Page 44 of Colorado Bride

ChapterSeven

Atall man stood next to Maggie as they pulled up in front of the house.They were joined by two children and Maggie held a baby.All stood inside an area surrounded with a white picket fence.

The man must be Caleb Black, Maggie’s husband.

He stepped from behind the fence and came up to the buggy.

“Here, let me help you.”

Emily gave him her hand and had to admit if she hadn’t been smitten with her own husband, she could easily have been with the tall and very handsome man.He gave her Ben a run for the money, but in her mind, Ben still won.She’d never tell him that though.His head was big enough as it was.

“Hi Maggie.I’m so glad to see you again.”

Emily closed the distance to the woman and gave her a hug.

“And I you.What are you smiling about?”asked Maggie.

Emily shook her head.

“Just glad to be here.Sally and Mark are my best friends you know.”

“No.I didn’t.Sally told me what happened and how you came to be in the right place at the right time.”

“Yes, I feel incredibly lucky.”

“And you Ben,” said Maggie.“How are you feeling?Getting used to being a married man?”

Ben threw his arm around Emily’s shoulders.

“Oh, yes, ma’am.Getting used to it.Being married definitely has its benefits.”

Caleb laughed.“Yes, there definitely are.”

“Gentlemen, come inside,” said Maggie with a roll of her eyes.

“Maggie, may I hold your baby?”asked Emily.“How old is she?”

Maggie handed the baby to Emily.

“This is Anne.She’s three months old.”

“Oh, she’s such a sweetheart.”

The ladies walked into the house, Caleb held the door.

Before he could go inside, Ben grabbed his shoulder.

“Caleb, can I talk to you a minute?”

“Sure.”He called over his shoulder.“I’m taking Ben out to see the new colt.We’ll be back shortly.”

Caleb started toward the barn.

“So what can I do for you?”

“I need a married man’s opinion.Emily is talking about love and how she’ll get me to love her.I won’t but I really don’t want to hurt her.”

Caleb nodded.