pie." Then he frowned. "Aren't you going to eat?" 

      The two finished their meal in silence. Emma noticed that Liam ate nearly half the pie himself. After they finished, Liam stood. "Well, I've made a pig of myself and couldn't eat another bite. Do you want me to cook you supper? You didn't eat much pie." 

      "Uh...N..no..." Emma stammered. "No, I'm alright." Never in all her life had a man offered to cook for her.      

      Liam shrugged. "Alright then." 

      He went back out the door and Emma wondered where he'd gone until he returned with an armload of firewood. Emma held open the door for him and watched as he dropped the firewood into the box by the fireplace. 

      Liam was strong and yet he moved with a gentleness and grace she'd never seen a man have before. It was clear he was powerful, capable and confident. 

      Emma wondered what he thought of her.

      "Tomorrow I should be able to take you into town. The snow's letting up and I believe it's moving out." 

      "Okay," she whispered. 

      She knew she could not stay with this man—she shouldn't want to. Her mother had told her to run and build a happy life.... Not marry the first man she came across and become a slave to cooking, cleaning and child-bearing. 

      Emma knew there had to be more. 

      "did you know about your mama's death?" Liam asked some time later, interrupting the silence. 

      Pain lanced Emma's heart as she swallowed hard. "Yeah." 

      "Your pa claims she took ill and you ran off and abandoned him." 

      Emma felt anger flare and burn in her chest. She'd always had a temper but had learned to keep it buried over the years to avoid beatings... her father didn't believe women should have tempers, or opinions, or thoughts and feelings of any kind. 

      "That man is a liar," she snapped. 

      Her eyes widened and her heart pounded when Emma realized she'd just used a harsh tone with him. 

      Instead of growing angry, Liam chuckled. The good-natured sound rumbled from his chest. "Nice to see you still have some spirit in you." 

      Liam's expression sobered. "I'm sorry about your mother. I know that pain." 

      Emma shifted upon the bear skin fur she was sitting on. "Ya lost yer mother?"

      Liam stared into the fire and his lightly stubbled jaw tensed. "Yeah." 

      Emma could tell it wasn't something he wanted to speak about. After several moments of silence, Liam cleared his throat. "He probably won't let you just move on." 

      Emma's stomach rolled. "I know... but I have to try. If I go back he'll kill me or sell me a husband just as cruel." 

      Liam seemed to think about that a moment. "I'll do what I can to make sure you're safe." 

      Emma tilted her head as she looked at him sitting on the tattered armchair. "Why are ya helpin' me?"

      Liam seemed uncomfortable with the question. He averted his gave. "Just trying to do the right thing." 

      "But ya don't owe me nothin'. Ya don't even know me."

      Liam let out a sigh. "If you don't want my help..." 

      "I didn't say that." 

      "Then why all the questions?" he demanded, raising his brow. 

      "Just tryin' to understand." 

      He shook his head and his gaze went back to the fire. "Well stop. Life isn't always meant to be understood."

---

      Liam stared into the firelight long after Emma had fallen asleep on her bear skin bed. That woman was a complex mystery and, damn if he wasn't dying to find out more. 

      It unnerved and irritated him how quickly she'd gotten under his skin. He wanted to see that she was safe and protected. He'd do everything he could to keep her out of her father's hands. And it would be a cold day in hell before he saw Emma sold into marriage. 

      No woman deserved that. 

      It had happened to his own mother and the woman had died without ever knowing true happiness. 

      Liam would not let the same be said about a woman as good as Emma. To the right man—a man who truly deserved her—Emma would make a fine wife. 

      It was clear that deep down she possessed strength and spirit. She had a serving heart, as shown in the way she had cooked and cleaned for him. And hell, could she cook! He hadn't been lying about that pie being the best he'd ever had—even his aunt couldn't have done better. 

      She had expressive blue eyes, full lips, soft pale skin and hair as black as midnight. 

      Liam stared into the dwindling firelight and sighed as he gripped the cup of water in his hand a bit tighter. 

      Yeah, Emma Hawke would make someone a damn fine wife. 

IKm;

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

“Can you ride a horse?” Liam asked the next morning after breakfast.

      Emma pulled on her coat and shook her head. "My family never did have one." 

      Liam nodded. "You'll have to ride on Honey with me then." 

      "Honey?" Emma smiled. "That's a pretty name." 

      Liam's eyes locked on her mouth a moment before he grunted and turned away from her. "Only horse I've ever seen try to raid bee hives for honey. The name seemed to fit." 

      They finished pulling on their gloves and caps before Liam led Emma out into the cold. After being so warm inside the cabin, the freezing air was a shock to her system. The sun, shining brightly in the sky, just didn't seem to have much power behind it.

      They stepped into the barn and Liam began saddling Honey. She was a pretty brown mare with a white star on her forehead. Emma walked to Liam's other horse. 

      She hadn't asked him about money, or how much of it he had, but she knew he must be well off. The man somehow had two horses when most people she knew could not afford to have even one. 

      Emma reached out and stroked the mare's soft gray neck. "What's her name?" 

      Liam glanced over his shoulder before shrugging. "She doesn't have one." 

      Emma frowned. "She 

has to have a name.“

      Liam turned his attention back to Honey. "She's a horse. She doesn't care." 

      Emma shook her head. "But maybe she does." 

      Liam grumbled under his breath before letting out a sigh. "Horse. Her name is Horse." 

      "That's a terrible name," Emma muttered. 

      Liam stood straight and turned to face her. Emma shifted her feet. Was he angry? She hadn't meant to insult him.

      But it wasn't anger in Liam's brown eyes as they gazed at her. It was amusement. "And what exactly would you name her?"

      Emma chewed her lip. "Misty." 

      Laughter, a sound Emma had never heard rumble so freely from a man, filled the barn. "Misty?" He shook his head. "I think she prefers Horse." 

      "No, she doesn't. Misty suits her." 

      Liam's brow rose. "Why?"

      "Because she's gray," Emma replied timidly. Speaking her mind and voicing an opinion weren't things she had much experience with. 

      "Have you ever seen gray mist? I haven't. I think Smoke or Storm would suit her better." 

      Emma lowered her gaze and nodded. "Okay." She wasn't going to argue. 

      When Liam remained silent, Emma peeked a glance at him and realized he was frowning. "I'm sorry," she offered. 

      Liam's frown deepened. "Don't." 

      "Don't what?"

      "Apologize when you haven't done anything wrong. And don't bow down like that. You don't lower your head and give in. If you want something or believe in something then speak your mind and stand your ground." 

      Emma couldn't believe her ears. She was sure her jaw nearly hit the floor. Her head shook quickly. "No man wants a willful woman. My pa would....." 

      Liam grumbled loudly and interrupted her. "I'm not your pa and not all men are afraid of a strong woman." 

      Emma was unsure what to say and so she said nothing. Liam returned to his task of readying Honey. Emma followed him as he led the horse outside. 

      Liam slid fluidly into the saddle. He reached out a hand to help Emma up. The moment she slid her hand into his calloused palm and his strong fingers wrapped around hers, Emma felt a shockwave rush through her. Her knees grew weak. 

      Every time Liam touched her, Emma felt the same heart-pounding reaction. What did it mean? Did Liam feel it too?

      Emma looked up to his face, hoping to see some kind of answer. Instead, he simply frowned and gave a tug, lifting her up into the saddle behind him. 

      Emma, who had never before been on horseback, clung to Liam and trembled violently. Honey shifted restlessly beneath them and Emma nearly screamed. 

      Liam patted the mare's neck. "Calm down, Emma. She can sense your fear." 

      "But....But what if I fall, or she spooks and throw me off, or...." 

      "You have to trust the horse and you have to trust yourself. If you do that, she'll respect you." 

      "Could ya..." Emma stopped speaking as Liam started Honey down the snowy trail. 

      "Could I what?" he asked patiently. 

      "If ya have time someday, I'd like to learn to ride a horse." 

      Liam nodded. "When things settle down and if you decide to stick around here, I'll teach you." 

      Emma stopped speaking then as they rode along in silence and she thought about her future. Would she stay so near the mountain? Could she? Surely if she was where her father could find her, she would never know peace. 

      But where could she possibly go? She had no money, no education and no knowledge of the world. 

      As if he could sense the turmoil in her mind, Liam laid his hand over hers on his lean stomach. "Don't be afraid. Town is far enough from the mountains to keep your pa from trying much there. And there are a lot of good folks there. I'll point you in the right directions." 

      He let his hand fall from hers. "And I'll look out for you too. I won't just abandon you, Emma." 

      Emma couldn't explain the warmth she felt at his final words. No man had ever been a comfort to her. Never had one made her feel safe and protected. But with Liam, she was beginning to feel both those things. 

      Maybe she 

would find safety in town. Maybe, away from that mountain, more people would be like Liam.

      For the first time in her life, Emma felt hope.

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

As they entered town, Liam felt Emma grow more and more tense behind him. Her grip on his middle grew tighter, but, Liam didn’t mind.

      Her touching him that way, taking comfort in him, felt damn good. 

      Liam grunted. Where the hell had that thought come from? 

      "Liam... I can't.. I can't do this..." 

      Liam immediately pulled Honey to a stop. His hand covered Emma's on his middle and the next words were out of his mouth before Liam realized he was going to speak them. "Do you want me to take you back to my cabin?"

      Why had he asked her that! Didn't he like his solitude? Yes. But, he also liked her company. 

      Emma was silent a moment as they remained in the middle of the cold street. Liam could feel eyes on them but he ignored them. He never had given much thought to what other might say or think about him. 

      "No.." Emma finally whispered. "No, I'll be okay." 

      Liam tried hard to tell himself it was relief he felt at her answer. 

      Once again Liam urged Honey forward. He stopped outside the large two-story boarding house. Liam slid down and helped Emma down as well. "This is Ms. Anita's place. She's a real good person and will see to you just fine." 

      Liam had to put some distance between them. He was staring to think things and say things that just weren't him. "Yer not comin'?" Emma asked, fear thick in her voice. 

      Liam tried hard to smile reassuringly—damn this woman had him rattled. "You'll be just fine. I don't make it to town often and have business to tend to." Plus, he wasn't about to let his aunt see him with Emma and start getting thoughts in her head. 

      He saw her lip quiver as she wrapped her arms around herself. Liam cursed inwardly. He reached in his pocket and pulled out several coins. "Here..." he grunted. 

      Emma stared down at the money a moment before raising her chin and meeting his gaze full force. "I don't want yer money." 

      Liam shook his head. "Don't be stubborn. You might need it." 

      After several moments of standoff, Emma took the money from his hand. "I'll pay ya back." 

      Liam simply shrugged. "Ms. Anita will take care of you, Emma. You'll be safe here." 

      She nodded as she sucked in a shuddering breath. "Thank ya fer everythin'." 

      "I'll see you around, Emma." 

      Liam quickly turned and led Honey away. This was best. Liam liked his life just fine the way it was and he didn't want complications. Emma 

would be just fine here in town. Liam would make sure of that.

---

      Emma was terrified. Her knees shook and her breath was hard to draw as she walked up the stone path to the porch of the boarding house. 

      Emma spared a glance over her shoulder but Liam was well on his way up the road. She knew her hurt and disappointment was unfair. Liam had done so much for her—more than anyone else ever had—she had no right to want more. 

      Turning her attention back to the task at hand, Emma climbed the porch steps and knocked three times gently against the door. She fiddled with the frays on her coat sleeves as she waited for the door to be answered.      

      The thought of meeting a new person all alone terrified her but if Liam trusted this woman, Emma would too. The door opened and Emma found herself face to face with a plump woman who appeared to be near fifty. 

      Her blond hair was graying and lines surrounded the corners of her kind brown eyes. "Can I help you?"

      "Are ya...." Emma took a breath to stay her voice. "Are ya Ms. Anita?"

      A smile formed on the older woman's lips. "I sure am. What's your name, sweetheart?"

      "Emma..." Emma wasn't sure she should tell the woman her last name. 

      Anita raised one graying brow. "Emma Hawke?"

      Fear clawed at her gut. Her pa must have beat her heare! Now he'd know where she was! These people would tell him. Liam had been wrong. She wasn't safe. 

      Emma turned to run but Anita's hand closed around her wrist, stopping her. "Don't run, sweetheart. You'll be safe here. That bastard won't touch you here." 

      Emma's eyes widened at not only the woman's promise but also her language. She seemed far too innocent a lady to be using such a word. Emma didn't know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. 

      Anita smiled once again and patted Emma's arm gently. "Who brought you here? Surely you didn't walk all this way in the cold." 

      "No." Emma glanced up the road and saw Liam stepping into the mercantile. "Liam McIntyre found me... I'd fell asleep in his barn and he took me in, fed me and brought me here to ya." 

      "He did?" Anita's brown eyes filled with pride. "My nephew turned out alright, if I do say so myself. He was young when his mama passed on. My sister's husband is a terrible father and I did the best I could to teach Liam wrong from right so he wouldn't end up like his pa." 

      Emma's head spun as all that information sunk in. She'd learned more from Liam in the last sixty seconds than she'd learned in the last couple of days. 

      Why hadn't Liam told her that Ms. Anita was his aunt?

      "You seem lost, sweetheart," Anita spoke gently. 

      Emma nodded. "I am.... So much has changed in so little time." 

      Anita took her hand. "Come in out of the cold and we'll talk about it." 

      Emma let herself be led into the home. It was finer and grander than any she'd ever seen. The floors were polished wood. The walls were painted and papered. A short hall led into a sitting area with a floral sofa and a roaring fireplace. 

      Anita motioned for Emma to sit, poured water into a shimmering glass and placed it in Emma's hand before sitting beside her. "Okay, sweetheart. I've already decided to take you in and help you every way that I can. I'll teach you skills helpful to a woman, help you find a way to earn money and get you on your feet. Part of that growing process is you telling me exactly what led you to my doorstep today." 

      Emma gripped the glass tightly. The faster she got the story out, the less time she'd have to break into tears. So, after a deep breath, Emma began. 

      She told Anita all about the terrible night her pa had finally taken his beatings too far and killed her mother. She'd been honest about her own fear and uncertainty as she'd run away and fled that mountain in the dark and cold. 

      She even found herself telling the other woman a little about growing up on the mountain. Isolated and seeing little more than those four cabin walls all her life. 

      Anita's brown eyes were sympathetic as she patted Emma's hand. "You're safe here, sweetheart. I'm respected in this town and so is Liam. You don't have to worry about a thing." 

      Emma stiffened at first when Anita wrapped her in a warm embrace. Then she relaxed into the kind gesture—so unlike most of what she'd known her whole life. 

      Withthat hug, Emma felt warmth and peace blossom in her heart. It was only thesecond time in her life she'd felt such things and she wondered if every memberof Liam's family would have such an effect on her.diΜP

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

      Emma had slept peacefully her first night in Anita's boarding house. She'd had her own small room with a tiny brass bed, a wardrobe and her own wooden stand with a ceramic wash basin. 

      Never had Emma had such fineries or a room of her own. 

      "Did you sleep well?" Anita asked as Emma followed the scent of frying bacon and stepped into the kitchen. 

      "Yes, ma'am," Emma replied politely. 

      "Don't call her ma'am," a dark haired young girl currently eating at the table warned. "She hates it." 

      "It's true," Anita sighed. "I do." 

      Emma bowed her head, dropping her gaze to her feet. "I'm sorry." 

      "Well don't do that!" the girl at the table exclaimed. "Now I feel guilty for scolding her!" 

      Another young woman, probably just a few years older than Emma, stepped into the kitchen. "Lauren, stop torturing the new girl," she teased as she tossed back her blond hair. 

      Emma was struggling to breathe. She was completely overwhelmed and fighting the urge to turn and run. Anita's hand gently patted her arm. "Don't mind them, sweetheart. Ladies, this is Emma. She's just come from a bad situation and needs time to adjust before the two of you give her too much trouble." 

      Emma hated how weak that made her sound. She squared her shoulders and forced a smile, despite her shaking hands. "I'm okay, Miss Anita." 

      "Yeah." The dark-haired girl with freckles and green yes stood up. She couldn't have been more than twelve years old. "She's fine." The girl held out her hand and Emma made herself shake it. "My name's Lauren and the rude blond is Sally." 

      "Rude?" Sally laughed lightly. "Lauren wouldn't know manners if you smacked her with them." 

      Lauren scoffed. "I've gotten better!" She nudged Anita with her elbow. "Tell her I've gotten better!" 

      Ms. Anita's face revealed nothing but patience. "Of course you have. But, I must remind you that it's impolite to nudge." 

      Lauren's face burned bright red beneath her freckles. "Sorry, Ms. Anita." 

      Anita turned her smile toward Emma. "Eat some breakfast, Emma, and then the girls will take you to the dressmaker." 

      Emma's heart skipped with excitement. A dress? A dress all her own? A new dress? She frowned. "But... dresses cost money.. I don't have any." 

      She thought of the coins Liam had given to her. Would fifty cents buy a dress? Emma had no idea. She had never been shopping. 

      Lauren snorted with a smile. "You're a timid little bird, aren't you?"

      "Leave her be," Sally scolded gently. She draped her arm across Emma's shoulders. "You can just buy things on Ms. Anita's credit and, once you've started earning money, you can pay her back." 

      Emma felt lost. She knew nothing of the world and had so much to learn. 

      "Don't worry, Emma," Anita comforted knowingly. "You're overwhelmed but we'll help you. You've got friends now." 

      After Emma got her fill of breakfast, she, Sally and Lauren left for the dressmakers. 

      "We're lucky the logging is doing so good," Sally noted as they walked down the rather crowded boardwalk. "And luckier that the mines are booming a bit further away. It means we still get travelers and revenue here in Spring Falls, without those uncivilized mining types and violence."

      Emma simply nodded as Lauren and Sally continued talking about all the business and such that Spring Falls had to offer. She wished it was a little less! Maybe then she wouldn't fear becoming lost in the bustling crowd. 

      Or maybe the crowd was good—it would make it harder for her father to find her. 

      It hadn't been so crowded yesterday. Emma knew it was the warmer air bringing people out today. The sun was bright and it was at least fifteen degrees warmer than the day before. 

      When Emma stepped into the dressmakers shop, it took a few moments for her eyes to adjust to the change of light. When they did, her jaw dropped. 

      Never had Emma seen such beautiful dresses and fabrics! Most of these seemed fine enough for royalty themselves to wear. Emma ran her fingertips across a deep green silk gown and a sigh escaped her lips. 

      Sally was smiling. "That would be beautiful on you, Emma, but it costs three dollars." 

      Emma pulled away as if she'd been burned. She knew enough from her father's rantings about money to know that three dollars was a lot.

      Lauren pointed toward the back of the store. "They have more practical dresses—cheaper ones too—back there." 

      Emma spared one last glance at the green gown with sequined neckline and fitted bodice, before following her companions. 

      "May I help you 

ladies ?“ a matronly woman with a handsome face and a severe bun asked curtly as she stepped in from the a door behind the counter.

      Lauren elbowed Emma's stomach. "Mrs. Ryan doesn't like us, or any other girl that ever lives at the boarding house. She calls us Anita's riff raff and looks down her crooked nose at us." 

      "Could we go somewhere else to shop?" Emma asked, not at all comfortable with the haughty gaze Mrs. Ryan was studying them with. 

      "And give her the satisfaction?" Lauren winked. "No way." 

      Emma hid her smile behind her hand as Sally stepped toward the counter to address the woman. "We need to purchase a few things on Ms Anita's credit. Emma is new here and...." 

      Mrs. Ryan frowned as her dark eyes landed sharply on Emma. "You're Emma Hawke?"

      "Yes ma'am," Emma replied, hoping Mrs. Ryan didn't know her name because of her father. 

      Mrs. Ryan sneered as she stared down her nose. "I was expecting someone a bit more 

special .“

      "What are you talking about?" Lauren spoke up.

      Mrs. Ryan folded her hands in front of her. "When Liam McIntyre was here and paid money for her in advance I assumed she was something special." 

      Sally's eyes were wide as she turned toward Emma. "You know Liam?"

      Emma felt heat rise on her cheeks. She shifted her feet and looked down at the floor. "Yes. He rescued me." 

      "Charity." Mrs. Ryan's voice dripped with venom. "I should have known." 

      "Why don't you eat dung?" Lauren spat, her tiny fists clenching.

      "Get out of my store!" Mrs. Ryan commanded the girl. 

      Lauren snorted. "Gladly." 

      She stormed out the door and Mrs. Ryan returned her attention to a confused Emma. "Liam left enough money for one of my premade gingham dresses and enough fabric for three more—as well as underclothes. Please, do your shopping quickly. I don't like your kind in my store." 

      Sally rolled her eyes and led Emma to the premade dresses in her price range. "Four dresses?" Emma shook her head. "I've never even had one new dress..." 

      "Four is quite a few.... I only have two. Liam must truly care about you." 

      Emma's heart skipped and fluttered in her chest. Did he? Why else would he do something so kind for her?

      "Why is Mrs. Ryan so angry?" Emma asked, changing the subject. 

      Sally made a face that had Emma laughing lightly. "Her daughter, Bethany, has been after Liam for years. She's desperate to marry him. He has made it clear he doesn't have any interest in her and Anita has made it clear that she doesn't approve of her either. Mrs. Ryan hates us because we're Anita's girls. Now she'll hate you twice as much because it looks like Liam has taken a liking to you." 

      Emma shook her head, ignoring the joy she felt at hearing Liam wasn't interested in Mrs. Ryan's daughter... Emma didn't even know the woman! 

      "No he hasn't.... He just feels sorry fer me, that's all." 

      Sally laughed and patted Emma's arm as if she were a child. "You have so much to learn about life and men." 

      Emma sighed. She couldn't argue that.

      Sally's light laughter filled the shop. "We'll worry about that later. For now, a lesson on fashion." 

---

Emma left the shop with a new dress wrapped in brown paper and enough fabric to make three more—if she learned how to sew. She supposed that was something else she’d need to have lessons in.

      "Let's go to the mercantile. Ms. Anita wanted us to get a few things." 

      Emma followed Sally down the boardwalk. The noontime road was peaceful and fairly quiet save for the barking a several dogs and the laughter of children. 

      It was, that is, until Lauren came flying out of the mercantile with tears on her freckled cheeks. She whirled around and faced the mercantile with clenched fists. "Don't you shove me!" she hollered. 

      A boy, probably about the same age as Lauren, walked out snickering with two other boys flanking him. "Don't you step foot in my mercantile again," the boy shot back. "We don't need ugly critters in here." 

      Lauren snorted. "You better stay out yourself then! And that isn't your mercantile. I don't see your name on it anywhere!" 

      The boy stepped forward. "I'll knock your head clean off for speaking to me like that!" he exclaimed. 

      Emma had seen enough. She'd spent her whole life being bullied—she wouldn't see it done to Lauren.

      Without thinking much, Emma stepped forward. "Boys! That's enough! You should be ashamed of yerselves fer treatin' a girl that way!" 

      The three boys shared a glance and then burst into laughter. "Did you hear her talk?" the ringleader demanded. "What's mountain trash doing dirtying up our town?"

      Emma tried not to let the insults bother her. "Ya need to stop. Yer being rude and immature and it ain't nice." 

      "What's the matter, mountain hick? Are you gonna cry?" the boy demanding, taking a step toward her. "I'll hit you just the same as I was going to hit your ugly friend there." 

      Emma knew it was foolish to be so afraid of a child—but she was. 

      Images of her father's angry face, twisted and red with rage flashed through her mind. She saw his angry fists and felt the pain—saw her mother lying dead. 

      Sucking in gulps of air, Emma fought back tears as her entire body trembled and shook. The boys, bolstered by her fear, hurled more insults and stepped closer. 

      Emma was faintly aware of Lauren yelling for them to stop and she was faintly aware of Sally calling her name. The yelling was so loud.....

      Then all of that disappeared when a large hand closed on her shoulder and a shadow loomed behind her. Emma nearly cried out when a deep, familiar voice rumbled, "Is there a problem here?"

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Liam couldn’t quite believe he was riding into town. Hadn’t he just made the same trip yesterday? Didn’t he usually go weeks, sometimes even months, between trips to town?

      The answer to those questions was yes. He was man enough to admit—to himself at least—that Emma had gotten under his skin and was the reason for his coming into town today. 

      He did at least attempt to convince himself that it was only worry for the woman that had him wanting to check on her and not anything more tender or meaningful....but he wasn't a very well-practiced liar. 

      Liam's thought of Emma were interrupted by loud shouts from the nearby mercantile. Turning his head, Liam saw three boys closing in on a woman. They were yelling and insulting her—threatening violence. 

      All of that would have been enough to send Liam to intervene—then Liam realized who the woman was and his temper flared to life. 

      Hopping off Honey and leading her by the reins, Liam stepped up behind a trembling Emma and put his hand on her shoulder. "Is there a problem here?" he demanded, forcing his voice to remain even and calm. 

      The last thing Emma needed just now was to have him yelling and showing proof of just how angry he was. 

      "Liam...?" Emma's soft voice whispered. Her shaking stopped and she leaned back into him. Her tiny body, barely more than five feet, would have fit perfectly against Liam's chest had he slid his arm around her. 

      Damn. 

      Liam's legs shook and his heart pounded. 

      Emma did things to him that no other woman had ever done before.... And he was sure she didn't even realize it. 

      "Mr. McIntyre?" Liam recognized the boy who'd been taunting and threatening Emma the loudest. 

      "William?" Liam's gaze narrowed at the boy. "Does your mama know you're in town bullying ladies?"

      William's face paled. "Don't tell her Mr. McIntyre," he pleaded. "She'll whoop me good." 

      "She should," Lauren spat.

      Liam smiled at the feisty dark-haired girl. His aunt certainly had her hands full with that one. 

      "Lauren, could you and Sally take Emma back to my Aunt's while I have a talk with the boys?"

      Emma turned and those wide blue eyes stared up into his. She appeared frightened, confused and ashamed. Liam fought the urge to gather her tiny body up into his arms and protect her, shield her, from all the bad in the world. 

      "Can ya..." Emma swallowed hard. "I'd like it if ya could..." 

      Liam somehow knew what she wanted without having to hear her say it. "I'll be along shortly," he promised. 

      Liam watched the trio of ladies walk down the road before turning his attention back to the trio of boys. "Please, don't tell my mama, Mr. McIntyre... I didn't realize the mountain lady was special to you." 

      Liam grumbled. "What she is or isn't to me doesn't matter. What matters is how you treated ladies. A man doesn't bully someone weaker than he is. And he certainly doesn't attack a weakness when he sees it." 

      William kicked at the dirt while the other two boys stared at their feet. "Yessir..." all three mumbled. 

      Liam sighed. "A man helps when he can, leads by example and is someone others can count on. If he doesn't have something important, helpful or meaningful to say, then he keeps his mouth shut." 

      This time William met his gaze. "Yessir." 

      "Now, if you'll give me your word that you'll apologize to Miss Emma, Miss Sally and Miss Lauren the next time you see them, I won't tell your mama." 

      William smiled and nodded whole-heartedly. "Yes sir, Mr. McIntyre. We'll all apologize!" 

      Liam nodded at the boy. He knew his friends would do whatever William did. William was the ringleader among them. If Liam could help send William down a good path, the other two would follow. 

      A smile formed on Liam's face. "And William?" he added. "If you like Miss Lauren, you really should just tell her. Girls don't understand the pushing and shoving." 

      Liam turned and walked away, leaving William red-faced and stuttering while his friends laughed. 

      Knowing he had to check on Emma, Liam headed that way. He wasn't sure why she'd gotten so worked up over young boys teasing her but he had to see her now and ensure she was okay. 

      Liam couldn't go home until he saw her smile at least once.....

      Stepping into his Aunt's home, Liam found Emma in the kitchen surrounded by Anita, Sally and Lauren. A cup of tea was in her hand and a weak smile was on her lips as everyone fussed over her. 

      Liam didn't need to speak. It was clear that Emma sensed his presence as her eyes found him. "Hello Liam..." she greeted weakly. 

      "Hi there, Emma." 

      His Aunt came rushing forward, her face flushed and her gestures animated. "I won't tolerate this, Liam!"

      Liam laid his hand on her soft shoulders and nodded. "Aunt Anita, I spoke with the boys...." 

      She snorted. "Yes, those hellions were bad but I'm talking about Mrs. Ryan and the trouble you caused!" 

      Liam noticed the brown paper packages and frowned. "I caused trouble? How?"

      "Did you 

have to go in that dress shop and leave money for Emma? Of all the times for you to finally take an interest in a woman, did you have to announce it to that heifer?“

      Liam scratched at his thick brown hair with confusion. He could only focus on part of that rant at once. "I put money there because that's the shop you always use, isn't it?"

      Anita rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated by her nephew. "Yes, but, did 

you have to use it? All you accomplished was to draw more anger toward Emma!“

      Liam felt lost. "Why?"

      "Because 

you showed a special interest in Emma. To Mrs. Ryan of all people. Bethany’s mother,“ Sally informed him.

      "Get it now?" Lauren demanded. 

      Liam let out a long sigh. People were complicated. Relationships were complicated. That's why Liam avoided both and kept his dealings with them to a minimum. 

      He rubbed roughly at his face and glared at the three woman standing between himself and Emma. "Can we have some privacy? I'd like to speak with Emma." 

      Anita put her hands on her ample hips. "You better make things right, Liam...."

      Liam motioned toward the door. "Let me talk to Emma." 

      "We'll leave you to 

talk, “ Anita relented, leading Sally and Lauren from the room.

      Liam sat down at the table across from Emma. He let out a sigh. "Emma, I... I'm sorry if I caused trouble for you. I'll admit I'm a simple man and don't often put much thought into how other people might react to things. People confuse me." 

      Emma stared into the cup of tea in her hands. "No... Ya didn't cause trouble.  At least not too bad, really." 

      Liam shoved his hand through his hair causing it to fall across his brow. He wished she'd look at him. He wanted to see those blue eyes. "I should have thought before I gave 

that woman the money though. Aunt Anita was right about that.“

      "She wouldn't have like me anyhow," Emma assured him. "She doesn't seem to like Anita's girls." 

      Liam surprised even himself when he reached out and took her hand. "Don't you worry about her. She's got her nose so high in the air, it's a miracle a bird hasn't nested in a nostril." 

      Emma laughed lightly, a smile remaining on her lips as she finally looked at him. Liam felt his heart tighten almost painfully in his chest. This woman had him wrapped around her finger bad... and he wasn't sure yet if that's where he wanted to be. 

      Silence fell as they simply stared at one another. Liam didn't mind. He enjoyed quiet. He stroked Emma's soft knuckle with his calloused thumb and felt a peace come over him that he'd only ever felt in the last few days since knowing her. 

      "Liam....?" Emma began quietly. "Why did ya help me again? Why would ya leave that money? Ya had to know that Anita buys her girls the clothes they need." 

      Liam shifted in his chair. "My aunt always taught me to help others. I was just trying to do as I was taught." 

      Emma bit her lip and Liam was certain he saw pain and disappointment in her blue eyes before she averted her gaze. Liam grumbled under his breath. 

      What did the woman 

want him to say? That he helped her because she had gotten to him and he had to know that she was protected and provided for?

      No, he wasn't about to say that..... 

      "I'm sorry again for any trouble I caused," he muttered as he pulled his hand away and stood up. "Don't mind them boys too much. I spoke to them and they won't be bothering you anymore. Most boys go through a stage where they think bullying makes them tough. Hopefully, I showed them different today." 

      "I've heard worse than they said," Emma whispered, not looking away from her tea. 

      Liam's fists clenched. Damn but he wanted to touch her. He wanted to hold her close to him, breathe in the scent of her hair and kiss away every line of worry and pain etched so deeply into her face. 

      "I'll see you around, Emma...." 

      Without waiting for Emma to reply, Liam made a run for it. He needed to go back to his uncomplicated life. His solitary life. 

      As he slid onto Honey's back another description of his life entered his mind that had Liam's heart hurting. 

      Lonely. 

      But lonely was better than broken.... He'd seen the harm that love could cause.... He wasn't eager to end up in that shape. 

      Liam pointed Honey toward the road out of town and headed that way quickly. 

e

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

The next week passed in a blur. After Emma had spent a night crying over Liam, she had decided that she needed to focus on herself. Her mother had told her to build a life—a happy life—and that’s what she was going to do.

      Liam had admitted, without so many words, that Emma had indeed only been a charity case. That uppity Mrs. Ryan had been correct about that at least. 

      Emma knew that a part of her heart would always be Liam's. He'd been the first to show her true kindness and caring. She would forever be thankful to him for all he had done. But she had to move on to the life she'd promised her mother she would find. 

      "Emma, how's the dress coming?" Anita asked, settling herself down on the floral sofa beside her. 

      Emma held up the monstrosity of a dress to reveal a lopsided neckline and a sleeve growing out of the waist. Anita sighed. "Well that settles it. You're hopeless." 

      Emma laughed lightly, hiding her embarrassment. "I truly am." What kind of woman couldn't sew?

      "It's time for your lessons, sweetheart. They're waiting in the kitchen," Anita told her. "I'll see if there's any hope for this dress," she added, taking the blue chambray horror. 

      Emma quickly left the room, eager to meet with the tutor. In the week she'd been here, Emma had been taking reading and writing lessons with Lauren. 

      Their teacher, a middle aged woman with the softest voice Emma had ever heard, reminded Emma of her mother. At first it had hurt to even look at Ms. Evan's, but her kind and gentle spirit had soon overcome Emma's pain and Emma had quickly begun learning. 

      She could now recite the entire alphabet and was even learning to write most her letters. She even knew each different sound they made. She was quite proud of herself. At seventeen, she was far too old to only now be learning those things, but reading and writing were considered unimportant in the mountains. No one there ever received an education. 

      "Good morning, Emma!" Ms. Evan's greeted brightly. 

      "Good morning," Emma replied with a smile. Smiling was something she was doing more and more often.

      With every day that passed without seeing or hearing from her father, Emma was healing. 

      "Do you see this book she wants us to read?" Lauren demanded, holding up a book that had to contain over two-hundred pages. "She's off her rocker!" 

      Ms. Evans' response was to simply smile. "You'll thank me one day, Lauren." 

      Lauren mumbled under her breath and slouched in the chair. Ms. Evan's motioned for Emma to sit. "Let's get started." 

---

      "Liam, are you okay?"

      Liam growled in response to the hesitantly asked question. He glared at his two best friends. They'd known one another since they'd been little more than babes. 

      "I'm fine, Kyle. Chase, would you please tell Kyle that I'm fine." 

      Chase grinned a crooked grin. "He's fine, Kyle." 

      Kyle glared at the man but Chase erased that glare with a quick peck to Kyle's lips. Liam knew the truth about his friends—had always known it. It was a truth that they had to keep hidden from nearly everyone else they knew in order to be accepted. 

      Chase and Kyle were in love. They were together and had been for as long as any of them could remember. 

      "He's not okay, Chase," Kyle countered. "Hell, he's always been a quiet recluse but he's worse lately He won't even speak to us!" 

      Chase tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Liam? Kyle says you're not okay." 

      Liam tossed down hey in the feed trough. "There you go, Misty," he said, scratching the mare's neck gently. 

      "Misty?" Kyle asked. 

      Chase stuck out his tongue with a grimace. "That's a terrible name." 

      Liam chuckled. "Yeah, I know." 

      "Did 

she name her?“ Kyle inquired.

      When Liam remained silent, Chase snickered. "You remember 

her , don’t you? The woman who’s got you so tied up in knots? The one you ordered us to guard like treasure?“

      Liam shoved past his friends and stepped out of the barn, breathing in the cold air coming off the mountain. "I never said treasure," he grumbled. 

      "yeah, you did," Chase insisted. "The day you rode into town with her. You told us to keep a look out for Silas and guard her like treasure." 

      Liam raised a brow. "Then why are you here instead of there?"

      Chase shrugged. "We're bad guards." 

      "Yeah," Kyle agreed. "That's why we don't have any treasure." 

      Liam chuckled despite his annoyance. 

      "She seems to be doing well, in case you were wondering," Kyle stated. 

      "There's going to be a dance at the barn on the edge of town next weekend," Chase added. 

      "Why do I care if there's a dance?"

      Chase rolled his eyes. "It's a sad day indeed when 

we know more about women than you do.“

      Liam shook his head. "I'm not going."

      "You should," Kyle insisted. "I think she'd be good for you." 

      "The girl," Chase spoke up. "Not the dance.... Dancing would be good too though. With the girl, of course. It might help you a bit." 

      "There's nothing wrong with me," Liam insisted. 

      Chase sighed, his expression turning sad. "You're lonely, Liam, and it's all because you're scared." 

      "I'm not scared of anything, Chase." 

      "Maybe not physically but emotionally you're a damned chicken," Kyle accused. 

      Liam snorted but couldn't come up with any clever response. His friends had always been better with words than he was... he was definitely at a disadvantage. 

      "Love isn't your mother and father," Kyle said, sliding his arm around Chase's shoulders. "Look at us? Love can be good." 

      Liam felt old wounds—wounds he'd kept covered and ignored for a long time ripping open. He glared at his friends and was happy when they both nodded and agreed, without words, to back down. 

      They knew he liked his privacy and they were crossing a line. 

      "We didn't mean to piss you off," Kyle apologized. 

      "Yeah, we just worry about you," Chase added. 

      Liam sighed and rubbed at his neck. "Don't. I'm fine. Now, if you're done playing matchmaker, Honey and I are going to ride up and hunt for that black horse." 

      "We'll come along," Kyle offered. 

      Chase nodded. "Six eyes are better than two." 

      Liam smiled. His best friends drove him crazy at times but they were two of the best people he knew. He could always count on them when he needed them. 

---

      Liam, Chase and Kyle parted ways at the path that led to his cabin that night. It was dark and cold as Liam settled Honey into the barn. 

      The search had been fruitless and Liam was frustrated. 

      He stepped up the porch steps and entered the dark, empty cabin. 

      There were no lights burning. No fire roaring. No supper waiting for him. There were no blue eyes to get lost in and no quiet conversation to pass the time. 

      Hell. 

      Liam had always been content alone. Then Emma had come along, spent one night at the cabin and now.....

      Now, without her there, it felt less like a home. 

      Liam hung his gun belt by the door, built a fire to warm up the air and settled down with a handful of smoked venison and hardtack biscuit. 

      Liam had always enjoyed the solitude. Now, it just seemed lonely.

