The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [98]
Soft sobs and a gentle shudder caused him to wonder if he’d spoken too much too soon. Or if she had plans for her future that didn’t include him.
“I’m sorry to upset you.” John did his best to sound strong when inside his heart lay open.
“You haven’t made me sad, but happy. I love you—have for a long time.” Her stammered words served to enforce what was written in her eyes. “I’ve had feelings for you since you blew a hole through Leon’s hangman’s noose.”
“And I thought you were a boy.” He laughed. “Strange how one scraggly boy could blossom into one beautiful woman.”
“I think you’re wearing blinders, but I appreciate your words just the same.”
“They’re true.” He squeezed her lightly. “I’m looking forward to the long months of winter when we can get to know each other better.”
“Are you sure I should continue to stay here? Shouldn’t you take a family vote?”
“No one will want you to leave, especially me.” John resolved to make sure no one ever hurt his Ember Rose again.
CHAPTER 45
John made the early morning trek to the barn while Ember started breakfast. Since they’d talked three nights ago after Simon’s arrest, they’d grown closer. For the past few mornings, she’d risen from Mama’s room when she heard him in the kitchen. Together they read a passage from the Bible and prayed for each other and those they loved. John made a point to pray for Simon, Clint, and Lester; however, Ember hadn’t been able to mention her brothers. John silently prayed for the day when she could forgive them. He knew leaving the past behind was hard, especially when he was having a difficult time himself. Their early morning moments with God were special, a precious glimpse of what life with Ember could be like, and John didn’t care if his choice of words to describe it sounded poetic or like a moonstruck calf.
He entered the barn with a lantern in hand. Davis kept the stalls sweet smelling, always taking pride with his chores. Hard to tell what the future held for Davis, but he was young with lots of experiences ahead to form him into a man.
Last night, John kept Racer inside since he had a morning ride into Rocky Falls. He and Wirt planned to escort Simon to Denver. After the news about the man’s capture had reached the US Marshal’s office in Denver, several other warrants for his arrest mandated that he be taken to the state’s capital to stand trial. Warrants for the arrest of Clint and Lester circulated not only in Colorado but in neighboring states. John wanted them caught. They’d willfully broken the law and needed to face justice.
John whistled for Racer, but the horse didn’t respond with the familiar whinny. “Hey, boy. Are you ready for a ride this morning?”
He lifted the lantern and walked back through the barn to the far left corner. The stall door stood open, and Racer was gone. Rowdy lay on a pile of straw where the stallion had stood.
“Rowdy?” When the dog failed to respond, a feral groan escaped John’s lips while a mixture of grief, anger, and alarm consumed him.
John knelt at the dog’s side and tried to rouse him. When the dog didn’t respond, he bent his ear to his heart. A faint beat gave him hope. He eased his arms under Rowdy and felt for blood. Nothing. As he gently worked his hands around the dog’s body, he felt a huge knot on the back of his head.
Dear God, please let this poor animal recover. He’s never done a thing to deserve this.
He scooped Rowdy up into his arms and grabbed the lantern. Remembering his rifle propped against the porch wall, he felt defenseless against anyone who still might be lurking in the barn. He knew better than to be without his weapon, and his stupidity could get him—and his family killed.
But the horse thief was long gone, and Rowdy needed attention. A frightening thought passed through him. If someone had stolen Racer and hurt Rowdy, then he could have gotten into the house and hurt his family.
John took off