Here's the next part! I hope you guys like it.
Emma rolled over in bed and saw that Cassidy was gone. She groaned tossing off the warm covers and grabbed her wrapper. Quickly she looked downstairs before hurrying outside. The moon was full and bright, but cast no warmth down onto the cold Colorado night. The lambs wool lined moccasins she had slipped on were warm but the wind nipped at her legs as the skirt of her dress flew up in the breeze. The weather had only gotten colder in the past week.
"Cassidy!" she called when she got to the meadow. It was clear enough for her to see, but she stumbled as she ran across the meadow.
"Whoa," said Mathew catching her before she could fall. Emma's hands instinctively grabbed onto Mathew's shoulders as she caught her balance. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, I just tripped over," she said Cassidy's doll lying on the ground. "Cassidy, have you seen her?" She picked up the doll stroking its hair.
"She's sleeping over there by that tree. She was crying pretty badly when I found her. I was just letting her sleep for a bit when I saw you."
"Its cold out she should be inside," said Emma walking past him towards Cassidy.
"She's fine. I put a blanket around her." He watched as Emma knelt next to the little girl. "I was going to bring her home, but she looked so peaceful."
The smile on Emma's face was a loving and laughing one as she looked at the small girl and then at Mathew. "Peaceful describing Cassidy is rare."
Mathew sat down next to her. "Then just sit and relax."
"I should take her back-," said Emma getting up.
Mathew sensed her uneasiness. "Emma stay no one's around. We haven't gotten to talk."
"Mathew, I want you to be happy."
"Then why do you keep avoiding me?" he asked, leaning against the oak tree.
"I just-," she stared at her hands. "It's stupid. I shouldn't."
"I missed you. You were off seeing the world, but all I could think about every time I went into Mr. Bray's or past the saloon or the boarding house was you. I thought I saw you so many times."
"I saw you in every Parisian's face when I got to Paris," said Emma. She shivered slightly staring off at the moon. It was hard for her to speak because there was so much for her to say that she just couldn't. Her eyes fell on his kind lips and hard jaw line and the way his eyes lit up in the moonlight. "I missed you too."
He watched as she leaned back against the tree next to him, shivering slightly. "You cold?" She nodded. He draped his coat around her. "Why did you stop writing?" he asked as they watched the homogeneous night sky.
"I couldn't."
He looked at her confused. "Why?"
She looked at him incredulously. "Why didn't you?"
"I wrote back."
"But you never wrote first."
"I didn't know what to say."
"Anything! I just wanted to hear from you!" she exclaimed standing up. She grabbed Cassidy and shook her head. "I just wanted to know you still cared." Leaving Mathew in confusion she stormed past him across the meadow.
"Emma, wait!" he yelled. Quickly he chased after her, running in front of her to force her to stop.
She was holding Cassidy tight against her chest, clutching her for security. "What, Mathew?"
"I need to talk to you."
"We are talking." She pushed past him.
"I mean I miss us- really talking," he said running backwards as she walked briskly towards the store. "Come on Emma."
"What do you miss? After all I'm just the dumb, ugly whore who you played around with till you could find something better." She shook her head. "I was never good enough for you." She corrected herself, "I mean good for you. Hell, I mean both. Good night, Mathew." She opened the front door and slammed the door. Gently she collapsed into the rocking chair. Her voice lulled Cassidy back into the security of her dreamland and the gentle hug off the little girl eased Emma's aching heart.
Mathew stood outside the door watching Emma cry herself to sleep until the sun started to stream through the town. Then he went over to Grace's and sat in a chair with nothing but his conscience and his heart for company. His mind yearned for sleep, but his spirit was burning and his mind reeled with his qualms. Kirsten's voice filled his head telling him how beautiful the dress Emma was making her was and all the bows that were on it. All he could think of as she spoke was Ingrid and how excited she had been about their wedding. How desperately she had feared that it would never happen. How she had pleaded with him to take help from Dr. Mike and his pride had stopped him. His pride had killed Ingrid's happiness. Ingrid had been an angel and he knew he hadn't deserved her love. She had been perfect. He lost her. Perfunctorily he walked towards the graveyard and fell to his knees by Ingrid's grave, weeping.
"I loved you and you left." He slammed his fist against the grave until the rocks turned red from his blood.
"Matew!" yelled Kirsten. She ran towards him and hugged him. "Stop it! What are you doing?" She held him sobbing.
Mathew held her closely. "You're here, you are here."
"Of course," she said. "We meet the Reverend for breakfast."
"I forgot," he said, breathing into her hair. Unable to breakaway just yet he stood there feeling the soft blonde strands beneath his fingertips and her small frame against his own body. She was here and then he smelled the distinct smell of yeast and flour. He broke away. His senses restored him to reality. Ingrid had always smelled of soap and clean linens. The difference was small but distinct. Stiffly he stood up and then helped Kirsten up. He touched her chin and smiled. Ingrid and she were so similar, but he loved Kirsten for herself not for Ingrid. Kirsten and Ingrid weren't the same.
