Chapter 15

Nick awoke feeling quite refreshed the next morning. One would have thought that Emma had declared her love for him instead of telling him she was engaged to another man. But Nick smiled as he thought of their kiss. He knew she had to have feelings for him, and he was going to do all he could to make her realize it.

As for David Myers, well, hopefully he wouldn't be a sore loser.

Nick was dressed and downstairs for breakfast before most of the other occupants of the hotel were stirring. The day was sure to be full. He would attend the auction as planned, but really didn't have much interest in it now. He hadn't planned on buying anything anyway, he was just looking. He couldn't help but smile at the fact he'd found Emma again.

After breakfast, Nick walked over to where the auction was scheduled to be held. There were only a few others milling around, no one that Nick recognized. He spoke with several of the men and asked questions about the area. He saw Carl and Emma as they rode into town and excused himself.

"Morning," Carl called to him as he stopped the wagon. He hopped down and shook Nick's hand.

"Morning," Nick replied.

"I'll be back in a minute, Emma. I need to post this letter."

"All right."

Nick helped Emma down from the wagon and held onto her for just a moment longer than he needed to but couldn't resist. She looked up at him, her green eyes full of uncertainty.

"Emma," someone called her name. Nick looked up to see a man approaching them. He was not as tall as Nick and had reddish brown hair and brown eyes. He walked right up to Emma and put his arm around her waist possessively.

"When did you get back?" she asked.

"Late last night. Aren't you going to introduce us, darling?" he asked, eyeing Nick suspiciously.

Nick didn't need to be introduced. He knew the man standing before him was David Myers. Emma looked uncomfortable standing next to him, at least Nick thought so. Emma shifted so that he would drop his arm and made the introductions.

"David Myers, this is Nick Barkley. I worked on his ranch in California."

David looked Nick up and down.

"So, this is your boss from California. Can't thank you enough for your help. If you hadn't kept Emma on as long as you did, her mother might not have gotten in touch with her so that she could come back. And we might not have ever met."

As David said all this Nick couldn't help but think of a snake. That was exactly how David seemed to him. All slick and slimy. Emma smiled at David though the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Well, Emma was a hard worker. We were happy to have her there. We were in fact, hoping she would be returning soon," Nick said.

David considered Nick's words and said, "Well, since we are about to be married, that would be rather difficult. Especially, since I don't plan on us moving out your way."

Nick stood with his arms folded. What he wouldn't give to plant his fist in Myer's face. For Emma's sake he refrained. Myers again placed his arm around Emma and began to steer her away. She felt that he was being incredibly rude and although she was sure to pay later, she wasn't going to let David treat Nick that way.

"David, I should at least accompany Nick to the auction house and wait for Carl."

David's gaze was steely as he looked at her. Nick tensed, waiting for David to do anything that would cause harm to Emma. But he dropped his arm and walked away.

Emma sighed. She hoped he wouldn't be too angry but was thankful he didn't make a scene. She looked up to see Carl coming their way and knew the reason why he hadn't.

"Nice fella you're planning on marrying," Nick his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Emma wouldn't look at Nick as she said, "There are things you don't understand, Nick."

They began walking toward Carl and Nick couldn't refrain from questioning her further.

"Then help me to understand, Emma. What is it about him that makes you think he'll be good enough for you?"

Emma stopped walking and turned to Nick. She wanted to tell him everything but knew it wouldn't do any good. She had to marry David, or they would lose everything.

"Please, Nick. Let's just enjoy our short time together."

Nick nodded, but he wasn't satisfied that Emma was in love with this man. He had to wonder what Emma saw in him and what her family thought about him. And he also wondered if the bruise on her arm had anything to do with David Meyers. If he found out it did, then heaven help that man, because Nick was going to beat him to a pulp.

The auction proceeded and Nick was impressed with what he saw. He gave Carl some pointers on what he should look for in the future. Carl had told Nick he was planning on adding to the heard the next year after things picked up a bit financially.

