Emma's Wish

Anger knotted in his stomach. Why did she have to die?

She's gone, he reminded himself for the thousandth time. He had to get on with his life. And it was thanks to the woman sitting beside him that he had the chance to do that. Why she had offered to sacrifice her freedom for him he couldn't begin to guess, but he would be grateful for the rest of his life. And he would spend the rest of his days showing her just how much he appreciated it.

Rounding the hill, Sam drew the buggy to a stop. The house lay nestled in a small valley beside a stream that ran clear and cold all year long. Beside the house, there was a barn, as well as three sheds for storing the tools necessary to run a ranch. Two fenced corrals stretched out behind the house waiting for the horses Sam would breed and train when he managed to save enough money to start the ranch he dreamed of.

He heard Emma's gasp, and looked over to see her eyes widen in shock.

Shame flowed through him. What had seemed acceptable only a week ago now seemed shabby. The roof needed repair, the front porch sagged, and the paint had begun to peel. Catherine's garden, the only thing about Texas she had liked, was overgrown with weeds.

"I should have warned you," he murmured apologetically. "I wouldn't be surprised if you asked me to turn right around and take you back to town."

Emma lips moved slightly as she tried to smile, without much success.

"I know it isn't what you expected--" he went on.

"I understand. You couldn't possibly take care of the children, the house and the ranch by yourself. How long has it been since you lost your wife?"

"Seven months," he replied. "And four days."

"It doesn't take long for a home to fall into disrepair."

Sam nodded in agreement, even though he knew that Catherine's death wasn't the sole cause of the house's condition. It had been neglected long before his wife succumbed to her illness.

Becky stirred as Sam climbed down from the wagon. Gently, he lifted her out and set her on the ground, then turned to Emma. "Stay here while I light a lamp. You aren't used to it out here, and I don't want you to trip and hurt yourself."

Emma nodded.

"Let's go," he said to the children. "You boys get ready for bed and help Becky. We'll be inside in a minute."

Joseph's gaze shifted from his father to Emma, but he said nothing. Taking Becky's hand, he turned and followed his father up the stairs and into the house.

Emma waited, her gaze drifting to the sky above. It was dark, but so clear it seemed as though the stars were within touching distance. In the distance, a coyote howled mournfully, while close by, crickets sang.

A few moments later, a soft glow filled the window, and Sam came back outside. Reaching into the back of the wagon, he lifted out Emma's carpetbag and set it on the porch.

"Welcome home," he said, smiling.

Emma's heart raced. Home. She had a husband, children, her own home. It wasn't exactly the way she'd dreamed of it, but nevertheless it was real.

Sam took Emma's elbow and gently guided her up the steps. He opened the door, and then suddenly, he reached under her and easily swept her off her feet.

A startled cry escaped her lips, and without thought, her arms snaked around his neck. "What are you--?"

"It's customary for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold. It's good luck, so I hear."

"Oh. But--"

"This might not be a conventional marriage, but I'm still the groom, and you're still a bride." He smiled at her then, and she felt his arms tighten as he moved across the doorway into the house.

She breathed deeply, trying to still the rapid beating of her heart. He was far too close, and where his hands touched her, fire streaked through her. He smelled of soap and leather, and she felt his breath on her cheek. A strange feeling settled deep in her belly, the force so strong she almost gasped.

Heavens, what’s happening to me?

Sam released her, gently lowering her to the floor. Their eyes met, and Emma felt her breath catch in her throat. She couldn't speak.

He looked around. He wished he’d taken Fred's advice and hired someone to clean up the house so that Emma wouldn't be faced with months of neglect.

He cleared his throat. "I’ll show you the rest of the house," he said. "It isn't much," he added, guiding her through the parlor, the kitchen and the back porch. "The bedrooms are upstairs. I suppose you'd like to get settled in."