The Lawman Claims His Bride (Love Inspired Historical) by Renee Ryan

return with time.”
    If only she could believe him. If only she could remember what had happened in Mattie’s boudoir. If only she could say that she knew, without a doubt, she hadn’t killed Cole and that she knew who did. The man who killed him was...
    He was...
    She glanced at Logan. Then just as quickly folded her hands in her lap and looked away. Her gaze caught sight of the blood on her dress and she choked back a sob. “I have to change my clothes.” She couldn’t hide the desperation in her voice.
    “Of course.” Dr. Shane touched her clasped hands and squeezed. “Bella is gathering everything you’ll need. She’ll soon be here to help you.”
    “Bella?” Logan hissed. “Who’s Bella?”
    “Pastor Beau’s sister and my lovely wife.” Dr. Shane rose and turned to face Logan.
    “Your wife?” Logan stared at him for a long, tense moment. “You got married?”
    “Two years ago.”
    Blinking hard, Logan ran a hand down his face. “You’re married,” he repeated, his voice filled with disbelief. “And I never knew.”
    “Our first child is due any day now.”
    “A child, too.” Something flashed in Logan’s eyes, something sad and regretful, but he didn’t comment again.
    He paced.
    Even in the confines of the small jail cell he moved with unmistakable authority. There was no hesitation in him, no pause. Every step he took said Logan Mitchell knew who he was and what he wanted out of life. Handsome, kind, capable, he could have his pick of women.
    And he’d chosen Megan.
    But five long years have passed. The thought settled over her like a heavy weight. In that time she’d changed. She’d gone from a child who helped around the orphanage to a woman in sole charge of the nursery. She’d grown in her love for the Lord, as well. Best of all, she’d discovered her artistic talent and had used it to turn the bedroom walls of Charity House into joyful expressions of God’s unconditional love for His children.
    In Logan’s absence, she’d learned so much about herself. Surely he’d discovered things about himself, as well.
    Was he still the man she remembered?
    It was disloyal to think otherwise.
    As if sensing her change in mood, Logan stopped pacing and turned to face her. “Megan, everything’s going to be all right. I promise.”
    How could he be so confident? How could either of these men stand here and give her such promises? She’d lost a part of her life last night and everything hinged on her remembering those forgotten hours.
    “What if I never remember?” she whispered to no one in particular.
    “You will,” Logan said. “You just need time to heal.”
    Time. There was that awful word again. Time had kept her and Logan apart. Time threatened them now.
    She swallowed back a sob, chagrined at her inability to contain her emotions.
    Logan moved closer and searched her face as though he could pull the missing memories forth by his will alone.
    If only he could.
    She knew she was letting him down. Yet some other instinct, something buried inside her lost memories, hinted that the blackness in her mind was about protecting Logan.
    How could that be?
    “Megan,” Dr. Shane interrupted her thoughts. “Focus on getting well. Once your body heals, your mind will follow.”
    Logan took her hands in his. “And until then I’m going to make sure you’re safe.”
    Those were the same words Sheriff Scott had uttered to her last night. Fighting a sense of defeat, Megan lowered her head and sighed. “You’re going to leave me in here until you find the real killer.”
    It made the most sense, even if she couldn’t bear the thought of another night in this cold, drafty, depressing jail cell.
    “No.” Logan shook his head fiercely. “I’m not going to leave you locked up like a common criminal. I went to Mattie’s this morning. I have proof of your innocence.”
    “You...you do?”
    “Yes.” But he didn’t expand, which made her wonder if he really had proof or if he was