Chapter 24 #2
She shook her head. “I suppose our time apart changed your mind. Your brothers probably talked to you and decided that since I knew about their plan that you shouldn’t go through with it.
They probably fear my actions against them because of knowing the truth.
Or maybe they found another way to get what they wanted.
” She looked away, afraid of what she might see in Colton’s eyes.
“I know that when I was in Texas, I wasn’t the most reliable person.
I was wild and seldom serious. I didn’t want to dwell on the responsibilities of life.
I can’t blame them for not thinking I’d make you a good wife, based on the person that I was.
And maybe your brothers think it embarrassing that I should want to marry you so soon after Tommy’s death, but as I told you, Tommy was more of a playmate than a husband.
Neither of us were very serious about anything, as you know full well.
” She paused, but still wouldn’t look at him. “I do wish you’d say something.”
“I would if you’d be quiet long enough.”
He sounded amused, and Emma looked up to find him smiling. “I was rambling a bit, wasn’t I?”
“Just a bit.” He chuckled. “You didn’t need to say anything past the statement that you wanted to marry me. I feel like I’ve been waiting a lifetime to hear it. You’ve made me quite happy, Emma. I very much want to marry you.”
She gave a long sigh. “I was worried that I’d ruined my chances with you.” The horses were growing restless in the heat, and Emma gave the gelding a quick stroke on the neck. “We should keep moving.”
Colton nodded and once again kept stride with her as she moved out.
Emma wished they’d had a better place to discuss the future.
She thought about waiting until they got home but knew that would never do.
She was far too excited to hear what he had to say.
She wanted to make plans for their future and waiting seemed like agony.
“I’m glad you haven’t changed your mind about me,” Emma began.
“I’m still quite surprised that all of this has happened.
I thought for the longest time that you didn’t even like me, but knowing that you had such strong feelings for me, it all makes sense now.
Every time you moved away from me or refused to engage me in casual talk—that time in the garden when we ran across each other, and you all but bolted for the house. ”
Colton laughed. “I remember that day well. I came around the corner and ran right into you. I took hold of you to steady you and keep you from falling backward, and I didn’t want to let go. It scared me pretty bad.”
It was her turn to laugh. “I thought the look on your face was one of disgust. Like you had touched something most undesirable.”
“Not at all.” He looked at her, and the passion was once again in his eyes. “I never wanted more to hold a woman ... to kiss you.”
“I’ve never had the feelings that I have for you,” Emma admitted. “It’s all so strange. When I combine that with all the new feelings I have for God, it’s almost more than I can bear. Everything has changed in my heart and mind.”
“I know what you mean regarding God. I never thought I’d think the way I do, but I can’t help but remember my mother’s faith, and now I finally understand.
She had lived all her life with the conveniences money could buy.
She had beautiful things and didn’t have to do much for herself, but her faith was more important than all of that.
A relationship with God mattered to her more than fine jewels.
I put my faith in money, as my father had done, yet it always seemed so insignificant compared to her faith in God.
Now I realize the truth of it. My trust was falsely planted. ”
Emma nodded. “As was mine.”
“So now we are both on better ground,” he said, reaching out his hand to her.
Emma clasped his fingers. “I love God dearly, and because of loving Him, I believe it has allowed me to love you more than I ever thought possible.”
“I love you, Emma. I’ve loved you for so very long, but now that love is all the sweeter because of making my heart right with God.” He squeezed her fingers. “Marry me?”
She nodded most enthusiastically. “Yes. I will happily marry you.”
That day, after attending church and announcing their engagement, Emma and Colton settled onto the porch settee and enjoyed the coolness of the evening. Colton had been waiting for a special moment to give Emma his mother’s ring, and now seemed perfect.
He slid from the settee and knelt before her with ring in hand. Emma’s eyes were wide in wonder as he held up the large emerald ring.
“This belonged to my mother. It was one of five special rings she had made. One to represent each of her children. I think Tommy’s was in with the jewelry he gave you.
Anyway, she wore those rings with great pride and used to tell me that when she wore them, she prayed special prayers for the mate they would one day marry.
She even believed there might be someone for Rose.
If Rosie hasn’t already shown you her ring, you should ask her about it.
She loves that our mother thought of her that way.
But this ring she wore for me and prayed for you—for us.
I want to offer it to you now as a pledge of my love and faithfulness. Will you accept it?”
“Oh, Colton, I would love to.” She held out her hand.
He slipped the ring onto her left hand. “Wear it here until I replace it with gold on our wedding day.”
“Look.” She held up her hand. “It fits as if it were made for me.”
“It was,” he replied. “Designed with love, just for you.” He stood and pulled her to her feet and into his arms.
He kissed her tenderly, then stood back. “Just promise me that we don’t have to wait too long for our wedding.”
“I don’t see why we should.”
“Maybe we could even have a double wedding with Rosie and Rob?”
Emma gave a light laugh. “Double weddings run in my family. My father and Lucille married the same place and time as Lucille’s daughter, Charlotte, wed Micah Hamilton.”
“Do you think we could talk Rosie and Rob into it?”
“Why ask me? Let’s go inside and see what they have to say about it.”
Colton didn’t even wait for Emma but bolted to the screen door. “Rosie!”