Page 68 of Colorado Bride

“That’s a good beginning,” said Ben.

“Beginning?For what?”asked Rory.

“Sit down, little brother.We have a lot to talk about.”

Rory’s eyes got wide.

“Little brother?What changed your mind?”

“Mother.”

“Miz Doris?What, she told you I am who I said I was after all these years?What does she have to gain?Doris doesn’t do anything without gettin’ something in return.”

Ben grinned.“I threatened to banish her to a little house on the other side of the property.”

Rory shook his head in disbelief.

“That would definitely do it.But I warn you, she’ll change, she’ll try to harm Emily again because she really wants Melissa to marry you.I don’t know what those two got goin’ but you can be sure it ain’t nothing good.”

Ben’s grin faded replaced with angry determination.

“She’d better not.Emily is expecting and if anything happens…I’ll wring her neck with my own two hands.”

“No you won’t,” said Rory.“She’s your mother.You’ll banish her and go on with your life.”

Ben’s shoulders slumped.

“You’re right.She’s my mother.”

Emily couldn’t stay quiet any longer.

“And I’m your wife.Forgiving her for trying to hurt me is one thing, but if she makes me lose this baby for any reason…I’ll kill her.”