brow with the back of his hand. He’d rather face a she-bear with cubs than apologize to Casey. That was pride, and he knew it. The old Morgan allowed hate to consume him. The new Morgan fought those flames of bitterness. True, he couldn’t ride back there alone, but Jesus rode a white horse beside him.
He blew out a ragged breath and raced back to Casey. She hadn’t ventured far from where he’d left, and her red eyes and splotchy face told him exactly what his words had caused. She carried her hat, and her long auburn hair lay in waves about her shoulders. It glistened in the sun like spun gold. He remembered the newspapers describing Casey O’Hare: “Hair the color of fire. The face of an angel, but beware of her trigger finger and her lust for whatever you own.” She’d stolen Morgan’s heart, and he didn’t have the sense to treat her like a human being. Casey kept right on walking as though she were alone.
“Casey.”
“You heard me earlier.”
“Casey, would you give me a chance to apologize?”
“If you don’t stop using my name, someone will hear, and I don’t have a hankering to be hung or shot.”
“I’m sorry.”
She whipped around like a trapped animal ready to strike. Hurt more powerful than hatred penetrated her gaze. “Are you?”
“Yes,” he said. “I love you. I realize it’s too late, but it’s the truth.”
“Love? How do you treat your enemies?”
Her words stung. “I love you, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
Casey sucked in her breath. “Maybe you should learn what love means.” She lifted her chin and glanced straight ahead. “I don’t claim to know, but I don’t think it causes what happened today.”
“It’s not you.” He desperately needed to convince her, but how? Reveal a tale so horrible that no one around him ever hinted of it?
“Jenkins used to say the same thing.”
Morgan felt his blood run cold. “Don’t compare me—”
She waved her hand in his face. “Jenkins used to say the same thing,” she repeated. “When Tim wasn’t around, he’d swear his love and promise me anything I wanted. Then he’d beat me because I refused him. Later he’d say I deserved it for not wanting to be his woman. I’d hurt for days from those beatings.” She tightened her chin. “Funny thing, none of those beatings ever hurt like I feel now. Guess I’m feeling sorry for myself. I’m an outlaw. Trash. And you just proved it.” She brushed past him and mounted her stallion. “I’ll ride my horse back to the parsonage.”
Morgan didn’t try to stop her. All thoughts of earning the woman’s love had vanished. And it was his fault.
*****
Casey managed a smile for Jocelyn and Bonnie, then explained she needed to get back to the parsonage. Her head ached and her emotions were spent after the ordeal with Morgan. “I’m not feeling well,” she said. “I’d like to rest a little before tonight’s church services.”
“Sorry you’re feeling poorly,” Jocelyn said. “Let me find Morgan, or I can take you myself.”
“I’ll ride my horse. Really, I’ll be fine. Do you mind if I wear these clothes? I’ll wash them and give them back to you.”
“Fine, Shawne.” Jocelyn tilted her head. “I do hope you’ll be all right.”
Casey rushed inside the house and up the stairs to Bonnie’s room.
Forgive him.
The small whisper shook her senses, but she pushed it away. She bundled up her Sunday clothes and made her way downstairs. How could Morgan tell her he loved her after what he’d said? Did he think she’d swoon like some lovesick girl? Jocelyn waited for her on the front porch.
Forgive him.
Casey shivered. Never. I’m not a fool.
“Are you feverish?” Jocelyn said. “You’re pale.”
“No, ma’am, but I’m tired.”
Jocelyn pointed in the distance. “There’s Morgan now. He’ll want to make sure you get to town.”
Casey started to protest, but that would have meant explaining. “I think Grant needs him.”
Jocelyn ignored her and motioned to Morgan. “Shawne’s not feeling well. Would you mind escorting her to the parsonage?”
“Really, I can take myself.” Humiliation snaked up Casey’s spine. “I don’t want to be a bother.”
“It will only take me a minute to hitch up the horses.” Morgan made his way to the barn without giving her an opportunity to protest again.
The whispers to forgive still clung to her mind, but her heart felt as though it had been snatched from her body. Casey had endured Jenkins and the gang for years. She could endure a ride into