"Reverend!" called Kirsten, hurrying over to him. He was all ready walking down the church steps.
"Kirsten," greeted the Reverend as she took his hand.
"Morning, Reverend," said Mathew, walking over with his hat in his hands.
"Good morning Mathew."
"Have you two set a date?"
"November 18th," said Kirsten, staring adoringly into Mathew's eyes.
"Right before Thanksgiving. I think that will be perfect," said the Reverend as they walked into the café.
"Oh I must help, Miss Grace. I'll be right back," she said, smiling at Mathew as she hurried over to a busy Grace
Mathew sat down and let out a soft sigh. He squeezed his hat gently before placing it on the table.
"Mathew, is something wrong?"
"It's nothing." He sighed again. "I just can't believe I was lucky enough to find a girl as wonderful as Ingrid again."
"Ingrid was very special, but so is Kirsten."
"I know," he said, staring at his hat.
"It's just hard to forget, isn't it?" The Reverend rested back into the chair.
Mathew shrugged setting his coffee cup down. "I just gave up trying to forget."
"Reverend, I'm sorry but Miss Grace she feels ill. I can't talk today."
"Oh that's all right. You two can stop by any time and we can talk together."
"Thank you. I'll get your breakfast right away," she said squeezing the Reverend's hand.
A child's laughter lilted through the air and drew Mathew's attention to the entrance where Emma and Loren were walking in with the two girls. Cassidy was dancing about with a metal tiara on her head. Emma soon accompanied her laughter and handed Lily to Loren. She picked Cassidy up and danced about with her until they reached their table.
"Is that Emma?" asked the Reverend listening to the laughter and the sound of their feet dancing.
"Yeah and Cassidy. They were dancing."
"Those two little girls are lucky to have her," said the Reverend. "It was extremely generous of Emma to take those two girls in."
"Yes it was."
"Reverend, mind if we join you?" asked Loren.
"Not at all."
"Reverend," said Emma, bringing Cassidy over. "This is Cassidy." Cassidy climbed up onto his lap.
"Hello, 'Everend."
"Well, hello."
"Do you like my tiara?" she asked staring up at him.
"Cassidy," said Emma.
"I can't see it Cassidy. See God knew that I didn't need to see anymore so he took away my sight."
Cassidy took it off and closed her eyes. "But it must be dark!" She opened her eyes. "I don't like the dark."
The Reverend laughed. "Well, it is dark, but I've gotten used to it." He smiled. "I've learned to use my other senses like touch. May I see your tiara?" The Reverend took it from her gently
"Well it's gotta lot of pretty jewels doesn't it."
"You can see!" she exclaimed. "You lied."
The Reverend laughed. "No, I can feel them. Close your eyes and touch it."
Cassidy touched it and smiled. "I can."
Emma relaxed a bit as she watched the town accept her children. They fussed over them and cooed as Cassidy sang to them. When Dr. Mike and Katie walked in Emma couldn't help but smile. Katie had grown so much and looking more like Sully and Dr. Mike every day. Katie came running over with a book held tightly in her hand.
"Mathew, look!" she exclaimed showing him the book.
"What's this?" he asked lifting her up onto his lap. He took the book from her. It was a children's story book with a bunch of fables in it. "Did ma just buy this for you?"
"No, Grandma sent it." She took it back. "Will you read it to me?"
"Yes, but later. I want you to meet someone," he said. Emma smiled warmly. "Katie, this is Emma. Emma knew you when you were just a baby."
Emma smiled. "You've gotten even prettier since the last time I saw you."
Katie giggled. "Thank you. You're pretty too."
"Thank you."
Dr. Mike walked over and smiled. "Katie, why don't we show Cassidy your swing at the church?"
Katie nodded and the two girls hurried off running towards the churchyard.
"Dr. Mike I'll watch them. Why don't you have some breakfast and rest?" asked Emma.
"I'm not that hungry yet, besides we'll be right back," she gave Emma a smile before heading after the two girls.
Emma sighed sitting down. The Reverend and Loren were discussing the purchase of paint for the church, leaving Mathew and she in awkward silence. "So, do you have your suit all picked out for the wedding?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Nah, I'll just wear one of suits from Boston. It doesn't really matter."
"Mathew, I wanted to apologize for how I acted when you first told me about Kirsten and you," she said, looking him into the eyes. "I want you to be happy and that's all that matters."
He took her hand gently. "Emma, I'm sorry about last night. I want us to talk."
"All right," she said, standing up. "But not now. I need to get to work."
Dr. Mike and the girls came running back to the café. Michaela collapsed in the chair. "Well, now I am ready for some apple pie."
Grace laughed. "Dr. Mike it's not even nine in the morning, my pies are still baking."
"Pancakes?" she asked.
"I'll see what I can do," said Grace, walking off.
"Emma, I told the girls if it was all right with you that Cassidy could come with us to work today."
