The next man they came across, Broderick urged his horse in the stranger’s direction. “Hold up there, if you will.” When the man stopped and turned, Broderick stopped the animal. “I’m looking for a place of lodging. Is there one close by?”
The man bundled his coat around his body and shook his head. “No, sir. Our town is too small.”
Tears stung Emmie’s eyes. She wanted to get out of the cold and find shelter soon, or she would indeed start crying—or freeze to death.
“However,” the stranger continued, “an old widow woman just up the lane is very generous and has a large house. I’m certain she will let you stay there for the night.”
“I thank you for your assistance,” Broderick said before tossing the man a coin.
The man’s eyes widened before he smiled up at Broderick. “God bless you.”
Hope grew in Emmie’s chest as she followed behind Broderick. Just as the man had directed, at the end of the lane, a large house sat up on a hill. She urged her mount faster until both she and Broderick reached the place. A few windows glowed with welcoming light. After Broderick dismounted and helped her down, he quickly put the horses in the barn. He grabbed her hand, and they ran toward the house.
He knocked, and within minutes, a short, heavyset old woman with a white cap covering most of her gray hair answered the door. She held up her lamp to see them better in the dark.
“Please forgive us for bothering you this evening, madame,” Broderick began, “but we were just passing through town and were caught in the storm. We were informed you might have an extra room for us to stay the night. I would be willing to pay.”
The old woman scanned both Emmie and Broderick before her expression softened and she smiled. “Oh yes, you poor dears. Do come in and warm yourself by the fire.” She motioned them toward the fireplace.
Still holding Emmie’s hand, he led them inside and to the fireplace. Her body shook as she rubbed her hands together, praying to feel the warmth quickly.
Leaving their side for a moment, the older woman moved to a cupboard and pulled out two woolen blankets. “People around these parts call me Georgia,” she said, handing each one a blanket.
“I thank you, Georgia. My name is Broderick Worthington, and this is Emiline.”
All Emmie could do was nod at the woman in appreciation as she wrapped the dry blanket around her wet body.Unfortunately, shivers overtook her, making her unable to speak due to her chattering teeth. She couldn’t ever remember being this cold in her life.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. What, may I ask, were you two doing out in the rain?”
Broderick chuckled lightly. “We had been out riding and didn’t notice the day slipping by. We also didn’t realize the rain clouds were moving in.”
Georgia shook her head. “You unfortunate souls. Let me leave you two for a moment and prepare a room. You are probably freezing in those wet clothes, and you will need to change before catching your death.” She turned and hurried up the stairs.
Emmie moved even closer to the fire, staring down into the orange flames. Gradually, the feeling returned to her limbs, but it wasn’t quick enough to suit her. Broderick stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her. She turned to face him as he gathered her against his body, sliding his hands up and down her arms and over her back, trying to get her warm. Although he was wet, too, she had no desire to move away or tell him how improper this was. His body’s heat blended into her limbs quickly.
“I apologize for this,” he said softly in her ear. “I had not planned on the weather turning bad.”
Tilting her head, she looked at him. “I under… stand. You… didn’t… know.” Her teeth continued to chatter.
“But I still feel guilty, since it was my suggestion to keep riding the countryside.”
She managed a small smile. “At least… you got us… out of the… rain.”
As his hands continued to move up and down her arms, coziness settled over her, and she wanted to close her eyes and enjoy it.
“It was pure luck that we are here,” he said. “I didn’t think we would find a place to stay. People usually are not this friendly to strangers.”
“It must be… your exceptionally handsome looks… that got us a… place, then,” she teased.
“Or yours,” he replied with a wink.
His eyes deepened to the color of hot coffee. The longer she stared, the more she melted. Smiling at him once more, she rested her head against his chest, snuggling closer for more warmth. It wasn’t until he moved the bulk of her hair aside to rub her neck that she realized her hair had fallen out of the bun.
“Your hair is down,” he whispered. “It’s a lovely color.”
“The color is called… wet.”
He chuckled. “I’m happy to know you still have your sense of humor even while you’re chilled to the bone.”