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Emma stepped out of the mercantile with a basket full of supplies for Ms. Anita. It was yet another cold, February day, but the sky was a clear, crisp blue overhead.

      Emma was too busy staring up at that sky to pay much attention to where she was going. Because of that, she ran into something hard and dropped her basket, sending the contents scattering. 

      "Hell, Emma, I'm sorry," Liam's voice had tremors running down her back. 

      His big, yet gentle hands, closed around her upper arms to steady her. "Are you okay?" he asked. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and ran you over." 

      Emma finally looked up, seeing those deep, brown eyes she'd been dreaming of for over a week. "I wasn't payin' attention either. We ran into each other." 

      A smile lit up Liam's face, highlighting his chiseled cheekbones. "Let me get all this up for you." 

      Emma watched as Liam gathered up the basket and items that had fallen. She couldn't help but appreciate the way Liam's lithe body moved. He reminded her of the elusive big cats on the mountain. 

      Liam hooked the basket over his arm. "Were you on your way back to Anita's?" 

      Emma could only nod. She wished she knew why he was here. Had it been chance or had Liam come to see her? 

      He held out his free arm and Emma hesitantly looped her arm through the crook of it. "How have you been?" Liam asked as they stared down the road arm in arm. Emma could feel eyes watching them from every direction. 

      "Good," Emma replied, unable to deny the peace, warmth and safety she felt being so close to Liam. He made her feel as if nothing in the world could ever harm her. 

      "I've been learnin' to read and write," she told him proudly. 

      "That's real good," Liam replied with a genuine smile. "Has town gotten better since your bad first day?"

      "Yes." Emma laughed lightly. "Thankfully. Those boys came to Anita's with flowers for me, Sally and Lauren and they apologized." 

      "Good. They needed to apologize. Is that something you like?" 

      Emma frowned. "Apologies?" 

      A chuckle rumbled from Liam's chest. "No. Flowers." 

      Emma chewed at her lip. "I'd never been given flowers before. They were small, hardy winter weeds, but, yes. I liked them." Emma laid her free hand on Liam's forearm. "A funny thing happened the day they apologized." 

      Emma wondered why his throat bobbed when he glanced down at her hand. He stretched his neck to the side. "What happened?"

      "One of the boys, William, asked Lauren to the dance this weekend." 

      "Did she say yes?"

      Emma laughed lightly. "Yes. I still can't quite believe it." 

      Emma felt Liam stiffen lightly and she glanced at his face to see him frowning as he stared straight ahead. "Has anyone asked you to the dance?" he questioned tightly.      

      Emma nearly laughed out loud. "No, of course not! No one wants to go with the scrawny mountain girl who doesn't talk much..... Besides, I don't think I'd trust them...." 

      "There's not a thing wrong with you, Emma," Liam stated firmly. "Don't put yourself down." 

      Emma chewed at her lip once again. Why had Liam asked about the dance... Did he wish to take her?

      "I've never been to a dance," she admitted quietly. 

      They stepped onto Anita's porch and Emma watched Liam shove a hand through his hair, causing it to fall across his brow. "I just wanted to come check in on you, Emma. You look good...." Color rose on Liam's cheek. "Well rested, I mean." 

      Emma was confused by him. Did Liam feel what she felt when they were together? She did 

not want to be a charity. She didn’t want him seeing her as merely someone who needed his help—his pity.

      "Liam, I appreciate all ya have done fer me, I really do... But I don't need ya to take care fo me.. I don't want ya to waste charity on me." 

      Liam held up his hand and Emma fell silent. "What are you talking about? Charity?"

      Emma shifted her feet and pulled the basket from his arm. "Ya don't 

have do do anythin’ else fer me.“

      Liam stared hard at her a moment. His expression was one of hurt. "Well, alright then." 

      Liam began to turn away but the door opened and Anita stepped out. "Liam, I thought I heard your voice. I need your help." 

      Liam heaved a sigh. "What do you need?"

      "Did I interrupt something?" Anita asked, looking back and forth between them. 

      Emma gently shook her head as she fought back tears of both frustration and confusion. 

      "What do you need, Aunt Anita?" Liam asked again. 

      Anita frowned but motioned them inside. "I can't reach my spice tin. I could just climb on the counter but..." 

      "Don't be foolish," Liam scolded gently. "You'd fall and break something." 

      Anita swatted his arm softly. "Don't be clever." 

      The trio entered the kitchen but Emma wished she could be anywhere else. To be so close to Liam but feel as if he were so far away was a pain she'd never experienced before—and Emma knew a thing or two about pain. 

      Anita pointed to her tin sitting atop a cabinet. Without much trouble, Liam snatched it down and laid it in his Aunt's waiting hands. 

      "Thank you, Liam." 

      "It was nothing," Liam shrugged. Then lips curled in a sneer. "Apparently I do too much charity." 

      Lauren laughed as she entered the kitchen. "No, you don't. You're nice enough but I wouldn't call you charitable. An anti-social recluse is more like it." 

      Emma swallowed hard as Anita's eyes bored holes into her before widening. "Is that what I walked out on?" Anita demanded. "Emma you need to stop being mean to Liam!" 

      Emma's jaw dropped. Liam stepped forward. "No, take it easy on her....." 

      Anita put her spice tin on the table and her hands went to her ample hips. "Are you still upset over what that heifer said at the dressmakers? I wish you'd stop worrying over that!" 

      Emma felt tears burning behind her eyes and she fought them with everything she had. She only wanted to be worth something to someone. Emma wanted to be special to at least one person in the world. She'd never in her life known how that felt. 

      "I..." Emma wrung her hands and wished she could disappear as Liam's studied her intently. 

      Recognition finally dawned in his brown eyes and his jaw hardened. "Emma, will you come for a walk with me?"

      Emma couldn't read his expression or his tone. "Are ya angry?" she whispered. 

      Liam grumbled. "You know I don't like that question." He shifted his feet as he gazed down at her. "Are you afraid of me?"

      "Of course not," Emma replied, knowing it was the truth. 

      "Then come for a walk with me." 

      Emma nodded. She couldn't explain it but knew that wherever Liam was, she wanted to be. 

      "Have fun, Emma," Anita called out mischievously. 

      Emma flushed bright red and followed Liam out the door. They walked in silence until they reached a bench behind the telegraph office at the edge of town. 

      Liam leaned back, his long legs stretched out and his buckskin shirt pulling tight over his lean stomach and broad chest. Emma's breath caught. He sure was something to look at. 

      "Emma, I'm a private man. I don't open up and I don't let people in too close...." Liam began tightly. "I'm sorry if I've confused you since you've been here, but, honestly, I'm pretty confused myself. I was perfectly content with my life and the way things were... until you came along." 

      Emma wasn't sure if that was good or bad—his tone made it impossible to tell. 

      "I want to make sure you know that you mean more to me than charity, Emma. A good deal more..." 

      Liam grumbled under his breath and shoved his hand through his hair once more. "Damn, lady, I'm not good with feelings and words. Like I said before, I'm a simple man. I wish I could say things better...." 

      Emma couldn't seem to speak. It was as if she'd forgotten how. Liam plucked at his shirt sleeve. "Aren't you going to say anything?" he pleaded. 

      Emma was shaking, her throat felt dry and her stomach fluttered. She spoke before she had time to realize she was going to and once the words left her mouth, Emma realized she'd been spending far too much time with Lauren and the girl's impulsive nature was rubbing off. 

      "Take me to the dance." 

y“{#

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Liam blinked several times, attempting to process the demand just tossed his way.

      The dance?

      Emma's eyes kept wavering as she struggled to hold his gaze. Her cheeks were red and she was abusing her full bottom lip with her teeth. 

      Liam had to admit she painted a damn cute picture as she sat there letting him know what she wanted. He was happy that she felt comfortable enough with him to do so. But......

      The dance?

      Liam had just opened up to her and poured his heart out more than he ever had before and she was worried about a dance?

      "I don't go to social dances," Liam grumbled. He'd been to three of them in his life and he hated each of them. 

      Women batting their lashes, fawning over the bachelors like lovesick mares in heat hoping to snatch a husband. Men boasting and bragging. Gossips waggling their tongues. Crowds. Noise..... No. Liam hated social dances. 

      "Oh..." Emma's face fell. "If course. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have blurted it out like that." 

      "Don't," Liam scolded gently. "Don't make apologies and excuses for asking for something." 

      "Okay..." Emma mumbled, lowering her gaze. 

      Liam sighed. "I hate those dances, Emma. I don't like being around a lot of people." 

      "Okay," Emma repeated, her voice stronger. "Really, Liam. It's okay." 

      Liam frowned. He put his finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to his. She 

seemed to be alright. “If I was the type of man who went to dances, I wouldn’t take anyone but you,” he offered.

      A shaky smile curved Emma's cheeks and before Liam could stop himself, he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. Liam's heart was pounding and his hands were shaking as he pulled away. 

      Holy hell.... He'd kissed women before.. but never in twenty-seven years of life had he felt anything like what that tiny brushing of lips did to him. 

      Emma's brown eyes slowly opened and the surprise in them was obvious. "Don't ever think you aren't special to me, Emma..." Liam assured her, his voice tight. "You are. I've never felt like this before." 

      She licked her trembling lip. "Me either." 

      Liam felt a strong urge to kiss her again but resisted. He needed to give Emma time—hell, give himself time—before he went too far. 

      Standing slowly, Liam pulled Emma to her feet. "Let's get you out of this cold."

      Liam held out his arm and Emma once again looped hers through. He held her closer to his side as they made their way to the boarding house. Once at the door, Liam pressed a tender kiss to her hair, breathing in the lavender scent before distancing himself. 

      As they stepped into the kitchen, Liam rolled his eyes. His aunt was standing there with a knowing gleam in her eyes and a grin on her face. 

      "Did you have a nice 

talk ?“

      Liam noticed Emma's face flame red. "I believe I cleared up a few things," Liam replied. 

      "Well, that's good," Anita winked. "Emma, sweetheart, since your sewing lessons haven't helped much, we'll try cooking today." 

      "I....I can sew a little..." Emma muttered, clearly embarrassed. 

      Liam chuckled. "Baking," he stated. "Let her bake." He knew that his aunt did her best to teach her girls skills to help them earn money. "Emma made me the best apple pie I've ever eaten. Better than yours, Aunt Anita, and that's saying something." 

      Anita pursed her lips at her nephew before turning her attention to Emma. "You bake?"

      It was clear Emma was unsure how to take Liam's praise as she flushed. "I made Liam a pie." 

      "And I would gladly pay for another," Liam spoke up, enjoying the way Emma's eyes lit up. "I'd be willing to bet other people would too." 

      "I wouldn't make you pay me for a pie," she whispered. 

      Liam smiled down at her. He let his fingertips dance across her cheek, remembered he had an audience and headed for the door. "I'll see you around, Emma." 

      Liam quickly made his way down the road, eager to escape before his aunt did something to embarrass him. He was caught off-guard when he was stopped on the boardwalk by Sally. 

      "Have you been to see Emma?"

      Liam looked down at the blond. She'd' been living with Anita for three years and she liked butting in other's business. Usually Liam hated people like her, but, she was practically family, so, Liam usually put up with her. 

      "Yeah, I did and I was on my way home." 

      Liam attempted to get around her but she stood her ground. "Did she tell you about the dance?"

      "She mentioned it," Liam replied, wishing he could hear the last about that dance. 

      "Did she happen to mention how much going to that dance would mean to her?"

      Liam frowned. "No...." 

      Sally rolled her eyes. "Men sure are ignorant. She has never been to a dance, Liam. She was kept locked up in that mountain shack and never experienced 

anything . She is dying to dress up and hear the music and do something that she would have never been able to do had she not escaped.“

      Liam grumbled. "Then she can go," he muttered. Hellfire, he wasn't her keeper. She didn't need his permission.

      Sally took a deep breath as if to calm her temper. "Since this is new to you, I'm going to help you with your love life just this once," she graciously offered. 

      Liam glared at her. "Please don't." 

      Sally seemed unfazed. "Emma is doing well at Anita's. She truly is. She's learning things and beginning to come out of her shell a bit. But she's scared. She's scared of people, of crowds, of too much noise. The smallest bit of yelling terrifies her and she nearly leaps out of her skin if people accidently bump her on the street.

      "But you, you make her feel safe. She has put a lot of faith in you, Liam McIntyre, whether or not either of you realize that. Emma won't go to the dance without you, but, I think it would be selfish of you to let that happen just because you don't 

like dances.“

      "Are you done?" Liam grumbled. 

      "Yes." 

      "You're awful damn pushy." 

      "And you're awful damn blind, stubborn and set in your ways. But it's okay. I heard that Clarence Tackett was thinking of wooing Emma. Maybe she'll feel safe with him too and 

he’ll take her dancing.“

      Liam felt jealousy, a new emotion for him, burn to life in his gut. Clarence Tackett? That near-sighed bastard needed to keep his hands to himself and off of what belonged to Liam. 

      If the dance meant so much to Emma, why the hell hadn't she said so? Liam was no damn good at reading subtleties. He needed her to tell him what she wanted, and if it was something that meant a lot to her, she needed to make sure he understood that. 

      He was man enough to admit he'd do just about anything to make her happy—that smile of hers was a masterpiece. 

      Without another word, Liam turned and strode back to the boarding house. He entered the kitchen and Emma looked up from the pie crust she was rolling out. 

      Liam smiled, unable to stop himself from doing so as he took in the sight of her with flour on her nose. "Yes," he stated. 

      Emma frowned as Anita and Lauren shared a smile. "What are you talking about?" she asked. 

      Liam shrugged. "Yes. I'll take you to the dance." 

      The smile that lit up Emma's face had her shining like a diamond and Liam nearly swallowed his tongue. "Yep... well..  I'll see you then," he stammered before stumbling out the door and feeling as awkward and nervous as a school boy. 

      But he was a nervous schoolboy with a smile.... Maybe this dance wouldn't be so bad—the company would definitely be better.

A/N: Hey y’all. I haven’t been getting much feedback on this story… i’m not one to beg for comments but……..PLLLLEEEEEEEAAASE??? ;) i’m an addict and feedback is my crack… come on y’all, be my suppliers!

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

The moment Liam had agreed to take Emma to the dance, time had slowed to a crawl. Only one day had passed and four more needed to pass before the day of the dance but Emma wanted to see Liam now.

      He 

had said he wanted another pie and she just happened to have a freshly baked one in the kitchen…. Walking to Liam’s cabin would take a few hours but it was still early and the day was already unseasonably warm. Emma was used to walking and she would enjoy doing so today.

      Sliding into her new blue chambray dress that Ms. Anta had somehow managed to salvage, Emma checked her reflection in the mirror. She had been away from her father for a week and a half and the already she could see a difference. 

      She had a healthier glow to her pale skin and the dark circles around her blue eyes were gone. Regular meals had her body slowly beginning to fill out as well. 

      Emma wondered if Liam liked the changes in her.

      She smiled as she recalled their kiss the day before. Never had she known a kiss to her lips could seem to reach clear to her heart. Emma had never seen tenderness or gentle love between a man and a woman. 

      She paused. Did she love Liam? Did he love her? Emma didn't know but she was eager to find out—to learn more about the good side of life. 

      Emma pulled on her new ankle boots Anita had gotten her and slipped into her threadbare coat. Thankfully, she was able to get her pie and slip unnoticed from the house. If someone had seen her, they probably would have insisted on coming along and Emma didn't want that. 

      Liam seemed to like privacy and he was more open with her when others weren't around. 

      The walk was a long one but to Emma it felt good to leave town behind and breathe the open air. 

      Nerves attacked her stomach when she saw the chimney smoke. She nearly ran the other way when Liam's cabin and barn came into view. What if Liam wouldn't want her there? What if he would be angry by her bothering him at home? 

      Emma forced that fear down and swallowed hard. Liam had said she was special. He had said she meant a lot to him. He had kissed her.... A smile curved her lips at the memory. Surely he'd be happy she had come for a visit. 

      Emma started toward the house until she heard a voice in the barn. Did he have company? Emma shifted the basket to her other arm. She hoped she wasn't interrupting anything important. 

      "Liam?" she called hesitantly. 

      Liam's head popped out of the barn. "Emma?" A surprised smile lit up his face, highlight his rugged features and stealing Emma's breath. He was dirty and it was clear he'd been working. 

      Emma chewed her lip. "I hope I'm not interruptin'. I heard ya talkin'..." 

      Liam shook his head. "You'd never be interrupting anything. I like your company better than anyone else's I'd be talking to." He shrugged. "I was just chatting with the horses." 

      Emma felt as if her heart were going to soar right out of her chest. How had this happened? How had such a kind and gentle man fallen for a mountain hick like her? 

      Emma hadn't even known that men like Liam existed. 

      He made his way to her and Emma's heart raced when he pressed a tender kiss to her hair. As he pulled away, he glanced around and Liam's smile became a frown. "How did you get here?" 

      "I... I walked." 

      "Alone?" Liam's voice raised. "Do you have any how foolish and dangerous that was? You could have been....." 

      Liam's angry tirade trailed off. Emma was trying to fight back tears as she held her hands up protectively and winced backward. 

      She was certain that Liam was going to hit her. 

      Instead, he let out a muffled curse before launching forward and pulling her into a tender hug. Emma's head was resting against his chest and his steady heart beat slowly calmed her fear. 

      "Hell Emma..." he whispered. "Don't ever look at me like that again. I would never lay an angry hand on you. I won't ever hurt you, Emma." 

      "I know..." she assured him. And she did, but, old habits died hard and she'd learned long ago that a man's angry voice often came just before his angry fists. 

      Liam slowly pulled away and Emma couldn't help but notice how tight his jaw was. "Coming out here alone 

was dangerous, Emma, but I am happy to see you. I was worried is all. I shouldn’t have yelled. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you….“ He shoved his hand through his hair and Emma knew he was trying hard to be open with his feelings and that was new for him. “I don’t want to lose you.”

      Emma found herself fighting back tears once more but these were of happiness..... as well as guilt. 

      "I'm sorry I came alone, Liam. I never even thought about the danger and I know I should have... I just wanted to see ya." 

      Liam sighed and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "And I'm glad you're here. At the dance, I'll introduce you to my friends Kyle and Chase. They're real good men and they live real close to town. When you want to come see me, they can get you here safe." 

      Emma nodded. If Liam trusted them, Emma would meet his friends and give them a chance. She trusted Liam's judgement. 

      Liam seemed to notice the basket for the first time. His nostrils flared. "Did you bring me a pie?" 

      "Yes. Ya mentioned wantin' one yesterday." 

      Liam's smile returned. "You're one hell of a woman." 

      Emma beamed. Liam took a step back and cleared his throat. "Why don't you take that pie in and I'll be in in a minute. I'm gonna go to the stream and clean up." 

      Emma nodded and headed to the cabin, happy that Liam was pleased to see her and sorry she had worried him. He was right. She'd taken a large risk. If her father had been on that road.....

      Emma took a steadying breath. She just had to be thankful that he hadn't been and remember not to be so careless again. 

---

      Liam felt like a giant horse's ass as he strode to the stream.

      Emma, the woman who had him tied up in knots and thinking about a future, had come all the way out on foot just to see him and what had he done? He'd yelled at her!

      Liam was not a man who yelled, or, at least not usually. But, the thought of Emma being out there alone and that bastard getting his hands on her...

      It riled his temper and froze his blood all at the same time. 

      With a growl, Liam splashed water on his face, rinsed his hands and headed back to the cabin. As he stepped inside and saw Emma standing beside the table with a smile on her face, Liam knew it was right. 

      Her smiling face greeting him after a long day's work was what he wanted forever. 

      Damn. 

      Two weeks ago if someone had told him he'd find a woman he wanted to spend every day of the rest of his life with, Liam would have accused them of being brain addled. And, yet, here he was wondering if it was too soon to ask Emma to be his wife. 

      "I hope ya don't mind. I remembered where everythin' was," Emma said, gesturing toward the table. 

      Only then did Liam notice the two pie-filled plates on the table. His mouth watered. "That's more than fine with me," he assured her with a smile. 

      Liam stepped to the table and pulled out her chair before sitting across from her. "You'll be happy to know that Misty is enjoying having a real name," Liam said before shoving a big bite of pie into his mouth. 

      His eyes slid closed and he groaned. Damn, that woman baked pure heaven. 

      Emma's face lit with surprise. "Ya kept her name?"

      Liam grunted before taking another bite. "Yeah. I think she likes it better than Horse." 

      "Can I learn to ride today?"

      Liam nodded. "I don't see why not. Just let me enjoy this slice of heaven and we'll head out to ride." 

---

Liam was proud of how quickly Emma seemed to pick up on riding. She had remembered his earlier warnings about trusting the hose to gain its respect and Misty had taken to Emma quickly. The small-bodied mare was a good fit for the tiny woman.

      "We should probably head back toward town," Liam stated morosely as he realized how low in the sky the sun was sinking. They would barely make it back before dark. 

      Liam wished Emma could stay with him and never have to leave. 

      Someday, he promised himself. Someday Emma would be his wife. 

      He'd known from the beginning that Emma would make someone a fine wife—now he knew that someone was himself. 

      Liam helped Emma back into Misty's saddle and he took a moment to gaze at the woman. The time she'd spent at Anita's so far had been good for her. 

      Her beauty, once subdued by fear and scrawniness, was truly beginning to shine through. She was the most beautiful woman Liam had ever known. 

      "What are ya lookin' at?" Emma asked, shifting in the saddle. 

      Liam realized he'd been staring and he quickly averted his gaze. He hopped on Honey's back and shoved his hand through his hair. "Let's head on into town and test your newest talent." 

      Emma smiled. "Am I good at it?"

      Liam nodded and led her down the trail. "You ought to know me well enough to know I don't say things I don't mean."

      Emma kept conversation going all the way to town. For once, having his silence interrupted didn't bother Liam. He enjoyed the sound of her voice and the insights into her mind that their conversations allowed. 

      Unfortunately the ride into town seemed to end faster than usual. They were passing Mrs. Ryan's dress shop when the horror herself stepped out. "Liam, it's good to see you," she spoke. 

      Liam barely managed a polite nod in response. After the way the woman had treated Emma, he wanted nothing more than to give her a swift kick in the ass. 

      "Will you be attending the dance, Liam? I know Bethany has spoken of little else." 

      Liam grumbled, then smiled. He sat up straighter. "Yes. I will be. I believe you've met my date Miss Emma Hawke?"

      He smiled proudly at Emma as her cheeks flamed red and she seemed ready to be anywhere else. Mrs. Ryan, however seemed fit to be tied. He could practically see the smoke billowing from her ears. 

      "Yes... well.. it's very 

charitable of you to give up your night to show an underprivileged mountain hick a nice time.“

      Liam simply chuckled. "Come along now, Emma. Have a nice day, ma'am." 

      Liam noticed Emma's silence and when he helped her from Misty in front of the Boarding House, he held her just a little closer and tighter than was proper. 

      "What's wrong?"

      "Nothing," she whispered. 

      Liam would have usually let it go at that. He would have assumed she truly meant nothing was wrong because that's what she said. But, he was trying hard to learn to read between the lines... and 

something was wrong with Emma.

      He figured he knew what it was. 

      Liam stooped down and kissed her temple. "Don't let that jealous old bat bother you." 

      Emma's eyes found his and Liam wanted so badly to taste her lips... But not here. If Liam kissed her, he'd have a hard time stopping and there were too many people out and about. 

      "Are ya sure ya want to take me to the dance instead of someone else?"

      Liam took a deep breath. He had to be patient. Emma was sheltered and naïve to the world outside those mountain shacks. Of course she'd easily fall prey to women like Mrs. Ryan and their spiteful tongues. 

      "Emma, I wouldn't even bother with the dance if not for you." 

      A smile brightened her face and suddenly Liam didn't care about onlookers. He swooped down and captured Emma's mouth beneath his. 

      She gasped with surprise just before her arms slid around his neck and her body molded to his. 

      Liam couldn't get enough of the taste of her. He wanted to deepen the kiss. He wanted to taste more of her—all of her. 

      With a groan, he pulled himself away, putting a foot of distance between them. 

      "What am I doin' wrong?" Emma questioned with flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips. 

      "Huh?" Damn, but Liam's brain wasn't working quite right after that kiss. 

      "Ya always pull away like that... what am I doin' wrong?"

      Liam chuckled. "Nothing Emma. You do everything just right. I gotta go now, it's getting dark. I'll be in the woods for the next few days but I'll pick you up here for the dance." 

      "Okay." Emma sighed. "I probably shouldn't go... I don't own a nice dress—not like the one in the dress shop window." 

      Liam laid his hand on her cheek. "You'll be the most beautiful woman there." 

      He swallowed hard at the look in her blue eyes as she gazed up at him. 

      Fumbling and nearly dropping them several times, Liam grabbed Misty's reins. "I'll see you Saturday," he quickly stated. Then he headed off down the road before he gave the townsfolk anything else to wag their tongues about.

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Nerves were already eating their way through Liam’s stomach, and, it was only dawn. He still had a good eight hours to kill before he needed to head to town to pick up Emma.

      ....and already that woman was all he could think about. 

      Hell, she was all he'd thought about since he'd found her in his barn. 

      Liam ran his hand over Honey's mane and let out a long breath. "I'm thinking of asking Emma to become a more permanent fixture around here tonight." 

      He was surprised to find his hands were shaking. "Hell, I ain't never been so nervous in all my life. I miss the days when I didn't need anybody." 

      Misty let out a short whiney behind him. Liam smiled. "Yeah, I think she's worth it too." 

      Liam went about grooming and tending the animals in an effort to pass the time and occupy his mind. His chores were interrupted by the sound of an approaching horse. 

      Who would be riding out? Kyle and Chase had visited yesterday and Liam never got many other visitors. Unless Emma had decided to come out again. 

      The smile on Liam's lips quickly vanished when he stepped out of the barn and realized who his visitor was. A man he hadn't seen in four years....

      Four peaceful years. 

      The bastard who had helped create him. 

      His father. 

      "Hello there, Liam." 

      Liam growled and yanked off his gloves. "Why are you here?"

      Patrick let out a chuckle as he slid from the saddle. "Still don't waste time on pleasantries I see." 

      Liam merely shrugged. 

      Patrick had aged ten years in the last four. Hair that had once been as dark as Liam's was now more gray than black. His suntanned face looked like cracked leather and his body seemed crooked and weathered. 

      He was no longer the straight, solid, strong mountain man who had caused his wife's death with his lack of care and neglect....

      "I was hoping we could talk, son." 

      Liam shook his head. "Not today." 

      His father had never been a real father and Liam had spent much of his life hating him. Now he couldn't manage to care enough to manage hate. 

      He felt indifferent about the man before him—and Liam could hardly be bothered talking to those he liked. 

      Patrick seemed undeterred. "I want to have a talk with my son." 

      Liam clenched his fists. Maybe if he gave the man what he wanted, he'd disappear for another four years. With a growl, Liam strode toward the cabin and motioned for Patrick to follow him. 

      He threw some wood on the dying fire and took a seat at the kitchen table. "What do you want, Patrick?"

      "I'm an old man, Liam. I'm thinking about settling down. It sounds better every day." 

      "Then go somewhere and settle." 

      Patrick sat down across from him and met his gaze with determination. "I'm settling down around here, Liam. I've already visited some old friends on the mountain." 

      "I still haven't heard you say what this has to do with me," Liam interrupted. 

      Patrick shifted in the chair. "I just wanted my son to know I was staying around." 

      Liam tipped his head. "Now I know."

      Liam stood up and headed for the door. Patrick remained in his chair and glanced around. "I don't remember you being so neat and clean." 

      Liam let his own gaze drift across the cabin, taking in all the small touches Emma had made. A quilt was draped over the sofa, the furniture was polished, curtains were draped over the windows and the dishes were organized. 

      Emma had only been in the cabin for a matter of hours and she had somehow made it seem more like a home. 

      "You can go now," Liam urged. 

      He turned his attention back to his father just in time to see the older man use his hands to steal a chunk of the last piece of pie. 

      Liam's temper flared. "That wasn't yours!" he snapped. 

      "This is damn good pie." Patrick's eyes narrowed. "You got a woman, boy? This cabin is screaming woman." 

      "I'm not a boy and you've never showed any interest in my life before. Don't start now." 

      "Hell, son!" Patrick slammed his hands on the table and shoved himself to his feet. "You ain't married, are you? I taught you better than that." 

      Liam's jaw popped as he opened the door. "You've never given a damn about me, Patrick. Don't start now. Now leave. I have plans in town tonight." 

      "The dance?" Patrick frowned. "You're taking a woman, aren't you? Do you have to learn the hard way that they can't be trusted? Your mama...." 

      "Don't you say a damned word about that woman," Liam all but shouted as he stepped forward. "She was a damn good woman who spent her short life being neglected, ignored and mistreated by her husband. Don't worry, Patrick. I don't plan on making your mistakes." 

      Liam watched as the color drained from his father's face. Oddly enough, it didn't give him the oy he'd thought it would. 

      "I've made a lot of mistakes, Liam, but I loved your mama." 

      Liam chose to say nothing. 

      Patrick walked to the open door. "An old friend of mine, Silas Hawke, says his daughter ran away. He's been searching for her and thinks you may know where she is." 

      Liam stiffened. Old friend? Yet one more reason to dislike his father. 

      "His mistaken," Liam grumbled. "Now see yourself out. I have things to do." 

      "Fine, I'll go for now. But I'll be back, son. Like I said, I'm looking to settle down." 

      Liam slammed the door closed after his father walked out. He threw himself down on the sofa and glared into the fire. 

      He had no idea why his worthless father had chosen now to come back but he wasn't happy about it. Liam 

had been happy. He’d been happy and hopeful about the future.

      Then Patrick McIntyre had come riding in with his hatred or women, his talk of settling down and his mention of Silas. Now Liam's temper was riled and he dreaded what he knew would be upcoming conflicts with his father. 

      Liam laid his head back. When he closed his eyes, Liam saw an image of Emma's face. A smile instantly curved his lips. 

      Liam was going to forget about his father and the stress the man would no doubt create. Tonight, Liam was going to focus on Emma and on the new life he wanted with her as his wife. 

---

Patrick stood in the sun and thought about his son. He had suspected he wouldn’t receive a warm welcome but it had gone worse than he’d worried it would.

      Patrick had made quite a few mistakes where Liam was concerned. But his intentions were good now. He wanted to get to know his son and he wanted what was best for Liam. 

      Which meant Patrick was going to ride up on that mountain and tell Silas where to find his daughter. If there was one thing Liam was not good at, it was lying. 

      Liam planned on going to that dance tonight and the date he was taking was Silas Hawke's daughter. Patrick wouldn't watch his son make enemies of the men on the mountain. 

      And he wouldn't watch his son have his heart ripped out by the woman he loved. Patrick would save his son that pain.... No man deserved that pain.

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

      Emma had not been able to eat all day. Her nerves simply would not let her. She would be seeing Liam tonight and Emma would be going to her first dance. 

      Emma had no idea how to dance... would she embarrass Liam? And surely being around so many people would be intimidating. If not for knowing Liam would be at her side, Emma would be far too frightened. 

      Emma only wished she had something more beautiful to wear other than her plain gingham dress....

      The beautiful green dress had disappeared from the shop window days ago. Emma knew whatever women wore that dress would be the most beautiful woman there. 

      "Emma!" Ms. Anita's voice rang out from the sitting room. 

      Emma bounded down the stairs and found Anita standing with a brown paper parcel in her arms. "What is that?" Emma asked. 

      It was clear that Anita was feigning ignorance as she batted her lashes. "I have no idea. It's not mine so I haven't opened it." 

“Who’s is it? Do you need me to deliver it for you?”

      Anita shook her head. "I'll deliver it." She held the package out to Emma. "And it's delivered." 

      Emma frowned as she tentatively took the package into her hands. "It's for me?" she whispered. "But from who.....?"

      Anita's eyes twinkled. "Liam." 

      Emma couldn't breathe and tears filled her eyes. Liam had gotten her a gift? But he'd already done so much for her... No one had ever given her gifts or time or tenderness the way Liam did. 

      "There's a note attached," Anita informed her eagerly, clearly just as excited and curious as Emma was. 

      Wasting no more time Emma pulled the envelope from the package and tore it open. Frustration filled her. While she could make out several words and might have been able to eventually sound out the rest, her lack of reading ability kept her from reading the note as quickly as she wanted to. 

      With a sigh, Emma gave the letter to Anita. Anita nodded and cleared her throat. 

      

My Dearest Emma

      I'm no better at writing letters than I am at saying words. And I'm not any good at reading between the lines either but I was listening close the other day. You could wear those worn, tattered clothes I found you in and I would still be taking the most beautiful woman in the world to the dance. But I want 

you to feel special.

      I hope you like your gift. 

                                                      Yours

                                                      Liam

      "Oh, my nephew is such a sweet man!" Anita gushed. 

      Emma swiped a tear form her eye before grabbing up the package and tearing away the paper. When her eyes fell on that green silk, Emma's tears fell harder and the fabric blurred. 

      Liam had gotten her the dress she had admired since she had arrived in town. But more than that..... He'd ensure that she would have the confidence to step into that dance without feeling like the poor mountain hick she'd been her entire life. 

      Emma would be the woman shining so beautifully in the shimmering, emerald gown. 

      "Emma, that's beautiful!" Sally gushed as she came into the sitting room. "Isn't that the dress you'd been wanting from Mrs. Ryan's shop?"

      "Yes. It's a gift from Liam." 

      Sally laughed lightly. "I'll bet Mrs. Ryan's head nearly burst into flames when he went in and asked for it."        

      Emma bit her lip and fought back laughter. She'd never thought of that. She glanced at the dress and then back to Sally. "Can ya....?"

      Sally smiled. "Can I what?"

      Emma swallowed hard and shrugged. "Help me. I've never gotten all dressed up before..." 

      "Of course I'll help you!" Sally assured her. "Lauren is in the bath now. Come on and we can all get ready together." 

      Emma felt as if she were floating as Sally wrapped her arm around her shoulders and led her from the room. Her life was different, better, than she'd ever thought it could be. She had friends and she was free to live without fear.... She had begun baking and selling pies and already had several orders filled and more lined up. 

And she had Liam—a man so different from any she’d ever known existed. Warm, caring and thoughtful. A man who didn’t yell at her, raise angry hands to her or force her into anything.

      Emma was building her life. The life her mother had wished so desperately for her. 

      "I know what that smile means." Sally wiggled her brows. "Let's get you all prettied up so you're ready to see that man you're daydreaming about." 

      Emma flushed red and chewed her lip. She hoped Liam was just as excited about tonight as she was. 

---

Emma felt as if her nerves were going to eat a hole straight through her stomach as she paced the sitting room and waited on Liam to arrive.

      A knock on the door had her stopping in her tracks. 

      Lauren leapt to her feet. "I've got it!" She skidded to a stop at the door, adjusted her wool skirt and pulled the door open. 

      William stood there with a nervous smile on his young face. "Hi there, Lauren. You look uh..." His face reddened. "Real pretty." 

      Lauren, in a moment so out of character for her, blushed, bit her lip and tucked a loose tendril of dark hair behind her ear. "Thank you." 

      Ms. Anita stepped forward and greeted William. "Hello there, William. I trust you'll take good care of Lauren and return her home before too late?"

      William nodded. "Of course, ma'am." 

      "I'll walk them down to the dance," Sally offered, slipping on her shawl. "Clarence is waiting for me. He's going to be playing music there tonight." 

      Emma watched them leave and resumed her pacing. Where was Liam? Had he changed his mind? Had something happened to him? 

      The sudden knock on the door startled Emma from her pacing and caused her to let out a startled cry. 

      The door flew open at the sound of her cry and Liam barged in appearing ready for a fight. 

      "Liam!" Anita exclaimed, clutching at her chest. "What has gotten into you?"

      Liam ran his hand over his slicked hair and glanced sheepishly at his aunt. "I heard Emma and I thought something was wrong...."

      Emma felt as if a jolt of lightning swept through her as Liam's dark eyes truly landed on her. "Emma...." His voice was strained. "You look..." Liam cleared his throat. "...real pretty." 

      Emma smiled and dropped her gaze to the floor as she nibbled at her lip. "You look nice too," she murmured. And he did. 

      Liam had traded his buckskin for black trousers and a matching jacket over a gray waistcoat. His dark hair was slicked back and he was far more dapper and handsome than Emma had ever seen a man look. 

      "That dress looks a while lot prettier on you than it did in the shop." 

      Mention of the dress had Emma overcoming some of the nerves and shyness that she felt in Liam's presence. "Liam, I want to thank ya so much for the dress.. I've never worn anythin' so pretty." 

      Liam smiled. He stopped forward, took Emma's hand and swooped down to kiss her temple. "And I've never seen a more beautiful woman." 

      Liam released her hand and held out his arm so Emma could loop hers through. "Are you ready, Emma?"

      Emma shook off the happy fog of Liam's tender kiss and took his arm as her excitement grew. "I'm ready." 

      Liam glanced at his aunt who was watching them with adoration. "Are you coming? I have a second arm," he offered. 

      Anita waved away his offer. "No, I believe a quiet night in appeals to me more." 

      "I should probably tell you that Patrick showed up today. He claims he's going to stick around awhile." 

      Anita snorted as her nose curled. "That jackass didn't bother you too badly, did he?"

      "I can handle him," Liam assured her gently, leaving Emma very curious as to who Patrick was. 

      Once Liam was guiding her down the boardwalk, Emma asked him. 

      Immediately, Liam's face darkened. "He's my father. I haven't seen him much my entire life and he's never been a good father." 

      "Did he hit ya?"

      Liam shook his head. "No....no, he was never violent. He just wasn't...

present .“

      Emma hated the sadness in Liam's dark eyes. Tonight was a night for happiness. She squeezed his arm tighter and laid her head against his shoulder. 

      "I've never been to a dance, Liam. Thank ya for this." 

      The smile he flashed her way nearly had Emma tripping over her feet. "Anything for you, Emma." 

      Emma felt as if she were glowing. And she truly believed him. Liam wasn't fond enough of words to waste time on ones he didn't mean.

.

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Liam had never felt more proud than he did stepping into that dance with Emma on his arm.

      "There are so many people..." she gasped, holding tighter to him 

      Liam patted her hand resting on his arm. "I'm right here with you." 

      He felt Emma relax and his chest tightened. Hell, he'd been a loner his entire life but Emma had busted down a wall and awoken a part of him Liam hadn't known existed. 

