Her Bodyguard by Geralyn Dawson

for her and Garrett to share on the train. Then the two women wrestled Mari’s suitcase and trunk downstairs shortly before the baggage man she’d hired arrived to ferry the items to the rail station. He loaded the items in his wagon and departed minutes before potential trouble arrived in the form of their father’s twin.
    “Uncle Tye!” Emma called upon answering the door, making sure to speak loud enough for Mari to hear. “This is a nice surprise.”
    “Why is it a surprise?” came the beloved masculine voice. “I check on you two every day, don’t I?”
    Mari set down her large travel handbag and took off the hat she’d just donned. It wouldn’t do at all for Uncle Tye to discover her plans, and he had a sharp eye. She’d best play this meeting with care.
    “You check on us every evening,” she said, breezing into the entry hall. “Although I think that’s an excuse to sample whatever sweets I’ve brought home from the shop that day.”
    He grinned sheepishly. “Pregnancy is difficult on a man when his wife is a baker confined to bed and unable to bake. I’m accustomed to my desserts.”
    “So is your sweet tooth acting up early?” Mari asked as he bent to kiss her cheek in greeting. “It’s only midafternoon.”
    “Your shop is closed today. I’m concerned.”
    Darn. She’d hoped to get away before he noticed. “No need for concern. I felt poorly this morning, but I’m doing better now.”
    “Poorly?” Worry dimmed his moss-colored eyes. “What’s wrong? Should we call a doctor?”
    “I’m fine.”
    “Are you sure? Should you be in bed? Do you have a fever?”
    Mari patted his hand and employed the excuse sure to shut him down. “Female troubles, Uncle Tye.”
    “Oh. Well. All right, then.”
    “I have a batch of fudge I brought from the shop to send to the Harrisons with Emma. Would you like some to take home?”
    “Chocolate fudge?”
    “Yes.”
    He wrapped her in a loving hug. “Mari McBride, you are my favorite niece.”
    “Well,” Emma said with a huff, though the amused light in her eyes belied her tone. Tye McBride habitually declared all his nieces and nephews his favorite. “I like that. And to think I intended to stop by your house this evening and take all the children out for ice cream to give you and Aunt Claire some time alone.”
    Tye released Mari and pulled Emma into his arms. “Emma McBride, you are my favorite niece.”
    The sisters managed to reassure their uncle and hustle him on his way within a few minutes’ time. Despite their hurry, Mari reached the depot later than she’d intended. Luke Garrett might have to do without his west-side seats.
    White smoke puffed from the locomotive on the track and the sounds of goodbyes filled the air. Her heart thrumming with excitement over the possibilities of the upcoming trip, Mari set her satchel on the platform and embraced her sister. “You be careful,” Emma said, tears in both her eyes and voice.
    “I will. I promise.” Mari batted her lashes rapidly to blink back her own tears. “I’m sorry to leave you to face Uncle Tye by yourself, but tell him I’ll write every day and report in by telegraph as often as possible.”
    “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me or the family or your shop. I’ll hold the fort while you’re gone.” Emma gave her sister one last squeeze before stepping back.
    Mari reached up and clutched the sapphire pendant of her necklace. “I’ll bring her home, Emma.”
    “I know.” Emma clasped her own ruby pendant. “If she’s alive, I know you’ll find her.”
    “She’s alive,” Mari declared. After blowing her sister one final kiss, a scant ten minutes before the scheduled departure, she boarded the passenger car next to the caboose.
    The train was crowded. In light of her tardiness, Luke might well be on board already, so Mari decided to make a quick walk through of all the cars before choosing a seat.
    Holding her satchel in front of her, the picnic basket behind