Page 79 of Colorado Bride

ChapterThirteen

The country Jane and Curt’s ranch sat in was very similar to the J Bar L Ranch.Prairie and grazing land to the north, south and east with those majestic Rocky Mountains to the west.On this day the sky was bluer than ever, though the sun didn’t seem to be able to warm the air very much.In the buggy their laps were covered with blankets and all three of them wore sheepskin coats with knitted scarves and hats to keep warm.

The carriage pulled into the yard of a house built of logs that were varnished or oiled.A large, wide porch boasted a swing on the left side, just like house on the J Bar L Ranch.

Of course, Jane had grown up in the house where Emily now lived, so she’d want some of the familiar touches in her own home.

“Ben!”

A woman in her late twenties with sable brown hair much like Ben’s, but without the streaks of gold from long days in the sun, ran down the steps to the gate in the white picket fence.She wore a blue shirtwaist and black skirt, with a full apron over both.

Ben came around the carriage and helped Emily down just before he was tackled by his sister.

“Jane.”

He enveloped her in his embrace.

Emily stood by, smiling at the siblings’ reunion.

“I haven’t seen you in months,” Jane chided him.“And now I see that you have a bride.”

She stepped toward Emily and held out her hand.

“I’m Jane.We don’t have any customs about not shaking hands.Out here, deals are made with just a handshake.”

Emily smiled, clasped the extended hand and shook.“I’m Emily.Glad to meet you.”

“You, too.I’m so glad that Ben finally got married and not to Melissa.The only thing she had going for her was she had money.”

“Was I the only one who liked Melissa?”asked Ben.

“Yes.”Jane looked over Emily’s head.“Hi Rory.”

Rory tipped his hat.“Jane.”

Jane grabbed Ben’s arm and walked with him up the steps, across the porch and toward the house, followed by Emily and Rory.

“Afraid so, big brother.The rest of us saw her for what she was.A harpy.She may have had money, but that didn’t make her any less a witch.She and Mother would make quite the pair.”

“I’m afraid they already did.They tried to kill Emily,” said Ben.

Jane stopped walking and leaned back from him.“What?Tell me everything.”

“Later.”He jutted his chin toward Rory.“Now I want you to meet our brother, Rory Schroder.”

“I already know Rory,” she paused.“Our brother?When did this happen?”

Ben’s eyes twinkled.“When he was born.”

Jane punched him in the arm.“You know what I mean.When did you find out he is our brother?”

“Just recently after he kidnapped Emily but Mother knew all along and wouldn’t allow Father to acknowledge him.”

Jane leaned into her brother’s side.“I don’t understand this information about Emily’s kidnapping.Why would you bring Rory here if he kidnapped Emily?And don’t be so hard on, Mother, about Rory.As a mother myself, I can understand her reluctance to recognize another woman’s child.I’m not sure I could forgive Curt if I found out he had a love child.And every time I looked at the kid, I’d be reminded that Curt had strayed.It’s a hard decision to have to make.”

“Agreed.But now, I’m recognizing Rory.It’s time that Mother came to terms with the decision.All this time has been wasted.”

Jane looked over at Rory, cocked her head, straightened and then smiled.