Colton shrugged. “They’ll have their say and complaints, then they’ll take the checks and stocks and go off to do whatever it is they have planned to do. In time, they’ll either be great successes or miserable failures. Either way, they will be out of my concerns.”
“They won’t like it that you plan to move to Cheyenne, will they?”
“I hardly think they’ll care. As I told you, I plan to dissolve any of our shared business dealings. Most I’ll simply give to them. I want nothing more to do with Dallas and think it will be for the best that we manage our own accounts without outside interference.”
Emma nodded. She knew this was part of Colton’s attemptto assure her that he wasn’t doing the bidding of his brothers. Any further future for them was going to be based purely on their feelings for each other and nothing more.
Colton glanced at the clock. “I should probably board the train. They’ll be leaving soon.”
“Yes, I suppose so. I need to go the bank and get this check deposited.”
“Don’t forget, I set up a completely different account for it. Just as you asked.”
She managed a smile and held up the envelope. “And these will go into the safe-deposit box under my name.”
“Right. That way you won’t have to worry about them should there be a fire or if someone breaks into the house.”
He glanced over his shoulder and then again at the clock. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Emma felt strangely close to tears. She didn’t want him to go. She knew he felt the same way. “Please be careful. Rosie would be quite upset if something happened to you.” She met his dark eyes. “I would be too.”
He smiled. “That encourages me.”
“You hardly need encouragement. Now go, before you miss your train all together.”
He raised her hands to his lips and kissed her fingertips. Glancing up, Emma saw the passion in his eyes once again and felt her stomach do a flip. Goodness, what was it about this man that so completely captivated her?
Once he’d gone, Emma gathered her senses and made her way from the depot to the bank. She was quite eagerly received by the bank president himself. Her check was even more welcome. The entire process took less than ten minutes, including the time to put her stocks in the safety box. With that completed, she headed for home, wondering how in the world she was going to keep herself occupied for the next few weeks.
She didn’t have long to wonder, however. As soon as she got home, Rosie quickly drew her outside and busied her with cookie production. By the time that first evening concluded, Emma was exhausted and had little time to think about Colton. Although it was his impassioned gaze that she remembered as she fell asleep.
Colton gazed out the window as the train made its way into the Dallas station. He’d been traveling for five days, having had an overnight stop in Kansas City. Soon he’d be back in the house he’d called home for most of his adult life. Only it wasn’t home any longer. The only people he truly cared about were waiting for him in Cheyenne.
The grueling heat had been unbearable the farther south they traveled, and the humidity and stormy weather had only served to make him even more miserable. He longed for the dryer climate of Cheyenne, along with the milder temperatures.
Hailing a cab, Colton waited for the driver to load his trunk before climbing into the open carriage. He gave the man his address, then settled back against the hot leather. He wondered what he’d find at home. Would his brothers be there to greet him? He’d telegraphed them to indicate when he’d arrive. He knew they were more than anxious for their share of the railroad money. He smiled, almost chuckling to himself. They’d be there.
Things looked the same around town and through the neighborhoods as they made their way to the famed Benton house. There was plenty of noise and action taking place around them. The traffic was quite vexing for the driver, whom Colton heard swear more than once. Dallas was growing by leaps and bounds.
When they finally reached their destination, Colton was pleased to find one of the houseboys hurrying out to take charge of his luggage. He flipped the driver ample coinage for the ride and tip, then hurried up the walkway to get inside and out of the sun.
“Mr. Benton, welcome home,” the housekeeper greeted him at the door. “Your brothers are in the library.”
Colton nodded. He really wanted to go take a tepid bath, but getting rid of his brothers first was more important. He went straightaway to the library, wasting no time.
“I see you got my telegram,” he declared, entering the room with his satchel in hand. “I’ll make this brief.” He went to his desk and opened the satchel. He took out the checks and handed one to each of his brothers. “Your share of the sale.” Then, without waiting for them to comment, he pulled out the envelopes. “Inside are your shares of stock in the Union Pacific.”
“Right to business, as always,” Walter said, laughing. “But you won’t get away without telling us of your success with Tommy’s widow.”
“My dealings with Tommy’s widow are none of your concern.” Colton gave him a hard look. “However, Emma and Rosie are both doing well. Our sister is to marry a police officer who has spent the last few months courting her and teaching her to read and ride horses. He’s an exceptional young man who loves our sister dearly, and I’ve given him permission to marry her. They will do so on the first of September.”
His brothers looked at him as if he’d just announced his ability to fly.
Ernest regained his thoughts first. “Marry her? He wants to marry a mindless ninny like our sister?”
“You would rethink that comment if you had spent time with Rosie these last few months. In the short time sincewe’ve been gone, she has flourished like no one I’ve ever seen. Emma has taught her many skills, including cooking. Although Mrs. Olson had a fair hand in that as well.”
“Who in the world is Mrs. Olson?” Walter questioned.
