It had been a bit overwhelming to come to the conclusion that she wanted Colton for her husband. The process of going from widowhood, to seeing how foolish her life had been, to learning what truly mattered and then realizing the potential of true love ... well, it was an awful lot to contemplate.
They took the narrow wagon road that led to the house. As it came into view, Emma couldn’t help but remember all the years she had dreaded coming home. Now it was a welcome sight. How she wished she could have appreciated it back then.
When they came to a stop, a couple of cowboys came out to manage the horses and wagon. Emma handed over her hired mount and dusted off her split skirt. Rosie was quite excited. She threw her leg over, kicked out of the other stirrup, and slid down the side of her horse.
“That was wonderful. I love riding horses.” She pulled off her wide-brimmed hat. “And I love this new hat.”
Emma laughed. “They do keep the sun from burning your face.” She removed her own hat and let the breeze cool her face.
“Did Rob teach you about caring for the horses after a long ride?” Papa asked.
“He did. Do you want me to go take care of Rufus?” Rosie asked, nodding toward her rented mount.
Emma’s father shook his head. “Nah, today we’ll let the boys do the work. I know you gals have plans for talking about the wedding. I’ve got plenty of work to keep me busy, so you ladies have fun.” He helped Lucille from the wagon and then tipped his hat. “I’ll see you for lunch.”
Emma smiled. “He was always good about getting out from under foot when Mama had womanly things to discuss.”
“I think most men are good at that,” Lucille said, dusting off her clothes. “Weddings are one of those things they’d just as soon leave to us to figure out. They do good just to show up on time for the actual event.”
They walked toward the house, but then Lucille stopped and looked at them quite seriously. “Something occurs to me. Rosie’s soon to be married, and perhaps you will as well, Emma.”
“Everyone seems eager to marry me off.” Emma knew, however, there was no sense in denying it.
“Why not?” Rosie asked. “Colton’s in love with you. I know he wants to marry you soon.”
Lucille continued on. “Neither one of you have a mother to talk to you about getting married, and ... well, the expectations of a wife.”
“What expectations?” Rosie asked.
Lucille reached out and patted her arm. “Exactly. You know, I feel bad that I didn’t think of this until now. I’d like to fill in for your mothers, if you’ll allow me to. I supposeyour sister might have talked to you before your wedding, Emma, but I might have something new to add.”
“Clara tried to talk to me about wedded bliss and wifely duties, but I wouldn’t have any of it,” Emma admitted. “I wasn’t listening to anyone, as you might recall. So I, for one, would love to receive your advice.”
Rosie looked at Lucille and smiled. “I would love for you to be my mother. Can I call you Mama since I never really had my own mother?”
Emma could see her request touched Lucille. Tears formed in the older woman’s eyes.
“I’d be honored if you called me Mama. However, I’m certain Marybeth Vogel will want you to call her Mama as well. Why don’t you call me Mama Johnson, and that way you can still call her Mama.”
“I’d like that a lot, Mama Johnson.” Rosie gave her a hug.
“Can I call you Ma?” Emma asked, feeling a connection with Lucille that hadn’t been there before. “I always called my mother mama or mother, so Ma would be something completely different and just for you.”
Lucille looked at her with such a tender expression that Emma was the one to tear up. “I know how much you loved your mother. I loved her so dearly, and she’ll always be an important part of our lives. I think she would like it if you called me Ma. I know I would.” She reached out and drew both girls into her arms. “Not long ago I lost a son, but just look. God has given me daughters to fill that void.”
Colton stood in front of Emma’s house, wondering where in the world they might be. He had knocked and knocked, but nobody answered. He hadn’t told them when to expect him back, so he couldn’t fault them for not planning on welcominghim home. He had confided in Emma that his trip would probably take him at least a month, and arriving back four days shy of that time, he had intended to surprise them. But the surprise was his. No one was home. Where could they have gone?
He left his suitcase and satchel on the porch and walked around to the back. He knocked at Gary’s apartment, but again no one answered. Apparently, he’d gone out as well. Colton frowned and made his way around the back of the house.
“Who goes there?” a deep male voice questioned. Rob Vogel came around the corner, shoulders squared, looking ready to spring.
“It’s me, Colton Benton. Are you on guard duty?”
“I saw someone sneaking around to the back of the house and figured it couldn’t be for any good reason.” Rob laughed and stuck out his hand. “Good to have you back, Colton.”
“Good to be back—I think. Where is everybody?”
“The girls went out to the ranch to spend a couple of nights. Rosie wanted help planning the wedding.”
