Free Robin Lee Hatcher by When Love Blooms Page B

flew out behind her like pale gold wings, and her laughter rang like bells in a mountain cathedral.
    Sabrina appeared a moment later, intent on catching her governess. Petula’s shouts were heard long before her short legs carried her into the clearing. But Emily was too quick for either of them.
    Joker evened the field. The young hound bounded into Emily’s path. She tried to stop, but it was too late. Over the dog she went. Sabrina, in hot pursuit, fell onto her governess, then the two of them tumbled head over heels down a grassy incline. Seconds later, Petula threw herself after them.
    Gavin hurried forward, but by the time he reached them, their giggles told him no one was hurt.
    “You’re it, Miss Harris,” Sabrina said.
    “Yeah, you’re it, Miss Harris.”
    Emily’s cheeks were flushed, and her tangled hair was decorated with dried grass. A smudge of dirt accented the tip of her chin. “Where is he?”
    Gavin thought she meant him and almost answered her.
    Then she swung around. “Ah! So there you are.”
    Joker lay on the ground a few feet away, his head flat against the ground, a paw on either side of his muzzle, a look of contrition in his dark eyes. His tail slapped the ground in a slow beat.
    “Benedict Arnold.”
    Joker whined and inched his way forward.
    “Don’t think you’ll win my forgiveness so easily.” Emily turned away, her nose pointed into the air.
    The dog slinked across the remaining distance and placed his chin on her thigh. His whimper pleaded for absolution.
    Gavin stepped forward, wondering how she would respond.
    “This time, you mangy hound.” She stroked the wiry hair on top of dog’s head. “But don’t you turn traitor on me again.”
    Joker sat up and barked.
    Laughter filled the air again as the girls each gave the dog a tight hug. Then Joker was up and running, Sabrina and Petula racing after him.
    Gratitude washed over Gavin. It was good to see the children acting carefree. He might not want Emily Harris around, but he had to concede that the girls and Dru liked her. She had brought happiness back into the Blake home.
    He moved to stand above Emily. “Let me help you up.” He took her by the hand and pulled her to her feet. “I’m afraid Joker’s antics may have ruined your dress.” He pointed to a ragged tear in her sleeve.
    She inspected the damage, then shook her head. “It will mend.” With her eyes, she sought out the girls, who were by then rolling in the grass with Joker. “It’s worth it.”
    An odd sensation twisted in his chest, a feeling he didn’t much like nor wish to understand. “Like I said, we need to be heading back.” He turned toward the horses. “We’ve been up here too long as it is.”

    On the ride down the mountain, Emily found herself watching Gavin as he led the way. He rode his horse with a relaxed ease, but she suspected he was alert for hidden dangers. There was something about him that made her feel protected.
    In fact there were many reasons to like Gavin Blake, his gentleness with his wife and his affection for his stepdaughters chief among them. If only he weren’t so cantankerous with her. She’d given him no reason to be. None at all.
    There had been a moment, when he’d helped her to her feet up on the ridge, that she’d almost felt she had earned his approval. Or at least a little respect. But then he’d spoken to her in that same abrupt and clipped manner of his. The manner he only seemed to use with her. She felt so frustrated she wanted to scream.
    Miserable, impossible man.
    Guilt pierced her heart. It wasn’t right to think that way about another person, no matter how he had offended her. Christ called her to love her enemies, and from all appearances, Gavin Blake fit that bill. No matter how he treated her, she mustn’t respond to him in kind. If he sued her for her coat, she must give her cloak as well. If he smite her one cheek, she was told to offer him the other one.
    You will not drive me away with