For one brief moment, seeing him brought back the spring afternoon beneath the apple tree, the blue-wrapped ring box, and the promise of a shared home.
Then he smiled.
“Clara.”
She stood beside the sheriff’s desk.
“Amos.”
He looked from her to Silas, who stood near the window.
“I see you’ve been keeping company.”
Silas’s expression did not change.
The sheriff stepped forward.
“Mr. Reed, we’re here to discuss the false death telegram, the letter demanding Miss Clara’s signature, and your claim that she is obligated to marry you.”
Amos’s smile faded.
“Surely this is a private matter.”
“It became public when a false telegram was used to mislead a citizen and when threats were made at a mountain cabin.”
Amos glanced at Clara.
“Is that what you told them?”
“It’s what happened.”
“You’ve misunderstood.”
“Then explain.”
Amos removed his gloves.
“Clara, I was forced to leave the territory unexpectedly. The claim required immediate attention. I believed it would be easier to bring you west if you thought I was gone.”
Clara stared at him.
“You told me you were dead.”
“I told Bell to say I had disappeared. He may have embellished the message.”
“You sent me a telegram saying you had died in a stagecoach accident.”
Amos sighed.
“I did what was necessary.”
The sheriff’s voice sharpened.
“Necessary for what?”
“For the property.”
Clara felt the anger inside her become clearer.
“You made me mourn you so I would travel here and sign papers?”
Amos looked impatient.
“I needed you to understand the urgency.”
“You could have told me the truth.”
“You would have refused.”
Clara’s breath caught.
“So you knew I wouldn’t agree.”
Amos looked away.
The sheriff placed the legal document on the desk.
“Explain this transfer.”
Amos leaned over it.
“It’s a standard property instrument.”
“It transfers Miss Clara’s interest to you.”
“She is my intended wife.”
“She is not your wife.”
Amos straightened.
“Our engagement is a binding promise.”
The sheriff shook his head.
“Not in the manner you’re suggesting.”
Amos turned toward Clara.
“Your aunt approved the marriage.”
“My aunt approved a wedding based on what you told us.”
“I intended to marry you.”
“Then why did you say I was dead to you?”
“I never said that.”
“You said I was to be returned to you.”