“Relax, Colton. She’s in good hands with Marybeth. The woman adores Rosie, and they enjoy each other’s company.”
He looked skeptical, but Emma didn’t give him time to brood. “My folks brought us chickens, and tomorrowmorning Papa and Mr. Price are going to build us a proper coop and chicken yard. You should come and help. I’ll be fixing breakfast, so come early.”
“Ranch style early or city life early?” He grinned and shrugged. “There’s about a two-hour difference.”
Emma chuckled. “Let’s go with the city life. My father seldom gets to ease into the morning. He and Lucille deserve a leisurely time before setting to work.”
“Emma, Mr. Benton, how good you could make it.” Marybeth moved to where they stood. “Where are your folks? Did they come?”
“They did. I thought they were still here with us, but apparently, they’re already mingling in the crowd. This is quite the grand party.”
Marybeth nodded and turned to see the bulk of her guests. “I would never have been ready on time if not for Rosie and Greta’s help. Those girls are so organized. They had the food table set up and dishes and silver in place before I could even ask them to see to it.”
“I’m so glad. I would have come to help as well, but you assured me you didn’t need anyone else.” Emma wondered if Marybeth had just been polite.
“We really didn’t, and besides, it gave me time to be with Rosie and hear about her reading lessons. I understand she’s progressing quite nicely.”
“She is. She’s so eager to learn. The primers that Mrs. Decker lent me are perfect for the job. I’m no proper teacher, but things are going quite well.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Mr. Benton,” she said, turning to Colton, “how are you finding your time in Cheyenne?”
“Good,” he admitted. “I’m enjoying myself more than I expected to. The town is quite enthusiastic about the prospects of statehood.”
“Yes, although I daresay we aren’t getting the attentionof Washington. They’re far too consumed with the upcoming land rush in Oklahoma. They anticipate thousands and thousands of people will participate. No doubt it will be quite the ordeal.”
“Free land is always going to attract a certain kind of man,” Colton replied, shaking his head. “The real challenge will be setting up an actual place to live within the six-month requirement.”
“Especially since so many of the people they expect to race for the claims are poor immigrants,” Emma added. “I read about that just a few days ago in the paper.”
“I also read that the town fathers here are inviting those who lose out on Oklahoma to come to Wyoming,” Colton shared. “Though I don’t think a rush of new settlers is exactly what is needed. Crime would almost be certain to rise.”
Marybeth glanced up as someone called her name. It was her husband. She gave him a wave and then took hold of Emma’s arm. “Come with me. I have a surprise.”
“A surprise?”
Emma allowed Marybeth to lead her through the mass of people to where the food tables were assembled. There she found Melody Decker, along with her son Michael and Rob Vogel. Rosie was standing just to Rob’s side.
“We thought we would include you and Melody in the birthday celebration. I learned from your stepmother that you had a birthday on the thirteenth of April. You should have told us, Emma. That’s also Melody’s birthday.”
Emma was more than a little surprised. “I don’t know what to say. It’s very kind of you.”
“I was just as surprised.” Mrs. Decker took hold of Marybeth’s arm. “But leave it to my dear friend to pass along such kindness.”
“Well, since folks were coming to have a party, we figured the more the merrier. Happy birthday!”
Several other voices joined in. “Happy birthday!”
“I knew about the surprise, Emma.” Rosie came to her side and gave her a hug. “I know we celebrated at your father’s ranch, but Marybeth said it was all right to celebrate more than once.”
Emma glanced around at all the happy faces. “Well, I can hardly complain.”
Colton handed her a small box. “You caught me off guard with the first celebration, but Rosie apprised me of this one, and I was able to secure you a gift.”
“You shouldn’t have.” Emma opened the box and gasped. Inside, nestled down in folds of black velvet, was a diamond-and-ruby broach. “Oh, you really shouldn’t have done this.”
Colton shrugged, and Rosie frowned. She turned to her brother and shook her head. “You shouldn’t buy expensive gifts for Emma. She’s not your wife.”
Hours later as the party wound down, Emma announced that she was going to head home. Her stepmother and father were caught up discussing cattle with several of their friends, and she encouraged them to stay on and enjoy themselves.
