She nodded. “Every night, I thought about this moment. Your arms around me. Our future together.”
Harrison smiled. “One week, I’m not sure I can wait that long.”
Emma grinned. “I’ve waited all my life for you.”
He twirled her around. “I can see you at my farm. Out in the garden. Helping me bring in the crops. Us having dinner together. Waking up together and watching the sun come up over the hill.”
She sighed. “The week will seem like years.”
The dance ended, and the fiddlers started up a fast reel. Harrison led her to the side and offered her a chair. “I thought maybe we should talk. We’ll dance the next slow one.”
She rubbed her ankle. “That sounds like a good idea to me.”
“Howie and Sally Mae look happy.” Harrison watched them walk by. “We’ll be just as happy if not happier.”
“I agree. I was thinking the other day how disgusted I was that I came all this way only to be deserted by Ben, but if I hadn’t, I would have never met you. God does work things for good.”
Harrison rubbed her hand. “Yes, He does. I can’t tell you how thankful I am that Ben left you, and you stayed so we could meet.” He paused, then looked at her.
Emma’s heart raced. “Harrison, I love you.”
He grinned. “I want us to marry in the church. We’ll talk to the preacher and see if Saturday is a good day.”
She would have kissed him right there if they weren’t in the middle of everyone in town. She stared into his eyes and fell in love with him all over.
Suddenly the music stopped, and the couples clapped. Emma watched as Tom and Miss S came over to their table.
“Mind if we join you?” Tom was smiling.
Miss S blushed. “Emma, you look lovely tonight. Tom and I had a good talk outside. We got to know one another a little better.”
Tom took her hand in his. “Dini and I have a lot in common.”
That struck Emma as odd because as long as she’d known Miss S, she’d never gone by another name. “S, your name is Dini?”
Miss S shook her head and glanced shyly at Tom. “No, not exactly.”
Tom held her hand. “Can I tell them?”
Miss S nodded and blushed.
Tom held her hand. “The S stands for Sardinia. I don’t blame her for not wanting to be known for a little fish. So, we came up with Dini. I like it, and it fits my gal.”
“Dini, I like that.” Emma smiled at them. But Dini had always been afraid to get her hands dirty. How would she do on a ranch?
Tom continued holding her hand and rubbing it gently. “I know she doesn’t like to work outside, but I’ve got enough hands to take care of the ranch. And I’ve already got a cook and a housekeeper. All I need is a wife to spoil and take care of. Dini fits that perfectly.”
Dini blushed but looked as pleased as she could.
Emma was happy for them. “I think you are the perfect couple.”
Tom nodded. “I didn’t think I’d ever find anyone until we started talking, and we like so many of the same things. We figure we’ll get married in a month and then go on a trip. I always wanted to go to Europe. I’ve got money saved up, and my foreman can take care of things.” He grinned at Dini.
“I’m so happy. We owe it all to you, Emma. You and that letter to The Lovelorn.”
Harrison sat up. “What letter?”
Emma smiled at him. “I was so tired of living alone and wanted desperately to be married, so I wrote a letter to a column in the newspaper. Yours Truly, The Lovelorn. I asked for their help on how to get a husband, and they answered me back.”
Harrison stared at her. “What did they tell you to do?”
“To find a man I liked and go after him.”
“Did you?”
Emma grinned at him. “Harrison, you were the first man on my list.”
“There were others?” He looked a bit unhappy.
Dini broke in. “We all helped her add names. If I recall, I added your name, Tom. Perhaps, I knew deep in my heart that you were the one for me.”
Emma nodded. “Come to think of it, Sally Mae added Howie and Jenny added Kyle. I wonder how they’re doing.”
Tom pointed. “They’re over there at the cookie table. If I’m not mistaken, they look to be having a good time.”
Dini laughed. “Wouldn’t that be something. We all had a man picked out but hadn’t had the courage to let them know how we felt.”
