“I can manage all of that for you. How much did you have in mind?”
“Whatever remaining amount they need to fulfill the plan. I want them to be able to build the church the way they want it and have all that is needed. My folks have helped with bake sales and fundraisers since we first met for services in the schoolhouse. I want to see this church completed in grand order.”
“I want to help as well. I’ll talk to Reverend Bright and find out what is still needed and take care of it for you—for us.”
“Thank you.”
They continued to walk, but Emma had no idea of where they were going. She focused on the way ahead and did her best not to think of the man who held her arm so confidently.
After a long time of silence, Colton cleared his throat. “I really am sorry, Emma. I never meant for you to get hurt by my not telling you about Walter and Ernest. I’m sorry, too, that Rosie overheard their conversations. They weren’t very kind toward her. They’ve never cared about her the way I do. The way you do.”
Thoughts of Rosie always made Emma smile. “I love her as a little sister. I want to ensure that nothing, and no one, hurts her, yet I know that isn’t realistic in life. There’s always something that will come along to cause us pain.”
“And I deeply regret that I was the one who caused it for you.”
Emma knew it wasn’t fair to continue to close her heart to him. “I’d rather you be honest with me, Colton. I always felt I had that with you. You completely fooled me, and it makes me skittish to think of trusting you again.”
“I know I should have said something about my brothers, but Emma, I didn’t fool you. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. I don’t even know what to do with myself. You’re on my mind constantly. I wake up, and you’re my first thought. I go to sleep at night, and it’s your face I think of.”
She hadn’t anticipated his words of love but marveled at how they touched her heart. Still, there was so much doubt. She’d done her best in life to avoid feeling too deeply, caring too much. Emma Johnson was known for having a good time and taking nothing seriously. But Emma Johnson had died on the day of her wedding. At least that part of her had. She no longer felt the need to run from one thing to another looking for something that she couldn’t even explain. Coming to an understanding of God had changed everything.
“I will do anything you ask to prove myself to you. I want only to be worthy of your love and to share my life with you, Emma.” He stopped walking and turned her to face him. “I will sign any papers you like that protect the inheritance you have. If that will prove to you that I truly love you—not the stocks or the money you received from Tommy—I will gladly do it. There are legal means to ensure that everything remains in your protection, even after we marry.”
“Notifwe marry?” Emma found that amusing. “You’re terribly sure of yourself.”
The fact that he was willing to go to such lengths spoke volumes to Emma. The Bentons were known to cherish money above all, but Tommy hadn’t cared one whit aboutsuch things. Now Emma could see that Colton was willing to cast it all aside ... for her.
He reached up to put his hands on either side of her face. “Emma, I will never marry anyone but you. I cannot ever love another. You’ve completely captured my heart. Please, please tell me that I might have a chance to convince you of my sincerity and win your heart.”
Emma swallowed the lump in her throat. His words consumed her, but even more so, the truth of it was written in his eyes. In that moment, she felt that if she didn’t give this romance a chance, she might never know what it was to love and truly be loved.
“You know we have rules here about public displays of affection.”
The man’s voice caused Emma to jump. She turned and found Edward Vogel grinning. Her heart was nearly pounding out of her chest, and all she could do was shake her head.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you, Emma.” He looked to Colton. “Nor you. Please forgive me.”
“I never wanted to punch a lawman in the nose more than I want to right now,” Colton said quite seriously.
Emma worried momentarily that there would be a fight between the two men, but she heard Chief Vogel laugh, and Colton joined in. Relief washed over her.
“We got a bit caught up in the moment,” Emma admitted. “I’m afraid I’m causing trouble in Cheyenne once again.”
Chief Vogel laughed all the more. “Oh, Emma, I used to get such a laugh out of your antics. I think a lot of folks did. You were a wild one, but such a sweet thing. We used to converse among the deputies as to what outrageous thing you might try next. I think some even bet on it.”
She felt her cheeks grow hot and looked at the ground to calm her nerves. “It’s rather humiliating to imagine anyone taking bets on what act of disobedience I might try next.”
“Well, you’ve proven yourself a changed woman,” Chief Vogel assured. “I think most everyone I know is glad to have you back.”
She drew in a deep breath to steady her nerves. “I’d like to think that’s so.”
“Then think it. You’ve grown up a lot in the last nine years, Emma. God’s working on you just the same as He’s working on the rest of us. None of us achieve the perfection of Jesus, but we keep aiming for that. He’s the only one we need to concern ourselves with. Keep your eyes on Him, and you’ll do just fine.” He paused, and Emma glanced up to see him fix his gaze on Colton.
“You do right by our Emma, or you’ll have me to answer to.”
“Yes, sir. You and her pa. I wouldn’t want to challenge either one of you.”
“It’s a good thing you feel that way. Now, I’ll see you in the morning. Seven sharp.”
