Chapter 17

Nick had been correct about Emma's family not wanting her to marry David just to keep the ranch. Mary cried as she held her daughter in her arms. She had known something was wrong but didn't know what and was devastated that Emma had been forced to endure such abuse. Sam stood next to Nick and put his hand up on his shoulder. He was too choked up to say anything, but Nick understood. Carl sat with his head in his hands. He finally looked up at Emma and took her in her arms.

"Oh, my dear Emma," he kept saying over and over. She wept in his arms, thankful that he didn't hate her for everything.

Carl accepted Nick's offer to come into town with him to see David. Emma wanted to go too, but neither Carl nor Nick thought it a good idea. When Carl and Mary had seen the bruise on Emma's arm it was all Nick could do to keep Carl from going after his gun, though he understood and shared the desire. They would talk to the sheriff while in town as well and would ask him to ride out to the ranch so Emma wouldn't have to face David just yet.

On the way into town, Carl turned the reins over to Nick. He was still feeling overwhelmed by finding out what all Emma had been through the past several months.

"She's so special," Carl said softly.

"Yeah, she is," Nick agreed. Carl turned to look at the man beside him. He'd had a suspicion that Nick had feelings for Emma, but he wanted to hear him say it.

"You care for her, don't you Nick?"

Nick took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I've felt something for her since the first time I saw her, but just being here with her the last few days has shown me how deep my feelings are."

"Does she know?"

"She knows I care, but I don't think she knows I want to marry her," Nick turned to Carl, his hazel eyes holding brown ones. "Those are my intentions, Carl, but because of what she's been through lately, I'm not going to say anything about that just yet. She needs time to heal. But I felt you should know."

Carl nodded. He was glad Nick was using his head. "Whenever the time is right for you two, you'll have our blessing, Nick."

Nick couldn't help but smile. He didn't care how long it took. Emma was his special one, the one he had been searching for. He could be patient where she was concerned.

When they got into town, Nick stopped off at the telegram office before he and Carl went to the bank. He explained to Carl that he wanted to buy the note to the ranch. They would be considered partners and Nick was convinced the ranch would turn a profit within the next few years. Carl thanked him and the two walked to the bank and asked to see the bank president.

The meeting at the bank went as well as they could have hoped. Nick admitted it was great to see David squirming as his boss confronted him. David stood to leave, saying he was not going to allow his good name to be tainted and Nick took pleasure in placing his hands on the other man's shoulders "politely" asking him to sit down. The bank president asked David to tender his resignation and David looked at Nick with pure hatred when he walked past him. The handsome cowboy just tipped his hat. David didn't know about the visit he would be receiving from the sheriff yet.

Later that evening, Nick and Emma walked hand in hand around the house. It had been an emotional day and Nick planned on leaving soon to give Emma and her family time together. The sheriff had been by earlier and had been sickened by the bruise on Emma's arm. Though healing, the bruise was still a deep purple. He asked some questions and then assured them all he was headed straight to the Myers' place.

"I can't thank you enough for all you've done, Nick," Emma said, enjoying Nick's large had holding hers.

"No need, Emma. I knew there was something going on with you that wasn't quite right. I'm just glad Sam convinced me to stay."

"Sam?"

Nick smiled. "He came to see me last night. Asked me to stay. He knew about some of the abuse and said you made him promise not to say anything."

"That was stupid of me. I'll be sure to give him a big hug when I go inside."

"Sam said he heard David say some pretty mean things to you."

Emma nodded. David had a way of making her feel worthless. It was going to take a long time for her to get over some of the emotional abuse he had inflicted. The bruise on her arm was on its way to healing, but the bruises that couldn't be seen with the eyes would take longer. Emma considered it a balm on her bruised emotions to have Nick with her.

They walked toward the barn and Nick said he was going to go back to town. He placed his finger under her chin so that she would look at him.

"I know you've been through a lot, Emma. And it would be unfair of me to assume that you feel for me the way I feel for you. I don't want to rush you. I'll be staying here for a while longer to help settle the details of the sale. Would you feel comfortable if we spent some time together?"

Emma nodded. She was mesmerized by the look on Nick's face. He was right when he said she needed some time, but she didn't want him to go anytime soon either. She had feelings for him, she knew that, but didn't know when she would be ready to share them. Nick saw some uncertainty on her face and asked her about it.

"What if I'm not ready when you are, to go on in our relationship?"

Nick smiled, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"I've waited all my life for you Emma. What's a little while longer? You just take your time and know that I love you. I'll leave how fast we go up to you."

Emma placed her hand on his and kissed his palm.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Maybe we can go on a picnic or a ride. Or just stay around here. Whatever you want."

"I'd like that," she said. Nick leaned in close and kissed her brow gently. He then mounted his horse and rode off. Emma sighed contentedly. She walked toward her house and for the first time in months, felt like whistling.

Stockton…

Heath had come into town for supplies, and it had taken longer than he expected. He decided to stop by Jarrod's to see if he was free for lunch since it was almost noon. Jarrod had just finished up with a client and thought lunch with Heath was a good idea.

The two handsome men walked down the street toward the Cattleman's Club, falling into easy conversation. They were shown a table right away and were soon enjoying something cool to drink. Their lunch didn't last long as Jarrod had afternoon appointments and Heath had to get the supplies back to the ranch. But both men enjoyed their time together. When they arrived back at Jarrod's office, there were two telegrams waiting for Jarrod. They were both from Nick.
The first one read:

"Will be delayed in Boulder. STOP Will send date for return. STOP"

The second was a request for money so that Nick could buy a ranch. Heath and Jarrod didn't know what to make of it but was assured through the telegram that Nick would explain later. It would be a great investment and the money could be taken out of his own personal holdings if either Jarrod or Heath didn't feel comfortable. After discussing it, Heath and Jarrod agreed to send the money since it wasn't a large amount. Both looked forward to Nick's explanation. Knowing Nick, it would be quite a tale.