Surrender Your Heart

by Marie Higgins

  “I agree. I’ll let you tell him, but please come inside where it’s warmer.”

  Emily wanted to argue with her sister, but she didn’t dare. Hannah always won their arguments anyway.

  Just as they climbed the porch, a rider came toward them. In the darkness, it was hard to see until he rode closer. Adam!

  Emily pulled away from her sister and ran out to meet him. He slowed his horse and then dismounted. His drawn gaze bounced between Hannah and Emily.

  He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  Emily took the reins away from Adam. “Let’s put the horse away and I’ll tell you in the barn.”

  Hannah didn’t say anything, but the teasing smile she aimed at Adam spoke volumes. Inwardly, Emily groaned. He’d know that she had told her sister about their kiss. But really, the truth would come out eventually.

  Adam peered curiously at Hannah before he followed Emily into the barn and closed the door. She led the animal to the stall.

  “Are you going to tell me what that was all about?” he asked.

  “What do you mean,” she asked with a playful innocent tone to her voice.

  “The look your sister just gave me.” He paused and leaned toward Emily, staring deeply into her eyes. “She knows, doesn’t she?”

  A giggle sprang to Emily’s throat, and she nodded. “What do you think? We’re close sisters, after all.”

  Chuckling he moved to Emily and wrapped his arms around her waist. Warmth filled her as she gazed into his intoxicating eyes.

  “Was that all you had to tell me?” he asked softly.

  She frowned and shook her head. “I wish...but no.” She exhaled slowly. “I took Megan into town this afternoon, and we were accosted by the Irishmen we saw near the church.”

  Adam’s eyes widened as anger filled his expression. “Why would they accost you?”

  “At first, I thought it was because they saw us hiding in the bushes, but the things they said didn’t hint to that. They know you are Jacob’s brother, and that I’m Hannah’s sister. They wanted me to give you a message.”

  Adam released her and stepped back. He took off his hat and swiped his fingers through his wavy long hair, pushing it back on his head. “What’s their message?”

  “They want you to stay away from them. The man who told me wasn’t very pleasant about it, either. The look on the evil man’s face told me that he wanted to...harm you.”

  “Harm me—or kill me?”

  “Whichever came first.”

  “So that’s two threats these hooligans have made.” During his pause, his expression shifted to panic. He grasped her shoulders. “Did they threaten you in any way?”

  “Not like they did to you, but I’m sure they don’t know how much I care about you.”

  “No! I won’t let this happen,” he snapped.

  He turned and pinched the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes. He took a couple of deep breaths before he looked at her again.

  “Forgive me, Emily, but I can’t put you in danger,” he continued. “I can’t put Hannah and the children in danger, either. I must leave.”

  Her heart clenched and she rushed to him, grasping his arm. “No. You can’t leave.”

  “Don’t you see I can’t stay here? And I can’t...I can’t...” He took a deep breath as his cheeks tightened. “And I can’t have feelings for you. I shouldn’t have kissed you. More importantly, I shouldn’t have...enjoyed it,” he ended in a whisper.

  “Are you serious?” Her voice lifted with worry. “Adam, you’re talking nonsense.”

  “No, Emily. I should have known something was going to happen the minute my heart softened toward you. I’m struck with bad luck. And...I can’t have you hurt. I’d die if someone else in my life was killed because of me.”

  He pushed away from her and stepped to his horse. She tried to stop him, but he ignored her as he readied the animal to ride again.

  Tears stung her eyes, but she wouldn’t stop begging. This wasn’t supposed to happen, and she was the only one who could make it right.

  “Please, Adam. Don’t do this. We could work together and—”

  “Emily, no!” he snapped and threw her a glare. “I can handle things better without love, because then I’ll know that nobody will become hurt because of my troubled life.”

  He led the horse toward the door. Her vision was blurred with tears, and her heart broke slowly and painfully. She had no idea how to convince him he was wrong.

  “Adam, let me get Hannah. You’ll listen to her—”

  “No.”