      No other woman had ever even briefly tempted him to settle down but Liam knew that by the end of tonight he'd be asking Emma to be his wife. 

      "Everyone is so pretty," Emma gasped. 

      Liam glanced around the crowded barn at the mass of people milling about. They were talking, eating and dancing to the music currently filling the dusty, lantern lit space. 

      Everyone was dressed in their best but no one could hold a candle to Emma. "There's Kyle and Chase. Come on and I'll introduce you." 

      Liam gently guided Emma through the crowd, careful to prevent her from bumping into anyone. He knew how uncomfortable and fearful Emma was with strangers. 

      "Liam?" Kyle greeted with surprise. "We didn't think you were coming. You didn't mention it yesterday." 

      Chase grinned and elbowed Kyle's ribs. "She must have beat him until he gave in." 

      Emma sunk further into him as she shook her head. "I would never hurt Liam." 

      Kyle tipped his head. "Forgive Chase. He doesn't mean to say stupid things—it just happens." 

      Liam chuckled quietly. "He's a natural." 

      Liam looked down into Emma's nervous blue eyes and smiled. "Emma, this is Kyle and Chase." He pointed to each of them in turn. "They've been my friends since we were boys. They're good men and I trust them. You can too, I promise."

      Chase batted his lashes and laid a hand over his chest. "I think that might just be the nicest thing Liam's ever said about us, Kyle." 

      Kyle rocked back on his heels. "I believe you're right. I wonder if the pigs down the road are flying." 

      Liam glowered at the brain-addled duo. "You two, this is Emma Hawke." 

      Chase made a big show of bowing deeply before taking Emma's hand and kissing it. Emma all but yanked her hand away and appeared ready to race for the door. 

      Chase, however, seemed undeterred. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Emma. You are a beauty beyond compare and I am only sorry that Liam saw you first." 

      Kyle smacked him on the back of the head and Chase grinned sheepishly. "Pardon him, please, Emma. He means well," Kyle assured her. 

      Liam watched Emma carefully He wondered what was going on in her sheltered mind. Surprise filed him when she smiled and no longer cowered against him. "It's very nice to meet ya both." 

      "It's good to finally truly be introduced," Kyle agreed. 

      "We've been watching you since you came to town," Chase added. 

      Emma bit her lip. "You have?"

      "Yeah, Liam gave us strict instructions to watch you and protect you as if you were.... What was the word?" Chase asked, glancing at Kyle. 

      Liam hoped his less annoying friend would tell his man to stop talking but instead, Kyle flashed a mischievous smile. "Treasure. The word was treasure." 

      Emma's cheeks blushed red as she dropped her gaze to hide her smile. "Treasure?" she whispered. "Really?"

      Liam cleared his throat loudly and rubbed at his neck. "As fun as this has been, I'm sure Emma's hungry. I'm going to take her to get some food." 

      Liam quickly led Emma away from Kyle and Chase and he felt her eyes on him. With a sigh, Liam glanced down at her. He was blown away in that moment by the depth of emotion shining back out of her blue eyes toward him. 

      "Did ya really have them watching over me?"

      Liam nodded. "Yeah..." He felt awkward and hoped she wouldn't get too angry that he'd had eyes on her in town. "I knew I couldn't be there all the time and they're almost always around town so I let them keep an eye on you. I didn't want your father sneaking in...." 

      Emma smiled. "Thank ya, Liam. Thank ya for carin' about me so much." 

      Liam nodded as they arrived at the refreshment table and he filled her a cup with cold lemonade. "I more than care about you, Emma. I....." 

      "Liam?"

      Liam stiffened and his head immediately began to ache. He knew that high-pitched whine. 

      Bethany. 

      Poor Emma. She was too kind, innocent and pure to have to put up with the likes of a blood-thirsty harpy like Bethany. 

      Turning slowly, Liam gaze landed on the woman who'd been panting after him for the last few years. "Hello Bethany." 

      She smiled, her flawless pale cheeks painted pink and full. "I had hoped I would see you here tonight." 

      Liam forced a polite smile to his face. "I couldn't let Emma down. You haven't met Emma have you?" Liam glanced down at Emma who looked confused and quite unsure of herself. "Bethany, this is Emma Hawke. Emma, this is Bethany Ryan." 

      Recognition dawned in Emma's eyes as she once again looked at Bethany. Liam knew she was assessing the other woman. Bethany was beautiful—it was true. She had a perfect hourglass figure, porcelain skin, red hair that lay in soft curls and brilliant green eyes—but she was a snake. A loose woman who preyed on men. Seducing them and attempting to trap them into marriage. 

      Liam was not fool enough to fall for her. 

      "Oh..." Bethany's voice was laced with venom as her eyes too took in the woman she considered competition. "My mother told me you had recently begun dabbling in 

charity .“

      Liam took a deep breath. He was known for being level-headed. Losing his temper in such a crowd, with a woman, certainly wouldn't earn him any respect. "Bethany, Emma and I were trying to enjoy our evening. If you don't mind..." 

      "Why doesn't she speak, Liam?" Bethany mused, looking down her nose at the smaller woman. "Do they not learn to talk up in those mountains?"

      Emma gripped Liam's arm tightly. "We learn to speak when we need to and hold our tongues when we don't. I don't have anything to say just now." 

      Liam tried desperately to hold back his laughter but a chuckle escaped and it caused the shock on Bethany's face to morph into rage. "You dare speak to me that way? You are nothing but an ignorant, mountain hick—and an ugly one at that." Bethany turned her attention to Liam. "Whenever you're ready to stop with this foolishness, I'll be ready to dance." 

      "I will certainly keep that in mind," Liam replied with a quick tip of his head. "But, I would suggest you dance without me. If you wait until I'm ready to give up Emma to dance with you, I'm afraid your shoes will get dusty." 

      Bethany was fuming and Liam found amusement in her temper. He watched her fists clench as her nostrils flared. Clearly she wanted to scream and yell—possibly even hit him. But she wouldn't. Her concern over what everyone else in the barn thought of her would keep her from making such a scene. 

      Letting out a snort, Bethany spun on her heel, tossed her hair over her should and stormed away. Liam turned his attention back to Emma. "I'm sorry about her," he muttered. 

      Emma was frowning. "That's Bethany? She's very pretty." 

      Liam only shrugged. "Are you hungry, Emma?" 

      "I want to dance." She bit her lip. "I mean.... Can we dance?" 

      Liam wanted to say no. Hell, he didn't dance. He'd never in his life danced. But he couldn't deny Emma anything she wanted. She had him wrapped around her dainty little finger and didn't seem to realize it. 

      "Sure." He smiled and sat the cup he'd filled down. "Let's go dance." 

      Around and around Liam spun her and the laughter that bubbled from her throat made any of his own dislike of dancing fade away. Emma seemed so relaxed, so at ease and so happy. Gone completely, at least for a moment, was every bit of fear and uncertainty. 

      After three songs, Emma's cheeks were red and it was clear she was overheated. Liam motioned for Chase who quickly came over. "Emma, let Chase take you out to cool off a minute and I'll bring some lemonade out for you." 

      "I'm okay..." Emma began but Liam took her hand. 

      "Please? I want to talk to you about something away from the crowd." 

      Emma appeared confused but she nodded and Chase made a big show of looping their arms together. "Don't you worry a bit, Liam," he stated with a wink. "I'll take good care of her." 

      Liam watched Chase lead Emma away and he was relieved when she didn't seem tense or afraid. He wanted to see her heal and able to go about life without her past holding her back. 

      Liam walked to the refreshments table and his hands shook has he filled a glass. He was going to ask Emma to be his wife..... and he was terrified. 

      Liam did not open up to people. He was afraid that he would put himself out there, bare his heart and his wants to Emma and she would crush him.... Damn, it was petrifying to give someone that kind of power. 

      Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Liam turned and found himself nearly running into Bethany. She giggled and Liam knew she was pushing her impressive cleavage just a bit higher in her blue dress on purpose. 

      His stomach rolled. 

      "Excuse me, Bethany. I didn't realize you were behind me." 

      She put her hand on his arm. "Liam, let's leave this place. We can go somewhere more....

private .“

      Liam shook his head. "I'm here with Emma, Bethany, and I'll be leaving with Emma. Now, if you'll excuse me..." 

      Bethany's grip on his arm became tighter. "Stop with this nonsense. That mountain rat can't possibly please you the way I could." 

      Liam felt his jaw pop. He yanked his arm from her grasp and saw Kyle heading his way. "I have tried hard to remain polite and patient with you, Bethany, but I've tolerated about all I can tolerate. I'm sure you will find a husband someday. Someone who will love and care for you... but tonight is not that night and I am not that man." 

      She batted her lashes and moved in closer, rubbing her body flush against his. "But you haven't even tried me yet, Liam. Just give me one night and I will change your mind." 

      Liam had had enough. Using his shoulder, Liam shoved his way past Bethany, causing the woman to lose her balance and topple to the floor. "I said no," he growled before striding away. 

      Faintly, Liam was aware of Kyle laughing as he pulled a snarling Bethany to her feet. He didn't care. He only wanted to get outside to Emma and feel the peace of her presence in the quiet night air. 

      Stepping out of the barn, Liam glanced to the left and to the right. A frown pulled down his lips. Where was Emma and Chase?

      "Liam...." 

      Liam turned his head toward the weak voice and saw Patrick stepping around the barn. Blood poured from a gash on the man's temple, running down his face. 

      "What the hell happened?" Liam demanded of his father. 

      "I....I didn't know... I didn't realize." 

      Fear gripped Liam—especially when Chase came around the same corner, staggering and gripping the wall with a lump on his forehead. 

      "Where is Emma?" he asked, his body vibrating with dread. 

      "He took her, Liam..." Patrick held up his hands, his face pale and his eyes pleading for mercy. "I thought it was best but I didn't know... Silas and I were friends as boys but I hadn't seen much of him in over thirty years.. I didn't know he'd hurt her." 

      "Hurt her!? You led Silas here?" Liam was shouting but he didn't care. He lunged for his father, grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and threw him against the barn wall. "Where?! Where is Emma?" 

      Tears fell from Patrick's eyes. "He took her to the mountain..... Please, Liam... I swear I didn't know he'd hurt her. I was protecting you." 

      Liam clenched his fist. Everything in him wanted to hurt the man in front of him. But that wouldn't solve anything.. and every moment he wasted here with Patrick was one more second Emma was suffering at Silas' hands. 

      Kyle came rushing out the door. "Chase!" he called out before rushing to his partner and helping him support his weight. "Who did this?"

      "Silas," Liam hissed. "And he has Emma." 

      Liam turned and headed toward the livery. "Where are you going?" Kyle demanded. 

      "To get her back." 

      "You can't," Kyle countered. "The mountain has their own laws, Liam, you know that. Emma is his daughter. She's his property. They won't allow you to ride up there and take her away." 

      Liam stopped. Kyle was right. Liam had to make sure that whatever he did, no one could say he'd stolen Silas' property—just thinking of Emma in that way made his gut burn. 

      Struggling to form a clear thought or plan with so much anger and fear clouding his mind, Liam breathed deep and shoved his hand through his dark hair. 

      He had to play by the mountain rules. Since Emma was Silas' daughter she was his property until she married—then she would become the property of her husband. 

      Spinning around, Liam rushed back into the barn. He scanned the crowd until his eyes found Ben Gibson. A small, wiry young man with a proper tongue and glasses. He was the newest preacher to come into town and known for being less rigid in his mindset.       

      Liam strode to him on a mission. "Ben? I need your help." 

      Ben pushed his glasses up on his nose and nodded. "I'll do what I can. What do you need."    

      Liam swallowed hard. He hated doing this. Hell, he hadn't wanted things to happen like this! "I need you to perform a marriage."

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Emma shivered upon the dirt floor of her father’s shack. Fear, pain and cold had her body wracking as she wrapped her arms tight around herself and watched the angry giant pace.

      "All these years, I've provided fer ya, cared fer ya, made sure ya had food and clothes and how do ya repay me?" he snarled. He walked close and stooped low, the scent of liquor thick on his breath. "By turnin' into a whore! A jezebel! Runnin' away from me when I needed ya most and spreadin' yer legs for a valley man!" 

      Emma knew that nothing she said would ease his temper. There was no way to reason with Silas Hawke when he was in a drunken rage. 

      Her father let out another angry growl and swung his hand, catching her sharply on the jaw. 

      Emma let out a whimpering cry as her body was tossed sideways. She curled into herself upon the floor and sobbed into the dirt. There was not a place on her body that did not hurt. Her father's angry fists and feet had shown her no mercy. 

      Her gaze kept returning to the exact spot on the shack floor where her mother had died. Was that to be her fate as well? 

      As her father moved away and resumed his agitated pacing, Emma closed her eyes and tried to block out the pain. An image of Liam flashed through her mind. 

      No doubt the man was frantic with worry but Emma doubted he would find her in time. She was almost certain her father had killed Chase and so there would be no one to tell Liam who had taken her. 

      Feeling despair threatening to overtake her, Emma forced her mind to other things. She thought of the life she'd been building. Anita, Lauren and Sally. She thought about the reading lessons she would never finish. The pies she would never bake. 

      She thought of Liam and wondered what could have happened for them. What would their future have been had her father not found her? 

      A faint smile curved her lips as Emma thought about the dance. The way Liam had seemed so proud and happy to be holding her close and spinning her around. She thought of the way he had looked at her—she'd felt truly special and cherished all evening. 

      And she hadn't been nearly as afraid as she thought she would be. Chase and Kyle had been good men, just as Liam had said, and everyone at the dance had been cordial and polite. No one had judged her or hated her simply because she was an outsider—no one, that is, except Bethany. 

      Anger began to fill her. 

      Emma did not want to die. 

      She wanted to go back to the life she'd been building. Back to her friends and back to Liam. 

      What right did her drunk of a father have to take that away from her? 

      Slowly, achingly, Emma pushed herself to her feet, using the rough wall behind her to take pressure from her trembling legs. She edged toward the door. Emma had no doubt that she was not strong enough to make it off the mountain.... She would die out there in her attempt to escape. 

      But at least she would die fighting for her freedom. She would not simply allow this man—or any man—to take her life without a fight. 

      Emma was barely able to take more than three wobbly steps before her father turned and snarled. "Where do ya think yer goin'?" 

      "Back....." Emma voice trembled and she took a deep breath, certain her heart was going to pound clear out of her chest. "I'm...g...goin' back to town." 

      Silas strode toward her, his hot breath stale and foul against her face. "Why? So ya can be his whore some more? Yer pa needs ya here!" 

      Emma was shivering so violently her teeth clicked together—but she couldn't back down. She was dead if she stayed here... sadly, she was dead if she left as well. 

      "I... I'm goin' back to Liam, pa..." 

      "Liam!" 

      Silas raised his fist and Emma prepared herself for the pain of his strike, but, it never came. 

      Before his angry hand could fall, a voice called out from the darkness outside. "Silas Hawke! Come on out and have a talk with me!" 

      Liam! 

      Hope blossomed inside Emma, but, at the same time, so did fear. What if her father hurt him? Emma wasn't worth that! She wouldn't be able to stand it if something happened to Liam because of her!

      Her father's face paled beneath his dark beard. He backed away from her and his eyes darted around the one room shack, obviously hoping for an escape. 

      "Open the door, Silas," Liam called, his voice even and calm. "Don't make me open it myself." 

      Emma could tell her father was afraid. It was something she had never seen her father be before. She hadn't known he was capable of fear. It made her feel somehow less powerless to know that Silas Hawke was not as indestructible as she'd thought he was. 

      "Why are ya here, Liam?" Silas bellowed from behind the closed door. 

      "You know why I'm here, Silas," Liam replied, his voice still as calm as a mountain pond. "Give Emma back to me." 

      Emma's heart stuttered inside her chest. He was here for her... she'd known it but to hear him say it—it caused a thrill to shoot through her like she'd never known. But she couldn't stand to see him hurt—not for her. 

      "Pa... pa, just let me go..." Emma whispered. 

      Silas snarled, spat on the dirt floor and grabbed her by the arm. Emma let out a painful yelp and felt herself being dragged to the door. 

      Her pa threw it open and there was Liam, sitting atop his horse about ten feet away. Emma also saw Kyle and a man who she believed was a preacher in town. Also there, though appearing quite weak and bloody in the saddle was an older man—probably fifties—who featured Liam a great deal. The man who had given her to her father—and then attempted to get her away from the man when he realized Silas was violent and crazy. She knew the man was Liam's father. 

      "Let her go, Silas," Liam growled, his voice lowering to little more than a harsh whisper as he stiffened upon Honey. 

      "She belongs to me, Liam. Ya have no rights up here on this mountain! Ya ride in here and try to take my daughter and I'll kill ya—then I'll kill her fer causing me so much damn trouble." 

      Liam slid from the saddle and stood with his hand hovering above his gun. "Are ya gonna shoot me, boy?" Silas sneered, though Emma could hear the tremor in his voice and she could see the way his lip shook beneath his mustache. 

      Emma couldn't allow that... if Liam shot Silas then the entire mountain would swoop down and end his life. Folks settled their own disputes around here. There was no law to turn to and no one would be able to save Liam. He would die. 

      "Don't Liam..." Emma whispered, meeting his gaze through the tangled brown hair hanging over her face, stuck to the blood. "He's not worth killin'." 

      "Is that right, ya little whore?" Silas demanded. 

      Emma wasn't sure where her bravery came from. She lifted her head to look her father in the eye despite the pain in her aching body. "Yeah, that's right. Ya murdered my mama... I won't let ya or any of the men on this mountain, murder Liam too." 

      Then she spat. 

      On her father's face. 

      What was she thinking?

      Instantly the man roared with rage. 

      Cries of alarm rang out from the men on horseback. 

      Emma was faintly aware of Liam calling her name. 

      And then her father's fist slammed into her face and the world went black. 

---

      The moment Silas' fist sent Emma's head snapping back and the woman fell to the cold, hard ground, Liam's rage overwhelmed him. 

      He leapt forward, surprising Silas and slamming into the man with so much force, both of them were propelled backward into the cabin and crashed to the floor. 

      Liam swung his fists like hammers, intent on driving Silas Hawke six feet under the ground. 

      Only when hands closed on his arm and yanked him off of Silas did Liam fully realize what he'd been doing. He'd been killing the man. 

      He couldn't murder Silas Hawke—no matter how badly that son of a bitch deserved to die. Liam had never been the violent type or the kind that used violence to solve disputes. 

      If he murdered Silas now, the men on this mountain would find him and they would hang him. There was no doubt about that. His only option was to do something he wasn't sure that Emma wouldn't hate him for tomorrow. 

      He had to marry her... even if he couldn't fully wake her up. He had to become her husband so the mountain men would see her as his property instead of Silas'. Only then could he take her off this mountain. Patrick and Ben would go door to door tonight and announce the marriage, serving as witness so that Silas would not be able to lie tomorrow. 

      Everyone on the mountain would take the word of a fellow mountain man and a holy man. Silas would not be believed if he attempted to call the wedding a sham. 

      But that's exactly what it was.. it wasn't what Liam had wanted for Emma at all. 

      He couldn't worry about that now. 

      Glancing around at the dirty, ramshackle cabin with broken furniture and cracked walls, Liam cursed under his breath. This is what Emma had grown up in. He vowed that she would 

always have everything she ever needed and all she wanted as well.

      Liam saw his father leaning over Emma's still form and he quickly rushed over to her. Dropping to his knees, Liam lifted her into his lap and pushed her tangled hair from her blood and dirt streaked face. The bruises, welts and swelling were enough to turn his stomach. 

      What kind of man did that to his daughter?

      "Emma?" Liam whispered. 

      She moaned but did not awaken. 

      "Dear God....." Ben gasped as he too stepped into the cabin and glanced around. "That poor poor woman..." 

      "Liam, I think you damn near killed old Silas," Kyle informed him. 

      Liam merely grunted. 

      "Liam...." Patrick began as he wrung his hat in his hands. "I'm sorry... I didn't know. I swear that to you." 

      "I'll deal with you later," Liam promised, causing his father to pale beneath his bruises and back up slightly. 

      "I had my doubts about doing this for you," Ben admitted with a tip of his head. "I don't normally condone performing weddings without exact permission or willfulness from both parties, however....." Ben's eyes went to Silas and then back to Emma. "I've heard about you and this woman. I've heard the whispers that you're in love and she loves you just as much. And to save her from that man...." Ben let out a sigh and nodded, pushing his glasses up on his nose. "Let's begin the ceremony." 

      Kyle clicked his tongue. "The big man's starting to come around. Let's tie him up real good before we start. We don't want him objecting with violence." 

hu#!

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

      Deep aching pain greeted Emma when she returned to consciousness. Each breath was agonizing and her body felt raw, her face swollen. 

      Slowly, Emma opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. She recognized where she was immediately. Liam's cabin. 

      But how? The last thing she remembered was her father's angry fist colliding with her face and Liam's angry yell. Why was she here? Had Liam killed her father? Was Liam alright? 

      Turning her head to the right, Emma nearly cried out in surprise when she saw a chair pulled close to the bed and Liam sprawled out upon it, his chin on his chest, sleeping soundly. 

      He was still wearing the trousers and shirt he'd worn to the dance. They were dirty and tattered in places. Her eyes dropped to his hands and she winced when she saw his bloody and battered knuckles. 

      Emma shifted under the fur she was covered in and froze. Where were her clothes? For the second time she was waking up unclothed in Liam's cabin with no idea how she had gotten to be there. 

      "Liam?" she whispered, finding that it hurt to even move her lips to speak. She could only imagine what she looked like thanks to her father's fists.

      Instantly, Liam's brown eyes opened and he closed the distance between them, his fingertips tracing the line of her jaw tenderly. "It's good to see your eyes, Emma." 

      Emma flushed and nibbled at her lip. "H...how did I get here? Where are my clothes?" 

      It was Liam's turn to redden as he pulled away, rubbed his hands on his thighs and pushed himself to his feet. "I uh.. I went up on the mountain and got you," he replied. "And the doctor took your clothes off so he could tend to your ribs and bruises. Aunt Anita and the girls came out this morning to bring you some things." 

      Quickly, Liam turned away and strode to the kitchen. Emma took a moment to look beneath the blanket and realized she was wrapped tight around the middle with white cloth. Her ribs were hurting terribly. She wondered if her father had broken them. 

      Laying the blanket back down, Emma watched Liam fill a bowl with stew that smelled delicious. He came back to the bed and returned to the chair. "Can you sit up at all?" he asked.

      Emma nodded. Liam sat the bowl on the small nightstand and helped her up so she was leaning against the headboard. She took steadying, painful breaths. "It hurts to move—and breathe." 

      She saw Liam's eyes flash and his jaw jumped. His nostrils flared as he took the bowl in his hands. "Yeah. The doc said you've got some cracked ribs and a few bruised ones." 

      Emma chewed her lip and smiled shyly as Liam brought the spoon to her mouth. She quickly swallowed the bite and her stomach roared to life. 

      "How long have I been here?" she asked. 

      "It's afternoon and I brought you here last night. The doc assured me you'd wake up after a good rest. I was getting worried though." Liam nudged the refilled spoon closer to her mouth. "Eat. You need food." 

      Emma rolled her eyes at his bossiness but did as he said because she 

was hungry. “Liam? How did ya get me here?”

      "On horseback," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably as his eyes left hers. 

      Uneasiness filled her. "Is he.... Did ya kill him?" She hoped not. Not because she cared about the life of the man who had murdered her mother, but because Liam would have a bounty on his head from those mountain men if he had. 

      Liam shook his head and fed her another spoonful. "No. He's not dead. Kyle stopped me before I could beat him lifeless." 

      Her gaze dropped to his knuckles. That explained those. 

      "What..." She bit her lip and dropped her gaze. "What did ya do then? He'll come for ya with men for stealing me, Liam.... He'll...." 

      "You don't belong to him, Emma," Liam grumbled. 

      "I do," she insisted, wincing at the pain in her chest. "According to mountain laws I do belong to him." 

      Liam refilled the spoon and fed her another bite before responding. "Not anymore." 

      Emma frowned. What was he talking about? 

      "Liam.....What did ya do?" 

      Liam stared into the bowl in his hands. He cleared his throat once...twice... cracked his neck and shrugged one shoulder. "I did what I had to do, Emma. I couldn't let him kill you and I couldn't kill him or steal you without putting a bounty on both our heads...." 

      "Liam?" 

      Emma was surprised to realize his hands was shaking as he held up a spoonful of stew. "I took Ben with me...the new preacher in town...." 

      Emma knew of him but why would Liam had taken Ben? 

      Liam let out a shaking breath. "I'm your husband, Emma.... And I'm gonna do all I can to be a good one." 

      The breath left Emma's lungs in a rush. Husband? She was a wife? She hadn't agreed to that! She hadn't agreed to be a slave to a man... a cook and a breeding factory!

      She didn't want her mother's life! 

      "How could you!?" she yelled, surprising even herself with the volume of her voice and regretting it immediately as pain radiated through her. 

      The spoon in Liam's hand stopped on its journey to her mouth. His dark eyes seemed confused. "I had to," he reminded her. "It was the only way." 

      "No.... No, I don't... I...How could ya

do that to me?“

      Liam dropped the spoon back into the bowl as his face paled and he stood up. "Hell, lady. I didn't... I didn't think...." 

      "Ya didn't think what?" Emma demanded. 

      Liam shook his head. "Hell, I didn't think you'd be so damn bothered by the thought of being my wife." 

      Emma pulled the blanket tighter around her. "And what of my marital duties? Did ya already see to that while I was sleepin'?" 

      Emma regretted the words instantly. Why had she said such a thing?! 

      Hurt and anger contorted Liam's features. But instead of storming toward her, he headed for the door. "If you could think something like that about me then perhaps I did make a mistake." 

      Without giving Emma time to respond, Liam tossed the bowl on the table and stormed from the cabin, slamming the door behind him. 

      Emma simply sat there in shock for several long moments and then the tears began to fall. 

      Tears of confusion, of hurt, of guilt, of pain.....

      More had happened than she could process. She'd been truly enjoying herself at the dance and then Liam's father had shown up with her father and everything had changed. She'd been taken, beaten and certain that she would die. 

      Until Liam had arrived. 

      He had saved her life—but he had also trapped her. She was now a wife. She was once again a possession. Liam had taken ownership of her without ever asking if she wished him to. 

      As Emma sat there, swiping at her tears, she thought back on the dance and on the times she'd spent with Liam. He had saved her life when he'd found her in his barn. He'd fed her, taken her to town, put her in good hands with Anita and the girls—and he had shown true care and concern for her since. 

      He made her smile and laugh. He was warm and thoughtful. Strong but kind and peaceful. 

      She loved him. 

      But marriage.... Marriage had always been a nightmare in her mind. She'd seen her mother's marriage and had met some of the men that her father had been thinking of marrying her off to.  Emma had decided that she 

never wanted a marriage of her own.

        But Liam wasn't those men. Liam wasn't her father. 

      Marriage to Liam might not be the nightmare she'd grown up believing marriage to be. 

      Marriage to Liam could be good... 

      Why had she been such a monster to him?! How could she accuse him of such a thing? Emma could only pray she hadn't hurt him so badly that he decided he no longer wished to be with her. 

      She had to speak to him... she needed to go find him. But first she needed clothes. 

      Liam had mentioned Anita and the girls bringing her clothes. It was then that Emma noticed a small wardrobe against the wall beside the fireplace. That hadn't been there the last time Emma had been in the cabin. 

      Very gingerly, Emma got to her feet, focusing on breathing through the pain in her body. Honestly, she had had worse before—but that never made it seem easier. 

      Emma wrapped the blanket tight around her, went to the wardrobe and pulled open the door. An envelope with her name written on it was tacked to the inside of the door. The wardrobe was also full of more dresses, skirts and blouses than Emma had ever seen altogether except in a shop. 

      Was it all hers?

      She took down the envelope and pulled it open, recognizing Liam's handwriting scrawled across the paper inside. Knowing there was no one to read the letter for her, Emma called hard on all she'd learned in the last few weeks. 

      It took a long while and a lot of stumbling over words and sounding things out, but Emma finally read Liam's letter and, when she finished, her heart ached to feel him holding he so she could apologize for her own foolish fear. 

      

My Emma,

               I'm sorry that this has happened. I'm sorry he got you. I'm sorry I had to do what I did to save you. I couldn't think of another way. But I'm not sorry that I'm your husband. At the dance I was going to ask you to be my wife but never got the chance. I hope you aren't too upset, Emma. I will be a good husband to you. I never thought I would meet a woman who made me want to give my heart to her but you are that woman. 

      The clothes in this wardrobe are yours. You'll find a white dress. It's a special one. I want to give you the wedding you should have had.... That is, if you want it. 

                                                      Always Yours

                                                                         Liam

      Emma had to talk to him. She had to apologize. She loved Liam. And she knew he loved her as well. Things might not have gone the way she'd have liked them to but when in life did things ever go just so? 

      She had a good husband—one who would be good to her. It wasn't fair that she had been so cruel to him. 

      Laying the letter down, Emma went back to the clothes and picked out a blue blouse and brown skirt. She slid into clean underclothes, got dressed and slowly headed out the door, hoping the pain wouldn't overwhelm her. 

      Emma walked to the barn but instead of finding Liam, she found herself face to face with his father—Patrick. 

      "Miss Emma..." He seemed surprised to see her and Emma was uncomfortable. She wrapped her arms carefully around herself and glanced outside, wondering if she was safe with him. 

      "Please, don't be afraid of me. I reckon I probably need to talk with you." 

      Emma nodded slowly and stared down at her feet. "Okay." 

      Patrick leaned against the rake in his hands and sighed. "First, I owe you an apology. I swear to you I didn't know Silas was that kind of man. We hadn't seen each other since we were boys." 

      Emma merely shrugged. She didn't know what else to say or do. 

      Patrick rapped the end of the rake on the floor several times and cleared his throat. "I thought I was protecting my son..." 

      Emma looked at him with a frown. "Protectin' him from what?" 

      "A woman who would break his heart," Patrick replied as if that much would be obvious. 

      Emma shook her head. "I wouldn't do that to Liam." 

      Patrick rubbed at his neck in a motion that reminded Emma of his son. He blew out a long breath. "I should explain... I reckon I owe you that much." 

      Emma winced as she adjusted her weight and Patrick was quick to take her arm. "Are you okay?" 

      She stared at his hand on her arm and quickly pulled away. "I've had worse," she whispered. 

      Patrick grunted. "I wasn't a good husband to Liam's mother.. and I wasn't a good father. I tended to do what I wanted and I rode the trails instead of being with them when they needed me. But I loved my wife and I was 

never unfaithful to her. I never touched another woman. I honored my vows.“

      Emma looked at him, taking in the pain etched deep in the lines of his face. "And your wife?" 

      "Wasn't as honorable," Patrick mumbled. "She died after giving birth to Liam's brother. The babe died first and moments later, my wife took her last breath as well. But not before letting me know the dead babe swaddled in my arms wasn't truly mine." 

      Immediately pity for Patrick roared to life inside Emma's heart. She tried to remind herself that Patrick was the man who had nearly caused her death the night before, but the pain in the old man's eyes made that easy to forget. 

      "I'm sorry that happened to ya," Emma whispered. "But I won't be that wife to yer son."  

      Patrick appeared unconvinced but he smiled and tipped his head. "I hope you're right." 

      Emma attempted to turn around, intent on leaving the barn and finding Liam, but the twisting motion caused pain to radiate throughout her chest and she cried out. 

      Emma would have fallen had Patrick not caught her gently in his arms and supported her weight. "You shouldn't be up moving around," he scolded. 

      "What's going on?" Liam's voice came from the doorway. 

      Patrick turned so they were facing him. Emma felt herself flush with shame when she looked at his face, still so angry and filled with hurt. She truly had been a fool. 

      "She shouldn't be out here, Liam," Patrick told his son. "She's not nearly well enough to be walking around." 

      "I didn't realize she'd get out of bed," Liam assured him. He took Emma's arm and she felt her heart beating faster as her body was pressed against his. She felt safe, warm and protected pulled to his side this way. 

      "I'm sorry," she quietly spoke up. "I wanted to talk with ya." 

      Liam nodded but his gaze remained on Patrick. "I should beat the life out of you for what you did to Emma," he stated bluntly. 

      Emma opened her mouth to speak but Liam spoke again before she could utter a word. "But I'm not going to. Partly because you really seem sorry for what you did and partly because Silas already knocked you around pretty good. I'm leaving to go on a job with Nathan Black. He wants my help running some cattle up to fill an army contract. I'll be gone a good solid month. While I'm gone, I'll want you to keep an eye on this place and Emma. I'll also have Anita checking in and Kyle and Chase will keep an eye on things." 

      "I won't let you down, Liam," Patrick promised, seeming surprised by his son's words. 

      Emma was even more surprised. Liam was leaving? After last night? After they had 

just become husband and wife? He was going to leave her and be gone for a month with no warning?

      "I know you won't," Liam replied to his father, the threat clear to be heard in his voice.

      Emma remained silent as he led her to the house. She didn't say a word as he closed the door behind them and helped her back to the bed. "You need to take it easy while I'm gone, Emma. Let yourself heal," he warned, not meeting her gaze. 

      Emma cleared her throat. "I got yer letter." 

      Liam simply nodded as he began to toss things into a leather satchel. "I wrote it before I knew how you felt."

      Chewing her lip, Emma looked down at her fidgeting hands. "Do ya have to leave?"

      "Yes." His coldness froze Emma clear to the bone. She'd never heard that tone in his voice before—not when speaking to her. "I promised a friend I'd help with a job and I keep my word." 

      "But.. I just thought.. with everything that happened...." 

      Liam tossed the satchel over his shoulder and grabbed his rifle from beside the door. "I have to go, Emma. You can either stay here or go back into town. Just don't travel alone." 

      Emma's heart broke as Liam reached for the door handle. She was hurt and angry and confused. Why was Liam acting this way? He needed to stay so they could talk and get to know one another better.. they were husband and wife now!

      "Is this how it's going to be, Liam? Are ya going to be like him? Will ya come and go as ya wish and leave me alone our whole lives together?" 

      Liam's back was to her but Emma saw his shoulders stiffen. Once again she was left regretting her words. Never had Emma been one to speak so bluntly or be cruel. 

      Liam's voice was little more than a low growl when he responded. "I don't know. Are you going to be a whore that dies giving birth to another man's child?" 

      With that, Liam walked out of the cabin and slammed the door so forcefully behind him, Emma was sure the walls rattled. 

      She curled into herself upon the bed and sobbed, despite the pain that sobbing caused in her chest. What had happened to them? They had gone from sharing kisses, laughs and gentle touches to sharing cold glances, angry spats and hurtful words. Most of which were her fault. 

      Liam had gone from loving her to hating her and Emma had no idea what she would do to earn his affection back. 

h

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Emma didn’t move from the bed much at all the rest of the day. She was miserable and heartbroken. She needed to speak with Liam but he was gone—he’d ridden out after storming from the cabin.

      And now she was alone. 

      She had thought about going back into town and living there until Liam returned—but she couldn't make that trip until her ribs healed a bit. She would never stand the pain of walking or riding that long journey on the bumpy road. 

      And, she wasn't sure she 

should leave. If she left and Liam returned, what kind of message did that send him? Emma didn’t want to cause him any more pain.

      No, she was his wife. Her name was now Emma McIntyre. And she would do what a wife was expected to do. She would keep the house up and wait patiently for her husband to return. 

      Emma was imagining what might be said between, when suddenly the cabin door opened and Patrick stepped in. That familiar unease swept through her. 

      Liam was not around. Patrick had already attempted to get rid of her once. Would he do it again? Or would he attempt to hurt her? 

      "Don't be scared of me," Patrick insisted as he took off his gun belt and coat and hung both on a hook by the door. "You're my daughter-in-law now. That makes us family." 

      Emma hadn't thought of it like that. Patrick stoked up the fire and glanced toward the kitchen. "Are you hungry, Emma? I probably should have come in and made you something earlier. I'll admit I'm new to thinking about somebody else—that's something my son and I have in common." 

      Emma frowned. "Liam is a good man...." 

      "I know that," Patrick assured her as he pulled several potatoes from a bin beneath a cabinet. "But he isn't used to thinking about someone else before he makes decisions. Don't pretend you aren't bothered that he went on that job today." 

      Emma merely looked down at the blanket covering her legs. Patrick sighed. "Today was a bad day. You were both thrown into something that you weren't quite ready for and both of you handled it poorly. But you have a month to rest, heal and think about things. I'm sure when Liam comes back, you'll both be back to being the happy, smiling couple I saw at the dance." 

      Emma felt herself smiling despite her own doubts. She really truly wanted Patrick to be right. 

      Patrick smiled, his leathery cheeks wrinkling more deeply. "Now, allow me to whip you up some supper. I ain't much of a cook but I can fry a mean potato and I can heat up beans. I hope that'll suit you." 

      Emma nodded, feeling more comfortable with the man's presence than she had moments ago. Surely he was no danger to her—not any longer. "That sounds good to me. Thank you, Patrick." 

      Patrick shrugged off the gratitude. "Don't mention it. I owe you a hell of a lot more than one lousy supper." 

---

      The next morning found Emma even more sore than she'd been the day before. She knew she needed to get up and move around. Patrick had slept in the barn the night before and hadn't yet been in the house. Perhaps Emma could cook him breakfast as a thank you for cooking supper for her. 

      She wanted to ensure that their relationship wasn't stuck in the past and tainted by his mistake. He truly seemed sorry for what he'd done and she understood that in his own way, he honestly had thought he was helping his son by sending her back to her father. 

      Besides, the past was the past and nothing could be done to change it. She was Liam's wife now which meant Patrick was her father-in-law... Emma had never had a father who truly cared for her—maybe Patrick could one day be that for her.  

      She was just placing the eggs, potatoes, gravy and bread on the table when Patrick stepped inside. "Well, I'll be....." he muttered as he pulled off his hat and hung it by the door. "As thankful as my stomach is to see breakfast ready, I promised Liam you wouldn't overdo yourself while he was gone." 

      Emma's lips curved in a hint of a smile. "It's only breakfast. I didn't chop wood." 

      Patrick chuckled. "Please stay out of the woodshed."

      Emma motioned at the table. "Are ya going to eat?" 

      "Of course I am! Join me?" 

      As Emma sat down across from Patrick at the table she couldn't help but feel slightly awkward and unsure. 