"That's fine with me, but are you sure? Cassidy gets into trouble real quick."
"It'll be fine besides they've been doing well together."
"How about I take them this morning and then you can take 'em after lunch," said Emma.
"Agreed as long as you come to supper."
Realizing that fighting with Dr. Mike was a losing battle Emma decided to relent. "I'll think about it."
"Emma?" said Becky.
Emma turned around and smiled. "Becky, how are you?"
"Great, I just wanted to talk to you about making me a dress for the dance?"
"Oh, OK." Emma stood up with Lily in her arms. "Loren, will you bring the girls back after they finish their breakfast?"
"I suppose," he said, stabbing his eggs.
"Thank you."
"I'll be by about noon to pick the girls up," said Dr. Mike as Grace set down a slice of her pecan pie. "Oh and some sausage if you wouldn't mind Grace."
Emma settled Lily into the bassinet. "So, did you have a color in mind?"
"Not really, I just-."
Emma was turned around holding a book of her designs. "What?"
"Its just Andrew's cousin, Henry, he's new and Colleen asked me to go with him. We're all sort of friends but I just wish he would see me as-."
"More than a friend?" offered Emma. Becky nodded. "Well, what's Henry's favorite color?"
"I don't know. I think red."
"Well, then how about this," asked Emma holding up a bolt of reddish black satin. It reminded her of the first dress she made for Gilda. That had been the beginning of an end, but now she was back where she wanted to be.
"Oh it's beautiful, but it's just not me."
"I think you'll be surprised at how you it'll be. Sometimes it's fun to wear something you wouldn't normally wear."
Colleen walked over with a sterling hair clip. "I think you should take Emma's advice and we could do your hair up," she said, smiling.
Becky smiled. "All right."
Emma took her measurements as Colleen and Becky whispered and giggled like the school girls they had been not too long ago. "I've got a long list of orders, but I'll start making it as soon as possible."
"Thank you, Emma," said Becky.
Emma leaned back against the shelves as Becky and Colleen left. All she was left was a pile of clothes to mend and a fussing Lily. Cassidy and Katie were soon rushing in with Loren and business picked up. By the time she had gotten the girls settled and tended to a few customers the pile of clothes were still lying on her desk untouched. Quickly she started working and before she knew it Dr. Mike was in the store with Sully to pick up the girls.
"Emma," whispered Dr. Mike, interrupting Emma's trance.
Emma pricked herself as she finished a stitch. "Ow," she held her fingertip to her lips "Hi, Dr. Mike. Sorry. I just can't seem to find the bottom of this pile."
"Getting settled in at first can be daunting."
"Things'll settle down in a bit," said Sully, picking the two girls up under his arms.
"Oh, no I hope they don't. It's wonderful," said Emma with a smile. "And a bit exhausting."
"Well, I'm going to take these two out to the wagon," said Sully. "I'll see you out there," he said, kissing Michaela's cheek.
"I'll be right there."
Michaela picked up Lily gently. "She's beautiful."
"I wish I could say thank you," said Emma, touching Lily's cheek.
"You can," said Michaela. "This baby is as much yours if not more than Gilda's. You'll be surprised how much she'll grow to look like you. She'll talk like you and smile like you. She'll be yours because you love her."
Emma smiled, kissing Lily's head. "Thank you, Dr. Mike." She pulled her shawl tighter. "I'll be by around four to pick them up."
"Make it five and come for dinner."
"I just-."
"You're going to have to say yes eventually," said Dr. Mike, walking out.
Emma laughed sitting back down to take another stab at the pile of clothes. She heard the clock chime one thirty and yawned stretching out her arms. She had made a formidable start.
"Emma," said Mathew.
"Hi," she said. Her eyes glanced up at his sending flutters throughout her stomach.
"You ready for that talk?" he asked, taking his hat off.
"Oh, I really need to finish this. It's just not a good time."
"Emma, this can't wait besides it'll be waiting for you when we get back." He stared down at her with his piercing green eyes, praying that she'd say yes. He had borrowed a horse from Robert E's and couldn't wait to take her riding. With that look her last thread of resistance snapped and she stood up.
"All right, but I got to be to Dr. Mike's by four to pick up the girls."
He smirked. "You won't be late, I promise."
She grabbed her coat and followed him outside. He went to help her into the saddle but she was all ready up on the horse before he could.
"I'll race you," she challenged. Her eye glimmered with mischief and anticipation.
Mathew laughed. "I didn't think you liked to lose."
"I don't," she spurred her mare forward, leaving a stunned Mathew in her wake.
Mathew chased after her as they stampeded through the slightly frosted fields. The wind was chasing after Emma and hitting Mathew squarely in the face. He smiled as he saw her look back grinning at him. Kicking his hose forward he caught up to her as they burst into the woods sending a flock of birds flying upward. Quickly he pushed past her horse and raced towards the edge of the wood line. As he slowed his horse down he hit his head against a branch that was jutting out, sending him backwards off his horse. He heard Emma scream his name.