“Besides that, there are other things Tommy inherited that belong to our family. His share of Mother’s jewelry, for example,” Ernest joined in.
“Those things are Emma’s now. Besides, I think she’s sensible and will listen to me when it comes to the railroad.” Colton took a seat behind his desk. “I feel confident that she’ll receive my direction and adhere to it.”
“I still think you should marry her. For pity’s sake, Colton, you need to marry and produce an heir.”
“Why?” He gave a laugh. “If I died tomorrow, you two would inherit my entire fortune.” That brought to mind that he’d not changed his will since Tommy died.
“Well, controlling Emma is the most important thing, and we need to make sure she doesn’t sell those stocks to someone else,” Ernest declared. “Let her have Rose, but perhaps tell her she must sign legal papers to allow you to be the proxy in all railroad votes in return.”
Colton shook his head. “I’m not going to sell our sister for stocks. I’ll let Emma know how Tommy felt about selling off the railroad and investing elsewhere. I’m sure she’ll listen.”
“And you’ll not even entertain the idea of getting her to marry you?” Walter asked.
“I don’t see that it’s required for what we want. I think Emma will cooperate and do whatever I say.”
Colton didn’t intend to make any problems for Emma or Rosie, but he was certain that by stating this his brothers would feel more confident of the situation.
Walter appeared less than convinced. “She could change her mind soon enough. Especially if one of her old acquaintances happens to take an interest in courting her. Once themen in Cheyenne learn that she has money, they’ll line up to wed the Widow Benton.”
Colton didn’t like to even imagine such a thing, but Walter’s words hit him hard. Emma was beautiful and young. She must have had plenty of suitors in Cheyenne. No doubt there would be men aplenty seeking her affection and attention. Well, just another good reason for him to go along with her.
“Look, Colton, you’ve always been forthright with us, and we’ve listened to you,” Walter began. “Ernest and I have talked about this and feel it’s critical that you listen to us. You have to marry Emma. There’s just too much at stake. It’s not just that she has majority control of our railroad, but she also owns a percentage on all the holdings we inherited from our Father. We can’t risk that going astray. You need to put aside your desire to remain single. This is something Ernest and I must insist on.”
“You must insist, eh? Since when did you decide I was obligated to take orders from the two of you? I will marry when and whom I desire to marry. You two aren’t going to bully me into anything.”
“You owe us this much, Colton. We rarely ever question your desires for the family businesses.”
“And I’ve made you plenty of money, haven’t I?”
“Yes, but this time we can’t risk Emma going back to her people and picking up with someone from her past. If she did that and married a man with lofty ambitions, we’d have little control over anything. We don’t need a stranger coming in to wreak havoc on our affairs.”
Colton had to admit they made a good point. He hadn’t previously considered Emma finding an old beau and remarrying. However, she did have a new sense of purpose in going back to Cheyenne. She wanted to amend for her past wrongs, and who knew where that might lead her.
“You need to do this for us—for the family—Colton.” Ernest fixed him with a stern gaze.
“And do it quickly,” Walter added. “Don’t give her time to consider anyone else. Marry Emma as soon as possible. We need things settled immediately.”
“She hasn’t been widowed that long. It wouldn’t even begin to be appropriate for me to approach the topic.”
“Forget what’s appropriate or acceptable by social standards. Just find a way to endear yourself to her and for her to need you. It shouldn’t be that hard.” Walter shook his head and gave an exasperated sigh.
Colton wanted to walk away from both of them and leave well enough alone. He cared for Emma and would be delighted to court her, but now wasn’t the proper time. He’d keep with his original plan and build first on friendship and their connection as family. Emma was the kind of person who had been brought up to cherish those things. And truth be told, so did Colton. He wanted very much for Emma to desire his company, just as he did hers.
6
“I hope you’ll like the house we picked out for you,” Lucille Johnson said as Emma’s father drove them away from the Cheyenne train depot. She looked over her shoulder at the trio in the back of the carriage and smiled. “When you wired that you wanted something really nice, we had our doubts, but Rich and I prayed about it and learned about the Wellington house being for sale. Do you remember it, Emma?”
“No, not really.” Emma adjusted her coat and pulled the lapels together to ward off the chilly breeze.
“Temperatures dropped just yesterday. We’d had some nice spring days until then,” her father said with a smile. “Havin’ lived in Texas these last few years, you’re probably missing the heat.”
“It is a lot colder than I anticipated.” Emma turned to Rosie. “Are you doing all right?”
“I’m fine. I like the cold.”
Emma looked to her left, where Colton was squeezed in beside them. He gave a nod. “It is different to be sure. I don’t mind the temperatures, but that wind is getting stronger as we go.”
“Wind blows all the time around here. When it’s not blowin’, we’re wonderin’ what’s wrong.”