      She had nearly cleaned her plate when the sound of an approaching cart had Patrick rising. Fear blossomed in her chest when the man kept his hand on the revolver on his hip as he stepped toward the window and lifted the corner of the curtain. 

      He let out a sigh and smiled as he turned to face her. "It's only Sally and Clarence." 

      A visitor! Emma had never entertained visitors before. She should have made more breakfast... there wasn't enough for two more people to eat. 

      "You look scared as a mouse in a snake den," Patrick scolded gently. "Sally's your friend, isn't she? She probably just wants to check on you." 

      Emma nodded, scolding herself for being foolish. Her father had always had her mother do the entertaining for his loud, mean friends and Emma had heard her mother take more than one beating over not being a good hostess. 

      Emma wouldn't want to disappoint Liam that way. 

      "Come on in!" Patrick called when the knock sounded on the door. 

      Sally burst in, took one look at Emma and began to sob. She rushed forward and pulled Emma into a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry you got hurt, Emma!" 

      "It's not yer fault," Emma replied, patting her back and glancing helplessly at Patrick. Long hugs were uncomfortable and awkward for her. 

      "I know but I encouraged you to go to the dance...I worked hard to help talk Liam into taking you. If I hadn't done that...." 

      Patrick stepped forward. "The only one to blame here for what happened is me," he insisted, his voice tightening. 

      Sally glared at him. "You are right about that." She pulled away from Emma and smiled. "Lauren wanted to come but once she found out Patrick was here,  Anita wouldn't let her." 

      Emma folded her hands in front of her. "Why not?" 

      "Because Lauren was sharpening her knife, that's why not." 

      Patrick swallowed hard and grabbed his hat from the hook. "I'll step outside and see if Clarence is nicer company," he grumbled, before plopping his hat on his head and leaving the cabin. 

      Emma bit her lip. "He truly does seem like a decent man." 

      Sally snorted. "He has a lot to prove before I'll believe that. And you really aren't the most reliable judge of a good man, Emma—considering the only man you grew up with to judge them all by is a raging alcoholic with bad hygiene and heavy fists." 

      Emma sighed. Sally was certainly blunt, but she was a good friend. "So what brings ya out here?" Emma asked, as she led Sally to the small sofa and the two ladies sat down. 

      "I just wanted to visit my friend," Sally replied, her gaze dropping momentarily. "How are you, Emma? You look.... Tired." 

      Emma flushed. She knew she looked terrible. She'd avoided the one tiny mirror attached to the wash basin. She could tell by the swelling and soreness in her face that her father had done quite a bit of damage. She didn't want to know just how ugly she was.  

      "It hurts," she replied honestly. "But Liam saved my life. He got there just in time." 

      "Oh yes." Sally smiled. "The marriage heard 'round the world." 

      Emma's gaze dropped to her folded hands. "Does everyone know about that?" 

      Sally nodded. "Yes. Town might be growing every day but word still travels fast—especially word about Liam. He's well known in town for being a mysterious loner. Of course people are shocked that he took a wife so quickly after meeting you." 

      Emma felt her heart break. "Yes.. well... I'm sure he is wishing he hadn't." 

      Sally gasped. "Why on earth would you say that? If there was ever a man in love, it's Liam McIntyre. The whole world can see it when he looks at you!" 

      Emma stood slowly, whimpering in pain as she went to the window and glanced out at the flowing grassy valley behind the cabin. "I was a monster to him yesterday, Sally. I didn't take learning I was a wife well and I said things—accused him of things..." She chewed her lip. "Liam hates me now." 

      "No he doesn't." 

      "Yes, he does!" Emma insisted. "Ya weren't here. Ya didn't hear me... And he's gone now, isn't he? He couldn't get out of here fast enough."  

      Sally joined Emma at the window and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Emma, this job has been lined up for quite a while. Liam had been determined to go, then wasn't going to because you were unconscious, but he must have changed his mind when you woke up...." 

      "Because I was mean..." 

      "Oh hush! Liam is a strong, independent, grown man. He isn't going to pout and run away because someone says something mean and hurts his feelings. This job is paying him very very well and I'm sure he's thinking about the future. He has a wife to support now. He needs money to do that." 

      Emma felt a tear slip down her cheek as she turned to face her friend. "Do ya truly think he'll forgive me?" 

      Sally laughed lightly as she swiped the tear away. "I'm sure he already has. You were tired and in pain and confused and tempers can flare when that happens. By the time he comes home, Liam will be so happy to see your face again, he won't even remember what happened when he left." 

      Emma's lips curved in a hopeful smile. Sally took her hand and tugged her gently back toward the sofa. "Now, come on. Let's sit down because I have to talk with you about something." 

      Emma didn't like the uneasiness that had suddenly entered Sally's voice. "Is something wrong?" 

      "No... not exactly." Sally sat down and began to pluck at her skirt. "Clarence is moving east... he has some family that way and he wants to work on his music there." Sally met her gaze. "I'm going with him. We were wed this morning and we're heading out of town now. We wanted to stop here on the way—I wanted to stop here on the way." 

      Emma's heart dropped into her feet and her throat clogged with emotion. "But.... I..."

      Emma wanted so badly to tell Sally that she couldn't go. That Emma needed her to stay. But she couldn't do that. Sally had lived a hard life before coming to Anita's and she'd been at Anita's longer than any other girl before just waiting for a life of her own to find her. 

      And it had. 

      Just as life had found Emma. 

      So she plastered a shaky smile on her face and took Sally's hand. "I'm happy for ya." 

      Sally's face lit up. "Are you really? I was nervous to tell you. I thought you'd be angry or feel like I was abandoning you.... Clarence asked me to marry him this morning because he couldn't stand the thought leaving without me." 

      Emma chewed on her lip and fought back her tears. "I'm going to miss ya... I can't lie about that. But I am happy for ya. Ya deserve to be happy." 

      Sally leaned forward and hugged Emma once again. "I'll message you whenever I can while we're traveling, Emma. And once we're settled down we'll write constantly." 

      Emma nodded as Sally pulled away. "Of course. You were my first true friend, Sally, and I'll never forget that." 

      The two women sat and talked a while longer before Sally finally stood and said she had to be going. Emma walked her onto the porch and wrapped her arms tight around herself as she watched Clarence help Sally into the cart and her friend disappeared from view. 

      "You okay there, Emma?" Patrick asked, rubbing at his neck and shifting his feet. Clearly he was uncomfortable and the movement reminded Emma so much of Liam that she could no longer hold back her tears. 

      She raced back inside, curled up upon the bed and sobbed into the pillow. She wouldn't see Liam again for at least a month and there was a good chance she would never see Sally again. 

      Patrick stepped into the cabin, shuffled his feet as if wanting to say something and then walked back out, closing the door gently behind him. 

      Emma cried a good long while before picking herself back up off the bed and drying her face. She was determined to be strong. Emma would focus on getting better and allowing her body to heal and soon Liam would be back and everything would be okay again—she had to believe that. 

@�����$��

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Liam felt relief flow through him as he shoved his money into his pocket. He’d made a tiny fortune for just one month of work and it would ensure that he wouldn’t have to spend quite as much time trapping for a while.

      Liam wanted to have plenty of free time as he truly learned about his wife and married life. 

      And damn was he ready to get home to Emma—if Emma was still there. After the way they'd parted he didn't know if she would still be around or if she'd tell him to go to hell and not want to see him again. 

      Hell. 

      "You want to head to the saloon with me for a night or two before you head back?" Nathan asked, hopping into his saddle. 

      Liam was quick to shake his head. "No."        

      Nathan chuckled. "In a hurry to get back to that woman of yours you've been pining after the last few weeks?"

      Liam simply shrugged and swiped at his brow with his bandana. "Thanks for the job, Nathan." 

      "In about three months I'll be making another run. I've gotta take a herd up over the mountains and deliver them to a base out west. You want in on that one?" 

      "How long?" 

      "It'll probably take a good three or four months is my guess." 

      "No, I don't reckon I want to be away from home for that long," Liam declined. Hell he was going crazy enough after only about a month without Emma. He couldn't imagine what three or four times that would feel like. 

      "Alright then, Liam. Good luck with the married life. I think I'd rather take a bullet to the leg." 

      Liam merely tipped his head and the men parted ways. There had been a time not long ago when Liam would have agreed with Nathan, but that had been before Emma. Now it was time to go home and make things right with her. 

      If he rode hard, and he knew that Honey could handle a quick pace, Liam could make it home in about three days. Three days and he'd be holding Emma in his arms. 

      The journey wasn't as long as it felt... anticipation had made every mile feel like ten. But now he was close.. just a few miles from town where he would check in at Anita's to ensure that Emma hadn't been staying there, and then he'd head home. 

      The day was beautiful and Liam was enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face when the peace was suddenly shattered by the echo of a gunshot. 

      A bullet tore through Liam's shoulder from the back, ripping through the front of his shirt upon exit and slamming him from his saddle. 

      Liam went for his gun but as he collided with the ground, his head struck sharply against a rock and the world began to spin. Liam tried hard to hold onto consciousness but it was no use—his world quickly went black. 

---

Moaning, Liam returned to consciousness, only to be greeted by darkness. It was night.

      His body was weak and sluggish and his shirt, as well as the dirt beneath him, were soaked in blood. As Liam rose to sit, his head swam and he quickly vomited into the grass beside him. 

      Who the hell had shot him? Liam didn't have enemies.....

      Except for one. 

      Silas Hawke. 

      Did that mean Emma was in trouble? 

      If Patrick had allowed Emma's father to get his hands on her again, Liam would kill him. He'd forgiven the man once. It wouldn't happen again. 

      Liam was a peace-loving man. He hated tension and violence. But he wasn't scared to fight and if Silas had laid a hand on Emma, the man would die. No more second chances. Liam would kill the bastard. 

      But first, Liam had to focus on not dying himself. 

      He let out a whistle and heard Honey's instant snort in reply. Seconds later her nose was nudging his uninjured shoulder. 

      Liam took hold of her neck and let her strength pull him to his feet. "Thanks girl." 

      Liam couldn't seem to focus his vision. His mind kept swirling and his eyes were seeing double and triple of everything around him. 

      Somehow, Liam managed to hoist himself onto Honey's back. He knew he was bleeding heavily. He wouldn't make it much longer if the bleeding didn't stop. 

      "Let's get to town, Honey," he muttered as he hung limply in the saddle. 

      Honey seemed to understand and her hooves began to carry them in the right direction. 

      Liam wanted to stay awake—he needed to stay away. 

      But still the world fell back into black. 

---

      "Good morning, Emma," Patrick greeted as he stepped into the cabin. 

      Emma smiled and looked up from adjusting the colorful blanket she'd sewn over the sofa. While sewing clothing still proved too complicated for her, she'd found that pillows and blankets were much easier. 

      She'd sewn several new pillows for Liam's bed as well as a pillow for Patrick who was still insisting on living in the barn instead of sleeping on the sofa. 

      Emma had thought about making pillows and blankets along with her pies to make money but she didn't know if she could....

      Would Liam want her earning money? She was his wife now and, no matter how much she hated the truth, it still was truth that he owned her. 

      She couldn't make pies and sell them or make pillows and blankets for money, without asking his permission.  She was already scared enough that she'd had to go shopping for supplies while he'd been gone and put the supplies on his credit. 

      Would he be angry?

      But surely Liam had known that Emma would have to have supplies during his absence. 

      "What are your plans for today?" Patrick asked. 

      Emma glanced out the window. "I was hoping to go into town. Anita asked me to come to the house the last time she was here.... Would you mind taking me?" 

      "Of course not. I'd say you're mighty tired of staring at the same four walls day in day out." 

      Emma nodded and smiled gratefully. Patrick truly was a good man and the two had grown very close in the last month. She trusted him whole-heartedly and that spoke volumes to the kind of man he was. 

      She had kept herself busy but she 

needed to get away for the day. While Patrick was a good man, he tended to keep himself busy away from the cabin during the day and Emma spent much of her time alone.

      "I'll go ready the horses," Patrick said as he opened the door. "Come on out when you're ready." 

      Emma glanced around the cabin once she was alone again. Everything was neat and tidy. Freshly washed clothes and sheets were hanging on the line in the valley behind the cabin and there was nothing for her to do. 

      So, Emma donned her shawl to ward off the chilly morning air and stepped outside. 

      She waited patiently on the porch until Patrick led his horse and Misty from the barn. "Well come on then, darling, and we'll go to town. Though, I probably won't come to Anita's with you. I'm not liked too much over there." 

      Emma mounted Misty and they headed down the trail. "Anita has her reasons," she reminded him quietly. "But if she could get to know the person ya are now, she might change her mind." 

      Patrick chuckled and shoved his hand through his graying hair. "If only everyone in this world was as kind as you are." 

      They rode in a comfortable silence for a long while before hoof beats rushing toward them reached their ears. Patrick instantly pulled his gun and brought his horse in front of Emma. 

      Fear bloomed inside her. Who could be coming? Was it her father? She hadn't heard from nor seen him since the night he'd kidnapped her from the dance. Emma had hoped he'd moved on... but had he?

      Relief filled her when she recognized Kyle and Chase. But her unease quickly returned when she saw the desperation on their faces. "Emma, hell, we were coming to get you," Kyle announced. 

      Emma swallowed hard. "Why? What's wrong?" 

      She'd spent some time with both Kyle and Chase. They had told her the truth of their relationship and, if anything, it had made her 

more comfortable around them.

      "It's Liam..." Kyle began. 

      Chase rose close to Emma and she met his eyes with despair. "What....?" She whispered. 

      "He'sbeen shot, Emma," Chase whispered. "He's at the docs. You should probably getthere quick."

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

“Emma?”

      Startled by the sudden voice behind her, Emma jumped and dropped the wet rag she'd been smoothing across Liam's brow on the pillow beside his head. 

      "Hi Anita..." Emma whispered, her voice tight with fatigue. 

      "Sweetheart, why don't you got take a break? You've been at his bedside for days." 

      Emma shook her head as she looked down at Liam's pale, drawn face. Chase and Kyle had moved him back into his own cabin the evening before—they'd insisted that when he woke up he'd rather be at home. 

      Emma was terrified that they'd never know for sure what his reaction to waking up at home would be. The doctor had cleaned and sewed the wound to his shoulder and had told them the wound itself was not life threatening. 

      But the blood loss had been great and he continued to run a low fever. The doctor had also voiced concern about the welted lump on the back of Liam's head. 

      Emma's heart was broken. Her husband, a man she had been dreaming and planning a future with, was lying on the bed nearly dead. He hadn't woke up a single time. Emma had no idea if he would even 

want to see her if he woke up.

      They had so many things to talk about.... Apologies to say and feelings to voice. Liam couldn't die...now now...not like this.

      "Emma, please, sweetheart. I have to head back to town. Can you at least come outside and get some fresh air for a few minutes before I leave?" 

      Again Emma shook her head. "I won't leave him. He might wake up while I'm gone." 

      Anita sighed and the sound was sad. "I want my nephew to wake up just as badly as you do, but Emma, we have to...." 

      "Stop!" Emma's voice was loud and desperate as she squeezed her eyes shut tight. "Please..." she whimpered. "Just stop." 

      Anita's hand gently touched her shoulder. "Okay. I have to be going, Emma. Lauren is waiting for word on Liam. We'll both come out tomorrow." 

      Emma merely nodded, refusing to look away from her husband's face. She heard Anita walk out and knew that she and Liam were once again alone. 

      "Liam? Can ya hear me?" she whispered. "I need ya to wake up. I don't want to lose ya. I'm sorry for how I acted before ya left. I was scared and foolish and I spoke without thinking. I need to know if ya forgive me, Liam."

      She watched him, hoping, praying that he might respond. He didn't. He continued to lay there still upon the bed. 

      Emma wet the rag once again in the basin beside the bed and continued to smooth it across his slightly heated brow. 

      Emma lost track of time. She was lost in her thoughts and her worries. Only when Patrick entered the cabin did Emma look away from Liam and realized that sunset was approaching. 

      "Emma, honey, you need to go on and stretch your legs awhile," Patrick stated and it was clear the man meant it as an order.  

      Emma shook her head. "I don't want to leave him, Patrick... what if he wakes up while I'm gone?" 

      Patrick sighed as he pulled off his hat and gun belt. "If I promise to sit right there in that chair you're sitting in and holler out that door at you if he even shows the smallest sign of waking up, will you go out and get some air for a few minutes before it gets dark?" 

      Emma chewed her lip as she debated whether or not she truly wished to leave Liam's side. 

      The choice however was made for her by nature's call. As badly as she did not want to leave her husband for a single moment, it appeared she would have to. 

      Slowly, Emma got to her feet, wincing painfully as blood rushed down her sleeping legs. Her feet tingled and she swayed, surprised when Patrick rushed forward to steady her. 

      "Watch yourself, honey. You gotta give those legs a minute. You've been sitting there all day." 

      Emma nodded but removed herself from his grasp as soon as her legs were steady enough. She had come a long way in speaking to people and feeling more comfortable in their presence, but physical touch, especially from men, was something she had not grown accustomed to. 

      "I'll be right back." 

      Patrick shook his head. "Take your time. Rest. I'll take care of him." 

      Emma walked out the back door, paid a quick visit to the outhouse and then walked to the middle of the clearing and wrapped her arms tight around herself. 

      The wind whipped the long grasses and her skirts around her legs. Her dark hair tangled around her face. Tears that Emma had been fighting back for days suddenly rushed into her eyes and she was powerless against them. 

      Emma's chest heaved as the mournful, desperate droplets ran down her cheeks. She let her feet carry her quickly to the river and fell to her knees at the base of a tree. 

      Her tears were uncontrollable and fell with a vengeance. She had held them back since first walking into Liam's room at the doctor's. She had seen Anita's pain, Patrick's pain, Chase and Kyle's pain... all those people had loved Liam, had known Liam so much longer than Emma had... it just hadn't seemed right to act as if her pain could compare. 

      So she had held it in. 

      But she couldn't hold it in any longer. 

      Emma curled her knees into her chest and sobbed into her skirts. 

      She did not want to lose Liam. 

---

      Liam moaned and winced when he attempted to adjust his tight shoulder and pain rocketed through him. 

      That's when he remembered that he'd been shot. Opening his eyes resulted in the dull ache in his head, roaring to life and becoming an intense thud. 

      That's when he remembered he'd hit his head. 

      Liam fought to remember where he was... the last he remembered was getting on Honey's back and pointing her toward town. 

      A groan left his mouth and he nearly leapt from his skin when he heard Patrick yell. "Damn boy! Are you awake?!" 

      Liam winced. "Quieter please," he grumbled. 

      Slowly, Liam opened his eyes and realized he was in his own cabin. Patrick was sitting in the chair beside him looking worn and tired. "How long have I been out?" Liam asked, his voice raspy from lack of use. 

      Patrick quickly filled a cup with water from the basin and held it to Liam's mouth. Liam took several greedy sips and pushed himself up to a sitting position. 

      "You've been out for about four days, son. We brought you back here yesterday. Kyle and Chase figured you'd rather wake up at home and the doc said there wasn't anything else he could do."

      Liam glanced around the cabin. It was neat and tidy and he could see new pillows and a blanket—had Emma made those? He didn't see her anywhere. 

      Had Liam lost her? Damn him and his inability to just open up and communicate. If he'd 

talked to Emma instead of responding to her confused temper and accusations by storming away, he would still have the woman…..

      "You look like someone kicked your puppy, son. What's the matter?" 

      Liam grunted and adjusted the blanket over him—that's when he realized he was naked. "Why aren't I wearing clothes?" 

      "The doc thought it would be best for your fever if you were kept cool. Emma...." 

      "Emma?" Liam's head snapped around to face his father. "Is Emma okay? Is she safe in town?" 

      Patrick chuckled as he nodded. "She's just fine, Liam. There haven't been any problems here while you've been gone." 

      A frown creased Liam's brow. "She's been living here?" 

      Patrick grinned. "Where else would she live?" 

      "Well then where the hell is she?" Liam demanded.           

      "She went outside a while ago for some fresh air." 

      Liam glanced at the window, saw the fading sunset and rushed to his feet. 

      His legs swayed and gave out beneath him as his head spun. Liam clutched desperately at the front of the wardrobe to steady himself as the thin blanket he'd been covered in fell to the ground. 

      "How long has she been out there?" he growled, as he swallowed back bile and fought the urge to vomit. "It's getting dark... she shouldn't be out there alone." 

      Patrick held up his hands. "She's been out there for a while but I'm sure she'd fine, Liam. Hell, the woman hasn't left your bedside since you've been injured. She needed air." 

      Liam's heart swelled. Emma had cared for him? 

      "I'm gonna go to her," he insisted. 

      "You're weak. Let me. I'll bring her back in." 

      Liam shook his head. "I'll be fine." 

      "Stop being so damned stubborn," Patrick snapped. "You damn near died son! The wound wasn't so bad but you nearly bled to death and your fever is just now breaking. Poor Emma has been tending to you for days. Trying to lower your fever and cool your body...." 

      An image of Emma's dainty hands stroking his bare body flashed through Liam's mind. He felt his blood run hotter as he imagined her biting her full bottom lip as she touched him. 

      Patrick cleared his throat, turned quickly and his quiet chuckle filled the cabin. "Yeah, you're on the road to recovery, alright." 

      Liam glanced down and felt his face heat when he realized his father must have seen proof of where his thoughts had taken him. 

      Patrick went to the front door. "I'll just check on the horses and leave you two alone awhile... but son? You might want to put some clothes on before you seeking your wife." His shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. "Then again, maybe not." 

      When Liam was alone, he went out dressing as quickly as he could. The bandage on his shoulder, as well as the pain and tightness in those muscles, hindered his movements and made the task a difficult one. 

      Liam was weak, he was hungry, he was in pain and he felt tired and shaky. But he had to find Emma. He had to speak with her. 

      Liam made his way out the back door and glanced over the valley. The fading light showed no sign of Emma. Liam listened closely and heard a muffled sound, something much like a sob, come from down by the river. 

      Wasting no time, Liam let his feet carry him quickly toward the sound. 

      He found Emma curled up beneath a tree, her face buried in her skirts as she sobbed into them. 

      Liam stepped closer but it was clear that Emma didn't hear him. Her tears made his heart hurt. It was a new feeling—to have someone else's pain causing him pain and leave him wanting to do nothing other than fix whatever was hurting her. 

      "Emma?" 

      Her head snapped up and blue, tear swollen eyes landed on him with shock. "Liam?" she whispered hoarsely. 

      Emma scrambled to her feet and Liam reached out a gentle hand, wiping tears from her soaked cheeks. "Why are you crying? You shouldn't ever cry Emma. Your smile's too pretty." 

      Emma's cheeks reddened and her teeth nibbled at her full bottom lip. "I thought ya were going to die." 

      Liam shook his head. "No, not yet. I was just taking a nap." 

      Emma nodded as she tucked her messy hair behind her ear. She started forward and then quickly stopped. Liam frowned. He wanted her in his arms.

      Instead of speaking, Liam simply held his arms open and tipped his head. Emma rushed forward. Her hands balled into fists as they clutched his shirt and she cried into his chest. 

      Liam closed his arms around her and buried his face in her dark hair. "I'm sorry, Emma." 

      "I'm sorry too," came her muffled response. 

      Liam kissed her head. "Can we pretend that day never happened?" 

      Emma nodded. "Yes. I was foolish and mean and cruel and....." 

      Liam pulled away and put his finger beneath her chin to raise her gaze to meet his. "We were both foolish and mean and cruel. That's why we're going to forget that day. I.. I love you." 

      Emma's jaw dropped open. She stared at him with wide eyes. Liam shifted uneasily. Should he have said that? Liam was a man who tried to always speak the truth. And the truth was that he loved Emma. He'd nearly died without ever telling her that truth and he wanted to make sure she knew. 

      He rubbed at his neck. Emma reached up a shaking hand and touched his jaw, causing Liam to lean into her touch. "I love ya too, Liam. I didn't think I'd ever get to tell ya that." 

      "I know that the way we became husband and wife probably wasn't what you dreamed of but..." 

      "Ya saved my life, Liam," Emma interrupted. "And I was afraid of being a wife... afraid of being the wife my mother was to the husband my father was. But we won't be like them." 

      "No," Liam quickly agreed. He laid a protective kiss to her brow. "I wouldn't ever hurt you, Emma. We won't be them. And we won't be my parents. We'll be us." 

      Liam swayed slightly as his vision wavered. Perhaps he wasn't quite as strong as he'd thought he was. It was clear he was going to have to lay down soon or else he was going to fall down. 

      Emma must have noticed his weakness as the color drained from his face. "Come on, Liam. Ya shouldn't be out here. Let's get ya back to bed." 

      It was slow going and Liam knew that he leaned much more of his weight on her than he should but eventually they made it back into the cabin. 

      Liam felt like a child as Emma tucked him into bed, but he didn't stop her. It was nice, in a way, to be cared for. Liam hadn't known anything like it since he'd been a small child. 

      "I'm going to fix some supper. Ya need to rest and I'll bring it to ya when I'm done," Emma insisted. 

      "Then you'll join me in bed," Liam replied. 

      Emma turned so bright red she nearly glowed. "I...uh.. I'll...." 

      "To sleep, Emma. We'll just sleep." 

      Lord knew Liam wanted more than just sleep but he was weak and she wasn't ready.

      Emma nodded. "Okay. To sleep." 

      Liam smiled as she quickly turned away and busied herself in the kitchen.

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Liam slipped out of the cabin the next morning while Emma continued sleeping peacefully. He’d laid there awake for a long time simply staring at her.

      She was beautiful. 

      The bruises her father had placed upon her were gone. She had a small scar above her lip but it only reminded Liam of how lucky he was to still have her. 

      He couldn't wait to truly get to know the woman who was his wife. He couldn't wait to watch her grow and change as she came out of her shell and broke loose from the bonds her father had placed on her. 

      Right now, Liam needed to speak with his own father. 

      He found Patrick in the barn, just rising from his own makeshift bed. "Good morning, son." 

      "Good morning, Patrick," Liam replied as he scratched at Misty's neck.

      Patrick grunted and his joints popped and cracked as he stretched. "How are you feeling?" 

      Liam rolled his shoulder with a wince. "Sore. But I'll live." 

      "Who shot you, Liam? Did you see anybody?" 

      Liam shook his head. "Didn't see him but I know who it was." 

      Patrick cursed. "Silas?" 

      Liam simply shrugged and filled a tin cup with oats. "It doesn't matter. I can't prove it was him." 

      "It does too matter!" Patrick countered, angrily kicking at a stall door. "You damn near died, son!" 

      "I know that," Liam replied calmly as he poured the oats into Misty's feed trough. 

      "So that's it? He's just going to get away with it?" 

      Liam sighed, wiping his hands on his pants. "I don't see anything else I can do." 

      Patrick mumbled under his breath a while as Liam worked one handed feeding the rest of the animals. 

      "So there wasn't any trouble here while I was gone?" he finally asked his father. 

      "No." Patrick grabbed the water bucket. "I'll water them, Liam. You shouldn't be overusing that arm." 

      Liam reluctantly accepted the help. Patrick headed out of the barn. "There hasn't been any word of or from Silas, or any other mountain man, while you've been gone. We sure as hell didn't expect him to come after you. I figured he was still nursing those broke ribs." 

      Liam followed after his father. "We'll just have to hope he's done now. And keep an eye and ear out just in case he isn't." 

      Patrick nodded. "We'll take care of things. Get back in there to your wife. You'll have company riding out shortly." 

      "Company?" Liam groaned. 

      "Anita and Lauren. Probably Kyle and Chase as well." 

      Looked like there wasn't going to be any quiet, privacy or peace in the near future. 

      Liam walked back inside and found Emma fastening a belt around her waist. She was fully dressed and he felt a twinge of disappointment. He'd been hoping to see her in that thin, white sleeping gown again. 

      "Good morning," Liam greeted. 

      Emma smiled and Liam felt his heart stutter. "Good morning, Liam. Ya look much better this morning." 

      "I'm feeling better. Did you sleep well last night?" 

      Emma's cheeks reddened as she nodded. "Yes. Did you?" 

      Liam stepped forward, took her arm gently and pulled her close to him before pressing a tender kiss to her head. "Best night of sleep I've ever had." 

      Emma smiled and slowly pulled away. "I need to cook some breakfast." 

      "I feel restless," Liam grumbled. "I want to get work done." 

      "You need to take it easy. Your shoulder needs to heal." 

      Liam snorted. "So I keep hearing." 

      Emma simply shrugged and headed into the kitchen where she had bacon and eggs waiting to fry. Liam picked at the new blanket on the sofa. 

      "Did you make this?" he asked. 

      "Yes," Emma replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and refusing to meet his gaze. "I'm just learning... I'm afraid I'm no good at anything more complicated than a blanket or pillow."

      Liam grinned. "That's good. I can't make a pillow or a blanket but I can make you clothes if you want them. Just so long as you don't mind wearing furs and skins." 

      Emma smile brightly and went back to preparing their meal. "I was... I was afraid ya might be angry about me making them," she admitted hesitantly. 

      "Why would I be angry over some pillows and blankets? I reckon we need both of them to be comfortable at night." 

      Emma's hands were shaking as she cracked the eggs into a bowl. "I... I didn't have the money to buy the material," she whispered, her voice wavering. "So, I had to purchase them on yer credit. I'm sorry, Liam... I had to buy several things on credit while ya were away.... I hope ya aren't angry..."  

      Liam sighed. He walked to Emma and spun her around before putting his finger under her chin and forcing her to meet his gaze. "I'm not him, Emma, remember? And you're not her. Don't be a scared little mouse with me. I'm your husband. I reckon protector, provider and a whole lot of other things go along with that—good things. Buy what you need. Buy what you want. I want you to be happy." 

      Emma's blue eyes widened a moment and then she smiled as her body sagged with obvious relief. It was obvious she really had been terrified. His heart hurt to know just how hard her life had been. No one alive deserved that kind of life. 

      Liam moved away from her to allow her to continue cooking since his stomach was growling loudly. "I should have showed you this before I left but, well, I wasn't thinking clearly." Liam went to the floor beside the fireplace and lifted a loose board. He pulled out a sack of money and Emma's eyes widened. 

      "Are you rich, Liam?" she gasped. 

      He couldn't help but laugh. "No, I'm not rich. But I have enough. Where's my saddlebags?" 

      Emma poured her eggs and cream into a heated skillet and motioned toward the corner. "There, with the rest of your things." 

      Liam went about adding the money from the job he'd worked into the sack and tucked it all back in its hiding spot. He was damn lucky Silas hadn't raided his belongings and taken that money from him. 

      Liam wondered a moment as he watched Emma in the kitchen, if he should tell her he suspected her father in his shooting. He quickly decided against it. Emma was scared and frightened enough. She didn't need any added worry. 

      Unless she asked him directly if Silas shot him, he wasn't going to utter his suspicions. 

      "You know I don't mind you using credit to get what you needed, Emma, but what about your pies?" Liam asked. "I thought you were selling them?" 

      Emma shook her head as she scooped the finished eggs onto a large plate. "I haven't been filling any orders."

      "Has everyone in town lost their sense of taste?" Liam demanded. Emma's pies were damn near the best thing Liam had ever tasted. 

      "No... I haven't been taking any orders.. I didn't want to do it without yer permission. My father forbid my mother from working. He said it made him look bad to have his wife making money. I didn't want to do anything to embarrass ya." 

      Liam sighed and bit his tongue. He was angry. But he had to remind himself that Emma had been raised a certain way and those things weren't going to simply disappear because he wanted them to. He had to have patience with his wife. 

      "Emma, love, you don't need my permission to bake and sell pies. I'm your husband not your keeper. Hell woman, I'm the one that told you people would pay for them in the first place."

      Emma bit her lip. "So you wouldn't mind if I made money?"

      Liam chose not to respond and instead just fixed her with a pointed gaze. Emma smiled and rushed forward, throwing her arms around Liam's waist and hugging him tightly. 

      "Thank ya..." 

      Liam wrapped his good arm around her. "You don't have to thank me, Emma. But you can hug me anytime you want." 

---

Emma was floating—filled with so much happiness, she couldn’t keep her feet on the ground.

      Liam was amazing. 

      She had known he was but somehow it was better than she 'd dreamed and imagined. He was kind, caring, strong and 

different . So very, very different from what she’d known a husband to be.

      He didn't want her to be nothing more than a slave to his needs. He wanted her to do things she enjoyed, make herself happy and even earn money of her own since it made her feel proud and productive. 

      She was happy that, as they sat and ate their breakfast together, the tension, the anger and the harshness of that day over a month ago was truly behind them. 

      Just as they were finishing their meal, Emma heard a cart approach the cabin and come to a stop. "That'll be our company," Liam grumbled, sounding less than happy at the idea of visitors. 

      "Company?" Emma asked. 

      "Yeah, Patrick said Anita and the girls were coming out. I'm glad Sally and Lauren have still been keeping you company out here." 

      Emma's heart twisted a bit. "Sally, moved away actually. She married Clarence and they left town and went east the same time ya left for that job." 

      "Oh..." Liam's voice was flat but his expression spoke volumes. His brown eyes filled with sadness as he gazed at her. "I'm sorry you lost your friend and I wasn't there to help you...." 

      Emma shrugged as she stood and began cleaning off the table. "It wasn't so bad. She promised to write and I've had Anita, Lauren, Patrick, Kyle and Chase. They've all kept me company. I haven't been lonely." 

      "Oh."

      Now the man looked jealous! Did he 

want her to be lonely?

      There was no time to ask him before Anita came bustling in. "Liam!" she exclaimed. "It sure is good to see you back in the land of the living!" 

      Liam stood just in time to have his aunt throw her arms around him and squeeze him tightly. Emma nearly spoke up when she saw the pain Liam was in but he met her gaze over Anita's shoulder and her husband smiled while giving the smallest shake of his head.     

      "I'm alright, Aunt Anita."

      "Of course you are!" Lauren agreed, walking into the cabin. "You're Liam McIntyre! It'd take at least ten bullets to kill you!"

      Emma felt her stomach flip. "Let's not find out." 

      "Is there enough breakfast for us? My stomach's done eat my back bone up!" Lauren stated, glancing longingly at the table. 

      Emma bit her lip. "There's a bit left. It was supposed to be for Patrick but you can have it. I'll make him more..." 

      "Don't bother," Anita waved her hand. "He's hiding in a hole somewhere and won't be coming out until we're gone if he knows what's good for him...."           

      "Anita..." Liam's voice was tired. 

      Anita shrugged as she breezed her way to the table and sat down beside Lauren who was already filling a plate. "I know he's your father, and I know he's been good to Emma, but he's a cad, a scoundrel, a rogue and I hate him—I don't believe that will ever change." 

      "I'd still like to scalp him for what he did," Lauren agreed. 

      Emma saw Liam edging toward the door. She knew the man was uncomfortable with so many people in his home and the conversation was far from anything that would make him comfortable.

      Anita glanced at Liam as well. "You look pale, nephew. Are you in pain?" 

      Liam shrugged his uninjured shoulder. "I've had worse." 

      "Worse than a bullet wound?" Emma asked skeptically as she moved in closer to him. She wasn't sure how Liam would feel if she showed him affection in front of company—she quickly found out how he felt about such things when his arm snaked around her shoulders and he pulled her close to his side. 

      "Yeah.. there was that time Kyle dropped a hornet's nest on my head when we were boys." 

      "Or that time you got  kicked in the nether regions for looking up June Fallery's skirts in church," Anita chimed in. 

      Emma felt her ears burned as she flushed bright red and stared up Liam in shock. "Up her skirts? In church?" 

      Liam simply shrugged. "I was only ten. It seemed like a good idea at the time." 

      "You know I've heard it said that if a man gets hit hard enough in his 

nether regions , it doesn’t work anymore,“ Lauren noted, before shoving a forkful of eggs into her mouth while grinning mischievously.

      Anita choked on the sip of water she'd been taking while Emma gasped audibly and covered her stifled laughter with her hand. Liam cleared his throat. "I didn't get hit 

that hard,“ he replied. “And I believe I’m going to go outside a while. Let you women visit.” Emma chewed her lip as Liam pulled away from her. He smiled before swooping down and kissing her lips gently.

      "Love you, Emma." 

      Emma stammered several times—she couldn't believe he'd just declared his love for her in front of company! She hadn't thought Liam would be the type for such things. 

      Her heart swelled and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I love you too." 

      With that Liam all but ran for the door to escape the cabin. Lauren was grinning like the cat who got the cream. "Are you sure he didn't get kicked 

that hard?“

      "Lauren!" Anita exclaimed, tossing down her fork. "That's enough of that talk." 

      Lauren simply shrugged. "It seems like an important thing to know."

s4

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

The next few days were the best Emma had ever had. She learned so much about Liam. She learned about his childhood and family relationships and certain things that had made Liam the man he was today.

      She loved his quiet, gentle nature. His peaceful strength. 

      She was lying awake in his arms, watching him sleep soundly beside her. The sun came through the window, shining on his sharply angled jaw, accenting the stubble growing there. 

      Her husband was the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life.... And he was so patient. Not once had Liam pushed her to do anything more than simply lay curled up together while the slept at night.

      She suspected one reason behind that might be the fact that his shoulder was still paining him.... But she knew that wasn't all of it. Liam was giving her time—waiting until she was ready. 

      Emma wasn't sure if she 

was ready to take the next step…. She knew she was expected to. As a wife, it was her duty to tend to her husband’s needs…. but would it hurt? Emma had only ever seen the rough and cruel side of what happened between a man and wife. Her mother had made it sound as if it were a miserable, painful experience for a woman while the man seemed to enjoy it immensely.

      Why? Why would a man enjoy something that pained his wife? Surely Liam wouldn't be that way.... Maybe lovemaking wasn't always painful for a woman. Maybe it all depended on her partner. 

      "What are you thinking about so hard?" Liam's sleepy voice questioned. 

      Emma smiled. His eyes were still closed and she hadn't realized he was awake. "How do ya know I'm thinking?" 

      "Because you're awake and you're always thinking when you're awake." 

      "Is there something wrong with a thinking woman?" Emma teased. That was something else Liam had begun to bring out of her. A playful, teasing, joking side that she hadn't realized she possessed. 

      Liam chuckled, his arm tightening around her. "Nothing at all." 

      "Are we going into town today?"

      Liam's eyes opened and he raised a brow. "Are you eager to get away from me?"

      Emma rolled her eyes. "No, I want you to come with me." 

