Page 78 of Colorado Bride

“If I’d known a man like that, I’d—”

“You could have done nothing just as I was unable to do anything.”

Emily took one of his hands in hers, smoothed out the fist and entwined their fingers.

“But that sent me to you, so I can’t wish it never happened.”

“I suppose there is that, but that still doesn’t excuse him and if by some chance we ever run into him, you have to tell me so I can belt him for you.”

“Since it is highly unlikely we shall ever cross paths with him, I will make that promise to you.How long will it take us to get to Jane’s?”

“About two hours.Their place is just on the other side of Golden.Are you ready to go?”

She gave a final check in the mirror.

“Yes.Have you talked to Rory?Is he ready?”

“I’ll go check on him now.”

He let go of her hand and turned to walk away, then stopped, and came back.

He cupped her face with his hands and set his lips on hers in a gentle kiss.

“You look beautiful, even in your gray dress, even though it is ugly.”

He kissed her again, then released her and walked away.

She let out the breath she’d held and breathed in the fresh air.Surely he couldn’t treat her so if he didn’t love her.Emily had thought he would tell her he loved her, when he cradled her face with his hands, but he hadn’t.

What was she to do?Could she live in a home without love?Or does she even know what love is.If he told her he loved her how would her situation be different?Doesn’t he show her love every day, the way he holds her, the way he kisses her, holds her hand and holds her after making love?Aren’t those the things that matter?

Emily had a lot of thinking to do before she made any rash decisions about her, no their, future.