It was, after all, what she’d wanted most in life. And it was helping Papa support their family. No teacher let anything get in the way of working with her pupils—even devastatingly handsome men with overly confident smiles and a penchant for bringing sweet gifts for the class.
By the time Dot finally recited her Psalm flawlessly, Marian had succeeded in banishing the deputy from her mind. The girls gathered their things, and after locking up, Marian began walking with them toward the post and telegraph office, where their mother told Marian she’d be waiting for them. The Thomases lived on a ranch a few miles outside of town—too far to walk.
They’d just rounded the corner onto Main Street, with Dot regaling Marian with stories of the kittens in her family’s barn, when a man barreled straight into Marian.
She wheeled backward before falling to the ground.
Chapter Eight
The little girl’s shriekdrew Cole’s attention as he ran to catch up with Sheriff Granger. The road agent they’d been chasing looked like he’d run right into someone.
The sheriff reached the man first. He reached down and yanked him up.
“We owe you a debt, Miss Scott,” Sheriff Granger said as he wasted no time in clapping a pair of handcuffs on the outlaw.
Miss Scott. Cole’s heart stuttered. The two girls standing nearby . . . she’d said she was staying late at the schoolhouse to help two sisters.
He reached the scene just as Sheriff Granger said, “Robertson, will you help the lady up?”
Cole went immediately to Miss Scott. She appeared more stunned than hurt, and he sent up a prayer of gratitude. He bent down and placed his hands under her arms. She didn’t protest when he gently pulled her to her feet. She pressed a hand to her diaphragm as he steadied her.
“Are you all right?” he asked, hoping his earlier assessment hadn’t been wrong.
She nodded. “The— the girls.” Her breath came quickly as she spoke, and she winced just a little.
“They’re fine.” Keeping one hand wrapped around her arm, he pointed at Hannah and Dot, who were clutching each other’s hands and staring at the outlaw as a small crowd formed around them.
“Thank goodness . . .”
“He must have knocked the breath out of you. It should go away soon.” He led her a few steps to the nearest building. She sank gratefully against it.
Sheriff Granger’s gaze went momentarily to Cole’s hand, which he realized too late was still holding Miss Scott’s arm. He let go, as much as he didn’t want to.
“Who . . . is that?” Miss Scott asked softly, her eyes on the man everyone else stared at.
“Fenton Burgis, a road agent who’s been causing trouble around the area for a while,” Sheriff Granger said. “We spotted him at Dawson’s Diner, and the moment he saw us, he fled. Until he ran into you. I’m quite grateful for your unintended help, Miss Scott.” He inclined his head. “And I’m certain Deputy Robertson will see you safely home.”