Emma stayed with them the entire time, loving the rapport her stepfather had with Nick. They talked easily and seemed to enjoy one another's company. David was always in such a hurry to get away from Carl and her mother. He was polite, but only just so. And was even worse to Sam, though not in front of her parents. Emma sighed and the men turned to her.

"I'm sorry, Emma. I'm monopolizing all your time left with Nick. I saw you two talking with David earlier. Did you invite him to eat lunch with us?"

Emma shook her head. "He's busy at the bank. He wouldn't be able to get away."

Nick raised his eyebrow. So, Mr. Myers was a banker. And from the cut of his clothes, a successful one too. Was that the reason why Emma was marrying him? She didn't seem the type.

"Too bad. He'll miss your mama's beef stew. You are coming out aren't you Nick?" Carl turned to ask.

"Oh yes sir." He looked over at Emma. "Love beef stew."

Emma dropped her eyes from his and the three walked toward the waiting wagon. Emma sat up front with Carl and Nick climbed into the back. They drove down the street past the bank. Emma hoped David was busy with a customer and wouldn't see them.

The trip from town was uneventful and Sam ran out into the yard as soon as he heard the wagon approach. He smiled hugely at Nick, but his smile faded some when he saw Emma. She didn't seem as happy as she had in the past few days. David must be back in town.

Emma was quiet during lunch. They all noticed it, but only Nick and Sam attributed it to David. Nick stayed for a few hours after lunch. He said his goodbyes to Carl, Mary and Sam and then he and Emma went out to the barn. Carl had asked Emma to drive Nick back into town, a fact that Nick was delighted about. He was pleased even more when Sam was asked to help his father with something that wouldn't allow him to accompany them. Nick genuinely liked Sam, but he wanted to get Emma alone so that he could talk to her.

They drove off, Nick holding the reins and Emma sitting stiffly beside him. It would be about an hour's drive into town, longer if Nick could keep the horses slow enough without Emma getting suspicious.

"Have you and David set a wedding date?" Nick asked. He detested having to mention David at all, but couldn't think of another lead in.

"Next month."

One would have thought that Nick had asked Emma when she was getting a tooth pulled. Cassie and Sarah had both been glowing brides, unable to contain their joy before their weddings, but Emma looked pale. Almost frightened.

Nick pulled the wagon over to a crop of trees and jumped down. Emma looked at him in surprise but climbed down when he held out his hand. He led her over to the base of the biggest tree and sat her down.

"Would you please tell me why you are marrying this man?"

Emma looked away, unwilling to meet Nick's eyes.

"Emma, please. If you tell me you love him, I'll not ask any more questions. Look me in the eye and tell me he's the one you want to spend the rest of your life with."

Emma swallowed. She looked Nick in the eye and without so much as flinching said, "I'm going to spend the rest of my life with David Myers."

Nick's gaze grew hard. He stood and walked back over to the wagon. Emma followed and with Nick's assistance, took her seat on the wagon bench. The rest of the ride was made in silence, Nick too angry to speak and Emma knowing if she said anything, she would burst into tears and wouldn't be able to stop. They stopped at the hotel and Nick reached over to hold Emma's hand, letting his anger recede.

"I really thought that when we saw each other on Wednesday that we were destined to be with each other. You're special Emma. My heart does funny things when I'm with you, things it's never done before. I don't think I'll ever feel for someone as I feel for you right now. Just say the word, and I'll not leave tomorrow. I'll stay here and help you with whatever it is you need."

Emma wouldn't even look at Nick. She grabbed hold of his hand as though it were her only lifeline. In so many ways, it was.

"I'll miss you, Nick," was all she said.

Nick's first instinct was to be angry again, but he pushed that aside. Emma clearly had made her choice and was going to stick with it. He just wished he knew why.

Nick jumped down and said goodbye. He walked into the hotel without looking back. Emma turned the wagon around and headed back home. She couldn't wait until bedtime so that she could cry herself to sleep.