his territory? And what of her past? Her lies? And his family wanted to befriend her? She thought her head would burst with all the problems stemming from her staying in Kahlerville.
I’m the outlaw. I’m the fool.
She remembered the decision she made yesterday for the Lord. How could life be so happy one minute and so horrible the next? She thought of asking God to help her again, but she was new at this prayer business. Maybe she had a limit—
“Shawne, are you all right?” the reverend said.
She startled and gave him her attention. “I’m sorry. Are you talking to me?”
Concern etched his face. “Jocelyn asked where you were from.”
That she could answer and not lie. “Missouri. My mother died about eight years ago.”
“I’m sorry. Is your father living?”
He’s a drunk. “I’m not sure, ma’am.” She felt herself redden. An awkward silence followed.
“We’ll have simply a wonderful time on Sunday,” Bonnie said. “Do you ride?”
Sidesaddle? “I have a horse at the livery.”
Bonnie clapped her hands, and she didn’t look a bit silly or childish. “We could fetch your horse after church, if you like. I can’t wait to show you our ranch. My other brother, Grant, might want to join us, but he’s quiet and won’t bother us.”
Casey nibbled at the inside of her mouth. That probably wasn’t proper ladylike behavior, either. When would this morning end?
“Sarah is anxious to see the rest of her visitors.” Morgan’s wide shoulders took the span of the parlor entrance. “We talked until I was afraid I’d wear her out.”
The reverend made his way to Morgan’s side. “Then let me join the two ladies so I can bid her good-bye before I leave for a few calls.”
Casey’s head pounded so hard that it hurt. She’d be alone with Morgan. He’d probably threaten to run her out of town. Dare she blame him? He was probably best friends with the sheriff.
“If Shawne doesn’t mind, I’d like to take a walk,” Morgan said. “It’s been awhile since we last spoke.”
Everyone looked to her for a response. She’d felt more comfortable facing a mountain cat. “That would be fine.”
Morgan opened the door, and the two walked into the sunshine. He favored his left leg. Memories. So many of them. “Warm already,” he said.
“Yes, and I think it’s getting hotter.”
“What was I supposed to do in there? I’m sorry, Cas—Shawne. Where did you come up with that name?”
She stiffened. “My middle and my mother’s maiden name. Look, Morgan, I had no idea you lived here. I can be gone in the morning.”
“I don’t want you to leave.” He rubbed his chin. Gone were the amber-colored whiskers.
“So you want an outlaw spending Sunday afternoon with your family and nursing the preacher’s wife in your hometown?”
He didn’t answer.
“I understand,” she said.
“No, you don’t. This is hard. Too many things you don’t understand.”
“So you still need me to find Jenkins? How do you plan to go about it this time?”
“I put that vendetta behind me.”
Casey stopped in the middle of the pathway. “I don’t believe you. Why?”
“I got right with the Lord.” His expression softened, and for a moment she lost herself in the depths of his turquoise eyes.
Despite her uneasiness, the thought of Morgan striving to live like God intended warmed her. “I’m very happy for you. I did the same yesterday.”
“Good. We’re both heading in the right direction.”
She glanced down at the grass beneath her feet. What should she say? All her fanciful thoughts about him seemed simpleminded. “You healed fine?”
“Thanks to you and Doc, this leg is getting better all the time.”
“I’m pleased.” Frustration inched through her. “How about the hole near your heart?”
“Guess I deserve that.” He pointed to the back of the house. “Do you mind if we walk there?”
She nodded and strolled beside him. Hadn’t she dreamed of seeing Morgan again, talking to him, having him so close that she could touch him? “Morgan, I’m wanted in more states than I can count, and Jenkins wants me dead. Every person I touch is in danger. I don’t want that for you, your family, or the reverend and Sarah. If you found me, so will the others. Even the sheriff said my face is familiar. It’s only time until he figures me out.”
“My family, my friends are precious to me,” he said.
The truth clung like a cold, damp morning. “Which is why I have to leave.”
“No.” He spoke so loudly she looked to see if others were watching. “I can’t let you go.”