      Liam laid a gentle hand on her cheek. "I don't think I want to go anywhere. I'm enjoying being here with you too much." 

      Emma blushed and averted her gaze as she chewed at her lip. "And I've enjoyed being with ya too. But..... I need to get orders and supplies. And I'd like to visit Anita. I haven't been in town since we brought ya back from the docs and I think it'd be good for folks to see that ya are up and around and alive and well...." 

      Liam silenced her ramble by pressing his lips to hers in a feather light graze. Emma instantly fell silent as her breath was stolen and she forgot how to speak.  

      "Aw, hell lady," Liam growled as he pulled away. Then, before Emma could speak, he was on her again. This kiss was firmer, more intense and it consumed her. 

      Instantly her body responded with an ache and a longing for something she knew that only Liam could give her. 

      Liam hand smoothed the hair from her face and he pulled her body flush to his. All doubts and worries seemed to vanish from Emma's mind. This was Liam and he would never hurt her for his own selfish pleasure...

      And, judging by the aching pleasure that his kiss and closeness were building within her, lovemaking with Liam would be something amazing. 

      Liam's fingertips trailed down her cheek and danced along her neck. Emma trembled as he left flames across her shoulder. He pulled away and looked into her eyes, clearly asking permission to move his touch lower. 

      Emma swallowed hard and nodded. Liam's eyes darkened and his lips were once again stealing her ability to think. Those calloused fingers moved lower, brushing her hardened nipple through the thin fabric of her nightdress and causing her to gasp against his mouth. 

      His grin was devilish and full of mischief as he pulled away once again. "Do you want me to stop?"

      Emma shook her head and surprised herself by pressing herself tighter to him.

      As Liam moved in to kiss her once again, the cabin door opened. "Oh hell! Damn. I'm sorry....." 

      Emma and Liam flew apart and Emma pulled the blanket tight around her as Liam stood from the bed and clenched his fists. "Hell Patrick, don't you know how to knock?" 

      "I.. well yeah, of course.. but I didn't know you'd be busy." 

      Emma's face was burning as she fought the urge to completely bury herself beneath the blanket. Liam grumbled. "Why did you come in? Is something wrong?" 

      Emma wanted to remind Liam that his father lived on the property and had the right to come and go from the house but she didn't believe now would be the time to have that conversation.... And she wasn't in any hurry to speak and draw any further attention to herself just now. 

      "Nothing's wrong." Patrick wrung his hands and kept his gaze on the wall behind them as he shifted his feet. "Company is riding in so I wanted to let you know before they got here." 

      "More company?" Liam shook his head. "I miss the days when I folks avoided me." 

      "Did you recognize who was coming, Patrick?" Emma asked. 

      "Anita. I'm gonna slip out the back and be real busy in the woods for a while." 

      Emma smiled. "Don't ya think it's time the two of ya faced each other and made peace?" 

      Patrick's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. "No, ma'am, I do not." 

      "Well go on then." Liam motioned for the back door. "Eventually, maybe I'll get some alone time with my wife." 

      Emma watched Patrick make a quick escape before she got out of the bed. Liam was dressed in only the trousers he'd worn to bed and the sight of his lean, hard body did nothing to ease the fire inside hers. 

      "We could tell her we don't feel well and don't want visitors today...." She offered. 

      Liam stared hard at her a moment before chuckling. "She won't fall for it," he assured her. "If I tell Anita we don't feel well, she'll insist on staying and tending to us until we're feeling better." 

      Emma chewed her lip as her gaze dropped with disappointment. Liam stepped to her and pulled her against his chest. "Don't worry, Emma. Starting tonight, we aren't going to be using that bed just for sleeping." 

      Emma trembled in his arms, laying her hand gently on the crisp white bandage around his shoulder, the color contrasting sharply with his tanned skin. "Promise?"

      "Oh hell, woman...." Liam swallowed hard and a low growl rumbled from his chest. "Yeah, I promise." 

      A knock on the door signified Anita's arrival. Liam sighed and grabbed his shirt off the back of the sofa. "I'll go out and visit while you get dressed.... And then she's yours while I find some quiet." 

      Emma nodded. "Sounds fair enough," she agreed, knowing that Liam was a solitary person who didn't enjoy visitors and had had far too many lately. 

      "Just a minute," Liam called. He kissed her brow gently, slid into his shirt, yanked on his boots and went to the door. He slipped outside and closed it behind him, with Anita's voice already filling the morning quiet. 

      Emma dressed quickly. She knew that Liam was at his limits when it came to entertaining. Every day since he'd awaken, 

someone had been out to visit. If it wasn’t Anita, it was Kyle and Chase, or the preacher from town named Ben. And Patrick lived there as well, meaning there was never that quiet privacy that Liam needed.

      Sometimes Emma wondered if he would resent her being there.... She hoped not. She hoped that her company would be something he wished for.

      Emma fixed her hair and rushed out to the porch to relieve her husband. "Good morning, Anita." 

      Anita smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Good morning, Emma. I'm sorry if I 

interrupted something.“

      Emma felt as if her ears would burst into flames. "No... no, ya didn't interrupt anything." 

      "Well good." Anita clapped her hands. "We're going to go to town today, Emma. Have a lady's day." 

      Emma glanced at Liam. "Liam and I were going to go...." 

      Liam shook his head quickly. "No, that's okay. You and Anita go, have fun and enjoy yourselves." He held up his hand. "Wait here a minute." 

      Emma watched Liam disappear inside and he returned a moment later with money. "Have fun. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Get whatever you want and all the supplies you'll need for your orders. Okay?" 

      Emma chewed her lip as she glanced down at the money. "A...are ya sure?" 

      Liam's gaze went to the sky. "Yeah, I'm sure." 

      Emma nodded as she took the money from his hand and placed it in her skirt pocket. "Are ya sure you'll be okay while I'm gone?"

      "I'm sure, Emma. I've been taking care of myself a long time," he assured her gently. 

      Anita took her arm and smiled warmly. "Come on now, Emma. Absence will make your hearts grow fonder." 

---

      Despite her hesitation to lave Liam home alone, Emma ended up having a wonderful time in town with Anita. They visited the boarding house, spent time with Lauren, did a bit of shopping and ate lunch at the café. 

      Emma felt as if she were a new person. She was no longer so afraid of the crowds or everyone she passed. She was able to smile and greet those she walked past. She was a married woman with a newfound confidence. 

      "I have several orders. I need to stop in at the mercantile before we go back to the cabin so I can get supplies," Emma stated, noticing that the sun was getting a bit lower in the sky. She couldn't believe she'd been in town so long. 

      Anita nodded. "Alright then. And then we better get you home before your husband decides to come looking." 

      Anita pulled the cart to a stop in front of the mercantile and the pair made their way inside. Emma gave the list of supplies she needed to the store keep before making her way to the fabrics on display at the back of the store. 

      "Well, look what the cat dragged in." 

      Emma frowned and spun around when a voice spoke behind her. Her eyes widened when she recognized Bethany standing there with a sneer on her red lips. Emma had nearly forgotten the woman existed. She hadn't seen her since the night of the dance so long ago. 

      "Hello Bethany," she greeted, quickly turning back to her fabric. Emma did not want confrontation—the thought of an argument frightened her terribly. 

      Bethany huffed. "Don't turn your back on me," she snapped. 

      Emma turned slowly to face her once more. She glanced toward the counter to see that Anita was deep in conversation with a lady there and hadn't seemed to noticed that Bethany had cornered her. 

      "I'm only doing some shopping," Emma insisted, hoping to somehow avoid a fight. 

      Bethany yanked the fabric from her hands and curled her nose. "You shouldn't be. That fabric is hideous." 

      Emma chose not to respond. She'd learned from experience in her life that most often, responding to such goading only made things worse. 

      "I'm surprised to see you around," Bethany continued, as she tossed the fabric back onto the display table. "The last I'd heard about you, you'd gone back to where you belonged up on that mountain with your poor ol' pa." 

      Emma frowned. "Where have ya been?" she asked, wondering how Bethany could have missed all that had happened since that night. 

      Bethany fussed with her bright red hair. "I was on holiday back east. That's something that well-bred folks with money tend to do to escape the stresses of mingling with lesser folks." 

      Emma rolled her eyes. She took a deep breath as she realized she had no reason to be threatened by Bethany. Liam was her husband. He was out of Bethany's reach—and Bethany didn't even know it. 

      "I was only with my pa a matter of hours before Liam came and got me." 

      Bethany's face reddened; nearly matching the color of her hair. "Emma Hawke, you belong on that mountain." 

      Emma stood her ground, despite the shaking of her legs. "Actually, it's Emma McIntyre now." 

      The shriek that escaped Bethany's mouth was terrifying and certainly not ladylike or poised in the least. Emma flinched and cowered against the fabric table. 

      Anita immediately hustled over. "What's going on here? Please, place a cork in your mouth, Bethany. No one wants to hear that racket." 

      "How could you marry him?" Bethany demanded, her fists clenching. "How could an ignorant mountain girl like you come down here and take the one decent man this town has to offer? Liam is mine!" 

      "Oh poppycock!" Anita exclaimed with a wave of her hand. "My nephew has never had any more interest in you than a dog has in a cabbage head." 

      Bethany crossed her arms over her chest and stared hard at Emma. "When did this marriage take place?" 

      Emma chewed at her lip and dropped her gaze. "The night of the dance." 

      "I heard that Liam left shortly after the dance to deliver a herd of cattle." 

      "He did." 

      Bethany laughed, the harsh, pointed sound ringing in Emma's ears. "You poor ignorant girl. Liam only married you out of pity! He saw you hurting at your father's hands would be my guess and he married you because he felt bad for you. Then he left right after. Bored of you already?"

      Emma shifted her feet as a rock settled into her gut and her throat seemed to clog. She felt her lip trembling. The last thing Emma wanted to do was cry in front of Bethany. 

      Bethany stepped closer. "Liam is a man. A 

real man. An ignorant piece of mountain trash can’t satisfy a man like Liam. Soon he’ll come looking for a woman more suited to his needs and I’ll be waiting.“

      "Spoken like a true whore," Anita spat. 

      The color drained from Bethany's face as her jaw dropped. "What did you just call me?" she hissed. 

      Anita shrugged. "I called you exactly what you are. You prance around town as if you're something special but everyone knows that the only people you're special to are the men with low standards—the good men see your kind and steer clear. And there's not a single man in this town that's going to marry you, Bethany." 

      "And why's that?" Bethany whispered, her voice tight. 

      Anita smiled. "Because they aren't going to buy a cow when they can sample all the milk for free." Anita took Emma's arm gently. "Let's go now, sweetheart. Liam will be expecting us." 

      Emma nodded, feeling very grateful for Anita and the protection the other woman provided. The two began to walk away but Emma felt Bethany's hand close on her wrist and she stopped to look at her. 

      "Don't listen to that fat old bird," Bethany sneered, glaring at Anita before turning her gaze back to Emma. "Liam enjoyed my 

milk very much and he’ll be back for much much more before it’s over.“

      With that, Bethany stormed away. 

      As Anita led Emma outside and they boarded the wagon, Anita kept speaking reassuringly and insisting that Emma not pay Bethany any attention. 

      Emma simply nodded but as she curled up into herself on the cart seat and watched the passing scenery, she couldn't help but feel doubtful and sick. 

      The fact remained that Liam had married her when he had simply to save her life—if not for her father nearly killing her, the two of them would not have been married when they were. 

      And Emma honestly had 

no idea how to please a man—she was terrified that she would let him down and he would go running to a woman like Bethany, who clearly knew what men liked.

      And had Liam and Bethany been 

together before? Images flashed through her imagination and caused Emma’s gut to burn. Tears threatened to pour from her eyes but sheer will power held them at bay.

      At least until they pulled up to the cabin and Liam stood up from the porch chair with a smile on his face. "Did you two have a good time?" 

      Emma let out a choked sob, unable to fight back her emotions any further. Without a word, she leapt from the cart and dashed past Liam, to hide herself inside the cabin. 

      No matter how badly Emma wanted to believe her happiness and life with Liam were real and lasting—she knew it was pointless. She couldn't compete with a woman like Bethany.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

Liam whirled around to face his aunt. “What did you do to her?!” he demanded.

      Anita's eyes narrowed from her perch upon the cart. "Don't use that tone with me, Liam. I didn't do a thing to Emma. She had a run in with Bethany Ryan." 

      Liam groaned and pinched his nose between his fingers. He truly hated that woman. "Emma ought to know by now not to listen to a damn word that woman says." 

      Anita simply sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "You know as well as I do that Bethany Ryan is the worst kind of woman. I put the girl in her place and I tried to reassure Emma but I believe she needs your reassurance—not mine." 

      Anita tipped her had toward the back of the cart. "Get these things unloaded and then go tend to your wife, Liam." 

      Liam used his good arm to unload all of Emma's purchases—mostly baking supplies for her orders. He stacked it all on the porch as he attempted to understand women. Why in the hell would Emma pay a single bit of attention to anything Bethany said? Hadn't Liam proved it was Emma he wanted and not Bethany??? 

      Hell, he hadn't married Bethany!

      Liam watched his aunt ride away. Patrick stepped out of the barn once Anita was gone. "What's wrong?" he asked.

      Liam simply shook his head. "I'm not sure. Just let us have privacy for a while, okay?" 

      Patrick nodded. "Sure son. Whatever you need." 

      Liam took a deep breath as he turned to face the door. He was definitely entering uncharted territory for him. He didn't want a repeat of the morning after he'd married her—he had to stay calm and just keep in mind that Emma had lived a violent but sheltered life on that mountain. 

      She wasn't used to dealing with venom-mouthed harpies like Bethany. And Emma wasn't used to being happy or having good things happen to her. Bethany, like all predators, seemed to have found Emma's biggest weaknesses and was using them to her advantage. 

      Stepping into the cabin, Liam found Emma at the kitchen counter, peeling potatoes. Her tears seemed to have stopped but she was wielding that knife with much more gusto than necessary. Was she angry??

      "Emma? Are you okay?"

      "Yeah," she mumbled without looking his way. "I'm fine." 

      Liam was tempted to take her word for it. He wasn't eager to have any kind of talk that could lead to what had happened between them a little over a month ago. But, he knew she wasn't truly fine. And, as her husband, he owed it to her to attempt to soothe whatever hurt she was feeling. 

      He stepped slowly toward her, stopping when her shoulders tensed. Liam didn't know much about women but he knew animals—and tensing up was always bad. He was clearly walking near rough waters. 

      "Anita said you had a run-in with Bethany. Did she say something to upset you?" 

      Emma turned very slowly, the knife still clutched in her hand and her gaze on the floor. "She always upsets me, Liam...." Her voice was trembling, making it clear she was holding back tears. "Because she tells me the truth and I don't want to hear it." 

      Liam frowned. Bethany spouted a lot of things from that mouth of her but the truth sure as hell hadn't ever been one of them. "And just what truth did she tell you?" 

      Emma whirled around and went back to peeling potatoes. "Ya married me out of pity, Liam. Plain and simple. If it hadn't been for my father having me, ya wouldn't have married me that night....." 

      Liam sighed and flopped down at the table. "This again?" he demanded with exasperation. "Emma, I don't know how many times I can say that I married you because I wanted to. If I hadn't done it that night, I'd have done it just as soon as I could have after. You've gotta stop listening to her and her mother." 

      Emma began to chop the potatoes with a vengeance. "Do you like milk, Liam?" 

      Liam shifted on the chair. Milk? They were talking about milk now? Damn... he was confused. He wasn't entirely sure what the correct answer to that question was. 

      "Uh... yeah. I reckon. I like milk just as much as the next person." 

      Emma snorted. Was that the wrong answer? 

      "Bethany's very pretty," Emma added, never once glancing his way. 

      Liam stood slowly. He could tell he was walking a narrow, rocky path on the edge of a cliff and he was one misstep from plunging into some raging rapids..... 

      "I might have thought that for about two seconds when I first saw her... then she opened that mouth of hers and that was that." Liam rubbed at his neck. "Can I ask what the hell we're talking about milk and Bethany's looks for?" 

      Emma's shoulders sagged and she began to sob. Liam rushed forward and whirled her around, pulling her against his chest. He kissed her dark hair. "Emma, love, talk to me.... I've done told you I'm no good at this opening up business. If this is gonna work you've gotta speak plain English to me and quit talking in circles." 

      Emma's voice was muffled as she began to speak and words poured out of her almost as quickly as her tears. "Bethany is beautiful and knows exactly how to please a man. She said you liked her milk. And she said it would only be a matter of time before you went back to her for more because a woman like me could never satisfy a real man. She said I don't know how and she's right, Liam. I don't... I don't know what to do to make ya happy. And I know I don't deserve a man like ya and I'll always know in the back of my mind that, no matter what ya say now, ya were forced to marry me to keep me, and yourself, safe that night...." 

      Liam pulled away and swallowed back his temper. "Hell woman.. you sure know how to cut a man to the bone."  

      She blinked her wide, blue eyes several times and tilted her head. "What...? I didn't..." 

      Liam shoved his hand through his hair and stared out the window. "You don't have an ounce of faith in me, do you? I've shared more with you in the short time we've known one another than I've ever shared with anyone—even my best friends I've known my entire life. You say you love me and then you go and say something like what you just said and it...." Liam swallowed hard and clenched his fist. "It rips me open, Emma." 

      Emma shook her head. "Liam, I didn't mean to... I 

do love you and I do know you’re a good man….“

      Liam reached out a gentle hand and placed it on her cheek—feeling his own heart hurt for her when she flinched impulsively. "Then why do you pay attention to her? Why do you let yourself believe for a second that I would hurt you? That I would leave you? That I would be unfaithful? Like it or not, Emma, you're stuck with me. I don't always know what to say or how to act. I'm messy. I have frequent one-sided conversations with my animals. I smell like an animal most of the time and I like to spend more time in the woods than in a town, but, I'm yours and I'm not anyone else's." 

      Liam felt his chest get tight when a slow smile curved Emma's lips. "I'm sorry, Liam...I didn't mean to hurt you..."       

      Liam sighed as he put a finger to her lips to silence her. "Don't apologize. Bethany is a snake in the grass and you..... you're an innocent little field mouse." 

      Emma's eyes narrowed a bit and Liam couldn't help but grin before kissing her brow. "Just do me a favor and stop paying a bit of attention to anything she has to say. Next time she opens her mouth to you just tell her to turn her wide ass around and get it back to the brothel." 

      Emma's eyes widened comically. "Liam!" she exclaimed. 

      He chuckled and laid a tender hand on her cheek. "I've worked hard in my life to be a man men can trust. To know that my wife doubts me—it hurts but it makes me even more determined to earn yours." 

      "I trust you," Emma insisted. "I just worry that I won't be enough to satisfy you..." Her face flushed bright red and her gaze dropped to her feet. 

      Liam felt himself tremble—damn but the woman had no idea the ways she could satisfy him. 

      "Could you..." Emma's voice trailed off as she fiddled with her apron. 

      Liam tilted his head, put his finger under her chin and raised her gaze to meet his. "Could I what?" 

      "Teach me?" 

      Liam bit back a curse. "Yeah..." He cleared his throat. "Yeah, I reckon I could give you a lesson." 

      "What if it takes more than one?" 

      Liam damn near choked on his tongue. While Emma meant the question in the most innocent way possible, it lit a fire in Liam's blood like he'd never felt before. 

      Liam grabbed her hips and pulled her body flush against him, earning a gasp from her lips. "I'm up for as many lessons as it takes, Emma." 

      She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and gazed up at him through her lashes. "Let's get started then." 

“:“1311t�D2i�

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

Liam stared down at his wife sleeping peacefully on their bed. They’d spent the last week holed up in the cabin, making love, learning each others bodies and, somehow, he’d fallen even deeper in love with her.

      Liam glanced around the cabin. It was small and cozy and it had served him just fine as a single man but he had a wife now and someday he hoped to have children—a family. They would need more than one room. 

      Liam mentally added that to the list of things he hoped to accomplish before winter. But for today, he planned on heading up the mountains and taking another shot at bringing home that black stallion. 

      He was rummaging through his wardrobe for clothes when he heard the sheets rustle on the bed. Turning his head, Liam found Emma gazing at him from her pillow. "Where are you going?" she whispered sleepily. 

      Liam knew she wasn't going to be happy but honesty was always best. "I'm going up on the mountain," he admitted. "There's a horse I'm hoping to find." 

      Just as he'd knew they would, Emma's eyes widened. "The mountain? Why do ya want to go up there?" 

      Liam sighed and began to tug on his buckskin trousers. "There's a horse that runs around up there. I've been after him for a while now and I'd like to catch him." 

      Emma bit her lip. "Ya could just stay here with me." 

      Liam let his gaze wander over the tempting picture she painted with that sheet all tangled around her slender body and her dark hair spilled across the pillow. 

      He felt his newly donned trousers tightening but he shook his head. "We've been in that bed for damn near a week, love. I have to get some things done or winter will be on us before you know it." 

      "Winter?" Emma huffed. "It barely summer." 

      Liam slid into a shirt. "Is there another reason you don't want me leaving today?"

      Emma's gaze dropped to the sheet covering her. "I don't like the thought of ya up on that mountain. What if....what if something bad happens?" 

      Liam crossed his arms over his chest as he stared down at her. "What exactly do you think is gonna happen?"

      Emma shifted upon the bed, raising up to sitting and throwing her legs over the edge. "I might be sheltered and fearful, Liam, but I'm not a complete fool. I know it was my father that shot ya. And he's up on that mountain probably looking for any chance to do it again." 

      Liam swallowed hard and averted his gaze. He hadn't realized that Emma knew who had shot him. They hadn't spoken about it. "There's no proof..." 

      Emma's snort cut him off and Liam sighed. "I'll be just fine up there, Emma. I'm not an easy man to sneak up on." 

      "He did it once," she reminded him. 

      Liam rolled his shoulder which was still tight and red. "And once is all he'll get." Liam sighed before sitting down beside her on the bed. "I won't live my life hidden in this cabin out of fear of 

him . I promise you I’ll be just fine.“

      Emma was quiet a moment as she studied her hands folded on her knees. Liam wondered what she was thinking. He wasn't used to having someone          question his comings and goings—He didn't care for it but he also understood that she loved him and cared. He wouldn't want her going somewhere that he felt was dangerous either. 

      "What horse are ya after?" she finally asked. 

      Liam wasn't prepared for the sudden change of topic. He cleared his throat and took her hand gently in his. "A black stallion. I've had my eye on him for years but he's managed to stay ahead of me." 

      Emma met his gaze with a smile. "A black stallion with a white star on his head?" 

      Liam was so to reply. "Yes." 

      Emma stood up, keeping the sheet wrapped around her. The sunrise coming through the window seemed to make her bare shoulders glow and Liam was forced to fight the urge to pull her right back down into the bed. 

      "I know the horse you're after.  A family moved up on the mountains a few years back. The mountain families didn't want them there taking up land and so they burned them out. They stole most of the livestock but the horse got away." 

      Liam stared up at his wife in shock. "You've seen him?"

      Emma nodded. "Of course I have. And I know where he stays up there." 

      Liam stood quickly, rubbing his hands together with anticipation. "Tell me. Hell, I've been after him for a while." 

      Emma chewed her lip and shook her head slowly. "No, I won't tell ya."   

      Liam bit back his temper and took her hand. "Emma, this means a lot to me. I want that horse. I could sell him for a lot of money." 

      Emma's blue eyes filled with determination as she stared him down. "I won't tell ya. I'll show ya. Yer going to take me up there with ya." 

      Liam was certain he must have misunderstood her. Hadn't he? "I don't think so." 

      He could feel the tension rolling off Emma in waves. "Why not? If it's safe for ya to go up there, then it's safe for me."

      Liam stood slowly and crossed his arms over his chest. What was he supposed to say to that? Hell, he didn't want Emma up on that mountain! 

      They stared each other down and, while he wished she would back down, he couldn't help but feel proud of her ever growing bravery. Emma was changing every day—becoming a little less scared and showing more of who she was beneath the battered girl her father had raised. 

      Finally, Liam sighed. "Fine. But if you come up there with me, you'll ride Honey and you'll mind my every word if we end up in trouble."

      Fear flashed in Emma's blue eyes and her lip shook a bit. "Do ya really think they'll be trouble?"

      "If I thought there would be trouble, I would have told you no." Liam grabbed his boots. "Now get ready and I'll saddle the horses." He walked out the door, grabbed his gun belt on the way and not at all happy with today's turn of events. 

---

      Emma was nervous as she rode behind her husband up the tight mountain trail. Being up here among the thick pines and oaks, with shadows all around, terrified her. 

      She was certain that her father was going to jump out at any moment and put yet another bullet in her husband. The ride was a quiet one—as were most trips with Liam. It was a comfortable quiet but it gave Emma too much time to think and worry. 

      A low whistling tune sounded from in front of her and she realized that it was Liam. The tune was a cheerful one and Emma couldn't help but smile. 

      He glanced back at her and smiled, his chiseled face softening. "Come on up here next to me, Emma. The trail should be wide enough now." 

      Emma was happy to do as he said. She felt her own worries lightening as Liam resumed his whistling. She was amazed that her husband seemed to know just what she needed without her ever having to ask for it. 

      She hoped that she could help him find the horse he wanted and then he wouldn't feel the need to return to the mountain. 

      "I'll let you take the lead. You're the one who knows where that critter is up here," Liam offered.

      Emma nodded. "It's quite a ways still... and before we get to the clearing we should probably leave the horses and finish the trip on foot. I've always been on foot when I've found him before. The horses might spook him." 

      Liam nodded. "You're the boss." 

      The two continued on their way, Emma's fears were forgotten as they spoke light heartedly about the horse and how much money Liam could sell him for. 

      Emma held up her hand and pulled Honey to a stop when she knew they were getting close to the stallions favorite grazing place. "We should go on foot from here," she whispered.

      With a nod, Liam slid from the saddle and helped Emma from hers. They secured the horses to a low hanging bough and Emma slipped silently through the brush. 

      She paused once to look back at Liam and hold finger to her lips. Didn't her realize how loud he was. Liam's reaction was to chuckle and Emma frowned. "What?" she whispered. 

      "I guess I forgot I was married to a mountain man. You can sneak around up here better than I can." 

      Emma wasn't sure how to respond to that so she simply resumed her trek toward the meadow she knew the black stallion loved. What Emma hadn't told her husband was that she had done more than simply look at the horse, she'd sat with him, petted him, combed his mane and tail. 

      The black horse was a secret of hers up here on the mountain and she'd snuck away from home every chance she could to be around the gentle creature. 

      As they neared the meadow, Emma turned once again to Liam. "Stay here. He might spook if we both go together." 

      Without giving Liam time to respond, Emma slipped out of the cover and stepped into the meadow. She saw the horse standing at the other side of the clearing. 

      Instantly his head raised and appeared startled. Emma held out her hand. "I'm sorry I've been gone so long," she cooed gently.

      He let out a snort, tossed his head, and started quickly her way. At the last moment, he pulled to a stop and nudged her shoulder with his nose. 

      Emma laughed and stroked his neck, knowing that's what he was wanting. 

      She heard Liam curse behind her. Turning her head, Emma saw her husband stepping out of the brush with his gun in his hand. "Hell woman!" he growled. "I damn near shot that horse when he was running toward you that way." 

      "Why would you shoot him?" Emma demanded, rubbing her face against the horse's cheeks. "He's a good horse."

      Liam snorted, holstering his gun. "Yeah, but you're a good wife and I wasn't about to let him trample you." 

      Emma felt a blush color her cheeks. "He won't hurt me, Liam," she assured him. "I should have told ya that I used to sneak off with him quite often. We're friends."

      Liam took another step forward and the horse laid his ears back. Emma was quick to soothe him. "It's okay. Liam is a good man. Ya don't need be afraid."

      When the horse seemed to calm a bit, Liam reached out his own hand and ran it down his neck. "I can't believe this... I've been after him for years and never got more than a peek...." 

      Emma smiled and rose on her toes to kiss Liam's jaw. His arm instantly closed around her and pulled her flush against him. Emma felt her body heat instantly the moment she was against his warmth. 

      "Damn woman, you're temptation..." Slowly Liam pulled away. "Let's get him back down the mountain. I believe I've got some more teaching to do." 

      Emma found herself unable to form a response. Liam seemed to know exactly what to do and say to overwhelm her senses. She'd been so wrong when she had once thought that laying with a man could only be a painful and degrading. Every caress Liam gave to her body only made her feel more cherished and loved. 

      She stood there, daydreaming about the things Liam would do with her once they were home, and was startled from her daydreams when Liam tapped her shoulder. 

      She glanced his way only to realize he used his rope to fashion a bridle and lead rope which he'd already placed on the stallion. "We're ready if you are," Liam stated with a wink. 

      Her blush deepened as she followed Liam to Honey and Misty. She had thought the stallion would be uncomfortable but he seemed calm and at ease with his new herd. 

      The ride off the mountain was uneventful and Emma simply wanted it to be over—until she realized the air seemed to be getting thicker. Fog was settling in. 

      Mountain fog could be a dangerous thing. It tended to move in quickly and it was thick and completely did away with your ability to see more than a foot or two in front of you. 

      Emma cast a nervous glance at Liam before looking behind her. The fog made her feel as if someone was behind her—it sent chills up her back. 

      Suddenly the fog became thicker, falling as if it were a blanket over her eyes. "Liam?" she whispered, as she turned back around. Liam was gone. 

      A crack of thunder boomed above her just before the skies opened in a deafening downpour. "Liam!" she cried as loudly as she could. 

      If he heard her, or if he called for her in return, it was impossible to tell over the storm. 

      Fear overwhelmed her. Breathing became hard and tears filled Emma's eyes as she glanced all around her, attempting to see in every direction at once. 

      At any moment she expected her father, or some other mountain man, to come rushing through the fog and rip her from Honey's back. It was clear that Honey was fearful as well. The horse skittered sideways and let out a snort. 

      Emma focused on calming herself. She had to be strong and lead Honey off the mountain. If she simply continued slowly downhill, careful to watch for any drop-offs or rocks that could cause them harm, she would eventually ride out of the fog and then she could focus on finding Liam or returning to the cabin. 

      Thunder boomed again, causing Emma to let out a squeak of surprise as she jumped a bit. Her clothes were already becoming soaked through to the skin. It was time to focus on getting home. 

      "It's okay, Honey. Let's get on home now," she gently urged. 

      The trek downward was a slow one but eventually the fog became thinner and Emma found herself moving out of it completely. She glanced around her, attempting to gain her bearings. She'd left the trail completely and the rain was still pounding down.

      Emma didn't know exactly where she was but she knew that if she continued moving down, she would eventually reach the valley's below. 

      Despite the warmth, Emma felt a chill seeping in as the rain seemed to soak her to the bone. She kept leading Honey onward, calling out for Liam now and then, despite the volume of the storm around her. 

      Emma let out a shocked scream when a figure suddenly stepped out of the trees beside her and a hand grabbed Honey's bridle bringing the horse to a stop. 

      "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" 

      Emma stared down at Shade Marxton, with fear settling deep and heavy in her gut. He sneered up at her with his rotten-toothed smile from under that dirty mustache. "Emma Hawke.... I can't tell ya how long I've wanted to get ya alone." 

      "I.... I'm Emma McIntyre now...." She replied shakily. "And I'm on my way home so get out of my way.." 

      Emma tried to urge Honey past the mountain man who'd been after her for as long as she could remember—always leering and threatening. 

      "Yeah, I heard about that," Shade chuckled. "Silas is pretty damn mad that ya done run off. Doesn't bother me any to take another man's wife." 

      Without warning, Shade grabbed her arm and yanked, pulling Emma from the saddle. Honey, frightened by the sudden loss of her rider and Emma's screams, ran off into the woods. 

      Emma tried to get back to her feet but Shade's bare foot collided roughly with her ribs and sent her flipping sideways with a cry of pain. "Ya ain't got no idea how long I've wanted to get hold of ya." 

      Emma scrambled backward. "Liam!" she screamed his name desperately as she slipped in the mud. 

      Shade chuckled as she swiped his tattered shirt sleeve across his wet face. "He ain't comin', darlin'. Yer mine." 

      Emma's screamed were cut off when Shade fell down upon her and his mouth covered hers. He tasted of tobacco and the stink of him overwhelmed her. 

      Pain filled her senses. It felt as if he was going to break her jaw. 

      Suddenly his hand snaked up her waist and clamped tightly over her breast. Emma bucked beneath him, struggling to get away. That only seemed to encourage him. 

      Shade growled and thrust himself against her. She could feel his arousal through her skirts and a tear leaked from her eye. 

      When his hand reached up her skirts, touching her bare skin, Emma knew she wasn't going to get away. He was too strong. Shade was using his stocky frame to completely overpower and pin her. 

      She saw a rock beside her hand and closed her fingers around it. "Don't ya dare," Shade growled. Emma quickly dropped the rock when she saw the glint of a knife in his hand. The blade pressed against her neck. 

      Her blood froze and she stilled completely. "Stop fightin' me now, ya little whore. Ya spread yer legs fer the vally trash and yer gonna spread 'em fer me."           

      "And you're gonna get your hands off my goddamn wife now." 

      Shade leapt to his feet but Emma still couldn't move. She was frozen upon the mud with her eyes squeezed tight and her body shivering. 

      "Liam!" Shade exclaimed. "Yer wife? I didn't know she was yer wife." 

      "Sure you didn't. Now toss that knife away and take ten good steps away from Emma." 

      Emma heard the knife clatter against a stone. She felt a hand close on her arm and she cried out as she cringed away. "Emma, love, it's just me." 

      Opening her eyes a crack, Emma saw Liam's face close to hers. She sat up quickly, throwing her arms around his neck. Liam tensed as he brought her to her feet and gently pushed her behind him. "Get back on Honey." 

      It was then that Emma realized Honey had returned. It took her two tries in her shaky state, but Emma managed to slip into the saddle. 

      "Now, Shade, I should kill you," Liam growled. 

      Shade licked his trembling lip. "Probably should, Liam." 

      Emma watched Liam as he held his revolver tight in his hands, keeping the sights on Shade's chest. "You go ahead and scurry on home to your wife, Shade." 

      Shade's eyes widened. He nodded and stepped toward his knife. Liam shook his head. "I'll be keeping that knife. You go on now." 

      Shade glared at Liam but seemed to think twice about chancing his luck. He turned and raced into the woods. 

      Liam leapt onto Misty's back. "Come on, Emma. Let's get you home." 

      Emma was in a fog as she followed Liam down the mountain. She was numb and couldn't even remember most of the trip. She was surprised when she realized Liam was standing beside Honey to help her off as they stood in front of the cabin. 

      "Go on inside and dry off, love. I'll take care of the horses and be in in a minute." 

---

      Liam watched Emma step stiffly into the cabin and close the door slowly behind her. 

      Rage vibrated within him as he led the three horses to the barn. Patrick met him at the doors with a frown on his face. "What the hell is wrong, son? You look like a man with murder on his mind." 

      Liam slammed his fist against a beam and hissed in pain. "Shade Marxton." 

      "What about him?" Patrick demanded. 

      Liam clenched his fists tightly. "Emma and I got separated in the fog and storm... I managed to find her but when I did Shade Marxton was on top of her...." 

      "Jesus Christ!" Patrick exclaimed. "Did he rape her, Liam?" 

      Liam's jaw popped as he squeezed his eyes shut tight and breathed deep through his nose. "No.. I got there before he managed to." 

      "Did you kill him?"      

      "No." 

      "Why the hell not?"

      Liam opened his eyes and stared hard at his father. "Because my wife had been through enough. She didn't need to see her husband murder a man.... And if I'd have fired a shot every man on that mountain would have been after us." 

      Patrick nodded as he took the horses from Liam. "I've got them. Why don't you go in there and tend to Emma." 

      Liam nodded, vowed to thank his father later and headed for the cabin. He wasn't sure what he'd say.. hell, what could he say?

      He'd taken her up on that mountain because he'd been sure he could keep her safe—and he hadn't. 

      Liam stepped into the cabin and his eyes instantly went to Emma. She was sitting in the chair in front of the small vanity he'd gotten for her. She had a wet rag in her hand and was scrubbing violently at her face. 

      Liam rushed to her. He dropped to his knees in front of her and grabbed her hands gently in his, stilling her movement. She'd rubbed her skin red and raw and his heart broke for her. 

      "Emma, love, I'm sorry...." 

      Her blue eyes met his and he could see the fear in them. "I can taste him...."

      Liam rose slightly and pressed his lips to her in a tender kiss. As he slowly pulled away, he realized her eyes had slipped closed. "Taste me, Emma." 

      She nodded slightly and Liam kissed her again. He felt her fingertips dance across his cheek and Liam could no longer hold back his own emotions. He pulled away and buried his face in his hands. "I'm sorry, Emma.... Hell, I'm so sorry..." 

      Instead of speaking, Emma pulled his face into her lap and Liam laid his head against her skirt and cried quietly. She rubbed his hair and never said a word about his sudden display of weakness as she offered him her strength. 

---

      Patrick settled the horses down for the night. He didn't even take time to examine the black stallion his son had finally managed to get his hands on.      

      His mind was on Emma and that monster up on that mountain who'd touched her. 

      Emma was a godsend. An angel. 

      Patrick went to the cabin and glanced in through the window. His heart broke as he saw his son—his proud, strong son—kneeling with his head on his wife's lap as he wept and she offered him all the comfort she could. 

      Patrick clenched his fists. He understood Liam's reasons for leaving Shade alive—but Patrick had no such reasons. 

      He went back into the rain and headed toward the barn. It was time to saddle up a horse and pay the mountain a visit. 

2<

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

“That is a dandy of a horse, Liam,” Chase said before whistling low and running his hand across the black stallion’s side.

      "I'd been after this beast for years," Liam noted. 

      Kyle chuckled. "It took a woman to get things done." 

      Chase sighed. "And a pretty woman at that. Where is Emma today? I was hoping I might get to see her." 

      Kyle snorted. "If I were a jealous man, I might be worried." 

      Chase winked. "You're the only man for me." 

      Kyle crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow. "But Emma's a woman." 

      Instead of saying anything further, Chase leapt forward and wrapped Kyle in a bone-crushing hug. "No need to be jealous, Kyle. I'm yours. Besides—" He glanced at Liam who was watching the duo with mild amusement. "Liam scares me." 

      Liam rolled his eyes and headed out of the barn. "Emma wanted to spend some time in town today so I took her this morning. She's riding back with Anita this afternoon." 

