Emma's Wish

Emma's heart began to thud in her chest. What did they want?

Mr. Howard slowly climbed down and brushed a wrinkle from his dark suit. Taking a white handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped his forehead, then folded the fabric square and slid it back into his trousers pocket. Florence stayed in the buggy, giving Emma a barely civil nod of acknowledgement.

"Good morning," Winston said. "Is Sam here?"

Emma wished with all her might Sam would miraculously appear. But that wasn't likely. He and Fred had gone to a meeting of the cattlemen's association and wouldn't be home until very late. "No, he isn't. Is there something I can help you with?" she asked, forcing herself to be polite instead of ordering them off their propert

y.

"We've come for the children."

Emma's eyebrows lifted. What was he talking about? "I beg your pardon?"

Winston sighed and gave his wife a knowing glance. "I'm not accustomed to repeating myself. We've come to take the children out for the day."

Emma's brain whirled. Had Sam arranged for the children's grandparents to take them somewhere without letting her know? No, he wouldn't have done that. She couldn't imagine him ever allowing them to take the children anywhere.

"We were fortunate to acquire tickets to a matinee performance of the opera in Fort Worth. Now get them ready, and be quick about it."

Joseph and Nathan exchanged glances, but Emma couldn't tell if they were glances of anticipated pleasure or reluctance. By the way Joseph had referred to his grandparents as "those people", she assumed the latter.

What should she do? For several moments, Emma stared at the stern face of Winston Howard. She hadn't had the misfortune to deal with this type of man often in the past, but she knew enough to realize he wouldn't take kindly to being refused. Sam would stand up to him and say no. She had to be strong enough to do the same. But they were family ...

She nibbled on the inside of her lower lip as she tried to decide what to do. She hated confrontations, and she noticed the tell-tale signs - the trembling in her knees, the cold sheen of perspiration coating her skin.

"Did Sam approve this?" she asked finally.

Winston Howard's chest puffed out like an overstuffed turkey. "Madam, I am not in the habit of having my actions questioned." His glance slid over the boys, who had gradually slipped behind Emma. Nathan's head peeked out from behind her skirt. "Please change the children's clothes into something decent immediately. We don't have all day. The curtain goes up at 2 o'clock."

Nathan's fist clutched Emma's skirt, and she saw his eyes widen. Joseph hung back, his glance darting around as if he was searching for a place to hide.

It was obvious the children didn't want to go with their grandparents. And it was up to Emma to protect them.

Putting on a false smile, she said, "I don't think Sam would agree to them going with you--"

"Mrs. Jenkins," Winston interrupted, taking a step closer to her.

Emma was tempted to back away, but forced herself to stand her ground. The man was trying to intimidate her, and if she gave him any indication his tactics were succeeding, she had no doubt he'd increase his bullying.

Raising herself to her full height, she eyed him steadily. Nathan ducked behind her once again.

"Do you have legal custody of the children?" Winston asked.

Emma didn't really know. It had never been an issue. Sam was their father, and whether or not Emma legally had any rights where they were concerned had never been questioned. But she certainly wasn't going to let him know that. "Whether or not I have custody is really none of your concern."

"As blood relatives, we do have rights as far as the children are concerned. Now we've wasted enough time. I'm not going to ask again. Please go and make them presentable, and we'll be on our way."

Emma rankled at the tone of his voice. She'd heard people speak to their servants in the same condescending manner, and it had irritated her even then. Her anger was quickly overtaking her trepidation in dealing with the Howards.

Taking a deep breath to quell the temper roiling inside, she spoke as calmly as she could. "I'm sorry, Mr. Howard," she lied, "the children have chores to do, and as their father isn't here to give his consent, I'm responsible for their well-being. Perhaps next time you should check with Sam--"

"What? You're refusing?"

Emma nodded. "That's right. The children aren't going anywhere with you, today or any other day. Now if you'll excuse us, we have work to do. And, like you, we don't have all day," she added pointedly.

"Now listen here--"

Emma took a step forward, craning her neck to meet Winston Howard's gaze. "No, you listen here. Those children are Sam's. And mine, whether I have legal custody or not. Until a court of law forces us to hand them over to you ..." She paused, realizing the children were standing only a few feet away and could hear every word she said. Turning her attention to them, she noticed the startled expression on their faces as they watched the exchange between Emma and their grandfather. They'd never seen Emma in such a state.