The girl was off before anyone could get a word in edgewise.
Seb’s voice came from further away. “Does she remind anybody else of Breanna?”
“Every single day.” Emma felt the jostle of his elbow against hers and didn’t know if it was intentional, if he was trying to share the moment of levity with her. Or whether it was a complete accident, simply a product of standing near.
He cleared his throat. “I’ll go get the horses and meet you at the wagon. Cora Beth, you all right?”
The woman must have made some sign—a nod, or a smile—because Seb hopped off of the boardwalk, his footsteps in the dirt lane quickly fading.
Which left Emma with the ornery Susie, and Seb’s… Cora Beth.
“Do you think Jonas and Penny will mind me interrupting Seb’s homecoming?” Cora Beth asked softly.
Susie inhaled deeply, and Emma was worried about what she would say. Seb wouldn’t want his niece to embarrass Cora Beth.
“They’ll be delighted,” Emma said quickly, and firmly.
And if she wasn’t delighted, only confused and fighting with her tangled emotions during the wagon ride home, well, that was another matter.
12
Emma thought she had come to accept losing her sight. She’d grieved the loss. She’d experienced anger and even denial in the very beginning.
She was content. Or at least she had been, until tonight.
When they’d arrived back at the homestead in the afternoon, Penny must have seen them from the window because she’d run out of the house, calling Seb's name and crying for joy. Cora Beth had stood nearby. Emma and Susie and Velma had excused themselves as his mother wept over his return. He’d kept quiet about Cora Beth’s presence. He had to have. The family was a nosy bunch and if he’d announced any kind of intentions about Cora Beth, everyone would’ve been talking about it.
True to Velma's prediction, Penny had immediately gotten to work in the kitchen. She’d recruited her daughters-in-law to help as much as they could, and now the family was spread out at three large picnic tables outside the original family home.
Emma had a shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The sun was setting and the night just beginning to have the slightest chill.
Everyone wanted to crowd close around Seb. Since Emma had walked over with Edgar and Fran and their little ones, Walt and Andrew had been stuck to him like glue. Ida had climbed into his lap until her mom had moved her across the table from where Seb and Cora Beth sat. Penny and Jonas were on his left. His older brother Oscar and Sarah and their youngest were also at the first table.
Which meant Emma was relegated to the middle table with Edgar and Fran and their two little ones. Baby Henry, named after Emma and Fran’s father, was sleeping, snug against Emma’s shoulder. She’d taken the easier job, because three-year-old Eloise could make a mess at the dinner table in under a minute flat if you weren't paying close enough attention. Emma was happy to let Fran wrangle her as Edgar tried to lean over from his seat and get in on the ribbing Seb’s brothers were giving him.
The jumble of voices and silverware tinking against plates, the shrieks from the children when one of them stole someone else's last scoop of mashed potatoes. All of it combined and made it almost impossible for Emma to focus on Seb’s voice. She still didn't know if Cora Beth was someone special to him. She must be. He’d brought her home with him, hadn't he? Much as she wanted to ask, Emma wouldn’t break in on Seb’s precious time with his family. Not when it would make her the center of attention. Not when she was so uncertain about where she stood in his life.
"Are you sure you're feeling all right?" Fran asked. "No, don't scoop up the potatoes with your hand—” It took Emma a moment to realize she must be speaking to Eloise. And then to Emma once again. "You've been quiet all afternoon."
"I'm fine. I must've used up all my words telling my new story to Phillip today."
Emma hoped Fran would believe her. Fran didn’t know about Emma's long-ago relationship with Seb. No one had until she'd been forced to tell Daniel when he'd demanded to know why it was such a rush for them to leave Wyoming.
And if Cora Beth was someone special to Seb, Daniel would remain the only one to know.
She'd hoped Seb would come home eventually. She just hadn't expected it to be with someone else by his side.
"I'm not sure I'm comfortable with you spending so much time with Phillip alone."