      Truth was, Liam was happy that Emma had decided to go to town. It had been a week since she'd been attacked on that mountain and Liam had been worried she'd retreat back into her shell and lose what progress she'd made since escaping her father. 

      But Emma seemed to have shaken it off—though he'd heard her whimpering and crying in her dreams at night and done his best to comfort her. 

      Patrick had been good for Emma during the last week. Liam was angry over the attack and still fairly on edge. Patrick, however, was his usual carefree self and he'd kept Emma company. 

      Liam hadn't spoken a word to anyone else about that day. He figured it wasn't anyone's business unless Emma chose to tell them. Hell, Liam probably wouldn't have even told his father about it if Patrick hadn't caught him at such a vulnerable moment. 

      "So, are you gonna sell that horse?" Kyle asked. 

      Liam sighed. "I had planned on it. But, I think Emma's attached to him. I'll have to have a talk with her before I decide anything." 

      "Yep. Can't make a step without that old ball and chain," Chase noted. 

      Liam glared at his brain addled friend. "How about you do something useful with yourself today?" 

      "Good luck with that," Kyle muttered. 

      "I'm always useful," Chase grumbled. 

      Liam grinned. "My cabin needs a couple new rooms. I need logs to build them with. You two up for some lumberjacking today?"

---

“Emma, sweetheart, is there something bothering you?” Anita asked as the two sat in the swing on the porch and watched the townsfolk bustling about their day.

      Emma forced a smile. "No, of course not. I'm just feeling a little tired." 

      Anita huffed and Emma saw the older woman's eyes narrow. "Now, don't you go lying to me, Emma McIntyre. I know that something is wrong. I can see it in your eyes just the same as I could see it in Liam's when he dropped you off here this morning. You might as well get to talking." 

      Emma crossed her arms over her chest, remembering how rough Shade's hands had felt as they held her and pinned her to the wet ground. She shivered and felt her stomach flip. 

      "Emma!" Anita began to fan her hand in front of Emma's face. "Sweetheart, you're white as a sheet! What on earth is going on? Has that father of yours been giving you more trouble? Or Bethany?"

      Emma shook her head. She hadn't spoken about Shade since the attack.... She hadn't even spoken about the attack itself at all. Neither had Liam. She knew he felt responsible for not keeping her safe-and she felt guilty for not fighting harder. 

      Emma met Anita's gaze and fought the tears that wanted to fill her eyes. "Liam and I were on the mountain when that storm hit last week. We were getting that black stallion he's been after for so long...." 

      Anita nodded. "Yes, he mentioned that he'd finally managed to catch it—with your help of course." Her gaze was soft. "Did you run into your father up there?"

      Emma shook her head. "No... I haven't seen or heard from my father since the night of the dance." Her hands were trembling so she folded them tightly in her lap and tried to focus on breathing deeply. "Liam and I got separated on the way back down—the fog and the storm made it impossible to find one another... I knew that if I just kept going down, I would find the valley and be able to go home... I just wanted to go home...." 

      Anita smoothed a strand of hair behind Emma's ear. "Of course you did, sweetheart. What happened?"

      "Shade Marxton found me... He yanked me off Honey and he...he..." 

      Emma couldn't finish her thought. She squeezed her eyes shut tight as she remembered the taste of his tongue as he'd shoved it into her mouth. 

      Anita cursed under her breath. "Why that no good, rat-faced, son of a heifer! Emma, sweetheart, did he.....?"

      Emma knew what Anita was asking and she quickly shook her head. "No, I'm not ruined if that's what ya mean. Liam came and...." 

      "Ruined?" Anita's voice was dangerously calm. "What on God's green earth would have you believing that you'd be ruined if Liam 

hadn’t gotten there in time?“

      Emma frowned. "Because, Shade would have...." 

      "That's Shade's sins—his mistakes. It would have had no bearing on you or the woman you are. You don't ever let yourself think that something someone does to you determines what kind of person you are or what worth you have. Do you hear me?"

      Emma had never in her life heard anything like what Anita was saying. It went against everything her father had ever said about women—and even her own mother had spoken of a woman's need to be pure and true only to her husband—to not 

tempt men into being unable to help themselves.

      She honestly liked Anita's outlook much better. Shade was a monster—a mean and evil man who had taken advantage of her. Emma loved Liam. She hadn't urged Shade on or tempted him in any way.... And Liam certainly didn't blame her for what happened. 

      She needed to let go of the blame she herself had been holding onto. 

      "Someone should go up there and pay Shade a visit," Anita grumbled, kicking up the rhythm of the porch swing. 

      "It wouldn't solve anything," Emma countered. "And then the mountain men would come down seeking their own vengeance." 

      Anita sighed. "I suppose you're right. I want you staying off that mountain, Emma. It's not safe. I'd like Liam to stay off it as well but that would be like asking that rock out there to sprout legs and run down the street. He's got trapping in his blood and that won't change.... But you? You keep yourself down where it's a bit safer."

      Emma simply smiled and nodded... but Anita wasn't completely right. It was just as dangerous down here. Liam hadn't been on that mountain when her father had shot him. And her father had kidnapped her right here in town. 

      But Emma would agree with Anita simply to please the woman. She was the best friend that Emma had outside of Liam. 

      "Hey Ms. Anita!" Lauren came barreling up onto the porch, her dark hair a mess and sweat dripping down her brow. She swiped at a patch of dirt on her blouse as Anita glared at the girl. 

      "What are you doing in such a state? Covered in sweat and dirt and running around bellowing like a calf at feeding time?" 

      "I was playing kickball with William and the others," Lauren admitted quickly. "You're the one that told me to make friends," she added pointedly. 

      Emma attempted to hide her smile behind her hand while Anita simply sighed with defeat. "And what about the bellowing?" 

      Lauren beamed beneath the dirt and freckles. "The stage just pulled up! Didn't you say you were expecting a new girl on the stage?"

      Anita's eyes lit up as she all but jumped to her feet. "Yes! I had nearly completely forgotten! I received a wire a few days ago about a young lady who'd shown up a few towns west. They were asking if I could take her in and, of course, I agreed." Anita turned to Emma. "Would you like to come with me to welcome her to Spring Falls?"

      Emma wanted to say no. She still wasn't entirely comfortable with the thought of meeting strangers. But Anita seemed so excited, Emma hated to turn her down. 

      She forced a smile and got to her feet. "Sure." 

      The walk to the stage coach office didn't take long, though Emma felt herself growing increasingly uncomfortable in the crowd that seemed to grow thicker as they neared it.     

      There was the sudden sound of rustling fabric and a loud thud just before a female voice filled the afternoon air. "Damnation. Hell's bells. That hurt like the dickens!" 

      Lauren laughed while Anita sighed. "That'll be her." 

      Anita nudged her way to the platform and Emma gasped when she saw the new girl for the first time. She was short, and quite dainty with a headful of curls so wild and massive that they seemed to swallow her head and shoulders. 

      Her face was red and flushed beneath a mess of dark freckles and her big green eyes were shining with good-nature. 

      But what shocked Emma most—more than the curses she'd hollered and more than her swiping at her dirt streaked backside as she picked herself up off the ground—was the trousers and blouse the woman was wearing! 

      They hugged her tiny frame tight, showing off her legs and hips in a way that Emma had never in her life seen a woman do! 

      "Oh dear me...." Anita muttered.

      Lauren laughed louder. "You might have found a harder case than I was!" 

      Lauren received a sharp smack to the back of her head before Anita stepped forward. "Hello, sweetheart. My name is Miss Anita. Are you the young lady I received word about?" 

      The young woman, probably about the same age as Emma, smiled in a way that lit up her whole face and nearly split her cheeks in half, deepening dimples in them. "Yep, that'll be me. Name's Cassandra Holland. I was raised up with a pa, eight brothers and no mama after I turned five. Apparently I'm lacking in what you'd call 'feminine airs'." 

      "Really?" Lauren snickered. "I'd have never guessed." 

      Lauren dodged another swat from Anita before Anita held out her hand to Cassandra. "It's wonderful to meet you, sweetheart. This here is Emma, she is married to my nephew and a wonderful woman to have as a friend. And, this urchin beside me is Lauren.... A work in progress." 

      "Well, it sure is a pleasure to meet y'all!" Cassandra grinned. Then she crossed her legs a bit and gave a bounce. "If y'all don't mind, could you show me to an outhouse. I've been cooped up in that stagecoach and holding it for hours!"

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

      "I should be getting home, Anita," Emma admitted after they'd shown Cassandra around the boarding house. 

      "Of course," Anita agreed, glancing out the window at the late afternoon sky. "I'll take you in the cart."

      "Can I come along?" Cassandra asked. "I ain't quite used to being cooped up in a town." 

      "Of course." Anita turned her gaze to Lauren. "You stay and get yourself cleaned up for supper. You look like you've been rolling around in a pig sty." 

      Lauren wiped her dirty hand on her dress. "It ain't 

that bad.“

      Emma, Cassandra and Anita loaded into the cart. They hadn't traveled far from town when they came upon Ben. "Hello ladies," he greeted with a tip of his head. 

      Anita smiled. "Hello Ben. We were just taking Emma home." 

      "I'll ride with you," Ben offered. "I was heading that way on my way up the mountain."         

      "Why are you going on the mountain?" Emma questioned. 

      His features were strained. "A funeral. Not one I'm too keen on performing but it 

is my duty as the preacher.“

      "Preacher?!" Cassandra demanded. "You can't be a preacher! Every preacher I've ever meant is either old or fat. Why, you're plumb handsome!" 

      Emma gasped with surprise, Anita laughed quietly into her hand and Ben's eyes widened so comically that they appeared ready to pop from his head. 

      He cleared his throat as his cheeks turned a deeper red than Emma had ever seen. "Uh... well.. thank you, ma'am. You.. uh.. you're quite lovely, yourself....I.." Ben cleared his throat loudly and tugged at his collar. "I don't believe we've ever met." 

      "No, you haven't," Anita aided the flustered man. "This is Cassandra. She just moved to Silver Falls to stay with me awhile. Cassandra, this is Ben Owens. He's our local preacher." 

      Cassandra smiled as she picked at trousers. "It's nice to meet you, Benjamin. I probably shouldn't have come out and said what I did... I don't have real good manners. That's one of the reasons my pa sent me to Miss Anita's." 

      Ben shook his head, seeming to overcome his initial shock and embarrassment. "Don't apologize, Miss Cassandra. I enjoyed the compliment and it's good to meet people who say exactly what they mean."

      "That's me," Cassandra beamed. "No filter." 

      "Oh dear..." Anita muttered. "I'm afraid this one might make Lauren seem like a walk in the park on a Sunday afternoon." 

      Emma bit her lip a moment before asking, "Who's funeral are you on your way to?"

      Ben's eyes softened. "Not 

that funeral.“ Then he shrugged. “Unfortunately.” Before Emma had time to fully process what he’d just said, Ben continued. “Apparently a man was up there during that storm a week or so ago and he got turned around and walked off a cliff. They just recently found his body and have asked me to come speak a few words. I’m supposed to say a few good things about the deceased and offer his family comfort that he’s gone to heaven….”

      Ben let out a sigh and glanced at the scenery. "And then pray for the Lord to forgive me for the sin of lying." 

      Again Emma gasped before stifling her laugher behind her hand. Anita was quick to scold Ben, though Emma was certain the older woman was fighting a smile. Cassandra, however, smacked her leg and laughed so loudly, she startled several birds in a nearby tree. 

      Ben cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter in the saddle. 

      The rest of the ride passed quickly with easy conversation and laughter. Emma found that she liked Cassandra. The woman was certainly rough around the edges but she seemed honest and friendly enough.              

      When they arrived at the cabin, Emma couldn't hold back her smile. Liam was in the yard using a two man saw with Kyle to cut branches off a tree. 

      He looked so strong.. so handsome. 

      Liam looked up, his eyes caught hers and a smile formed on his face as well. Emma's heart sped up while butterflies fluttered in her stomach. 

      "I'm guessing that must be your man. He sure does look at you like a man in love," Cassandra noted. 

      Emma blushed and glanced down at her skirt. Anita smiled. "Emma's been good for my nephew. And he looks at her that way because that's exactly what he is." 

      Patrick, Liam, Chase and Kyle stopped their work and, while Chase, Kyle and Liam approached the cart, Patrick made a quick escape to the barn—clearly he still wasn't quite ready to risk conversation with Anita. 

      "I'd like for all of you to meet Cassandra," Anita spoke up, motioning toward the woman who was shifting in the seat and tugging at the knees of her trousers. "Cassandra, this is Liam, Chase and Kyle," Anita added, pointing to them each in turn. "And the coward that tucked tail and ran into the barn when he saw me was Patrick." 

      "He's not really mean," Chase countered. "He's just got the good sense to realize Anita is a woman you don't want to tangle with." 

      Liam helped Emma from the cart and as the group continued with small talk, he pulled her slightly to the side. "Did you have a good time?" 

      Emma smiled up at him and nodded. "I did. I..." She bit her lip. "I told Anita about what happened on the mountain..." 

      Liam tensed and Emma saw the guilt in his eyes. She knew he blamed himself for what Shade had done. "And?" he asked tightly. 

      Emma placed a tender hand on his cheek and felt her heart swell as Liam leaned into her touch. "And, I'm okay." 

---

Liam stared down at his wife and was once again amazed at the strength in women. He believed her when she said she was okay. Emma was no liar and Liam could read her emotions like a book.

      She was tiny, small and delicate and yet she had greater strength than men three times her size. 

      "I'll be going now," Ben called out. 

      "Have fun telling lies at that funeral, Ben," Cassandra replied. 

      Liam frowned. "Funeral?"

      "Lies?" Chase chimed in. "I thought holy men didn't tell lies." 

      Ben cleared his throat. "Of course we can, Chase. The Lord allows us three a year to use wisely," he stated dryly. Ben turned his attention to Liam. "A mountain man died during that storm a week ago. He got turned around up in that fog and walked right off a cliff." 

      The hairs on the back of Liam's neck rose to attention. "Who?" 

      "Shade Marxton is his name. I'd rather not speak for him but I do as I'm asked." 

      Liam felt the shock Emma felt as she gripped his hand tightly. Liam himself was feeling pretty damn shocked. Shade Marxton was dead? He'd died the day of the storm?

      "Hell, I thought mountain men knew those mountains and cliffs like the back of their hands. How does one walk off of one?" Chase demanded. 

      "Maybe he had help," Kyle stated. 

      Anita huffed. "Yes, the good Lord himself led the man up there and threw him off just to save us all the headache." 

      "Anita!" Emma and Cassandra gasped in unison. 

      Anita shrugged. "What? I refuse to sit and act as if his death is any great loss." She shot Emma a pointed look. "It is my most heartfelt belief that he got exactly what he deserved." 

      "Damn straight he did," Liam all but growled. 

      He was still trying to figure out how that had happened. Chase was right. Mountain men knew the mountains. They didn't just wonder off a cliff.....

      He felt eyes on him and glanced toward the barn to see Patrick watching him closely. His father had disappeared the night of the storm after Liam and Emma had returned home. Liam hadn't read much into it, or the limp the man had had the next morning—he'd assumed Patrick had just gone into town and possibly drank too much and stumbled his way into a curled ankle. 

      But what if that wasn't what had happened.... Patrick had seemed awful mad that night. And Patrick knew those mountains just as well as any mountain man. 

      Their gazes met and Liam saw his father give the smallest of nods. 

      Hell. 

      Just when Liam thought he was figuring things out life had thrown yet another surprise his way.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“I say we call this canning business quits for the day,” Anita declared as she wiped her arm across her sweat-slicked brow.

      Emma was happy to agree. With Cassandra and Lauren's help, the women had been canning apples and pears since just a little after dawn. Their hands were aching and each of them were overheated and tired of standing over the boiling water. 

      "We got quite a bit done today," Emma observed, taking note of the cans—well over one-hundred of them. 

      "I want you to know that at least one-third of these are for you and Liam," Anita stated. "You can use them to get through winter and help with your pies." 

      "I couldn't take them!" Emma argued. "These are all from your fruit trees." 

      "Yes, which you helped pick and you helped with all this canning. You've earned them," Anita assured her in a tone of voice that made it clear she was done with the conversation.

      Lauren chuckled. "You oughta know better than to turn down free food." 

      "Yeah," Cassandra agreed. "As my daddy always says, you should never look a gift horse in the mouth." 

      Anita raised a brow. "Are you comparing me to a horse?" 

      Cassandra's cheeks flushed slightly. "No, of course not." 

      "I should probably be heading home. I'm sure the men are getting hungry," Emma noted, glancing at the clock on the wall. 

      "I'll ride with ya," Cassandra offered. "That way you're not alone. I'm sure Miss Anita is tired after working so hard all day." 

      Anita smiled. "I have plenty of energy left to take Emma home... unless the 

real reason you’re so eager to ride with her is so you can once again ride back into town with Ben.“

      Emma smiled at the embarrassment and surprise on Cassandra's face. It was no secret to anyone around them that Ben and Cassandra had taken a liking to one another in the last few weeks. 

      Ben had been working quite often on the cabin additions with Liam and nearly every day Cassandra would ride out to the cabin just so that Ben would offer to accompany her back to town. 

      It was certainly an odd match. Cassandra cussed more than it would deemed proper a preacher's wife to do and, while Anita had finally convinced her that trousers were not proper lady attire, she had insisted on only wearing split skirts—as dresses and proper skirts made it too difficult to hop straight onto a horse's back and ride off.

      But Ben didn't seem to mind Cassandra's quirks. Her lack of filter and her tendency to say whatever came to mind. As a matter of fact, those are the very things he seemed to like most about her. 

      "Come on, Cassandra," Emma smiled. "We better be going so Miss Anita can get her rest." She paused at the door. "Anita, if you're certain that Liam and I can have some of the cans, I'll have him come into town with me tomorrow to get them." 

      Anita rolled her eyes. "Of course I'm sure, sweetheart." She made a big show of stifling a yawn. "You girls should get going now. This old woman needs her beauty rest." 

      Lauren snorted. "Better be a long nap." 

      She dodged a head smack from Anita before running from the room with laughter. Anita lips twitched with a suppressed smile. "A long nap sounds pretty good to me." 

---

      "Hell, Liam, when's that woman of yours gonna get home and start some supper. I'm starved to death," Chase complained. 

      Liam grunted, pausing between hammer swings. "Hell, Chase, between you and Kyle, one of you must know how to cook or else you both would have starved to death by now." 

      Kyle chuckled. "Chase is pretty handy in a kitchen." 

      "Do you have an apron?" Ben spoke up. "All the good cooks wear an apron." 

      Liam chuckled as he went back to nailing on shingles. Liam liked Ben. The man might be a preacher, but he wasn't an uppity bastard like a lot of them. He still spoke and voiced real opinions despite his holy background and he was easy to be around.

      Hell, Ben even knew about Chase and Kyle's secret. He'd figured it out pretty quickly. Chase had been worried the preacher man would judge them harshly or have them run out of town for their 

sinful way of life, but Ben had simply said there was far too little love in the world and if Kyle was foolish enough to tie himself down to a pain in the neck like Chase, who was he to say a word against it.

      Liam chuckled at the memory. Yeah, he liked Ben.

      "I could go down and start some supper," Patrick offered. "I know a thing or two about a kitchen." 

      "Well thank you, Patrick. That'd be damn womanly of you," Chase grinned. 

      Patrick simply shrugged before heading off the roof and down the ladder. 

      Liam wasn't quite sure what to make of the change in his father. Gone was the angry, drunk wandering man who Liam had known for nearly thirty years. 

      Patrick rarely drank, was no longer hot-headed and had stayed around longer than he ever had before. He cared for Emma, took care of anything Liam needed done and Liam was pretty damn sure the man had even murdered Shade Marxton to save Liam the trouble. 

      It was a confusing thing and Liam was having trouble figuring out just what he wanted to do... he was struggling to figure out how to open up to the man he'd barely known most of his life. 

      With a sigh Liam decided he'd talk to Emma about things. He'd gotten pretty damn good at opening up to his wife and she had a kind, caring spirit. She'd help him work things out. 

      "Well, speaking about pretty women, here come two sunshine daisies now," Kyle said, pointing toward the path from town. 

      Liam followed his gaze and saw Emma and Cassandra riding their way. Emma was riding the black stallion she'd named Colt. She'd taken such a liking to that stallion, and him to her, that Liam hadn't even had the heart to mention selling it. 

      He figured he could still make a fairly good money off Colt just by using him as a stud. He'd already had a few folks asking how much he'd charge.

      "Miss Cassandra came with her," Ben quickly noted, before scrambling from the roof so quickly, Liam thought for a moment he might have disappeared into thin air. 

      "Did you see that?" Chase demanded. "He flew off this roof like a damn spider monkey." 

      Chase followed after Ben and Liam glanced at Kyle. "What the hell is a spider monkey?" 

      Kyle shrugged. "No idea. I don't understand half of what that man says." 

      Liam was about to head down the ladder himself when a flash of movement behind the approaching women caught his eyes. 

      Mountain lion. 

      And it was stalking. 

      What kind of mountain lion stalked two women on horseback in the middle of the day with so many other people around? Was it rabid? 

      Liam wasn't going to wait until it attacked his wife to find out. 

      He pulled his revolver and took aim, knowing from the beast's posture that he only had moments to fire before it would be on his wife—and knowing that his aim had to be perfect or else he'd be hand delivering the big cat a meal. 

      Emma saw him aiming the gun and she let out a gasp just as Liam pulled the trigger. 

      Cassandra cursed loudly and the horse she was riding let out a shrill cry before tossing Cassandra from his back and racing back down the trail toward town. 

      Ben raced to Cassandra and took her hand to help her to her feet as her curses filled the air. "That damned beast! Threw me right off onto my backside!" She began swatting at the dirt on the back of her skirt. "Am I real dirty, Ben? Miss Anita will kill me if I stained up my skirt. Does my backside look bad?" 

      She turned and pointed at her backside and Liam, even from a distance, saw a flustered Ben tug at his collar and shake his head quickly. "No, Miss Casssandra.. uh.. your backside looks just fine." 

      Liam slipped down the ladder and rushed to Emma just as she was getting from Colt's back. "What were you shooting at?" she demanded, her face pale. To the 

      Liam pointed behind her about ten yards and she clutched tightly to his arm when she saw the mountain lion. "I had no idea it was even there!" 

      "You don't," Liam assured her. "Until they're jumping on your back and snapping your neck." 

      "That thing sure was awful brave to try to attack humans in broad daylight like that," Patrick noted, stepping off the porch with a rifle in hand. 

      "Is it mad?" Kyle asked. 

      Liam shrugged. He walked to the dead creature, fully aware of Emma still holding tightly to his arm. Looking closely at the mountain lion, Liam realized just how skinny the beast was and, it appeared to have an injury to its paw. 

      That explained that. The cat hadn't been rabid—it had been desperate, hungry and wounded; searching for any prey it could find. 

      Liam looked down at his wife and knew what had to be done. The cat hadn't been rabid but it 

had been a wake up call. With so many dangers in the word—from mountain men to mountain lions—he needed to know Emma could protect herself.

      He had to teach her to use a gun.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

       "I'm not sure I want to," Emma admitted as she stared at the piece of iron and wood resting in Liam's hand. 

      A gun. 

      Guns were dangerous and deadly and Emma wanted nothing to do with taking someone's life. 

      Liam shook his head. "Whether you want to or not, you need to. What if I hadn't been around when that mountain lion attacked you yesterday? What if it had come earlier on the trail before you'd gotten to the cabin?" 

      Emma sighed. "I know, Liam. I know that it could have killed me..." She bit her lip. "But guns kill, Liam.. I couldn't kill a person..." 

      Emma saw Liam's eyes turn haunted just before he opened the cylinder of his revolver and check the rounds inside. "You'd be surprised just what you'll do when it comes right down to it, Emma. And I'm not saying you need to learn to shoot so you can kill every person you ever meet. I just want to know you can protect yourself against critters like that lion." 

      Emma was still nervous, still uncertain and still uncomfortable. But, she could tell just how important this was to Liam. She knew he blamed himself for the incident with Shade. She knew that if anything else ever happened to her—or even 

almost happened to her—Liam would blame himself.

      If teaching her to shoot a gun gave him a bit of comfort and assurance than Emma would let him. After all he'd done for her, it certainly wasn't too much to ask. 

      "Okay. But you'll have to tell me exactly what to do. I've never used a gun before." 

      Liam beamed, clearly happy she'd come around. He showed her the gun. "First rule is, always treat a gun like it's loaded, even if you aren't sure it is. Never point a gun at 

anything or anyone unless you want to shoot that target. And you don’t ever touch that trigger until you’re ready to fire a bullet. Too many people get trigger itch and pull it too soon—that’s how bad accidents tend to happen.“

      Emma swallowed hard and nodded. This lesson certainly wasn't making her feel any more comfortable about using a gun. 

      Next, Liam went through the steps of teaching her to load the weapon. When Emma was fairly capable of doing that, he turned her attention to a stump in the yard with a scrap of fur tied tight around it. 

      "There's your critter, Emma. Time to learn how to shoot it." 

      Liam stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He placed his arms over hers and guided her as she tried to take aim. 

      "You want to line those sights there up with the target. You should be able to see the front sight between the back ones... take your time. Take a deep breath in, let it out real slow and squeeze the trigger—don't pull it real hard or your shot will jump." 

      Emma attempted to remember all that as she held the gun. She had it aimed at the target and so she slowly breathed out before pulling the trigger. 

      The gun jumped in her hand and the sound of the bullet ricocheted loudly in her ears. Quickly, she turned her head to look at Liam. "Did I hit it?" 

      He had a proud smile on his face as a chuckle rumbled from his chest, vibrating against her back. "No. But you got close." He must have noticed her disappointment because he kissed her hair. "Don't feel bad, love. Nobody hits the target the first time. I have boxes and boxes of ammunition and we have all day. You'll be shooting just as good as me in no time." 

      

By the time they called it a day, Emma realized that while Liam might have been exaggerating about just how good of a shot she would be, she had gotten much better. Most of her shots had begun to hit the target. They were spread out and not close together the way Liam’s were but Emma was proud of herself all the same.

      And shooting had taken away much of her fear of the weapon. Learning the weapon had helped her to understand it and with understanding came a certain comfort. 

      And the pride on Liam's face as she'd gotten better and better had been well worth overcoming her fear. 

      Liam pulled her into his chest once they were finished and kissed her brow lovingly. "You're a hell of a woman, Emma." 

      Pride blossomed in her chest as she snuggled close against him. Liam pulled away and took her hand in his. "I want you to start carrying a gun when you're going into town and I'm not with you." 

      "Liam...." 

      "Please?" he insisted. "It'd do a hell of a lot to ease my mind and you'll probably never have to use it." 

      Emma sighed. She knew she couldn't tell him no... not when Liam rarely asked her for anything and it was concern for her causing him to ask now. 

      "Okay. I'll carry one when I go to town." 

      She glanced up at the sky and realized evening was approaching. "I'd better go start supper. I'm sure you're getting hungry." 

      Liam shook his head, twining the fingers of their clasped hands together. "Can we go for a walk around the valley? There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about." 

      Emma frowned. "Of course... is everything okay?" 

      "I'm just confused and I'd like to talk about it with someone I trust." 

      Emma's frown quickly morphed into a smile. "Talk away." 

      As they strolled slowly, hand-in-hand, Liam spoke about his father. He spoke about the way his father had never been and how the man who was here now was 

not the same man who had been around then. He told Emma about his confusion toward this new version of his father and he admitted that he wasn’t sure how to accept him or move forward.

      They came to a stop beside the river and Emma put her hands on Liam's chest as she looked up into his eyes. "Patrick, the man he is now, is a good one. You're right when you say he's changed. Liam, he cares for you and I think you care for him too." 

      "I don't know how... I don't know how to show him that, Emma. I'm not ready to throw my arms around him and call him pa." 

      Emma smiled. Of course he wasn't. Liam was a man who did not say anything unless he was certain he wanted to say it and he didn't make a move until he was positive it was the one he wanted. He was a private man who wouldn't openly display his feelings until he was good and ready. 

      "Small steps then," she offered. "He 

is still sleeping in the barn.“

      A smile curved Liam's lips, accenting his sharp features. He stooped low and pressed a tender kiss to her lips, leaving Emma breathless and wanting more. "My wife is such a smart woman." 

---

      Liam stood on the porch, looking out at the land around him. His cabin was nearly complete. His father had worked tirelessly right beside him to finish the work—the old man didn't deserve to call the barn his home. 

      Stepping off the porch, Liam made his way to the barn and found Patrick inside sitting on a bucket and sharpening his knife. "Hello there, son. Is supper ready?" 

      Liam shook his head. "No, she's got it cooking though," he replied, absently motioning toward the house. 

      Patrick chuckled as he continued to look at the blade and stone in his hand. "I saw some of that target practice today. You better be careful. Emma seems to be a natural and after a few more practices she'll be dangerous with that weapon—you're gonna have to walk the line." 

      "I've always had good balance," Liam assured him. He rubbed at his neck and cleared his throat as he shuffled his feet. 

      Patrick seemed to notice his discomfort and looked up. "Is something wrong, son?" 

      Liam gripped the banister beside him with one hand and avoided his father's gaze. "We're gonna need to get some more logs cut." 

      "What for? The cabin doesn't need anymore—unless you plan on having a wagonload of youngins," he added with a grin.

      Liam swallowed hard and squared his shoulders. It was time to stop being a little boy. He met his father's gaze. "I figure since you're sticking around, you need a better place to sleep than the barn loft. There's plenty of room in the valley and plenty of good weather left this year to get a cabin built." 

      Patrick's eyes widened. "Are you sure, son?" 

      Liam nodded. "I'm sure." 

      For a moment Liam thought his father might stand and hug him and was grateful when he remained seated and went back to sharpening his knife. "That'll be real nice, Liam. Thank you."

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Twenty-Nine

      Emma stepped out of the doc's feeling as if she were floating on air. 

      She was with child. 

      She'd been fairly certain she was but she hadn't told Liam about her suspicions. He had brought her to town that morning before going back home to work on Patrick's cabin which was nearly complete. 

      Emma had used a visit with Anita to disguise her true reasons for wanting to come into town. 

      A babe was growing her belly. A piece of her and Liam would soon join the world and be in her arms. 

      The smile on her face was impossible to wipe away as Emma breezed down the boardwalk, paying no attention to those she passed along the way. 

      She was so lost in her happy thoughts that she didn't hear the footsteps closing in behind her. When a hand suddenly tapped her shoulder, Emma nearly screamed and spun quickly. 

      "Emma! Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you!" Ben gasped, covering his chest with his hand. "I called your name several times but you didn't seem to hear me."           

      Emma took several breaths to calm her heartbeat before offering him a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Ben. I'm sorry I was so lost in my thoughts." 

      "I won't keep you long," Ben assured her. "I was wondering if you'd seen Cassandra this morning. I spoke to Miss Anita and she said Cassandra was somewhere in town running errands." 

      Emma shook her head. "I'm sorry, Ben. I haven't seen her. I was at the doc's and...." 

      "The doc's?" Ben quickly interrupted with concern. "Are you ill? Where is Liam?" 

      Emma was quick to shush him and he tilted his head as she spoke. "I'm not ill, Ben.. I was at the doc for 

personal reasons and Liam does not know I was there. He’s at home working on Patrick’s cabin.“

      A knowing light lit Ben's eyes but if he understood her reasons for visiting the doctor, he didn't say. Instead he laid a friendly hand on her arm and Emma forced herself to accept the contact. Ben was a friend—not a man who wished to hurt her. 

      "I'll let you get on about your day then, Emma. I really do need to find Miss Cassandra...." 

      "There she is." Emma pointed to the overwhelming mass of curls currently coming out of the mercantile. "I'll walk with you, Ben. I was needed to buy a few things." 

      Emma noticed that the man was no longer speaking and his face grew more pale with each step they took across the bustling street. Cassandra caught sight of them and a smile lit her face. "Well will you look at that! My two favorite people in the whole world both appearing at once." 

      "Hello, Cassandra," Emma replied. She waited for Ben to speak as well but the man's mouth simply moved up and down as if he were a fish struggling to breath out of water. What in the world was wrong with him? 

      Emma cleared her throat. "Cassandra, Ben said he had something he wished to speak to you about. I'll just step into the store and give the two of you some privacy." 

      Emma slipped away, hoping that whatever Ben had to say was a good thing. Cassandra truly had fallen for the preacher and Emma didn't want to see her friend hurt. 

      She peered through the dusty haze and found the small fabric section toward the back of the store. Making her way around barrels of dried fruit and nuts, Emma approached the meager selections. 

      She could go to the dress shop for a more ample supply of fabrics but she didn't want any of those shop keeps to let it get around town that she'd been buying the fabric she was hoping to find—all she needed was for Bethany's mother, Mrs. Ryan, or Bethany herself to find out. 

      Emma had so far managed to completely avoid them since her last run in with Bethany and she wished to keep it that way. 

      Emma ran her fingers over a soft, thin yellow fabric adorned with dancing bears. She could see her child swaddled up with that and sleeping soundly upon Liam's chest. The price was nearly triple the rougher, plain white fabric that she would typically use for a blanket or outfit—but she 

did have money from selling her pies and Liam surely wouldn’t mind if she splurged on enough to make only a couple blankets and perhaps a pillow.

      Emma picked up the fabric bundle and was on her way to the clerk when Cassandra came bursting into the store. The woman collided with her, taking her hands and hopping up and down like a person possessed. 

      "What in the world?!" Emma demanded. 

      Cassandra's cheeks were flushed bright red as she tossed her curls from her face. "Hell, Emma, you won't believe what just happened!" 

      Emma glanced toward the door but no one was there. Where had Ben gone? "What happened?" she found herself asking. 

      "Ben done went and asked me to marry him! Can you believe that? A man that good and decent and handsome wanting to marry a woman like me?" 

      "You're a very good woman," Emma quickly assured her. Before she could say anything else, Cassandra was speaking once again. 

      "My pa and brothers sent me here sure that I was a waste of womanhood and would only ever be in their way. And now I got a man better than all of them put together wanting to make me his wife!" 

      Emma smiled, her friend's happiness was truly infectious. Today was a good day. "What did you say?" she asked. "Are you going to marry him?"

      Cassandra gasped, pulled away and slapped herself in the forehead. "I plumb forgot to answer!" 

      The store keep chuckled from behind the counter. "I can see the poor man from here. He's pacing that boardwalk and appears ready to fall over dead. You might want to go put him out of his misery." 

      Cassandra let out a curse and barreled from the store, nearly toppling over a barrel of dried meat and forcing an elderly couple to leap from her path. 

      Emma went to the counter and as she was paying for her purchase, she heard Ben let out a happy holler and her smile grew. 

      She gathered up the brown paper wrapped bundle and stepped outside. "I'm so happy for you both." 

      "Ben asked me to go have some lunch with him at the café. I told him we should invite you. Do you want to come with us?" 

      "No, I think you need to spend some time together and enjoy each other," Emma insisted. "I'm going to go visit Anita for a while and then ride home." 

      "Are you sure?" Cassandra asked, her star-filled eyes seemingly unable to look away from Ben's smiling face. 

      "I'm sure. Enjoy your day. I truly am happy for you both." 

      "Oh, Emma?" Cassandra finally broke eye contact with Ben. "Please don't tell Anita. I wanna surprise her when I get back." 

      Emma smiled. "Your secret is safe with me." 

      Emma parted ways with her friends and headed toward the boarding house. She was just rounding a corner at the end of town when a shadow fell behind her. 

      "Well, well, well.... Look what I found." 

A/N: Cliffhanger, i know don’t kill me! Also wanted to note that I know this chapter is short–Im’ doing my best during summer vacation for my kiddos to get you chapters up somewhat regularly–that means they may end up being a bit shorter! Love y’all!

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

Fear clogged Emma’s senses. She had thought she was safe. IT had been months since she’d seen him….

      Now her father had tracked her down. 

      Emma turned slowly, her heart racing against her ribs. "What are you doing here, pa?" 

      Silas' haggard, bearded face split in an ugly smile. "Well listen to ya! Talkin' all proper and forgettin' where ya came from and what ya are." 

      Emma shook her head, hoping he couldn't hear her knees knocking together. "I haven't forgotten anything," she assured him. 

      "Where's that husband of yers and all those bodyguards?" 

      "Around," she whispered weakly. 

      He laughed, the sound harsh in her ears. "Ya know better than to lie to me, Emma Hawke." 

      Emma swallowed hard. "My name isn't Emma Hawke anymore. It's Emma McIntire now and you know that. Liam won't like you bothering me." 

      Rage contorted Silas' features and Emma knew she had said the wrong thing. Damn! She'd gotten more and more comfortable with speaking her mind lately and it was going to cost her dearly. 

      "Do ya honestly think I give a hell what that bastard of a man would want?" 

      Emma knew violence was coming. She laid a hand over her stomach and thought of the life growing there. She would 

not let her father take something else from her! He had stolen her childhood with his abuse. Murdered her mother. Tried to murder her husband. He would not harm her child.

      There was a gun in her pocket.......

      Before Emma could build up her courage to reach for the weapon, and, before her father could resort to the violence Emma knew was coming—a furry body came between them. 

      "Am I interrupting something?" 

      Chase's voice was one of the best sounds Emma had ever heard in her life. "This is a family matter and not any business of yers," Silas growled. Emma could no longer see him but his anger was plain to hear. 

      "And Emma's my family," Chase replied. "If you think for one single moment I'll let you harm a hair on her head, you're even dumber than you look." 

      Emma nearly fell over. Silas was 

not a man most men wanted to cross and yet Chase had just threatened and insulted him at the same time!

      It seemed Silas was as shocked as Emma was. He stammered and huffed but remained at a loss for any real words. Chase smiled down at Emma and reached out a hand. "Hop on up, Emma and I'll find you some better company to keep." 

      Emma was more than happy to have an escape from her angry father. She let Chase pull her up on the horse and she kept her yes on Chase's back, avoiding see her father again. 

      Once they were safely back on the bustling main street, what had just happened seemed to truly sink in. Emma began to shake and tears filled her eyes. 

      "Don't panic now," Chase gently scolded. He brought the horse to a stop, jumped down and pulled Emma down with him. "It's all over, Emma," he soothed, pulling her into a hug and rubbing her back. 

      "I should probably get you home," Chase offered as Emma's trembling slowly subsided and he pulled away. 

