It was a beautiful morning, although it was already getting hot. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and all around them the ground showed signs of drought. Ma had told her they were doing something called dry farming and having pretty good luck with it. They were anticipating putting up a good-sized crop of hay in the next couple of weeks. Since the terrible winter of ’86–87, the ranchers who continued raising livestock had learned that they were also going to have to maintain winter feed, just in case. They were also learning various techniques to grow it themselves due to the high cost of bringing it in. Emma was very impressed with what her father and stepmother had already accomplished. They, along with Lucille’s daughter Charlotte and her husband, had formed a tight working association, and together they were making all sorts of improvements to increase the herds and benefit the ranch.
They’d been riding about half an hour when Rosie spoke up. “I just can’t get over how the land stretches out forever. I love it all.” Rosie pointed. “Look, there are a couple of riders coming on the road.”
They were just specks on the horizon. “You’ve got good eyes, Rosie.” Emma put her hand to the edge of her hat to shade the sun a bit more. She hadn’t even caught sight of the motion. “I’ll have to be more vigilant.”
Jacob pulled up and around them. “Hang back, I’ll see who it is. Could be trouble, looks like they’re picking up speed.”
Emma stiffened a bit in the saddle. She had her rifle sheathed and within easy grasp. She thought of pulling it and placing the weapon across her lap, but at the same time she didn’t want to appear aggressive. But what if she needed to appear aggressive? What if the two riders were up to no good?
Rosie’s excitement put her mind at ease, however, before she had to decide. “It’s Rob and Colton!” She urged the horse forward, passing Jacob to trot toward the two men.
“Jacob, it looks like you won’t have to ride all the way to town, after all.” Emma came up alongside him and smiled at the young man. “That’s Rosie’s brother on the right and her fiancé on the left.”
They slowed their horses to a stop. Jacob looked at her for a moment. “Are you sure, ma’am? I can still go with you.”
Emma laughed. “Yes, I’m quite sure. Rob Vogel is one of Cheyenne’s police officers and quite good at his job. We’ll be just fine. Please let my father and stepmother know that we’re in good hands.”
“I will.” He tipped his hat and headed back to the ranch.
Emma couldn’t deny her own excitement at the vision of Colton riding toward her. She urged the horse forward, ignoring her father’s opinions on galloping. Rosie was just reaching the two men, and Emma could hear her excited greetings as she drew closer.
“Colton, I’m so glad you’re back! Rob, what a surprise!”
She looked over her shoulder as Emma approached. Emma kept her gaze fixed on Colton. He was grinning, and so was she.
Rosie continued in her energetic way. “We were headed into town to go to church. Emma’s folks were going to come with us, but Mama Johnson—she said I could call her that now—she heard that her daughter is sick and wanted to go help her. They decided to send Jacob with us so you wouldn’t worry.”
“That was good of them,” Rob replied before bringing his mount to a stop not far from Rosie. “Did you enjoy your long ride?”
“I did. It was so much fun. I feel like I could do this for days and days.”
Rob laughed. “I’ve done it for days and days driving cattle, and it’s not as much fun as you might think.” He turned his horse to come along side his fiancée. “But I think the company of this ride back to town will make the trip tolerable. If you don’t mind, Emma, Colton, we’re going to ride on up ahead.” Rob didn’t wait for an answer but moved out with Rosie following suit.
Colton made a circle around Emma and came up on her right side. The horses were from the same livery and seemed comfortable with each other. “I think Rob wants to sweet-talk my sister all the way to church.”
Emily curiosity got the best of her. “And will you sweet-talk me all the way to church?”
“Would you like me to?”
She laughed and started the horse walking. Seeing Colton again assured her that she really had forgiven him and let the past go. Now all she wanted was to move forward toward their future.
“I was saddened to return and not find you home,” he told her as the horses matched paces.
“I wish you would have telegraphed to let us know you were coming. I would have not only stayed home, but we would have planned a big supper with all your favorites.”
He looked at her oddly. “And how would you know what all my favorites are?”
“I’ve paid attention. You’re particular to pork chops, creamed peas, and pecan pie. Throw in some hot coffee and dinner rolls with lots of butter and you are happy as a man can be.”
Colton roared with laughter, causing Rob and Rosie to glance back from their place ahead. They quickly lost interest, however, and resumed their focus on each other.
Emma slowed her mount a bit to let the space between couples grow a little longer. Colton slowed his horse as well. For a few minutes, neither said anything. Emma couldn’t figure out how to start a conversation about the two of them. She wanted to tell him how much she’d missed him—that absence did indeed make her heart grow fonder. But what if absence had made him rethink his affection for her? What if she had missed the chance to accept Colton’s love? The very thought made her frown.
“Is something wrong?” Colton asked.
She turned to look at him, shaking her head. “No. Why do you ask?”
“You looked upset ... worried. I thought maybe something happened while I was gone, and you didn’t want to tell me about it.”