"What? Why?" Emma couldn't keep a half-laugh from her voice at Fran’s words. "We're not alone. We sit in the hotel dining room, in full view of anyone who walks by."
"I don't know how you talked Daniel into it. I've seen the way that Phillip looks at you. I can't believe that Daniel encouraged—unless he’s truly so oblivious that he didn't know…”
Emma let her sister’s prattle roll over her. Until his visit this week, it’d been months since she’d spent time with Phillip. This was the fourth book that Emma had sold to the publisher. And it was almost done. She only needed one more day.
Her publisher had wanted to use an alias, claiming that they would sell more books if her identity remained a secret. Emma didn't care one way or the other, and she’d capitulated. Daniel, and now Fran and Edgar, were the only ones who knew that she'd authored three, soon to be four, dime novels. She sort of felt like Fran and Edgar humored her. She hadn't told them exactly how much money she had saved up in her bank account. She’d only told Susie that she was working with Phillip and after Susie’s display earlier today, she knew she’d have to give the girl something more or be subjected to more teasing comments.
When her next check arrived, she’d planned to ask whether she could buy a bit of land from Jonas and build her own house close by Fran and Edgar. But Seb’s sudden reappearance had flipped her world upside down.
The baby stirred, snuffling into Emma's shoulder. She rubbed his back, a slow soothing circle that usually put him back to sleep. But not now. He was waking up, and Emma knew he would be hungry.
Eloise shrieked, and Fran groaned under her breath. "I think it's time we took these two home and put them to bed."
Edgar started to say something, but Fran shushed him. "Emma and I can take care of the little ones tonight.”
She knew Fran didn't mean anything by speaking for her. Fran didn't know how much Seb meant to Emma. What she’d suggested made sense.
Edgar was Seb's brother. He had the most right to be here.
Seb might have made declarations to her all those years ago, but she was the one who’d broken the promises. When he’d reappeared in her life in Colorado, there’d been no promises spoken between them.
She had no claim on Seb. And no reason to protest as Fran stood up and started making noises about leaving, saying good night to everyone.
The baby was starting to cry softly now. Emma knew how quickly his cries could turn into earsplitting wails. She had used her walking stick to navigate the walk from Fran and Edgar's cabin to the main house. Now, she scooped it up from under her chair and stood, using it to make sure she didn't trip on any of the chairs as she made her way from the picnic tables and followed Fran.
She kept silent on the walk, berating herself for the disappointment filling her heart. What has she expected? For Seb to get up and chase her away from the table? His brothers were nosy jokesters, and they could tease a body until you wanted to scream. If Seb had asked to speak with her later or in private, everyone would've seen. Besides, he had Cora Beth now.
Fran wouldn't be able to see Emma’s face in the dark. And so if she shed a tear or two, she only tilted her face and used the baby’s blanket to wipe them away. By the time she and Fran arrived home, she had herself under control.
* * *
Seb stood in the open doorway of his parents’ kitchen, staring out into the darkness. Was Emma settled in at Fran and Edgar's place? Was she thinking of him tonight, wondering, like he was?
Did she have a beau? Susie had been teasing when she’d mentioned it in town—he was almost
sure of it.
But what if it hadn’t been a joke.
He wanted so badly to go to her and find out for himself.
But between his ma’s happy tears and the emotion Pa hadn't been afraid to show, the timing was wrong. And during supper, he'd gotten drawn into all manner of conversations with his brothers. He hadn’t missed the moment when she and Fran had left to take care of the two babies. He’d even thought about going after her, but he couldn't leave Cora Beth alone with his rowdy family.
Cora Beth now stood at the washtub with his mother. She’d insisted on helping clean up after the meal.
Jonas and Maxwell were speaking in low tones just outside. Seb couldn't hear the words they spoke. The moon had come up, and Maxwell and Hattie were planning to drive their wagon back to town tonight. Both were doctors, and they had a busy day of taking care of patients ahead of them tomorrow.
