* * *
Jessica heard the footsteps of the men behind them and slowed so she could talk to them, but just then Rose Marie edged up next to her. "I know you're not remembering stuff, Jessica, but there's something I want to apologize to you about."
Jessica glanced to the side at her, but kept walking. "You do?"
"I've done some things that I'm not proud of—some things I did to you . . . and Clint."
Jessica stopped short. So did Rose Marie. Facing her, Jessica couldn't help but feel her heart sag. Rose Marie had a creamy complexion, sun-streaked blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, sky blue eyes. Snug jeans and a simple sleeveless blouse emphasized a tall, shapely body. Any man's dream. Not Clint's, came the unbidden hope.
Out of the corner of her eye Jessica saw the men come into view around the bend. "Me and Clint? You do know I don't remember."
"I know, but that's why I want to apologize to you before you remember everything. Just know that I'm sorry for the problems I've caused you in the past, and I'll never be a problem again, okay?"
Jessica kicked at a piece of crushed rock and turned to walk on, skirting around broken pieces of boulder. She shot Rose Marie another glance and saw true misery on her face. She let out a long sigh. "Listen, if I can receive full forgiveness of my past, present, and future sins from Jesus, how can I not forgive you—even when I don't know what you did?"
Rose Marie looked taken aback. "How can someone forgive when they don't even know what they're forgiving? When you get your memories back, you'll change your mind."
Jessica shook her head. "Because of what Christ did for me, I have already forgiven you, and I won't change my mind."
"How're we doing, ladies?" A deep voice called from several yards away.
Jessica swung around to see Clint walking toward them. His Stetson was pulled low, so his eyes were hidden from view, but her gaze traced the length and breadth of the man. She'd been attracted to him the instant she'd open her eyes. Now, the attraction was escalating. His relaxed gait was pure grace as he strode toward her.
"We'll stop here for a rest. We're only a few hours from home," he said to Jessica. "I was expecting to have come across my horse by now so you could have ridden in. So, Jessie, if you're too tired to make it we can carry you again."
Jessica felt her irritation rise until she spotted the amused twinkle in his eyes. With a long sigh, the tension drained a little. She grinned. "Oh, no you won't. I'm fine to walk."
He chuckled and whisked her into his arms to swing her around. Startled and a little unnerved, she looked straight into his eyes and with mock harshness said, "I don't even know you, mister. You'd better put me down."
He froze in place. Still holding her, he studied her face a few inches from his own. His smile vanished and he looked unsure and . . . hurt. So different from the imposing figure she had witnessed thus far.
His vulnerability knocked down whatever walls she'd built to protect herself. "Just teasing," she whispered hoarsely. She snaked her arms around his neck and nuzzled his rough cheek.
He let out a long, hissing breath past her ear. When his clasp tightened, she felt his heart pound in his solid chest. He whispered, "Sorry if I scared you. You don't think you know me, but . . ."
She whispered back, "Well, I don't know you . . ."
His head shot back, giving her a full view of the most amazing eyes. Apprehension seemed to spring from their jewel-green depths.
She leaned to his ear again. "But I want to."