His boots were shined. His clothes were clean, and his insides rumbled like a thunderstorm. He’d rather face a courtroom of wolves. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door. Nearly three weeks had passed since he’d asked Casey about courting. She’d had long enough to think about it. Seeing her in church and when she came to visit the ranch drove him to the edge of taking a plunge over a cliff. Today he had to find out.
The reverend greeted him with a firm handshake. “Won’t you come in?”
“I can wait out here. Is Casey free to talk?”
“You two.” The reverend chuckled. “She’s with Sarah. Let me check with her. Sure you don’t want to wait inside?”
“No. This’ll be fine.”
Once the reverend disappeared, Morgan paced the front porch. He scared off a black cat and nearly knocked over a plant. His insides hadn’t been this shook up since he tried his first case. Casey O’Hare had no right to stir up his mind like this.
I’m being selfish here. Sarah may need her. But Sarah doesn’t know the danger her Shawne is in.
The door opened. Casey’s smile made him tongue-tied—Morgan Andrews, the lawyer who had all the confidence. She wore a light blue dress that matched her eyes. Her hair was swept up loosely in the back except for a few curls that framed her face. God could not have created a more beautiful woman. She stepped onto the porch and shut the door behind her.
“The reverend said you wanted to talk to me. Sarah’s sleeping, so I have a few minutes.”
“How is she?”
“About the same. Some days are good, and others are hard.” She kept her distance. Perhaps she’d already made up her mind.
He wet his lips. “Have you made a decision about us?”
“I have.” She paused. “I believe if you want to call on me, after all the things I’ve done and with the understanding that the law or Jenkins could ride up to the parsonage today, I’m willing.”
Morgan felt himself smiling from the inside out. “Could we start with a picnic after church?”
“That would be fine.”
“And I’d like to discuss the other item we spoke about.”
“All right.” Her slender shoulders lifted and fell. “I’ll have the food ready after church.”
“I was going to ask Bonnie.”
“No need. Consider the picnic a payment for our other discussion.”
*****
On Sunday morning, Casey woke before five to fry chicken, boil corn, roast potatoes, and bake a blackberry cobbler. She cooked plenty so the reverend and Sarah didn’t have to concern themselves with dinner. All during church, her mind wandered. She dreamed about spending the afternoon with Morgan. She’d mentally shake herself and give the reverend her attention. She’d heard him give the sermon yesterday for Sarah’s review, but that wasn’t an excuse to ignore him today.
When the service dismissed, Casey whirled around to find Morgan at her side. She laughed. He seemed as excited as a little boy finding a litter of puppies. Once they said their proper good-byes, he escorted her to the parsonage.
“I forgot to tell you one very important thing about picnics,” he said as he loaded the back of the wagon with the picnic basket.
“What’s that?” She started to add that she’d never been on a picnic before, but decided against it.
“You have to let me kiss you.”
“Morgan!” She glanced in every direction. “What if someone heard you?”
“I’m only being honest.” He chuckled and helped her onto the wagon seat. “I might have to apologize.”
So he wanted to tease? “No point in apologizing for something that won’t happen.” Her heart raced, but she willed it to calm. With a kiss, you’d steal a bit more of my heart.
“If you want to eat, it’ll cost you a kiss.”
“But I cooked the food.” They laughed together, which began talk of familiar matters from the weather to the latest rumors on the outlaw trail. Neither of them mentioned Jenkins or the sheriff. No point in ripping open old wounds. They headed out of town over a winding road that led over rolling hills.
“Did you like Arizona?” Nervousness had set in, causing her to search her frenzied mind for something to say.
“Naw, too dry and desolate for me and a lot of hard riding. But the desert does have a beauty all its own. The sunset reminds me of the color of your hair.”
Casey blushed crimson and couldn’t think of a single reply.
He laughed. “I don’t recall any wanted posters mentioning the many shades of red in your face.” He paused.