Oscar appeared out of the darkness, moving past Seb in the doorway and slapping him on one shoulder.
“What’re they talking about?” Seb asked, jerking his chin to indicate his pa and brother.
Oscar frowned. "Someone started a rumor in town about him and Hattie overcharging for their services."
Seb scoffed.
"Exactly," Oscar said. "Half the time they take a trade instead of the cash that they need. Hattie had a pantry full of onions all summer because it was the only way Mrs. Oliver could afford to pay her."
They both knew that Maxwell and Hattie would work for free if they could afford it. And that they would forgive the debt owed by any of the people they doctored. But folks in Bear Creek were stubborn. They didn't want to be beholden to anybody or to take charity. So a trade was a way to make things fair for both parties.
Jonas appeared out of the darkness, and he, too, put a hand to Seb’s shoulder. Seb had been receiving hugs and handshakes and shoulder grips from his family all night. It was something he hadn't let himself miss. Something he hadn't let himself think about, that easy affection they shared. But now that he was on the receiving end of it, he realized just how empty his life has been these past few years.
They sat inside at the long kitchen table where Seb could remember doing sums on a slate as a schoolboy.
Penny glanced over her shoulder from the washtub. "We’re almost finished here. Do you want us to take a cup of coffee in the sitting room?”
Seb shook his head. He’d told his parents earlier that he needed to talk about Cora Beth. It was good that his oldest brother had stuck around as well. "I'd like you to be here too, Ma.”
The two women finished up with the dishes and joined the men at the table, wiping their hands on aprons.
"I rode by Cora Beth’s place on my way home today."
He shared a look with the woman, who’d had a tiny bit of light return to her eyes tonight under the care of his Ma and siblings. He wasn't going to tell his family just how frightened she been.
"She's had a rough time of it lately. And I know a lot of folks around here have too.” He hadn't had a chance yet to talk to his father about how things were around the ranch. Whatever needed doing, he intended to do it.
"It's not just the drought and tough times, though. She's had a man sniffing around her place, threatening her."
Oscar and Jonas bristled. Penny laid her hand over Cora Beth’s on the table.
"Who is it?" Oscar asked. "I'm sure between Matty and us, we can set things right."
Cora Beth was biting her lip, some of the tension back in her shoulders now. "He didn't tell me a name. I didn’t recognize him. I've been too afraid to ride to town alone, thinking he might catch me unawares out in the open. If Seb hadn't come along…"
It didn't bear thinking about.
"But you're safe now, dear," Penny said. Seb had always appreciated his mother’s gentle touch and her protective nature. Tonight he appreciated it a little bit more.
Cora Beth blushed and looked at the table. "Being with you all tonight has made me remember everything I've been missing since Roy died. I was thinking maybe I should go stay with my aunt Martha in California for a while." She looked up, her eyes landing on Seb and then bouncing to Jonas and then Penny. "I don't have money for a train ticket, but I do have the horse. He's a good working animal. And I've got a few chickens still left at home."
Jonah shook his head. "If you decide you want to sell your animals, that'll be up to you. But we’re more than happy to pay for your train ticket. And I won't hear another word about it."
Cora Beth’s eyes filled with tears, and she had to cover her face with her apron for a moment. After she pulled herself together, she smiled a tremulous smile. "I'll never stop thanking God for sending Seb my way today."
“Seb and I can ride over to your place with you tomorrow," Oscar said. "You can pack a bag, gather anything you need, and we can bring your chickens over here to take care of them while you're gone. If you decide you want to sell them later, you can send word."
Penny put her arm around the younger woman. "Let's go make up the extra bed in Ida’s room."
Seb felt a stirring of pride in his family. He’d known that whether or not they were happy to see him, they wouldn't let Cora Beth down.
