Page 31 of A Groom for Heather
Dalton shook his head. “Never had a need.”
“But those stories!”
“Are just stories, Heather.”
“But you are famous for finding the worst outlaws.”
Dalton turned away and looked back out in the darkness. “Most of the posters saiddead or alive.” He glanced back at her. “I preferred the alive part. Let the judge figure them out.”
“But your brother’s killer…”
“I never said I shot him. I said he was dead. You inferred I shot him.”
“Oh,” Heather bit her lip so hard, the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. “How did he die?”
“Doesn’t matter. He’s just dead.” Dalton turned back and looked at her. “People are going to believe what they want to believe. There is nothing you can do about that. I could either try to correct everyone or just let it go. I can’t control what other people think of me.”
“You took the job protecting this town.”
Dalton laughed. “Actually, I didn’t. I told you I didn’t want it.” He took a deep breath. “I did it for you.”
“For me?”
“I have no desire to run a butcher shop. Mr. Cairn is finding a buyer for me. But I don’t want anything to happen to you or the children. That is why I’m doing this.”
“What were you going to do if you confronted that mountain lion?”
“Try to talk my way out of it?”
Heather giggled. “No. Really.”
“Honestly? I’d probably run like hell. I was going to go visit Dave and see if he could teach me how to shoot.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“I need to learn somewhere. What kind of man would I be if I couldn’t protect my farm?” He moved closer. “If I couldn’t protect what I care about.”
“You care about me?”
Dalton nodded. “And the children.”
“But we are leaving.”
“As you keep saying. Just make sure you are leaving for the right reasons. No one is telling you to leave. That is all on you.”
“But the pastor.”
“He just wants his town to be happy. Godly. Safe.” Dalton titled his head. “Granted he is going about it the wrong way, but I believe his heart is in the right place.”
Heather ran her palms down the front of her dress. When did her hands become so wet? “I don’t know.” She gestured around the yard. “I don’t have anywhere to live now. You own my farm.”
Dalton moved closer to her. So close that the scent of horses and leather filled her senses as he stood over her. “Heather… I –”
“Yes?” She leaned towards him, her breath quickening in her chest.
He lifted his hand, cupping her face.
Was he going to kiss her?
