Page 35 of Colorado Bride

“No, I suppose not.”

What was that about?Why’d he get so defensive at my statement about Golden’s size?

Just as they arrived at the bank, a tall, thin woman with dark hair walked out.

“Why, Ben Logan.Hi there.”

Ben’s hold on Emily tightened.

“Melissa.”

Melissa!This is the woman who jilted Ben?

Emily looked closely at the woman who was the one Ben chose.She is nothing like me.Ben said he liked women with a little meat on their bones, but when given the choice, he chose someone tall and slender to ask to marry him.

“Who is this with you Ben?A cousin?”

Emily put her hand on Ben’s arm.

“No.I’m Emily Logan.Ben’s wife.”

The woman’s eyebrows rose so high onto her forehead, Emily thought they would have left her head completely if they could have.

“Wife?But how?It’s only been seven months since we…”

“We were over long before you stood me up at the altar.As a matter-of-fact you did me a favor.I never would have met Emily if you hadn’t jilted me.”

She raised her chin and sniffed the air.“I see.Well, congratulations.Glad you found someone to wallow in the dirt with you.”

Ben raised his hat.

“Goodbye, Melissa.”

He opened the door to the bank and ushered Emily inside with his hand to the small of her back.

“I’m sorry you had to meet her.”

“It’s all right.”

It wasn’t really all right, but what else can I say.I’m sorry you had to settle for me, that I’m not thin like the woman you wanted?

“I would have run into her someday, anyway.Better now and get it over with.”

“Maybe.”

She took his arm, wrapping her hand around his elbow.“Come on.Forget her.Let’s get our shopping done and go home.”

“First, I want you to meet our banker, Ezra Dancer.”

Ben walked over to the office and knocked.A little man, shorter than Emily, opened the door.

“Why Ben.How are you?Come in.Come in.”

The man waved his arm, ushering them into the office.

“Ezra, I just wanted to introduce you to my wife, Emily.This is Ezra Dancer our banker.If you ever have any questions or need funds when you are in town, he’s the one you come to see.”

The man held out his hand.