Page 95 of Colorado Bride

Ben would spend time with her whether she wanted him to or not.The time had come to fight for her, with her, to make her his, really his.Not just her body, but her heart and soul, as well.

When he entered the bedroom she had her eyes closed and he thought she was asleep.

As soon as he’d put the tray on the bureau, she opened her eyes and turned her head toward him.

“Here we go.”He handed her the tea cup and saucer.

“Thank you.”

“It’s willow bark tea and should help with the pain.I also brought you and me a couple of tea cakes.”

“I’m surprised there are any left between you and Rory.”

He grinned.

“I hid a few so he couldn’t find them.”

She shook her head and half smiled.

“You’re so bad.”

“I’m not.If I hadn’t hid them, you wouldn’t be enjoying those cookies now.”

He watched her roll her eyes and smile.The smile was the most beautiful he’d ever seen because she was smiling at him.Gone were the tears.This was the Emily he knew.

He smiled back at her.

“What do you want to do today?”

She looked at him, eyes wide.

“You’re not planning on staying here all day are you?What about your work and the animals?”

“Rory is taking charge today.He wants to be more involved with the ranch.I thought now is as good a time as any.”

He went around the bed and got in on her side so he could cuddle with her and not hurt her.

“What are you doing?”

Alarm filled her voice.

“I’m staying with my wife.You’ve been injured.You accidently killed my mother and you need to know that I do not blame you.I’m holding you in my arms while you rest.I want you to know that you are safe.”

He rolled to his side and propped up on his elbow.

“I’m sorry.So very sorry.I never should have left you alone with her for even a moment.I knew she wasn’t to be trusted.This is all my fault.”

Emily lay on her good side and faced him.

“It’s not your fault…entirely.I was sure she was better.She hadn’t called me names or acted crazy for a couple of weeks.Who knew she was such a good actress?She was biding her time and when she got the opportunity, she took it.You know, even after killing me, she might have tried to kill you, too.Thinking you her were her husband and still cheating with Ava.I think that happening was only a matter of time.”

“You’re probably right.Mother had completely lost her mind and was living in her own world.”Making the admission was difficult, but they both needed to hear it.

“The willow bark tea is starting to help.I think I can sleep now.”

“Then come here.Let me hold you.”

She looked at him warily.