You’ve got to be kidding. You rarely came to see me once a month and then it was only to eat. Then you were off to your new mistress.” She looked over at Edward.
He stood next to her with his hands in fists, knuckles white.
Adele looked back toward Richard. “Get out. Leave us alone.”
Richard shook his head. “Not without my property.”
“I’m not your property.” Her voice shook with rage. She didn’t know how long she’d remain civil to him.
“Ah, but you are. I paid your parents for you.”
She closed her eyes for a moment. Disappointment in her parents filled her. But then she remembered how much they needed the money, and she could not be angry.
She stiffened her back. “They told me why and I don’t care who you paid. I was never for sale. My parents didn’t own me, either. No person can be a slave.”
Edward moved between Adele and Richard. “I’d shoot you right now if I wasn’t afraid you might shoot Adele again. I’m sure my friend would swear it was in self-defense. The sheriff is looking for you. ” He nodded toward Jeremiah Weston, who was watching. “I’m sure if I wanted him to, Jeremiah would get the sheriff for me while I hold you here, but again, I’m afraid you’d injure Adele again. So take my advice and leave town. Staying here will be your downfall.”
Richard turned and looked at the owner.
The tall man had his arms crossed over his chest and his brows furrowed.
Richard returned his gaze to Adele and Edward. “I’ll leave quietly this time, but don’t expect me to leave next time without Adele. You can count on it.” He turned and left.
Adele watched until she saw him get on a horse. Then she slumped.
Edward placed his arm around her shoulders. “We’ll be on our guard. It will be all right. He won’t be able to take you or hurt you. I’ll tell Quinn how he looks now. He’s got to be staying someplace. Maybe he found an old miners shack. I can guarantee he’s not at the boarding house anymore.”
She leaned against him. “We’ll have to watch out for Lissa, too.”
His arm around her tightened. “I know.”
He was angry and she didn’t blame him. Should she have gone with Richard, saved Edward grief and assure Lissa’s safety?
“I know what you’re thinking and no, I won’t let you go back to him. Regardless of how you came here, you’re now my wife. He can accept that or not, but I will protect those who are mine. Before you say anything, I’m not saying I own you. I’m saying you’re my family, and I will do whatever I have to, including killing him, if he comes near you or Lissa or anyone else under my protection.”
Adele smiled, reached up and cupped his jaw. “I wouldn’t have minded, even if you meant you owned me. But thank you for taking my feelings into account.”
“Of course,” he said gruffly.
“Quinn definitely needs to know about Richard’s change in appearance.” She picked up the dolls and took them up to the counter by the entrance.
“Hi Jeremiah, I’ll take both of the dolls. Would you wrap them up, please?”
He took the dolls from her. “Sure thing, Adele. Lissa will love these.”
“She’s only getting one for Christmas. The other will be for her birthday in February.” I’m prattling because I’m nervous. Jeremiah didn’t need to know about Lissa’s birthday.
He grinned. “Well, she’ll be happy both times then.” Suddenly he sobered. “That man didn’t bother you did he? I’ll keep him out of here from now on.”
Adele smiled, placed a hand on his arm and gave him a little squeeze. “Oh, thank you, Jeremiah, that’s sweet. Edward took care of the problem. That man won’t be giving us any more trouble.” He doesn’t need to know more than he does. I won’t do anything that will reflect badly on Edward.
“Well, if he does, you just let me know.”
“Thank you, I will.”
Edward approached them. He looked at the counter, shook his head and chuckled. “Did you get my order done, Jeremiah? I don’t think I can afford to have her shopping for Christmas any longer.”
Jeremiah pointed at boxes stacked by the curtain covering back door. “Your order is all boxed and my new stock boy, Bobby, will put it in your wagon. Thanks for bringing back the boxes. You’d be amazed at how many people don’t. I’ve gotten to the point I don’t box their groceries if they haven’t brought back