Harrison joined in her laughter. “To tell you ladies the truth, we had our own meeting and came up with a list of our own. I’d say it’s not coincidence.” He scooted his chair closer to Emma’s.
The fiddlers started up another waltz.
Harrison stood and bowed. “May I have this dance?”
Emma curtseyed and took his hand. “You may have this dance, and all the dances I have in me for the rest of my life. I have never felt this happy. For us. Dini and Tom, Kyle and Jenny and Howie and Sally Mae. What a wonderful evening.”
Harrison held her close. “I know what you mean.”
A gust of wind rattled the barn door, sending a chill into the room. Emma looked toward the opening to see if a storm was coming, and her heart stopped, sending her blood to her toes. It was worse than that. Much worse than any storm.
Chapter 17
Emma stepped away from Harrison and faced the man standing in the door.
Ben Johnson smiled at her and held out his arms. “I’m back, Emma.”
She shook her head. “No. You deserted me.”
Ben Johnson frowned. “Now, that’s not any way for a woman to talk to her intended.”
She glanced at Harrison, shook her head, and then glared at Ben. “You are in no way, my intended.”
“I wrote to your father and explained what happened. Did he write you back yet?”
She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. You left me, and whatever plans we may have had ended when you deserted me.”
“But, I’m back, Emma.” He walked to her, intending to take her in his arms, but Harrison stopped him.
Emma shook her head. “Well, you’re not back for me. I don’t even care where you’ve been. I’m not interested.”
Ben smiled at her. “Now, don’t be that way. You came out here for me. Your dowry. Your father said he sent you a pretty nice one to give to me. As I recall, I only got a portion of it.”
Emma shook her head. “What you took was more than you deserved. I ate dinner with you twice. That was it, and you were gone. Not another word.”
“Until now. I couldn’t get in touch with you. Or I would have.”
“Where were you, jail?”
Ben frowned. “Now, don’t be that way, Emma. You know me better than that. I came back for you.”
With a hand on her hip, Emma stood up to the man. “More than likely, you came back for the rest of my dowry. That’s why you wrote to my father. Isn’t it?”
“That isn’t true. I love you, darling. I want to make you my wife.” Ben walked toward her and glared at Harrison. “This woman is betrothed to me. Take your hands off her.”
Harrison moved forward and put Emma behind him. “I’ve asked Emma to marry me, and as soon as I talk to the preacher, we’re getting married. You’re no gentleman to leave a lady alone for six months and then come back to lay claim to her.”
“There were reasons.” Ben looked around but backed up a step.
Harrison advanced. Fists at his side. “What? Were you in jail?”
“I was trying to make some money for us.” Ben looked around Harrison to Emma. “Really. I wanted to provide a good life for you. I promised your father that much.”
Harrison shoved him back. “I don’t believe it. It doesn’t matter anyway. You deserted Emma.”
Ben pointed at her. “This isn’t over. You’re mine.” He turned and walked out of the barn.
Emma pulled on Harrison’s arm because she didn’t want him going after Ben. She didn’t think he was dangerou
s, but she didn’t trust him either. “Leave him. I don’t think he’ll bother me.”
Howie and Sally Mae came over to them. “Ben Johnson. I can’t believe he had the nerve to come back. If he bothers either one of you, let me know. He’s visited my jail a time or two. I don’t know what he thinks he’s going to do. Mr. Parker fired him from the feed store where he worked, and that’s when he left.”
Emma was so mad that she shook. “How dare he come back thinking I’d still be waiting for him. He probably just wants the rest of my dowry.” She looked at Harrison. “It isn’t much, but it’s all yours—”
“I’ll not marry you for money. I’m marrying you because I love you. The money is yours, and you’re free to do with it as you want.” Harrison hugged her to him. “Don’t you worry, I’ll protect you.”
Emma embraced the warmth of his hug and felt safe in his arms. But she wouldn’t relax until after they were married. She didn’t trust Ben and what he might do.