  “Oh, Adam.” Her voice broke. “Please don’t leave. I...love you.”

  He stopped before opening the barn’s double doors and looked at Emily. Sadness marred his handsome face.

  “Emily, forgive me for allowing this to happen between us. I hadn’t been thinking when I kissed you, but my mind is clear now. You’ll forget about me, I promise, just as I’ll forget about you in time.”

  Her tight throat wouldn’t let her speak, and all she could do was watch him through blurry vision as he walked out of the barn and out of her life. If she’d known love hurt this much, she wouldn’t have fallen for the handsome, Adam Hamilton.

  EMILY SAT UNDER THE large oak tree in the back yard and watched Megan and Flynn play. Well, perhaps watching wasn’t the correct word. What she was doing was more like staring toward them.

  It had been a week. One very long and miserable week. She wondered what she’d done to cheer Hannah up since it was Emily who was sad and teary all the time. But she wouldn’t allow her sister to wait on her. She still tried to help with the children and to help with chores around the house. But during quiet times, she’d think about Adam and cry.

  There’d been a couple of times Emily walked into town with Hannah and the children, but she didn’t see Adam, and she was really looking. Hannah was a pillar of strength, and Emily wished she could be more like her. It hurt Hannah that Adam didn’t want to stay with her, but she’d understood why. Emily wished she understood as well as her sister...

  “Father Brian!”

  Hearing her cousin’s name from Megan, Emily snapped out of her depressing thoughts and looked toward the house. Wearing his black robes and turned white collar with the gold cross hanging around his neck, he walked toward Emily. She smiled and stood as the children rushed to him and gave him a hug.

  He patted them on their heads. “Now you best go play. I need to talk with your Aunt Emily.”

  They nodded and returned to their game. She waited for him to reach her before she gave him a hug.

  “It’s good to see you,” she told him as she pulled away. “I’m glad you came to visit.”

  “How are you farin’, dear cousin?” He patted her cheek tenderly. “Hannah told me about what happened with Adam, she did, and it breaks my heart to see you sad.”

  Emily arched an eyebrow. “She told you everything that happened?”

  He displayed a weak grin and nodded. “Aye.”

  “Oh, Brian.” She sighed. “Why can’t I stop thinking of him?”

  “Because you’re in love, lass.”

  “Yeah, but I’m tired of the pain that’s constantly in my heart.”

  He chuckled and took her hands. “That be all part of growing up, my dear. You’d best get used to it.”

  “I know,” she whispered brokenly. “Have...you seen Adam around town lately?”

  “A few times, I have.”

  “Is he still deputy?”

  “That he is.”

  “Has he arrested anyone that was responsible for Jacob’s death?”

  “Not as yet, but you mustn’t worry yourself over that.”

  “I can’t help it.” She walked toward the swing. “He’s still in danger, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s going to take care of himself.”

  “He’ll take care of himself. He’s been doin’ just fine for five years.”

  Emily didn’t like the roughness to her cousin’s voice just then.
But she couldn’t decide if he was snapping at her for still being in love, or was it Adam that Brian was upset with?

  “But my dear Emily,” he continued, “I came to tell you that I’m goin’ to Ireland for a few months. I’m quite certain you’ll return to Texas before I get back.”

  “Ireland?” Her voice lifted. “What in the blazes for?”

  “Don’t you remember that I travel there on occasion?”

  “Well, yes, but... Why now?”

  He sat by her on the swing. “Truth be told, I have friends in Ireland that need my help. There are some bad times in Ireland, and as a priest, I’ll do all I can to assist.

  “Bad times?” Emily shook her head. “What do you mean?”

  “There’s so much turmoil going on in Ireland right now. Irish tenant farmers are protestin’ against their British landlords because of the unfair and unjust way the landlords are handlin’ things. There’s an uprisin’, and it’s not good, but I’m on the side of the Irish, of course. After all, it’s their country, and they should live how they wish.”

  As Emily tried to absorb the information, unease settled in her belly. “When you say uprising, does that mean they want war?”

