He started walking toward the depot, where he was scheduled to meet with men from the Union Pacific. They were presenting their final offer to purchase the Bentons’ railroad. Colton knew they would accept the offer. They had already been negotiating the cash and stock options, and he felt certain they could get no better deal. His brothers agreed.
He hoped, prayed even, that Emma would agree to the terms and conditions. He wasn’t all that sure his prayers were heard. He was so new at all this faith and Bible stuff that he couldn’t help but feel rather adrift. Was he praying the right way? He remembered his mother would pray as if talking to God like a friend. She would bow her head, close her eyes, and just pour out her heart regarding her needs, desires, and concerns. She was always thanking God for one thing or another, and thinking of that now made Colton smile. His mother had always stressed being thankful.
“We have it so much easier than others,”she had told him more than once.“We should always take time to thank God for His generosity to us.”
As a new Christian, Colton could understand the sense of that. Having known a life of abundance, he was grateful. Here in Cheyenne and back in Dallas, he had observed poverty. He’d seen many in need and had even donated to some of the causes to aid the poor. His brothers had thought it ridiculous.
“Let the poor work and make their way as we did.”Colton could hear them saying that even now. They didn’t understandor bother to consider that they had been born to wealth and luxury, and hard work had never been put upon them.
And hopefully never would be, but the economy had started showing signs of problems. Colton was grateful for an education that allowed him wisdom in catching hold of signs that suggested trouble. His real concern was to protect Emma from loss, as well as himself. His brothers could fend for themselves as they always had.
The meeting with the UP went well, and Colton had to admit they had come up with a better offer than he’d originally thought they would make. He shook hands and agreed to sign all the paperwork on Monday. He had his brothers’ proxies and hoped that Emma was still of a mind to cooperate with the sale. He planned to talk to her that evening.
It was hard to believe they were giving up the railroad, and yet Colton felt as his brothers did that there were other investments that might be more worthy of their consideration. He still didn’t know the extent of Tommy’s other investments. Emma had indicated that he had taken it upon himself to invest in quite a few other things. Colton was eager to see if those choices had paid off. Perhaps in time, he could earn Emma’s trust. He could still hear her saying that she forgave him but didn’t trust him. How could he blame her? And yet it troubled him deeply to have lost her faith in him.
He hurried back to the boardinghouse and changed into his work clothes. These were the same older pieces that he’d worn to help build the chicken coop. He had to admit his life had taken on a different turn when he moved to Cheyenne. And he could also allow that he enjoyed the changes. He wouldn’t want to have to work at a physical job every day,but lending a hand now and then had been beneficial in more ways than one.
Together, Gary and Colton worked on the outdoor kitchen until Emma and Rosie returned from the ranch. The ladies came to see how things were going, and both were surprised to find Colton helping and the kitchen mostly built.
Rosie gave him a big hug and immediately began to talk about the Johnsons’ roundup. “Emma and I are going to go and stay for several days and help. I’m going to help cook and clean up, and Emma too. There are going to be about fifty cowboys to feed, and they’re going to brand the calves and do other things. I’m so excited to see it all.”
“Well, that will be something completely different for you to experience.” Colton glanced at Emma, who was still inspecting their work on her outdoor kitchen.
“I think it will be fun.”
Emma gave an unexpected laugh. “I told her that it’s hot, dirty work that never seems to end. You fall into your bed each night exhausted and praying that morning won’t come too soon.” She straightened from her inspection and turned to meet Colton’s gaze. “She’ll learn soon enough. Life isn’t always what you expect.”
“It’s going to be fun.” Rosie headed for the back door. Colton noticed a tin box in her hands. “I’m going in to show Mrs. Olson our new recipes.” She slipped into the house, leaving Colton and Emma alone, since Gary had also disappeared from the group.
“I’m glad I have a moment to talk to you. Would you consider going to dinner with me tonight? I have a great deal of business to discuss with you. I met with the Union Pacific officials today and have their final proposal. They’d like us to meet with them on Monday and sign the papers of transfer.”
Emma’s expression sobered. “Why do we need to go outto dinner? We could discuss it here. I’m sure Mrs. Olson has already started supper and has included the both of us.”
“I’d just like some time alone with you, Emma. Please?”
She seemed to consider this a moment. “I suppose we can go to dinner. What time?”
He pulled out his pocket watch and did his best not to appear too excited. “I’ll come for you at six. Will that be acceptable?” He closed the lid of the watch and returned it to his pocket before allowing himself to look at her again. “That will give me time to get cleaned up.”
Emma’s stoic expression did nothing to reassure him. “Very well. I’ll look for you at six.”
“Thank you, Emma. I promise to be on my best behavior.” He smiled, hoping it might lighten the mood.
She shook her head. “I still think we could manage it all here, but if this is what you want, then I’ll come.”
“I promise you we’ll have a wonderful evening.”
She gave him an odd look as her eyes narrowed. “You shouldn’t promise things that might well be out of your control.”
Colton said nothing. Gary soon rejoined them, and Emma spoke to him about the kitchen while Colton gathered his things.
“I can come by tomorrow, Mr. Price. I have nothing planned.”
“We’ve worked side by side enough now that you should just call me Gary. I’d be happy for the help.”
“Good. I should be able to get here first thing.”
“Just come for breakfast at seven, Colton.” Emma offered him a hint of a smile.
