The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [80]
John had another crawly feelin’ about where this conversation was going.
“I think you have a good idea why else I’m here.”
“Most likely so,” John said.
Silence hung between them. A mockingbird flew over. Crickets chirped. And John waited.
“Five years ago, I met Leah and made a fool of myself in everything I did—not only with her but with Parker and those involved in bringing in the McCaw gang. Since then, I’ve become a believer and learned all I could about following the Lord and doing the best job possible as a US Marshal. I’m still working hard on both of these.”
John waited while Wirt must have been garnering the courage to say why else he’d come.
“Before becoming a believer, I wrote Leah for a few years. Even asked her to marry me. She had the sense to stop writing. But I never forgot about her. Coming here was important to me on two counts—redeeming myself to the people of Rocky Falls and to Leah. John, I’m asking permission to court your mama proper. Victor Oberlander cares for her too, but I don’t give a lick. If the good Lord intends for Leah and me to spend the rest of our lives together, then it will happen.” Wirt blew out a long sigh. “So do I have your permission?”
John considered every word from Wirt, the way the man spoke his heart, the honesty, and what John wanted for Mama. A quick prayer filled his thoughts. What he said next to Wirt had to come from God, not from John’s selfishness of making sure Mama was always there for him. “Who am I to get in the way of a man who’s in love?”
Wirt stopped in his tracks and reached out to shake John’s hand. “If she’ll have me, I’ll take care of her for the rest of my life. I’ll love her and treat her like the most precious woman on the face of the earth.”
John laughed. “Maybe you should write that down. Sounds like a marriage proposal.”
“Maybe so.”
“What about the age difference? You’re a good eight years younger than Mama.”
“Makes no difference to me.”
John kept his gaze fixed on the man who claimed to love his mama. “What about children of your own? Mama might not be able to have more. ”
“Looks to me like we’d have ourselves five boys.”
“All right, Wirt. Hope you know what you’re takin’ on.”
“A journey with Leah and wherever the road takes us.”
Listening to Wirt made him wonder if he should be talking to Ember about their future. Could he make her happy? More so, could he make her forget the past stalking her like a mountain lion?
Bert stirred together sugar cookies just the way Leah had showed her. As soon as she popped them into the oven, she’d cut huge slices of beef for tonight’s supper. While Leah, John, and Mark rode across the ranch, Bert wanted to prepare a fine meal. Evan, Aaron, and Davis were busy cleaning out streams that flowed from the St. Vrain’s, so the animals would have fresh water. She appreciated the time alone to think and do something special for the family she so dearly loved. How her heart ached to love John and have him love her …
There she was again, living in a fantasy world. She shoved away the melancholy thoughts with a prayer for God to make things right. A song rose to her lips, one she’d been humming all afternoon.
I saw a bright blue birdie
A sittin’ in a tree,
It sang so sweet, it made me cry
And brought me to my knees.
Keep on singin’, sweet birdie
Make me happy with your song.
Fill my heart with your music
Lastin’all the day long.
A knock at the door startled her. The old fears of who stood on the porch raced through her. She dug her fingers into her palms and walked across the room.
“Who’s there?”
“Your brother.”
Her temples began to throb. “I’m not opening the door.”
“Do you want me to kick it in?” He lifted the latch and stepped inside. She’d forgotten to lock it when the others left. The rifle leaning against the wall by the fireplace caught her attention. Can I turn a gun on my own brother?
“Don’t go near that rifle, or I’ll use it on you.”
Bert’s gaze slowly lifted to his. Simon grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. His wide