***
Harrison didn’t let Emma out of his sight the rest of the night. Of all the nerve of that Ben Johnson to come back when he did. He had no rights to Emma. Betrothed by her father or not, Emma was going to be his wife.
One thing he intended to do was talk to the preacher after church tomorrow. Then he and Emma would set a day. The sooner, the better to not give that fox any time to mess things up. Now that he’d fallen in love with her, Harrison couldn’t bear the thought of not being with her. A glance at her, and he saw she felt the same way. If he could, he’d marry her tonight.
After another dance, Emma and the women went with a couple of the other ladies to talk and take a break.
Howie came over to him. “Watch out for Ben. He’s not dangerous, but I never liked him. I remember him bragging about Emma coming to Dodge to marry him. All he talked about was getting the dowry from her, and then after they were married, how they’d keep getting her father to send them money.”
“Thanks, I’ll remember that. Hopefully, Emma and I will be married soon.”
“Congratulations, Harrison. Quite the odd thing that we’ve been bachelors for so long and all of a sudden, the four of us are taken with women. I’ve never been happier with Sally Mae.”
Harrison smiled. “It shows on your face.” He playfully tapped Howie on the chin with his fist.
After a few more dances, and way too soon, the night was over, and Harrison walked Emma to the boarding house. “I want to make sure you’re safe.”
She nodded. “I’ll be all right. Mora knows how to handle unruly men. Once, a man was coming after Sally Mae, and Mora unloaded a shotgun full of salt at his backside. He never came around again.”
Harrison laughed. “I’m staying in town at the hotel tonight.”
She pulled on his arm. “Be careful. Please.”
They walked up the steps to the door. He pulled her to him and looked down into her eyes. “I promise.” They stared for a moment, and then he set his lips over hers and gently kissed her. “That’s to seal my promise. I’ll be back tomorrow to pick you up and take you to church.”
Harrison started for the steps and turned. She was looking at him with a pleased, although surprised smile. She blew him a kiss and went inside.
Harrison went to the hotel and paid for a room. It was going to be a long night before he could see her again tomorrow. The wedding couldn’t come soon enough.
Chapter 18
Emma barely slept at all that night. So excited for Harrison and yet, bothered by Ben’s return. Mora didn’t seem to think Ben would do anything threatening. She’d known him for years and thought, for the most part, he was a decent man.
Emma had thought he was a good man too until he didn’t show up for their meeting at the café. After six months, she was through waiting for him. Her father had encouraged her to give Ben some time to get used to the idea of marriage.
Well, Ben Johnson could just put himself on a list and strike it through. In fact, she’d give him the letter she’d written to The Lovelorn and let him find his own bride. But it wasn’t going to be her. No, sir.
She was in love with Harrison, and that was the way it was going to be. She dressed in her Sunday best and went down the stairs and seated herself at the table. The other women were already there and staring at her. Now what, Emma wondered. “Is there something the matter?”
Mora shrugged. “I don’t think so, but there is a letter for you.” She handed it to Dini, who handed it to Sally Mae, who handed it to Jenny, who handed it to her.
Emma took the letter and stared at it. “It’s from my father.”
Mora nodded. “Have you told him about Harrison?”
“Not yet.” She smiled at them all. “Harrison and I are going to talk to the preacher today.” She opened the envelope. Before she could open the letter, there was a knock on the door.
Jenny jumped up and ran to the door and came back with a note. With a troubled look, she handed it to Emma. “It’s from Harrison.”
Emma took it and glanced at the few words. “I had some trouble at the farm. I won’t be in town today.” That was all. She was disappointed and didn’t like the idea of being left alone with Ben Johnson around.
She looked at the letter from her father. Basically, he said he wanted her to marry Ben. That Ben had contacted him and explained that he’d gone away to win his fortune so he could take care of her.