  “It very well could come to that. I pray it does not.”

  “Oh, Brian.” She clutched his arm. “Then you must not go. It’ll be too dangerous.”

  “Oh, nothing of the kind, dear cousin. I’ll be just fine. Because I’m a priest, I will not be harmed.”

  “I think you need to reconsider, Brian. The states are not at war right now, so here is where you should stay and be safe.”

  He patted her hand still resting on his arm. “Don’t be blinded by your innocence, lass. There is still turmoil going on here—even this very city, I tell you.”

  She wrinkled her brow. “Savannah?”

  “Aye, the very same. You haven’t been here long enough to meet the several residences that are British families. Those poor folk are still bein’ tormented by the Irish.”

  The gears inside of Emily’s head finally clicked. That’s why the Irishmen had threatened Mr. Faraday and his family who were British. Could that have been the reason for the carriage accident, too? Because it was owned by a British company? But yet, what did the Irishmen have against Adam?

  “Then I pray our sheriff and his deputies can control these rebels.”

  “As do I.” He squeezed her hand. “But when you return to Texas, do me the courtesy of passin’ on my love to your family. I’m not sure when I’ll come back.”

  “Yes, I’ll do that.” She stood at the same time as her cousin and gave him a hug. “Before you leave,” she added, “do you know why the Irish would dislike Adam?”

  “Why do you ask? Do you have reason to think they don’t like him?”

  “Yes. Last week I met three who told me they didn’t.”

  Brian stared perplexed at her for several seconds as he rubbed his shaven chin. Finally, his eyes widened.

  “Adam’s deceased wife was British.” He shrugged. “That’s the only connection I can see betwixt the two.”

  Emily’s stomach knotted. Adam had mentioned his former in-laws were in town. Did that put them in danger, as well? She didn’t know if Adam had connected the puzzle pieces yet, but she was going to find him and tell him whether he wanted to see her or not.

  FOURTEEN

  It had been a very long and strenuous seven days. He almost couldn’t stand the misery inside of him because he’d not been able to see Emily.

  Adam hadn’t bothered the Irishmen or even scowled at them since Emily had given him the warning. But he wasn’t afraid of the men. Far from it. He hoped that by keeping his distance, it would make them relax and not watch their backs. How else was he going to catch them doing something illegal and arrest them?

  Although he was still on the sheriff’s payroll, Adam hadn’t told Sheriff Williams of his plans, only because he didn’t want anything to go astray. Not one thing could go wrong or he’d never catch those Irishmen.

  He’d searched non-stop for evidence to prove these men were up to no good. His main purpose was to find those responsible and bring them to justice, but he also wanted to keep busy so that he wouldn’t have to think of how much he missed Emily.

  Against his will, he’d allowed the one thing he’d not wanted in five years, to happen. He’d fallen in love. It surprised him that he could care for another woman as deeply as he had Emily. Not that he hadn’t loved Mary, on the contrary. But his love for Emily was different—almost like he’d found a new emotion to cherish. But just as he’d suspected, the misfortune in his life wouldn’t let his dreams come true. He was tired of being unhappy, and he wanted to change it as soon as possible.

  Emily filled his dreams at night, and during the day when he had a moment to think, she constantly invaded his mind. He missed holding her. He longed to kiss her one more time. But none of that could happen. Not when the complications in his life wouldn’t allow it.

  Tonight’s waning crescent moon didn’t give off very much light in the night sky, for which Adam was grateful. Dressed all in black, he crept toward the Irishmen’s small cabin.

  A single light shone inside the window. A slight wind blew through the trees, and for the most part, all he heard were the leaves and branches rubbing together. Occasionally, the crickets chirped louder.

  The closer he sneaked toward the window, the more audible the men’s voices became. He couldn’t decipher their words, but irritation laced their tones.

  During the week as he’d pretended not to notice them, he secretly followed them whenever he could, and he discovered three disturbing things. One—that they had more Irishmen in their little gang. Two—that they targeted only those who were British. And three—that Father Brian was somehow involved.

