emotion. If her neighbors back in Apple Grove heard that she’d thrown herself into a man’s embrace, she would be the subject of shocked gossip for weeks. Public displays of emotion were not encouraged among the Amish. Papa and Mama, whose love for one another radiated from their eyes, had rarely touched in front of Emma, even within the privacy of their own home.
Her face flamed as she stepped away, and she could not bring herself to meet his gaze. “Thank you for saving me.”
“And thank you, little gal.” Griff approached from behind her. “I had one foot inside the Pearly Gates until you sprang into action.”
Emma could find no words to reply. She had attacked a man. Not with a weapon, but by using her body as a battering ram. Of course, if she hadn’t acted Griff would be dead. She looked at Earl, whose hands were being tied by Morris, and then at the still unconscious form of Lester. Beyond them lay the bodies of the two rustlers who had been killed because of her foolish behavior, sneaking off into the night and getting herself kidnapped.
What lay heavy on her soul, though, was the fact that she couldn’t find it in herself to feel sorry for them. Nor for her act of violence in order to save Griff’s life.
Papa approached them, his chest heaving from his sprint down the hillside. Never had she been so glad to hear a voice in her entire life as when his rang out in the night. The urge to throw her arms around him and sob was strong, but she knew he would not appreciate such an emotional display, and she had embarrassed herself enough for one night.
He ran up to her, and before she realized what he intended, he gathered her into a strong embrace. “Emma.” His rough beard pressed against her cheek. “My Emma. You are safe.”
The embrace lasted only a moment, and then Papa pulled back, his hands clutching her arms below the shoulders. Stunned, she searched his face and was astonished to see tears glistening in his eyes. Papa, her Papa, who never cried.
His face blurred as salty moisture filled her own eyes. “Papa, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I attacked someone. I committed violence against another human being.”
Luke let out an exclamation. “You’re kidding, right? These men kidnapped you. They have stolen from who knows how many people, including your own family. They killed two of my men and were about to kill more. You saved Griff’s life, Emma. How can that be wrong?”
Anger licked at the confusion obvious on his face. Emma searched for words, but how could she explain the Amish belief of nonresistance? Especially when his question stirred up so much confusion inside her. How could saving a life be wrong? Killing was wrong; she knew that. But surely acting in defense of another wasn’t wrong. If she had to choose again, she would do exactly the same as before. And therein lay the source of her guilt.
Papa had mastered his tears and answered Luke’s question. “Christ did not resist, even unto death.” He looked into Emma’s face. “We both have things to discuss with Bishop Miller when we return to Apple Grove, daughter.”
Emma glanced at the unconscious form of her kidnapper and shivered. No matter what the bishop said, she would not be sorry for the mighty bash to the head Luke had given the man. She supposed she’d have to confess that to Bishop Miller too.
But to her father she merely replied, “Yes, Papa.”
During the uproar, the cattle’s nervousness had increased. The bowl-like shape of the surrounding ridge had kept most of them contained, but about a third had found a way over the hills on the opposite side from the pass and escaped into the night. The rest huddled together, stamping their hooves and uttering uneasy calls to one another.
Once the two remaining rustlers were bound securely and roped to their horses, Luke instructed Charlie and Morris to take them, along with Emma and Jonas, back to camp.
“You want us to drive these along with us?” Charlie gestured to the press of cattle.
Luke shook his head and then jerked a nod in the direction of the bound rustlers. “Let’s get those two back to camp first. They’ll be watching for you to get distracted, and I don’t want to give them a chance to escape. I’m going to enjoy handing them over to