“I wish they wouldn’t ride out there alone. Or wait, did Gary go with them?”
“No, I believe he has gone to town to buy a new shirt. He asked Mrs. Olson to dinner and then worried he wouldn’t look good enough.”
Colton chuckled. “I wondered if he would get around to asking her out.”
“He finally did. I think if he hadn’t, she might have done the deed herself.”
“She’s none too shy about speaking her mind, so you’re probably right.” Colton felt a sense of disappointment as the truth of the situation settled over him. “Do you know when the girls plan to get back?”
“They’ll ride into town in the morning with Mr. and Mrs.Johnson. It’s Sunday, you know. Everyone will be headed to church.”
Colton realized there was nothing he could do but wait for morning. It would be foolish to ride all the way out to the Johnsons’ when he wouldn’t arrive before dark. He had thought of nothing but Emma the entire trip home, and now he would have to wait once again to see her.
“Well, I suppose I’ll just head back to the boardinghouse and settle in for the evening.”
“I have a better idea. Since we’re going to be family and probably spend a great deal of our time together, why don’t you and I go to dinner and get to know each other better?”
“What do you mean that we’ll probably spend a great deal of our time together? You newlyweds won’t want me around.”
“It won’t be a matter of what I want. Rosie is very close to Emma, and I know she’ll be a part of our daily life. And I figure since you’re not only Rosie’s brother but will no doubt soon be Emma’s husband, you’ll be around as well.”
“I won’t deny that I mean to marry her. I’m planning to propose right away, in fact. I brought one of my mother’s rings to offer incentive to say yes.”
“She’ll say yes. I’m absolutely certain. Now come on, what about going to supper with me? Afterward, if you want, there are some horse races planned, oh, and a prize fight if you like that sort of thing.”
“I don’t care for races and despise fights.”
“See there, we already have that in common. I’ve had to intercede in way too many fights to enjoy watching men beat each other to a pulp. And the only time I like racing a horse is when I’m on his back. Supper, then?”
Colton smiled. “Sounds good. Let’s go.”
24
“Emma, I’m sorry we can’t ride back with you.” Lucille had just gotten word that Charlotte was sick, and she wanted to go tend to her. “Please give the pastor our regards.”
“We will, and thanks for the loan of Jacob to accompany us back to Cheyenne. I know that will make you both rest easier.”
“Rob will be happy too,” Rosie said, securing her hat. “He hates it when we come out here alone.”
“Well, even with there being more and more people moving into the territory, we’re still having the occasional problem. I think it makes all of us feel better to know you’ll have a little extra help in case of trouble.”
Emma kissed her stepmother’s cheek. “Well, try not to worry about us, Ma. And please tell Charlotte that I hope she feels better soon.”
“I will, and I hope to see you both real soon.”
“Papa, you married yourself a good woman.” Emma kissed his cheek, then allowed him to help her into the saddle.
Rosie had already bid them both good-bye and was holding Rufus under control. She patted his neck to calm him. “He’smore than ready to go,” she said, laughing. “I wish we could let him run, but I’m not good at gallops just yet.”
“No galloping in this heat,” Emma’s father said, shaking a finger. “Be kind to your mount.”
“Yes, sir!” Rosie turned the horse toward the drive as Emma came abreast of them on her horse. “Rob has told me that more than once. He said you never know when they might save your life.”
“I agree. You all be careful.”
“We will, Papa.” Emma adjusted her hat, then gave a wave as she moved her horse out.
Rufus matched Emma’s mount, and the girls took the lead with Jacob following behind. Emma remembered meeting the young cowboy the year before. He seemed rather shy, and when she tried to engage him in conversation, he replied with simple yes and no answers. Now he was far more capable of carrying on a conversation without stumbling all over his words.
