Cold air tickled the hair on Emma's neck.? She buried deeper under the wool blanket and wondered why Ezra had left the window open.? Her mind woke remembering that she was in her shop and not in bed above the saloon.? The fire in the stove burned low.? Nathan who had slept in a chair by the stove was gone.? Emma climbed from bed and added some wood to the stove.? She'd need more since they had used most of it during the night.? Pulling on her boots and shawl she opened the front door to the shop.? A handful of men milled about in the streets trying to clear the walkways in front of buildings.
"Emma," a voice called out her name.? She turned and saw Ezra striding toward her.? He enveloped her in his arms. ?
"Ezra," she admonished him and took his arm pulling him into the shop and closing the door behind them.? She started to tell him how improper his action was but he silenced her with a long deep kiss.
"I am relieved that you are safe.? I was worried you might have strayed out into the storm." He winked at her.
"I learned my lesson in that regard.? No, I stayed warm here."? She chose not to mention that Nathan had spent the night there as well.? If Ezra didn't already know that fact, it wasn't worth bringing up now. He kissed her again.
"Let's get you back to the saloon." They extinguished the fire in the stove and Emma wrapped the wool blanket around her shoulders.? It wasn't far to the saloon but the air was cold and crisp.? Josiah was clearing the snow from in front of the mercantile.? He gave Emma a wave.? Ezra ushered her to the saloon.? Lily was pouring coffee for men taking a break from moving the snow.
"Ah, cherie, so glad that you are well." She gave Emma a hug. "I thought this one would pace a hole in the floor last night he was so concerned." She nodded at Ezra. He mumbled something under his breath and rolled his eyes.? "Are you hungry?"
"Starving."
"Then let's get you some food.? Come back to the kitchen with me."? Ezra kissed the back of her hand before letting Emma go.? Lily laughed as they walked back to the kitchen.? "Between Ezra and Buck I'm surprised either one of them slept a wink.? Both wanted to be out at dawn to get to you and Molly."
"Molly wasn't at The Clarion?"
"No, she was trapped at the school all night."
"She must have been terrified there all alone."
"Oh, she wasn't alone." Lily poured tea and handed the cup to Emma.? "My acquaintance Mr. Kay was at the school with her.? I believe that Buck was most motivated to rescue her from the school this morning." She saw the look on Emma's face.? "Oh, no need to worry, I do not believe that Molly was any danger of being taken advantage of.? Knowing him as I do, he would have made the offer, but he would also never corrupt one unwillingly."
"And Cheyanne?"
"Safe all night with Josiah and Vin at home."? She laid a plate of food in front of Emma. "Speaking of Josiah, he plans to give a service tonight at the church for any who wish to attend and celebrate Christmas.? I offered the saloon for a private supper after.? If you were willing, would you help me prepare for that."
