Page 49 of Colorado Bride

ChapterEight

Emily cracked the whip over the horses when she reached the edge of town.They began to gallop, moving as fast as they could.She shouldn’t be going so fast, but all she wanted to do was to get home to Ben.

Calming down, realizing that tears flowed down her cheeks, she slowed the buggy but kept the horses at a trot.She took off her gloves and wiped the backs of her hands down her face.She tied the reins around the brake handle to keep the tension.Then she took the hanky from her sleeve, dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose.

If she quit crying now, she’d look fine when she got home.But she couldn’t seem to quit crying.Every time she thought about the baby, happy tears fell.When she thought about Ben not loving her, sad tears fell.By the time Emily reached home she was bawling.

She pulled the buggy to a stop in front of the house.She should have taken the horses to the barn but she couldn’t face the ranch hand who would be there.He could come get the buggy and take care of the horses.

Emily ran into the house.

Her mother-in-law was coming down the stairs as Emily came in.

“Where have you been?My son was looking for you.”

She swiped at her tears.

“Do you know where he is?”

“What’s the matter with you girl?Why are you crying?”

“Nothing and never you mind.Just tell me where Ben is?”

Doris frowned and narrowed her eyes.

“He’s at the barn.Probably getting ready to come looking for you.”

“Thank you.”

Emily whirled, lifted her skirt and ran to the barn.

“Ben,” she called as she entered.“Ben, are you here?”

He came out of one of the stalls, brows furrowed.

“Emily?Where have you been?I thought you were taking a short trip to the mercantile but you should have been back at least an hour ago.”

“I went to see the doctor.”

“Are you sick?You should have told me, I would have taken you.”

He came up to her and put his arm around her shoulders.

“What’s the matter?Why are you so upset?”

“I’m expecting.”She felt him tense.

“But that’s wonderful news.Is that what has you upset?”

“No.I’m thrilled.I couldn’t wait to tell you, but I ran into Melissa outside the doctor’s office and I don’t know what came over me.”

She stepped out of his embrace and paced in front of him.

“She has me upset.What is she still doing in town?She used to live in Denver.Did you know that?Of course, you did.When she didn’t marry you she should have gone back to Denver but she didn’t.Why?I’ll tell you why.She still wants you, even more now that you’re already married.”

“Emily.Calm down.You’re expecting a baby.That’s wonderful news.Let the rest go.Come here.”

He opened his arms.