      "Why was he here? Why follow me?" Emma whispered. 

      Because scaring people makes him feel tough." 

      "I was going to shoot him," she added, placing her hand over the gun in her pocket.

      Chase chuckled softly. "It's a good thing I got there when I did then, quick draw. I saved that man's life." 

      Emma wrapped her arms around herself. "I want to go home." 

      She wanted Liam. 

      Chase nodded. "Where's Colt?"

      "Hitched at the livery." 

      Chase led Emma there and the pair headed out of town. "Why are you in town anyway?" Emma asked as they rode. "I thought you were helping Liam at the cabin today." 

      "We ran out of nails." He shrugged. "I was the errand boy." 

      Emma fell silent. The trip home was tense and fearful. Emma expected her father to come bursting from the forest at any moment—or for a bullet to slam into her back, or Chase's, the way it had Liam's. 

      But neither of those things happened. The trip was long and uneventful. Emma realized Liam was back in the valley, atop his father's cabin. She didn't think he had seen her and, now that she was this close, she was afraid to see him. 

      She had been so excited, both to tell him about the babe and the engagement of their friends, but now..... now she knew she would have to tell him about her father and that would be a dark cloud over any happiness they both felt. 

      "Chase, can you tend to Colt?" she asked, slipping from the horse's back. 

      Chase let out a whine. "But that horse hates me. He bites me every time I get close enough." When Emma said nothing, he sighed. "Alright. I'll tend to the demon horse. You better be glad I love you." 

      Emma made a quick escape into the cabin with no idea what she would tell her husband when he realized she was back. 

---

      "I saw you lead Colt into the barn," Liam said, standing straight and wiping his brow with his shirt sleeve. He frowned at Chase. "Did Emma come home already?"   

      Chase's face paled. "Uh.. yeah... she's home." 

      Kyle stepped over. "What's wrong, Chase?" 

      "I reckon we should head home for today. Liam needs to talk to Emma." 

      "What the hell is wrong with Emma?" Liam demanded. "Is she sick?"      

      "She didn't get hurt, did she?" Patrick asked. 

      Chase sighed and took Kyle's hand. "Liam needs to go talk to her. I think it'd be best if 

she told you what happened.“

      Unease rushed down Liam's spine. Without another word, he leapt from the roof. With the shock of the impact still echoing through him, Liam's legs ate up the ground as he ran to the cabin he shared with Emma. 

      Barging in, Liam found the kitchen and main rooms empty. He immediately went to their new bedroom and found Emma sitting in the center of the bed with her knees pulled into her chest. 

      "Emma?" Liam rushed to the bed and sat beside her, pulling her into his lap. "Hell woman.. what's wrong with you?" he demanded when he realized her face was wet with tears. 

      Emma remained silent and Liam tensed. "You didn't run into Bethany or her mother again, did you? Tell me you aren't still putting any weight in what they say...." 

      A shake of her head followed his question. Liam sighed. "Then what's wrong? I can't read your mind, love. What happened in town? Chase said I needed to talk with you." 

      "I... I saw him," Emma whispered. 

      Liam frowned. "Him who?" 

      A sniffle came from Emma and her grip on his shirt became a bit tighter. "My father... he followed me. He cornered me away from main street." 

      Liam tensed. Anger shot through him. Along with guilt. Hell..... It seemed like every time something bad happened to Emma, he wasn't there to protect her. 

      "Did he hurt you?" 

      "No," Emma was quick to reply. "But he would have.... Or I would have hurt him..." 

      Liam held her a bit tighter. "I'm glad you didn't have to pull that gun, love," he admitted. He'd taught her to shoot so she could defend herself but he didn't actually want her to 

have to use it. Killing a person was never easy—even when that person left you no choice.

      Emma's face was pale and her eyes were red-rimmed and distant as she stared at the wall. "I thought I was safe there.... I was walking to Anita's and went around the edge of town to get there. He came up behind me and he laughed and mocked me.... I spoke my mind when I shouldn't have and it made him more angry. I knew...." Emma's voice broke. "I knew he was going to get violent and I knew I couldn't let him hit me... I couldn't because....." She stopped suddenly. "....because I'm tired of being hit." 

      Liam remained silent. He didn't know what to say. What could he say? He simply held her close against him and tried to offer what comfort he could. 

      Emma shifted slightly to look up at him. "Chase came just before things turned violent."

      "I'm glad for that," Liam admitted. 

      "Why won't he just let us live in peace?" she whispered. 

      Liam sighed. "He's an angry, lonely man who has built his whole world around controlling and hurting those he feels are weaker than him. The fact that you escaped that life is a blow to his pride he seems to be having trouble getting over." 

      "Well, I wish he'd get over it." 

      Silence fell. There wasn't much Liam could say. He just held his wife close and was grateful that nothing worse had happened to her. 

      He wasn't going to let her go unaccompanied around town any longer. Just like Emma, Liam too had thought she was safe in town in broad daylight—being wrong had nearly cost him his wife. 

      Liam couldn't go back to a life without Emma. It simply wasn't an option. 

z|

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-One

A week came and went quickly. Emma no longer wandered through town alone. Liam had come with her the first time and he’d watched over her like a hawk—which had actually caused her to feel more tense. Liam now seemed fairly content in knowing that she always made sure that Cassandra, Lauren or Anita were with her. The fear was beginning to fade as Emma had made three trips to town without ever seeing her father again.

      Maybe he wasn't following her. Maybe it had only been chance that they'd bumped into each other and his temper had gotten the better of him. 

      Emma still hadn't told Liam about the babe but she knew today was the day to do that. She had a good meal cooked, a pie baked and was waiting on him to get home from checking a few of his traps. 

      She hated that she'd waited so long before telling Liam but she had wanted some of the tension, fear and anger to fade. She hadn't wanted those feelings to tarnish a moment that should be perfect, happy and joyous. 

      Liam's footsteps on the porch announced his arrival. Emma could tell by the heavy falls that he was upset. 

      Something must have happened while he'd been gone. 

      Her heart fell. She had wanted Liam to be in a good mood when she told him about their child!

      Liam threw open the door, yanked off his hat, tossed it onto the sofa and jerked his gun belt from his hips before hanging it by the door. His face was red and his jaw was tight. 

      Then he glanced toward the kitchen and his gaze fell on her. Emma saw saw his shoulders relax as he strode toward her and pulled her into a warm hug. 

      "Damn woman, coming home to you makes even a hell of a day seem like heaven." 

      Her heart warmed at the loving words. She glanced up at him after he'd released her. "What happened?" 

      Liam sighed as he flopped himself down in a kitchen table. "Nothing important." 

      "Liam?"

      Rubbing at his neck, Liam shook his head. "I'd rather just get to eating this supper. Is that venison steak I smell?" 

      "Yes, but I want to know what had you storming into the house that way." 

      Emma began making Liam's plate and he grumbled. "A few of my traps were destroyed." 

      "Destroyed how?" Emma asked, her hand pausing in the air as she reached for the potato spoon. "Animals?" 

      Liam snorted. "No, it wasn't animals. Someone up there destroyed them." 

      Emma knew who that someone had been. She didn't need to say it and neither did Liam. She finished making his plate and sat it down in front of him. "Thank you, love. This looks good. I'm starving. Sit down. Eat with me." 

      Emma remained standing and chewed at her lip. She didn't want to wait any longer to tell Liam—even if the moment wasn't the perfect one she had imagined. 

      "I actually have something I wanted to tell you," she began. 

      Liam put his fork down and turned in the chair to face her. "What's wrong?" 

      "There's nothing wrong. I.. I have some news." 

      She was trembling with a combination of nerves and excitement as Liam studied her curiously. "What in the world is it?" 

      Emma took a deep breath, grabbed his calloused hand and laid it over her stomach. "We're going to have a baby, Liam." 

      Liam's eyes were wide as his gaze dropped to her stomach. His fingers spread wide across her belly and he swallowed hard. "A baby? Are you sure?" 

      Emma bit her lip. She couldn't tell, based on his reaction, if he was happy or not... what if he was disappointed or upset? She had been sure he wanted children.... They had added on to the cabin and they certain hadn't done anything to 

prevent getting with child.

      When Liam's eyes met hers, all of her doubts vanished. She was shocked beyond speechless when she realized that tears lined his eyes. A bright smile nearly split his face in half before he leapt from the chair and pulled her into a tight hug. 

      "I love you, Emma." 

      "I love you too," Emma whispered, loving that overwhelming feeling of protection and warmth that she always felt when she was in Liam's arms this way. 

      "I don't tell you enough but you mean 

everything to me. My life was empty before you. You’ve given me happiness, a real home and a purpose. Now you’re giving me a child….. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Emma McIntyre.“

      Emma knew that if she spoke, she would break down in tears of happiness. She also knew that there was nothing she could say that would be any more beautiful than the words Liam had just said. 

      So instead of speaking, Emma simply held her husband tighter. After several moments, Liam pulled away just enough to lift Emma's chin. 

      He pressed his lips to hers and Emma lost herself. The kiss was long and tender and thoroughly intoxicating. 

      She was so caught up in the movement of his lips against hers that she didn't realize Liam had been moving them toward the bedroom until she was falling down upon the bed with Liam falling along with her. 

      The dinner she'd spent so long preparing was forgotten as Liam brought her body to life and expertly guided her to the peak again and again. 

      Emma's body was humming with contentment as they lay spent in each other's arms upon their bed. 

      "We need to take you into town tomorrow so you can talk to the doc and make sure everything looks good for you and our boy." 

      Emma frowned. "Our daughter, you mean, and I've already been to the doc." 

      Liam's brow creased. "You have?" 

      Emma bit her lip. "Yes...." 

      "When?  How long have you known?" 

      "About a week." She bit her lip. "I saw the doc the day that I saw my father in town."

      Liam's body tensed against her. His fingers stilled their tracing on her arm. "Does your father know?" 

      "No..." Emma snuggled closer to him, wanting to ease his tension. "No one knows other than you and the doc.... And Ben might have figured it out but I'm not certain and he didn't say. I was going to tell you that day but you were so angry about my father and I didn't want this news to be tainted." 

      Liam sighed and his lips brushed against her hair. "We're not going to let your father ruin anything we're building together, love. 

I won’t let him.“

      A comfortable, content silence fell over the bedroom. Liam's steady heartbeat beneath her ear gave Emma a wonderful sense of peace. 

      Neither was in any rush to leave their bed until the rumbling of an empty stomach filled the silence. Liam chuckled as he smoothed Emma's hair from her red face. "Are you hungry, Emma?" 

      She bit her lip. "A little." 

      Liam sat up. "Let's go get you fed then. Can't be letting my little man in there go hungry." 

---

      As silly as it sounded, Liam felt as if he were floating on a cloud. A child.... Hell, he was going to be a pa! 

      Never in his life had Liam even given much thought at all to having children. He'd never thought he'd find a woman he could tolerate well enough to marry much less have children with!

      But Emma had changed all that. She had come into his life, made him realize that 

she had been what he’d always needed and given him a reason to be a better man.

      Liam went to the barn that evening after eating supper. He was going to feed the animals but realized his father had beaten him to it. "Hey there, son," Patrick greeted as Liam stepped inside. 

      "Thanks for doing the feeding."   

      Patrick chuckled. "When the sun started setting and you hadn't done it, I assumed you and the missus had gotten busy."     

      Liam felt his ears get hot but said nothing. He wasn't one to kiss and tell. "I have something I needed—or I guess I should say 

wanted —to tell you…“

      Patrick tossed some hay into Honey's stall and wiped his hands on his pants before turning to face his son. "Is something wrong?" 

      Liam cleared his throat. "No. It's good news." Liam wasn't sure why it felt so awkward to share this with this father. Maybe it was because Patrick had never been much of a father when Liam had been growing up and now it was Liam who was going to be a father.... He was going to make sure he was a better one. 

      "Well hell, son, what is it? Don't keep an old man in suspense." 

      Liam nodded. "There's gonna be a baby. Emma's carrying our child." 

      Liam wasn't sure what response he'd been expecting. He hadn't much thought past simply getting the words out to tell his father the news.               

      Patrick's wrinkled face split with a happy smile. His eyes lit up and laughter filled the barn. "That's wonderful new!" he exclaimed. "I'm gonna be a grandpappy!" 

      Liam nodded, rubbing at his neck. "Yeah, you are." 

      Patrick seemed to notice the trepidation in Liam's tone—even if Liam hadn't meant for it to be there. He stopped laughing and his face turned serious. "I know I wasn't a good father, Liam. I know I let you down time and time again and I wasn't around... but I'm going to be good to this youngin. Damn good. He or she is gonna know that their grandpappy loves them—just the way I should have made sure my son knew."

      Patrick's eyes were red and wet when he finished speaking and Liam couldn't seem to breathe much less speak around the lump in his own throat. 

      So he didn't. He merely nodded his head, gripped his father's thin shoulder a moment and then turned and left the barn without a single word.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two

“I’m getting married! Oh Lord…. Somebody pinch me quick so I know I ain’t dreamin’!” Cassandra exclaimed as she stood before a full length mirror in her room at Anita’s and stared at herself in her white lace gown.

      Lauren reached out and pinched the back of Cassandra's arm causing the other woman to let out a yell and glare at the girl. "What was that for?" 

      Lauren shrugged. "You asked for somebody to pinch you!" 

      "That's enough you troublemaker," Anita scolded with a smile as she stepped into the room. "Cassandra, you look beautiful." 

      Emma had to agree with Anita. Cassandra's wild curls couldn't be tamed but they suited her perfectly as they cascaded down her back and the lace gown contrasted with her golden skin. 

      "If my pa and brothers could see me they wouldn't believe their eyes," Cassandra stated, touching her lightly painted cheek.

      Emma's heart ached a bit for her friend. Despite several invitation sent to her family in the last month, they had refused to come to her wedding. Apparently sending her to Anita had been their way of getting rid of Cassandra for good—that made Emma even more happy to know that the other woman had found such love with Ben and friends and family within their group. 

      A knock came on the door. "Come on in unless you're Ben! Ben you ain't supposed to see me yet!" Cassandra warned, slipping behind the curtain and yelling from behind it. 

      The door opened and Kyle poked his head in. "If there's one thing I'm not, it's a preacher man," Kyle assured them with a smile.

      Emma noticed the bag in his hands. "What do you have there?" she asked. 

      He held it out to her. "It's for you. From Liam. I was sent up here with direct instructions, which have already been given the stamp of approval from the bride and groom so don't feel as if you're stepping on toes....." 

      "What are you talking about?" Emma asked, feeling confused by his rambling. 

      "Just look at what's in the bag, sweetheart," Anita urged. 

      "Yeah, I'm having a hard time keeping it a secret," Cassandra agreed. "I ain't good at keeping my mouth shut." 

      "We know," Lauren quipped. 

      Emma took the bag and opened it slowly. She instantly recognized the white lace gown from her wardrobe at the cabin. "I.... I don't understand..." 

      Kyle took her hand and tilted his head. "Liam wanted to come tell you this himself but he was afraid of bad luck if he saw you..." 

      "But we're already married...." 

      "Wasn't much of a wedding," Kyle countered. "Liam loves you, Emma. You have changed that man for the better and he wants to make you happy. He wants you to have a real wedding with all of the people that love you both there to celebrate with you." 

      Emma couldn't stop the tears that filled her eyes. She blamed it on the babe in her belly. She laid her hand over her stomach which was just slightly beginning to grow round—not enough to be visible beneath her dresses and skirts. 

      Cassandra came around the curtain. "Please do this with me, Emma. I'm nervouser than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! I'd feel a lot better about it all if I had my friend up there with me getting married too." 

      Emma looked around at all the faces of her family—her true family. They were eager and excited and clearly all full of love for her and Liam. 

      Emma was terrified at the thought of putting on that dress and stepping in front of so many townspeople—what if she messed up her words? Then she remembered Liam's letter the day she'd gotten this dress in that wardrobe. He wanted this. He wanted to do this for her. She knew it had to be a big step for him to openly go in front of a crowd and share his love and feelings for her. 

      Liam was a very private person. If he could do this then so could she. Emma held the dress close and put her hand on her dark tresses. "I'm going to need some help with my hair." 

---

      Liam paced the ground feeling like a monkey all dressed up in his suit. He missed his animal skins...... but Chase had assured him that wearing the dead flesh of critters wasn't proper wedding etiquette or some nonsense like that. 

      He grumbled as he tugged at the collar of his shirt. Hell, it was hot outside. When was the weather going to cool down? 

      Realizing that maybe he was in a sour mood because of nerves, Liam stopped pacing and took a long deep breath. 

      "What are you pacing around grumbling and growling for?" Chase asked, walking up to him. "You're acting like a nervous schoolboy." 

      Liam glared at the man. "Hell, I am nervous." 

      "Why?" 

      "Hell if I know," Liam grumbled. "The woman and I are already married and have been for months. There's a babe in her belly for christ's sake and, yet, here I am scared to death she's going to say no." 

      "Well stop worrying," Kyle spoke up, coming to stand beside Chase. "The woman said yes. She's going to marry you 

again today.“

      Liam's breath left him in a rush. Relief flowed through him like water. 

      "Why'd you have to tell him?" Chase complained. "I was enjoying watching the brave, strong, stoic Liam McIntyre have a mild episode." 

      "Why on earth would

he be having an episode?“ Ben asked, making his way over to them. “Did you see Cassandra?” he asked Kyle. “Did she say anything?”

      Liam was concerned about the man. He was pale, shaking and appeared ready to collapse.... However, it was clear Kyle didn't share his concern. "She's changed her mind, Ben. Said there just isn't any way she can be married to a preacher man." 

      What little color had been in Ben's face, quickly drained away. He swallowed hard and Liam was sure the man was about to cry. Chase nudged Kyle and Kyle quickly spoke up. "Ben, I'm joking. Hell, don't get so upset."

      "So, she didn't change her mind?" Ben gasped. 

      "No. The woman is head over heels for you, preacher man." 

      Ben nodded, a smile curved his cheeks and then he reached out and punched Kyle hard in the chest. 

      Kyle staggered back, clutching at his chest as he chuckled. "You hit me! I didn't think the Lord condoned violence." 

      Ben adjusted his collar. "He doesn't. But at times, I do, and he's good at forgiveness." 

      Time seemed to drag on but finally it was time to move to the tiny church. People were crammed inside and Liam felt uncomfortable with so many eyes on him. 

      Liam had insisted on allowing Ben and Cassandra to have their ceremony first. He had done so in an attempt to be a good friend and allow them their moment—but it was hard as hell to stand and wait his turn. 

      Ben had gotta a friend to come and perform his wedding to Cassandra and, as far as Liam was concerned, the man talked too slow. 

      The wedding was short and sweet but seemed to take years where Liam stood. His suit was itchy and hot. His collar was too tight. He hated the eyes watching him and he wanted to be out of the church and into the air......

      Then Ben took his stand at the alter to perform Liam and Emma's ceremony and every ounce of Liam's stress, worry and discomfort was forgotten when the pianist began playing and Emma stepped inside. 

      His wife was the single most beautiful sight Liam had ever seen. Her porcelain skin was glowing against the white lace dress. Her dark hair was all pulled back on her head and loose tendrils curled around her cheeks. 

      But it was her happy smile and the love shimmering out of her light blue eyes that truly stole his breath. 

      Their vows were simple but Liam put every ounce of love and honesty had had into each word he spoke. 

      Liam was lost enough in the moment and what he was feeling for Emma that when Ben said it was time to kiss his bride, he didn't hesitate before doing that right there in front of half the town. 

      After the wedding, Liam and Emma walked arm in arm out into the last evening sun. Liam was ready to get her home—he figured they might as well have the wedding night that went along with the wedding. 

      Lauren and Anita stopped them outside. "Where are you going?" Anita asked. 

      "Home," Liam replied quickly. 

      "No you're not," Anita countered. "None of us got to take part in your first wedding and Emma spent the night of that wedding unconscious and beat half to death in your cabin. Not exactly a 

celebration .“

      Liam glared at his aunt, angry at her for bringing up such memories. He felt Emma's grip on his arm tight as she too must have been remembering that terrible night. 

      Lauren nudged his aunt with her elbow. "I think that might be why Liam wants to take her home, Miss Anita. Do things the 

right way this time.“

      Lauren ducked, knowing Anita's hand would be coming for the back of her head. "You shouldn't be speaking that way! I knew allowing you to run around with those boys was a bad idea." Anita fussed with her bonnet. "There's a baby on the way so it would seem they got things just right." 

      Liam could all but feel the heat coming off of Emma's cheeks. "Okay, that's enough.  We'll come to the celebration you have planned."

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Three

The celebration that Anita and several others had worked so hard on readying for the happy couples turned out to be a large gathering and dance—much like the one Emma had been kidnapped from several months before.

      She was nervous to be back in the same place but she was determined to not let her own fear, or the memories of her father ruin the evening of what had been a perfect day. 

      Or nearly perfect. 

      All day long, Emma had felt something was missing—and that something was her mother. Emma tried not to think of her too often but she had been today....

      She couldn't help but wonder who her mother would have been if she'd been strong enough to escape her abusive husband. Would she have loved to laugh? Would she have gotten along with the new friends and family that Emma had found. 

      Would she have smiled as she'd watched Emma walk down the aisle and speak her vows to Liam?

      "Are you okay?" Liam's warm voice breathed into her ear as he came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her middle. 

      "I'm fine," she replied, leaning into his touch. 

      Liam sighed. "Something isn't fine. You've been quiet since we got here. Are you ready to go home? Are you sick?"

      Emma shook her head as she searched the crowd for her friends and smiled. Lauren was dancing with William—and refusing to let the boy lead. Cassandra was teaching Anita and Ben a country 'stomp' dance as she referred to it, and Kyle and Chase were deep in conversation in a back corner, sharing a heaping plate of food from the refreshments table. 

      "Today has been wonderful, Liam," Emma assured him, not wanting him to feel as if she weren't happy. "I'm missing my mother—this baby has my emotions acting up." 

      Liam turned her around and put his hands on her cheeks. "You're allowed to miss you mother, Emma. You should miss her. You loved her and she loved you. I miss mine too, especially on days like today. But they were here with us, I know they were." 

      Emma smiled up at her husband. Such a kind, warm and caring man was hidden beneath that quiet, stoic exterior. 

      Liam tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. "Now how about we go learn the 'stomp' dance?" 

      Emma's brow wrinkled. "You're going to dance?"

      Liam shrugged. "Sure. Why not?" 

      Emma fell even more in love with Liam as he led her to Cassandra, Ben and Anita and awkwardly began attempting to stomp and dance in time with the music. She knew Liam must have felt out of place and uncomfortable but she also knew he was doing what he was doing to put a smile on her face. 

      And it worked. 

      After a long while, Emma called a stop to their dancing. She felt overheated and needed a drink. Liam led her toward the refreshment table and as he was getting her a glass of lemonade, a familiar flash of red hair suddenly came between them. 

      "Hello Liam," Bethany's voice purred. 

      Emma couldn't believe her eyes! Bethany certainly had a lot of nerve showing up at the party. 

      Liam's jaw tightened as he looked down at Bethany. "Hello. My wife and I are enjoying our evening together. I'd appreciate if you'd keep your distance." 

      Bethany moved in closer and Emma couldn't do a thing but stand there and watch while seething inside. "You know, Liam, I'm sure you must be getting tired of what little that woman has to offer—especially now that she'll soon be fat with your child.... While I'd rather have you all to myself, I'm more than willing to be your mistress. I think you'd treat a mistress really well." 

      Liam opened his mouth to speak but before he could, Bethany reached out and her hand brushed against the front of his trousers. Liam leapt back so quickly, he spilled the lemonade he'd just poured. His jaw dropped and it was obvious he had no idea what to say. 

      Emma, however, saw red. She was tired. Tired of being bullied, pushed around and disrespected. All logic and common sense fled from her mind. 

      She squared her shoulders and tapped Bethany on the shoulder. "Bethany?" 

      The beautiful, whore of a woman, turned sharply and glared at Emma. "What?" she snapped. 

      Emma met her gaze full force, refusing to back down. "Get your big ass back to the brothel." Balling up her fist, Emma swung and caught Bethany hard in the jaw. 

      The woman's head snapped back and she crumpled to the floor without so much as a whimper. 

      Emma stared down in shock, not quite believing what she'd just done. She wasn't a violent person... she hated violence. But she'd just knocked that woman out cold. 

      Liam stepped over Bethany and pulled Emma aside. "What was that?" he asked, examining the red, sore knuckles of her hand. 

      Emma felt the need to defend herself. "She needed to learn her place... and it sure wasn't putting her hand on my husband's.....

area .“

      Liam's lips twitched. "My area?" 

      "Hush," Emma scolded. 

      "That was quite a show," Kyle said, stepping over with Chase on his heels. 

      "I believe the evil witch is down for the count," Chase stated, poking Bethany with her foot. The woman moaned but had no other reaction.

      "That was a good punch," Lauren praised. 

      "I thought I was the only woman could throw a punch like that," Cassandra agreed. 

      "Kyle, could you be a dear and take the girl outside?" Anita asked, fanning her face. "The rest of us are going to go have a seat for a while. I believe Emma might need some time to cool down." 

      Emma was nibbling her lip as she followed after Anita to a long table covered with white linen. Everyone took a seat and Emma caught Anita's attention. "I know I shouldn't have done that... are you angry at me?" 

      Anita waved her hand and laughed lightly. "Of course not! I've been wondering why you didn't do it sooner!" 

      "Me too," Ben agreed. 

      Emma's eyes widened. "Ben! You're supposed to be a preacher and guide us away from violence." 

      Ben shrugged. "Some people simply don't get the message until you've swung a right hook at their jaw." 

      Cassandra was starry eyed as she gazed at her husband. "You really are perfect," she stated which made his flush bright red and tip his head to avoid everyone's gaze. 

      Kyle and Chase joined them soon after and the friends laughed and talked for a long while. Emma forgot about Bethany and began to once again have more fun than she'd ever truly had in her life. Being carefree and completely at ease hadn't been a luxury she'd experienced much in her life. 

      The evening was winding down and everyone was beginning to show signs of fatigue, when suddenly Patrick came walking into the building. 

      Emma had only seen glimpses of him at the outskirts of the wedding. The man had kept his distance and she knew it was because of Anita. 

      He approached the table and Liam stood. "I know you've already been married awhile but, congratulations son, you go you a good wife." 

      Liam nodded, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Thank you, Patrick. And thanks for being there today." 

      Patrick shifted his feet and rubbed at his shoulder. "I told you I'd be around from here on." 

      Emma nearly laughed, but stifled the sound behind her hand. It was hard to tell who appeared more awkward by the polite exchange. It was clear neither man was very good at public displays of affection. 

      Patrick stuck his hand out and Liam shook it quickly. Then Patrick bent low behind Emma and pressed a tender kiss to her hair. "You look mighty pretty today, Emma." 

      It was Emma's turn to blush. "Thank you, Patrick." 

      She glanced across the table at Anita who was watching the exchange with a very guarded expression. Patrick walked around the table and pulled off his hat as he came to stand in front of her. "Miss Anita? Would you do me the honor a dance?" 

      Silence fell. 

      Shock filled the air. 

      Emma wondered if Patrick was going to die—surely Anita would murder him. 

      But the woman shocked them all when she smiled warmly, took his hand and allowed him to help her to her feet. "I suppose I can handle one last dance before I turn in." 

      "Did we just witness the end of the world?" Chase mumbled. 

      "It was Armageddon," Lauren stated. 

      "Was it the rapture, Ben?" Cassandra asked her husband. 

      Ben chuckled. "I don't believe so." 

      Emma glanced at her husband who was watching Anita and Patrick with a comically bewildered expression. She stifled a yawn and his attention quickly turned to her. 

      "You look wore out, Emma." 

      "Thanks," she muttered. 

      He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "I'm going to get her home." 

      They said their goodbyes to everyone at the table and left the party.

      Emma's eyes and body felt heavier and heavier by the moment. She truly was exhausted after such a busy day. Liam led her to the livery but instead of riding Colt, she climbed up on Honey with Liam and curled up against him. 

      "Go to sleep, love," he whispered as they left town. "I know the way home." 

      Emma let the gentle rhythm of the horse and the steady beat of Liam's heart, lull her to a peaceful sleep. She was warm, contented and safe....

      Until a gunshot blasted through the night air, shattering her peace and spraying blood across her cheek.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Four

Liam felt the bullet tear through his arm. Emma jerked in his lap and fear overwhelmed him. Had she been hit? Her head was mere inches from his arm… had the bullet…..?

      Liam glanced down at her, saw the fear on her perfectly intact face and pulled his gun as he slid from Honey's back and pulled her with him. 

      The shot had come from behind them to the left. Liam spun that way, saw the man standing in the brush, preparing to take another shot which was being hindered by Colt and Honey, storming around them. 

      Liam aimed his weapon and squeezed the trigger. The blast of the gunshot reverberated through his body and the sound of the bullet striking flesh filled his ears. 

      The man's body fell, disappearing among the leaves and branches of the bush he'd been taking cover behind. 

      "Emma, I need you to stay here, okay?" 

      Emma's grip on him tightened. "No.. don't' leave me alone," she pleaded. "You were shot!" Her voice was near hysterics as she noticed the bloody wound on his arm. "Are you okay?" 

      Liam took a deep breath. His nerves were strained and his attention was on everything around them, waiting for another threat—but he had to stay calm on the outside for Emma. 

      "I'm fine, love. It's just a scratch. Stay behind me. I need to make sure he's dead." 

      Liam headed toward the man, his eye scanning all around them at once, just in case another shooter was lying in wait. 

      When Liam flipped the dead body over, Emma gasped. "That's... that's my uncle... it's my father's brother." 

      Liam tensed. It was one thing if Silas wanted to send men after him—but he'd crossed one hell of a line sending his brother to shoot him when Emma had been so close. What if that damn bullet had missed him? What if Emma had.....

      Liam shook his head to end that train of thought. 

      "Liam... my father must have sent him...." 

      Liam could hear the fear in Emma's voice and it angered him. She had been doing so good. Growing stronger and braver and had even managed to knock Bethany on her ass today. She had laughed and been completely carefree tonight..... 

      Why wouldn't Silas let go?

      "Come on, Emma. Let's get home." 

      The ride home was tense. Liam made Emma get on Colt and he rode on Honey, making wide circles around her as he kept a sharp look out for any other threats. 

      They made it to the cabin safely. Liam helped Emma undress and she helped him clean and bandage the deep gouge the bullet had torn through his arm. 

      Emma was trembling as they climbed into bed and Liam wrapped her tightly in his arms. "Sleep, love. He won't hurt you. We're safe in the cabin."

      "He's never going to stop, is he?" she whispered, her voice nearly emotionless as she stared into the night.

      Liam held her tighter and kissed her brow. "Just sleep now, love. I'll keep you safe." 

      It was several long hours before Emma trembles and fitful sleep gave way to deep slumber brought on by sheer exhaustion. 

      Liam was exhausted as well and his arm was throbbing painfully, but he had no time for sleeping. He had some business he needed to tend to. 

      Climbing from bed, Liam slipped into a change of clothes, pulled on his boots and slid his gun belt onto his hips. He cast one last long glance at a sleeping Emma and left the cabin, stepping out into the predawn night. 

      He was surprised when he ran into Patrick just stepping out of the barn. "Where have you been?" Liam asked. He'd assumed his father had been fast asleep inside the cabin they'd recently finished for him. 

      Patrick cleared his throat and averted his gaze. "Town. I got busy." His gaze narrowed as he returned it to his son. "Where are you going?"

      Anger bubbled in his blood as Liam glanced down the road to town. "Emma and I ran into trouble coming home. We were shot at and my arm got grazed—the bullet barely missed her head." Liam took a deep breath to calm himself. "I shot and killed the bastard and it turned out to be Silas' brother. I plan on taking him up that mountain and dumping his body on Silas' doorstep. This has to end." 

      Patrick lowered his hand to the gun on his own hip. "Do you want me to go with you?" 

      Liam shook his head. He could handle things on his own. "I need you here to watch Emma. Don't let anything happen to her." 

      "You can count on me, son," Patrick agreed. 

      Liam nodded. "I know I can." 

      Without another word, Liam went into the barn and saddled Misty. Colt was Emma's horse and didn't mind him as well and Honey was still shook up from the attack earlier. 

      Just as Liam had hoped, the body was still where he'd left it. Liam tied a good length of rope around the bastard's ankles and attached the other end to his saddle horn.

      He clicked his tongue and urged Misty forward, ready to deliver Silas' present. 

      The trip up the mountain was slow going and took a while. The body tangled up on roots and brush several times and Liam hadn't wanted to push Misty too hard while carrying the load. He was happy that he didn't meet anyone—he could only imagine the reaction if someone happened upon him hauling a dead mountain man up the mountain by his ankles. 

      Finally Liam reached the run down shack that had once been Emma's home. It was mid-morning and plenty light outside but the house was silent. 

      Liam let out a whistle and waited. 

      Seconds later Silas came out the front door with a smile—which quickly vanished when he saw Liam seated upon Misty. 

      "What's the matter, Silas? Were you expecting someone else?" 

      "What the hell are ya doing up here?" Silas growled. "Ya damn well oughta know ya ain't welcome here." 

      Liam folded his arms on his saddle horn and nodded back toward his cargo. "I brought you something." 

      Silas's gaze dropped back and every ounce of color drained from his gnarled, bearded face. "That's Clem....Hell, did ya murder my damned brother?" 

      Liam shook his head. "No." 

      "Then how the hell did he die?!" Silas bellowed. 

      Liam shrugged. "I shot him." 

      "So ya did murder him!" 

      "No. It was self-defense. The man was lying in wait and the bullet he shot into me missed my wife's head—your daughter's head—by inches." 

      Silas swallowed hard and his eyes scanned Liam. "So he 

did manage to shoot ya?“

      Liam was livid. Beyond angry. He wanted to pull his gun and put a bullet right between Silas' eyes.... But Silas was unarmed and Liam was in his territory. 

      "It was just a scratch, Silas. Sorry to disappoint you," Liam added when Silas' face fell. "Did you miss the part about him nearly killing your daughter?" 

      "That whore bitch is no daughter of mine!" Silas snarled. "And I didn't have nothin' to do with Clem bein' on that road. Don't you come up here lookin' fer trouble with me!" 

      Liam slid from the saddle and walked back to Clem. He untied the rope from the man's ankles and then slowly stepped toward Silas—happy to see the fear in the coward's eyes as it became clear he was fighting the urge to flee into his shack. 

      "I think it's time we get a few things straight, Silas. I reckon I've given you the wrong impression of me. You seem to think I won't fight back and that's just not right." 

      Liam was standing toe to toe with the trembling man now. His fists were clenching and he was using every ounce of self-control he had to avoid pulling his gun, or his knife, and silencing the man forever. 

      "Emma is my wife. She is off limits to you. I don't want you to look at her, approach her or speak to her again. You're going to stop destroying my traps. You're going to stop sending your family to do your dirty work and you're going to stop attempting to send bullets into my back. You're going to forget we exist because if you don't....." Liam slid his knife from its holster and at it at the other man's  bobbing throat before he could blink. "...I will end your goddamn life. Are we clear, Silas Hawke? You've met your match in me and you need to realize that before it costs you your life; the way it did your brother." 

      Instead of anger in Silas' eyes, Liam saw nothing but raw fear and it satisfied him. "Are we clear, Silas? I need to hear you say you understand me." 

      Silas nodded which made the knife presser tighter against his throat. He quickly stilled and his shaking lips formed the word yes, though no sound was able to escape. 

      Liam stepped away and holstered his weapon. He walked back to Misty, keeping Silas in his peripheral vision as he moved, as slid onto her back. 

      He felt a moment of amusement when he saw the wet stain spreading across the front of Silas' trousers. 

      "I would say I'd see you around, Silas, but, I truly hope I don't—for your sake." 

      With that, Liam led Misty away, leaving Silas still standing motionless. 

      It was a tense ride down the mountain. Liam wasn't sure if he was going to take a bullet in the back or be rushed by a posse—but neither happened. 

      He made it safely back to his cabin and was leading Misty to the barn when his father came charging from the cabin. His gray hair was a mess upon his head and he looked more than a little frazzled. 

      "What's going on?" Liam demanded, instantly worried about Emma. 

      Patrick snorted. "She's madder than an old wet hen, Liam. She's not happy at all that you rode off this morning and she's smart enough to know where you went.... Good luck, son. Your wife is one angry hell cat." 

       Liam sighed. "Take care of Misty for me." 

      "Gladly," Patrick grumbled, taking the reins. He paused. "How did it go? Did you....?" 

      "No, I didn't kill him." 

      "I think that was a mistake," Patrick scolded with a click of his tongue. 

      Liam glared at the older man. "Murder isn't something I'm fond of doing," he stated. "Especially to an unarmed man on his own damn property which is surrounded by hundreds of his kinfolk." 

      The door to the cabin opened quickly and Patrick shook his head. "I'm tending the damn horse." 

      "What in the hell did you think you were doing this morning, Liam?" Emma demanded. 

      Liam looked up at his wife standing on the porch in her bare feet. Her hair was falling out of the fancy coif it had been in yesterday and she was still wearing her nightdress and robe. Her face was flushed and her blue eyes were flashing as she stood there with her hands on her hips, glaring at him. 

      It was one hell of a terrifyingly beautiful picture. 

      "I thought I was delivering a body to next of kin and protecting my wife." 

      Emma shook her head. "You could have been killed! You never should have went up there alone!" 

      Liam stepped onto the porch and kissed her brow which only caused her to stiffen and step aside to allow him to pass. He sighed as he stepped into the cabin. "I didn't die, Emma. I'm right here, safe and sound." 

      "Dumb luck," she grumbled. 

      Liam found himself chuckling as he slipped off his gun belt and hung it by the door. "I'll take it." 

      He plopped himself down on the kitchen chair and was happy when Emma settled herself down on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. "Did you kill him?" Liam was barely able to make out her muffled question. 

      "No, love. I didn't kill your father." 

      She pulled away and stared at him with wide eyes. "Why not?" 

      Liam blinked several times. "You 

want me to kill him?“

      Tears filled her blue eyes. "He's not going to stop if you don't, Liam. He's never going to let us live in peace." 

      Liam pulled her into his chest and held her tight while she cried. He rubbed soothing circles on her back and kissed her hair tenderly. "He will, Emma. I talked to him. You don't have to worry." 