  Adam had to admit the third development disturbed him the most. And yet, situations began to make sense. Obviously, Father Brian was hiding behind his clergyman robes, but why?

  Adam was certain Emily’s family had no clue to what kind of mischief their dear cousin was up to, and it would break their hearts if they ever found out. Then again, was he jumping to conclusions, and Father Brian wasn’t the villain in this scenario after all?

  But before Adam could make any arrests, he had to catch them doing something illegal. Or find the evidence giving him the right to arrest them.

  As he listened to the Irishmen’s conversation, he heard their names. Of course, without knowing which face they belonged to, it wouldn’t be helpful, anyway. But Finnegan, Patrick, and Sean, were the three scoundrels in this cabin, and from what Adam could tell, there were other Irishmen located in other towns throughout Georgia. Now the question was who was their leader? Father Brian, perhaps?

  From inside, the cabin grew quiet. Adam ducked lower in the bushes and prayed they hadn’t noticed him spying. But although their voices were silent, their feet made a tremendous amount of noise. The shuffling coming from inside sounded as if there was a herd of cattle stampeding through the cabin.

  Within seconds, the front door opened and the three men rushed down the rickety porch and headed toward the makeshift barn. Adam kept an eye on them until the three had mounted their horses and ridden off.

  Adam jumped into action. This wasn’t the time to dawdle since he didn’t know when they’d return. He hurried to the porch and to the door. Thankfully, the men hadn’t locked the door. He rushed inside and looked around. They’d left a lighted lamp on a small table, so he took it with him as he searched through the small area.

  It irritated him to see such clutter in the house, and he had to be careful where she stepped so that he wouldn’t accidentally break something. He searched on tables, on the couches, or anywhere that might have maps or notes about what the three men were conspiring.

  The stench from the kitchen nearly stopped him, but he forced himself to enter. Food still sat on the table with flies swarming around the dishes. He tried holding his breath, but he couldn’t do that for very
long, so he pressed his forearm against his nose and mouth, using the other hand to hold the lantern.

  He set the light on the table—in between the cheeses, moldy bread, and a tray of meats—and slowly moved his gaze around the room, taking in everything. If a paper appeared to be important, he checked it over twice before tossing it aside. After glancing at almost everything in the room and not finding anything, discouragement swept through him. These men couldn’t be that smart. There must be some kind of evidence in this cabin.

  From the other room, the wooden floor squeaked, snapping him to attention. He held his breath. Another squeak, and then another one. Inwardly, he groaned. They were back...or were they? It didn’t sound like a herd of cattle this time. Was someone else sneaking through the house?

  It didn’t matter. He couldn’t get caught.

  His gaze jumped from one place to another inside the kitchen, looking for a spot to hide, but with his large body, he’d be spotted immediately. There was only one other thing to do.

  Just as the footsteps reached the kitchen door, he moved behind it. He reached in his holster and withdrew his pistol. He cocked it as quietly as he could, preparing for anything that might happen.

  Slowly, the door swung open an inch at a time, blocking him. Whoever was on the other side must also be leery of someone being inside. Adam needed to keep a sharp eye—and ear—that would alert him to the person’s identity.

  Finally, the other intruder stepped inside. Just like Adam, the man was dressed all in black. No hat perched on top of the other’s head, allowing Adam to glimpse the long, blonde hair pulled together in a ponytail. He also noticed the familiar slender, curvy figure of a woman. Emily!

  Relief swept over him and a gush of air let loose from his throat. She jumped and spun around, holding a large stick as if ready to strike him. When she recognized him, her eyes widened.

  “Adam?” her voice trembled as she lowered the stick. “Oh, dear heavens. You scared the dickens out of me.”

  “I scared you?” He shook his head. Anger slowed filled him, making him want to grab her shoulders and shake some sense into her. Why hadn’t the confounded woman used her brain before creeping into someone’s house without a weapon? “What are you doing out by yourself at this time at night...and breaking in someone else’s house?”