Chapter 12

Emma was leaning against a post, smiling at the hazel eyed cowboy. He hasn't changed a bit, she thought. He was still as handsome as she remembered. She had often lain awake at night over the past several months and thought about him. Wondering how he was doing.

As Nick looked at Emma, he was relieved to see that she had seemingly remained unchanged as well. Her hair was still braided down her back, her green eyes shining, and she was dressed in denim pants and an oversized shirt.

"You were the last person I expected to see today," she said. Nick walked over to her and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear that had come loose. The act was to prove to his heart that she was really standing before him.

"I can say the same thing about you," he said softly. "What are you doing here?"

"My family's ranch is near here. Why are you here?"

"Cattle auction. Thought I would look at this new breed of cattle that's coming out."

The two stood there, drinking in the sight of each other. Emma was the first to break eye contact and look down the street.

"There's my step-father. Let me introduce you."

Emma walked past Nick and he followed. Down by the livery was a tall salt and pepper haired man, paying the blacksmith for his services. Emma waited until they were finished with business and then began the introductions.

"Carl Davis, this is Nick Barkley. He was my boss at the Barkley Ranch in Stockton, California."

Carl held out his hand to Nick and Nick took a liking to him immediately. The man's warm brown eyes and ready smile told Nick he was a kind man.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Barkley. Emma's told us quite a bit about you. She was very impressed with your ranch and even talked me into trying a few things she learned out there."

Nick looked over at Emma who was smiling at her stepfather.

"It's a pleasure to meet you and please call me Nick."

"And you can call me Carl. You will do us the honor of joining us for dinner tonight?"

"I wouldn't want to impose..."

Carl laughed. "No imposition at all. In fact, Mary would be upset if I didn't invite you."

Nick looked over at Emma to gauge her reaction to her stepfather's invitation. She smiled at him with her wide expressive green eyes. The shock of seeing her for the first time in months was receding. He was looking forward to spending some time with her.

Emma's family ranch was nowhere near as large as the Barkley ranch, but it was a nice spread, nonetheless. The buildings were kept up well and the house that stood apart was neatly painted white with a blue trim.

Carl and Emma conversed easily with each other and drew Nick into the conversation. As soon as they drove into the yard, they were met by a young boy who looked a lot like Carl.

"Sam, this is Mr. Barkley. He was Emma's boss at that ranch she worked at in California. You know, the one she always talking about. Nick, this is Sam."

Carl had missed the slight pink that crept into Emma's face, but Nick hadn't. He hoped that her fond memories of the ranch had at least something to do with him.

"Nice to meet you, sir."

"Same to you. You the foreman around here?" Nick asked smiling.

Sam smiled and said, "One day maybe. But for now, I'll just content myself with being a ranch hand and Emma's brother." Sam smiled at Emma and Nick could tell the two were close.

Nick took to this boy right away. He had Emma's coloring, but his father's brown eyes. Emma obviously thought a lot about him as well.

They were ushered into the house and greeted by a woman who could have been Emma's twin, save for the slightly graying hair. She was a pleasant woman and greeted her guest with a welcoming smile.

"Emma's spoken quite a bit about the Barkley's. She was most impressed with your family. Please come in. Sam, show Nick where he can wash up. Supper's almost ready."

Nick felt truly welcomed by this family. He wondered briefly as he was washing his face and hands why Emma had left. Her stepfather was as nice a man as he had ever met while her mother and brother were just as friendly. Nick shrugged. For whatever reason Emma felt the need to travel. He was just glad he had found her again.

The meal was eaten with much laughter and conversation. Nick was made to feel right at home and the food was delicious. Mara was a great cook. After supper, Nick, Sam, and Emma were ushered into the living room. Emma offered to help with the dishes, but Carl said he would help her mother so she could spend some time catching up.

Emma was eager to ask about Nick's family.

"How is Sarah?"

"Just fine. Adjusted to motherhood like a duck to water."

"So, do you have a niece or nephew?"

Nick smiled fondly. "A niece. Tori. Victoria Nicole Barkley. She's a cutie too."

Emma knew she would have to be. "Nicole, huh? So, I'm assuming they named her after you and your mother?"

"Well...yeah. See, I uh, well I sorta delivered her and all..."

Emma's eyes grew large. "I didn't realize being a midwife was one of your talents," Emma said with a teasing smile.

Nick's ears pinked up a bit, but he didn't say anything. Someone cleared their throat and Nick and Emma turned to see Sam. They had forgotten he was there.

"So, Sam," Nick said to the young boy, "How old are you?"

"Just turned 13 sir."

"And you hope to be foreman someday?"

"Actually, I hope to own this ranch someday."

"Sam."

Sam looked over at his sister and his eyes dropped. Nick wasn't sure what was going on but decided to let it go. The three talked for a while and then Nick and Sam began to play a game of checkers. Emma excused herself to see if any help was needed in the kitchen.

Carl and her mother had finished the dishes in record time and were enjoying a cup of coffee. Mara rose when Emma entered and began fixing a tray to take into the living room. Carl left the women alone, going to see if he could play the winner of the checkers match.

The two women worked silently for a time until Mary spoke.

"He's the one you spoke so fondly about. The one who taught you to dance."

It wasn't phrased as a question, so Emma didn't reply. Her silence was all that was needed to answer her mother's question.

"What do you think he'll say?"

Emma sighed. She knew exactly who her mother was referring to. She turned to her mother and said, "Nick will be gone in a few days, Mother. He's only staying for the auction and then he'll be gone. There's no need to worry. Besides, I'll make sure Sam is always with us so everything will be above board. David shouldn't be upset about that."

Maya nodded. They continued working in silence, putting the coffee, cups, and cookies on the tray. There was a glass of milk included for Sam. Neither woman noticed the silent figure who stood outside the kitchen door listening to their conversation. Sam knew if he were caught, he'd be in trouble, but he wondered if Nick would be the one to help them. Emma had spoken fondly of him and he seemed to be a nice man. Sam would watch and wait. Once he figured out if he could trust Nick, he would then act. He just hoped it wouldn't be too late.