He still couldn't believe the reception he had gotten. The prodigal returning after all these years. Of course, his parents didn't know about the trouble he's gotten himself into in Denver. The things he’d done and the price he’d paid to get out of trouble. Maybe it would change the way Jonas looked at him if he ever found out. Seb had been vague about where he’d been. He hadn't made one mention of making a living with his fists. Maybe being home was enough. Maybe he didn't have to tell them everything.
The sound of Penny's voice faded as she led Cora Beth to the back of the house.
Oscar gave Jonas a meaningful look, but Seb couldn't read whatever message went between the two men.
Jonas's face fell. "You found them?”
Oscar nodded, expression as serious as Seb had ever seen it. "It had to be malicious." He must've seen Seb's confusion and curiosity. "We've been missing twenty head from the herd that had been grazing up in the mountain pasture. I found them today. Someone drove them off the edge of a cliff into that horseshoe-shaped canyon."
What? Seb’s gut twisted uncomfortably at the unexpected mention of such violence.
“You sure someone killed them?" Jonas asked quietly.
“They wouldn’t have walked off it without some prodding.”
Jonas rubbed a hand over his face. Seb knew his father grieved the lost animals. Who would do such a thing?
“How long has this been going on? What did Matty say?” Seb asked. His mind whirled with questions.
“The cattle came up missing last week,” Oscar said. “I only found the bodies today. Any sign of tracks are long gone.”
Who would do something like that? And why? As far as Seb knew, Jonas had never had any enemies. He was an upstanding citizen, well-liked and respected. And Seb's brothers were the same. One of his brothers was a sheriff’s deputy, for crying out loud. And Maxwell had served the community as a doctor for years. Could it have anything to do with the man who’d been terrorizing Cora Beth?
None of it made any sense.
"I don't like it," Jonas said. "But maybe we’d better pull the cattle down to graze in the lower pastures, where we can keep a better eye on them."
"There's not enough grass to last the summer,” Oscar said. "And with our losses from last year, they need all the forage they can get."
So there had been losses, and he hadn’t been there to help.
"I'm home now." Seb cleared his throat. "If I need to stay in the winter cabin and keep guard over them, I will."
Jonas looked surprised. "We weren't sure if you were staying."
Seb's face flushed with shame. He knew he deserved that. He’d left when his family had needed everyone to keep the place running.
"I'm home for good," he said. "If you'll have me back.”
Oscar wrinkled his nose. "
You've lost your scrawniness, at least. We might have to test and see if you've got any work ethic left."
Jonas shook his head, a smile playing on his mouth. "We are mighty glad to have you back, son."
Seb was going to prove to all of them that he could be a real part of the family again.
13
For the first time, Emma hesitated outside the hotel dining room. Nerves were rattling through her because of Fran’s words the night before. I've seen the way he looks at you.
Phillip had never shown any hint of feelings other than friendship toward her. They’d worked together for two years now, and he’d never made any overtures toward her.
She was being silly. Fran didn't know what she was talking about.
She entered the dining room and heard Phillip call out. "Emma, over here."
She’d told him earlier in the week that he didn't need to announce where he was sitting, not when they occupied the same table every day. It hadn't stopped him from calling out for her every morning when she arrived. She heard the rustle of his clothing as he moved around the table and helped her into her seat.
"There's tea and sugar on the table, just like you like it."
Today, his solicitousness felt cloying. Was it because of Fran’s silliness?
They were close to the end of the book, and she didn't waste any time getting to work. They would have a session today and another tomorrow, and that should be it.
She was glad that during her last contract negotiation, Daniel had negotiated a stipend for her typist. She hadn't expected her books to be so popular. And having a brother who could negotiate a contract in her favor, that was another blessing.
She talked, he typed, while two hours passed. She sipped her tea after they’d finished. Her throat felt raw from the constant talking.
She liked the story. Liked the plucky heroine who had gotten herself into a load of trouble with a gang of stagecoach robbers. Tonight, she would work out the last little bit, and tomorrow she’d set the heroine free. Maybe she should have the feisty seamstress save the cowboy who had ridden to her rescue.
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