Page 96 of Colorado Bride

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“You’re my wife.”

“Yes, but I just killed your mother.Shouldn’t you be mad at me?I mean, I’m sorry that it happened, but it was an accident.I really didn’t mean for her to die, I was just trying to get away from her.”

“We’ve already discussed this, but I want you to get all your anxiety over this situation out.I don’t want any part of it to haunt you.I can’t hold you to blame for her death.You were just protecting yourself.I understand that.You were doing my job and I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”

Emily narrowed her eyes, not really believing what she was hearing.He had to be upset; did he plan on getting rid of her later?Sending her to some god-forsaken place to live out her life alone.

“I’ll take care of myself.You don’t have to protect me.”

“It’s my job and I like that part of my job.”

“I don’t want to be just ajobto you.”

“But you’re not.You’re so much more.”

She closed her eyes, waiting for him to elaborate.There was silence.

“I’m tired.I want to sleep now.”

“Sleep in my arms.Are you uncomfortable?

“Well, no.”

“Then what’s the problem?You’re comfortable and I like you here, so sleep.”

He began to hum.

“You’re humming me to sleep?”

“I figure I should practice for when the baby gets here.”

She couldn’t help it…she chuckled.“I see.”

“So now rest.I’ve got you, and I’m never letting you go.”

Emily couldn’t decide if she should be alarmed or not.All she felt right this minute was warm and safe.The tea was doing its job and her shoulder did feel better, the rest of her looser.

Her eyelids drifted close and she plunged into sleep…restless sleep.

“No.Don’t.Stay away.Doris what are you doing?Stop.”

“Shh, sweetheart.You’re safe.Hear my voice.You’re safe.”

Ben eased her closer.

She settled.

Some of Ben’s fear went away, but he didn’t like her being haunted by dreams…nightmares… of what happened.If only he’d stayed.Did he have to go to the ice house right then?He slowly shook his head on the pillow, knowing his act wouldn’t have mattered in the end.His mother would simply have waited until Ben left at some other time.

For now he had to be satisfied that Emily was safe in his arms and would remain that way.He’d give his life to protect her.She meant too much to him to contemplate anything else.

News of Doris’s death traveled fast.As much as Ben tried to keep the details out of it, they had not remained secret.Soon, everyone in town knew that Emily was forced to kill her mother-in-law in order to save herself.

The news even traveled to Melissa Mills home.

Melissa paced the library.The home had belonged to her mother’s aunt and she’d left the place along with her jewelry to Melissa.