Page 33 of Wrangling Her Heart
“That’s the marshal?” Tillie took the coffeepot from the back of the stove and filled it with fresh water and coffee grounds.
Annamae slid into a seat at the table. “Yes. He has been here since Flat River was founded. I think he’s at least a hundred years old.”
“He didn’t look all that old.”
“Not really. He can’t be much older than Ma or Mr. and Mrs. Chapman.”
Tillie placed two cups on the table.
“Get another one.” Sawyer entered the room and kissed Annamae on the head before circling around to take a seat on the other side of the table. “I couldn’t sleep without you.”
Tillie handed a cup to her brother. “Are you hungry? I can make something to eat.”
Sawyer shook his head. “Annie may want something.”
“I can’t eat right now.” She reached across the table and took Sawyer’s hand. “Do you think it is true? What they say about Whit?”
“Honey, I don’t know. I can’t imagine him doing anything like that. If someone saw him with the gang, then there must bea good reason for it.” His eyes never left Annamae’s face, as if he was drawing strength from her. “I trust him. He has never given anyone a reason not to trust him.”
Tillie watched as Annamae sniffled and nodded, a small smile breaking through her tear-streaked face. She envied their unspoken bond, the love that blossomed in the hushed whispers, shared glances, and firm handholds. It was the love she desired.
“Well, I think I’ll make some biscuits,” Tillie announced. “Rex might be hungry when he gets home.”
“Why don’t we say a prayer for him,” Annamae suggested. “Then I’ll help you with the biscuits.”
Tillie nodded and slid into the chair between Sawyer and Annamae. Her heart pounded in her chest as she closed her eyes and listened to Sawyer’s strong voice fill the room.
“Lord,” he started, his voice trembling slightly, “We thank you for your protection and guidance. We ask that you watch over our brother, Rex, and the other men as they go about their work tonight. Keep them safe and bring Rex home to us. Amen.”
“Amen,” Annamae and Tillie echoed in unison, their voices barely above a whisper.
“Thank you, Sawyer.”
“You’re welcome. I know Whit would never harm Esther. If anything, he’s protecting her.”
“How do you know that?” Tillie asked, gathering the supplies to make biscuits.
“He loves her. A man will do anything to protect the woman he loves. That’s how I know Rex will be back. He needs to be here to protect you.”
Tillie nearly dropped the bowl. “You do? He does?”
Sawyer nodded, the corners of his lips twitching into a faint smile. “I may have been away from you for a while, but I ain’tblind. I’ve seen how he looks at you. It’s the same way I look at Annamae.”
Annamae blushed, her hand coming to rest on her husband’s arm. “And he’s never wrong about these things,” she whispered, sending a glance full of affection Sawyer’s way. “You love him, don’t you?”
Tillie felt a flutter in her chest at Annamae’s words, but quickly pushed it down. Yes, she had said it to Rex, but he said nothing in return. She turned back to the counter, hands shaking slightly as she started mixing the dough for the biscuits. She kept her gaze on the bowl, too flustered to look at Annamae or Sawyer.
“I reckon it is too soon,” she finally said. “We’ve only known each other a few days.”
Annamae gave a little giggle. “I knew the moment I saw Sawyer at the Chapmans that I was going to marry him. Unfortunately, he had to get scarlet fever before I could do it.”
Tillie stopped mixing. “Oh, my goodness. You were sick?”
“I would have died if it wasn’t for Annamae.”
“I’m glad you didn’t die, Sawyer. I know you weren’t happy to see George and I arrive, but I really missed you.”
“I’m glad too, Tillie. Now that George is gone, we can start over.”
