Chapter 21

Emma woke and stretched luxuriously. She reached over to the other side of the bed but found it was empty. It was still warm however and Emma looked around. Nick had just pulled his pants on and came to sit down on the bed while he put on his boots. His shirt was lying on the bed next to him with his vest. As Nick bent over to put on his boots, his pants slid down a little exposing the top portion of his backside and revealed the small birthmark Emma thought was shaped like a heart. Nick had insisted it wasn't, but Emma had been delighted when she had discovered it. She found it most endearing in the tough cowboy who was now her husband.

Nick stood and put on his shirt, tucking it into his pants and then put on his vest. Emma watched him, a small contented smile on her face.

"Where do you want me today, Mr. Barkley?" she asked.

Nick smiled and came over to kiss his wife.

"You can stay right there until I return home sweet lady."

Emma laughed. "Somehow I don't think that would work. I meant, where on the ranch do you want me to work today. I heard Heath mention something last night about the south pasture. Is that where you'll be?"

Nick narrowed his eyes. He and Emma had not discussed her working on the ranch after they were married. He didn't want her to, didn't feel the need for her to, in fact.

"You can just stay around here. Sarah might need some help."

Emma's eyebrow raised. She knew what Nick was trying to do and she wouldn't stand for it.

"Nick, I want to help on the ranch. Yes, I know Sarah could use some help, and I plan on doing that, but I also want to do some ranch work. I promise I won't dig any fence posts or try to break in some horses."

Nick looked at her. He had told her he wanted her to be who she was. And she was a rancher at heart, just as much as he was.

"Give me a few days to think about things, Emma. I promise I'll find something, but for now, just stay around and help Sarah. Please?" He leaned in and kissed her.

When Emma could come up for air, she sighed. "I'm at least going to take Maisy out for a ride. She hasn't had much exercise lately."

Nick nodded. "I'll have her saddled for you."

"Nick!"

Nick turned back at the sound of his name.

"I can do that," she said softly, her eyes pleading with him to understand. She had to feel needed. He winked at her and left the room. It was early and Nick figured Jarrod and Sarah weren't awake yet. He would just eat a small breakfast in the kitchen with Silas and then head out.

Emma rose and dressed in her jeans and shirt. She felt the most comfortable like this. The dresses were pretty, and she knew Nick enjoyed seeing her in those, but she loved the freedom these clothes gave her.

She was quiet as the made her way down the stairs. It wasn't even seven o'clock yet. She didn't know what time Jarrod and Sarah rose, but she didn't want to disturb them. She walked into the kitchen. Silas was lifting some muffins out of the oven. They smelled delicious and Emma's mouth watered just thinking about them.

"Morning, Silas," she said.

"Morning, Mrs. Emma. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, thank you. These smell wonderful. What kind are they?"

"These are apple cinnamon."

Silas put a couple on a plate for Emma and she sat down at the table. They tasted as good as they smelled. Silas asked if she wanted some eggs and ham too, but Emma declined.

"I'm not much of a breakfast eater, Silas. These muffins will do just fine. What time do Jarrod and Sarah come down?"

"Usually around 8:30."

Emma nodded. "Good, then I have a little time. I'm going to go out for a ride after I finish my breakfast."

Silas nodded and continued on with his breakfast preparations. The house had been far too quiet for his taste and he was glad Nick was home. And his new wife looked as though she would fit in just fine.

Emma rode for almost an hour, reacquainting herself with the ranch. Not much had changed since she had last been here, it was still a beautiful place. She was seeing it through different eyes this time, however. Before, she was a ranch hand. Now, she was the wife of one of the Barkley sons and Emma felt pride in this.

When she returned, she entered through the kitchen and made her way upstairs to wash up. She didn't bother to change, since she planned on going out again later.

Jarrod and Sarah had just sat down to breakfast when Emma entered the dining room. Tori was sitting in a highchair enjoying some small pieces of egg and muffins. Emma got herself a cup of coffee and joined them.

"Are you not hungry?" Sarah asked.

"I ate earlier. Just got back from a ride. What are your plans today Sarah?" Emma was bothered by Sarah's pale face.

"Nothing much."

"I thought maybe we could spend the day together catching up. I can even watch Tori for you if you need to do anything."

Jarrod who had been watching Sarah, looked at Emma and smiled thankfully. He had a case coming up and he would need to travel to San Francisco soon. Probably within the next couple of days. He had been trying to figure out what to do, but since Emma was home, he knew she could help. Jarrod and Sarah had talked last night and agreed that since Sarah was so sick, they would go ahead and let Nick and Emma in on their little secret. She smiled as they told her and then Jarrod asked if she could help with Tori. They explained that afternoons were very bad for Sarah and since Tori took a nap, Emma really wouldn't need to do much except be there for her when she awoke. Emma was happy to lend a hand. After breakfast, Jarrod kissed his wife and daughter goodbye and then headed off to town.

Nick came into the house later that afternoon. He had been warned by Sarah the night before to be quiet when he came in so as not to wake a sleeping Tori. When he didn't see anyone downstairs, he headed upstairs. He had seen Maisy in the barn, so he knew Emma was in the house somewhere. Heath had needed to go into town with Cassie and Nick decided he could knock off a little early as well. After all, he was still on his honeymoon.

Emma wasn't in their room. Nick knew he hadn't seen her downstairs so he was at a loss as to where she could be. He heard humming and walked toward the nursery. He expected to see Sarah with Tori but was pleasantly surprised to see Emma with his niece. His heart was doing funny things as he watched her singing to the baby. Tori was almost asleep, and Emma put her down in her crib. She looked up to see Nick and smiled at him. He quietly walked over to look at the sleeping Tori. She had rolled over on her stomach, was sucking on her thumb, and grabbing hold of a blanket. The couple walked out and quietly closed the door.

"Where's Sarah?" Nick asked leading his wife to their room.

"She's resting. Our suspicions were correct. She is expecting again. But she's very ill in the afternoons. I promised Jarrod I'd keep an eye on Tori so that she could lay down."

They were in their room now and Nick took his wife in his arms. Watching Emma with Tori made him wonder what it would be like to see her holding their baby in her arms. He knew that it was possible for them to have a baby by this time next year and he was hoping it would be so. They both agreed that they wanted a big family. Neither one saw any reason to wait. Nick asked how long Tori would sleep and when Emma informed him it would be for at least an hour and a half, Nick smiled. They shared a long passionate kiss and made the most of their time.