      After several long moments, Emma pulled away, wiped at her face and got to her feet. "I'd better start breakfast." 

      Liam stood and took her hands in his. "I'm not all that hungry. Why don't we climb back in bed and stay there for today? That sounds a hell of a lot better to me." 

      Emma smiled. It was a ghost of a smile and it didn't quite reach her red-rimmed eyes but Liam would take what he could get. "That sounds better to me too." 

,{@ө

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Five

Emma stepped out into the early morning air and wrapped her shawl tighter around herself. The months were passing quickly and November was upon them—and it had brought winter chills with it.

      She felt the babe stir within her and smiled. Life was 

peaceful . Despite her fears that her father would never stop his attacks on them, Liam seemed to have been right.

      They were safe. 

      It had been months without a single word from him. She'd had no run-in in town, Liam's traps had remained undisturbed and there had been no further bullets sent their way. 

      Winter was approaching and, honestly, Emma was more than ready for it. Snow would soon fall and trap them in their cozy cabin where they'd stay wrapped up tight in one another until the birth of their child in the spring. 

      Everything was ready. Liam had handcrafted a cradle and Emma had made plenty of blankets and outfits to keep the babe warm and swaddled.   

      The smokehouse and pantry were nearly bursting with food and the woodshed was full. 

      Yes, everything was perfect—except that Liam was preparing to leave for two days. 

      He had all his furs from the spring and summer loaded up on the cart and he was going to be taking them to a larger town in an effort to get more money for them. Emma knew he was trying to make enough money that he wouldn't have to do much trapping at all next year—she knew he wanted to be able to spend that time with her and their child. 

      But that wasn't going to make it any easier to say goodbye to him this morning. 

      "Are you sure you don't want to come?" Liam asked, stepping behind her and wrapping his arms around her growing middle. 

      Emma sighed, leaning into his embrace. "I'm sure. I don't think I'm up for quite that much cart sitting." 

      Patrick stepped out of the barn with Honey who was going to be pulling the loaded cart. "Don't you worry none, son. Hell Cat and I will have a good time and you'll be back before you know it." 

      Emma flushed and rolled her eyes. Patrick had been calling her Hell Cat ever since she had lost her temper with him when Liam had ridden up on the mountain to confront her father. 

      Apparently Emma had scared the man. 

      Honestly, she wasn't 

that bad… she hadn’t even lost her temper much since.

      "I'll be home in two days," Liam promised, turning her around so he could see her face.

      Emma forced a smile. "Everything will be just fine. We'll barely have time to miss you." 

      Liam stooped low and gave her a quick kiss before walking around her and off the porch. She watched as he and Patrick hooked Honey up to the cart. Emma's stomach was in knots. 

      She didn't want Liam to leave—but she knew he had to. 

      "I'll take care of things around here," Patrick promised. 

      Liam clapped his hand on his father's shoulder. "I know." 

      He gave one last long glance to Emma after climbing into the cart and then pulled away. 

      Emma watched him until he rounded the bend and then she sighed as she pulled her shawl tighter. "It's getting too cold to stand out here. Come on in, Patrick. I have some fresh coffee brewed." 

      Patrick rubbed his weathered hands together as he climbed the steps. "You sure do know the way to an old man's heart." 

---

      Emma was cleaning up the supper dishes the next night when she felt the baby beginning to stir restlessly inside her. She smiled, loving the sensation of kicks and rolls. 

      She glanced at Patrick who was sitting in the arm chair, smoking a pipe and staring into the fire. "Patrick?" she called. He turned his head to look at her. "Would you like to feel your grandchild move?" 

      Patrick's face paled. "I..uh..." He got to his feet and sat his pipe down. His hands were shaking as he approached her hesitantly. "You don't mind?" 

      Emma laughed lightly. "I wouldn't have asked if I did." She took his rough hand and placed it over her stomach in just the right place. "Give her a minute," Emma urged. 

      Almost immediately the babe gave a big kick. Patrick cried out with shock and leapt back. A smile split his face. "Well, I'll be damned," he mumbled. "Can I feel that again?" 

      Emma nodded. "Of course." 

      After several more kicks, the babe began to calm down. Patrick's eyes were a bit red as he began to pitch in with the supper cleanup. "Thank you for that, Emma.... I'd forgotten what it felt like to feel a baby move in its mama's belly. It certainly is a wonder of the world." 

      "Your granddaughter is going to love you, Patrick." Emma assured him, pausing in her dish washing duty. "You'll be an amazing grandfather to her." 

      Patrick swallowed hard before chuckling quietly. "According to Liam, I'm going to have a grandson." 

      Emma waved her wet hand. "Either way, you'll be loved and they will be spoiled." 

      The two enjoyed light conversation back and forth as they continued the chores. Emma was eager for Liam to return home tomorrow but, honestly, she was also enjoying this time with Patrick. It reminded her of the time they'd spent together when Liam had been gone in the spring. 

      Emma pointed toward the table. "Patrick, could you bring me that bowl. I forgot to grab......" 

      Her words were cut off when a gunshot sounded. Glass shattered near her and Emma felt the burning, searing pain of a bullet slamming into her arm. 

      She fell instantly, crying out with fear and pain. 

      Patrick shouted. He blew out the nearby lantern to surround them in nearly complete darkness. "Emma?" he whispered, crouching low and approaching her. "Are you okay?" 

      She was shaking and the pain was intense but she nodded. "It only hit by arm," she replied. "Who is shooting at us?" She felt foolish for even asking the question. 

      It could only be one person. 

      If Patrick thought the same, he didn't say. "I'm going to check out the other window. You stay down and stay hid." 

      Emma's eyes were wide as Patrick went to the window and rose up enough to glance outside. HE dropped instantly, just before a bullet shattered that window as well. 

      "Did you see who it is?" Emma hissed. 

      Patrick nodded. "Three of them. Your pa is one...." 

      Emma felt tears filling her eyes. Damn that man. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? Why.......

      Patrick stuck his other revolver out the window and began firing blindly. As he reloaded, more shots rained down on the cabin. Emma had to fight back screams every time the blasts sounded. 

      Then, to her horror, Patrick rose up. She saw him taking more careful aim and he managed two shots before a bullet finally found him—and then another. 

      Emma screamed his name as he fell to the floor. 

      "I think we got him!" she heard her father's voice from outside.

      Sometimes snapped inside her. Fear vanished. In its place was rage. She was tired of her father—tired of the threats and the violence. He had murdered her mother. He had attempted to murder her husband. He might have just killed her father-in-law..... 

      It would be a cold day in hell before she let him murder her unborn child. 

      Emma crawled to Patrick. She took stock of his injuries. A bullet had grazed his head and knocked him out cold and another had gone into his chest on the right side, fairly high near the shoulder. She was no doctor so she had no way of knowing whether or not it was life-threatening. 

      "Are you in there, Emma?" her father called. 

      Emma's hands were shaking but her resolve was strong as she gripped her gun. "You need to stop this, father." 

      "Or what, Emma?" he mocked. "Are you going to shoot me?" 

      Emma crawled to the kitchen window—he wouldn't expect her there. She rose up, just enough to see him about twenty feet away, nearing the porch. There was a dead body a bit further out and she recognized one of her uncles walking with her father. 

      Emma took aim and squeezed the trigger, cursing when the bullet missed its mark and hit the porch post. 

      Silas stopped in his tracks. "Did you just shoot at me, bitch?" 

      Instead of responding, Emma took a more careful aim and fired again. The bullet hit her father's arm right arm and his gun clattered to the ground. "Goddammit!" he bellowed. 

      Emboldened by her actions, Emma fired another shot. The two men turned and began to run away. Emma fired her last three shots at their retreating backs, reloaded her weapon and continued firing into the trees they'd run off into. 

      The night fell silent. 

      Emma felt tears building. She felt herself beginning to shake and tremble. 

      But there was no time. 

      Patrick needed a doctor. 

      Emma grabbed a handkerchief from the cabinet and using her good arm and her teeth she tied it tight around her bleeding wound. Then she grabbed a pitcher of water and approaching Patrick. 

      Feeling a little guilty, Emma poured it on his face and he sputtered to consciousness. "What....?" He mumbled. 

      "You were shot, Patrick. I gotta get you to the doc but I can't get you up and out of here on my own. You have to get up," Emma stated, knowing there was no time to waste explaining things further. 

      "Your father?" Patrick stated, sitting up far too quickly and groaning as he clutched at his bleeding head. 

      "He's gone. They ran away." 

      She hoped. 

      Emma helped Patrick to his feet and led him to the porch where he sat down with his gun in his lap to keep watch. 

      Emma stepped into the barn and removed Colt from his stable. She couldn't saddle him with only one arm but she'd ridden him bareback before—Liam had insisted she learn. He'd said it was a skill she might need someday. He'd been right. 

      She led Colt to the porch and realized that Patrick had slipped back into unconsciousness. Emma shook him awake. "Come on now," she urged. "You have to get up there." 

      It took some doing but they both finally managed to get onto Colt's back with the help of the porch steps and the horse's own intelligence. 

      Emma had never been so terrified as she was going down that dark path. She kept expecting monsters to leap from the trees and attack her. 

      Patrick was slumping heavier and heavier against her back. 

      The night felt as if it were laughing at her. Mocking her. 

      The cold was overwhelming. Her breath swirled around her head. 

      Emma wasn't at all sure they'd make it. 

      But they did. The glow of town neared and Emma pointed Colt toward the doc's. 

      "Emma?" 

      Chase's voice had her head whipping around she saw the man start running her way. "What the hell are you doing out here, Emma? It's the middle of the night... is that blood?"

      "Please, Chase, help! Patrick needs the doc!" 

      Chase grabbed the unconscious older man and pulled him from the horse, tossing him over his shoulder. "What about you?" he demanded. "What happened?" 

      "I'm fine.. I'll explain later. Just please get him there quickly. I'm coming." 

      Chase seemed torn a moment but finally nodded and ran, as quickly as he could with a man on his shoulder, toward the doc's. 

      By the time Emma managed to get off Colt's back and climb the doc's stairs, the sitting room was empty. Chase and the Doc were back in the other room with Patrick and she could hear their worried voices through the door. 

      Emma sat down on the sofa. 

      She felt numb as she rocked back and forth and simply started at the wall. The ticking of the clock seemed to echo in her ears. 

      Finally, the door to the other room opened. Chase and the doc emerged. "Is Patrick going to be okay?" Emma demanded. She stood quickly, her head swam and she collapsed against the sofa. 

      Chase stormed toward her. "HE's going to be fine, but why didn't you tell me you'd been shot?" he demanded, pulling off her make-shift bandage. 

      Emma hissed in pain. "Because it's nothing serious," she replied. "And don't yell at me.... Please?" she whispered. She simply couldn't take it. 

      Chase's gaze softened. He smoothed her hair from her face. "I didn't mean to yell. I happen to care a hell of a lot about you, Emma. And I can't imagine what would happen to Liam if he lost you. What happened?" 

      "She can tell you after we get that bullet out of her arm," the doc countered. He motioned toward a metal table nearby. "Hop up there and lay down." 

      Emma was too weak to stand alone. Chase lifted her to her feet and guided her to the table before picking her up and laying her upon it. He slid off his gun belt and held the strap up to her mouth as the doctor opened a satchel full of sharp tools. 

      "What's that for?" Emma asked Chase, her stomach rolling. 

      "This is gonna hurt, Emma. You'll want to bite down on something." 

      "Hold her down," the doc ordered, appearing none too happy about the task he had to perform. 

      Chase laid across her legs and held her arms tight. Emma bit down on the leather strap. She saw lantern light glint off of something metal in the doctor's hand just before pain blinded her to all else in the world. 

      Emma's entire body tensed, her veins bulged, sweat slicked her skin and she bit down with all her might on that strap as tears poured form her eyes. 

      It took the doctor less than a minute to remove the bullet from her arm, but it seemed as if that minute stretched on for hours. 

      He cleaned and dressed the wound, and then Chase carried her back to the sofa and laid her down with a pillow, a blanket and a glass of water. 

      She was trembling with sheer exhaustion as he put his gun belt back on. "You left your mark on it," he noted, pointing toward her teeth prints. 

      Emma shivered. "I'm so tired." 

      Chase knelt down and kissed her brow. "I'm going to go get Kyle. Let Ben, Cassandra and Anita know what's going on. You rest until we're all back. I'm sure you only want to tell the story once." 

      Emma nodded. 

      After the events of the night, she should be too afraid to sleep—but exhaustion overrode every other thought or feeling she had and sleep claimed her within seconds.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six

Liam was smiling as he neared home. The trip had gone well. He’d made more than enough money off his furs to take the next trapping season off—which meant more time to spend with Emma and their child.

      He couldn't wait to see the look on Emma's face when she realized he was home early. It wasn't even dawn yet and she would no doubt still be sleeping soundly. 

      He hadn't planned on being home until midday but had decided to skip sleep and ride through the night. Not long ago, Liam had been a man who disappeared for days, sometimes weeks at a time, and never told anyone where he was going. Now, the only place he wanted to be was at that cabin with his wife. 

      As his home came into view unease trickled down his spine. The hairs on his neck stood on end and he pulled Honey to a stop. 

      The darkness hindered him as he glanced around, but his eyes were fairly well adjusted... adjusted enough to realize that the windows of his cabin had been shattered. 

      Liam hopped from Honey in a rush and raced onto the porch, slipping in a puddle of something. Liam's stomach churned and a tangible panic began to claw at his gut—a pool of blood was beneath his feet. 

      "Emma!" Liam cried out as he ran through the open front door. The lamp in the back of the sitting room was burning, casting shadows around the cabin. 

      There was a bucket full of dishes, the supper scraps were in another bucket. Patrick's pipe, something he wouldn't have left willingly, was sitting on the table. 

      And blood... blood was smeared across the floor and puddled in places. 

      "Emma?" Liam's voice was broken and quiet as he went to the bedroom and realized she wasn't there. 

      What had happened while he'd been gone....Part of him knew exactly what must have happened but another refused to believe it.

      Liam had warned the man; had made it clear..... 

      Had Silas taken her? And where was Patrick? 

      Liam raced to Patrick's cabin but it was empty, just as he'd thought it would be. 

      Going to the barn, Liam began to saddle Misty. If Silas thought he'd get away with taken Emma—he had another thing coming. 

      It was then that Liam realized Colt was gone. 

      Forcing himself to take several deep breaths, Liam tried to still his racing thoughts and rid himself of the images currently flashing in his mind. 

      Something bad had happened here, yes, but if Colt was gone that meant Emma must have ridden him out of here. That beast wouldn't have allowed anyone else—much less a mountain man like Silas—ride him. 

      Liam went back inside the cabin and grabbed the lamp. He took it outside and began examining the tracks. With the help of the light, he was able to determine that Emma and Patrick had both left on Colt's back—though at least one of them had been bleeding fairly heavily. 

      He also found the dead body of a mountain man beside the tree line and the tracks of two more bleeding men heading up the mountain. 

      Liam would deal with them later. For now, he needed to get to his wife and father. 

      He quickly unhooked Honey from the cart, settled her into the barn and finished saddling Misty. Hopping on her back, Liam dug his heels deep and urged her into her fastest pace. He had no idea what he'd find when he reached town but he knew he had to get there quick. 

---

      Liam raced up the doc's steps with every intention of barging in but when he reached the top step, he froze. What was he going to find? 

      Could he carry on if Emma......

      With a deep, steadying breath, Liam slowly pushed open the door. The room was crowded. Chase, Kyle, Anita, Lauren, William, Ben and Cassie all stood inside. 

      But where was Emma? 

      "Liam... what are you doing back so soon?" Kyle demanded when everyone noticed him. 

      Liam's hands were shaking and he had to work his mouth several times before sound came out. "Emma?" 

      Everyone moved aside and he saw her. She was lying on the couch. Blood covered her dress and her hair was wet with sweat and matted to her pale face. Her eyes were closed and she was so very pale—so very still. 

      "Is she......?"

      Anita rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him, though Liam didn't respond. He simply stood there frozen. "She's okay, Liam. Just exhausted and sleeping." 

      He didn't' feel relief. He saw the bandage on her arm and the pallor of her face... his wife was not okay. "What happened?" 

      Chase stepped forward as Anita moved away, dabbing at her damp cheeks with her kerchief. "We don't know exactly," Chase admitted. "Her and Patrick haven't been real talkative." 

      "Is Patrick okay?" Liam asked. "Where is he?" 

      "The doctor's with him in the other room," Anita replied, her voice hollow.

      "He'll be okay.. but it'll take a while before he's up and ready to go," Chase admitted. "A bullet grazed his head and addled him pretty bad and another clipped his lung. The doc said he'll recover but it'll take time." 

      Silence fell but was quickly interrupted by Emma's fitful whimpering. Liam's gaze quickly returned to her. She was asleep but it was as if she were fighting someone he couldn't see. 

      She cried out his name and Liam rushed forward, shoving past the bodies in his way. He dropped to his knees in front of the sofa and smoothed the hair from her face. "Emma, love, I'm right here." 

      Her light blue eyes opened and she cried out his name again as she saw him. Her good arm was slung quickly around his neck and Liam scooped her up, settling himself down on the sofa, with her held tight in his lap. 

      "Liam... don't leave again..." she whispered. 

      "Who did this to you, Emma?" he asked, feeling her body shivering against him. He nodded in thanks to Ben who brought over a blanket and draped it on them. 

      "

He did,“ Emma replied.

      "Emma, we know your real tired but do you think you could tell us what happened? We need to know," Ben urged. 

      She took a shaky breath and nodded. Liam listened to her words and the anger and rage within him grew with every single one—and so did the guilt. 

      To know the pain and fear his wife had been feeling—to hear of what had happened to his father who had been risking his life to protect Emma—none of that would have happened had Liam killed Silas Hawke from the start. 

      Liam was partly to blame for those bullets that had come flying into his home. 

      When Emma finished, Liam barely noticed Ben and Cassandra slipping from the doc's house. His attention was on the doc who was stepping out of the other room. 

      "Can I see him?" Liam asked. 

      The doc sighed and wiped at his brow. "Yeah, I reckon. He's in and out because of the blow to the head and he has trouble speaking. Don't be too alarmed by his breathing—it sounds worse than it is." 

      Liam nodded and got to his feet. "I want to come with you," Emma stated, getting to hers as well. 

      Liam took her hand and led her to the doorway. 

      It felt as if a ton of rocks settled into his gut when he saw his father lying in that bed. His skin seemed paper thin and white as cotton. Every breath he took rattled and wheezed. He was so small, so frail.... 

      It was Emma who urged Liam forward and his father's eyes fluttered open when they reached the side of his bed. A weak smile tugged at Patrick's lips. "Glad.. you're okay... Hell Cat." 

      "Thank you for what you did," Liam managed to speak around the lump in his throat.

      Patrick nodded. He reached out and took Liam's hand in his—his skin felt so cold. 

      Suddenly the past and every reason Liam had to hate his father disappeared. The wall he had so desperately fought to keep erected, came tumbling down. 

      Liam stooped low and hugged his bed-ridden father the best he could. Tears stung his eyes as he buried his face in the man's shoulder. "I love you, pa." 

      His father's hand fell surprisingly strong on his back several times. "I love you, son." 

      Liam stood straight and swiped his arm across his face. "Come on, Emma. Let's let him rest." 

      Emma kissed Patrick's cheek and then Liam led her toward the door, surprised when Anita was entering. "I'll stay in here and tend to Patrick," she said, her eyes going to the man on the bed. "I'm sure he'd like to have company." 

      "I'd.. like that," Patrick agreed. 

      As confusing as all that was, Liam couldn't focus on the budding relationship between his once-feuding relatives. He had a reckoning to deliver. 

      Liam led Emma back to the sofa, settled her down on it and then crouched before her. "I'm going, Emma." 

      Fear and worry widened her eyes but she nodded. "I knew you would." She took his hands and swallowed hard. "Please be careful... your daughter and I need you, Liam." 

      Liam nodded. He pressed a tender kiss to her lips before placing an even tenderer kiss to her rounding stomach. Then he shoved himself to his feet and headed toward the door. 

      Ben and Cassandra entered just as he reached it. Liam's gaze instantly dropped to the gun belt slung low on Ben's hips. "What are you doing?" Liam demanded. 

      "Coming with you," Ben replied. "A man can't let something like this stand."

      "Isn't vengeance frowned upon?" Liam asked. 

      "The Lord will forgive him," Cassandra assured him. "Men like that one need to be put down." 

      Liam sighed. "I'll do the putting down," he vowed. "I should have done it a long time ago. You'll stay here." 

      Ben shook his head. "I want to help." 

      Liam knew that Ben's heart was in the right place but he doubted that he had much talent with that gun on his hip. He could tell by the way the man wore it that he didn't have much practice. 

      "I won't forget your offer," Liam promised. "But I need your prayers here more than I need your gun up there. Don't go breaking your vows for me. I've got this handled." 

      He put a hand on Ben's shoulder and Ben swallowed hard before nodding. Liam could see the relief in the other man's eyes but he chose not to mention it. 

      Liam stepped out the door and clenched his fists as he swept down the steps. "Liam?" 

      With a grumble he turned to realize that Chase and Kyle had followed him. "Don't even try to tell me I'm not coming," Kyle warned. "By God we're more brothers than we are friends and I won't let you go up there alone." 

      Liam knew he wouldn't convince Kyle to stay behind. He recognized the look on his friend's face far too well. "Fine. But Chase you need to go back inside." 

      Chase's nostril's flared. "I don't reckon I will!" 

      "Please, Chase? I know it's not fair of me to ask since Kyle is coming with me but I need to know that Emma and the babe will be taken care of.... I know you'd protect them and take care of them. I know you'd love them in all the ways that matter. I need to know that if I don't come back, they won't be alone...." 

      Chase swallowed hard. He glanced at Kyle who nodded slightly and then he held out his hand to Liam. "You have my word, Liam. I'll see to your wife and child." 

      "Thank you," Liam replied, content with knowing that no matter what, his wife and child would ever want for anything. 

      Chase cleared his throat. "But can I ask you a favor?" Liam raised a brow in waiting. Chase forced a humorless laugh. "Can you do your damn best to bring my man back home to me?" 

M9sm@n�zy_

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The ride up the mountain was a tense and silent one. Neither man said a word—no words were needed. Both knew they were going to take the lives of at least two men—and they may very well get killed by a posse of mountain men in the process.

      There was a good chance they never would return to town, but, Liam was going to make sure that Silas died first.          

      Dawn had arrived and the sky was lightening when they arrived at Silas' cabin. It was clear by the blood trail they'd been following that Silas and the man who'd been with him, one of his brothers, had come back here and hadn't left. 

      "What was the man thinking?" Kyle asked quietly as they slipped from their horse's backs. "He shoots up your cabin, your wife and your father and then just goes on home?" 

      "Silas never was big on brains," Liam replied with a shrug. He took a moment to really breathe in the surroundings. There was no one around outside which meant the men had taken cover inside—they could very well be watching them right now. 

      "Silas Hawke?" Liam called loudly. "I've come for you." 

      Silence reigned for several long moments. "Liam, I don't want no trouble with ya." 

      "We're way past trouble, Silas. I intend to kill you," Liam assured him. 

      Kyle chuckled. "Nothing like laying it all out there." 

      Liam nodded toward the cabin. "Go around back. Don't let the bastard escape that way." 

      Liam watched Kyle disappear and then then headed toward the front door of the dilapidated shack. "Stop right there, Liam! Hell, I'm wounded and my brother is lying here dead. What kind of man comes at helpless folks?" 

      Liam chose not to respond. He'd learned the hard way that words were wasted on Silas Hawke. The man was evil, pure and simple, and he had to die. That was the only way Liam would keep his family safe. 

      He didn't flinch when a bullet struck the dirt next to his feet. Didn't pause as another whistled past his head. Liam stepped on the porch and kicked out, sending the door crashing open. 

      Silas had been being honest. His brother was dead with a hole in his gut and Silas himself, had clearly had his good arm broken by Emma's bullet. He'd been shooting at Liam with his left—which he clearly was no good at. 

      Silas was sitting on the floor beside the window. His clothes were bloody, his face was pale and his eyes were wide and shining. 

      Quickly, he tossed his gun away. "You're a fair man, Liam. Surely you won't shoot an unarmed man...." 

      Liam pulled his gun and cocked it back. "I made it clear what would happen if you harmed my family." 

      Silas opened his mouth, but Liam silenced him with a squeeze of the trigger. The bullet slammed into Silas' forehead but Liam didn't stop. He continued to put bullets into Silas' face until his gun was spent and Silas was an unrecognizable mess on the floor at his feet. 

      Liam reloaded his revolver, holstered it and swiped at his cheek before stepping back outside. 

      Kyle met him at the door. His face took on a nice green shade when he glanced over Liam's shoulder and saw Silas. "Damn..... what was I here for?" 

      "I don't know." Liam shrugged. "I told you not to come." 

      "Haha..." They mounted their horses. "That was a lot of shots, Liam. We might have drawn attention." 

      "I guarantee we did," Liam agreed. 

      Kyle tipped his head. "No matter what. I'm with you 'til the end." 

      The two men hadn't gone far down the mountain before Liam felt eyes on his back. Figures began materializing from the mist and trees around them. 

      He swallowed hard and remained still and silent on Misty's back. It would seem the end might have found them—in the form of dozens of armed mountain men surrounding them on all sides. 

---

      Emma's exhaustion was forgotten. Everyone kept urging her to sit down and rest but how was she supposed to do that? Her husband was on that mountain and, whether anyone here would admit it or not, his life was in danger. 

      "Emma, if you keep pacin' like that you're gonna wear a hole in the floor clear to the orient," Cassandra warned. 

      "Let her pace," Chase grumbled from where he sat at the window, sharpening a knife until it would slice through bone like warm butter. 

      "Her pacing is making me nervous," Cassandra admitted. 

      "Don't scold me, Cassandra! My husband is up on that mountain with plenty of men who wouldn't mind seeing him dead! How would you feel if Ben 

had gone up there and you were left here to twiddle your thumbs?“

      Cassandra blinked several times and dropped her gaze while Ben patted her hand comfortingly. "I think we're all a bit on edge. Emma, why don't you come sit down here and rest?" 

      Emma threw her hands in the air and let out an angry growl. "I don't 

need to rest!“

      She stormed to the door, threw it open and strode outside but not before she heard Lauren chastise Ben for being nice. 

      Emma walked out onto the street to resume her pacing. Daylight had arrived hours ago. Where was her husband? Emma was worried sick and damn near ready to hop on Colt and head up on that mountain herself to see what was taking him so long. 

      She heard footsteps behind her and recognized Chase's hand when it fell on her shoulder gently. "They mean well, Emma." 

      "They don't understand..." she whispered. 

      "Sure they do. Liam has a lot of people that love him. A lot of people that are worried about him.. and Kyle is up there too..." Chase added, his voice tightening. 

      Emma's heart hurt in her chest. She turned quickly and threw her good arm around Chase's neck, burying her face in his chest. 

      She wasn't certain if he was comforting her or if she was comforting him as they stood there with passerby's eyeing them with confusion. 

      A throat cleared behind them. "Get your hands off my wife, Chase. I ain't dead yet."

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The sound that left Emma's lips at the sound of Liam's voice was desperate and animalistic. She spun around and threw herself into his waiting arms and Liam held her close to him. 

Holding her washed away all the negative thoughts and emotions he'd been consumed in. Liam needed her and he wasn't ashamed to let everyone around see him clinging to her on the street. 

He saw Kyle and Chase slip away into the doc's house but he remained where he was, content to simply hold his wife. 

"Did you....? Did you take care of things?" Emma whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. 

Liam nodded as he kissed her hair. It wasn't an easy thing to tell your wife that you had killed her father—even if that father had been responsible for nearly killing her.

"We won't have to worry about him ever again," Liam promised. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I had to do what I did today and I'm sorry that I didn't do it sooner—if I had, then he never would have been able to...." 

Emma pulled away and cut him off with a sharp glace. Liam had learned over the months to simply stop talking and listen when she gave him that look. "Liam, I don't blame you for anything. None of it. My father was evil.... But you're not. You didn't want to kill him and no one can fault you for that." 

"But I did kill him," Liam countered. "And there wasn't anything poetic or heroic about it. He was cowering on the floor, covered in blood and I shot him dead." 

Emma shivered, swallowed hard and averted her gaze a moment. She wrapped her good arm around herself and stared down the road. Liam waited for her to speak. He might have said more than he should have but Emma was the only person he could talk to that way... the only person he felt real comfortable opening up to. 

Finally, she reached out and took his hand before meeting his gaze with sadness in her blue eyes. "You didn't have a choice, Liam. You are a good man—too good and decent and fair a man to be backed into that corner and left with no choice but to murder a man. My father is to blame for that. He forced your hand." 

Liam felt the ghost of a smile curve his lips. Without hesitation he pulled her back into his arms. "How'd I get lucky enough to end up with you?" 

Emma's light laughter filled the morning. "I believe it happened because I stumbled into your barn." 

"Either way, I'm damn glad." 

Liam laid his hand over her rounded stomach. He felt the movement of their child—a fluttering beneath his palm. "We've had rough times this year, Emma, but we made it. And come spring we'll have our son here and we won't have a single threat hanging over our heads." 

"I'm glad life will be peaceful for our daughter," Emma replied pointedly, causing Liam to chuckle. Then she bit her lip and his chuckle faded. "But are you sure there are no threats? Won't other mountain men be upset...?"

Liam recalled the mountain surrounding him and Kyle on the mountain. Damn, he'd been terrified. He'd been so sure they were going to end up dead. 

"No. We were surrounded on the way back down. I thought they were going to kill us but they thanked us instead. Silas had gotten out of control, unpredictable and violent. And they made it clear they hadn't had any part in his attack on you." 

Emma sighed and Liam swore it seemed like one-hundred tons of weight were suddenly lifted from her shoulders. "So, it's really over then?" she asked. "We can finally stop looking over our shoulders and being afraid?" 

"Yes, love." Liam stooped low and kissed her lips tenderly. He pulled his lips away slowly and pressed his brow to hers. "It's finally over." 

There tender moment was interrupted when Lauren burst from the doctor's office and raced down the stairs with William right behind her. "What's going on?" Liam demanded, fearing perhaps his father had taken a bad turn. 

Lauren's eyes were wide and her face was pale beneath her freckles. "It's Antia and Patrick!" she exclaimed. 

"What about them?" Emma urged. 

When Lauren seemed unable to speak, William threw up his hands. "Hellfire, y'all, they're gettin' married!" 

---

Liam sat on the doctor's steps that afternoon feeling more than a little conflicted and confused. Emma was sleeping soundly in the spare bedroom and Liam was glad for that. She'd been in a lot of pain, pain she'd attempted to hide from everyone, but had been unable to hide from him—he knew her too well. 

Today had been a roller coaster. He'd thought his wife was dead, had found her alive but wounded at her father's hand and had gone up on that mountain and murdered her father without mercy.... Only to come back home and find that his father was marrying his aunt. 

And they hadn't wasted any time.... Ben had married them right there in the doc's house while his father had laid in the hospital bed and she'd sat at his side. 

Liam had known that a relationship had been growing between them but he'd assumed it was mainly friendship—he'd never imagined that the two once sworn bitter enemies, would end up in love with each other!

Then again, his father wasn't the same man he'd been when they'd last known once another—the past few months had proven that. 

Liam was overwhelmed... he was more than ready to go home and disappear in the cabin for winter. He needed a bit of peace and solitude—with his wife by his side of course. 

The door opened behind him and Liam turned to see William coming outside. The boy sat down beside him on the staircase and picked at his pants leg. 

"Something on your mind?" Liam asked. 

William shrugged one bony shoulder. "It just seems strange is all." 

Liam looked out over the bustling street. "People get married all the time, William." 

"Not that." William snorted. "Even though Lauren seemed more than a little surprised by the wedding.... No, I was talking about you killing that man the way you did." 

Liam tensed. Kyle had told Chase the gory details and Chase, being the man he was, had decided to regale everyone with the tale. "Why does that seem strange to you?"

William scratched at his hair. "It's just you were always talking about what made a man but you shot an unarmed man.... It seems strange." 

Liam wanted to get angry, but, William was a child. An impressionable child without much guidance at home—the fact that he'd been away and no one had come looking for him proved that. And Liam supposed it did seem strange to a child. Children tended to see things in black and white—it was only when they matured that they began to see all the gray. 

"A man does what he has to in order to keep his family safe. Pulling a gun and killing someone, taking a life, shouldn't ever be your first choice but sometimes you're left with no options. If I hadn't done what I did, Silas would have killed me eventually, or Emma, or the baby or someone else we cared about.... There is evil in this world that no amount of speaking sense will cure." 

William nodded. "I wasn't saying that what you did was wrong," he assured him. "I would have killed him too." 

Liam winced. "I truly hope you never get backed into that corner." 

The two of them sat on the step a while longer. They didn't speak, simply stared off into town. 

Finally, William stood. "Well, I better be getting back in... Can I say one more thing, Mr. McIntyre?"

Liam nodded and waited for the boy to speak. 

"I sure as hell hope I'm able to be a lot like you when I grow up." 

---

"Home sweet home," Liam announced as he carried Emma into the cabin and kicked the door closed behind them. 

He was quick to carry her through the mess of the kitchen and sitting room and lock both of them away in the comfort of their undisturbed bedroom. 

"I have a mess to tend to tomorrow," Emma whispered, staring at the closed door. 

Liam laid her gently on the bed. "I don't reckon you do. I'll take care of it all." 

"But...." 

"Don't argue with me. I'm a stubborn man and you'll lose." 

He lit the small lantern in the corner of the room before slipping from his clothes. Liam felt Emma's eyes on him and hunger rushed through him when he looked her way and saw those blue eyes trail up his body. 

Leaving the lamp on, Liam stalked to the bed. Emma whispered his name as he slowly removed her clothes, piece by piece. 

Skin on skin, Liam pressed his lips against hers and Emma moaned against him. 

In that moment he knew. No matter how strange life became—no matter what terrible things they faced, no matter what chaos or oddities happened around them—as long as they could end their days like this, lost in each other's arms—they'd both be just fine.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Christmas Day

One Year Later

“Chase, don’t you think you oughta take it easy on the food?” Kyle scolded as Chase dug into his fourth plate of turkey. “You’ve almost eaten one whole bird yourself.”

      Emma patted Chase on the head as she passed behind him on her way to the sofa. "That's why I made two." 

      "You shouldn't encourage him," Kyle warned. 

      Emma simply smiled as she walked to the sofa and sat down beside Liam. Liam was watching his father as Patrick bounced their daughter on his knee. 

      "We're gonna trot to town," Patrick cooed as Amelia squealed with glee. 

      "If she vomits, you get to clean the mess," Anita warned, though the smile on her face made it clear she loved watching Amelia having so much fun. 

      After several more giggle-filled moments of 

trotting , Patrick heaved out a sigh and let his knee come to a stop. “Papaw has to have a break, little one. You’ve just about killed the horse.”

      Anita swooped in and scooped the girl up. "Come on over here then, girlie and we'll talk a while." 

      Amelia let out an angry grumble and reached her chubby fists toward Patrick. "I believe she's trying to say papaw," Patrick stated. 

      "No, she's not," Liam countered. "If she's going to say anything it's dada." 

      "Sorry to disappoint everyone but she already said my name," Chase spoke through a mouthful of turkey and potatoes. 

      "No she didn't," Anita scoffed. 

      Chase's brow furrowed. "Yeah she did," he countered indignantly. "She looked right at me and said, 'Uncle Chase'." 

      Kyle shook his head as he glanced up from the book he was reading. "That was a burp, Chase. The girl had gas." 

      Chase stuck his tongue out at the other man and tossed a bean at him. Kyle plucked the bean off his shirt and plopped it in his mouth before turning his attention back to the book in his hands. 

      The discussion was interrupted by footsteps on the porch. The door opened, bringing in the cold December air with it. "It's colder than a hog's rump out there!" Cassandra declared, shaking snow from her wild hair. 

      Ben took her coat from her shoulders and kissed her red cheek. "Go stand by the stove and get warm," he urged. 

      Cassandra put her hands on her large swollen belly and did just that. 

      "Where's Lauren? I thought she was coming out with you?" Emma asked as she joined Cassandra by the fire.

      "She's at her fella's house for Christmas. He invited her over. I believe Anita's gonna have one less girl in a year or two. William seems bound and determined to marry our Lauren." 

      Anita waved her free hand, while Amelia tugged at her necklace. "I don't worry about Lauren. That girl is more than capable of taking of herself. And, if William is brave enough to spend his life with her, then she could definitely do worse." 

      The cabin was filled with laughter and conversation and Emma loved it. She loved the quiet that usually filled it as well, but, every now and then, it was nice to have everyone together this way. 

      She had her husband, their daughter and family and friends that she knew she could count on for anything. 

      Life was truly more wonderful than she ever could have imagined it would be. 

      And it was about to get better.

      After the festivities wound down and everyone left, Emma and Liam put Amelia down to sleep before settling down on the sofa to stare into the fire. 

      Emma chewed on her lip as she wondered how to tell Liam what she'd only learned for herself two days before. 

      Liam's chest rumbled beneath her head. He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up so he could look into her eyes. "When are you gonna get around to tell me we're going to have another babe? I've been waiting but you're keeping the news about our son to yourself." 

      Emma smiled, feeling her heart swell with joy. "A son, huh? Are you sure you want to start saying that already? I believe I'm the one who got it right last time." 

      Liam shrugged. "I figure if I keep saying boy 

eventually I’ll be right.“

      Emma kissed him lightly. "So, you're happy?" 

      "Hell, woman, I'm more than happy. This family is my world. You know that." 

      Emma nestled herself against his chest once more, loving the sound of his heart beating beneath her ear. She took his hand in hers and threaded her fingers around his. "You're wrong again though," she warned. 

      Liam kissed her hair. "Am I?"

      "Yes." 

      "Girl again?" 

      "Nope." Emma smiled. "This time it's twins." 

A/N: We’ve reached the end of “Love Her Softly”. Thank you all so much for reading and supporting me while I wrote this! Know that sometimes i made you wait too long for chapters (a week or longer at times), but i really really am happy and grateful for those of you who stuck it out! Considering that ‘Fallen Angel’ only has 17 parts and this is part 40 of ‘Love her Softly’, I’d have to say I succeeded in fleshing the story out! Once again, thank you all. You rock. I love y’all! 

~Nicole