Emma leaned back in her chair. “Rosie is her own person. She’s fully capable of making decisions for herself. She may have started out slow, but she’s running full steam ahead. Just like your trains.”
Colton got to his feet. “This is ridiculous. My brothers were afraid you might try to do something like this.”
“I’m not doing anything,” Emma countered and got to herfeet too. “That’s my whole point. I just don’t think we should do anything yet. What’s the hurry? As you just pointed out, two major railroads want to purchase your railroad—our railroad. Shouldn’t we investigate a little further and at the very least see who is willing to pay the most for it?”
She was right. Colton knew he should calm down and just admit it. His brothers were the ones pushing for this sale, and while Colton could see problems in the future, he knew their greed was really the only reason for rushing the transaction.
“I should go.”
As he exited the house, thunder rumbled. Colton looked to the skies and noted the heavy black clouds moving in. They matched his mood. He would have much preferred discussing his future with Emma, rather than the railroad. The railroad had always been a thorn in his side. He’d never cared for the business, nor his father’s devotion to it. Here it was once again causing trouble for him.
No, I’m causing trouble for myself. I’m the one who got upset. Emma did nothing but ask questions. Good questions, and yet I acted the cad.
Colton made his way down the street with no destination in mind. The wind picked up, and lightning flashed. Wherever he was going, he needed to get inside soon. He turned and headed for the nearest restaurant. He was still hungry.
He barely made it inside when the rain began to pour in a deluge. The lightning and thunder increased, causing the electrical lights to flicker. The storm outside matched the one in his soul.
“Table for one?” a man asked.
“Yes, it’s just me.” And if he wasn’t careful, it might remain that way for the rest of his life.
15
Colton awoke the next morning knowing that he needed to apologize to Emma. He had let his frustrations get the best of him. His brothers’ demands that he get Emma to marry him so that he could control Tommy’s stock, along with the fact that he knew he’d need to return to Texas soon, was making Colton’s life a misery. He didn’t want to leave Cheyenne and Emma. Thoughts of Texas didn’t even matter.
At ten o’clock he found himself at the Cheyenne Depot. He’d received a proposal from the Union Pacific officials related to purchasing the family railroad. After talking with Emma, Colton knew he would have to stall. They couldn’t sell without her approval. Colton figured he could delay them by explaining he would have to return to Texas and discuss the matter with his brothers. Even though he knew they wouldn’t care who bought the line so long as the price was the best they could procure and they could get their money soon.
“Mr. Benton.” A young man waved him down. “I was just coming to deliver this telegram to you. My good luck to find you here at the depot.” The runner handed him the telegram.
Colton flipped the man a coin despite the fact that he’dnot had to do much of anything and walked away to have a little privacy. The telegram was from his brothers.
News? Marry Emma quickly and return home. Must have her stock. R.R. sale imperative.
He crumpled the telegram and stuffed it in his pocket. They must be getting quite desperate. Colton knew that their need of cash was critical in order to secure contractors since most of their money was tied up in other investments. He had thought of just making them a loan from his own assets, but he’d never felt all that good about their construction plans and hesitated to get involved.
Colton glanced down the long hall to where he had planned to discuss his need to return to Texas with the UP officials. It could wait. He headed outside and made his way back down the street toward Emma’s neighborhood. He needed to talk to her and make things right. That was far more important at this point than anything else.
The storm from the day before had damaged some of the roofs and businesses, and there was a fair amount of cleanup being done as he passed Sixteenth Street on his way to Seventeenth. The opinion of Mr. Cooper was that it was a straight wind rather than a tornado, but either way there was work to be done. The Coopers’ house had sustained some heavy hail, and the roof had suffered, as well as two upstairs windows. Colton prayed Emma’s house had been without harm.
He approached her yard and saw her outside talking to Gary Price and pointing toward the roof. He glanced up but didn’t see anything of importance. She noticed him then and gave a wave. Apparently, he was welcome to join them and did.
“We’ve taken some damage,” Emma declared as Coltondrew closer. “Gary says it’s not all that bad, but he intends to take care of it right away.”
“It won’t be all that difficult,” the older man assured.
Colton nodded. “Is there anything I can help with?”
“No, young fella, I can take care of it just fine.” He turned to Emma. “I’ll need to get some supplies.”
“We have an account at the Armstrongs’ Emporium. They should have everything you need. If you don’t want to wait for them to deliver it, feel free to rent a wagon from Abney’s Livery Stable.”
“Yes, Miss Emma. I’ll see to it. You don’t worry a bit about it. We’re sittin’ pretty good compared to some folks.” He tipped his hat and headed off across the yard.
“He’s been such a godsend.” Emma watched as Price moved off down the street. “I don’t know what I’d do without him.” Emma started for the house.
“I came to apologize.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to get so upset, and I certainly didn’t mean to imply that I knew more about the railroad than you. I prayed about it last night and want you to know that I will agree to whatever you think is best.”