Emma didn’t believe that. Although Ben may have gone away to gamble, she didn’t for a minute think she had anything to do about it other than look like a cash cow to Ben. The man probably figured he could get the rest of her dowry and not have to work.
Well, he’d find out how wrong he was. She’d not give another penny to Ben regardless of what her father said.
There was another knock on the door.
Mora rose and came back with a troubled look on his face. “It’s Ben Johnson. He wants to see you. Alone.”
Emma braced herself. “I’ll go.” She left her friends and went outside. “What is it, Ben? What could you possibly have to say to me?”
He smiled at her. “I’m sorry. I should have written to you. I took the dowry as a grub stack and went to Colorado with a friend. I thought we had a sure deal with a gold mine. I thought I’d be back in weeks as a rich man to take care of you.” He led her to the swing on the porch. “Please, let me explain.”
She sat but scooted away from him.
He stayed where he was. “After I met you, I was so taken by you that I realized I had nothing to offer. I wanted to be a wealthy man and take care of you. I know I was wrong to leave, but I had the best intentions. Will you give me another chance?”
“No. I’m in love with Harrison, and we’re getting married as soon as the preacher can do the ceremony.” She glared at Ben. How could he think such a thing?
“Your father won’t be pleased. He owed me a favor.”
She glared at Ben. “I will not be bought for money or as payment for a favor. I love Harrison, and he loves me.”
“Are you sure?” Ben stared at her.
“Yes, I am sure.”
“May I walk you to church?”
“No. I’ll go with Mora.” Emma stood. “I think that will be all, Mr. Johnson.” She marched back into the house and let the door shut without looking back at him. But his visit had shaken her. And what had happened to Harrison?
She went to church with the women but didn’t see Harrison. She was so disappointed. And couldn’t help but have the same feelings she’d had when Ben had failed to show up. Ben sat in the back of the church, while Harrison was nowhere to be seen.
The days turned into another week. Ben came by daily, but no Harrison. Howie and Sally Mae came to her on Friday. Howie, hat in hand, looked at her with sad eyes. “Have you seen Harrison?”
Her heart in her throat, Emma shook her head. “No, isn’t he at his farm?”
Howie shook his head. “I don’t know. I was talking with Sally Mae, and we decided we’d ride out to see if he w
as all right. It’s not like him to miss church and not come and see you. I wondered if you’d like to come.”
“Yes, I would. I should have gone out last week, but I was afraid.”
Howie took her and led her to the wagon. “I’m sure he’s all right. What did his note say?”
“Just that he had things to do and wouldn’t be in town. He didn’t say how long.” Emma was shaking as she got into the wagon. She prayed Ben hadn’t done something to him.
After what felt like a lifetime, they turned into the drive to his farm. Harrison was in the garden.
Emma’s heart was both happy and sad. Why hadn’t he come into town to talk to the preacher?
Howie helped her and Sally Mae down from the wagon.
Emma didn’t wait and walked over to Harrison. “What happened?”
He stared at her. “You should know.”
“Know what?”
He rested on the rake and looked at her. “The letter you sent me. You said you needed time to think. I was giving you that time.”
Emma frowned. “I didn’t write you a letter. I want you. Ben is nothing to me. I don’t owe him anything.” She walked toward him, stepped over a row of carrots, and stood before him. “Harrison, you are the one for me. There is no one that I want to be with.”
He stared at her. “You didn’t send me a letter?”
“No.” She thought to the note she’d received. “Did you send me a note saying you wouldn’t be coming to town?”
He shook his head. Frowning, he looked angry. “Ben must have done it. When I get my hands on—”
“You’re not going to get your hands on him because you’re going to be busy marrying me.” She took his hand and set down the rake. “Today. I don’t want to wait another moment.”
“I need to clean up.”
Emma shook her head. “I’ll wait. Then we’ll ride into town together. To the church and see if the pastor will marry us today. I don’t want anything else to come between us.” Emma thought The Lovelorn would be proud of her for chasing her man down and claiming him.
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